Written by Rev Lindsay Cullen, Assembly National Consultant

Available now from MediaCom Education — Order Here

What is a lectionary?

A lectionary is a series of readings from the Scriptures designed to be used from week to week as the basis for preaching and worship. The use of a lectionary enables congregations to hear and engage with a breadth of the Scriptures across a period of time. In the case of the Revised Common Lectionary promoted by the Uniting Church, that period is a three-year repeating cycle.

Each year, the Assembly produces a leaflet with the liturgical calendar and the Lectionary readings. It includes an introduction to Preaching in the Year of Mark, along with information about relevant books, online resources, podcasts and publications.

From the introduction to the Lectionary:

"This year is focussed for the gospel readings on the Gospel according to Mark. Mark is the gospel most scholars agree was probably the first written and was known to and used as a starting point for the work of the writers of the other two synoptics."

"So preachers this year have the opportunity to help worshippers engage with the framework of the story of Jesus which undergirds all three of the synoptic gospels — a focus on Jesus’ ministry in Galilee and the north; a critical turning point with Peter’s great declaration, “You are the Christ”, Jesus’ predictions of his death and the story of the Transfiguration; then the journey to Jerusalem, the events of the Passion week and Jesus’ death and resurrection."

"Along the way, Mark treats us to the most succinct and the most urgent telling of the stories of Jesus."

This leaflet is available for sale in printed form from MediaCom Education (order here). A PDF can be downloaded here.

Enjoy preaching and worship leadership in the 'Year of Mark'!

The new church year begins on the first Sunday in Advent. For previous cycles of the Lectionary, visit our Lectionary Hub.