As we approach the new year, churches and worship leaders are preparing for the upcoming lectionary cycle. The Common Worship lectionary, used by the Church of England and other Anglican churches, provides a three-year cycle of readings for Sundays and major festivals. In this article, we will explore the updated lectionary calendar for 2025 and 2026, highlighting the key features and changes.
Introduction to the Lectionary Calendar
The lectionary calendar is a vital tool for worship leaders, providing a structured approach to reading and preaching the Bible. The Common Worship lectionary is based on the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL), which is used by many Christian denominations around the world. The lectionary cycle is divided into three years, each with its own set of readings and themes.
Key Features of the 2025 and 2026 Lectionary Calendar
The updated lectionary calendar for 2025 and 2026 includes several key features and changes:
Year A (2025-2026): The upcoming year will be Year A, which focuses on the Gospel of Matthew. This year's readings will explore themes of discipleship, mission, and the kingdom of God.
New Readings and Themes: The lectionary calendar includes new readings and themes, such as the emphasis on creation care and environmental stewardship.
Revised Collects and Post-Communion Prayers: The updated lectionary calendar includes revised collects and post-communion prayers, which provide a fresh and contemporary approach to worship.
Using the Lectionary Calendar in Worship Planning
The lectionary calendar is an essential resource for worship planning. By following the lectionary cycle, worship leaders can:
Plan Ahead: The lectionary calendar provides a clear structure for worship planning, allowing leaders to plan ahead and prepare for upcoming services.
Explore Biblical Themes: The lectionary cycle provides a comprehensive approach to reading and preaching the Bible, exploring key themes and doctrines.
Enhance Worship: The lectionary calendar can help worship leaders to create engaging and meaningful worship services, using the readings and themes to inform preaching, prayer, and music.
The updated lectionary calendar for 2025 and 2026 provides a valuable resource for worship leaders and churches. By exploring the key features and changes, worship leaders can plan ahead and prepare for the upcoming lectionary cycle. Whether you are a seasoned worship leader or just starting out, the lectionary calendar is an essential tool for creating engaging and meaningful worship services. As we look to the future, we can be confident that the Common Worship lectionary will continue to provide a rich and inspiring approach to reading and preaching the Bible.
For more information on the Common Worship lectionary, including downloadable resources and planning tools, visit the Church of England website. Stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates on the lectionary calendar by following Church of England communications.
