We are currently using a set of lectionary readings in worship that is called the narrative lectionary. The narrative lectionary was designed by several Luther Seminary professors, and is a set of readings, which moves through the overarching biblical story in a nine-month period.

The narrative lectionary respects the traditional Christian church year, with its principal festivals and seasons -- Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. It also respects the rhythms of the school year or program year, which influence the program lives of many congregations.

• In the fall of each year, the narrative lectionary moves rapidly through the Old Testament story -- beginning in Genesis around the start of September and culminating with the promise of the Messiah during December (Advent).
• In the winter of each year, the narrative lectionary moves in order through one Gospel -- tracing the story of Jesus in canonical order from birth, through ministry, passion, and culminating with the story of the resurrection at Easter.
• In the spring of each year, the narrative lectionary engages part of the story of the early church, as told in Acts and other New Testament writings.

What makes the narrative lectionary different?

This lectionary is not simply a series of stories; rather, it is a series of stories that facilitate an understanding of and appreciation for the broader biblical story. It is different than the Revised Common Lectionary in several ways. First, the narrative lectionary seeks to tell the biblical story in the order in which they are found in the Bible, in a nine-month cycle. The lectionary also features mainly narrative passages.

Second, the narrative lectionary has only one "assigned" reading each week. Congregations are free, however, to continue to read other lessons in addition to the assigned reading -- especially to read a Gospel lesson and a psalm all year.

Because the lectionary is shaped this way, the church calendar is not abandoned -- the birth of Christ Jesus is still celebrated at Christmas, the resurrection of Christ is still celebrated at Easter. The time of Advent is kept by focusing on the promise of the Messiah. Appropriate readings have been chosen for church commemorations, such as Reformation, All Saints, and Ash Wednesday.

Why the Narrative Lectionary?

But why try the narrative lectionary? The shortest answer is simply this: Because knowledge of the biblical story is crucial to mature Christian faith.

The narrative lectionary seeks to be one part of an approach that seeks to equip people to know God's story -- to find themselves in God's story and to find in that story the love of the God in Christ.

In summary, the narrative lectionary will allow us to follow the story of salvation from the Old Testament through the New, and hear some significant stories we don’t usually hear in worship.

I hope you find this a wonderful way to explore Scripture in its fullness. If it goes well, we can use the Narrative Lectionary for up to 4 years. Through its use, we hope and pray it will help broaden your understanding and faith as we hear the story of salvation from the beginning.

When you attend worship at Family of God, you take your place among the people of God gathered around Word and Sacrament.  The worship format is grounded in our liturgical heritage and combined with the best of musical expression and new and cross-cultural resources.  Both worship hours are alike--a sign of the unity of the body of Christ and an opportunity for all to worship with the best of the old and the new.

Children are welcome in worship and encouraged to come forward for the Young Person's message.  Rainbow activity bags are available for little ones.  The nursery is also available for infants and toddlers, staffed by regular caregivers from September to May and by volunteer adult and youth members  in summer.

Young Person's Message

Holy Communion All baptized persons are welcome who believe Christ comes to us in the bread and the wine to bring forgiveness, life, and salvation.  Children not yet communing come forward for a blessing.  Children receive instruction and usually have First Communion in Fifth grade.  We receive the sacrament standing.  Grape juice is available.

The Lighted Globe at the back of the sanctuary is for the lighting of a votive candle by anyone wishing to express a particular prayer or hope in this symbolic way.  Candles remain lit after all have gone, a visible sign of the prayers of our community of faith "for the whole people of God, and for all people according to their needs."