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Lectionaries have been used since the fourth century, and United
Methodist pastors commonly use them today. The lectionary is a
collection of scripture readings based on the church year, beginning
in Advent. Most United Methodists use the three-year (categorized as
Year A, B and C) cycle.
The Revised Common Lectionary was established by the 1992 interdenominational Consultation on Common Texts. Lessons are selected from the Old Testament, the Psalms, the New Testament epistles and the Gospels. United Methodist pastors are not required to use the lectionary, but many have found it a helpful way to ensure their preaching addresses the entire Bible and is relevant to the church calendar. Occasionally preachers will focus on only one selection. Other times they will base their sermons on all of the lessons. |