Books and resources for ministers, worship leaders, church members and all spiritual people
Philip Garside Books
Short Introductions to the Bible Readings… - eBooks.
Short Introductions to the Bible Readings… - eBooks.
Couldn't load pickup availability
Short Introductions to the Bible Readings for the Revised Common Lectionary, Years A, B & C:
A Resource for the Readers at the Lectern
By Bill Bennett
A concise and practical resource providing short introductions for the Revised Common Lectionary readings, ideal for church readers, preachers, and personal devotions.
This valuable tool for anyone engaging with the Revised Common Lectionary:
- Helps readers introduce Bible passages with clarity and relevance.
- Provides quick insights into Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel readings.
- Enhances congregation understanding during worship services.
- Inspires preachers with sermon ideas and thematic sparks.
- Supports personal devotion and Bible study.
- Is usable for church bulletins with appropriate credit.
- Follows the New Zealand Anglican Lectionary—Te Maramataka.
Features
- Short, easy-to-read introductions for every Sunday and feast day.
- Covers Revised Common Lectionary Years A, B, and C.
- Scripture index organized by book for quick reference.
- Excludes Psalms to accommodate diverse worship practices.
- Suitable for both lay readers and clergy.
118 pages, 6” x 9”
ISBN: 9781988572017
Philip Garside Publishing Ltd (2019)
ePub 9781988572024
PDF 9781927260999.
Description
Would you like a simple, quick way to engage with the Revised Common Lectionary Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel readings for each Sunday and other significant days in the church calendar?
Short Introductions to the Bible Readings for the Revised Common Lectionary by Bill Bennett offers just that—concise, thoughtful introductions designed for use at the lectern, in sermon preparation, or for personal reflection.
Readers can use this book in multiple ways:
-
As a Preface to Bible Readings: Before delivering each reading, the reader can share the relevant short introduction to provide context and meaning, helping the congregation better understand the passage as it unfolds. Preachers may wish to coordinate with readers to align introductions with the day’s sermon focus.
-
For Sermon Preparation: Preachers can find inspiration for sermons, with each introduction offering thematic insights and historical background to spark ideas.
-
For Personal Devotion: During the week leading up to Sunday worship, individuals can read the introductions alongside the lectionary passages as part of their personal devotions.
- In Church Bulletins: Churches are welcome to include the introductions in their weekly newsletters, provided they credit the author as indicated on the copyright page.
While this book excludes Psalm readings – given the varying practices around their use – it follows the New Zealand Anglican Lectionary Te Maramataka, with awareness of some regional and denominational variations.
With clear, concise entries for every Sunday and feast day in Years A, B, and C of the Revised Common Lectionary, Short Introductions to the Bible Readings is an indispensable resource for worship leaders, preachers, and anyone seeking deeper engagement with Scripture.
About the Author
Bill Bennett, an Anglican priest with deep roots in New Zealand’s rural communities, has served in parishes across the Diocese of Waiapu and in the Norwich and Lichfield Dioceses in England. His ministry has included roles as Ministry Enabler and Regional Dean in Hawke’s Bay. An author of several works on rural ministry, including God of the Whenua and The Shepherd’s Call, he also writes hymns and songs. Now retired in Palmerston North, New Zealand, he continues to contribute to theological scholarship, including serving on the Editorial Board of Rural Theology.
Contents
-
Introduction: Using This Resource
-
Bible Readings for the Church Year (Years A, B & C)
-
Scripture Index (Organized Alphabetically by Bible Book)
-
Special Observances and Feast Days
-
Notes on Using the Introductions
Sample Entries from the book for RCL Year C
Old Testament: Micah 5:2-5a
This reading is an additional postscript to the prophecies of Micah. It refers to the return of the Jews from exile. From a Bethlehem family clan will come a shepherd king.
The writer quotes from Psalm 40 to show Christ replacing the old order of things through his life, death and resurrection.
Mary visits her kinswoman, Elizabeth, also pregnant. Elizabeth gives thanks to God. (The Song of Mary, the Magnificat, that follows, echoes the prayer of Hannah from the First Book of Samuel).
Christmas Day
Proper I
Old Testament: Isaiah 9:2-7
This familiar passage uttered in the 8th century BC by the first author of Isaiah foretells a divine kingship derived from the dynasty of King David and blessed by God. It ushers in the notion of a messianic kingship.
Titus, left by Paul in Crete to build up the church there, is ordered to encourage the Christians to live their lives according to the highest moral standards.
This is Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus, and the angelic visitation to the shepherds telling of the birth of the Messiah.
Proper II
Old Testament: Isaiah 62:6-12
In the late 6th century BC the exiled Jews are about to return to their homeland. They must prepare for the journey and declare God’s saving grace to all people.
Paul reaffirms the renewal of the Holy Spirit freely given, and of grace given and hope of eternal life.
[As for Proper I]
Proper III
Old Testament: Isaiah 52:7-10
This passage affirms for Jews their return from Exile about 520 BC, and that God has brought them salvation and hope, something that all the world can witness to.
In the birth of Jesus the very being of God is shown. (The writer then selects significant Old Testament verses to show this unfolding divine revelation.)
The Naming of Jesus
Moses asks Aaron to bless the people as they continue their nomadic life in the Sinai desert after the Exodus event.
Paul sees the people as having been slaves under the Law, but in Christ are adopted as daughters and sons of God.
The shepherds visit the baby Jesus. A week later the rite of circumcision takes place.
Christmas 1
Samuel’s parents make their annual religious pilgrimage to Shiloh, a central place of worship, sometime in the 11th century BC.
Paul encourages the Colossians to let Christ fill their lives.
Like Samuel’s parents Jesus’ parents make their annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Both the humanity and the divinity of Jesus are reflected in the events that follow.
Christmas 2
Either Jeremiah 31:7-14
Jeremiah prophesies the joyful return of the exiled and scattered Jews, despite the ravages of the military conquest of Jerusalem at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar in 587 BC.
This reading comes from a learned writer and is dated about 160 BC. He praises the wisdom of God.
The Christian fellowship at Ephesus receives this letter from an imprisoned Paul, who praises the action of God in Christ through the Holy Spirit.
The prologue of the gospel spells out Christ as God’s light, but a light ignored by the world.
The Epiphany of our Lord Jesus Christ
The return of the Jews from Exile in 538 BC is a sign to all nations to acknowledge the actions of a God who saves and restores.
Paul explains to Ephesian Christians that his ministry is principally to the peoples of all cultures, including Greek and Roman. It is also a faith which comes out of his Jewish heritage.
The visit of the Wise Men to the infant Jesus is a story full of imagery. The whole universe as well as the world of human thought and knowledge pay homage to the Christ child.
