Some of you will know this, and others of you may not. But not every church where people gather for worship will there be portions of Scripture read, variously called lessons or readings. And in many churches Psalms are not spoken or chanted back and forth.

As you are aware, in our tradition we are accustomed to three readings, a selection usually from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament Letters (Epistles), and a final reading from one of the Gospel Accounts. A Psalm is chanted or spoken, responsively or antiphonally, between the Old Testament and Epistle Readings.

We stand at the reading of the Gospel Lesson, and it is always read by the Pastor. The Gospel Lesson always reflects the theme of the Sunday, and there is always some intentional connection with it and the Old Testament Reading. In the Seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter there is always a clear connection with the Epistle Reading. Otherwise, in the Seasons following the Epiphany and Pentecost (the paraments being green) the Epistle selections often work consecutively through the Letter and don’t necessarily connect with the theme of the Sunday.

At Gift of Grace, we have been using a Three-Year Lectionary that determines what is read on a particular Sunday. A lectionary is a schedule of readings. Our LCMS lectionary originates from the Roman Catholic Church, then modified by something called the “Revised Common Lectionary”. This means that on any given Sunday, many historic Christian Communions will often share the same, or very similar lessons.

One of the many advantages of having a Lectionary is to ensure a wide and encompassing reading of the important passages of Scripture, especially covering most of the New Testament. Another advantage is by careful listening and regular attendance one can become familiar with most of the Bible. Little wonder that the Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy, “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching” (1Ti 4:13).

Since You Asked

What does the Pastor’s Stole signify? (the stole is the colored strip of cloth that loops around the back of the neck and hangs from both shoulders) 

The stole represents a yoke such as would be used to link and employ an ox with a plow or cart. When a work animal is yoked to a task, that animal comes under the rule and guidance of its master. As Christians we are to be yoked to Christ (cf. Mt. 11:28-30). We are to fear, love, serve, and obey the Lord Jesus Christ. The Pastor’s stole is therefore not only a sign of ordination in the Lutheran Church, but it visibly reminds the whole congregation of our servanthood to Christ.