You may be wondering why there are so many additional Scripture readings lately in our bulletin inserts.  At the General Conventions of 2003 and 2006 (our Episcopal Church U.S.A. conference, which occurs every three years), the decision was made that beginning at Advent 2007, all Episcopal churchs (unless given approval from the diocesan bishop to do otherwise) would begin using the Revised Common Lectionary for Sunday worship services.  This is a change from our use of the Episcopal Lectionary.  The action expresses a desire for unity with the many other denominations who use the same readings from the RCL each Sunday.  The lectionary is basically a table of scripture readings designated for a three-year period – years A, B and C; we are now in year A.

There are times during the liturgical year when the lectionary provides options to the readings.  The bulk of these times occurs during the season after Pentecost.  You may see “Track One” or “Track Two” above the readings.  Here at St. Paul’s, Ivy, we are using Track One for the current year unless otherwise noted, so if you are in doubt as to where we are an what we are using, stick with the white pages.  The pages with “Track Two” on them are slightly darkened.