Readers may know I’m a fan of Westminster John Knox’s series of volumes called Connections. (There will be plenty of links in this newsletter.)
Along with these wonderful Connections volumes that connect that Sunday’s lectionary texts in Scripture, which is sometimes a challenge for the lectionary preacher, but they connect to the modern world as well. The authors of the commentary-like Connections are well-known, and mostly mainline, pastors, professors, and authors. I have never read any selection and not been stimulated for the sermon I am preparing.
These volumes are beyond helpful for the one who is beginning to preach from the church’s lectionary selections. The volumes provide a map of where to go and a path of getting there.
We are in Year C, that is, the third year of the three-year cycle. (The link above is to the current volume, which is good for the season until Christ the King Sunday, which is the last Sunday before Advent.)
But the series is not done, and the two series the editors have created to accompany the fine Connections volumes.
All these volumes are worthy investment for the one leading worship, for the pastor and preacher, and for those who desire a life shaped by the whole of Scripture.
One is called Everyday Connections. This is a one-volume arrangement of four guides for reflections on the coming week’s lectionary selections. It covers the entire year. The First Reading derives from Old Testament and Canticle selections, the Second Reading from the New Testament and Gospel selections, and a third one is Weekend Reflections. Each of these two readings has a series of questions for personal devotion and reflection. And, the four guide for reflection for each week has a scripture and examen for “Sabbath Day.”
These volumes are shaped to help the parish pastor to develop a devotional life.
Each week begins with quotable statements about the week’s two major themes from the commentaries. These will show up in many sermons, believe me. They conclude with lines to record what the Spirit is saying to you, along with a spiritual practice for the week.
Here is the volume’s promotional description:
This volume provides a full fifty-two weeks of devotional material based on the Revised Common Lectionary for Year C. Drawing from the insightful Bible commentaries in the Connections series, each week also includes scriptural and literary readings, lectio divina, spiritual practices, questions for journaling, and prayers. This resource has been crafted with mainline, lectionary preachers in mind, both to supplement their planning for the week and to feed their souls in the midst of the work of ministry. Individuals and small groups will find their faith deepened through regular contemplation and devotional insight.
These are not heavy; they are not too much to do even for the busy parish pastor; and they are broad-minded. I recommend them for all who preach from the lectionary or who want to know about preaching from it. Many have the bad habit of dropping in on the lectionary reading only to find the text they want to preach. The lectionary, however, is a discipline, a formational spiritual discipline, that over time forms us into perceiving life through the church’s calendar of themes and theology. A major element of this is constant exposure to the life and teachings of Jesus in our Gospels. Plus, the Psalms are centered in all lectionary approaches to church life. The best form of lectionary preaching is weekly attendance to the lectionary — and these new Everyday Connections volumes will be a great benefit.
A second set of books are being developed as well: Connections: Worship Companion. This set has two volumes per year. Here is their promo:
This volume offers complete liturgies— from the call to worship to the closing charge, with prayers and litanies for every need in between—for all worshiping occasions for the season after Pentecost of Year C. Part of the Connections commentary series, these worship resources help congregations illuminate the connections between Scripture and liturgical rhythms. A “Making Connections” essay precedes each liturgical season’s resources, providing context for worship within the themes and purpose of the season.
Everyone leading worship in liturgical worship looks for additional resources and something fresh. This volume will give the worship leader years of material to consider.
Each volume covers half the church calendar, and each volume has entries for each week: an essay on “Making Connections,” some seasonal resources (for Confession/Pardon, prayer of illumination, thanksgiving for baptism, great thanksgiving, prayer after communion, and a blessing), and resources for each week in the calendar.
I happened upon this commentary late in 2021, when I was preparing to preach the lectionary for the first time in my life. Having never done this before, I don't know that I would have recognized the connections between the Sunday readings to the degree that I was able to through this commentary set. I have thoroughly enjoyed it, and already picked up my copy for Year A.