Welcome to the Narrative Lectionary
A Narrative journey through the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.
Welcome to my first SubStack. So to begin with, let me introduce myself. I am Aaron, my pronouns are he/his, I am an elder Millennial (just turned 40) who grew up in California and currently serves a Presbyterian Church (USA) in the New Orleans area (Southern Louisiana, United States).
If you are reading this, then you probably have a working knowledge of the Narrative Lectionary, but just in case: The Narrative Lectionary is a four year set of Scriptures to preach on. Each year runs from September (the week after Labor Day) to Pentecost (May or June). It goes chronologically through the Hebrew Scriptures in the Fall, then picks up one Gospel per year starting in Advent, and follows it through Easter. Easter to Pentecost is then a smattering of Christian Scriptures, usually some of the Acts of the Apostles and an Epistle. The preacher then scrambles for a topic for the summer (I usually pick a theme). The Narrative Lectionary was created by Lutheran Seminary, and you can find out more about it here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/narrative-faq
I have been preaching from the Narrative Lectionary for the last 6 years, meaning that I have preached through the whole set more than once. I have found it a very helpful practice for myself, as well as for my congregations. For myself, it encourages me to look at the metanarrative of Scripture, and how does the reading of the week fit into the overall narrative of its immediate context, the book in which it is found, and the larger story of Scripture. It causes me to preach from stories which never come up in the Reformed Common Lectionary (though there is a whole lot that the NL misses as well). I have also found this to be very helpful for my congregations, who often have a lack of context for the Hebrew Scriptures in general, and know far less than they think about the Christian Scriptures.
I also find that it helpful to root ourselves in narrative. We think narratively, we learn narratively, we even dream narratively. For thousands of years, these stories have been told around campfires, in Synagogues, and in Churches, and we are a part of the great Story of our Creator. The Majority of our Scriptures are written in Narrative form, and some even suggest that much of the not obviously narrative parts are written in a narrative framework. We have our own stories to tell, and are invited into the story of God and God’s people.
Each week, I will give a summery of the story so far, some thoughts on the Scripture for this week, links for deeper meditation and understanding, hymn suggestions, some liturgy, and links to my past sermons (no grantees, some are good, some are not as great, but hopefully it will spark some thoughts). From time to time I will also add other thoughts on the state of the Church in the 21st Century, and where I think that things may be going.
I hope that you will join me in this Story.
God who sees us, you have called us on our own stories. We have beginnings, and middles, and know that we will one day have an end. Each of us has a unique story, which you weave together into the intricate tapestry of your Story. You call us to experience the stories of those who have come before us, those faithful and complicated people who have heard your call, and lived stories worthy to tell. You call us to learn from their accomplishments as well as their failures, as we learn from our own. Grant us your Grace and your Spirit as we join in your great Story. Amen.