We’ll address all of these questions (and more) in our summer sermon series. All of the preaching passages come from the lectionary, a three-year cycle of readings with roots in the early Church and the English Reformation. Like many different churches, the Anglican Church in North America has adapted these readings for Sunday morning use.  

There’s a simple beauty to preaching through the Gospel lectionary. First, as a preacher, I don’t get to pick my own favorite set of Bible verses. The Church picks the passages for our preachers and says, “Here you go—say something about this encounter with Jesus.” (Learn more about the lectionary in this article by Rez member Blake Adams.) 

Second, most of this summer’s passages are provocative and practical texts from the Gospel of Mark. The texts might seem basic, but they are also deep and rich. I hope we fall in love with Jesus and his way of life again. 

Third, we’ll be preaching the same Gospel readings that will be read in ACNA churches (and a lot of other church traditions) in places like Brazil, Dallas, Nigeria, Brooklyn, or Cambodia. This is an easy way to walk with our brothers and sisters around the globe.