God’s Story for All Seasons is designed to be an alternative to the Revised Common Lectionary. It provides materials for worship services in units that match the seasons of the Church year.

Each unit has its own part of the arc of the Biblical story. Units across a single year will also link to each other, wherever possible, to allow for more in-depth exploration and understanding.

SUMMARY OF SEASONAL UNITS

The Christian year kicks off with the Season of Advent. These units encompass the stories leading up to Christ’s birth and Epiphany.

Units in the Season after Epiphany include stories of Jesus’ life and ministry happening before He turns toward Jerusalem and the cross.

Units in the Season of Lent cover stories from the journey to the cross and culminate in the events of Holy Week.

Units in the Season of Easter to Pentecost include Jesus’ resurrection and later appearances and ascension, and lead up to and include the birth of the Church.

Units in the Season after Pentecost, the longest season, cover the second half of the year until Advent comes again.
This season is broken up into different units for late spring and summer, which celebrate the people, life and stories of the Church
Units for the fall leading up to Advent introduce God’s story in the Old Testament.

HOW IT WORKS

The rhythm of these seasons - the anticipation of Jesus coming, His life and ministry, His death and resurrection, His body the Church being established and its life lived out - are all important. Also important are the stories pre-dating Christ’s arrival that come from the Old Testament. Units for the fall will highlight these stories that tell the history of the Jewish people, and which prophesy and remind us of the need for a Saviour, a Messiah.

Each unit includes introductory notes about the season and the included stories, as well as placement of the scriptures within the arc of God’s greater story. Suggestions for using the materials are also included, along with focus and supporting scriptures, music suggestions, Calls to Worship, prayers and benedictions, and springboard ideas for children’s times and adult messages. To get a better idea of what is included for each service, see the sample below.

Sample worship service taken from Two Promised Babies

RESOURCES AVAILABLE