Lays out the plan for a collection of readings from Scripture designed for the needs of seekers and the unchurched. The church has used lectionaries–lists of scriptures to be read on particular Sundays throughout the year–across its long history. Yet most lectionaries are inward-looking: they presuppose hearers who are familiar with the biblical story and accustomed to gearing their lives around the Christian year. Yet in the increasingly pagan world of North America, the church’s task is to reach out to those who are spiritually hungry, yet unfamiliar with the Christian story. In this important new work Tom Bandy has given those who plan and lead worship a new lectionary, specifically geared to the needs of seekers. He lays out a plan for a trip through the central biblical narratives, the purpose of which is to provide seekers with a basic understanding of the gospel, and to call disciples to a deeper experience of Christian faith.

For the first time ever, the revolutionary Uncommon Lectionary provides readings from gospels outside the New Testament Thomas, Peter, Mary (Magdalene), the Sayings Gospel Q and from other early church documents such as the Didache, the Secret Book of James, and the Odes of Solomon. Designed to complement and supplement common lectionaries, it will help priests, pastors, and liturgical leaders introduce modern listeners to the message of Jesus as it was understood and experienced in all its variety by his earliest followers.In addition to the full texts of readings, An Uncommon Lectionary includes an Introduction, notes and commentary, a table of moveable days, a chart of readings, and extended glossary of texts and terms, and an index of scripture

The irreverent Bible nerds who brought you the party game A Game for Good Christians, have finally followed through on their threat...promise to write a book! The Revised UNCOMMON Lectionary is here! Like A Game for Good Christians, The Revised UNCOMMON Lectionary doesn't mince words about the Bible's thoughts on "wet dreams" (Deuteronomy 23:10), "Pulling out of your sister-in-law" (Genesis 38:8-9), or "The Bible's odd silence about Necrophilia." It doesn't dance around the genocide that dominates so much the Holy Book, like "God holding your enemies' heads under the water until the bubbles stop" (Exodus 15:1-12; 19), or "A pair of she-bears mauling a class of kindergartners" (2 Kings 2:23-25). It doesn't look away from "Miriam cursed for being racist" (Numbers 12) or "Bread freshly baked with human dung" (Ezekiel 4:12). Composed with the belief that a good Christian doesn't romanticize or ignore the uncomfortable parts of the Bible, this book journeys through the liturgical year with a reading for each Sunday and the myriad holy-days (e.g. Good Friday, Ascension Day, Pentecost, etc.). The Revised UNCOMMON Lectionary delves into the profound, comical, bizarre, and sobering moments of the Bible with the thoughtfulness of Andrew, the wit of Elijah, the impulsivity of Peter (the ADHD apostle), and the scholarship of whoever really wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews (because it wasn't Paul).

All eucharistic readings edited for liturgical use from the Revised Standard Version translation of the Bible. The paper-bound pew edition fits into the standard pew rack. (284 pp)

The next installment in the critically acclaimed lectionary series that focuses on women's stories. In this second volume of the three-volume Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church, widely praised womanist bible scholar and priest Wil Gafney selects scripture readings that emphasize women's stories. Focusing especially on the Gospel of Mark, Year B of A Women's Lectionary features Gafney's fresh, inclusive, and thought-provoking translations of every reading, alongside commentary on each reading. Designed for liturgical use or scriptural study, this resource offers a new perspective on the Bible and the liturgical year. “Gafney's paradigm-shifting scholarship will influence biblical preaching and teaching for generations to come." —National Catholic Reporter

All eucharistic readings edited for liturgical use from the Revised Standard Version translation of the Bible. The paper-bound pew edition fits easily into the standard pew rack. (320 pp)

It is out of the unspeakable pain of the destruction of Jerusalem that Lamentations speaks, through poetry of astonishing beauty and intricacy. In this BST volume, Christopher Wright argues that the book of Lamentations offers deep challenge and deep rewards that come with wrestling with the massive theological issues that permeate it.