The following is a handout for the second lessons of the New Members Class, based on Sunday Worship.

Note that the part that follows the Quiet Offering could actually be call “The Liturgy of the Word.” Three different readings from scripture are read at the First Reading, the Second Reading and the Gospel Reading. They are called “readings” and not “lessons” because they are meant to be heard and listened to. They they do try to teach us something, they are more opportunities to listen to the “Word of the Lord.” “Thanks be to God.”

First Reading—usually comes from the Old Testament. Below you see the major moments and people in Old Testament history and the books of the Bible that might include stories of these events.

Highlights, famous people, and Books of the Bible: Creation–Genesis; Adam and Eve and the Fall; Noah and the Flood Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph; Moses and the Exodus–Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy; The Promised Land–Joshua Judges and Prophets–Judges, Ruth, 1&2 Samuel; Kings and More Prophets–1&2 Kings, 1&2 Chronicles; Fall of Israel–Amos, Hosea; Fall to Babylon and Exile–Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel; Return to Jerusalem–Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther

Second Reading—usually comes from a letter written by the Apostle Paul, the most common coming from Romans 1&2 Corinthians, Ephesians, and Galatians. Sometimes their message is closely related to the other two readings, and sometimes it is not.

Gospel Reading—The Gospel readings are divided into three years. In the first year (A) we read mostly from Matthew; in the second year (B) from Mark, and in the third year (C) from Luke. During Christmas and Easter the Gospel of John is often read. Matthew, Mark and Luke are sometimes referred to as the “Synoptic” gospels because they are a synopsis of the life of Jesus.