How do we choose bible passages and sermon topics?

Every quarter, Simon, Steve, Hugh and John meet to pray, discuss and decide on the readings for the upcoming season of services. We're looking for opportunities for worship and reflection on God's word which fit with where we are as a congregation, and with the liturgical seasons of the year.

For those parts of the year which mark a special liturgical season (i.e. Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent and Easter) we tend to use readings from the lectionary of the Church of England.

For other parts of the year, we sometimes move away from the lectionary to engage with a set of different topics, often beginning with issues of contemporary life.

The planning is a big task, but we all enjoy the process. Threading together sequences of services involves a bit of thought, but it allows a sustained focus on one set of themes or a book. We hope this will deepen our appreciation of scripture as a congregation. In some services we may be able to go deeper, knowing that in other weeks our reflections may be a little lighter.

We're always open to ideas, so if you have any comments to make or insights to share, please do let us know. (You could post a comment in response to this thread).