No, I’m not ridiculously early with my festive greetings, I mean happy new church year. Advent marks the start of the church year and we cycle back to year C in the readings.
With that in mind, I have some useful lectionary resources for those of you who need such things, and a load of Advent links too. Plus your liturgy bits and bobs. I know, I spoil you.
If you know of any other items that you find particularly helpful, do let me know and I’ll share the blessings.
- Calculate Calendar Dates of any Church Year a simple tool to get the dates for any week or the church year. Simple tyle 2025 in to box at the top (if it doesn’t already have it) et voila!
- RCL readings and resources from the Vanderbilt library. Readings and linked artwork, plus a very handy reverse scripture look-up. NB, the Revised Common Lectionary differs occasionally from the C of E lectionary.
- The Lectionary Page handy, calendar-format RCL with ***downloadable readings in Word format*** – Oh yes!
- Methodist Lectionary Resources including links to hymns, of course
Almanac from Oremus click this link for the the all-singing, all-dancing wonderousness (is that even a word?) of the Oremus Almanac! (Blessed be the cotton socks of St Simon Kershaw.) Seriously – everything you ever needed to know and several things you never even thought about. Downloadable to link to a laptop or phone’s calendar, or simply boggle at the glory on line.
Plus here are some resources especially for Advent
- Flip-Flap Advent Story Teller a fun foldable. It features the four candles of Advent and has a short explanation and Bible verse to go with each week: Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. It links with the Advent Wreath devotion resources.
Flexagon Advent Calendar! Always popular! Reading for everyday of Advent – but can you find them all? The perfect combo of craft, science (well, maths) and faith – what more could one want?- The Resources Cupboard have some super Christmas colouring – including gift tags, cards and bunting – perfect for Messy Church, a take-home bag, Sunday school or for the little ones to do during the sermon (sorry, grown ups – we have to listen). It’s a members only page, but sign up is free and they don’t hassle you. Also, if you’re local (Bedford, UK) they’ll lend you a giant sumo-Christingle if you ask nicely. Tell them Fay from The Reflectionary sent you.
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And don’t forget the best-selling Advent devotions for all ages, Walking to Bethlehem, which features the same readings as the flexagon above.Suitable for the whole family (and that doesn’t mean ‘just for the kiddies’), this second edition is even bigger and even better. Available from Amazon, Eden , Barnes & Noble and all good bookstores.
Liturgy Resources for Advent 1 C
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Confession and Absolution
Lord Jesus,
as you came to the manger of Bethlehem,
so come to our hearts and cleanse us.
As you came to the cross for our sins,
so come to our hearts and cleanse us.
As you came from the grave in triumph,
so come to our hearts and cleanse us.
May our living Lord Jesus strengthen your hearts in holiness
that present you blameless before our God,
in whom there is forgiveness: the remission of all your sins.
Amen.
Blessing and Dismissal
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all,
just as he abounds in love for you.
May he strengthen your hearts in holiness
and direct you in all you do.
And the blessing …
Go, and be a joy to all who meet you.
In the name of Christ, Amen.
The Reflectionary 