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ELCA Blogs / ELCA Worship / Addressing Anti-Judaism: A Proposed Update to the Revised Common Lectionary

Addressing Anti-Judaism: A Proposed Update to the Revised Common Lectionary

The Consultation on Common Texts (CCT)— a joint American and Canadian ecumenical body—oversees the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL), a schedule of biblical passages read on Sundays and festivals in congregations of multiple denominations in North America and other parts of the world. The ELCA is one of more than 20 member denominations.

At its April 2025 meeting, CCT approved a provisional update to the RCL. This update reexamines passages of Scripture that have historically been misused to justify discrimination and violence against the Jews. This process involved extensive study and consultation with biblical experts, church historians, and liturgical leaders, including a forum with consultation and participation of Jewish scholars. The ELCA Consultative Panel on Lutheran-Jewish Relations was among the groups that offered feedback during this process that helped shape this ecumenical effort.

This proposed update is commended by the CCT to the churches for a three-year trial period, beginning in Advent of 2025 (Year A).

Key Areas of Focus

The proposal considers how the passion narrative is proclaimed on Palm/Passion Sunday and Good Friday, offering guidance for preachers and worshipers.

It also includes provisional revisions to the lectionary for the Easter season and the Time after Pentecost. A significant concern raised is the practice of replacing Old Testament readings with passages from Acts during Eastertide. As the proposal notes:

“The RCL lectionary for Easter Season has perpetuated what we also find to be a potentially harmful practice of replacing the first reading from the Old Testament with a reading from Acts during Easter Season. For Christians not to read from texts shared with Jews during any season of the year is inherently problematic.”
…
“Therefore, the Consultation recommends alternative readings from the Hebrew Scriptures during Eastertide, drawing on work from the Church of Scotland as promoted by the English Language Liturgical Consultation.”

The proposal suggests delaying readings from Acts until after Pentecost, using them as a replacement for the second reading.

Next Steps for ELCA Congregations and Worshiping Communities

As a member church of the Consultation on Common Texts, the ELCA encourages use and testing of these materials during these next three years. Feedback may be provided directly to the CCT during this testing phase. Please also consider sharing this feedback with the ELCA Worship team at worship@elca.org.

The ELCA anticipates that some limited additional resources may be available later this fall to assist worship planners in our ELCA context as they consider implementation during the testing phase.

Available Resources

Several existing ELCA resources can help guide worship leaders and preachers in addressing these important concerns:

Partner Organizations Resources and Events

Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from other organizations and institutions. These Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations work alongside the ELCA to support worship leaders, worship planners, musicians, and all who care about the worship of the church. ELCA Worship also features resources from Augsburg Fortress Publishers in a monthly blog post.

Music that Makes Community

Rooted in Christian contemplative and activist traditions, Music That Makes Community envisions a liberative culture that empowers individuals and communities to claim and use the power of singing to heal our spirits, nurture our common lives, and work for justice. We offer resources, training, and encouragement to individuals, organizations, and communities in the dynamic power of singing to connect others and ourselves.

Introductory Spaces – Meet Music that Makes Community at these events and conferences.

  • Intergenerate Conference at Asbury University, Wilmore, KY: On June 10, Rev. Breen Marie Sipes will be offering a “Taste of Welcome Through Song”
  • The Hymn Society Conference at Wayne State, Detroit, MI: On July 15, Executive Director Conie Borchardt and Organizer Doe Hoyer from the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery will offer a Sectional on “Reckoning with the Doctrine of Discovery: How Our Sacred Songs Can Move Us Toward Indigenous Solidarity”.
  • Sacred Lands SING at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Detroit, Mich: On July 17, Conie and Doe will share more songs from the Sacred Lands Playlist Collection. 7-9 p.m.
  • ALCM Conference at Raleigh, North Carolina, August 4-8.
  • CMP Converging 2025 in Columbus, Ohio, October 16-18.

Training Events — Join us at the following events for continuing education, community building, professional development, and celebrating this practice of paperless communal song-sharing.

  • June 20-21: Two-Part Workshop in Taos, New Mexico
  • October 3-5: Workshop in Madison, Wisconsin
  • October 12: Three-day Retreat in Albuquerque, N.M.
  • November 7-9: Workshop in Waco, Texas (coming soon!)
  • February 6-8, 2026: Two-Day Retreat in Raleigh, North Carolina (coming soon!)
  • More in-person events are being planned. Please stay tuned!

Online Spaces – 

  • Summer Solstice SING – Join us for a celebration of paperless song sharing on Monday, June 23, 5-6 p.m. PT / 8-9 p.m. ET.  Register here.
  • Monday Morning Grounding — This weekly online touchstone continues to offer song, silence, sacred text and community connection, Mondays at 10 a.m. Eastern / 7 a.m. Pacific until July 28. Register for the Zoom link here.

Resources – Read the MMC blog for articles on a variety of topics.  The latest presents Songs for Justice.

Job Postings on Music That Makes Community website.

Sign up for our Monthly Newsletter for regular updates on resources and events.

Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival

Transforming and connecting lives through faith and music since 1981.

Lutheran Summer Music 2025
Valparaiso University,Valparaiso, Ind.
June 22–July 20

Get Ready for LSM 2025!

Join us at Valparaiso University from June 22 -July 20 for our 43rd season. It will feature over 30 free concerts, recitals, and worship services. Can’t make it in person? Watch online via Live from LSM!

Highlights include the beloved Bach Cantata Eucharist, Festival of Hymns, and the debut Faculty Organ Recital. Don’t miss Festival Week with powerful performances from the Festival Band, Orchestra, and Choir.

Read more in our new season brochure using this link: bit.ly/2025season

Additional visitor details and online access.

Let It Be With Me According to Your Word

Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy
Minneapolis, Minn., August 13-15

Register at www.seminarliturgy.org.

Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

ALCM nurtures and equips musicians to serve and lead the church’s song.

ALCM Conference 2025
Aug. 4-8
Raleigh-Durham, N.C.

There is still time to register for the August conference in Raleigh-Durham. Here are just a few of the highlights:

We look forward to seeing you in Raleigh!

Journey to Baptismal Living: North American Associate for the Catechumenate

An ecumenical Christian community seeking to support seekers, whether baptized or not,  and those who accompany them on their journey of faith through the catechumenal process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vi Messerli Memorial Lectures in Church Music: For All the Saints

October 19-21
Concordia University Chicago
River Forest, Illinois

Presenters include: John Witvliet, plenary; Brenda Portman, organ concert; Hymn Festival: Hymns of David Rogner

Workshops: John Behnke, Stephen Starke, Barry Bobb, Benjamin Kolodziej, Matthew Janssen, Sam and Lois Eatherton, Lisa Clark, Jim Rindelaub

Registration information will be available in mid-July.

Check the website for updates.

 

Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress Publishers

Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources from Augsburg Fortress Publishers that support worship leaders, worship planners, musicians, and all who care about the worship of the church. ELCA Worship also features resources from other partners in a monthly blog post.

Musicians Guide to Evangelical Lutheran Worship

This practical text examines the various styles of music and features specific suggestions for each piece of service music, hymn, and song with the aim of assisting music leaders to enrich meaningful worship.

 

Praying for the Whole World: A Handbook for Intercessors

In the intercessions, the assembly asks God to respond to the needs of the whole world. Through these petitions, worshipers enact their baptismal calling to intercede for the well-being of all things. In many churches, laypersons prepare the prayers of intercession. In this concise, charming, down-to-earth handbook, Ramshaw proposes seven steps, from Monday through Sunday, to assist your crafting of the prayers of the faithful.

Weekly Bulletin and Lectionary Insert Service

Our beautifully designed bulletins and inserts take a major preparation task off your plate. With their full color images, range of format options, and automated quarterly delivery, each week’s content can bring added depth and meaning to worship, front to back. Choose your back page format: NRSVue scripture readings, Devotional message based on reading, or blank. Select a lectionary insert: Celebrate or Today’s Readings. Pick your size: Regular or Large. Print your announcements and church information right on the page and you are set! Free month trials available!

To learn more about the process of choosing the art for each bulletin, read this blog post.

Together by Grace: Bible Conversations

Together by Grace: Bible Conversations is a NEW series that invites participants to gather together, dwell in the stories of the Bible, and engage with the text and one another. With guided conversations and open-ended questions, everyone is invited to share thoughts, experiences, and similarities in these roundtable discussions that approach biblical stories honestly, wrestle with tough questions, and build community. Together by Grace sessions can be led by anyone, regardless of their level of biblical knowledge. Each study’s 8 sessions are flexible in format and length. Participant Guides and Facilitator Guides for the Matthew Romans studies are available for preorder now!

Summer Music Clinics

Join us this summer for our annual music clinics. This year’s phenomenal clinicians are Jennaya Robison (choral) and Jan Kraybill (organ). Check out our website to read more about these talented practitioners, explore the daily schedule, and register for a clinic in your area!

  • July 18–19, Columbia, S.C.
  • July 21–22, Columbus, Ohio
  • July 24–25, Philadelphia, Pa.
  • August 11–12, Twin Cities, Minn.
  • August 14–15, Chicago, Ill.

 

Partner Organization Resources and Events

Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from other organizations and institutions. These Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations work alongside the ELCA to support worship leaders, worship planners, musicians, and all who care about the worship of the church. ELCA Worship also features resources from Augsburg Fortress Publishers in a monthly blog post.

Lutheran Summer Music Academy & Festival

Transforming and connecting lives through faith and music since 1981.

Lutheran Summer Music 2025
Valparaiso University,Valparaiso, Ind.
June 22–July 20

Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) is delighted to announce the 2025 Worship Faculty of The Eugene and Mary Sukup Church Music Program, led by Cantor Chad Fothergill (LSM 2000). These gifted and highly respected leaders will guide students and the broader LSM community through a rich tapestry of sacred music experiences during morning and evening prayer, rehearsals, concerts, and more.

Whether you can join us in person or tune in from afar, we invite you to be part of this vibrant, creative community that nurtures the next generation of church musicians and breathes new life into the future of sacred music.

Learn more about LSM@LSMacademy.org

Let It Be With Me According to Your Word
Seminar on Lutheran Liturgy
Minneapolis, Minn., August 13-15

Registration is open now at www.seminarliturgy.org.

Association of Lutheran Church Musicians

ALCM nurtures and equips musicians to serve and lead the church’s song.

ALCM Conference 2025
Aug. 4-8
Raleigh-Durham, N.C.

There is still time to register for this conference!  For all that is to be describes our effort to equip people in all stages of their love for music of the church. Whether you are a volunteer, part-time or full-time employed, a student, newly employed, or retired, this conference will nurture your passion for the many ways in which we continue to share the gospel message.

Registration is still available  – visit the conference website to register now. We look forward to seeing you in Raleigh!

Music that Makes Community

Rooted in Christian contemplative and activist traditions, Music That Makes Community envisions a liberative culture that empowers individuals and communities to claim and use the power of singing to heal our spirits, nurture our common lives, and work for justice. We offer resources, training, and encouragement to individuals, organizations, and communities in the dynamic power of singing to connect others and ourselves.

Training Events — Join us for the following events for continuing education, community building, professional development, and celebrating this practice of paperless communal song-sharing.

Monday Morning Grounding — This weekly online touchstone continues to offer song, silence, sacred text and community connection, Mondays at 10 a.m. Eastern / 7 a.m. Pacific until April 7. Register for the Zoom link here.

Resources – Read the MMC blog for articles a variety of topics.

Job Postings on Music That Makes Community website.

 Monthly Newsletter for regular updates on resources and events.

Journey to Baptismal Living: North American Associate for the Catechumenate

An ecumenical Christian community seeking to support seekers, whether baptized or not,  and those who accompany them on their journey of faith through the catechumenal process.

 

 

 

 

 

Resources from the Center for Church Music

The Center for Church Music is a place where one can tap into an expansive library of resources and perspectives on the music and art of the church, with a focus on a Lutheran context.

“Profiles in American Lutheran Church Music” presents video conversations with prominent church musicians The Life and Career of Richard Proulx, a conversation with Bob Batastini and Michael Silhavy, editors at GIA and The Current Scene, a conversation with Nancy Raabe, president of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, March 2023.

Sundays and Seasons: Guide to Worship Planning Year A

Sundays and Seasons supports comprehensive week-by-week planning with content and ideas for liturgy, music, preaching, and visuals that are shaped by the Revised Common Lectionary, the church year, and the assembly gathered around word and sacrament. Worship planners and leaders, preachers, presiding ministers, worship committees, musicians, visual artists, sacristans and altar guilds, and those who create congregational worship folders will find an indispensable companion in Sundays and Seasons as they prepare for worship each week. Sign up for a print subscription to receive your subsequent S&S materials when they are released!

Prayers for the anniversaries of the murders of George Floyd and the Emanuel Nine

In the coming weeks, those in the United States will mark two significant anniversaries: five years since the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota (May 25, 2020) and ten years since the murder of the Emanuel Nine at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina (June 17, 2015).

The collects and petitions for the prayers of intercession provided below could be used as desired in worship on the Sundays closest to these dates. As with all prayers crafted for assembly worship, they may be adapted as needed for local use. The responses to the petitions match those provided in Sundays and Seasons for that Sunday and can be updated to fit your local practice.

 As the church marks the 5th anniversary of the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2025:

Collect
God of justice, the breath choked from George Floyd still haunts our streets and sanctuaries. We remember his name, his cry for mercy, and the uprising of sorrow and truth his death unleashed across the world. We confess the sin of racism—not only in systems and structures, but in the habits of our hearts and the silence of your church. Trouble our hearts until they break open with compassion. Strengthen us to labor for what still remains undone. Breathe your Spirit into your people, until all can breathe free, through Jesus Christ, our crucified and risen Lord. Amen.

Petition to include in the Prayers of Intercession
God of justice, the breath choked from George Floyd still haunts our streets and sanctuaries. We remember his name and his cry for mercy. Trouble our hearts until they break open with compassion. Strengthen us to labor for what still remains undone. Breathe your Spirit into your people, until all can breathe free. Hear us, O God.
Your mercy is great.

 As the church marks the 10th anniversary of the murder of the Emanuel Nine on June 17, 2025 (or the previous Sunday, June 15):

Collect
God of mercy, ten years have passed, but the wounds of that night still cry out. We remember the slain of Mother Emanuel and grieve the hatred that desecrated their sanctuary. We confess the racism that endures in our nation and in your church. Turn our sorrow into repentance and our repentance into action. In our grief, show us the cross of Jesus Christ, your beloved, who has dismantled death in his dying. Though he still bears the wounds of our violence, he wears the crown of glory with all your martyrs, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Petition to include in the Prayers of Intercession
God of mercy, ten years have passed, but the wounds of that night still cry out. We remember the slain of Mother Emanuel and grieve the hatred that desecrated their sanctuary. We confess the racism that endures in our nation and in your church. Turn our sorrow into repentance and our repentance into action. In our grief, show us the cross of Jesus Christ, your beloved, who bore the wounds of our violence, and now wears the crown of glory with all your martyrs. God of grace,
hear our prayer.

 Additional resources for the anniversary of Emanuel Nine, including worship resources, are available at ELCA.org/EmanuelNine.

Worship Resources from Augsburg Fortress Publishers

Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources from Augsburg Fortress Publishers that support worship leaders, worship planners, musicians, and all who care about the worship of the church. ELCA Worship also features resources from other partners in a monthly blog post.

A Three-Year Banquet: The Lectionary for the Assembly

A Three-Year Banquet by Gail Ramshaw invites the entire worshiping assembly, lay and clergy, to understand and delight in the three-year lectionary. This study explains how the Revised Common Lectionary was developed and how the gospels and the first and second readings are assigned. Further chapters describe the many ways that the three readings affect the assembly’s worship and the assembly itself. Like food at a banquet, the fare we enjoy in the lectionary nourishes us year after year.

 

 

Using Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Vol 3: Keeping Time

This title in the Using Evangelical Lutheran Worship series delves into why Christians have different ways of looking at time. Explore how the life of the church is ordered and organized by days, weeks, seasons, and years. It provides detailed information about Sundays, festivals, seasons, and commemorations, as well as daily prayer.

 

 

Lutheran Study Bible, Second Edition (NRSVue)

Read and explore scripture with Lutheran Study Bible, Second Edition (NRSV Updated Edition). More than 70 Lutheran theologians and biblical scholars guide this exploration and provide new and updated study notes, articles, and charts. These beautiful tomes also include a section on Martin Luther and the Bible, a 52-week Bible reading plan, and 15 full-color maps. Hardcover and paperback editions are available for preorder now! Publication date is July 1.

 

 

Sundays and Seasons: Guide to Worship Planning Year A

Sundays and Seasons supports comprehensive week-by-week planning with content and ideas for liturgy, music, preaching, and visuals that are shaped by the Revised Common Lectionary, the church year, and the assembly gathered around word and sacrament. Worship planners and leaders, preachers, presiding ministers, worship committees, musicians, visual artists, sacristans and altar guilds, and those who create congregational worship folders will find an indispensable companion in Sundays and Seasons as they prepare for worship each week. Sign up for a print subscription to receive your subsequent S&S materials when they are released!

 

Summer Music Clinics

Join us this summer for our annual music clinics. This year’s phenomenal clinicians are Jennaya Robison (choral) and Jan Kraybill (organ). Check out our website to read more about these talented practitioners, explore the daily schedule, and register for a clinic in your area!

  • July 18–19, Columbia, S.C.
  • July 21–22, Columbus, Ohio
  • July 24–25, Philadelphia, Pa.
  • August 11–12, Twin Cities, Minn.
  • August 14–15, Chicago, Ill.