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| Week/Dates | Title | Scripture Text | Bible Story | Faith Focus |
| 1. Sept. 5 Labor Day: Sept. 6 |
God creates | Genesis 1–2 | The Bible opens with two accounts of creation. Through God's creative process, light, life, and order emerged. God blessed and named all parts of creation as good. | God delights in creation. |
| 2. Sept. 12 | In the garden | Genesis 3 | Both Eve and Adam ate forbidden fruit. God visited them and called them to account. Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent. God sent them out of the garden. | Our choices matter to God. |
| 3. Sept. 19 | The flood | Genesis 6:5–9:17 | God was deeply disappointed in humankind and decided to destroy all creatures on earth. God chose to save Noah's family and representatives of all the creatures. | God's promise is to all creation. |
| 4. Sept. 26 | The tower of Babel |
Genesis 11:1–9 | People misused their speech and skills to create a tower that was a monument to pride. God confounded their language and scattered them, creating diversity. | Work together for God's purposes. |
| 5. Oct. 3 | Abram, Sarai, and Lot | Genesis 12–13 | At God's command, Abram traveled to Canaan with his wife Sarai and nephew Lot. After strife between their herders, Abram and Lot separated peacefully. | We go out in faith. |
| 6. Oct. 10 Oct. 11: Thanksgiving (Canada) |
The births of Ishmael and Isaac | Genesis 16:1–17:22; 18:1–15; 21:1–7 | Sarai urged Abram to bear children through Hagar. Ishmael was born. God changed Abram and Sarai to Abraham and Sarah and promised them a son. Isaac was born. | Look for God's blessing. |
| 7. Oct. 17 | Hagar and Ishmael | Genesis 21:8–21 | Jealousy caused Sarah to have Hagar and Ishmael sent away, and they wandered in the wilderness in despair. An angel came to Hagar and told them that God was with them. | God hears our cries. |
| 8. Oct. 24 | Jacob and Esau fight |
Genesis 25:29–34; 27:1–28:9 | Jacob and Esau were brothers. Jacob tricked Esau into selling his birthright for a bowl of stew. Jacob later stole Esau's blessing by coming before their father dressed as Esau. | Selfishness separates God's family. |
| 9. Oct. 31 | Jacob and Esau reconcile | Genesis 32:1–33:17 | Jacob sent a present to his estranged brother, Esau. The two arranged to meet, and Esau rushed forward to embrace his brother. Jacob and Esau reconciled and parted in peace. | Younger: We can make peace. Older: Seek forgiveness. Extend grace. |
| 10. Nov. 7 | Jacob's family | Genesis 37 | Jacob gave his son Joseph a special robe. Joseph's brothers were jealous of this and other things. They threw him into a pit and Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt. | Our attitudes and actions affect relationships. |
| 11. Nov. 14 | Joseph in Egypt | Genesis 39–41 | Joseph was imprisoned and then released to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. Joseph said Pharaoh's dream was about a coming famine. Pharaoh made Joseph second in command. | God helps us to be wise leaders. |
| 12. Nov. 21 Nov. 25: Thanksgiving (United States) |
Reuniting the family of Jacob | Genesis 42–46 | Joseph was a ruler in Egypt. His brothers came to Egypt to buy food during a famine. Joseph finally revealed his identity and was reconciled with his family. | God is at work. |
| Week/Dates | Title | Scripture Text | Bible Story | Faith Focus |
| 1. Nov. 28 First Sunday of Advent |
Walk in the light of the Lord | Isaiah 2:1–5 | Isaiah foretold a time when people would seek to know the ways of God. When nations turn to God and follow God's instruction, peace will follow. | Come, let's walk in God's paths together. |
| 2. Dec. 5 Second Sunday of Advent |
Zechariah, Elizabeth, and John |
Luke 1:5–25; 57–80 | The angel Gabriel said Zechariah and Elizabeth would have a son named John. Zechariah became mute until John was born. Then he used his voice to praise God. | Listen for God’s messengers. |
| 3. Dec. 12 Third Sunday of Advent |
Gabriel visits Mary | Luke 1:26–56 | The angel Gabriel visited Mary, a young woman engaged to Joseph, and told her that she was to give birth to a son who would be called Jesus. He would be the Son of God. | Proclaim God’s greatness. |
| 4. Dec. 19 Fourth Sunday of Advent |
Jesus is born | Luke 2:1–20 | Jesus was born in a Bethlehem stable while Joseph and Mary were there registering in a census. An angel told nearby shepherds of the birth and they came to see Jesus. | Celebrate Jesus’ birth. |
| 5. Dec. 26 | Simeon and Anna welcome Jesus | Luke 2:21–40 | Jesus received his name at eight days old. Later, Mary and Joseph presented baby Jesus at the temple. Simeon and the prophet Anna acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah. | Our church family blesses us. |
| 6. Jan. 2 Epiphany Sunday |
Jesus in the temple | Luke 2:41–52 | Jesus went to the temple with his parents for Passover. The family started to return home, but Jesus stayed behind to study with the teachers, upsetting his parents. | Younger: We learn about God together. Older: We seek God’s wisdom in community. |
| 7. Jan. 9 | John prepares the way | Luke 3:1–22 | John spoke of a baptism of repentance, and said one more powerful was coming. Herod put John in prison. As Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon him. | Younger: Treat each other fairly. Older: God’s people live with integrity. |
| 8. Jan. 16 | Jesus announces his ministry | Luke 4:14–30 | Jesus read from Isaiah in his hometown synagogue, and then preached. At first people were amazed at his words, but then they rejected his message and drove him away. | God’s good news is for all people. |
| 9. Jan. 23 | Deep waters | Luke 5:1–11 | Jesus told Simon to cast his net into the deep water. Simon and his partners obeyed and caught many fish. Simon, James, and John then left everything to follow Jesus. | Younger: Follow Jesus. Older: Cast aside doubts and follow Jesus. |
| 10. Jan. 30 | Observing the sabbath | Luke 6:1–11; 13:10–17 | Jesus insisted that the sabbath was a day to embrace life and bring healing. In spite of sabbath rules, Jesus healed a man’s withered hand and woman’s crippled back. | Younger: Show love every day. Older: Sabbath is life-giving. |
| 11. Feb. 6 | Sermon on the plain |
Luke 6:17–31 | Jesus spoke to a crowd about blessings and woes. Those society casts off are blessed; woe comes to those who take advantage of others. Jesus shared the golden rule. | Treat others the way you want to be treated. |
| 12. Feb. 13 | Jesus appoints seventy leaders | Luke 10:1–23 | Jesus appointed seventy leaders to go out in pairs ahead of him. They were to take nothing with them on the way. When they returned, Jesus rejoiced in what they saw and heard. | Go in God’s name. |
| 13. Feb. 20 | Don't worry | Luke 12:22–34 | Jesus told the disciples not to worry about tomorrow or be anxious. He reminded them of God’s care for the lilies of the field, and how God extends the same care to them. | Trust God’s care. |
| 14. Feb. 27 | Come to the banquet | Luke 14:1–24 | Three accounts describe the welcome at God’s table. Jesus said that God’s table is set for everyone, but each person must choose to come. | Come, friends and strangers, feast with God! |
| Week/Dates | Title | Scripture Text | Bible Story | Faith Focus |
| 1. March 6
March 9: Ash Wednesday |
Count the cost | Luke 14:25–35 | Jesus cautioned that true disciples would need to bear the cross and give up possessions. Like building a tower and going to war, following Jesus requires counting the cost. | Be serious about following Jesus. |
| 2. March 13 First Sunday in Lent |
The 10 lepers | Luke 17:11–19 | Ten lepers approached Jesus and asked for mercy. The lepers showed themselves to the priests and were made clean. Only one, a Samaritan, praised God and thanked Jesus. | Stop and thank God. |
| 3. March 20 Second Sunday in Lent |
The transfiguration | Luke 9:28–36 | Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a mountain to pray. Moses and Elijah appeared, God spoke from a cloud, and Jesus was transfigured and affirmed as God’s son. | God shows us who Jesus is. |
| 4. March 27 Third Sunday in Lent |
Zacchaeus meets Jesus | Luke 19:1–10 | Zacchaeus, a tax collector, climbed a tree to see Jesus, and welcomed Jesus to his house for dinner. He said he would give generously to the poor and to any he had defrauded. | God’s love changes us. |
| 5. April 3 Fourth Sunday in Lent |
Jesus angers the leaders | Luke 20:1–26 | Jesus taught in the temple while the Pharisees questioned his authority. Jesus refused to be trapped by their wordplays, leaving them amazed and silent. | Jesus shows us how to stand up for what is right. |
| 6. April 10 Fifth Sunday in Lent |
The Lord's Supper | Luke 22:1–27 | Judas sought to betray Jesus. Jesus shared Passover with his disciples, offering them bread and cup. He said the betrayer was among them; they argued about greatness. | We remember Jesus by serving others. |
| 7. April 17 Palm Sunday |
Riding to Jerusalem | Luke 19:28–40; 23:32–56 | Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey while crowds cheered. Jesus was later crucified. The curtain of the temple was torn in two at the moment of his death. | We remember Jesus’ journey to the cross. |
| 8. April 24 Easter Sunday |
Jesus is alive! | Luke 24:1–12 | Women came to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. Two men in dazzling clothes appeared and said that Jesus had risen. The women then told the disciples. Only Peter believed them. | Jesus lives! Can you believe it? | 9. May 1 | Walking to Emmaus | Luke 24:13–35 | Two followers met Jesus on the road to Emmaus. They talked about Jesus’ death, but the followers did not recognize Jesus until later that day in the breaking of bread. | Jesus opens our eyes. |
| 10. May 8 | Jesus appears to the disciples | Luke 24:36–49 | Jesus appeared before the disciples. They were startled and terrified. Jesus showed them his hands and feet, ate with them, and opened their minds to understand the scriptures. | Younger: Jesus comes into our midst. Older: We can bring our doubts to God. |
| 11. May 15 | Jesus ascends to heaven | Luke 24:50–53, Acts 1:1–11 | Jesus appeared for 40 days and spoke about the kingdom of God. He blessed the disciples before ascending to heaven, and promised to return again in the same way. | We rejoice in the promise of the Holy Spirit. |
| 12. May 22 | The church begins | Acts 2:1–41 | On the day of Pentecost, Jesus’ followers were filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter quoted the prophet Joel and preached about Jesus. Some 3,000 people joined the community that day. | Younger: God gives the Holy Spirit to the church. Older: The Holy Spirit gives us power. |
| 13.May 29 | Life in common | Acts 2:42–47 | The first converts devoted themselves to study, prayer, and community. They lived together, sharing their possessions and goods. God kept adding to their number. | We work toward Christian community. |
| Week/Dates | Title | Scripture Text | Bible Story | Faith Focus |
| 1. June 5 | Building on rock |
Matthew 7:24-27 | Jesus told this story: A wise builder chose solid rock for a foundation while a foolish builder chose sand. Only the wise builder’s house remained when the floods came. | Build your life on Jesus’ teaching. |
| 2. June 12 Pentecost |
Hidden treasure | Matthew 13:44-50 | Jesus told three stories about the kingdom of heaven. The first two told of people seeking treasure. In the third, a net gathered fish; the good were separated from the bad. | Seek God’s treasure. |
| 3. June 19 | Seeds and yeast | Luke 13:18–21 | Jesus told two stories: the parable of the mustard seed and the parable of the yeast. He spoke of the seed growing over time and of a little leaven bringing new life. | God’s kingdom starts small and grows. |
| 4. June 26 | Practicing persistence | Luke 11:5–13; 18:1–8 | Jesus told two parables: a friend came at midnight in need of bread and was rewarded for being persistent in asking; a widow was rewarded for persistence before a judge. | Younger: We can keep praying to God. Older: God’s people are persistent. |
| 5. July 3 | Searching for the lost | Luke 15:1–10 | In Jesus’ stories, a shepherd searched for a lost a sheep and woman looked for a lost coin. They called their friends to rejoice when the lost was found. | God rejoices in finding us. |
| 6. July 10 | Welcoming the lost | Luke 15:11–32 | Jesus told a parable about a man with two sons. One son squandered his inheritance. The father welcomed him back with open arms and celebrated that the lost was found. | God waits and welcomes. |
| 7. July 17 | Forgiving others | Matthew 18:21–35 | Jesus described the kingdom of heaven like a king who settled accounts by forgiving debtors. Debtors must then forgive others from their hearts. | Forgive others because God forgives you. |
| 8. July 24 | A generous landowner | Matthew 20:1–16 | Jesus described the kingdom of heaven like a generous landowner who treated all vineyard workers the same, regardless of when each laborer started working. | How do we participate in God’s generosity? |
| 9. July 31 | The good Samaritan | Luke 10:25–37 | A lawyer asked Jesus what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus responded with a parable about a good Samaritan, showing the importance of mercy and care for others. | A good neighbor shows compassion. |
| 10. Aug. 7 | The Pharisee and the tax collector | Luke 18:9–14 | Jesus contrasted the self-righteous prayer of a Pharisee with the repentant prayer of a tax collector. He praised the tax collector’s humility and criticized the Pharisee. | Be humble. |
| 11. Aug. 14 | The bread of life |
John 6:35–51 | Jesus called himself the “bread of life” and said he would satisfy the hunger and thirst of all who came before him. He said that whoever eats this bread will live forever. | Jesus gives us life. |
| 12. Aug. 21 | The Good Shepherd |
John 10:1–18 | Jesus described the difference between a shepherd and a thief. Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd, and said he would lay down his life for his sheep. | The Good Shepherd knows us and cares for us. |
| 13. Aug. 28 | The vine and the branches | John 15:1–17 | Jesus called himself the true vine of God. He called on followers to abide in him, as he abided in God. He said that God is glorified by branches that bear good fruit. | We abide in Jesus. |
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