GUC has traditionally followed the The Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The long established liturgical rhythms are followed by churches all over the world and give us a pattern by which we shape our worshipping year.

Each week the RCL offers us a Psalm, a reading from the Hebrew Scriptures, A Gospel reading and an Epistle reading.

Many find the practice of following the RCL helpful as it offers a place to begin and takes the “me” out of the equation and asks to focus on a particular reading.

Instead of focussing on whatever issue has grabbed our attention for the week the RCL inspires us to explore the scripture and gives us something to work with.

While you’re not required to follow the RCL we would ask that you discuss themes or topics with the worship team if you do choose to follow your own theme.

You can download a pdf of this year’s RCL Calendar below:

• YearC – 2021-2022 Lectionary Calendar (pdf)
• Year B – 2020/2021 Lectionary Calendar (pdf)
• Year A – 2019/2020 Lectionary Calendar (pdf)
• Year C – 2018/2019 Lectionary Calendar (pdf)
• Year B – 2017/2018 Lectionary Calendar (pdf)

• You can also access the RCL readings online on the Vanderbilt site, it’s really helpful if you need to print them out or put them in a presentation : Vanderbilt Divinity Library Revised Common Lectionary. 

• If you would like the bible readings in any other translation you can use the Bible Gateway website, which also includes the ability to access the readings in a number of languages and translations. At GUC we prefer using the CEV, but you might like to intentionally read the Psalms from the Message version, or use a different translation for a different

• There is a wealth of lectionary-based material and sources available online, including several listed on the leaflet. These days I also increasingly turn to great lectionary podcasts. Many will also be familiar with With Love to the World, a helpful lectionary-based devotional publication I regularly use and sometimes contribute to, which now has a convenient app available for Apple or Android devices

If you’re using the lectionary readings for the week there are some great websites that offer song suggestions. These sites also allow for theme search and scripture search. We can also give you access to the database of songs that are commonly known at Gungahlin UCA if that helps.

Before setting songs it is always helpful to ask the music team if they know a particular hymn or song, or if there’s enough time to learn it.

Top Two

Singing From The Lectionary is a great resource from Natalie Sims in Melbourne, Australia. Natalie offers song suggestions for the week’s lectionary readings that are slightly more traditional. SFTL‘s selections also include songs that are great for communal singing from all over the world.

Together To Celebrate is another great Australian resource curated by David MacGregor in Queensland. Together to Celebrate offers a wide range of  song titles including Chris Tomlin, Iona Community, Taize’, Shirley Murray, Hillsong, Matt Redman, Graham Kendrick, Bernadette Farrell, Marty Haugen, Robin Mann, Malcolm Gordon, Paul Somerville and many others.

The Rest

Psalm Immersion is a website curated by musician and Psalmist Richard Bruxvoort Colligan. RCB writes music that is inspired by the Psalms that can be used in communal singing in worship, or as recorded music. His music is great for reflective pieces, or to use the psalms liturgically in worship. You can check out his Youtube channel here. You can purchase access to his work by individual songs, or as music books, or by supporting his Patreon account.

Spirited and Singing is the site of Lucy Graham who has a lot of experience in, not only leading worship but also in writing music for worship and also coordinated a contemporary music network in Victoria for the UCA. Lucy’s blog has a number of great resources for those of you leading / thinking about music within the context of church & worship.

emumusic provide new congregational songs and re-work of old hymns. Their focus is on translating scripture into song: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:16-17)“

weareworship provide access to songs from worship leaders across the world. Over 9000 songs in their library.

praisecharts more of song library that provides sheet music for top worship songs.

Gungahlin UCA has recommended the use of the Contemporary English Version (CEV) in worship. You can access the CEV translation on The Bible Gateway ( https://www.biblegateway.com ) along with many other translations including the NRSV, NIV, MSG & the TLB.

Be aware that the CEV often uses different words than other translations, and so if your reflection relies on a certain phrasing you may also need to use a different translation.

The auditorium’s acoustics are not fantastic, it’s a large space. Here are some hints about using the church microphones effectively.

Firstly, trust the people on the sound system, they’re going to do their best to ensure that your voice is clear and audible. The microphone will be working, so please don’t tap the microphone, if you’re unsure try coming in early and giving it a test run with the media team.

Lectern Microphone

• Position the microphone just below the level of your mouth.
• Stand close to the lectern and speak towards the microphone. 
• Keep the microphone to mouth distance relatively constant.
• Speak in a strong, clear voice.

Using the handheld microphone

• Hold the microphone slightly below or to the side of your mouth.
• Keep the microphone about 3-5cm from your mouth.
• Speak into the top of the microphone.
• Speak in a strong, clear voice.

Using the lapel microphone

The crew on the sound desk will help you set the microphone up so it’s got the best chance of picking up your voice, they’ll also turn it on for you. If you have any questions ask them, that’s what they’re there for.

• Position the microphone on the centre of your chest.
• Place the microphone over clothing and in a way that it’s pointing to your mouth.
• Secure the microphone so that it doesn’t move freely.
• Ensure the switch on top of the receiver unit is set to ‘mic’.
• Speak in a strong, clear voice.