BIBLE READINGS IN CHURCH

Finding the Sunday Bible Readings

A simple guide for anyone who’d like to follow the readings in church. Whitechapel is keen to take a green approach and not print out the Bible readings every week to save trees - and keep running costs minimal.

The readings for each month are in church. Ask anyone on welcome to tell you what they are - or show you them (some people photograph the readings on their phone to follow in the service and delete afterwards. This saves us over £370 a year in costs and saves paper, ink and volunteer time as we cannot afford the costs of a parish administrator.) We have a large book at the front of church which isn't a Bible but readings divided into portions for every week in the church year. This book is called the Lectionary. It organizes biblical readings to be read aloud in church, often in a three-year cycle (Year A, B, and C) to cover a broad range of scripture over time. The Lectionary book will usually be left open at the correct page for the reader (or they may choose to read from a sheet – if they wish to enlarge the text even more). (at time of posting this article Feb 2026 we are in Year A.)

Using a Bible App

1. Open your preferred Bible app (Bible Gateway is widely used)

2. Type the reading reference exactly as given (e.g., Mark 1:9–15)

3. Choose your translation, but Whitechapel like much of the Church of England uses the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). Your app may show NRSVU (a slightly newer version but it won’t be significantly different from what is read out!)

4. The passage will appear instantly

Using a Printed Bible – bring your own from home or ask us if you don't have one

1. Look up the book the readings comes from in the Contents page - eg Genesis - the first book in the Bible

2. Turn to the chapter (large numbers)

3. Find the verses (small numbers)

4. Read the passage - or follow as it is read aloud to you during the service