African American Lectionary Provides Resources to Help Troubled Youth, Strengthen Young Men


The African American Lectionary, a free online resource which highlights the African American ecclesial traditions and the liturgical calendar in African American churches, is raising awareness this Father’s day of the need to develop the African American community’s young men.

“The most important issue facing African American communities is the strengthening of young men and boys, according to a survey of more than 10,000 African American clergy,” said Lectionary creator Reverend Martha Simmons.

“The Lectionary provides materials and resources to the African American community and clergy that help to lessen the negative stereotypes that have been attached to black men and fathers through teaching, mentoring and nurturing the youth in our communities. Our hope is that by creating stronger youth and giving them the tools to succeed, they will ultimately grow up to be role models for future generations.”

The Lectionary recognizes several days that are important to the development of black youth including Youth Sunday, Father’s Day and Men’s Day. While all of these days are scheduled for specific Sundays on the African American Lectionary calendar, they can be celebrated any day of the year. Commentaries along with scriptures corresponding to each day can be found on the lectionary Web site, www.theafricanamericanlectionary. org .

The African American Lectionary provides lectionary commentary, worship resources, and cultural resources for worship leaders in African American churches to reference when planning church events focused on Youth Sunday, Father’s Day and Men’s Day. For those churches that recognize the development of young men as an important issue, lectionary commentaries provide a tool for raising awareness of those issues and starting a dialogue for change.

Visit www.theafricanamericanlectionary. org/calendar.as p to download any of the FREE preaching commentaries, worship and cultural resources; the website contains more than 4,200 pages of material.

Since its inception in 2007, the project has met the needs of many clergy members and served as an innovative way to obtain socio-cultural information and sermons on issues facing the African American faith community.

The lectionary has had more than three million unique hits.


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