2018 edition includes three new sections, Spanish and Korean resources, illustrated liturgical gestures, and more
Presbyterian Publishing Corporation release
LOUISVILLE — The 2018 edition of the Book of Common Worship, the primary worship book for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is now available. The new edition is the sixth official service book to be published for North American Presbyterians and it is the first edition published in the 21st century. Responsive to the many changes in the church and world since the last revision (in 1993), these new editions are more informative, user-friendly, inclusive and flexible than ever before.
New features in the 2018 edition include brief passages of practical commentary before each section and service; more guidance for those who pray spontaneously or compose their own prayers; new sections on creation and ecology, justice and reconciliation, natural and human-caused disasters, and interreligious worship; revised marriage and funeral liturgies; new artwork throughout the book; and updated song suggestions from the 2013 Glory to God hymnal.
In an effort to promote greater inclusivity, additional updates include selected services in Spanish and an illustrated guide to common words and actions in the liturgy with English, Korean, and Spanish translations.
Two additional editions of the Book of Common Worship are also available. The Book of Common Worship, Pastoral Edition is for pastors, chaplains, and others who lead worship. Key highlights of the new pastoral edition include updates and revisions to the ordination, marriage, wholeness, and funeral services.
The Book of Common Worship, Daily Prayer provides a basic pattern of prayer that helps church members and leaders alike during times of personal and group prayer. It includes simple services for daily prayer, a complete psalter as well as other biblical songs and ancient hymns, a treasury of prayers for various occasions in human life, and selected readings from the Revised Common Lectionary (Sunday and daily readings) and the two-year daily lectionary (expanded).
Funding and leadership for the newly revised editions were provided by the Office of Theology and Worship, the Presbyterian Association of Musicians, and Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. All three 2018 editions of the Book of Common Worship are now available for purchase through PCUSAStore.com/BCW2018.
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