Nurture

Bible readings for November 2026

stjohnstmarkchurchburyFriday, October 30, 2026

Here are the Bible readings for November 2026 that we’ll be using in both our churches. They invite us to celebrate God’s faithful people, live justly and faithfully, use our gifts wisely, recognise Christ in those in need, and begin Advent watchfully, with hope and expectation.

If you don’t have access to a Bible, then please go to the Vanderbilt Divinity Library by following this link. It’s not always the same but it’s normally close.

• Sunday 1 November – All Saints’ Day: Revelation 7:9-end; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12; The readings celebrate the great company of God’s people, gathered from every nation, and the promise that we are God’s beloved children. Jesus’ Beatitudes remind us that God’s blessing often rests on those the world overlooks, and that his kingdom offers a different vision of what it means to flourish.
• Sunday 8 November – Remembrance Sunday: Amos 5:18-24; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-end; Matthew 25:1-13; The readings challenge us to look beyond outward appearances and religious observance to the justice and righteousness God desires. Jesus’ parable of the ten bridesmaids invites us to live thoughtfully and faithfully, keeping our hearts prepared for God’s coming.
• Sunday 15 November – 2nd before Advent: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-end; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30; Zephaniah warns against complacency, while Paul encourages Christians to live as people of the light, alert to God’s purposes. In the parable of the talents, Jesus calls us to use the gifts and opportunities entrusted to us with courage, faithfulness and a willingness to take risks.
• Sunday 22 November – Christ the King: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Ephesians 1:15-end; Matthew 25:31-end; On this final Sunday of the Church’s year, we celebrate Christ as King and Shepherd. Ezekiel offers the promise of a God who seeks the lost and cares for the vulnerable, while Jesus reminds us that our response to those who are hungry, thirsty, lonely or in need is a response to him.
• Sunday 29 November – Advent Sunday: Isaiah 64:1-9; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-end; As a new Church year begins, we turn towards the coming of Christ. Isaiah’s prayer longs for God to break into a troubled world, while Paul reminds us of God’s faithfulness. Jesus calls us to keep awake and watchful, living in hope and expectation as we prepare for his coming.

The Bible readings for November 2026 include this from Amos 5, beloved of Martin Luther King Jr…

Justice like waters

Alas for you who desire the day of the Lord!
    Why do you want the day of the Lord?
It is darkness, not light;
as if someone fled from a lion,
    and was met by a bear;
or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall,
    and was bitten by a snake.
Is not the day of the Lord darkness, not light,
    and gloom with no brightness in it?

 I hate, I despise your festivals,
    and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
Even though you offer me your burnt-offerings and grain-offerings,
    I will not accept them;
and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals
    I will not look upon.
Take away from me the noise of your songs;
    I will not listen to the melody of your harps.
But let justice roll down like waters,
    and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

Thanks once again to Olivia Snow for the photo on Unsplash