Reading and Studying the Text This Week

Texts:
- Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings (NCCB/USCC) from the New American Bible.
- Lectionary readings from the Episcopal Lectionary.
- The Roman Catholic Lectionary for Mass (1998 USA Edition). At Felix Just S.J.'s The Roman Catholic Lectionary For Mass - a site featuring comprehensive tables of editions of the Roman Catholic Lectionary.
- Lutheran lectionary readings, Year A, from the ELCA site.
- United Methodist lectionary readings.
- Free Church version for Baptist, Reformed, and Congregational use Revised Common Lectionary Readings.
- ELCIC Worship Planning Calendar, lectionary citations with and without hymn suggestions, text and pdf formats.
- Lutheran RCL CEV readings - .doc files. Lutheran Bible Ministries.
Images and Movies:
- Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
- Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
- Textweek Blog and Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
- Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
- Preaching This Week commentary by Bo Lim, James Limburg, Karoline Lewis and Eric Barreto at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2010.
- Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Holy Family, 2010. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. EspaÃ±ol.
- "Cosmic Praise," Karen Georgia Thompson, ucc.org: Sermon Seeds, lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, bulletin back page, 2010.
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Christmas 1A, Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Christmas 1, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
- Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Christmas 1A, 2010, Bruce Epperly, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
- John Shearman's Lectionary, Christmas 1, 2010, Post-Modern Sermon and Bible Study Resource, Oakville, ON, Canada.
- The African American Lectionary, Kwanzaa (not RCL texts), 2010.
- Sermon Nuggets, Christmas 1A, 2010, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
- First Sunday after Christmas, December 30, 2007, Joy L. McDonald Coltvet, Currents in Theology and Mission.
- Text Studies, Christmas 1, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran) (link is not currently working)
- Starters for Sunday, 26 December, 2010. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
- Social Justice Lectionary, Bruce Sweet.
- Stewardship Sermon Starter, Stewardship Now. ELCA, 2010.
- World Hunger Sermon Starters, ELCA, 2010.
- The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas.
- Lectionary at Lunch: MP3, Windows Media, and Real Audio files of lectures by professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS).
Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
- Textweek Blog and Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
- Sermon Brainwave, Christmas 1A, 2010. Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, David Lose and Matt Skinner, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org.
- "No Messenger or Angel," Katherine Willis Pershey, Blogging toward Sunday, Century Blog, 2010.
- Homiletical Hot Tub, preaching blog at Lectionary Homiletics, 2010.
- The Good Word, A Blog on Scripture and Preaching, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2010.
- Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, Push! Push! Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2010.
- The Advent Door, Jan Richardson, 2010. Use of images.
- "Beyond a Sentimental Gospel," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2010. "Remembering Rachel: The Slaughter of the Innocents," Pam Fickenscher, 2007.
- Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
- "Incarnation Negatives," RMC Morley, A Garden Path, 2010.
- "Hoofed Mysteries," Larry Patten, And Yet, 2010.
- "No More Killing of Innocents"Angela Bauer-Levesque, Randall C. Bailey, Caroline Redfearn, Out in Scripture, Human Rights Campaign, 2010. (LGBT)
- This Sunday's Readings, (Christmas 1 / St Stephen) Martin Warner, Church Times, 2010.
- "Herod Rules," Brian Volck, The Ekklesia Project, 2010.
- "2011: The Year of Satisfaction?" Sharon R. Lucas, Stewardship of Life, 2011.
- Think About It, Sermon Notes/Themes on current topics with complimentary PowerPoint images, Rev. Dorothy Okray, 2010. Sermon by Rev. Eldonna Hazen, with PowerPoint.
- Daily Reflection, Christmas 1A, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2010.
- GodSpace Advent Blog, various authors, 2010.
- Bloomingcactus, Todd Weir, 2010.
- Pilgrim Preaching, Mary Hinkle Shore, 2010.
- Break Open the Word, Michael T. Hiller, 2010.
- Hitchhiker's Guide to the Bible, Andy Doyle, Episcopal Dicese of Texas, 2010.
- Quadratos, Alexander J. Shaia, 2010.
- The Hardest Question, 2010.
- Visual Theology, Faithful Images, Dave Perry, reflections and images usually tied to RCL texts.
- Sunday's Child, Daily Lectionary and Reflections on Scripture and World, Una Malachica, 2010.
- Kairos-Milwaukee UCC Blog, Reflections on the RCL by Rev. Rick Skidmore, 2010.
- Stillspeaking Daily Devotional, UCC.org. Daily devotional for Twitter. (Daily RCL)
- Unfolding Light, Daily Reflections leading toward Sunday readings, Steve Garnaas-Holmes, 2010.
- Chmod, Lectionary Journal of Andy Gay, 2010.
- Daily Reflections on the Christian Faith (lectionary texts), conversations between Mark Smith and David Owen, England Public School Chaplains.
- Fishhooks for Preaching, Rick McCracken-Bennett, 2010.
- Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Dialogue, Wesley White, 2010.
- Homily Blog, Michael Hudson, 2010.
- Church in the World, Steve Godfrey, 2010.
- Living the Lectionary, Daily RCL reflections, Pr. Phil Heinze, Fort Worth, TX, 2010.
- The Preacher's Exchange - First Impressions, Volume 2, and Homilias Domincales / Homilias Breves. Jude Siciliano, O.P., 2010.
- SacraConversazione, discussion of the texts in terms of traditions of interpreters, from a postmodern perspective, 2010.
- COSLC Grace Notes, Pastor Dan Bollerud, Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Anchorage, AK. Meditations & poetry, 2010.
- Lectionary Scripture Notes, Dr. Norman Beck.
- Panoramic Views of Faith and Health, Butch Odom. Daily lectionary thoughts and prayer, 2010.
- Common Reading, Anthony B. Robinson, 2010.
- The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2007.
- Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Christmas 1A, 2004. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church.
- "Caring for the Innocent," Christmas 1, Carol Gallagher, Proclaiming Gospel Justice, The Witness, 2004.
- "The Last Shall Be First," Andrew Davey, Proclaiming Gospel Justice, The Witness, 2004.
- The Christian Century:
- Sojourners "Living the Word," archives:
  - "Let Heaven and Nature Sing," Walter Brueggemann, "Have You Heard the Good News?" 2010.
  - "Weeping for Her Children," Laurel A. Dykstra, "A Prophetic Call," 2007.
- Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
- Sunday by Sunday, Reflections on Stewardship based on the RCL Gospels, Year A. Prepared by the Reverend Michael Pollesel, Stewardship Education Coordinator, Diocese of Ontario.
Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- "The New Normal," the Rev. Dr. James Lamkin, Day 1, 2010.
- Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2010.
- Sermons that Work, Christmas 1A, the Rev. Charles Hoffacker, ECUSA, 2010.
- "The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt among Us Full of Grace and Truth," the Very Rev. Samuel G Candler, Day 1, 2007. (Episcopal lectionary texts.)
- "Celebrate the Christ-Child and Remember the Children," Rev. Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson, Dim Lamp, 2007.
- "Rachel's Children," Sermon & Reflections for the 1st Sunday after Christmas, Barry Robinson, Keeping the Faith in Babylon. At Richard Fairchild's Sermons & Sermon Lectionary Resources.
Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- Cosmic Praise, Karen Georgia Thompson, Weekly Seeds, UCC.org, 2010.
- "God's Gifts" FaithElement discipleship system "setting the Bible free," 2010.
- "Living in the Shadow of the Manger," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Children," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2003.
- Bible Study - Holy Family - verse by verse Roman Catholic lectionary commentary at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Picayune, MS.
A list of links to on-line Bibles and general Bible study resources.
A list of links to scholarly and preaching discussion groups and their homepages.
A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.

OnLine Worship and Liturgy Resources

The Text This Week's Christmas Resources Page.
Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
- Gathering, Christmas 1A, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2010-2011. (Terms of Use)
- Mustard Seeds, "Jesus the Refugee," Christmas 1A, 2010. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Worship Resources, December, 2010, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection. (scroll down)
- LCA Worship Planning Page, Christmas 1, 2010, "Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship".
- LCA Worship Resources, Christmas 1A, includes liturgy, hymn suggestions, notes on the readings, visuals, drama, "Talking with Children," etc. Lutheran Church of Australia.
- Worship Resources, Christmas 1A, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
- Worship and Liturgy Resources, Christmas 1, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Liturgies Online, Christmas 1, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Lectionary Liturgies, Christmas 1A, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Christmas 1A, 2010. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Christmas Liturgy, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand. Adapting Christmas to the Southern Hemisphere.
- Liturgy for the First Sunday after Christmas, Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
- The African American Lectionary, Kwanzaa (not RCL texts), 2010.
- Liturgy Alive, Holy Family, Claretian Publications, Inc., Philippines.
- Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
- Sermons and Liturgies for Year A, Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of Canada.
Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc:
- Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, Christmas 1, by Nathan Nettleton, South Yarra Community Baptist Church, Melbourne, Australia. Prayers, blessings, Eucharistic prefaces and scripture paraphrases.
- Resources: Based on the Revised Common Lectionary. Prayers, Collects and Litanies by Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Prayers of the People, Year A - Christmas I. General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
- Lector's Notes, Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
- The Billabong, Christmas 1, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
- Introductions to lectionary readings for readers, Christmas 1A. Chris Haslam, Diocese of Montreal.
- "Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
- Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- Starters for Sunday, 26 December, 2010. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
- Christmas 1 - Slaughter of the Innocents, Rev. Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer, 2010.
- The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 148, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2010.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas, Holy Family A, 2010. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
- Prayers of the People, Christmastide, 2010, RMC Morley, a garden path, 2010.
Graphics & Multimedia:
- Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
- Clip Art, Holy Family, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
- Christmas 1 at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Follows Latin American Roman Catholic gospel reading, though most gospels texts/themes are found in the index. Liberation emphasis.
- Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year A index.
- Mustard Seeds, "Jesus the Refugee," Christmas 1A, 2010. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- CHURCH PowerPoint, Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services.
- "God's Gifts" FaithElement discipleship system "setting the Bible free," 2010.
- Visual Theology, Faithful Images, Dave Perry, reflections and images usually tied to RCL texts.
- Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
- Scripture Pics, Weekly RCL-related image.
Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
- SAMUEL, Christmas 1, 2010, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
- Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Christmas 1, 2010, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
- "Out of Egypt," Richard L. Jeske, eBulletins reflections, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
Hymns and Music:
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
  - Abraham Journeyed to a New Country, Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, BUNESSAN 5.5.5.4 D (?Morning Has Broken?), A hymn for the church?s ministry with immigrants.
  - "A Voice Was Heard in Ramah," original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. Tune: LLANGLOFFAN 7.6.7.6 D.
  - Hymns of the Spirit Three, Christmas 1A, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
- Psalm Settings:
  - "Let Us Praise the Lord, Our God, Almighty," lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
  - Psalm 148 set to Austria (87 87 D) by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms.
- Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
  - Hymn and Song Suggestions, Christmas 1A, 2010, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
  - Shepherd Sounds, Christmas 1A. Background information for hymns and choral music following the lectionary from the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Austin, Texas, by Eric Mellenbruch and David Zersen.
  - Worship and Music Resources for Christmas 1A (and New Year's), John Maynard, posted by Will Hume at Word & Table.
  - Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
  - Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
  - The Billabong, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
  - Traditional Hymns for Blended and Contemporary Worship Volume One: Advent-Christmas-Epiphany, by Dean McIntyre, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  - Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts.
  - Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
  - Sing for Joy, Christmas 1A, 2007. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
  - Gathering, Christmas 1A, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2010-2011. (Terms of Use)
  - Starters for Sunday, 26 December, 2010. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  - Prayers and Musical Ideas, Holy Family A, 2010. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
  - Together to Celebrate, Christms 1A, 2010, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- CatholicMom.com: Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, and Word Search based on weekly gospel text.
- Children's Activity Sheets: Activities for Children, based on the Revised Common Lectionary, by Dorothy A. DeBisschop, Great Hill UMC, Seymour, Connecticut. At Bass Mitchell's homiliesbyemail.com.
- Activity Sheets for Children, Fun for all Creatures Great & Small, UCC, 2010. (pdf)
- Coloring Pages/Puzzles. Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com. (Scroll to bottom of page.)
- Lectionary Puzzles, Christmas 1. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
- Gospel Puzzles for the Lectionary, Matthew 2:13-23, Mark Ryman, edoxy.com.
With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- Worshiping with Children, Christmas 1A, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Ordinary 25, Carolyn C. Brown, 2010.
- "Children's Literature: A Resource for Ministry," December 26, Union Presbyterian Seminary, 2010. Connections:Isaiah 63:7-9 and Mama's Little Bears by Nancy Tafuri, Hebrews 2:10-18 and God's Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Matthew 2:13-23 and The Cobweb Curtain, by Jenny Koralek.
- Making Resolutions, Anna Shirey, Anna's Hosannas, Children's Lesson for Christmas 1 / New Year, 2011.
- "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
- Gathering, Christmas 1A, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2010-2011. (Terms of Use)
Drama (see listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.