Easter 4A
April 13, 2008

With thanks to page sponsor:
 First Christian Church,
Scottsdale, AZ.
(Dec0708)

Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources for each individual pericope:

Acts 2:42-47
Roman Catholic reading: Acts 2:14, 36-41

Psalm 23
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 23: 1-6

1 Peter 2:19-25
Roman Catholic reading: 1 Peter 2:20-25

John 10:1-10

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: Traditional BCP - RCL.
  • 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 calendar, Year A, from the ELCA site.
  • United Methodist lectionary readings.
  • Biblical Passages for Mennonite Bulletins, Year A.
  • 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:
    • Resurrection
    • Good Shepherd
    • Healing
    • Sheep/Shepherds
  • Movies/scenes listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Resurrection
    • Rebirth/New Life
    • Feeding/Eucharist
    • Good Shepherd
    • Difficulty Recognizing Evil
• Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Easter 4, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • Preaching This Week at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary. Commentaries on lectionary readings by Matt Skinner, Richard Jensen, and Jaime Clark-Soles.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Easter 4, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Easter 4A, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • Preaching Helps (Easter 4, 2008). United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Readings, Analysis of Text and Preaching Paths, Easter 4, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • Gathering, Easter 4, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
  • Jesus Now, Easter 4. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Easter 4, 2008, Barry A Woodbridge, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
  • "Community: 4th Sunday in Eastertide," Sea Raven, Liberal Christian Commentary.
  • "Life Abundant," Kate Huey, Weekly Seeds, iucc.
  • Lectionary Study, April 13, 2008, Dr. Robert Linthicum, Partners in Urban Transformation.
  • Liberal Lectionary Analysis, Easter 4, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • Text Studies, Easter 4, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
  • SAMUEL, Easter 4, 2008, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, sermon seeds, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Sermon Nuggets, Easter 4, 2008, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
  • Rumors, Easter 4, 2008, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
  • "The Good Shepherd," The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2008.
  • Starters for Sunday, 13 April 2008. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
• 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.
  • Acts 2:42-47
  • Psalm 23
  • 1 Peter 2:19-25
  • John 10:1-10
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • "Who Then Can Be Saved?" Blogging toward Sunday, Craig T. Kocher, Theolog: The Blog of The Christian Century, 2008.
  • Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, Baa Baa Sheep Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2008.
  • "Giving Wealth, Getting Faith," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2008.
  • "Ambiguity and Challenge," Laurel A. Dykstra, "Resistance and Survival," Living the Word, Sojourners Online, 2008.
  • "In Which We Do Some Sheep Wrestling," The Painted Prayerbook, Word & Image & Faith. Jan Richardson, 2008.
  • "Co-Creating Healthy Community," Kathy McCallie, Deborah Appler, Out In Scripture: An Honest Encounter Between Our Lives and the Bible, Human Rights Campaign, 2008. (LGBT perspective)
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Easter 4. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church, 2005.
  • The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2008.
  • "Jesus, Judas, and the Blessing of Bread," Daniel Deffenbaugh, Seeds of Shalom, 2008.
  • "BTY (HUH?)" Larry Patten. And Yet: "Faithful & Foolish Reflections Served Weekly," 2008.
  • Daily Reflection, Easter 4, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2008.
  • This Sunday's Readings, Easter 4, John Pridmore, Church Times, 2008.
  • "Generosity and Conversion," Paul Marshall, Proclaiming Gospel Justice: Reflections on the Scriptures and Progressive Spirituality, The Witness, 2005.
  • "The Voice of the Shepherd," Carol Hampton, Proclaiming Gospel Justice: Reflections on the Scriptures and Progressive Spirituality, The Witness, 2005.
  • "Apostolic Devotion: The Actual Historical Tradition," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2005.
  • "Ecclesia," Barry Robinson, Keeping the Faith in Babylon, at at Richard J. Fairchild's Sermon & Lectionary Resources.
  • "Savior Like a Shepherd," commentary by William Brosend, The Christian Century, 2000. At Religion Online.
  • "Enter Here," Amy B. Hunter, The Christian Century, 2002. Religion Online.
  • "A Mysterious Joy," by Kari Jo Verhulst. Living the Word lectionary-based scripture commentary from Sojourners Online, 2002.
  • "Thieves and Robbers," Ronald Goetz, The Christian Century, 1990. At Religion Online.
  • "The Church on Fire: Reflections on the Revised Common Lectionary, Cycle A, Acts," Living the Word by Katherine Grieb, Sojourners Online, May-June, 1999.
  • "At Home in God," Susan R. Andrews. Commentary from The Christian Century's "Living by the Word," April, 1999. At Religion Online.
  • 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)
  • "God's Most Difficult Miracle," the Rev. Dr. Donovan Drake, Day 1, 2008.
  • Selected Sermon, Easter 4 (RCL), the Rev. Kirk Alan Kubicek, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2008.
  • "The Way of the Shepherd," John R Donahue, SJ, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2002.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • Lectionary Notes, Easter 4, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
  • "Hungry Souls," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Food and Hunger," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2004.
  • "Untamed Hospitality," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Hospitality," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2007.
  • "Masked Robbers Steal Millions in Denmark Heist," Faith Lens, a weekly Bible study/discussion for youth, linking a current news story and lectionary texts. ELCA, 2008.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Easter 4, 2008 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • Lesson Plans That Work, Adults, Easter, Year A, The Episcopal Church, 2008.
  • Bible Study - Easter 4 - 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

• Resources and Images on The Text This Week's Easter Resources page.
• Lent and Easter links at Rev. Richard J. Fairchild's A Holy Easter.
• Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
  • Worship Planning Helps (Easter 4, 2008): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • LCA Worship Resources, Easter 4, includes liturgy, hymn suggestions, notes on the readings, visuals, drama, "Talking with Children," etc. Lutheran Church of Australia.
  • Gathering, Easter 4, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Church - Dead or Alive?" Easter 4, 2008. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Worship Resources, Easter 4, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection. Includes Artistic Elements.
  • Shepherd Liturgy for use on Easter 4, Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Easter 4A, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • Jubilee Sunday 2008 Resource Guide, interfaith campaign to cancel third world debts.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Easter 4, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Liturgies Online, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Easter 4. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, The Uniting Church of St James Curtin, ACT.
  • "Called to Follow Christ," Easter 4. A New Presentation for Sunday's Liturgy, Claretian Communications, Philippines. Includes Flash presentation.
  • "Shepherds to God's Reigning," The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2008.
  • Sermons and Liturgies for Year A, Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of Canada:
    • "Coals and Cucumbers, Faith and Fellowship"
    • "The Shepherd's Voice"
  • Liturgies Online, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
• Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc:
  • Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, Easter, 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, Easter 4, General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
  • Lector's Notes, Easter 4, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • Outside the Box, Easter 4A, litanies, poems and prayers written for the local church, by Katherine Hawker.
  • Additional Resource.
  • Prayer of the People, Easter 4, Theresa Coleman, reverend mommy's random thoughts.
  • Creative Closing, Easter 4, George Hartwell, at Richard J. Fairchild's Sermon & Lectionary Resources.
  • "God Calls, and We Respond," Weekly Invitations to the Offering, 2008. Worship Ways, United Church of Christ.
  • 21st Century Africana Liturgical Resources, Easter 4, 2008, the Rev. Sherrie Dobbs Johnson, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Offertory Prayers for April, 2008, David S. Bell, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • Starters for Sunday, 13 April 2008. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • A Prayer for Easter 4, Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer.
  • "Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Easter 4, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
• Graphics & Multimedia:
  • Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
  • Clip Art, Easter 4, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: John 10:1-10, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Easter 4 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.
  • CHURCH PowerPoint, Easter 4, Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Church - Dead or Alive?" Easter 4, 2008. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • "In Which We Do Some Sheep Wrestling," The Painted Prayerbook, Word & Image & Faith. Jan Richardson, 2008.
  • "The Lord Is My Shepherd," from John Rutter Requiem, YouTube video.
• Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
  • SAMUEL, Easter 4, 2008, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, sermon seeds, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Easter 4, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada. At Richard Fairchild's Sermon & Sermon - Lectionary Resources.
  • Lectionary Introductions (background & context), Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Easter 4, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • "Jesus, Our Good Shepherd," reflection by Barbara Bernstengel, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • "Walk on Ahead, Good Shepherd," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn.
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Easter 4A, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Lectionary Hymns, Easter 4, 2008, United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, Easter 4, CanticaNova Publications.
    • Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
    • Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
    • The Billabong, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
    • Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts.
    • Gathering, Easter 4, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
    • Starters for Sunday, 13 April 2008. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Easter 4, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
    • Together to Celebrate, April 13, 2008, 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)
  • Lectionary Puzzles, Easter 4. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Gathering, Easter 4, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
  • Lesson Plans That Work, Younger Children & Older Children, Easter, Year A, The Episcopal Church, 2008.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Easter 4, 2008 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • Story for Children's Worship and Family Activity, Easter 4, at word-sunday.com: A Catholic Resource for the Lectionary by Larry Broding.
  • "Simon Says," "Monsters under the Bed," Children's Time, in Sermons and Liturgies. Richard J. Fairchild. (Scroll down in liturgies to find Children's Time.)
• 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.