Easter 4A
May 15, 2011

Image: RMC Morley
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
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.
- 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:
- Movies/scenes listed 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 Mitzi J. Smith, Nancy deClaissé-Walford, Daniel G. Deffinbaugh, and Sarah Henrich, WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2011.
- Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Easter 4, 2011. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- Powerful Witness, Karen Georgia Thompson and Kathryn Matthews Huey, ucc.org: Sermon Seeds, lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, bulletin back page, 2011.
- Preaching This Week at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary. Commentaries on lectionary readings by Matt Skinner, Richard Jensen, and Jaime Clark-Soles, 2008.
- Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Easter 4, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
- Preaching Helps (Easter 4A). Safiyah Fosua, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2011.
- John Shearman's Lectionary, Easter 4, 2011, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
- Resources from Ministry Matters. This resource is becoming a commercial site, but for right now most resources are free and worth a look!
- Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Easter 4, 2011, Bruce G. Epperly, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith." 2008, Barry A Woodbridge.
- The Lectionary Lab, Easter 4, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2011.
- Charting the course without the chart -- Commentary by R. Craig MacCreary for Easter 4 on John 10:1-10, 1 Peter 2:19-25, Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23 from Emphasis
- Preaching Peace commentary, Easter 4A, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
- Readings, Analysis of Text and Preaching Paths, Easter 4, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
- Jesus Now, Easter 4. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
- Text Studies, Easter 4, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
- Sermon Nuggets, Easter 4, 2011, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
- Rumors, Easter 4, 2008, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
- Starters for Sunday, 15 May, 2011. 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. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
- Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
- Sermon Brainwave, Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Karoline Lewis, David Lose and Matt Skinner, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org. 2011.
- Homiletical Hot Tub, preaching blog at Lectionary Homiletics, 2011.
- The Good Word, A Blog on Scripture and Preaching, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2011.
- Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, Abundant Life Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2011. 11th Hour Preacher Party.
- Enter, Fr. Rick Morley, a garden path, 2011.
- "Making the Best of a Bad Situation: 'Slaves, Submit to your Masters,'" The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2011. 2008. 2005.
- "Abundant Life," David Lose, WorkingPreacher, 2011.
- "Sheep," Miriam's Tambourine, Memphis Theological Seminary, 2011.
- "The Voice," Timothy Wayne Good, The Naked Alien, 2011.
- The Painted Prayerbook, "Blessing of the Gate," Jan Richardson, 2011. Use of images.
- Lectionary Blogging, Easter 4, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2011.
- Liberal Lectionary Resources, Easter 4A, Chris Ayers, 2011.
- "Who Gets Sacrificed?" John van de Laar, Sacredise, 2011.
- With Glad and Generous Hearts, Pastor Sharron R. Lucas, The Stewardship of Life Institute, 2011.
- "Co-Creating Healthy Community," Kathy McCallie, Deborah Appler, Out in Scripture, Human Rights Campaign, 2011. (LGBT)
- Grounded and Rooted in Love, Easter 4A, Matt & Laura Norvell, 2011.
- "Who's Your Shepherd?" Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2011.
- "Followers," Janice Love, The Ekklesia Project, 2011.
- A Radical Love, Neil Chappell, aweirdthing, 2011.
- Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2011.
- "Jesus the Gate, and Paddy Plenty," Peter Woods, I am Listening, 2011.
- Think About It, Sermon Notes/Themes on current topics with complimentary PowerPoint images, Rev. Dorothy Okray, 2011. Sermon by Rev. Kirk Alan Kubicek, with PowerPoint, ChurchGalleries.com.
- "The Door," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2011.
- This Sunday's Readings, Martin Warner, Church Times, (Church of England), 2011.
- "Jesus the Good Shepherd," Edgy Exegesis, Alyce McKenzie, Patheos, 2011.
- Daily Reflection, Easter 4, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2011.
- "Coyote Beckons," Larry Patten, 2011.
- Break Open the Word, Michael T. Hiller, 2011.
- One Little Word, David J. Risendal, 2011.
- 10 Minute Worship Blog, Dan Bollerud, 10 minute commuter mp3 worship, 2011.
- Weekly Reading, Anthony B. Robinson, 2011.
- Blogging toward Sunday, Century Blog, 2011.
- Hitchhiker's Guide to the Bible, Andy Doyle, Episcopal Dicese of Texas, 2011.
- The River of Life, Loddon Mallee UCA Presbytery Blog, 2011.
- Quadratos, Alexander J. Shaia, 2011.
- The Hardest Question, 2011.
- Visual Theology, Faithful Images, Dave Perry, reflections and images usually tied to RCL texts, 2011.
- Sunday's Child, Daily Lectionary and Reflections on Scripture and World, Una Malachica, 2011.
- Kairos-Milwaukee UCC Blog, Reflections on the RCL by Rev. Rick Skidmore, 2011.
- Stillspeaking Daily Devotional, UCC.org. Daily devotional for Twitter. (Daily RCL)
- Unfolding Light, Daily Reflections leading toward Sunday readings, Steve Garnaas-Holmes, 2011.
- Chmod, Lectionary Journal of Andy Gay, 2011.
- Daily Reflections on the Christian Faith (lectionary texts), conversations between Mark Smith and David Owen, England Public School Chaplains.
- Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Dialogue, Wesley White, 2011.
- Church in the World, Steve Godfrey, 2011.
- Living the Lectionary, Daily RCL reflections, Pr. Phil Heinze, Fort Worth, TX, 2011.
- The Preacher's Exchange - First Impressions, Volume 2, and Homilias Domincales / Homilias Breves. Jude Siciliano, O.P., 2011.
- SacraConversazione, discussion of the texts in terms of traditions of interpreters, from a postmodern perspective, 2011.
- COSLC Grace Notes, Pastor Dan Bollerud, Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Anchorage, AK. Meditations & poetry, 2011.
- Lectionary Scripture Notes, Dr. Norman Beck.
- Panoramic Views of Faith and Health, Butch Odom. Daily lectionary thoughts and prayer, 2011.
- "Who Then Can Be Saved?" Blogging toward Sunday, Craig T. Kocher, Theolog: The Blog of The Christian Century, 2008.
- 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.
- "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.
- "Ecclesia," Barry Robinson, Keeping the Faith in Babylon, at at Richard J. Fairchild's Sermon & Lectionary Resources.
- The Christian Century:
- "Flocking Together," Edgardo Antonio Colón-Emeric, 2005.
- "Enter Here," Amy B. Hunter, 2002.
- "Savior Like a Shepherd," William Brosend, 2000.
- "At Home in God," Susan R. Andrews. April, 1999.
- "Thieves and Robbers," Ronald Goetz, 1990.
- "Flipping the World on Its Head," Ronald Goetz, 1990.
- Sojourners Living the Word:
- "Living an 'Awed' Life," Walter Brueggemann, "How Do We Practice an Easter Life?" 2011.
- "Ambiguity and Challenge," Laurel A. Dykstra, "Resistance and Survival," 2008.
- 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 Sheepfold," the Rev. Adam Thomas, Day 1, 2011.
- Sermons that Work, Easter 4A (RCL), by the Rev. G Cole Gruberth, ECUSA, 2011.
- "God's Most Difficult Miracle," the Rev. Dr. Donovan Drake, Day 1, 2008.
- Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- "The Voice of Jesus," FaithElement discipleship system "setting the Bible free," 2011.
- Powerful Witness, Weekly Seeds, UCC.org, 2011.
- Proclaiming Faith, Easter 4, 2011- exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
- "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.
- Lesson Plans That Work, Adults, Easter, Year A, The Episcopal Church, 2011.
- 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.
- Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
- Worship Planning Helps (Easter 4): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2011.
- Gathering, Easter 4, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2011. (Terms of Use)
- LCA Worship Planning Page, Easter 4, 2011, "Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship"
- LCA Worship Resources, Easter 4, includes liturgy, hymn suggestions, notes on the readings, visuals, drama, "Talking with Children," etc. Lutheran Church of Australia.
- Worship Resources, Easter 4A, 2011, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
- Mustard Seeds, "Church - Dead or Alive?/Coming Home," Easter 4, 2011. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Resources from Ministry Matters. This resource is becoming a commercial site, but for right now most resources are free and worth a look!
- Worship Resources, Easter 4, 2011 Mindi Welton-Mitchell, Rev-o-lution.
- Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Easter 4, 2011. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, Uniting Church in Australia.
- 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.), 2011.
- Worship and Liturgy Resources, Easter 4, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Liturgies Online, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Sermons and Liturgies for Year A, Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of Canada
- 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.
- 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.
- "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.
- The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 23 (Easter 4), Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2011.
- "God-Consciousness," Service Prayers, 2011, Worship Ways, UCC.
- 21st Century Worship Resources, Easter 4A, UMC GBOD, 2011.
- Offertory Prayers, Easter 4A, UMC GBOD, 2011.
- Call to Worship, Easter 4, 2011, Mary Jane Konings, Timaru, New Zealand.
- Confession RCL, Easter 4, 2011, Bill Wessner.
- Sheep, a litany of confession based on Psalm 23, Chaplain Tiffany, Miriam's Tambourine, 2011.
- Worship Resources, Easter 4, 2011, Anna's Hosannas.
- Starters for Sunday, 15 May, 2011. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas, Easter 4, 2011. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
- Sunday Prayer, RevGalBlogPals, 2011.
- "The Beautiful One" Suzanne Guthrie, Soulwork toward Sunday: At the Edge of the Enclosure, prayers and meditations, 2011.
- Graphics & Multimedia:
- Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
- HermanoLeón Clipart, Easter 4. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
- 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.
- Mustard Seeds, "Church - Dead or Alive?" Easter 4, 2011. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- "The Lord Is My Shepherd," from John Rutter Requiem, YouTube video.
- CHURCH PowerPoint, Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services, ChurchGalleries.com.
- The Painted Prayerbook, "Blessing of the Gate," Jan Richardson, 2011. Use of images.
- "The Voice of Jesus," FaithElement discipleship system "setting the Bible free," 2011.
- Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins,
below):
- Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Easter 4, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada, 2011.
- Lectionary Introductions (background & context), Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
- "Jesus, Our Good Shepherd," reflection by Barbara Bernstengel, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center (.pdf).
- Hymns and Music:
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
- ”O Jesus, You Were Born to Be,” original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, 2011, Tune: TRURO 8.8.8.8 (“Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates”) and O WALY WALY 8.8.8.8.
- "Walk on Ahead, Good Shepherd," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn.
- Hymns of the Spirit Three, Easter 4A, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
- Psalm Settings:
- "Shepherding God," sung call and response, Psalm 116, Anna's Hosannas.
- "The Lord Is My Shepherd," lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
- Psalm 23 set to Darwall's 148th (66.66.88) by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms.
- Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
- Hymn and Song Suggestions, Easter 4A, 2011, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
- Lectionary Hymns, Easter 4A, UMC GBOD, 2011.
- Shepherd Sounds, Easter 4A, 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.
- 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.")
- Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
- 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, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2011. (Terms of Use)
- Together to Celebrate, Easter 4, 2011, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources..
- Starters for Sunday, 15 May, 2011. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas, Easter 4, 2011. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
- 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)
- Worshiping with Children, Easter 4A, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2011
- "Children's Literature: A Resource for Ministry," May 15, 2011, Union Presbyterian Seminary. Connections: Acts 2:42-27 and The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, Psalm 23 and The Lord Is My Shepherd illustrated by Anne Wilson and Psalm Twenty-Three illustrated by Tim Ladwig, 1 Peter 2:19-25 and Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport, John 10:1-10 and Feeding the Sheep, Leda Schubert.
- Sheep That Count -- Sermon for Easter 4 based on 1 Peter 2:19-25 by Richard W. Ferris from SermonStudio.
- "What We Need Most" Children's Lesson for Fourth Sunday in Easter (May 15, 2011), from Anna's Hosannas.
- Gathering, Easter 4, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2011. (Terms of Use)
- Lesson Plans That Work, Younger Children & Older Children, Easter, Year A, The Episcopal Church, 2011.
- Proclaiming Faith, Easter 4, 2011- 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.
