Epiphany 3A / Ordinary 3A RCL Lectionary

Epiphany 3A
January 23, 2011

With thanks to page sponsor Josef Walker,
who is being installed today as pastor at Ridgeview Christian Church.

Image: Ann Scull, Mustard Seeds

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

Isaiah 9:1-4
Roman Catholic reading: Isaiah 8:23 - 9:3

Psalm 27:1, 4-9
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 27
Episcopal RCL reading: Psalm 27: 1, 5-13

1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Roman Catholic reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

Matthew 4:12-23
Roman Catholic reading: Matthew 4:12-23 or Matthew 4:12-17

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

Texts:
- Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity .
- 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:
  - Calling the Disciples
- Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
  - Call
  - Repentance
  - Conversion
  - Children (etc) as mediator figures (wisdom of the foolish)
  - Unity (community)
Special Day Resources: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
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 Amy Oden, Nancy deClaissé-Walford, J.R. Daniel Kirk and Eric Barretto at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2011.
- Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Ordinary 3, 2011. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
- "Called Together," Kate Huey, ucc.org: Sermon Seeds, lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, bulletin back page, 2011.
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Epiphany 3, Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- Preaching Helps (Epiphany 3). Safiyah Fosua, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2011.
- Preaching This Week at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary. Commentaries on lectionary readings by Frank M. Yamada, Dwight Peterson, and Audrey West, 2008.
- John Shearman's Lectionary, Epiphany 3, 2011, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
- Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Epiphany 3, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
- Preaching Peace commentary, Epiphany 3A, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
- Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Epiphany 3, 2011, Bruce G. Epperly, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
- Sermon Nuggets, Epiphany 3, 2011, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
- Rumors, January 27, 2008, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
- Third Sunday after the Epiphany, January 27, 2008, Joy L. McDonald Coltvet, Currents in Theology and Mission.
- Jesus Now, Epiphany 3A. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
- Text Studies, Epiphany 3, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
- Lexegete, Epiphany 3, Dave Buehler, Yr. Obt. Svt., 2011.
- Readings, Analysis of Text and Preaching Paths from Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.) Commentary focuses on Isaiah text.
- Starters for Sunday, 23 January, 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:
- Textweek Blog and Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
- Sermon Brainwave, 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.
- 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, God is Still Calling Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2011.
- Lectionary Blogging, Epiphany 3, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2011.
- "Imagine That!" David Lose, Working Preacher, 2011.
- The Painted Prayerbook, Catch of the Day, Jan Richardson, 2011. Use of images.
- Close for Comfort, Fr. Rick Moley, a garden path, 2011.
- Nails, Tires and Hope, Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2011.
- "Political Religion," Epiphany 3, Wayne Brouwer, Emphasis, SermonSuite, 2011.
- "Perfect Panic Strategy," Epiphany 3A, Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2011.
- "A Radical Response to a Unique Opportunity," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2011.
- Think About It, Sermon Notes/Themes on current topics with complimentary PowerPoint images, Rev. Dorothy Okray, 2011. Sermon by Rev. Jeffrey Krehbiel, with PowerPoint.
- "Head Case" Larry Patten, 2011.
- "Met in Darkness, Seen in Light,"Angela Bauer-Levesque, Robert Griffin, Mary Foulke, Out in Scripture, Human Rights Campaign, 2011. (LGBT)
- The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2008.
- Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Epiphany 3A. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church, 2005.
- "Power and Unity," Mark Handley Andrus, Proclaiming Gospel Justice, The Witness, 2005.
- 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.
- The Christian Century:
  - "What About Zebedee?" Mark Ralls, The Christian Century, 2005.
  - "Foolish Belonging," Lillian Daniel, 2002.
  - "Makeshift Communities," Barbara Lemmel, 1999.
  - "Fleeing Before Herod (Matt 4:12-13)," Fred B. Craddock, 1990.
- Sojourners "Living the Word," archives:
  - "Portraits of Jesus," Laurel A. Dykstra, "Voices of Truth," 2008.
Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- "What Are We Doing Here?" the Rev. Dr. Ozzie E. Smith, Jr., Day 1, 2011.
- Selected Sermon, Epiphany 3 (RCL), by the Rev. Ben E. Helmer, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2011.
- "Cobwebs on the Confessional," the Rev. Dr. William L. Self, Day 1, 2008.
- Selected Sermon, Epiphany 3 (RCL), by the Rev. Charles Hoffacker, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2008.
Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- Called Together, Weekly Seeds, UCC.org, 2011.
- "Choosing Disciples," FaithElement discipleship system "setting the Bible free," 2011.
- "To Fish or Not to Fish," Faith Lens, ELCA, 2011.
- Proclaiming Faith, Ordinary 3, 2011- exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
- Lesson Plans That Work, Adults, Epiphany, Year A, The Episcopal Church, 2011.
- Bible Study - Ordinary Time 3 - verse by verse Roman Catholic lectionary commentary at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Picayune, MS.
- Light on the Lessons, Lutheran Bible Ministries. .doc file leaders guide and participant guide for group study of the weekly lectionary readings.
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 Epiphany Resources Page.
Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
- Worship Planning Helps (Epiphany 3): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2011.
- Worship Resources, January, 2011, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection. (scroll down)
- Lectionary Worship Aids, Epiphany 3, Dallas A. Brauninger, SermonStudio, SermonSuite, 2011.
- LCA Worship Planning Page, Epiphany 3, 2011, "Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship"
- LCA Worship Resources, Epiphany 3A, includes liturgy, hymn suggestions, notes on the readings, visuals, drama, "Talking with Children," etc. Lutheran Church of Australia.
- Mustard Seeds, "Discipleship 101/Abandoning the Boats," Epiphany 3, 2011. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Worship Resources, Epiphany 3A, 2011, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
- Liturgies Online, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Lectionary Liturgies, Ordinary 3A, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Epiphany 3A, 2011. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Liturgies Online, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Worship and Liturgy Resources, Ordinary 3, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Sermons and Liturgies for Year A, Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of Canada
Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc:
- Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, Epiphany 3, 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 - Epiphany 3/OT3. General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
- Lector's Notes, Ordinary 3, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
- The Billabong, Epiphany 3, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
- Introductions to lectionary readings for readers, Proper 3A. Chris Haslam, Diocese of Montreal.
- Creative Closing, Ordinary 3, 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.
- 21st Century Worship Resources, Epiphany 3, UMC GBOD, 2011.
- Offertory Prayers, Epiphany 3, UMC GBOD, 2011.
- Starters for Sunday, 23 January, 2011. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
- "A Call to Unity," Service Prayers, 2011, Worship Ways, UCC.
- Confession RCL, Epiphany 3, 2011, Bill Wessner.
- "Accept the Consequences,", Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure, prayers and meditations, 2011.
- The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 27:1, 4-9, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2011.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 3, 2011. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español..
Graphics & Multimedia:
- Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
- HermanoLeón Clipart, Sunday 3. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
- Clip Art, Ordinary 3, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
- Clip Art Images: Matthew 4:12-23, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
- Ordinary 3 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, "Discipleship 101/Abandoning the Boats," Epiphany 3, 2011. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Jesus Calls the First Disciples, audio telling, story in episodes, graphic, audio and written commentaries. Go Tell Communications, Biblical Storytelling for the Global Village, 2011.
- CHURCH PowerPoint, Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services.
- "Choosing Disciples," FaithElement discipleship system "setting the Bible free," 2011.
Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
- "Walk in the Light!" reflection by Dorette Saunders, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
- SAMUEL, Epiphany 3, 2011, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
- Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Epiphany 3, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada, 2011.
Hymns and Music:
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
  - "Jesus, You Once Called Disciples" Text: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune: IN BABILONE 8.7.8.7 D ("There's a Wideness in God's Mercy")
  - "The Lamb's Embrace," TEXT: Mark Ryman (2005) based on Matthew 4:12-23. TUNE: "Monkland." New Hymns for the Lectionary.
  - "The Light," Brenton Prigge, New Hymn.
  - Hymns of the Spirit Three, Epiphany 3A, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
- Psalm Settings
  - Psalm 27:1, 4-9 set to Amazing Grace (CM 86 86), Psalm Settings by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms
  - "Whom Shall I Fear?" lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
- Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
  - Hymn and Song Suggestions, Epiphany 3A, 2011, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
  - Lectionary Hymns, Epiphany 3, UMC GBOD, 2011.
  - Shepherd Sounds, Epiphany 3. 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.
  - Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
  - Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, Ordinary 3, CanticaNova Publications.
  - Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
  - Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  - 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.
  - Sing for Joy, Epiphany 3A, 2008. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
  - Starters for Sunday, 23 January, 2011. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  - Together to Celebrate, Epiphany 3A, 2011, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
  - Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 3, 2011. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- Lectionary Puzzles, Epiphany 3. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
- Gospel Puzzles for the Lectionary, Epiphany 3A, Mark Ryman, edoxy.com.
With Children (see also listings "With Children" at individual scripture pages, linked above):
- "Children's Literature: A Resource for Ministry," Jan 23, Union Presbyterian Seminary, 2011. Connections: Isaiah 9:1-4 and The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 and Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury, Matthew 4:12-23 and Follow the Drinking Gourd by Jeanette Winter.
- Worshiping with Children, Epiphany 3A, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2011.
- Gathering, Epiphany 3, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2010-2011. (Terms of Use)
- Proclaiming Faith, Ordinary 3, 2011- exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
- Lesson Plans That Work, Younger Children & Older Children, Epiphany, Year A, The Episcopal Church, 2011.
- "Rolling Along Together With Christ," "Gone Fishing," "Fishing for People," Children's Time, in Sermons and Liturgies. Richard J. Fairchild. (Scroll down in liturgies to find Children's Time.)
- Ideas and Talks for Epiphany, Talks to Children, Rev. Donald McCorkindale, Dalgety Parish Church, Fife, Scotland.
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.