Epiphany 4A / Ordinary 4A Textweek RCL

Epiphany 4A
January 30, 2011

With thanks to page sponsor:
Pastor's Text Study Group, Austin, MN.

Image: iStockphoto

Click on Scripture Lessons below for

Micah 6:1-8
Roman Catholic reading: Zephaniah 2:3, 3:12-13

Psalm 15
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10

1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Roman Catholic reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Matthew 5:1-12

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:
  - Sermon on the Mount
- Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
  - Nonviolence
  - Peace (Rest)
  - Doers of the Word
  - Righteousness
  - Justice/Injustice
  - Mercy/Grace
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, James K. Mead, J.R. Daniel Kirk, Elizabeth Shively, at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2011.
- "The Vision Beautiful," Susan Blain, ucc.org: Sermon Seeds, lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, bulletin back page, 2011.
- Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Ordinary 4, 2011. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
- Preaching Helps (Epiphany 4). Safiyah Fosua, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2011.
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Epiphany 4, Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Epiphany 4, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
- Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Epiphany 4, 2011, Bruce G. Epperly, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
- John Shearman's Lectionary, Epiphany 4, 2011, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
- Sermon Nuggets, Epiphany 4, 2011, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
- Preaching Peace commentary, Epiphany 4A, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
- Lexegete, Epiphany 4, Dave Buehler, Yr. Obt. Svt., 2011.
- Readings, Analysis of Text and Preaching Paths, Epiphany 4, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
- Text Studies, Epiphany 4, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
- Starters for Sunday, 30 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.
Walking Humbly, Scott D. Anderson, Century Blog, 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, Making Foolish the Wisdom of the World Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2011.
"God Bless You," David Lose, Working Preacher, 2011.
Litany for the Citizens of Heaven, Fr. Rick Moley, a garden path, 2011.
The Painted Prayerbook, "Litany of the Blessed," Jan Richardson, 2011. Use of images.
"The Wisdom of the World and the Foolishness of God," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2011.
Lectionary Blogging, Epiphany 4, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2011.
"God's Love Language," Sharon R. Lucas, Stewardship of Life, 2011.
"Get the Picture?" John van de Laar, Sacredise, 2011.
Think About It, Sermon Notes/Themes on current topics with complimentary PowerPoint images, Rev. Dorothy Okray, 2011. Sermon by Rev.Father John Dear, with PowerPoint.
"You Be the Judge," Larry Patten, 2011.
"What's in Your Wallet?" Anne Roser, by the way, 2011.
"Lectionary Notes," Beth Quick, 2011.
"Blessed Are the Cheesemakers..." Neil Chappell, aweirdthing, 2011.
Daily Reflection, Ordinary 4, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2011.
This Sunday's Readings, Martin Warner, Church Times, (Church of England), 2011.
Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Epiphany 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, 2005.
"Blessing as Freedom," Pilgrim Preaching, Keeping company with biblical texts and the people who hear and preach them, a weblog for preaching, by Mary Hinkle, Luther Seminary.
"The World Turned Upside Down," James A. Kelsey, Proclaiming Gospel Justice, The Witness, 2005.
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.
Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
The Christian Century:
- "Be Happy," Patricia Harris, 2005.
- "Eavesdropping," Barbara Lemmel. 1999.
- "Journey to the Cross," Stanley S. Harakas, 1997.
- "Hearing God's Blessing," Fred B. Craddock, 1990
- "Looking Like Fools," William Willimon, 1982.
- "Proud to be Humble," Ronald Goetz, 1979.
Sojourners "Living the Word," archives:
- "Like Good Neighbors," Walter Brueggemann, "Walking with the Light of the World" 2011.

Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- "Blessed Are Those Who Mourn," the Rev. Carol Howard Merritt, Day 1, 2011.
- Selected Sermon, Epiphany 4 (RCL), by the Rev. G. Cole Gruberth, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2011.
- Sample Sermon, Kate Huey, ucc.org: Sermon Seeds, lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, bulletin back page, 2011. (Scroll down.)
- "Taking Care of Each Other," Pat Conover, Seeker's Church, 2005.
- Selected sermon, Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, by the Rev. Ben E. Helmer in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2005.
Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- The Vision Beautiful, Weekly Seeds, UCC.org, 2011.
- "An Easy Road?" FaithElement discipleship system "setting the Bible free," 2011.
- Proclaiming Faith, Ordinary 4, 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.
- "The Finkenwalde Project," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Monasticism Old and New," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2010. (Matthew 5:1-12)
- "Beatitudes in the Desert," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Sermon on the Mount," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2008.
- "Who Are the Meek?" study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Consumerism," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2003.
- "Extreme Virtues," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Prophetic Ethics," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2003.
- "Prophetic Mysticism," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Mysticism," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2005.
- Bible Study - Ordinary Time 4 - 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 4): 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)
- LCA Worship Planning Page, Epiphany 4, 2011, "Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship"
- Lectionary Worship Aids, Epiphany 4, Beverly S. Bailey, SermonStudio, SermonSuite, 2011.
- Gathering, Epiphany 4, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2010-2011. (Terms of Use)
- The Sermon on the Mount, A Worship Service of Lessons and Songs, Carolyn Winfrey Gillette.
- Mustard Seeds, "Paradox," Epiphany 4, 2011. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Worship Resources, Epiphany 4A, 2011, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
- Lectionary Liturgies, Ordinary 4A, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- Liturgies Online, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Worship and Liturgy Resources, Ordinary 4, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
- LCA Worship Resources, Epiphany 4A, includes liturgy, hymn suggestions, notes on the readings, visuals, drama, "Talking with Children," etc. Lutheran Church of Australia.
- Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Epiphany 4A, 2011. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Resources for Black History Month at Bass Mitchell's Special Days and Services site.
- Sermons and Liturgies for Year A, Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of Canada
Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc:
- Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, Epiphany 4, 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.
- The Billabong, Epiphany 4, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
- Prayers of the People, Year A - Epiphany 4/OT4. General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
- Lector's Notes, Ordinary 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, litanies, poems and prayers written for the local church, by Katherine Hawker.
- Creative Closing, Ordinary 4, George Hartwell, at Richard J. Fairchild's Sermon & Lectionary Resources.
- "Liturgy: prayer reflection", (NZBP) 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 4, UMC GBOD, 2011.
- Offertory Prayers, Epiphany 4, UMC GBOD, 2011.
- Starters for Sunday, 30 January, 2011. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
- "A New Teaching I Give You," Service Prayers, 2011, Worship Ways, UCC.
- Confession RCL, Epiphany 4, 2011, Bill Wessner.
- Call to Worship, January 30, 2011, Mary Jane Konings, Timaru, New Zealand.
- The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 15, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2011.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 4, 2011. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
- "The Shock of Blessedneess," Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure, prayers and meditations, 2011.
- Prayers of the People, Epiphany 4A, Lowell Grisham, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas.
- Prayer for Epiphany 4A, RevAbi, RevGalBlogPals, 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, Sunday 4. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
- Clip Art, Ordinary 4, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
- Clip Art Images: Matthew 5:1-12, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
- Mustard Seeds, "Paradox," Epiphany 4, 2011. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Ordinary 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.
- Sermon on the Mount (Blessings), 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.
- "An Easy Road?" FaithElement discipleship system "setting the Bible free," 2011.
- 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,
- SAMUEL at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
- "Hungry? Thirsty?" reflection by Dorette Saunders, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
- Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Epiphany 4, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada, 2011.
Hymns and Music:
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
  - “O God, You Call for Justice,” Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s hymn inspired by Micah 6:8. Tune: AURELIA 7.6.7.6 D (“The Church's One Foundation”).
  - “Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit” Text: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune: NETTLETON 8.7.8.7 D (“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”) This hymn is part of "The Sermon on the Mount: A Worship Service of Lessons and Songs."
  - “Up On a Mountaintop” Text: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Tune: Slane 10.10.10.10 (“Be Thou My Vision”) This hymn is part of "The Sermon on the Mount: A Worship Service of Lessons and Songs."
  - "God, With Joy We Look Around Us," original hymn for Race Relations Sunday by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. Tune: REGENT SQUARE "Angels, from the Realms of Glory"
  - "Rejoice, Friends, and Be Delighted!" TEXT: Mark Ryman (2005) based on Matthew 5:1-12. TUNE: "Wycliff." New Hymns for the Lectionary.
  - Hymns of the Spirit Three, Epiphany 4A, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
- Psalm Settings:
  - "Lord, Who May Dwell in Your Sanctuary?" lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
  - Psalm 15 set to The Solid Rock (88 88 88) by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms.
- Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
- Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  - Lectionary Puzzles, Epiphany 4. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
  - Gospel Puzzles for the Lectionary, Epiphany 4A, 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 30, Union Presbyterian Seminary, 2011. Connections: Micah 6:1-8 and The Beggar's Magic by Margaret & Raymond Chang, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 and The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau, Matthew 5:1-12 and The Beatitudes: From Slavery to Civil Rights by Boston Weatherford.
  - Worshiping with Children, Epiphany 4A, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Ordinary 25, Carolyn C. Brown, 2011.
  - "John and Jane," children's liturgy & story, Janice B. Scott, The Village Shepherd, Sermon Suite.
  - "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
  - Gathering, Epiphany 4, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2010-2011. (Terms of Use)
  - Lesson Plans That Work, Younger Children & Older Children, Epiphany, Year A, The Episcopal Church, 2011.
  - Proclaiming Faith, Ordinary 4, 2011- exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  - "God's Team," 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.