Epiphany 7A / Ordinary 7A

Epiphany 7A
February 20, 2011

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

Psalm 119:33-40

1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23

Matthew 5:38-48

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: 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.
- ELCIC Worship Planning Calendar, lectionary citations with and without hymn suggestions, text and pdf formats.
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 Callie Plunket-Brewton, Cameron Howard, Mark Tranvik, and Emerson Powery, WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2011.
- Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Ordinary 7, 2011. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
- "Expanding Boundaries," Mark Suriano, 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 7, Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Epiphany 7, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
- Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Epiphany 7, 2011, Bruce G. Epperly, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
- Video introduction to the RCL texts for preaching, Rev. Dr. Howard Pilgrim, Waiapu Academy, 2011.
- Preaching Helps (Epiphany 7). Safiyah Fosua, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2011.
- "Tall Order," David Kalas, Schuyler Rhodes, Emphasis Lectionary Preaching Journal, SermonSuite.
- John Shearman's Lectionary, Epiphany 7, 2011, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
- Readings, Analysis of Text and Preaching Paths, Epiphany 7, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
- Starters for Sunday, 20 February, 2011. 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, 2011.
- World Hunger Sermon Starters, ELCA, 2011.
- 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, 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.
- A Holy Temple, Edwin Searcy, Blogging toward Sunday, 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, "Great Expectations" Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2011. 11th hour preacher party.
- "The Parallel Universe of the People of God," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2011.
- "Perfect," David Lose, Working Preacher, 2011.
- Loving Those Who Give Us the Willies, Fr. Rick Moley, a garden path, 2011.
- "What do you want? A medal?" Neil Chappell, aweirdthing, 2011.
- Lectionary Blogging, Epiphany 7, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2011.
- "Sketchy Scenes," Alyce McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, Patheos, 2011.
- "What Dignity," John van de Laar, Sacredise, 2011.
- All or Nothing, John C. Holbert, Patheos, 2011.
- "The Disciple's Guide to Lavish Love," Sharon R. Lucas, Stewardship of Life, 2011.
- Think About It, Sermon Notes/Themes on current topics with complimentary PowerPoint images, Rev. Dorothy Okray, 2011. Sermon by Rev. Dr. Craig A. Smith, with PowerPoint.
- Frenemies, Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2011.
- "Realist of Grace," Brian Volck, The Ekklesia Project, 2011.
- "Conscience-Building," Constance Berg, Lectionary Tales for the Pulpit, SermonSuite.
- This Sunday's Readings, Martin Warner, Church Times, (Church of England), 2011.
- Daily Reflection, Ordinary 7, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2011.
- "This Amazes Me," Larry Patten, 2011.
- The Christian Century:
  - "Christ-Haunted Landscape," Bruce Modahl, 1999.
- Sojourners "Living the Word," archives:
  - "Christ before Politics," Walter Brueggemann, "What Does Our New Self Look Like?" 2011.
- 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)
- Selected Sermon, Epiphany 7 (RCL), by the Rev. Lawrence Womack, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2011.
- Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2011.
Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- Expanding Boundaries, Weekly Seeds, UCC.org, 2011.
- "The Way of Love," FaithElement discipleship system "setting the Bible free," 2011.
- Lesson Plans That Work, Adults, Epiphany, Year A, The Episcopal Church, 2011.
- "Frodo's Forgiveness," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Inklings of Glory," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2004.
- "Just Peacemaking," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Peace and War," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2004.
- Proclaiming Faith, Ordinary 7, 2011- exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
- Bible Study - Ordinary Time 7 - 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

Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
- Worship Planning Helps (Epiphany 7): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2011.
- Gathering, Epiphany 7, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2010-2011. (Terms of Use)
- LCA Worship Planning Page, Epiphany 7, 2011, "Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship"
- Mustard Seeds, Epiphany 7, 2011. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Worship Resources, February, 2011, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection. (scroll down)
- Worship Resources, Epiphany 7A, 2011, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
- Lectionary Liturgies, Ordinary 7A, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- LCA Worship Resources, Epiphany 7A, 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 7A, 2011. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, 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:
- 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 7/OT7. General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
- Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- "The Character of God's People" Service Prayers, 2011, Worship Ways, UCC.
- The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 119:33-40, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2011.
- Starters for Sunday, 20 February, 2011. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
- 21st Century Worship Resources, Epiphany 7, UMC GBOD, 2011.
- Offertory Prayers, Epiphany 7, UMC GBOD, 2011.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 7, 2011. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
- Call to Worship, February 20, 2011, Mary Jane Konings, Timaru, New Zealand.
- "Liturgy: prayer reflection", (NZPB, BCP TEC) reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand. (Common Worship Cof E)
- "Give, Pray, Love," Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure, prayers and meditations, 2011.
- Prayers for Worship, David von Schlichten, Lectionary Homiletics.
- World in Prayer, the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Lodi, California. Prayers. Prayers and litanies based on each week's world news.
Graphics & Multimedia:
- Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
- Clip Art Images: Matthew 5:38-48, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
- HermanoLeón Clipart, Sunday 7. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
- Commercial Site: The Work of the People - Psalm 119 - Films/Visual Liturgy based on RCL texts.
- Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year A index.
- Love Your Enemies and Pray for Them, 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.
- Mustard Seeds, Epiphany 7, 2011. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- "The Way of Love," 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, below):
- SAMUEL at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
- "Love Your Neighbor as Yourself," reflection by Rev. David Haberer, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
- Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Epiphany 7, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada, 2011.
Hymns and Music:
- Original Settings 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."
  - 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.
- Psalm Settings:
  - Psalm 119:33-40 set to Cleansing Fountain (CMD 86 86 D), Psalm Settings by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms.
  - Psalm 119, lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
- Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
  - Hymn and Song Suggestions, Epiphany 7A, 2011, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
  - Lectionary Hymns, Epiphany 7, UMC GBOD, 2011.
  - Shepherd Sounds, Epiphany 7. 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 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.
  - 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.
  - Gathering, Epiphany 7, 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, 20 February, 2011. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  - Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 7, 2011. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
  - Together to Celebrate, Epiphany 7A, 2011, 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, Epiphany 7. 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)
- "Children's Literature: A Resource for Ministry," Feb 20, 2011, Union Presbyterian Seminary. Connections: Leviticus 19:1-2, 8-18 and God's Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Matthew 5:38-48 and Down the Road by Alice Schertle, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 and God In Between by SAndy Eisenberg Sasso.
- Worshiping with Children, Epiphany 7A, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2011.
- "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
- "The Other Cheek," Elaine M. Ward, Story Time at the Altar, SermonSuite.
- Lesson Plans That Work, Younger Children & Older Children, Epiphany, Year A, The Episcopal Church, 2011.
- Gathering, Epiphany 7, 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 7, 2011- exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
- 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.