Proper 16A/Ordinary 21A/Pentecost +10
August 21, 2011

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

Exodus 1:8 - 2:10 or Isaiah 51:1-6
Roman Catholic reading: Isaiah 22:15, 19-23
United Methodist & ELCIC reading: Exodus 1:8 - 2:10

Psalm 124 or Psalm 138
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 138:1-8
United Methodist & ELCIC reading: Psalm 124

Romans 12:1-8
Roman Catholic reading: Romans 11:33-36

Matthew 16:13-20

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Lectionary readings from the Episcopal Lectionary: BCP - RCL.
  • Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings (NCCB/USCC) from the New American Bible.
  • 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:
    • Peter
    • Baby Moses
  • Movies/scenes listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Suffering Servant
    • Sacrificial Death/Sacrifice
    • Moses/Exodus
    • Redemption/Redeemer Figures
• 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.
  • Preaching This Week at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary. Commentaries on lectionary readings by Richard W. Nysse, Dennis Olson, Mark Reasoner, Marilyn Salmon.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Ordinary 21, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Proper 16, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Proper 16, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • Preaching Helps (Pentecost +15, 2008). United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • "Courageous Women," Kate Huey, Weekly Seeds, iucc.org.
  • Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Proper 16, 2008, Bruce G. Epperly, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
  • Jesus Now, Proper (Ordinary) 21A, lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • "Living Sacrifice," Proper 16, 2008, Sea Raven, Liberal Christian Commentary.
  • "Life in Christian Community," Resources for Prophetic Worship, Speaking to North Carolina Justice Issues, North Carolina Council of Churches, 2008.
  • Liberal Lectionary Analysis, Pentecost +15, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • Text Studies, Proper 16, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
  • SAMUEL, Pentecost +15, 2008, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Lectionary Study, August 24, 2008, Dr. Robert Linthicum, Partners in Urban Transformation.
  • Readings, Analysis of Text and Preaching Paths from Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • Sermon Nuggets, Pentecost 15A, 2008, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
  • Rumors, for August 24, 2008, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
  • Starters for Sunday, 24 August, 2008. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • "Recognising the Messiah," The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2008.
• 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.
  • Exodus 1:8 - 2:10 / Isaiah 51:1-6
  • Psalm 124 / Psalm 138
  • Romans 12:1-8
  • Matthew 16:13-20
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • "Who You Are," Blogging toward Sunday, Kristin Swenson, Theolog: The Blog of The Christian Century, 2008.
  • Sermon Brainwave. Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Karoline Lewis, David Lose and Matthew Skinner discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org.
  • Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, What are we supposed to do edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2008.
  • "The Thin Man," The Painted Prayerbook, Word & Image & Faith. Jan Richardson, 2008.
  • "Positively Maladjusted: Martin Luther King and 'Transformed Nonconformity,'" The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2008.
  • "Compassion over Law," Daniel Deffenbaugh, Seeds of Shalom, 2008.
  • "Do Not Be Conformed," Laurel A. Dykstra, "Lives and Fishes," Living the Word, Sojourners Online, 2008.
  • "Who?" Lane Denson III, Out of Nowhere, 2008.
  • "Things Are Not As They Seem," Rev. Dr. David Neil Mosser, lectionary reflections for August, The Living Pulpit, 2008.
  • "Saving Waters," Linda Thomas, Deborah Appler, Mona West, Out In Scripture: An Honest Encounter Between Our Lives and the Bible, Human Rights Campaign, 2008. (LGBT perspective)
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Proper 16. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church, 2005.
  • Daily Reflection, Ordinary 21, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2008.
  • "Conform or Transform?" Sharron R. Lucas, Stewardship of Life Institute, ELCA, 2008.
  • "Who Do You Say That I Am?" guest essay by Henry French, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2005.
  • The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2005.
  • "Midwife's Tale," Cynthia A Jarvis, The Christian Century, 2002.
  • Living the Word by Jim and Shelley Douglass. Lectionary based scripture commentary from Sojourners OnLine, 1996.
  • "Living as God's Beloved," by Kari Jo Verhulst. Living the Word lectionary-based scripture commentary from Sojourners Online, 2002.
  • "Two Divine Promises," commentary by Luke Timothy Johnson in The Christian Century, 1990. 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)
  • "How Do We Know What God Is Like?" The Very Rev. Dr. Ian Markham, Day 1, 2008.
  • Selected Sermon, Proper 16A (RCL), the Rev. Bud Holland, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2008.
  • Selected Sermon, Proper 16, the Rev. James Liggett in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2005.
  • "A Shifting Rock," John R Donahue, SJ, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2002.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:

  	Lectionary Notes, Pentecost 15, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
  	"Gifts of New Music," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Singing Our Lives," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2006. (Romans 12)
  	"Heavenly Hunger," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Food and Hunger," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2004. (Romans 12)
  	"Bolt from the Blue at the Olympics," Faith Lens, a weekly Bible study/discussion for youth, linking a current news story and lectionary texts. ELCA, 2008.
  	"Declare Christ," John and Robin McCullough-Bade, Daily Discipleship Bible Study, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 2008.
  	Proclaiming Faith, Ordinary 21, 2008 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  	Lesson Plans That Work, Adults, Late Summer, Year A, The Episcopal Church, 2008.
  	Bible Study - Ordinary Time 21 - 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 Pentecost Resources Page contains resources and images.
• Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
  • Worship Planning Helps (Pentecost +15, 2008): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Gathering, Pentecost +15, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
  • LCA Worship Resources, Proper 16, includes liturgy, hymn suggestions, notes on the readings, visuals, drama, "Talking with Children," etc. Lutheran Church of Australia.
  • Worship Resources, Pentecost +15, 2008, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Who Is This Man?" Proper 16, 2008. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • "Life in Christian Community," Resources for Prophetic Worship, Speaking to North Carolina Justice Issues, North Carolina Council of Churches, 2008.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Ordinary 21, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Ordinary 21, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Spera in Deo, 15th Sunday after Pentecost. Resources for the Traditional Latin Mass.
  • "Peter's Confession of FAITH - a Lesson for Leaders!" Ordinary 21. A New Presentation for Sunday's Liturgy, Claretian Communications, Philippines. Includes Flash presentation.
  • Liturgies Online, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Pentecost 15A. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, The Uniting Church of St James Curtin, ACT.
  • "Authority is Service," The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2008.
  • Sermons and Liturgies for Year A, Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of Canada.
• Prayers, Prefaces, Litanies, etc:
  • Laughing Bird Liturgical Resources, 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.
  • Lector's Notes, OT 21, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • Prayers of the People, P16/OT21, General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
  • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
  • Worship Resources (prayers, etc.), Proper 16A, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
  • 21st Century Africana Liturgical Resources, Pentecost +15, 2008, Tony Peterson, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Starters for Sunday, 24 August, 2008. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • Offertory Prayers for August, 2008, David S. Bell, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 21, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • "A Prayer for Pentecost 15," Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer.
  • "Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand. (Roman Catholic.)
  • 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, Ordinary 21, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: Matthew 16:13-20, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Ordinary 21 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, Pentecost 15, Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Who Is This Man?" Proper 16, 2008. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • "The Thin Man," The Painted Prayerbook, Word & Image & Faith. Jan Richardson, 2008.
• Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
  • SAMUEL at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Pentecost +15, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • "Who Do You Say I Am?" reflection by Barbara Berstengel, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
  • Lectionary Introductions (background & context), Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • "One Word Created," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn.
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Proper 16A, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Lectionary Hymns, Pentecost +15, 2008, United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, 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, Pentecost +15, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
    • Starters for Sunday, 24 August, 2008. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
    • Together to Celebrate, August 24, 2008, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 21, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Proper 16A, 2008, Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
    • Sing for Joy, Pentecost 15A, 2008. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
• Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Lectionary Puzzles, Proper 16. 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, Pentecost +15, 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, Early Summer, Year A, The Episcopal Church, 2008.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Ordinary 21, 2008 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • "Back to School," Sermon of the Week, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
  • Story for Children's Worship and Family Activity, Ordinary 21, at word-sunday.com: A Catholic Resource for the Lectionary by Larry Broding.
  • "Broken Is Still Valuable," Richard J. Fairchild (scroll down in liturgy).
  • "Who Is This Man?" Children's Sermon from Sermons4kids.com.
• 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.