Epiphany 4B

Epiphany 4B
January 29, 2012
With thanks to page sponsor:
St. Thomas à Becket Episcopal Church, Morgantown, WV
The Very Rev. Julie B. Murdoch, Rector

Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources:

Psalm 111
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 95:1-9

1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Roman Catholic reading: 1 Corinthians 7:32-35

Mark 1:21-28

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

Texts:
- NRSV Lectionary readings from Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings 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.
- Episcopal Lectionary: BCP - RCL.
- Lutheran lectionary readings, Year B, from the ELCA site.
- United Methodist lectionary readings, Year B.
- Biblical Passages for Mennonite Bulletins, Year B.
- 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.
- PCUSA - Daily/Weekly Lectionary Readings.
Images and Movies:
- Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
  - Healing
- Movies Linked 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 Helps (Epiphany 4). Safiyah Fosua, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2012.
- Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Ordinary 4, 2012. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
- Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Epiphany 4, 2012, Bruce G. Epperly, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
- Starters for Sunday, 29 January 2012. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
- Ministry Matters, Epiphany 4B, 2012.
- The Lectionary Lab, Epiphany 4, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2012.
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- Preaching This Week at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2009. Commentaries on lectionary readings by Beth Tanner, Arland J. Hultgren, Stephen Hultgren, Nancy deClaissé-Walford.
- Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Epiphany 4, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
- Preaching Peace commentary, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
- John Shearman's Lectionary, Epiphany 4B, 2009, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
- Jesus Now, Epiphany 4B. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
- Preaching Helps, First Sunday of Advent through Transfiguration of Our Lord, Year B, Robert H. Smith, John Rollefson, Richard Rollefson, Currents in Theology and Mission, 2002.
- Rumors, for February 1, 2009, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
- Text Studies, Epiphany 4-B, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
- Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
- This Week at PreachingIllustrations.com, 2012.
- Social Justice Lectionary, Bruce Sweet, 2012.
- Stewardship Sermon Starter, Stewardship Now. ELCA, 2012.
- World Hunger Sermon Starters, ELCA, 2012.
- The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2012.
- Lectionary at Lunch: MP3, Windows Media, and Real Audio files of lectures by professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS), 2012.
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. 2012.
- Homiletical Hot Tub, preaching blog at Lectionary Homiletics, 2012.
- The Good Word, A Blog on Scripture and Preaching, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2012.
- Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2012.
- "Possessed," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2012.
- "Where's the Beef?" Rick Morley, 2012.
- Daily Reflection, Ordinary 4, 2012, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University. Reflexiones Dominicales en español.
- Sermon Notes for January 29, Michael Rich, In-Formatio, 2012.
- 10 Minute Worship Blog, Epiphany 4, Dan Bollerud, 10 minute commuter mp3 worship, 2012.
- "Not Limp, Tame, Cautious or Safe," Larry Patten, 2012.
- HuffPost Religion, religion news and contemporary news in religious perspective. Always worth a read...
- Break Open the Word, Michael T. Hiller, 2012.
- One Little Word, David J. Risendal, 2012.
- Weekly Reading, Anthony B. Robinson, 2012.
- Hitchhiker's Guide to the Bible, Andy Doyle, Episcopal Dicese of Texas, 2012.
- The River of Life, Loddon Mallee UCA Presbytery Blog, 2012.
- Quadratos, Alexander J. Shaia, 2012.
- The Hardest Question, 2012.
- Visual Theology, Faithful Images, Dave Perry, reflections and images usually tied to RCL texts, 2012.
- Sunday's Child, Daily Lectionary and Reflections on Scripture and World, Una Malachica, 2012.
- Kairos-Milwaukee UCC Blog, Reflections on the RCL by Rev. Rick Skidmore, 2012.
- Stillspeaking Daily Devotional, UCC.org. Daily devotional for Twitter. (Daily RCL)
- Unfolding Light, Daily Reflections leading toward Sunday readings, Steve Garnaas-Holmes, 2012.
- Weekly Reflections on the Christian Faith (lectionary texts), conversations between Mark Smith and David Owen, England Public School Chaplains. 2012
- Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Dialogue, Wesley White, 2012.
- Church in the World, Steve Godfrey, 2012.
- Living the Lectionary, Daily RCL reflections, Pr. Phil Heinze, Fort Worth, TX, 2012.
- The Preacher's Exchange - First Impressions and Homilias Domincales / Homilias Breves. Jude Siciliano, O.P., 2012.
- SacraConversazione, discussion of the texts in terms of traditions of interpreters, from a postmodern perspective, 2012.
- COSLC Grace Notes, Pastor Dan Bollerud, Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Anchorage, AK. Meditations & poetry, 2012.
- Lectionary Scripture Notes, Dr. Norman Beck.
- Panoramic Views of Faith and Health, Butch Odom. Daily lectionary thoughts and prayer, 2012.
- "Calling Our Attention to God," Donna M. Prince, Ann Holmes Redding, Judith Hoch Wray, Out In Scripture: An Honest Encounter Between Our Lives and the Bible, Human Rights Campaign, 2009. (LGBT perspective)
- "Who Speaks for God?" The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2009.
- Dylan's Lectionary Blog. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church, 2006.
- "The Cause of Their Falling," Daniel Deffenbaugh, Seeds of Shalom, 2009.
- "The Miracle of Compassion and God's Liberating Authority," A.K.M. Adam, "Proclaiming Gospel Justice: Reflections on the Scriptures and Progressive Spirituality," The Witness, 2006.
- The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2006.
- Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
- Sunday by Sunday, Reflections on Stewardship based on the RCL Gospels, Year B. Prepared by the Reverend Michael Pollesel, Stewardship Education Coordinator, Diocese of Ontario.
- "Living the Word," at Sojourners:
  - "Freedom and Obedience," Enuma Okoro, "The Freedom to Choose Life," 2012.
  - "Building with Love," Michaela Bruzzese, "Listen to Him!" 2009.
  - "Praxes," Robert Roth, "Making a Moment," 2006.
- Articles from The Christian Century:
  - "Spellbound," Ray Rhoads, 2006.
  - "Called to Order," Paul Keim, 2003.
  - "Sins and Sensibilities," Mary W. Anderson, 2000.
  - "Strength Revealed as Weakness," Susan B.W. Johnson, 1997.
Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
- Ministry Matters, Epiphany 4B, 2012.
- Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2012.
- Sermons That Work, Epiphany 4B, Rev. Dr. Frank Hegedus, Episcopal Digital Network, 2012.
- "A Space with a Different Spirit," Epiphany 4B, Revd Dr. Lance Stone, Emmanuel United Reformed Church, Cambridge, 2009.
- "Sermon for the 4th Sunday after Epiphany," the Rt. Rev. William Burrill, Day 1, 2000.
Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- Lectionary Notes, Epiphany 4, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
- "Jesus as Healer," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Health," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2007. (Mark 1)
- "Sharing Wisdom as an Act of Love," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Where Wisdom is Found," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2009. (Psalm 111) Focus article, "Sharing Wisdom as an Act of Love," David Lyle Jeffrey.
- "An Attitude of Discipleship: Openness," John and Robin McCullough-Bade, Daily Discipleship Bible Study, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 2009.
- Bible Study - 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, 2012.
- The Worship Closet, Epiphany 4B, Creative Worship Ideas, 2012.
- Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Epiphany 4B, 2012. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2012. (Terms of Use)
- LCA Worship Planning Page, Epiphany +4, 2012, "Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship".
- Ministry Matters, Epiphany 4B, 2012.
- Worship Resources, Epiphany 4B, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
- Mustard Seeds, "Power and Authority," Epiphany 4B, 2012. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia
- Liturgies Online, Epiphany 4, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Worship and Liturgy Resources, Ordinary 4 - Epiphany 4, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Sermons and Liturgies for Year B, 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.
- Prayers of the People, Year B - Epiphany 4. General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
- Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
- "Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
- Meditation Prompts and Prayers, Epiphany 4B, 2009. Suzanne Guthrie, At the End of Enclosure.
- Prayer for Epiphany 4, Healing Prayers, MomPriest, RevGalBlogPals, 2009.
- Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- 21st Century Worship Resources, Epiphany 4, UMC GBOD, 2012.
- Offertory Prayers, Epiphany 4, UMC GBOD, 2012.
- Starters for Sunday, 29 January 2012. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
- The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 111, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2012.
- Call to Worship, January 29, 2012, Mary Jane Konings, Timaru, New Zealand.
- "Commanding Unclean Spirits," Dan Schifeling, Worshipcalls, 2012.
- Confession RCL, Bill Wessner, 2012.
- Prayers of the People for All Epiphany, Rick Morley, 2012.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 4, 2012. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
- 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.
- HermanoLeón Clipart, Ordinary 4. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
- Clip Art Images: Mark 1:21-28, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
- 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.
- Clip Art, Ordinary B4, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
- Images for this week's readings, Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
- Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year B index.
- Mustard Seeds, "Power and Authority," Epiphany 4B, 2012. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia
- 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):
- "Seeing God through Christ," reflection by Dorette Saunders, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center. (pdf)
Hymns and Music:
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
  - "Awesome," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn.
  - Hymns of the Spirit Three, Epiphany 4B, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
- Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
  - Hymn and Song Suggestions, Epiphany 4B, 2012, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
  - Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
  - Lectionary Hymns, Epiphany 4, UMC GBOD, 2012.
  - Lectionary Hymns, Ordinary 4B, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
  - Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
  - The Billabong by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
  - Choral Anthem Project, Ordinary 4B, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
  - Sing for Joy, Epiphany 4, 2009. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
  - Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2012. (Terms of Use)
  - Starters for Sunday, 29 January 2012. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland
  - Together to Celebrate, January 29, 2012, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
  - Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 4, 2012. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. Español.
With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
- "Children's Literature: A Resource for Ministry," January 29, 2012, Union Presbyterian Seminary. Connections: Deuteronomy 18:15-20 and The Prophet of Yonwood by Jeanne DuPrau, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 and Gluskabe and the Four Wishes retold by Joseph Bruchac, Mark 1:21-28 and Riding to Washington by Gwenyth Swain.
- Worshiping with Children, Epiphany 4B, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2012.
- "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
- Ministry Matters, Epiphany 4B, 2012.
- Faith Formation Journeys, Epiphany 4B, childrens sermon, 2012.
- "Cleaning Out the Icks" (Mark 1: 21-28), Children's Sermon for January 29, 2012, from Anna's Hosannas.
- "Power, Authority and Love," "Rock, Scissors, Paper," Children's Time, in Sermons and Liturgies. Richard J. Fairchild. (Scroll down in liturgies to find Children's Time.)
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2012. (Terms of Use)
- "Love Builds Up," Anna's Hosannas, 2012.
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 by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text (html) formats.
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.