Day of Pentecost B
May 31, 2009

With thanks to page sponsor:
Larry Hansen,
Cana House.
(0910)

Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources:

Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14
Roman Catholic reading: Acts 2:1-21
United Methodist reading: Acts 2:1-21

Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 104:1-34
Episcopal reading (RCL): Psalm 104:25-35, 37

Romans 8:22-27 or Acts 2:1-21
Roman Catholic reading: 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13

John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Roman Catholic reading: John 20:19-23

Possible Themes: Unity, Holy Spirit, Breath-Wind, Church, Pentecost, Power, Sin-Righteousness-Judgment, New Life, Renewal

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • NRSV Illustrated lectionary readings from Vanderbilt Divinty 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.
  • Lectionary readings from the 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:
    • Pentecost/Holy Spirit
    • Ezekiel and the Dry Bones
  • Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Holy Spirit
• Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Preaching This Week at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2009. Commentaries on lectionary readings by Richard Jensen, Matthew Stith, Elisabeth Johnson, and Sharon H. Ringe.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Pentecost B, 2009. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • "Spirit for All," Kate Huey, Weekly Seeds, iucc.org, 2009.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Pentecost, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • Preaching Helps (Day of Pentecost, 2009). United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Lectionary Commentary, Worship Resource, Cultural Resource, Pentecost Sunday, The African American Lectionary, 2009.
  • "The Death Penalty," Resources for Prophetic Worship, Speaking to North Carolina Justice Issues, North Carolina Council of Churches, 2006.
  • Jesus Now, Pentecost. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • "Are You In?" Pentecost, 2009, Sea Raven, Liberal Christian Commentary.
  • Commentary and Reflections, Pentecost B, Lawrence Moore, Disclosing New Worlds, 2009.
  • Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Pentecost, 2009, Jeanyne Slettom, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
  • Lectionary Study, Pentecost, Dr. Robert Linthicum, Partners in Urban Transformation, 2009.
  • Sermon Nuggets, Pentecost, 2009, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
  • Rumors, for May 31, 2009, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
  • Liberal Lectionary Analysis, Pentecost, 2009, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • "The Day of Pentecost," The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2009.
  • SAMUEL, Pentecost Sunday, 2009, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Text Studies, Pentecost, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
  • Preaching Helps, Currents in Theology and Mission, 2003.
• Lists of recommended articles available with ATLAS subscription for these texts:
  • Acts 2:1-21 / Ezekiel 37:1-14
  • Psalm 104
  • Romans 8:22-27
  • John 15:26 - 16:15
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • "A Double Miracle," Donna Schaper, Blogging toward Sunday, Theolog: The Blog of The Christian Century, 2009.
  • Sermon Brainwave. Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Karoline Lewis, David Lose and Rolf Jacobson, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org, 2009.
  • Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, Unforgettable Fire Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2009.
  • "Spirit, Come! No More Dry Bones!" Deborah Appler, Miguel De La Torre, Norman Kansfield, Out In Scripture: An Honest Encounter Between Our Lives and the Bible, Human Rights Campaign, 2009. (LGBT perspective)
  • Sermon Starters, Season of Pentecost, 2009, Michael K. Turner, United Methodist Church Circuit Rider.
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church, 2006.
  • Pentecost:Fire and Breath, Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2008.
  • "For the Long Haul," Tom Woodward, "Proclaiming Gospel Justice: Reflections on the Scriptures and Progressive Spirituality," The Witness, 2006.
  • "The Descent of a Dove and the Peace of Pentecost," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2009. 2006.
  • The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2009.
  • "Pentecost: Wind of Spirit and Seeds of Hope," Pastor Sharron R. Lucas, Stewardship of Life Insitute, ELCA, 2009.
  • This Sunday's Readings, Pentecost B, Martin Warner, Church Times, 2009.
  • Daily Reflection, Pentecost, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2009.
  • "Apokatastasis and the Birthday of the Church," Jessie Larkins, The Ekklesia Project, 2009.
  • "Breath," Lane Denson III, Out of Nowhere, 2009.
  • The Work of the Holy Spirit, General Assembly United Presbyterian Church, USA, 1970.
  • Articles from The Christian Century:
    • "Radical Reliance," Rob Merola, 2006.
    • "Fire in the Dark," Mark Harris, 2005.
    • "Coming into Focus," Bill O'Brien, 2003.
    • "Hitting the Road," Suzanne Guthrie, 2001.
    • "Windblown," Jim Callahan, 2000.
    • "Pentecost for the World," F. Dean Lueking, 1997.
    • "These Bones Shall Live," Walter Wink, 1994.
    • "The Unruly Spirit," Beverly Gaventa, 1993.
  • "Living the Word," at Sojourners:
    • "Choosing to Be Born Again," Michaela Bruzzese, "Be Still and Know," 2009.
    • "Full Circle," Michaela Bruzzese, "Christian Community 101," 2009.
    • "Birth or Control?" Robert Roth, "Not Drunk, Just Not Sober," 2006.
    • "The Spirit of Truth," Michaela Bruzzese, "Peace Be With You," 2003.
  • 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.
  • Stewardship Sermon Starter, Stewardship at the Heart of the Lectionary. ELCA, 2009.
  • World Hunger Sermon Starters, ELCA, 2009.
  • 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).
• Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • "The Church's Hope," the Rev. Dr. Fred R. Anderson, Day 1, 2009.
  • Pentecost Sermons, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
  • Selected Sermon, Pentecost (RCL), the Rev. Suzanne E. Watson, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2009.
  • Sermon for Pentecost B, Rev Lis Mullen, Carver United Reformed Church, Windermere. disclosing new worlds, 2009.
  • "Breathing Deeply," the Rev. Shannon Johnson Kershner, Day 1, 2006.
  • "What's Gotten into You?" Dianne Bergant, CSA, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2003.
  • "A Living God Present in Spirit and Power," John R. Donahue, SJ, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2000.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • Lectionary Notes, Pentecost Sunday, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
  • "Female Preaching in Early Nineteenth-Century America," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Women and the Church," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2009. Focus article: "Women in Ministry: Beyond the Impasse," Catherine A. Brekus. (Acts 2)
  • "Our Deepest Prayer," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Prayer," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2009. (Romans 8)
  • "Spirit-filled or Spirit-emptied?" The Choices of Discipleship, John and Robin McCullough-Bade, Daily Discipleship Bible Study, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 2009.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Pentecost, 2009 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Younger Children & Older Children, Pentecost, Year B, The Episcopal Church, 2009.
  • Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Adults, Pentecost, Year B, The Episcopal Church, 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. (Scroll down past chart of CEV 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.
• Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
  • Worship Planning Helps (Pentecost, 2009): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Gathering, Pentecost, 2009, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
  • Worship Resources, Pentecost Sunday, 2009, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection.
  • Mustard Seeds, "I Will Give My Spirit To Everyone," Pentecost B, 2009. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia. 2006.
  • Worship Resource, Cultural Resource, Pentecost Sunday, The African American Lectionary, 2009.
  • "The Death Penalty," Resources for Prophetic Worship, Speaking to North Carolina Justice Issues, North Carolina Council of Churches, 2006.
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Pentecost, 2009. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Pentecost B, 2009, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • A Communion Liturgy for Pentecost Sunday, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Pentecost, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • "Disciples Empowered," The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2009.
  • Liturgy for the Day of Pentecost, and The Vigil of Pentecost, Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
  • Liturgies Online, Pentecost, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Sermons and Liturgies for Year B, Richard J. Fairchild, United Church of Canada.
  • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
• 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 - Day of Pentecost. General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
  • Outside the Box, Pentecost Day, litanies, poems and prayers written for the local church, by Katherine Hawker.
  • Lector's Notes: Vigil of Pentecost / Day of Pentecost, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • A Prayer for Pentecost, Theresa Coleman, reverend mommy's random thoughts.
  • Pentecost Fire, a 21st Century Worship Resource for Pentecost, Safiyah Fosua, United Methodist Church GBOD, 2009.
  • A Call to Worship for Pentecost Sunday, a 21st Century Worship Resource, the Rev. Nathan Decker, United Methodist Church GBOD, 2009.
  • 21st Century Africana Liturgy Resources, Day of Pentecost, Ciona Rouse, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • 21st Century Worship Resources for the Day of Pentecost, the Rev. Dr. LaGretta Bjorn, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • Offertory Prayers for May, 2009, David S. Bell, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • Worship Resources, Ascension & Pentecost, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
  • A Prayer for Pentecost Sunday, Rev. Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer, 2009.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Pentecost, 2009. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • "Liturgy: prayers reflection," reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand: Day of Pentecost Vigil / Day of Pentecost.
  • Meditation Prompts and Prayers, Pentecost Day, 2009. Suzanne Guthrie, At the End of Enclosure.
  • Prayer for Pentecost Sunday, Revabi, RevGalBlogPals, 2009.
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
• Graphics & Multimedia:
  • Hermanoleon Clipart, Pentecost. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
  • Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
  • Clip Art Images: Pentecost, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Pentecost B 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.
  • 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.
  • CHURCH PowerPoint, Pentecost Day B, Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services.
  • Commercial Site: Pentecost (Visual Liturgy), Films for Pentecost, The Work of the People.
  • Mustard Seeds, "I Will Give My Spirit To Everyone," Pentecost B, 2009. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia. 2006.
  • PowerPoint Slides for Pentecost, Bulletin Cover Art for Pentecost, Will Humes, Word & Table, 2009.
  • Scripture Pics, Weekly RCL-related image.
  • Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
• Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
  • SAMUEL, Pentecost Sunday, 2009, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Pentecost, 2009, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • "God's Power to Do the Impossible!" reflection by Rev. Allen Paul Weaver III, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • Hymn for Pentecost Day B, Alan Hinton, 11.11.11.11 possible tune: Away in a Manger, Disclosing New Worlds, 2009.
    • "On the Day of Pentecost," words by F. Richard Garland, music by Alan Brown, 2009. United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • "What's This Fire?" Hymn for Pentecost, John R. Kleinheksel, Sr., United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • "God, Give Us Vision," W. Richard Turner, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Pentecost, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Lectionary Hymns, Pentecost, 2009, United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
    • Lectionary Hymns, Vigil of Pentecost, Pentecost, 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, Vigil of Pentecost, Pentecost, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Gathering, Pentecost, 2009, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
    • Together to Celebrate, Pentecost, 2009, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
    • Suggested Hymns from the New Century Hymnal, United Church of Christ, 2009.
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Pentecost, 2009. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
    • Sing for Joy, Pentecost, 2009. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Pentecost, 2009, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
  • Gathering, Pentecost, 2009, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
  • Mustard Seeds, "I Will Give My Spirit To Everyone," Pentecost B, 2009. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia. 2006.
  • Story for Children's Worship and Family Activity, Pentecost, at word-sunday.com: A Catholic Resource for the Lectionary by Larry Broding.
  • "The Breath of Life," Children's Time, in Sermons and Liturgies. Richard J. Fairchild. (Scroll down in liturgies to find Children's Time.)
  • Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Younger Children & Older Children, Pentecost, Year B, The Episcopal Church, 2009.
  • Ideas and Talks for Pentecost, Talks to Children, Rev. Donald McCorkindale, Dalgety Parish Church, Fife, Scotland.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Pentecost, 2009 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
• Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top 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.