Proper 16B/Ordinary 21B/Pentecost 12
August 23, 2009

With thanks to page sponsor:
Larry Warren.
"As I retire this day
I want to honor and thank those
who have been my partners in preaching
by their patient, expectant listening
for the last forty years."
(0910)

Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources:

1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11), 22-30, 41-43 or Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18
Roman Catholic reading: Joshua 24:1-2, 16-17, 18
United Methodist reading: 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11), 22-30, 41-43

Psalm 84 or Psalm 34:15-22
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 34:2-23
United Methodist reading: Psalm 84

Ephesians 6:10-20
Roman Catholic reading: Ephesians 5:21-32

John 6:56-69
Roman Catholic reading: John 6:60-69

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • NRSV Illustrated lectionary readings at 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.
  • 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:
    • Solomon
  • Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Confrontation with Evil
    • Spiritual Struggle
    • Alternate Realities/Powers
    • Wisdom
• 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 Sara Koenig, Kathryn Schifferdecker, James K. Mead, Susan Hylen, and Brian Peterson.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Ordinary 21, 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.
  • "At Home with God," Kate Huey, Weekly Seeds, i.UCC.org, 2009.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Proper 16, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Proper 16, 2009, Bruce G. Epperly, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • Preaching Helps (Pentecost +12, 2009). United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Commentary and Reflections, Pentecost 12B, Lawrence Moore, Disclosing New Worlds, 2009.
  • Liberal Lectionary Analysis, Pentecost +12, 2009, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • Jesus Now, Proper 16B. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • "Bread of Life IV - Covenant: The Whole Armor of God," Proper 16, 2009, Sea Raven, Liberal Christian Commentary.
  • Sermon Nuggets, Pentecost 12, 2009, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
  • Rumors, for August 23, 2009, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
  • "Does This Offend You?" Charlene E. Fairchild, Collects, Comments and Conversation.
  • Lectionary Study, Ordinary 21, Dr. Robert Linthicum, Partners in Urban Transformation, 2009.
  • SAMUEL, Pentecost +12, 2009, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • Text Studies, Proper 16, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
  • "Choose Today," The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2009.
  • Starters for Sunday, 23 August, 2009. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
• Lists of recommended articles are available with ATLAS subscription for these texts:
  • 1 Kings 8:1-43 - Joshua 24:1-18
  • Psalm 84 - Psalm 34
  • Ephesians 6:10-20
  • John 6:56-69
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • "Jesus Is Abandoned," Barbara Cawthorne Crafton, Blogging toward Sunday, Theolog: The Blog of The Christian Century, 2009.
  • Sermon Brainwave. Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Karoline Lewis, David Lose and Matt Skinner, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org, 2009.
  • Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, the whole armour of God, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2009.
  • Sermon Starters, Ordinary Time, 2009, Mandy Sloan Flemming, United Methodist Church Circuit Rider.
  • Think About It, Sermon Notes/Themes on current topics with complimentary PowerPoint images, Rev. Dorothy Okray.
  • "Beyond Everything Familiar," Marti J. Steussy, Helene Tallon Russell, Charles W. Allen, Out In Scripture: An Honest Encounter Between Our Lives and the Bible, Human Rights Campaign, 2009. (LGBT perspective)
  • "No More! 'Many Disciples Deserted Jesus,'" The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2009.
  • "Armor for Waging Reconciliation," Liz Zivanov, "Proclaiming Gospel Justice: Reflections on the Scriptures and Progressive Spirituality," The Witness, 2006.
  • "What to Wear in Battle," Doug Lee, The Ekklesia Project, 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 Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2009.
  • Ordinary 21, Laura Norvell, Grounded & Rooted in Love, 2009.
  • "To Whom Can We Go?" Pastor Sharron R. Lucas, Stewardship of Life Institute, 2009.
  • This Sunday's Readings, 11th Sunday after Trinity, Martin Warner, Church Times, 2009.
  • Daily Reflection, Ordinary 21, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2009.
  • Articles at The Christian Century:
    • "Essential Question," Cynthia M. Campbell, 2006.
    • "Roll Call," John Ortberg, 2003.
    • "Decisions," Heidi Husted, 2000.
  • Sojourners "Living the Word," archives:
    • "Center and Sustenance," Michaela Bruzzese, "From Bread to Body," 2009.
    • "Standing at the Door," Robert Roth, "A Secular or Sacred Witness?," 2006.
    • "'We Will Serve the Lord,'" Michaela Bruzzese, "Living Bread," 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.
• Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • "Words of Eternal Life," the Rev. Dr. David Lose, Day 1, 2009.
  • Sermon for Pentecost 12B, Revd Dr. Lance Stone, disclosing new worlds, 2009.
  • Sermons that Work, Proper 16 (RCL), Katerina Whitley, ECUSA, 2009.
  • "To Whom Shall We Go?" Dianne Bergant, CSA, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2003.
  • "Crunch Time," John R. Donahue, SJ, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2000.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • Lectionary Notes, Proper 16, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
  • "Peace with Our Enemies," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Peace and War," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2004. (Ephesians 6)
  • "Peace and Justice in the Qur'an," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Christianity and Islam," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2005. (Psalm 34)
  • "Focused or Uncertain?" The Choices of Discipleship, John and Robin McCullough-Bade, Daily Discipleship Bible Study, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 2009.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Ordinary 21, 2009 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • Lesson Plans That Work, Adults, Propers 11-16, Year B, The Episcopal Church.
  • 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 +12, 2009): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Gathering, Pentecost +12, 2009, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
  • Worship Resources, Pentecost 11, 12 & 13, 2009, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Grace of God/Prayer/God's Armour," Proper 16, 2009. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Ordinary 21, 2009, Peace-full liturgy for August 23, 2009, focus on Ephesians text, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Pentecost 12B, 2009. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Worship Resources, Proper 16B, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Ordinary 21, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Liturgies Online, Pentecost 12, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • "To Whom Else Can We Go?" The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2009.
  • 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 - Proper 16/Ordinary 21. General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
  • Outside the Box, litanies, poems and prayers written for the local church, by Katherine Hawker.
  • Lector's Notes, Ordinary 21, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Offertory Prayers for August, 2009, David S. Bell, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • 21st Century Worship Resources, Pentecost +12, Kwasi Kena, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • A Prayer for Pentecost 12, Rev. Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer, 2009.
  • "Offerings of Praise," Service Prayers and Ideas, Pentecost 12, 2009. Worship Ways, UCC.
  • Starters for Sunday, 23 August, 2009. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 21, 2009. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Grace of God/Prayer/God's Armour," Proper 16, 2009. (Psalm 84 as a call to worship) A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Meditation Prompts and Prayers, "Do You Also Wish To Go Away?" Proper 16B, 2009. Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure.
  • Sunday Prayer, MomPriest, RevGalBlogPals, 2009.
• Graphics and Multimedia (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • HermanoLeón Clipart, Ordinary 21B. 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: John 6:60-69, 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.
  • 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, "Grace of God/Prayer/God's Armour," Proper 16, 2009. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Commercial Site: "Bread of Life,", "Armor of God," Visual Liturgy/Film, The Work of the People.
  • CHURCH PowerPoint, Pentecost 12, 2009. Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services.
  • Bulletin Cover/Art, John 6:68, Psalm 34, Psalm 84, John Stuart, Knoxville, TN. (Free use by churches.)
• Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
  • SAMUEL, Pentecost +12, 2009, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Pentecost +12, 2009, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • "A Universal Condition," reflection by Rev. K. Jason Coker, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • Hymn for Pentecost 12B, Alan Hinton, 8.7.8.7.8.7. (Rhuddlan), Disclosing New Worlds, 2009.
    • "Choices," Brenton Prigge, 8.6.8.4, New Hymn, 2006.
    • "Fight the Good Fight," Brenton Prigge, 11.11.11.11 and refrain, New Hymn, 2005.
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Proper 16B, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
  • Psalm Settings:
    • Psalm 84, Deanna Witowski, The Emergent Psalter, 2009.
    • Psalm 84 set to Eventide (10 10 10 10), Psalm 34:15-22 set to St Thomas (SM 66 86), Psalm Settings by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms.
    • Psalm 84, the Psalmistry: original Christian sheet music, lyrics, guitar chords, midi, mp3 files. See Terms of Use.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Pentecost 12, 2009, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
    • Lectionary Hymns, Pentecost +12, 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, Ordinary 21B, 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 21B, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Suggested Hymns from the New Century Hymnal, United Church of Christ, 2009.
    • Gathering, Pentecost +12, 2009, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
    • Together to Celebrate, Pentecost 12, 2009, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
    • Starters for Sunday, 23 August, 2009. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 21, 2009. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
    • Sing for Joy, Lectionary 21, 2009. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Gathering, Pentecost +12, 2009, 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, Propers 11-16, Year B, The Episcopal Church.
  • Story for Children's Worship and Family Activity, Ordinary 21, at word-sunday.com: A Catholic Resource for the Lectionary by Larry Broding.
  • "Ready to Play," "Symbols of Faithfulness," Children's Time, in Sermons and Liturgies. Richard J. Fairchild. (Scroll down in liturgies to find Children's Time.)
  • Proclaiming Faith, Ordinary 21, 2009 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • "Junk Food Christians," Children's Sermon from Sermons4kids.com.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Grace of God/Prayer/God's Armour," Proper 16, 2009. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
• 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.