Transfiguration B - Last Epiphany
February 19, 2012
With thanks to page sponsor:
Sermon Starters Group
at Grace UMC Rockford, IL
& Rev. David Aslesen

Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources:
Image: Rick Morley
2 Kings 2:1-12
Roman Catholic
reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Psalm 50:1-6
Roman Catholic
reading: Psalm 97:1-9
2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Roman
Catholic reading: 2 Peter
1:16-19
Mark 9:2-9
Roman Catholic
reading: Mark 9:2-10
Reading and Studying the Text This Week
- Texts:
- 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:
- Transfiguration
- Elijah (includes images of Elijah's ascension)
- Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
- Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art
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 This Week commentary, Transfiguration, WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2012. 2009.
- "Thin Places," Kathryn Matthews Huey, ucc.org: Sermon Seeds, lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, bulletin back page, 2012.
- Preaching Helps (Last Epiphany/Transfiguration). Safiyah Fosua, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2012.
- Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Transfiguration Sunday, 2012, Bruce G. Epperly, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
- The Lectionary Lab, Epiphany 7, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2012.
- Lectionary Notes, Transfiguration Sunday, Beth Quick, 2012.
- Starters for Sunday, 19 February, 2012. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
- Radioactive glow -- Commentary for The Transfiguration, Wayne Brouwer, SermonSuite.
- Ministry Matters, Transfiguration, 2012.
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Transfiguration, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
- Preaching Peace commentary, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
- John Shearman's Lectionary, Transfiguration, 2009, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
- Jesus Now, Last Sunday after Epiphany. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
- Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
- Rumors, for February 22, 2009, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
- 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.
- 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, It's Almost Lent, It Must Be T-fig Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2012.
- "Visions on the Mountain," Barbara K. Lundblad, ON Scripture, 2012.
- "He Came Down," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2012.
- "A Glimpse of God-Light," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, ELCA, 2012.
- "Discerning Divine Judgment," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2012. 2009. 2006.
- "Lectionary Blogging," John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2012.
- "Holy Laundry," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2012.
- "The Soul Becomes All Eye," Suzanne Guthrie, Soulwork toward Sunday: At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2012.
- "The Stunning View Below the Surface," Todd Weir, bloomingcactus, 2012.
- "Spiritual Vertigo," Rick Morley, 2012.
- "A Poem for Transfiguration Sunday," David R Henson, Patheos, 2012.
- "Plastic Minds and Magic Eyes," Ragan Sutterfield, The Ekklesia Project, 2012.
- Sermon Notes for February 19, Michael Rich, In-Formatio, 2012.
- "Puzzling Over the Transfiguration," Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2012.
- "The Shining," Alyce McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, Patheos, 2012.
- This Sunday's Readings, Sunday next before Lent, Rosalind Brown, Church Times, 2012.
- "Peter's Failed Business Plan," Caspar Green, Scarlet Letter Bible, 2012.
- "Mentor," Miriam's Tambourine, Memphis Theological Seminary, 2012.
- Liberal Lectionary Resources, Rev. Mary Lautensleger, 2012.
- "To the Mountain Again," Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2012. Use of images.
- "A Time of Unveiling," Robert Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2012.
- Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, preachingtip, 2012.
- "Make Mine a Double," Michael Coffey, 2012.
- Lectionary Ruminations, Summit to Shore, 2012.
- "If you love it, you gotta put a plaque on it," Tim Good, The Naked Alien, 2012.
- Lectionary Ruminations, Summit to Shore, 2012.
- 10 Minute Worship Blog, Transfiguration, Dan Bollerud, 10 minute commuter mp3 worship, 2012.
- "My Father's Hands," 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 Diocese 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.
- "A Flash of Humanity," Wendell Miller, Penny Nixon, Randall Bailey, Out In Scripture: An Honest Encounter Between Our Lives and the Bible, Human Rights Campaign, 2009. (LGBT perspective)
- The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2009.
- "Light for the Journey," Debra Dean Murphy, The Ecclesia Project, 2009.
- "Preparing for the Season of Solidarity," Grant Gallup, "Proclaiming Gospel Justice: Reflections on the Scriptures and Progressive Spirituality," The Witness, 2006.
- Articles from The Christian Century:
- "Chariot of Fire," Martin B. Copenhaver, 2006.
- "Living the Word," at Sojourners:
- "Passing the Baton," Enuma Okoro, "Embracing the Powers That Be," 2012.
- "A Definitive Meaning," Michaela Bruzzese, "Listen to Him!" 2009.
- "Discretion," Robert Roth, "Healing People, Healing Nations," 2006.
- Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
- Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked
in listings at top of page):
- "A Different Kind of Dream," The Rev. Dr. Mike Graves, Day 1, 2012.
- Ministry Matters, Transfiguration, 2012.
- Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2012.
- "Epiphanies," Rev. Geoffrey Hoare, Day 1, 2009.
- Sermon for Transfiguration Sunday, the Rev. Susan Gamelin, Day 1, 2006.
- "Mountains, Valley and Plains," "Jesus Christ and Superman," "Visions on a Mountaintop," Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
- Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- "Thin Places," Weekly Seeds, UCC, 2012.
- "Pass It On," FaithElement discipleship system "setting the Bible free," 2012.
- "Transfiguration: Changed but Unchanged," Faith Lens, ELCA, 2012.
- Lectionary Notes, Transfiguration, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
- 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 (Last Epiphany / Transfiguration): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2012.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2012. (Terms of Use)
- The Worship Closet, Transfiguration B, Creative Worship Ideas, 2012.
- Worship Resources, February 19, 2012, Rev Mindi, Rev-o-lution.
- LCA Worship Planning Page, Transfiguration, 2012, "Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship".
- Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Transfiguration B, 2012. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Worship resources, Charles and Donna Cammarata, SermonSuite.
- Ministry Matters, Transfiguration, 2012.
- Mustard Seeds, "Being a Light in the Darkness/Staying Close to God," Transfiguration B, 2012. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Lectionary Liturgies, Transfiguration B, 2012, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- The Transfiguration of Our Lord, The Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, ELCA.
- Worship and Liturgy Resources, Transfiguration, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Liturgies Online, Transfiguration Year B, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, 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 Last. General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
- "Liturgy: prayers reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
- Meditation Prompts and Prayers, Last Epiphany, 2009. Suzanne Guthrie, At the End of Enclosure.
- Sunday Prayer, MomPriest, RevGalBlogPals, 2009.
- Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- Prayers of the People for All Epiphany, Rick Morley, 2012.
- Starters for Sunday, 19 February, 2012. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
- 21st Century Worship Resources, Transfiguration/Last Epiphany, UMC GBOD, 2012.
- Offertory Prayers, Transfiguration/Last Epiphany, UMC GBOD, 2012.
- The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 50:1-6, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2012.
- "Witness to Wonders," service prayers for Transfiguration B, Worship Ways, UCC, 2012. (list of rtf files)
- "Seeing God," Dan Schifeling, Worshipcalls, 2012.
- Confession RCL, Bill Wessner, 2012.
- "The Soul Becomes All Eye," Suzanne Guthrie, Soulwork toward Sunday: At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2012.
- Prayer for Transfiguration Sunday, Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia, 2012.
- "Mentor," Miriam's Tambourine, Memphis Theological Seminary, 2012.
- Prayer for Transfiguration Sunday, RevAbi, RevGalBlogPals, 2012.
- 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: Mark 9:2-9, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
- 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, "Being a Light in the Darkness/Staying Close to God," Transfiguration B, 2012. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- "To the Mountain Again," Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2012. Use of images.
- Transfiguration, Sufjan Stevens, You Tube, 2012.
- Transfiguration, inclusiveChrist worship clip, 2012.
- "Pass It On," FaithElement discipleship system "setting the Bible free," 2012.
- Church Galleries sample - free powerpoint download for this week's lectionary scripture(s).
- 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):
- "A Glimpse into the Divine Realm," reflection by Barbara Bernstengel, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center. (pdf)
- Hymns and Music:
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
- “O Lord, As You Were On Your Way,” Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s hymn celebrating the Transfiguration of the Lord. Tune: REPTON 8.6.8.8.6.6 (“How Clear Is Our Vocation, Lord”).
- "The Mountain," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn.
- "Transfigured," Jay C. Treat, The Christian Church in Pennsylvania.
- Hymns of the Spirit Three, Transfiguration, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
- Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
- Hymn and Song Suggestions, Transfiguration, 2012, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
- Lectionary Hymns, Last Epiphany/Transfiguration, UMC GBOD, 2012.
- Shepherd Sounds, Last Epiphany. 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 Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
- 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.
- Sing for Joy, Transfiguration/Last Epiphany, 2009. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
- Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
- Hymn and Song Suggestions, Transfiguration / Last Epiphany 2009, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
- Starters for Sunday, 19 February, 2012. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2012. (Terms of Use)
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
- With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
- "Children's Literature: A Resource for Ministry," February 19, 2012, Union Presbyterian Seminary. Connections: 2 Kings 2:1-12 and Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys by Fitzgerald Howard, 2 Corinthians 4:36 and Eleanor, Quiet No More: The Life of Eleanor Roosevelt by Doreen Rappaport, Mark 9:2-9 and Goose by Molly Bang.
- Worshiping with Children, Transfiguration B, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2012.
- "The Beloved," Mother Anne Emry, Sacred Story, 2012. Includes activities, children's church plans.
- "Washing the Windows of the Soul,"Sarah Buteaux, Children's Sermons, 2012.
- Transforming Vacation, SermonSuite.
- "Retreat and Go Forth!" Frances Woodruff, On the Chancel Steps, 2012.
- Ministry Matters, Transfiguration, 2012.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2012. (Terms of Use)
- "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
- "On the Mountain Top," "A Different View," Children's Time, in Sermons and Liturgies. Richard J. Fairchild. (Scroll down in liturgies to find Children's Time.)
- 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.)
- Transfiguration Maze Puzzle, Transfiguration Word Search, Transfiguration Word Jumble, 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.
