Advent 1C
November 29, 2009

With thanks to page sponsor:
Jan Richardson
The Advent Door
(0910)

Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources:

Jeremiah 33:14-16

Psalm 25:1-10
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 25:4-14
Episcopal reading (RCL): Psalm 25:1-9

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Roman Catholic reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:12 - 4:2

Luke 21:25-36
Roman Catholic reading: Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings from the New American Bible.
  • Lectionary readings from the Episcopal Lectionary: BCP - RCL.
  • Lutheran lectionary readings, Year C, from the ELCA site.
  • United Methodist lectionary readings..
  • Biblical Passages for Mennonite Bulletins, Year C.
  • 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:
    • visitation
    • Mystical/Liturgical/Enthroned Madonna
    • last judgment
    • annunciation
    • John the Baptist
  • Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Apocalyptic
    • Endurance/Perseverance
    • Persecution/Martyrdom
    • Hope/Hopelessness
    • Judgment
    • Righteousness/Doers of the Word
• Special Day Resources: Advent
• Special Day Resources: World AIDS Day
• Lists of recommended articles are available with ATLAS subscription for these texts:
  • Jeremiah 33:14-16
  • Psalm 25
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
  • Luke 21:25-36
• Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Facebook Page: Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
  • Preaching This Week at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2009. Commentaries on lectionary readings by Kathryn Schifferdecker, Jerome Creach, Michael Joseph Brown, and David Lose.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Advent 1C, 2009. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • Sign of Things to Come, Sermon Seeds by Kate Huey Advent 1C, 2009, SAMUEL: lectionary citations, sermon seeds weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page, UCC.
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Advent 1, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • Preaching Helps (Advent 1C, 2009). United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Advent 1C, 2009, Paul S. Nancarrow, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith." 2006 commentary, Russell Pregeant.
  • Jesus Now, Advent 1C. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • Liberal Lectionary Analysis, Advent 1C, 2009, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • Rumors, for November 29, 2009, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor." (Alternate lectionary texts.)
  • Exegesis, Dr. Terrance Callan, The Pastoral Preaching Web Site, 2009. Sponsored by the Athenaeum, Mount St. Mary's Seminary.
  • Lectionary Commentary (not RCL texts), Music & Worship Resources, Cultural Resources, Advent 1/World AIDS Day, The African American Lectionary Commentary, 2009.
  • "Not Just a Pipe Dream," Anecdotes, Stories & Humor, Advent 1C, Steve Goodier, Christ United Methodist Church, Salt Lake City, UT.
  • Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • Preaching Helps, First Sunday in Advent, Currents in Theology and Mission, 2003.
  • Text Studies, Advent 1C, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
  • Lectionary Study, Advent 1C, Dr. Robert Linthicum, Partners in Urban Transformation, 2009.
  • "Newness Out of Grief," The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2009.
  • Starters for Sunday, 29 November, 2009. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • Facebook Page: Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
  • "The Melody of Hope," Blogging toward Sunday, Leonard Beechy, 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 Story Begins Again, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2009. 11th Hour Preacher Party.
  • "Practicing the Apocalypse," "Advent 1: A Path of Blessing," Jan Richardson, The Advent Door, 2009. (Use of images.)
  • Advent Reflections, Rev. Kirsten Klepfer, National Religious Campaign Against Torture, 2009.
  • Think About It, Sermon Notes/Themes on current topics with complimentary PowerPoint images, Rev. Dorothy Okray.
  • "Feed My Sheep - Every Day," Advent 1/World AIDS Day, guest essay by Art Ammann, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2009.
  • The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2009.
  • This Sunday's Readings, Advent 1, Martin Warner, Church Times, 2009.
  • "Trouble All Around. God, You There?" Michael Joseph Brown, Shively T.J. Smith, Out In Scripture: An Honest Encounter Between Our Lives and the Bible, Human Rights Campaign, 2009. (LGBT perspective)
  • Daily Reflection, Advent 1C, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2009.
  • "Paying Attention," Pastor Sharron R. Lucas, Stewardship of Life Institute, 2009.
  • "The Coming of the Son of Man: Disbelief, Voyeuristic Violence, or Future Redemption?" The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2006.
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church.
  • Articles at The Christian Century:
    • "Light the Candles," Joanna M. Adams, 2006.
    • "Pent-Up Power," Herbert O'Driscoll, 2003.
    • "Anticipation," John C. Morris, 2000.
    • "Redemption Draws Near," James F. Kay, 1997.
    • "In Distress," William Dyrness, 1994.
  • Sojourners "Living the Word," archives:
    • "'Raise Your Heads!'" Michaela Bruzzese, "Our Redemption Draws Near," 2009.
    • "Blessed Assurance," Malinda Elizabeth Berry, "High-Calorie Spirituality," 2006.
    • "Be on Guard," Michaela Bruzzese, "If Not Now, When?" 2003.
  • Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
  • Sunday by Sunday, Reflections on Stewardship based on the RCL Gospels, Year C. 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):
  • "Advent: Waiting and Working for the Kingdom," the Rev. Dr. J. Barney Hawkins, IV, Day 1, 2009.
  • Sermons that Work, Advent 1C, John E. Colón, ECUSA, 2009.
  • "Apocalypse: Then and Now," The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston, Day 1, 2006.
  • Selected Sermon, Advent 1C (RCL), by the Rev. Ben Helmer, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2006.
  • "Reading the 'Signs of the Times,'" Dianne Bergant, CSA, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2003.
  • "The Beginning of the End," John R Donahue, SJ, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2000.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • "Signs of Things to Come," Kate Huey, Weekly Seeds, i.UCC.org, 2009.
  • Lectionary Notes, Advent 1C, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
  • "Angel Bus Driver," Faith Lens, ELCA, 2009.
  • "Fear of the Lord," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Where Wisdom is Found," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2009. Focus article, "Fear of the Lord," Russell Reno. (Psalm 25)
  • Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Adults, Advent 1-4, Year C, The Episcopal Church.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Advent 1, 2009 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • 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 Advent Resources Page includes links to images illustrating Advent and Christmas themes.
• Advent Candle Liturgies
• Hanging of the Greens Liturgies
• Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
  • Worship Planning Helps (Advent 1C, 2009): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship. Advent Planning Helps and Resources.
  • Gathering, Advent 1C, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2009.
  • Planning for Advent, Year C, Taylor Burton-Edwards, UMC GBOD.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Hope, Waiting and Watching," Advent 1C, 2009. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Worship Resources, Advent C, 2009, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection.
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Advent 1C, 2009. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Advent 1C, 2009, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • Worship Resources, Advent 1C, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
  • Advent Wreath Meditations, Advent 1, 2009, F. Richard Garland, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Music & Worship Resources, Cultural Resources, Advent 1/World AIDS Day, The African American Lectionary Commentary, 2009. (Not RCL texts)
  • Advent Wreath Liturgies, Year C, the Rev. Sheila N. McJilton, St David's Episcopal Church, Wilmington, DE. Written for family participation in worship service with a part for younger children. Free use. Please acknowledge writer.
  • Advent in the Southern Hemisphere, Advent, Advent Wreath Blessing, Rev. Bosco Peters, Liturgy, 2009.
  • Advent Lighting of the Candles Skit using nativity characters and themes from lectionary scriptures. North Tasmania Lutheran Parish, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia.
  • Liturgies Online, Advent 1, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • "Courage, Redemption Is Drawing Near!" The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2009.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Advent 1, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Sermons and Liturgies for Year C, 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, C - Advent 1, General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
  • Lector's Notes, Advent 1C, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • "Liturgy: prayer reflection", Advent 1, reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Starters for Sunday, 29 November, 2009. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • Offertory Prayers for November, 2009, David S. Bell, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • A Prayer for Advent 1 (Luke), A Prayer for Advent 1 (Jeremiah), Rev. Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer, 2009.
  • "The Second Coming," the Rev Delana Taylor McNac, Native American Comprehensive Plan Resources, UMC GBOD.
  • A Confession for Advent, 21st Century Worship Resource, the Rev. Nathan Decker, UMC GBOD.
  • Call to Worship for Advent, Sherrie Boyens Dobbs, UMC GBOD.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Advent 1C, 2009. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • Prayers of the People, Advent 1C, 2009, Lowell Grisham, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas.
  • "Liturgy: prayers reflection," reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, NZPB, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Advent collects, Southern Hemisphere, Advent Penitence, Rev. Bosco Peters, Liturgy.
  • Advent Penitence, Rev. Bosco Peters, Liturgy, 2009.
  • Meditation Prompts and Prayers, "The Portal," Advent 1C, 2009. Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure.
  • Prayer for the First Sunday in Advent, Revabi, RevGalBlogPals, 2009.
• Graphics and Multimedia (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
  • HermanoLeón Clipart, Advent 1C. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
  • Clip Art, Advent 1C, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: Luke 21:25-36, Luke 21:25-36 #2, 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.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Hope, Waiting and Watching," Advent 1C, 2009. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year C index.
  • CHURCH PowerPoint, Advent 1, 2009. Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services.
  • "Practicing the Apocalypse," Jan Richardson, The Advent Door, 2009. (Use of images.)
  • Commercial Site: "The Return of Christ," Visual Liturgy/Film, The Work of the People.
• Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
  • "The Lord, Our Salvation," reflection by Tenny Thomas, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
  • SAMUEL, Advent 1C, 2009, at i.ucc.org: lectionary citations, sermon seeds weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Advent 1C, 2009, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • "God, You Alone Know What You've Planned," Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, CAROL CMD ("It Came Upon the Midnight Clear") Christmas tunes with Advent themes, Presbyterian Outlook, 2009.
    • "O Wondrous Mystery," an Advent/Christmas Hymn for Children, Richard Turner, ST MICHAEL, UMC GBOD.
    • "Four Hymns for Advent, Year C," F. Richard Garland, United Methodist Church GBOD, 2009.
    • A Hymn for Advent by Rev. David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "A Star Shone Bright: An Advent Hymn," F. Richard Garland, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Advent 1C, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
    • "Angels Came Singing," ST DENIO (11.11.11.11), Brenton Prigge, New Hymn.
  • Psalm Settings:
    • "Show Me Your Ways, O Lord," Psalm 25, lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
    • Psalm 25:1-10 set to Martyrdom (CM 86 86) by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Advent 1C, 2009, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
    • Lectionary Hymns, Advent 1C, 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.")
    • Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
    • The Billabong by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • Traditional Hymns for Blended and Contemporary Worship Volume One: Advent-Christmas-Epiphany, by Dean McIntyre, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
    • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
    • Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts. Direct link to Advent 1C.
    • Gathering, Advent 1C, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2009.
    • Choral Anthem Project, Advent 1C, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Lectionary Hymns, Advent 1C, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Starters for Sunday, 29 November, 2009. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
    • Together to Celebrate, Advent 1C, 2009, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Advent 1C, 2009. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
    • Sing for Joy, Advent 1C, 2009. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College. 2006.
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Gathering, Advent 1C, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2009.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Hope, Waiting and Watching," Advent 1C, 2009. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • "Signs of the Coming," 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, Advent 1-4, Year C, The Episcopal Church.
  • Ideas and Talks for Advent, Talks to Children, Rev. Donald McCorkindale, Dalgety Parish Church, Fife, Scotland.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Advent 1, 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)
  • Sign of Things to Come, Fun for All Creatures Great and Small, Advent 1, 2009, UCC.
  • 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.