Easter 7C

Easter 7C
May 12, 2013
With thanks to page sponsor:
St. Francis Episcopal Church,
Menomonee Falls, WI .

Links to Resources for Ascension

Image: Bath Abbey, Bath, England, Jesus Ascending,
from Art in the Christian Tradition,
a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.

Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources:

Acts 16:16-34
Roman Catholic reading: Acts 7:55-60

Psalm 97
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 97:1-9

Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21
Roman Catholic reading: Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20

John 17:20-26

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

Texts:
- Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings from the New American Bible.
- Episcopal Lectionary: BCP - RCL.
- Lutheran lectionary readings, Year C, from the ELCA site.
- United Methodist lectionary readings.
- 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.
Images and Movies:
- Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
  - Revelation
- Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
  - Unity
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, WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2013. 2010.
- Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Easter 7 / Ascension, 2013. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
- Preaching Helps. Rev. Dawn Chesser, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2013.
- "A Purpose-Filled Prayer," D Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2013.
- SAMUEL, Eleazar S. Fernandez, Sermon Seeds, UCC, 2013.
- Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Easter 7, Russell Pregeant, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
- Ministry Matters, May 12, 2013.
- The Lectionary Lab, Easter 7, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2013. Lectionary Lab Live podcast.
- Come -- Commentary and preaching suggestions, James Killen from SermonSuite.
- Sermon Nuggets, Easter 7C, Lindy Black, 2013.
- Pulpit Fiction, podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2013.
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Easter 7, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
- Preaching Peace commentary, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
- Jesus Now, Easter 7C. 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.)
- Text Studies, Easter 7, Diedrik Nelson. (Lutheran)
- Starters for Sunday. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2013.
- This Week at PreachingIllustrations.com, 2013.
- Social Justice Lectionary, Bruce Sweet, 2013.
- Stewardship Sermon Starter, Stewardship Now. ELCA, 2013.
- World Hunger Sermon Starters, ELCA, 2013.
- The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2013.
- Lectionary at Lunch: MP3, Windows Media, and Real Audio files of lectures by professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS), 2013.
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. 2013.
- Homiletical Hot Tub, preaching blog at Lectionary Homiletics, 2013.
- The Good Word, A Blog on Scripture and Preaching, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2013.
- Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, Risin' Up Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2013.
- "The Jailer," Frederick Buechner, Buechner Blog.
- "The Power of Being Prayed For," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2013. 2010.
- Sacredise Worship Resources, 2013.
- "One," Nancy Rockwell, A Bite in the Apple, 2013.
- "One for All, All for One," Sharron Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
- "The Roots of Resiliance," Anne Howard, A Word in Time, Beatitudes Society, 2013.
- "An Open Letter to Pastors: A Non-Mom Speaks about Mother's Day," Amy, The Messy Middle, 2013.
- Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2013.
- "Holy Lover of My Soul," Suzanne Guthrie, Soulwork toward Sunday: At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2013.
- "Stay," Ascension / Easter 7, Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2013.
- "Celtic Prayer as a Guide to Faith," Easter 7, Daniel B. Clendenin, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2013. 2010.
- "Unbounded Horizon," Christopher Burkett, Preacher Rhetorica, 2013.
- Care for Creation Reflections, Tom Mundahl, Lutherans Restoring Creation, 2013.
- The Worship Closet, Amy Loving, 2013.
- We Pray for What We Need," Bob Stuhlmann, Stories from a Priestly Life, 2013.
- A Unity Not of Our Making, Dr. Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2013.
- Psalm 97 and Political Theology, Pekka Pitkänen, Political Theology, 2013.
- "That We May Be One..." Thomas Beam, 2013.
- "Freedom," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2013.
- "Unity Complex," Michael Coffey, 2013.
- Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, preachingtip, 2013.
- "The Road to Happiness," Steve Goodier, Life Support Systems, 2013.
- Pray As You Can, Reflections, commentary, prayer, poems, etc., Kym Harris, Diocese of Rockhampton, 2013.
- Scripture Reflections, Bob Flaherty, Newberg First United Methodist Church, 2013.
- Lectio Divina Podcast, Todd Spencer, 2013.
- "Ten Minutes on a Tuesday," a weekly resource for preachers and worship leaders, The Methodist Church of New Zealand, 2013.
- HuffPost Religion, religion news and contemporary news in religious perspective. Always worth a read...
- Visual Theology, Faithful Images, Dave Perry, reflections and images usually tied to RCL texts, 2013.
- Unfolding Light, Daily Reflections leading toward Sunday readings, Steve Garnaas-Holmes, 2013.
- Break Open the Word, Michael T. Hiller, 2013.
- One Little Word, David J. Risendal, 2013.
- Weekly Reading, Anthony B. Robinson, 2013.
- Hitchhiker's Guide to the Bible, Andy Doyle, Episcopal Diocese of Texas, 2013.
- The River of Life, Loddon Mallee UCA Presbytery Blog, 2013.
- The Hardest Question, 2013.
- Ponderings on a Faith Journey, Robert Cornwall, 2013.
- Sunday's Child, Daily Lectionary and Reflections on Scripture and World, Una Malachica, 2013.
- Kairos-Milwaukee UCC Blog, Reflections on the RCL by Rev. Rick Skidmore, 2013.
- Stillspeaking Daily Devotional, UCC.org. Daily devotional for Twitter. (Daily RCL)
- Weekly Reflections on the Christian Faith (lectionary texts), conversations between Mark Smith and David Owen, England Public School Chaplains. 2013
- Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Dialogue, Wesley White, 2013.
- Living the Lectionary, Daily RCL reflections, Pr. Phil Heinze, Fort Worth, TX, 2013.
- The Preacher's Exchange - First Impressions and Homilias Domincales / Homilias Breves. Jude Siciliano, O.P., 2013.
- SacraConversazione, discussion of the texts in terms of traditions of interpreters, from a postmodern perspective, 2013.
- COSLC Grace Notes, Pastor Dan Bollerud, Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Anchorage, AK. Meditations & poetry, 2013.
- Lectionary Scripture Notes, Dr. Norman Beck.
- Panoramic Views of Faith and Health, Butch Odom. Daily lectionary thoughts and prayer, 2013.
- "One Holy, Catholic, and [Divided] Church," Debra Dean Murphy, Intersections, 2010.
- Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
- First Look: John 17:20-26, Lee Koontz, reflectious, 2010.
- "God Calls Out, 'Come Together!'" Mark D. Jordan, David O. Jenkins, Bridgette Young, Out in Scripture, Human Rights Campaign, 2010. (LGBT)
- Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Easter 7, 2007. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church.
- The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2007.
- The Christian Century:
  - "Blinded by the Light," Suzanne Guthrie, 2001.
  - "With the World Watching," James C. Somerville, 1998.
- Sojourners "Living the Word," archives:
  - "Social Disturbance," Walter Brueggemann, "Refusing the Deathly World of Anxiety," 2010.
- 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):
- "'M' is for the Many Things," Alyce Mc Kenzie, Patheos, 2013.
- "Lover," the Rev. Peter Panagore, Day 1, 2012.
- "The Jailer," Frederick Buechner, Buechner Blog.
- Ministry Matters, May 12, 2013.
- Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2013.
- "Don't Be Deceived," the Rev. Dr. Emmanuel McCall, Day 1, 2007.
Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- "Come, Lord Jesus," Faith Element, 2013.
- "That They May All Be One," Paul Hendrickson, Faith Lens, ELCA, 2013.
- "Breaking Chains," Weekly Seeds, UCC, 2013.
- Bible Study, Easter 7, 2013, Steven King, Virginia Theological School, Sermons that Work, Episcopal Digital Network.
- Proclaiming Faith, discussion, prayer, activities for primary grades, activities, 2013.
- "Choices and Consequences," faithelement, various mulitimedia approaches to this week's scripture texts.
- 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

Resources and Images on The Text This Week's Easter Resources page.
Complete Liturgies (includes prayers & hymns):
- Worship Planning Helps (Easter 7 / Ascension): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2013.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2013. (Terms of Use)
- Worship Resources, Easter 7, Ascension, Mother's Day, Rev. Mindi, Rev-o-lution, 2013.
- Mustard Seeds, "Freedom/United but Not Homogenous," Easter 7, 2013. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Sacredise Worship Resources, 2013.
- Worship resources for Easter 7 by Dallas A. Brauninger from SermonSuite.
- LCA Worship Planning Page, Easter 7C/Ascension/Mothers Day, "Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship."
- Ministry Matters, May 12, 2013.
- "One for All, All for One," Sharron Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
- Lectionary Liturgies, Easter 7C, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- Liturgies Online, Easter 7, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Worship and Liturgy Resources, Easter 7, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Liturgy for Ascension Sunday (Easter 7), Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
- Sermons and Liturgies for Year C, 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 C - Easter 7. General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
- Lector's Notes, Easter 7, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
- Outside the Box, litanies, poems and prayers written for the local church, by Katherine Hawker.
- Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- "Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand. (BCP, TEC, USA; CofE Common Worship)
- Sunday Prayer, Mompriest, RevGalBlogPals, 2010
- Starters for Sunday. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2013.
- 21st Century Worship Resources, UMC GBOD, 2013.
- Offertory Prayers, UMC GBOD, 2013.
- Call to Worship, Mary-Jane Konings, 2013.
- Confession RCL, Bill Wessner, 2013.
- Prayers of the People, Jeremiah Williamson, Praying the Scriptures, 2013.
- The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 97, Easter 7C, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2013.
- Prayers from the Closet, NT, Stephen Brown, 2013.
- "One in Love and Mission," rtf or pdf file of liturgy at Worship Ways.
- Mothers Day Resources, UMC GBOD, 2013.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas, Easter 7 / Ascension, 2013. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
- Litany for Mother's Day, Rick Morley, 2013.
- Easter 7 resource, Dan Schifeling, worshipcalls, 2013.
- Words for Worship, Amy Loving, The Worship Closet, 2013.
- "Holy Lover of My Soul," Suzanne Guthrie, Soulwork toward Sunday: At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2013.
- 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 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.
- Clip Art, Easter 7C, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
- Clip Art Images: John 17:20-26, 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.
- Jesus Prays That They Might Be One, Jesus is the Fulfillment of the Law, audio telling, story in episodes, graphic, audio and written commentaries. Go Tell Communications, Biblical Storytelling for the Global Village, 2010.
- Mustard Seeds, "Freedom/United but Not Homogenous," Easter 7, 2013. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Church Galleries sample - free powerpoint download for this week's lectionary scripture(s).
- "Choices and Consequences," faithelement, various mulitimedia approaches to this week's scripture texts.
- "Magic Trick," video, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2013.
- "Come, Lord Jesus," Faith Element, 2013.
- 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):
Hymns and Music:
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
- Psalm Settings:
  - "Hear, Hear the Thunder," lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
  - Psalm 97 set to St Catherine (88 88 88) by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms.
- Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
  - Hymn and Song Suggestions, Easter 7, 2013, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
  - Lectionary Hymns, UMC GBOD, 2013.
  - Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
  - 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 Easter 7.
  - Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  - Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
  - The Billabong, Easter 7, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
  - Choral Anthem Project, Easter 7C, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
  - Sing for Joy, Easter 7, 2007. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
  - Starters for Sunday. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2012.
  - Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2013. (Terms of Use)
  - Together to Celebrate, Easter 7, 2013, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
  - Prayers and Musical Ideas, Easter 7 / Ascension, 2013. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
- Worshiping with Children, Ascension C, Easter 7C, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2013.
- "Children's Literature: A Resource for Ministry," May 12, 2013, Union Presbyterian Seminary. Connections: Acts 16:16-34 and Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Maker's Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 and Possum's Harvest Moon by Anne Hunter, John 17:20-26 and Becoming Me by Martin Boroson.
- "Your Mom Prays for You," (Easter 7C / Mother's Day) On the Chancel Steps, children's resources by Frances Woodruff, 2013.
- All for One, One for All! -- Children’s sermon based on John 17:20-26 by Anna Shirey from SermonSuite.
- Little People, Big Word, D Ditmer, 2013.
- "One for All, All for One," Sharron Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
- "Magic Trick," video, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2013.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2013. (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.
- Ministry Matters, May 12, 2013.
- Proclaiming Faith, discussion, prayer, activities for primary grades, activities, 2013.
Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- Weekly Devotions, Faith Formation Journeys, 2013.
- CatholicMom.com: Coloring Page, Mass Worksheet, Crossword Puzzle, and Word Search based on weekly gospel text.
- Activity Sheets for Children, Fun for all Creatures Great & Small, UCC, 2013. (pdf)
- Coloring Pages/Puzzles. Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com. (Scroll to bottom of page.)
- Lectionary Puzzles. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
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.