Lent 4C
March 14, 2010

With thanks to page sponsor:
The Beatitudes Society
Strengthening the progressive Christian network
for justice, compassion & peace.
Join Us for Lenten Forum Reflections
with progressive faith leaders.
(1011)

Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources:

Joshua 5:9-12

Psalm 32
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 34:2-7

2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Roman Catholic reading: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings (NCCB/USCC) 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.
• Images and Movies:
  • Images listed at The Text This Week's Art Concordance:
    • Prodigal Son
  • Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
    • Prodigal
    • Grace
    • Repentance
    • Forgiveness/Reconciliation
    • Recognition
    • Envy/Jealousy
• 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, 2010. Commentaries on lectionary readings by W. Dennis Tucker, Jr., Paul S. Berge, Holly Hearon, Matt Skinner.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Lent 4C, Lent 4 RCIA, 2010: Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • "Embracing Love," commentary by Kate Huey at SAMUEL, i.ucc.org: Sermon Seeds, lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, bulletin back page.
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Lent 4, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Preaching Helps (Lent 4C, 2010). United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • "Interfaith Dialogue and Service," Resources for Prophetic Worship, Speaking to North Carolina Justice Issues, North Carolina Council of Churches, 2007.
  • Jesus Now, Lent 4C. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • John Shearman's Lectionary, Lent 4C, 2010, Post-Modern Sermon and Bible Study Resource, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • Sermon Nuggets, Lent 4, 2010, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
  • Rumors, for March 14, 2010, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
  • Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Lent 4, 2010, Russell Pregeant, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
  • Lectionary Study, Lent 4C, Dr. Robert Linthicum, Partners in Urban Transformation.
  • Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • Text Studies, Lent 4, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
  • "All I Have Is Yours!" The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2010.
  • Preaching Helps, Lent 4, Currents in Theology and Mission, 2004.
  • Starters for Sunday, 14 March, 2010. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
• 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.
  • Joshua 5:9-12
  • Psalm 32
  • 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
  • Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • Facebook Page: The Text This Week, lectionary discussion & suggested articles on Facebook.
  • "Home," David P Gushee, Blogging toward Sunday, Theolog: The Blog of The Christian Century, 2010.
  • Sermon Brainwave, March 14, 2010. 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.
  • Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, "Prodigal" Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2010. 11th Hour Preacher's Party.
  • Sermon Starters for Lent, Magrey R. deVega, The Circuit Rider, 2010.
  • "Turn, Turn, Turn," Lent 4C, guest essay by Lindsey Crittenden, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2010. 2007 guest essay by Daniel Deffenbaugh.
  • "Forgiveness / Shu," reflection on Chinese calligraphy for Lent by Rev. Elyn MacInnis in Shanghai, China. ECUSA Anglican and Global Relations.
  • "God is a Loony Dad (or Mom)," Kari Henkelmann Keyl, by the way, 2010.
  • "Reconciliation, Sacred and Profane," Debra Dean Murphy, Intersections, 2010.
  • First Look, Lee Koontz, Reflectious, 2010.
  • "Celebrate!" Janice Love, The Ekklesia Project, 2010.
  • "The Spiritual Practice of Openness," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2010.
  • Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
  • Think About It, Sermon Notes/Themes on current topics with complimentary PowerPoint images, Rev. Dorothy Okray, 2010.
  • "A Party for Everyone," Kharma Amos, Greg Carey, Out in Scripture, Human Rights Campaign, 2010. (LGBT)
  • A ReNEWed Creation, Pastor Sharron R. Lucas, Stewardship of Life Institute, 2010.
  • "The Land of the Settling Sons," Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2010.
  • This Sunday's Readings, Lent 4C, Martin Warner, Church Times, 2010.
  • Daily Reflection, Lent 4, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2010.
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Lent 4C, 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, 2010.
  • The Christian Century:
    • "Winning Situation," Beth Sanders, 2007.
    • "The Real Prodigal," A. Katherine Grieb, 2004.
    • "Surprise Party," Thomas G. Long, 2001.
    • "Table Manners," Barbara Brown Taylor, 1998.
    • "Drawn Together," Darrell Jodock, 1995.
  • Sojourners "Living the Word," archives:
    • "Disgrace Transformed," Walter Brueggemann, "Lent Is 'Come to Jesus' Time," 2010.
    • "Rivalry and Loyalty," Malinda Elizabeth Berry, "The Shelter of God," 2007.
    • "Coming Home," Michaela Bruzzese, "Losing Our Grip," 2004.
    • "Prodigal to Prophet," Michaela Bruzzese, "Practicing Resurrection," 2001.
  • 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):
  • "Which Comes First: Grace or Repentance?" the Rev. Dr. Robert Dunham, Day 1, 2010.
  • Sermons that Work, Lent 4C, the Rev. Susan McCone, ECUSA, 2010.
  • "There's a Party Goin' On 'Round Here," the Rev. Sarah Shelton, Day 1, 2007.
  • "Is There Joy in God's House?" the Rev. Dr. Thomas G. Long, Day 1, 2004.
  • "Arriving Where We Started," Pastor Nathan Mattox, First United Methodist Church of Morris, Oklahoma.
  • Selected Sermon, Lent 4C (RCL), by the Rev. Kirk Alan Kubicek, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2007.
  • "Prodigal People and the New Creation," Robert Cummings Neville, Marsh Chapel, Boston University, 2004.
  • "Rejoice!" Dianne Bergant, CSA, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2004.
  • "The Pardoner's Tale," John R Donahue, SJ, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2001.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • "Embracing Love," Kate Huey, Weekly Seeds, i.UCC.org, 2010.
  • Lectionary Notes, Lent 4, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
  • "Hearing Parables in the Cotton Patch," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Parables," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2006.
  • Lesson Plans That Work, Adults, Lent, Year C, The Episcopal Church.
  • "Finding a Grown-Up Faith: five Steps to a Faith that Works," A Small Group Study Series for Lent, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Metropolitan Community Churches.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Lent 4, 2010 - 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 athe 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 Lenten Resources page.
• Lent and Easter links at Rev. Richard J. Fairchild's A Holy Easter.
• Complete Liturgies (includes prayers & hymns):
  • Worship Planning Helps (Lent 4, 2010): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Gathering, Lent 4C, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2010. (Terms of Use)
  • Mustard Seeds, "Unlimited Love/Welcome Home," Lent 4C, 2010. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Lent 4C, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Lent 4C, 2010. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Worship Resources, March, 2010, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection.
  • Worship Resources, Lent 4C, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
  • "Interfaith Dialogue and Service," Resources for Prophetic Worship, Speaking to North Carolina Justice Issues, North Carolina Council of Churches, 2007.
  • "Loving and Celebrating," The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2010.
  • "Wild Mercy: Tell the Story of God's Transforming Grace," Where the Wild One Leads, Lent, 2007. Metropolitan Community Churches.
  • Liturgies Online, Lent 4, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Lent 4, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • "A Father Prodigal with His Love / A Scandalizing Mercy," Liturgy Alive, Lent 4C, Claretian Publications, Inc., Philippines.
  • 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.
  • Lector's Notes, Lent 4, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • Prayers of the People, Year C - Lent 4. General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
  • Worship Resources, Lent 4, John Paarlberg, Reformed Church in America.
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Offertory Prayers for March, 2010, David S. Bell.
  • Liturgy for the 1st Sunday in Lent, Christian Prayers and Resources inspired by the Celtic Christian Church.
  • 21st Century Worship Resources, Lent 4C, the Rev. Dr. Safiyah Fosua, UMC GBOD.
  • Starters for Sunday, 14 March, 2010. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • A Prayer for Lent 4, Rev. Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer, 2010.
  • "True Bread," meditation prompts and prayers, Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2010.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Lent 4C, Lent 4, RCIA, 2010. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • "Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand. (BCP TEC)
  • "The Righteousness of God," Service Prayers for 4 Lent, UCC Worship Ways, 2010. (pdf)
  • Sunday Prayer for the Fourth Sunday in Lent, MomPriest, RevGalBlogPals, 2010.
• 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, Lent 4. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
  • Clip Art, Lent 4C, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: Luke 15:11-32, Luke 15:11-32 #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, "Unlimited Love/Welcome Home," Lent 4C, 2010. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • CHURCH PowerPoint, Lent 4, 2010. Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services.
  • Commercial Site: "Prodigal Daughter," visual liturgy, The Work of the People.
• Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
  • SAMUEL at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Lent 4, 2010, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • "Palms Up and Open: The Art of Letting Go," reflection by Rev K. Jason Coker, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center, 2010.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • "Cover Up," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn.
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Lent 4C, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
  • Psalm Settings:
    • "Blessed Are Those," lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
    • Psalm 32 set to Duke Street (LM), Psalm Settings by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Lent 4C, 2010, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
    • The Billabong, Lent 4, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
    • Traditional Hymns for Blended and Contemporary Worship, Volume Two: Lent-Easter. Sibelius and .pdf files of traditional hymns, with chord symbols for singers/keyboardists/guitarists. United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
    • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
    • 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 Lent 4.
    • Choral Anthem Project, Lent 4C, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Lectionary Hymns, Lent 4C, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Sing for Joy, Lent 4C, 2007. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
    • Gathering, Lent 4C, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2010. (Terms of Use)
    • Starters for Sunday, 14 March, 2010. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
    • Together to Celebrate, Lent 4, 2010, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Lent 4C, Lent 4, RCIA, 2010. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Gathering, Lent 4C, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2010. (Terms of Use)
  • Mustard Seeds, "Unlimited Love/Welcome Home," Lent 4C, 2010. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Lesson Plans That Work, Younger Children / Older Children, Lent, Year C, The Episcopal Church.
  • Story for Children's Worship and Family Activity, Lent 4C, at word-sunday.com: A Catholic Resource for the Lectionary by Larry Broding.
  • Ideas and Talks for Lent, Talks to Children, Rev. Donald McCorkindale, Dalgety Parish Church, Fife, Scotland.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Lent 4, 2010 - 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)
  • Mustard Seeds, "Unlimited Love/Welcome Home," Lent 4C, 2010. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
• A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.