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:
- Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
- 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.
- Preaching Helps. Rev. Dawn Chesser, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2013.
- The Lectionary Lab, Palm/Passion Sunday, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2013. Lectionary Lab Live podcast.
- Pulpit Fiction, podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2013.
- Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Sunday of the Passion, Paul S. Nancarrow, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
- Celebration, Desotation, and Healing, Palm/Passion Sunday, Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2013.
- Exegesis, commentary, preaching suggestions, and illustrations based on Isaiah 50:4-9a â€” Philippians 2:5-11 â€” Luke 22:14--23:56 by Jerry L. Schmalenberger from SermonSuite.
- Ministry Matters, March 24, 2013.
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- Preaching Peace commentary, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
- Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Palms/Passion C, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
- Rumors, for March 28, 2010, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
- Text Studies, Lent 6, Diedrik Nelson. (Lutheran)
- Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
- "Bitter Journey," an audio-visual feature tracing Jesus' Passion. At BeliefNet.
- 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.
- Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
- 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, Palms or Passion, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2013.
- "A More Important Question," David Lose, Working Preacher, 2013.
- "On the Liturgy of the Passion," Walter Brueggemann, ON Scripture, Odyssey Networks, 2013.
- "The Passion of Our Lord, Earliest Memories, Contemporary Echoes," Daniel B. Clendenin, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2013.
- "Ten Years of War and Hope for Peace," Karen L. Wisemen, ON Scripture, Odyssey Networks, 2013.
- "Living the Story," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
- Sacredise Worship Resources, 2013.
- "A Humiliated Servant," John C. Holbert, Opening the Old Testament, 2013.
- The Politics of Passion, Rachel Mann, Political Theology, 2013.
- "Passion, Gethsemane," Suzanne Guthrie, Soulwork toward Sunday: At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2013.
- "WWFS - What Would Francis Say?" Rev. Anne S. Howard, A Word in Time, The Beatitudes Society, 2013.
- "Judas ," Nancy Rockwell, Bite in the Apple, 2013.
- Care for Creation Reflections, Robert Saler, Lutherans Restoring Creation, 2013.
- "The Successful Completion of the Mission," the Rev. Dr. Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2013.
- The Worship Closet, Amy Loving, 2013.
- Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, preachingtip, 2013.
- "A Hero for Our Time," sermon illustration/story by Steve Goodier, Life Support System, 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.
- "Sorrow and Love Flow Mingled Down," Palm Sunday, guest essay by Sara Miles, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2010. 2007 essay by Dan Clendenin.
- "Palms and Passion: The Work of Holy Week," Debra Dean Murphy, Intersections, 2010.
- "The Spiritual Practice of Preparation," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2010.
- "What's the Price of Faithfulness?" Christine Smith, Randall Bailey, Warren Carter, Out in Scripture, Human Rights Campaign, 2010. (LGBT)
- Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Palm/Passion Sunday, 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.
- Sojourners "Living the Word," archives:
  - "Deliver and Save," Walter Brueggemann, "Lent Is 'Come to Jesus' Time," 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):
- "'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do,'" the Rev. Dr. Joseph S. Pagano, Sermons that Work, Episcopal Digital Network, 2013.
- Ministry Matters, March 24, 2013.
- Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2013.
- Palm/Passion Sunday Sermons, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
- "The Passion of Jesus," the Rev. Lawrence J. Clark, Day 1, 2007.
Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- Proclaiming Faith, discussion, prayer, activities for primary grades, activities, 2013.
- "Fit for a King," David Dodson, Faith Lens, ELCA, 2013.
- "Keeping Vigil," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) Lent, focus of "Christian Reflection," Baylor University Center of Christian Ethics, 2013. Focus article, "Keeping Vigil," Heather Hughes (Luke).
- "Live Large, Dream Small," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Inklings of Glory," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2004. (Luke)
- "Jesus and the Passover," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Food and Hunger," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2004. (Luke)
- 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 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: 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)
- Mustard Seeds, "In and Out of Season," Palm Sunday, 2013. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Sacredise Worship Resources, 2013.
- LCA Worship Planning Page, Palm/Passion Sunday, "Everything lay-readers need to prepare worship."
- Ministry Matters, March 24, 2013.
- Liturgy for Palm/Passion Sunday, Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
- Liturgies Online, Palm/Passion Sunday, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Lectionary Liturgies, Palm/Passion Sunday C, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- Palm/Passion Sunday service outline, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
- "Living the Story," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
- Lectionary Liturgies, Palm/Passion Sunday, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- "Jerusalem: Place of Suffering and Triumph / And the Passion Goes On," Liturgy Alive, Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, Claretian Publications, Inc., Philippines.
- The Passion of Our Lord according to St Luke for Choir and Congregation, St Luke Passion Narration, Lisa Frenz, 2007. Palm/Passion Sunday worship, procession, Eucharist. Lisa Frenz. Scroll down to Holy Week index.
- Worship and Liturgy Resources, Lent 6, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
- 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 - Palms/Passion. General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
- Lector's Notes, Palm/Passion Sunday, 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.
- "my heart is desolate," meditation prompts and prayers, Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure, 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.
- "Service Prayers for Palm/Passion Sunday," Worship Ways, UCC, 2013.
- The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 31:9-16, Passion Sunday C, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2013.
- Call to Worship, Mary-Jane Konings, 2013.
- Words for Worship, Passion Sunday, Amy Loving, 2013.
- Reflections on the Collect for Palm Sunday, Bosco Peters, 2013.
- Prayers of the People, Lowell Grisham, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 2013.
- Prayers of the People, Jeremiah Williamson, Praying the Scriptures, 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.
- 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, "In and Out of Season," Palm Sunday, 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).
- "Bitter Journey," an audio-visual feature tracing Jesus' Passion. At BeliefNet.
- 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):
- "Holy Thanksgiving Day Parade," 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:
- Psalm Settings:
  - "I Trust in God," lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
  - Psalm 31:9-16 set to Passion Chorale (76 76 D), Psalm Settings by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms.
- Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
  - Lectionary Hymns, UMC GBOD, 2013.
  - Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts.
  - The Billabong, Lent 5, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
  - Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
  - 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.
  - Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  - Choral Anthem Project, Passion (Palm) C, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
  - Lectionary Hymns, Passion (Palm) C, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
  - Sing for Joy, Palm/Passion Sunday, 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, 2013.
  - 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, Passion Sunday 2013, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
- "Children's Literature: A Resource for Ministry," March 24, 2013, Union Presbyterian Seminary. Connections: Isaiah 50:4-9a and One by Kathryn Otoshi, Philippians 2:5-11 and A Little Peace of Me by Madeline Lippey, Luke 22:14-23:56 and Grandma's Purple Flowers by Adjoa J. Burrowes or Mama by Eleanor Schick, Luke 19:28-40 and Glory by Nancy While Carlstrom.
- "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
- The Betraying Kiss -- Childrenâ€™s sermon for Passion Sunday based on Luke 22:47-53 by Elaine M. Ward from SermonSuite
- "Living the Story," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013."Finger Pointer," 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)
- Ministry Matters, March 24, 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)
- 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.)
- Lectionary Puzzles by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text (html) formats.
Drama (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- "The Passion Story," dramatic reading by Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Sermons from Seattle.
- The Passion of Our Lord according to St Luke for Choir and Congregation, St Luke Passion Narration, Lisa Frenz, 2007.