Proper 10A/Ordinary 15A/Pentecost +9
July 13, 2008

With thanks to page sponsor:
Sunday Consultations
providing individual help for
worship leaders in liturgical settings
who are struggling
with motivation or satisfaction
(Apr 0809)

Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources for each individual pericope:

Genesis 25:19-34 or Isaiah 55:10-13
Roman Catholic reading: Isaiah 55:10-12
United Methodist & ELCIC reading: Genesis 25:19-34

Psalm 119:105-112 or Psalm 65:(1-8), 9-13
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 65:10-14
United Methodist reading: same as above or Psalm 25

Romans 8:1-11
Roman Catholic reading: Romans 8:18-23

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Roman Catholic reading: Matthew 13:1-23, or Matthew 13:1-9

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.
  • 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.
  • Lutheran lectionary calendar, Year A, from the ELCA site.
  • United Methodist lectionary readings.
  • Biblical Passages for Mennonite Bulletins, Year A.
  • 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:
    • The Sower
    • Jacob and Esau
  • Movies/scenes listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Faith
    • Spiritual Struggle
    • Confrontation with Evil
    • Transformation
    • Conversion
    • Rebirth
• Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Ordinary 15, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • Preaching This Week at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary. Commentaries on lectionary readings by Juliana Claassens, Esther M. Menn, Marion L. Soards, Dale Allison.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Proper 10, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Proper 10, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • Preaching Helps (Pentecost +9, 2008). United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Jesus Now, Proper (Ordinary) 15A, lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • "Insiders/Outsiders," Proper 10, 2008, Sea Raven, Liberal Christian Commentary.
  • Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Proper 10, 2008, Jeanyne B. Slettom, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
  • Readings, Analysis of Text and Preaching Paths, Proper 10, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • Liberal Lectionary Analysis, Pentecost +9, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • "Abundant Possibilities," Kate Huey, Weekly Seeds, iucc.
  • Text Studies, Proper 10, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
  • SAMUEL, Pentecost +9, 2008, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Sermon Nuggets, Pentecost 9A, 2008, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
  • Rumors, for July 13, 2008, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
  • Lectionary Study, July 13, 2008, Dr. Robert Linthicum, Partners in Urban Transformation.
  • Starters for Sunday, 13 July, 2008. 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.
  • Genesis 25:19-34 / Isaiah 55:10-13
  • Psalm 119 / Psalm 65
  • Romans 8:1-11
  • Matthew 13:1-23
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • "Imagining with Lars," Blogging toward Sunday, Trygve David Johnson, Theolog: The Blog of The Christian Century, 2008.
  • Sermon Brainwave. Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Karoline Lewis, David Lose and Matthew Skinner discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org.
  • The Good Word, blog on scripture and preaching from America: The National Catholic Weekly.
  • Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, Constant Gardener Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2008.
  • "Abundant Harvest," Laurel A. Dykstra, "Life Lessons," Living the Word, Sojourners Online, 2008.
  • "Getting Grounded," The Painted Prayerbook, Word & Image & Faith. Jan Richardson, 2008.
  • "Putting On God's Armor," lectionary reflections for July, Rev. Dr. Harold Dean Trulear, Kimberly Rogers, The Living Pulpit, 2008.
  • "Queer Belonging," Namsoon kang, Steve Sprinkle, Warren Carter, Out In Scripture: An Honest Encounter Between Our Lives and the Bible, Human Rights Campaign, 2008. (LGBT perspective)
  • "Preparing a Place," Daniel Deffenbaugh, Seeds of Shalom, 2008.
  • "Family Values, Biblical Style," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2008.
  • This Sunday's Readings, 8th Sunday after Trinity, John Pridmore, Church Times, 2008.
  • Daily Reflection, Ordinary 15, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2008.
  • Weekly Interactive Bible Study and Bible Blog, iucc.
  • "Jacob and Esau: A Theology of Pathology," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2005.
  • "Sowing Seeds of Dependence," Winnie Varghese, Proclaiming Gospel Justice: Reflections on the Scriptures and Progressive Spirituality, The Witness, 2005.
  • The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2005.
  • "Get a Grip," Barry Robinson, Keeping the Faith in Babylon, at at Richard J. Fairchild's Sermon & Lectionary Resources.
  • "Shattering the Closure of Unbelief," commentary by Luke Timothy Johnson from The Christian Century, 1990. At Religion Online.
  • Living the Word by Jim and Shelley Douglass. Lectionary based scripture commentary from Sojourners OnLine, 1996.
  • "Living as God's Beloved," by Kari Jo Verhulst. Living the Word lectionary-based scripture commentary from Sojourners Online, 2002.
  • Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
  • Sunday by Sunday, Reflections on Stewardship based on the RCL Gospels, Year A. 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)
  • "Response to the Good News," the Rev. Dr. Jimmy Allen, Day 1, 2008.
  • Selected Sermon, Proper 10A (RCL), the Rev. Ken Kesselus, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2008.
  • "God Is a Foolish Farmer," Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Proper 10A. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church, 2005.
  • Selected Sermon, Proper 10, the Rev. James Liggett, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2005.
  • "Being a Bit Left of Center," 8 Pentecost - 10 July 2005, David Zersen, Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "Down on the Farm," John R Donahue, SJ, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2002.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • Lectionary Notes, Pentecost 9, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
  • "Dylan the sea turtle released into the wild," Faith Lens, a weekly Bible study/discussion for youth, linking a current news story and lectionary texts. ELCA, 2008.
  • "Tips for Discipleship: Bear Fruit," John and Robin McCullough-Bade, Daily Discipleship Bible Study, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 2008.
  • Lesson Plans That Work, Adults, Late Summer, Year A, The Episcopal Church, 2008.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Ordinary 15, 2008 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • Bible Study - Ordinary Time 15 - verse by verse Roman Catholic lectionary commentary at St Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Picayune, MS.
  • 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 Pentecost Resources Page contains resources and images.
• Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
  • Worship Planning Helps (Pentecost +9, 2008): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Gathering, Pentecost +9, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
  • Worship Resources, Pentecost +9, 2008, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Seed Stuff," Proper 10, 2008. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Ordinary 15, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Pentecost 9A. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, The Uniting Church of St James Curtin, ACT.
  • LCA Worship Resources, Proper 10, includes liturgy, hymn suggestions, notes on the readings, visuals, drama, "Talking with Children," etc. Lutheran Church of Australia.
  • "Sowing the Seeds of Faith and Tending the Seedlings of Gospel," Ordinary 15. A New Presentation for Sunday's Liturgy, Claretian Communications, Philippines. Includes Flash presentation.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Ordinary 15, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Liturgies Online, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Sermons and Liturgies for Year A, 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, P10/OT15, General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
  • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
  • Lector's Notes, OT 15, 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, Katherine Hawker, "Litanies, poems and prayers written for the local church."
  • Call to Worship and Gathering Prayer based on the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25 that comes up in the lectionary for Pentecost 10A (July 10, 2005), David Ourisman.
  • Pastoral Prayer, Proper 10/Ordinary 15A, Theresa Coleman. Reverend Mommy's Random Thoughts.
  • Worship Resources (prayers, etc.), Proper 10A, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
  • "A Prayer for Pentecost 9," Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer.
  • Offertory Prayers for July, 2008, David S. Bell, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • 21st Century Africana Liturgical Resources, Pentecost +9, 2008, the Rev. Dr. Kwasi I. Kena, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Starters for Sunday, 13 July, 2008. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 15, 2008. 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.
  • Prayers of the People, Proper 10, 2008, Lowell Grisham, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas.
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
• 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: Matthew 13:1-23, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Ordinary 15 at 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.
  • Commercial Site: The Work of the People - Psalm 119 - Films/Visual Liturgy based on RCL texts.
  • Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year A index.
  • CHURCH PowerPoint, Pentecost 9, Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Seed Stuff," Proper 10, 2008. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • "Getting Grounded," The Painted Prayerbook, Word & Image & Faith. Jan Richardson, 2008.
• Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
  • SAMUEL, Pentecost +9, 2008, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Pentecost +9, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • Lectionary Introductions (background & context), Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • "The Ham and the Sower," reflection by Robert Hodgson, Jr., eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • "When the Seeds of Love Are Sown," F. Richard Galand. Tune: RATISBON. United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • "God Loves the World," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn.
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Proper 10A, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Lectionary Hymns, Pentecost +9, 2008, United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
    • Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
    • The Billabong, by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
    • Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts.
    • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
    • Starters for Sunday, 13 July, 2008. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
    • Gathering, Pentecost +9, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
    • Together to Celebrate, July 13, 2008, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 15, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Proper 10A, 2008, Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
    • Sing for Joy, Pentecost 9A, 2008. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
• Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Lectionary Puzzles, Proper 10. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text, by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario.
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Gathering, Pentecost +9, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Ordinary 15, 2008 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • Story for Children's Worship and Family Activity, Ordinary 15, at word-sunday.com: A Catholic Resource for the Lectionary by Larry Broding.
  • Lesson Plans That Work, Younger Children & Older Children, Early Summer, Year A, The Episcopal Church, 2008.
  • "It All Depends on Dirt," Children's Sermon from Sermons4kids.com.
  • "God's Tool Kit," Charlene Fairchild, Children's Time, in Sermons and Liturgies. Richard J. Fairchild. (Scroll down in liturgies to find Children's Time.)
  • "The Seed is the Word of God," Children's Time, in Sermons and Liturgies. Richard J. Fairchild. (Scroll down in liturgies to find Children's Time.)
• 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.