Proper 11A/Ordinary 16A/Pentecost +10
July 20, 2008

With thanks to page sponsor:
To the glory of God
by the Rev Winnie Mitchell,
St. Martin's Episcopal Church,
Fairmont, MN.
(Apr0809)

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

Genesis 28:10-19a or Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16-19 or Isaiah 44:6-8
Roman Catholic reading: Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16-19
United Methodist & ELCIC reading: Genesis 28:10-19a

Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 or Psalm 86:11-17
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 86:5-16
United Methodist & ELCIC reading: Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24

Romans 8:12-25
Roman Catholic reading: Romans 8:26-27

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Roman Catholic reading: Matthew 13:24-43 or Matthew 13:24-30

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:
    • Parables (Tares among the Wheat)
    • Mustard Seed
    • Jacob's Ladder/Dream
  • Movies/scenes listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Judgment
    • Confrontation with Evil
    • Faith
    • Dreams
    • Rebirth
    • Hope
• 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 16, 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 11, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Proper 11, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • Preaching Helps (Pentecost +10, 2008). United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Jesus Now, Proper (Ordinary) 16A, lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • "Ladders, Circles, Covenant," Proper 11, 2008, Sea Raven, Liberal Christian Commentary.
  • Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Proper 11, 2008, Jeanyne B. Slettom, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
  • Liberal Lectionary Analysis, Pentecost +10, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • "Wheat and Weeds Together," Kate Huey, Weekly Seeds, iucc.
  • Readings, Analysis of Text and Preaching Paths, Proper 11, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • Text Studies, Proper 11, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
  • SAMUEL, Pentecost +10, 2008, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Sermon Nuggets, Pentecost 10A, 2008, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
  • Rumors, for July 20, 2008, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
  • Starters for Sunday, 20 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 28:10-19 / Wisdom of Solomon 12:13-19 / Isaiah 44:6-8
  • Psalm 139 / Psalm 86
  • Romans 8:12-25
  • Matthew 13:24-43
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • "Double Vision," 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.
  • Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, Weeder's Digest Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2008.
  • "In the Weeds," 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.
  • "Seeds and Weeds," Laurel A. Dykstra, "Life Lessons," Living the Word, Sojourners Online, 2008.
  • "Divine Lover," Steve Sprinkle, Namsoon kang, Warren Carter, Out In Scripture: An Honest Encounter Between Our Lives and the Bible, Human Rights Campaign, 2008. (LGBT perspective)
  • "Waiting for the Children of Godot," Daniel Deffenbaugh, Seeds of Shalom, 2008.
  • "In Heaven and On Earth: Each Person, Every Nation, All Creation, The Entire Cosmos," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2008.
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Proper 11. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church, 2005.
  • The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2008.
  • This Sunday's Readings, 9th Sunday after Trinity, John Pridmore, Church Times, 2008.
  • Daily Reflection, Ordinary 16, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2008.
  • "Don't Mess with Mr. In-Between," Larry Patten. And Yet: "Faithful & Foolish Reflections Served Weekly," 2008.
  • "Hardest to Bear, Easiest to Forget: The Course of Human History," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2005.
  • "Living as God's Beloved," by Kari Jo Verhulst. Living the Word lectionary-based scripture commentary from Sojourners Online, 2002.
  • Living the Word by Jim and Shelley Douglass. Lectionary based scripture commentary from Sojourners OnLine, 1996.
  • 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)
  • "The All-American Dreamer," the Rev. Craig Barnes, Day1, 2008.
  • Selected Sermon, Proper 11A (RCL), the Rev. Dr. Susanna Metz, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2008.
  • Selected Sermon, Proper 11, Harry Denman, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2005.
  • "How Odd of God!" John R Donahue, SJ, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2002.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:

  	Lectionary Notes, Pentecost 10, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
  	"Violent Parables and the Nonviolent Jesus," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Parables," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2006. (Matthew)
  	"The Virtue of Hope," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Heaven and Hell," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2002. (Romans)
  	"The Human Embryo in Christian Tradition," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Cloning," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2005. (Psalm 139)
  	"Eating Well," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Health," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2007. (Psalm 139)
  	"The 'man with no legs' might have the fastest legs," Faith Lens, a weekly Bible study/discussion for youth, linking a current news story and lectionary texts. ELCA, 2008.
  	Proclaiming Faith, Ordinary 16, 2008 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  	"Tips of Discipleship: Listen," 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.
  	Bible Study - Ordinary Time 16 - 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 +10, 2008): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Gathering, Pentecost +10, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
  • Worship Resources, Pentecost +10, 2008, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection.
  • Mustard Seeds, "God is with us," Proper 11, 2008. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • LCA Worship Resources, Proper 11, includes liturgy, hymn suggestions, notes on the readings, visuals, drama, "Talking with Children," etc. Lutheran Church of Australia.
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Pentecost 10A. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, The Uniting Church of St James Curtin, ACT.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Ordinary 16, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • "God Separates the Good from the Bad," Ordinary 16. A New Presentation for Sunday's Liturgy, Claretian Communications, Philippines. Includes Flash presentation.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Ordinary 16, 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, P11/OT16, 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 16, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • Worship Resources (prayers, etc.), Proper 11A, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
  • "A Prayer for Pentecost 10," Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer.
  • Offertory Prayers for July, 2008, David S. Bell, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • 21st Century Africana Liturgical Resources, Pentecost +10, 2008, the Rev. Dr. Safiyah Fosua, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Starters for Sunday, 20 July, 2008. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • "Liturgy: prayer reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 16, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • 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 13:24-43, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Ordinary 16 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.
  • Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year A index.
  • CHURCH PowerPoint, Pentecost 10, Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services.
  • Mustard Seeds, "God is with us," Proper 11, 2008. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • "In the Weeds," The Painted Prayerbook, Word & Image & Faith. Jan Richardson, 2008.
• Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
  • SAMUEL, Pentecost +10, 2008, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Pentecost +10, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • Lectionary Introductions (background & context), Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • "Don't Pull Out Those Weeds Just Yet!" reflection by Barbara Bernstengel eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • "You Know My Soul," Psalm 139, six-part mixed choir, Michael E. Ekbladh, United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • "We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder," for choir and/or congregation, arr. Sandy Willard Rogers, United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • "Siblings of the Risen Prince," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn.
    • "The Gospel Garden," TEXT: Mark Ryman (2005) based on Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. TUNE: "Bethlehem." New Hymns for the Lectionary.
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Proper 11A, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Lectionary Hymns, Pentecost +10, 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.
    • Gathering, Pentecost +10, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
    • Starters for Sunday, 20 July, 2008. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
    • Together to Celebrate, July 20, 2008, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 16, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
    • Sing for Joy, Pentecost 10A, 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 11. 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 +10, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Ordinary 16, 2008 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • Lesson Plans That Work, Younger Children & Older Children, Early Summer, Year A, The Episcopal Church, 2008.
  • Story for Children's Worship and Family Activity, Ordinary 16, at word-sunday.com: A Catholic Resource for the Lectionary by Larry Broding.
  • "Stairway to Heaven," Children's Sermon from Sermons4kids.com.
  • "Weed Killer," 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.