Proper 15A/Ordinary 20A/Pentecost +14
August 17, 2008

With thanks to page sponsor:
Pastor Eric Murray
Messiah Lutheran Church (ELCA)
Knoxville, TN
(June0809)

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

Genesis 45:1-15 or Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
Roman Catholic reading: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7
United Methodist & ELCIC reading: Genesis 45:1-15

Psalm 133 or Psalm 67
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 67
United Methodist & ELCIC reading: Psalm 133

Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Roman Catholic reading: Romans 11:13-15, 29-32

Matthew 15:(10-20), 21-28
Roman Catholic reading: Matthew 15:21-28

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Lectionary readings from the Episcopal Lectionary: BCP - RCL.
  • Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings (NCCB/USCC) from the New American Bible.
  • 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:
    • Canaanite/Syro-Phoenician Woman
    • Parables
    • Joseph
  • Movies/scenes listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Clean/Unclean
    • Seeing/Not Seeing
    • Grace/Mercy
    • Forgiveness/Reconciliation
    • Love
• 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 20, 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 Richard W. Nysse, Kathryn Schifferdecker, Paul S. Berge, Marilyn Salmon.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Proper 15, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Preaching Helps (Pentecost +14, 2008). United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Jesus Now, Proper (Ordinary) 20A, lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Proper 15, 2008, Bruce G. Epperly, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Proper 15, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • "Blessed and Forgiven," Kate Huey, Weekly Seeds, iucc.org.
  • "WWJD," Proper 15, 2008, Sea Raven, Liberal Christian Commentary.
  • Liberal Lectionary Analysis, Pentecost +14, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • Text Studies, Proper 15, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
  • SAMUEL, Pentecost +14, 2008, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Readings, Analysis of Text and Preaching Paths from Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • Sermon Nuggets, Pentecost 14A, 2008, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
  • Rumors, for August 17, 2008, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
  • Lectionary Study, August 17 2008, Dr. Robert Linthicum, Partners in Urban Transformation.
  • "Good News for Outsiders!" The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2008.
  • Starters for Sunday, 17 August, 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 45:1-15 / Isaiah 56:1-8
  • Psalm 133 / Psalm 67
  • Romans 11:1-32
  • Matthew 15:10-28
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • "Faith to Fire Back," 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, The Question Mark Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2008.
  • "Gathering Others," Daniel Deffenbaugh, Seeds of Shalom, 2008.
  • "The Feast Beneath," The Painted Prayerbook, Word & Image & Faith. Jan Richardson, 2008.
  • "Honor and Shame," Laurel A. Dykstra, "Lives and Fishes," Living the Word, Sojourners Online, 2008.
  • "All the Ends of the Earth," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2008.
  • "A Vision of an Inclusive Community," Ron Hopson, Deborah Appler, Sarah Carpenter-Vascik, Mona West, Out In Scripture: An Honest Encounter Between Our Lives and the Bible, Human Rights Campaign, 2008. (LGBT perspective)
  • "Things Are Not As They Seem," Rev. Dr. David Neil Mosser, lectionary reflections for August, The Living Pulpit, 2008.
  • "Crumbs," Lane Denson III, Out of Nowhere, 2008.
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Proper 15. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church, 2005.
  • Daily Reflection, Ordinary 20, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2008.
  • The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2008.
  • "Our Global God," guest essay by David Buschart, Denver Seminary (Colorado), The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2005.
  • "Siding with Grace," Cynthia A. Jarvis, The Christian Century, 2002.
  • "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)
  • "Listening in Love," Dr. Jan Love, Day 1, 2008.
  • Selected Sermon, Proper 15A (RCL), the Very Rev. Anthony F.M. Clavier, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2008.
  • Selected Sermon, Proper 15, Harry Denman in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2005.
  • "Mother Courage," John R Donahue, SJ, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2002.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • Lectionary Notes, Pentecost 14, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
  • "Will Bret Favre ever quit?" Faith Lens, a weekly Bible study/discussion for youth, linking a current news story and lectionary texts. ELCA, 2008.
  • "Be Bold," John and Robin McCullough-Bade, Daily Discipleship Bible Study, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 2008.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Ordinary 20, 2008 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • Lesson Plans That Work, Adults, Late Summer, Year A, The Episcopal Church, 2008.
  • Bible Study - Ordinary Time 20 - 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 +14, 2008): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Gathering, Pentecost +14, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
  • LCA Worship Resources, Proper 15, includes liturgy, hymn suggestions, notes on the readings, visuals, drama, "Talking with Children," etc. Lutheran Church of Australia.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Getting Along," Proper 15, 2008. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Worship Resources, Pentecost +14, 2008, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Ordinary 20, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • Spera in Deo, 14th Sunday after Pentecost. Resources for the Traditional Latin Mass.
  • Liturgies Online, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Pentecost 14A. Liturgies from a Progressive/Post-Liberal Theology, Revd Rex A.E. Hunt, The Uniting Church of St James Curtin, ACT.
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Ordinary 20, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • "Good News for Outsiders," The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2008.
  • 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.
  • Lector's Notes, OT 20, 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, P15/OT20, General intercessions for Sundays and Feasts, by Ormonde Plater, Archdeacon of the [Anglican/Episcopal] Diocese of Louisiana.
  • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
  • Outside the Box, Katherine Hawker, "Litanies, poems and prayers written for the local church."
  • Call to Worship, Isaiah 56:5, Mental Health & Disabilities Program, Mennonite Central Committee, Canada.
  • Worship Resources (prayers, etc.), Proper 15A, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
  • 21st Century Africana Liturgical Resources, Pentecost +14, 2008, Tony Peterson, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Starters for Sunday, 17 August, 2008. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • "A Prayer for Pentecost 14," Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer.
  • Offertory Prayers for August, 2008, David S. Bell, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 20, 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. BCP. Roman Catholic.
  • 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, Ordinary 20, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: Matthew 15:21-28, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Ordinary 20 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 14, Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Getting Along," Proper 15, 2008. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • "The Feast Beneath," The Painted Prayerbook, Word & Image & Faith. Jan Richardson, 2008.
• 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, Pentecost +14, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • Lectionary Introductions (background & context), Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • "Jesus - Man and God," reflection by James Harvey, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
  • Sing for Joy, Pentecost 14A, 2008. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • "She Came to Jesus," Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, Richard Fairchild's Sermons & Sermon Lectionary Resources.
    • "Come Gather," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn.
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Proper 15A, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Lectionary Hymns, Pentecost +14, 2008, United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
    • 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.
    • Gathering, Pentecost +14, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
    • Starters for Sunday, 17 August, 2008. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
    • Together to Celebrate, August 17, 2008, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 20, 2008. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Proper 15A, 2008, Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
• Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Lectionary Puzzles, Proper 15. 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 +14, 2008, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Ordinary 20, 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 20, at word-sunday.com: A Catholic Resource for the Lectionary by Larry Broding.
  • "A Clean Heart," "Crumbs from the Table,"Children's Sermon from Sermons4kids.com.
• Drama (see listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Mustard Seeds, "Getting Along," Proper 15, 2008. 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.