Reading and Studying the Text This Week

Texts:
- NRSV Lectionary readings from Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings 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.
- Episcopal Lectionary: BCP - RCL.
- Lutheran lectionary readings, Year B, from the ELCA site.
- United Methodist lectionary readings, Year B.
- Lutheran RCL CEV readings - .doc files. Lutheran Bible Ministries.
- Revised Common Lectionary readings, PCUSA.
Images and Movies:
- Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
  - Ethiopian Eunuch
  - The Conversion of Paul
- Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
  - Interconnectedness
  - Conversion
  - Clean/Unclean
  - Baptism
  - Call
  - Love
  - Sacrifice
Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
- 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).
- Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Easter 5, 2021. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
- Working Preacher commentaries of RCL texts at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2021.
- The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, illustration ideas, 2021.
- Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2021.
- Weekly Worship. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2021.
- Points for Preaching and Teaching, 2015. The Lectionary Lab, Easter 5, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2012.
- "Remaining, Requiring, Receiving," D Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2015.
- The Adventurous Lectionary, Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2021.
- Lectionary Greek, Rob Myallis, 2015.
- Sermon Seeds, UCC, 2021.
- Ministry Matters, 2021.
- Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2015.
- Lectionary at Lunch: MP3, Windows Media, and Real Audio files of lectures by professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS), 2015.
- "The Silence of the Lamb and the Proclamation of the Church," D Mark Davis, raw translation and exegesis/questions, Left Behind and Loving It, 2012.
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Easter 5, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
- Rumors, for May 10, 2009, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
- Jesus Now, Easter 5B. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
- Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
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.
- Sermon Brainwave, Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Karoline Lewis, and Matt Skinner, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org. 2021.
- "When All Are Welcome," Debie Thomas, Journey with Jesus, 2021.
- Living by the Word, Melissa Earley, The Christian Century, 2021.
- Peace on Justice, 2021.
- "Agape Love and a Black Eunuch," Bruce Maples, 2021.
- Sacredise, 2021.
- "I Am the Vine,You are the Branches," Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2021.
- RevGalBlogPals, commentary and discussion, 2021. 11th Hour Preachers Party.
- "Living the Love of God," Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2021.
- At the Edge of the Enclosure, Suzanne Guthrie, 2021.
- Art & Faith Matters, Lynn Miller, celebrating our creative and living God by generating art and architecture resources for congregations and individuals. Art and Faith Matters facebook page contains additional resources.
- "Living the Love of God," Come Sunday, 2021.
- "Knowing God Loves Us," Connections, 2021.
- Monday Meditation, Gary Neal Hansen, 2021.
- Modern Metanoia, 2021.
- Care for Creation Commentary, Dennis Ormseth, Lutherans Restoring Creation, 2015.
- The Preacher's Study, John W.B.Hill, 2021.
- Theology of Work, 2021.
- "Draughting Theology," Steve Pankey, 2018. Daily reflections and study for Sunday.
- Homily Week, 2021.
- The Reflectionary, images, reflections, activities, Fay Rowland, 2021.
- Pray As You Can, Reflections, commentary, prayer, poems, etc., Kym Harris, Diocese of Rockhampton, 2021
- Unfolding Light, Daily Reflections leading toward Sunday readings, Steve Garnaas-Holmes, 2021.
- Break Open the Word, Michael T. Hiller, 2021.
- Lectionary Poetry, Scott Barton, 2021.
- One Little Word, David J. Risendal, 2021
- Hitchhiker's Guide to the Bible, Andy Doyle, Episcopal Diocese of Texas, 2021.
- The River of Life, Loddon Mallee UCA Presbytery Blog, 2021.
- Living the Lectionary, Daily RCL reflections, Pr. Phil Heinze, Fort Worth, TX, 2021.
- The Preacher's Exchange - First Impressions and Homilias Domincales / Homilias Breves. Jude Siciliano, O.P., 2021.
- SacraConversazione, discussion of the texts in terms of traditions of interpreters, from a postmodern perspective, 2021.
- "On Being Pruned," David Lose, ...in the Meantime, 2015.
- The Risky Business of Bearing Fruit, Karoline Lewis, Working Preacher, 2015.
- "Tangled in Love and Vines," RevGalBlogPals commentary and discussion. Don't miss the 11th Hour Preacher Party on Saturday!
- Eunuchs, Vines, and Love, Eric Smith, LECTIO, 2015.
- "What Does It Mean to Abide?" sermon notes, Porter Taylor, The Liturgical Theologian, 2015.
- "Abiding in Love," Sharron Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2015.
- "The Vine and the Branches and My Ash Tree," Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2015.
- "Legislating Love in the 21st Century," Karyn L. Wiseman, ON Scripture, Odyssey Networks. Includes discussion questions. Video: Marriage Equality and the U.S. Supreme Court.
- "The Beloved Community," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2015.
- "Staying Open to the Source," Bob Stuhlmann, Stories from a Priestly Life, 2015.
- "The Vine Abides," storytelling, Story Divine, 2015.
- "The Eunuch's Legacy," Lynn Miller, Art & Faith Matters, celebrating our creative and living God by generating art and architecture resources for congregations and individuals. Art and Faith Matters facebook page contains additional resources.
- "Abide in Me," Rick Fry, 2015.
- "Of Eunuchs and Hope," Peter Lockhart, A Different Heresy, 2015.
- "The Vine and the Branches," Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2015.
- "Abiding Fruit," Jim McCoy, Ekklesia Project, 2015.
- Proclamation as Conversation on the Road, Patrick Johnson, Missional Preaching, 2015.
- "Unless Someone Guides Me," Journey to Penuel, 2015.
- "Philip of Caesarea," Dan Clendenin, Journey with Jesus, 2015. 2012. 2009. 2006.
- Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2015.
- "The True Vine," Thomas Beam, 2015.
- "The Ethiopian Eunuch," Scott L. Barton, 2015.
- "Potatoes Spoil; People Don't Spoil," Steve Goodier, Life Support System, 2015.
- Lectionary Notes, Beth Quick, 2015.
- Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, preachingtip, 2018.
- "Getting Real," David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, 2012.
- "Castrating Our Customs," Rev. Adam J. Copeland, Day 1, 2012.
- "The Vine and Core Strength," Janet Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2012.
- "Swaddled and Squinting," Rick Morley, 2012..
- Interim Transitions Lectionary Connections Easter 5B, Bob Anderson, ShortStop: Lectionary Preaching in Times of Transition, 2012.
- "The Catharsis of Not Cutting," Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2012.
- "I Am The Vine," Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2012. Use of images.
- "Abide is a wonderful verb," Katie Munnik, Presbyterian Record, 2012.
Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
- "The Space Left by Love," Darian Duckwowrth, Day 1, 2021.
- "Abiding Fruit," Juan Huertas, Day 1, 2015.
- Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustrations.
- "A Message So good as to Border on Folly," the Very Rev. Stephen Carlsen, Day 1, 2012.
- Ministry Matters, 2021.
- "Neither Heaven Nor Hell," the Rev. Benjamin Anthony, Day 1, 2009.
Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- What the World Needs, Nikki Hardeman, Faith Elements, 2015.
- Points for Preaching and Teaching, 2015. The Lectionary Lab, Easter 5, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2012.
- "Legislating Love in the 21st Century," Karyn L. Wiseman, ON Scripture, Odyssey Networks. Includes discussion questions. Video: Marriage Equality and the U.S. Supreme Court.
- "Abiding in Love," Kathryn Matthews Huey, Weekly Seeds, 2015.
- Bible Study, Easter 5B, 2015, Michael Toy, Sermons that Work, Episcopal Digital Network.
- Estudio de la Biblia. 5 Pascua, por Michael Toy, Sermones que Iluminan, Episcopal Digital Network, 20
- "What Prevents Me?" FaithElement discipleship system "setting the Bible free," 2012.
- "Suffering Servants," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Suffering," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2005. (Acts 8)
- "Singing with the Psalter," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Singing Our Lives," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2006. (Psalm 22)
- "We Have Never Seen His Face," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Suffering," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2005. (Psalm 22)
- Light on the Lessons, Lutheran Bible Ministries. .doc file leaders guide and participant guide for group study of the weekly lectionary readings. (Scroll down past chart of CEV 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 Easter Resources page.
Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
- Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2021.
- Life in Liturgy, Easter 5, Disciples of Christ, 2021.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2015. (Terms of Use)
- Ministry Matters, 2021.
- Lectionary Liturgies, Easter 5B, 2021, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- Liturgy and Hymns by Stephen M. Fearing, 2021.
- "Abiding in Love," Sharron Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2015.
- Mustard Seeds, Easter 5, 2021. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Easter Season Liturgy, Easter Season Reflection (emphasis on Easter in the Southern Hemisphere), Rev. Bosco Peters.
- Worship and Liturgy Resources, Easter 5, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
- 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.
- Sacredise, 2021.
- Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2021.
- Resources: Based on the Revised Common Lectionary. Prayers, Collects and Litanies by Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church in Australia.
- Lector's Notes, Easter 5, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
- "Liturgy: prayers reflection," reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
- Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.2021.
- Call to Worship, Mary-Jane Konings, 2012.
- Weekly Worship. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2021.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas, 2021. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2015. .rtf file at this link. (Terms of Use)
- World in Prayer, the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Lodi, California. Prayers. Prayers and litanies based on each week's world news, 2021.
- Worship Ways, prayers and liturgical resources. UCC. Español.
- Prayers of the People, Richard J. Einerson, sample prayers from Prayers of the People: Pastoral Prayers for Worship and Personal Devotion.
- The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 22:25-31, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2015.
- Confession RCL, Bill Wessner, 2015.
- At the Edge of the Enclosure, Suzanne Guthrie, 2021.
Graphics & Multimedia:
- Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
- Easter 5 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.
- Images for this week's readings, Pitts Theology Library Digital Image Archive.
- Mustard Seeds, Easter 5, 2021. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- "Just Love," Easter 5, Miriam's Tambourine, 2012.
- "What Prevents Me?" FaithElement discipleship system "setting the Bible free," 2012.
- "I Am The Vine," Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2012. Use of images.
- Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
- Fruit, Dollar Store Children's Sermon, John Stevens, 2015.
- Catchy Lecty free graphics for Eastertide, 2015.
- What the World Needs, Nikki Hardeman, Faith Elements, 2015.
Hymns and Music:
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
  - "Rave," "Bow Down," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn.
  - Hymns of the Spirit Three, Easter 5B, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
  - Liturgy and Hymns by Stephen M. Fearing, 2021.
- Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
  - Hymn and Song Suggestions, Easter 5, 2021, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
  - Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2021.
  - Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
  - Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
  - Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  - The Billabong by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
  - Sing for Joy, Easter 5, 2009. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
  - Weekly Worship. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2021.
  - Prayers and Musical Ideas, 2021. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
  - Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2015. .rtf file at this link. (Terms of Use)
With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
- Worshiping with Children, Easter 5, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2015. 2012.
- "Storypath Lectionary Links: Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story," May 3, 2015, Union Presbyterian Seminary. 2012.
- Dollar Store Children's Sermon, John Stevens, 2015.
- Children's Sermon, Faith Formation Journeys, 2015.
- Ministry Matters 2021.
- "Abiding in Love," Sharron Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2015.
- "And Come Back," Frances Woodruff, On the Chancel Steps, 2012.
- "A Parable: The Velveteen Rabbit," Dianne Deming, Children's Sermons Today, 2012.
- "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
- Weekly Devotions, Faith Formation Journeys, 2012.
- Story for Children's Worship and Family Activity, Easter 5, at word-sunday.com: A Catholic Resource for the Lectionary by Larry Broding.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2015. (Terms of Use)
Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- Coloring Pages/Puzzles. Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com. (Scroll to bottom of page.)
- Weekly Devotions, Faith Formation Journeys, 2015.
Drama (see listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
- Mustard Seeds, Easter 5, 2021. 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.