Epiphany 5B
February 8, 2009

With thanks to page sponsor:
Grace Congregational Church, UCC
Manhattan, NY
(Dec0809)

Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources:

Isaiah 40:21-31
Roman Catholic reading: Job 7:1-4, 6-7

Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 147:1-6
Episcopal reading (RCL): Psalm 147:1-12, 21c

1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Roman Catholic reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23

Mark 1:29-39

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.
  • Lectionary readings from the Episcopal Lectionary: BCP - RCL.
  • United Methodist lectionary readings, Year B.
  • Biblical Passages for Mennonite Bulletins, Year B.
  • 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.
  • PCUSA - Daily/Weekly Lectionary Readings.
• Images and Movies:
  • Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Healing
  • Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • Healing/Healers (see especially "Tampopo")
    • Possession by evil
    • Institutional evil
    • Confrontations with evil
    • Spiritual Struggle
    • Clean/Unclean
    • Authority
    • Prayer
    • Freedom
    • Grace
• 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.
  • Preaching This Week at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2009. Commentaries on lectionary readings by W. Dennis Tucker, Jr., Karl Jacobson, James Boyce, Wendell Frerichs.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Ordinary 5, 2009. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Epiphany 5, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Preaching Peace commentary, Jeff Krantz & Michael Hardin.
  • Preaching Helps (Epiphany 5, 2009). United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • "Source of Strength," Kate Huey, Weekly Seeds, iucc.org, 2009.
  • Jesus Now, Epiphany 5B. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • "Health Care," Resources for Prophetic Worship, Speaking to North Carolina Justice Issues, North Carolina Council of Churches.
  • Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary, Epiphany 5, 2009, Bruce G. Epperly, "...bringing process-relational thought to people of faith."
  • Commentary and Exegesis Epiphany 5B, Lawrence Moore, Disclosing New Worlds, 2009.
  • "Covenant and Exile," Epiphany 5B, 2009, Sea Raven, Liberal Christian Commentary.
  • Liberal Lectionary Analysis, Epiphany 5B, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • SAMUEL, Epiphany 5, 2009, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Text Studies, Epiphany 5-B, Dan Nelson. (Lutheran)
  • Lectionary Study, Epiphany 5B, Dr. Robert Linthicum, Partners in Urban Transformation.
  • Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
  • Sermon Nuggets, Epiphany 5B, 2009, Lindy Black. Illustrations, humor, questions, quotations.
  • Rumors, for February 8, 2009, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
  • Starters for Sunday, 8 February, 2009. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • "The Good Work Multiplies!" The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2009.
  • Preaching Helps, First Sunday of Advent through Transfiguration of Our Lord, Year B, Robert H. Smith, John Rollefson, Richard Rollefson, Currents in Theology and Mission, 2002.
• Lists of recommended articles available with ATLAS subscription for these texts:
  • Isaiah 40:21-31
  • Psalm 147
  • 1 Corinthians 9:16-23
  • Mark 1:29-39
• Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
  • "All Things to All People," Blogging toward Sunday, Tom Steagald, Theolog: The Blog of The Christian Century, 2009.
  • Sermon Brainwave. Lectionary podcast featuring Profs. Karoline Lewis, David Lose and Rolf Jacobson, discussing the week's passages in light of current events. At Luther Seminary's WorkingPreacher.org, 2009.
  • Tuesday Lectionary Leanings, Eagles Wings Edition, RevGalBlogPals lectionary discussion, 2009.
  • "Perfection Is the Voice of the Oppressor: A Spirituality of Imperfection," The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2009.
  • "The Domestic God," Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2009.
  • The Saturday Night Theologian, Exegesis of Word and World, Tod O.L. Mundo, Progressive Theology Weblog, 2009.
  • Lectionary Introductions (background / context) and discussion, February 8, 2009. Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Sermon Starters, Epiphany, 2009, Brian Erickson, United Methodist Church Circuit Rider.
  • "The Politics of Coming Out," Randall Bailey, Penny Nixon, Wendell Miller, Out In Scripture: An Honest Encounter Between Our Lives and the Bible, Human Rights Campaign, 2009. (LGBT perspective)
  • "Daemons," Epiphany 5B, 2009, Lane Denson, III, Out of Nowhere.
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church, 2006.
  • "Love That Transcends Divisions," Ron Miller, "Proclaiming Gospel Justice: Reflections on the Scriptures and Progressive Spirituality," The Witness, 2006.
  • This Sunday's Readings, Third Sunday before Lent, Martin Warner, Church Times, 2009.
  • "Made Whole to Serve," Sharron R. Lucas, lectionary-based stewardship reflection, Stewardship of Life Institute, ELCA, 2009.
  • Daily Reflection, Ordinary 5B, Larry Gillick, S.J., Creighton University, 2009.
  • "Living the Word," at Sojourners:
    • "From Message to Church," Michaela Bruzzese, "Listen to Him!" 2009.
    • "Dignity," Robert Roth, "Healing People, Healing Nations," 2006.
    • "Sharing God's Extravagant Love," Lauren F. Winner, "Divine Manifestations," 2003.
  • Articles from The Christian Century:
    • "Boast Not," Ray Rhoads, 2006.
    • "No Comparison," Paul Keim, 2003.
    • "Who Is Like Thee?" Mary W. Anderson, 2000.
    • "The Freedom of Slavery," Patrick J. Willson, 1994.
  • Desperate Preacher's Site: sermons, discussions, liturgical material and other resources.
  • Sunday by Sunday, Reflections on Stewardship based on the RCL Gospels, Year B. 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):
  • "Join Hands, Reach Out, and Lift Up," the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Day 1, 2009.
  • "On Healing," Epiphany 5B, Revd Dr. Lance Stone, Emmanuel United Reformed Church, Cambridge, 2009.
  • "Peter's Mother-In-Law, Thomas Dorsey and Us," R. William Carroll, Episcopal Cafe, 2009.
  • Selected Sermon, Epiphany 5B (RCL), the Rev. Angela V Askew, in Worship that Works, ECUSA, 2009.
  • "The Long and Short of It," Dianne Bergant, CSA, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2003.
  • "Compassionate in Word and Deed," John R. Donahue, SJ, America: The National Catholic Weekly, 2000.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • Lectionary Notes, Epiphany 5, Rev. Beth Quick and the Lectionary Chat Group Bible Study of St. Paul's UMC, Oneida, NY.
  • "Exploring the Joy of Sports," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Sports," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2008. (Isaiah 40)
  • "Upward Sports," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Sports," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2008. (1 Corinthians 9)
  • "An Attitude of Discipleship: Serving," John and Robin McCullough-Bade, Daily Discipleship Bible Study, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 2009.
  • Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Adults, Epiphany, Year B, The Episcopal Church, 2009.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Ordinary 5, 2009 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • Bible Study - 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 Epiphany Resources Page.
• Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
  • Worship Planning Helps (Epiphany 5, 2009): Worship & Preaching Notes, Hymn Suggestions and Worship Resources from the United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
  • Gathering, Epiphany 5, 2009, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
  • Worship Resources, Epiphany 5, 2009, Free Resources, Cokesbury Worship Connection.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Clues for Coping, Prayer," Epiphany 5B, 2009. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • "Health Care," Resources for Prophetic Worship, Speaking to North Carolina Justice Issues, North Carolina Council of Churches.
  • Liturgies Online, Epiphany 5, by Rev Moira Laidlaw, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, Epiphany 5B, 2009, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
  • Liturgy for the Celebration of Life, Epiphany 5B, 2009. 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 5 - Epiphany 5, by Rev David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • "A Heart Which Sees," The Practice of Jesus, Bill Fletcher, Aotearoa-New Zealand, 2009.
  • Sermons and Liturgies for Year B, 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 B - Epiphany 5. 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, Ordinary 5, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • "For Racial Reconciliation," a 21st Century Prayer for Racial Justice Sunday, UCC Worship Ways, 2009.
  • Offertory Prayers for February, 2009, David S. Bell, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • Starters for Sunday, 8 February, 2009. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • A Prayer for Epiphany 5, Stephen Brown, A Place for Prayer.
  • 21st Century Worship Resources, Epiphany 5, 2009, the Rev. Dr. LaGretta Bjorn, United Methodist Church GBOD.
  • "Liturgy: prayers reflection", reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand. (Common Worship C of E)
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 5, 2009. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
  • Worship Resources, Epiphany 5B, John van de Laar, Sacredise.
  • Meditation Prompts and Prayers, Epiphany 5B, 2009. Suzanne Guthrie, At the End of Enclosure.
  • Healing Prayers, MomPriest, RevGalBlogPals, 2009.
  • 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: Mark 1:29-39, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Ordinary 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.
  • Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year B index.
  • CHURCH PowerPoint, Epiphany 5B, Rev. Dorothy Okray. Free PowerPoint slides for Worship Services.
  • Mustard Seeds, "Clues for Coping, Prayer," Epiphany 5B, 2009. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Commercial Site: "A Solitary Place," video for Epiphany 5B / Mark 1:29-39, The Work of the People.
  • "The Domestic God," Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2009.
• Bulletin Inserts (see also Children's Bulletins, below):
  • SAMUEL, Epiphany 5, 2009, at ucc.org: lectionary citations, weekly theme, lectionary texts, commentary and bulletin back page.
  • Lectionary Introductions (background / context) and discussion, February 8, 2009. Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Scripture Introduction for Bulletin Insert, Epiphany 5B, Rev. John Shearman, Oakville, ON, Canada.
  • "Because they knew who he was..." reflection by James Harvey, eBulletins reflections, prayer reminders, activity corner, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • "When Weary Times Confront the Soul," F. Richard Garland, tune: REST. United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • Hymn for Epiphany 5B, 8.7.8.7.D AUSTRIA, Alan Hinton, Disclosing New Worlds, 2009.
    • "Proclamation," Brenton Prigge, NewHymn.
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Epiphany 5B, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Lectionary Hymns, Epiphany 5B, 2009, United Methodist Church GBOD.
    • Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
    • Lectionary Hymns, Ordinary 5B, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Hymn selections (United Methodist) and more from Hymnsite.com.
    • The Billabong by Rev Jeff Shrowder, Uniting Church in Australia: Hymn suggestions and paraphrases of lectionary Psalms.
    • Together to Celebrate, February 8, 2009, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
    • Starters for Sunday, 8 February, 2009. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
    • Choral Anthem Project, Ordinary 5B, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 5, 2009. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University.
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Epiphany 5B 2009, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
    • Sing for Joy, Epiphany 5, 2009. Choral reflections on this week's lectionary readings, St. Olaf College.
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Story for Children's Worship and Family Activity, Ordinary 5, at word-sunday.com: A Catholic Resource for the Lectionary by Larry Broding.
  • "Telling the Story," Children's Time, in Sermons and Liturgies. Richard J. Fairchild. (Scroll down in liturgies to find Children's Time.)
  • "Junk Food Christians," "Peace, Be Still," Children's Sermons from Sermons4kids.com.
  • Lesson Plans for Small Congregations, Younger Children & Older Children, Epiphany, Year B, The Episcopal Church, 2009.
  • Proclaiming Faith, Ordinary 5, 2009 - exploring the Sunday and Holy Day readings - reflections and young people's activities. Sadlier Publishing.
  • Ideas and Talks for Epiphany, Talks to Children, Rev. Donald McCorkindale, Dalgety Parish Church, Fife, Scotland.
  • Gathering, Epiphany 5, 2009, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc.
• Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top 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 listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
• A list of links to other lectionary-based preaching and worship resources.