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Proper 21B/Ordinary 26B/Pentecost 19
September 30, 2018
With thanks to page sponsor 2018:
Christ Lutheran Church Hellertown
Supporting scholarship and science in your journey of faith.

Image: JESUS MAFA. Jesus welcomes the children,
from Art in the Christian Tradition,
a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.

Click on Scripture Lessons below for study links and resources:

Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22 or Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29
Roman Catholic reading: Numbers 11:25-29
United Methodist reading: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22

Psalm 124 or Psalm 19:7-14
Roman Catholic reading: Psalm 19:8-14
United Methodist reading: Psalm 124

James 5:13-20
Roman Catholic reading: James 5:1-6

Mark 9:38-50
Roman Catholic reading: Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

Reading and Studying the Text This Week

• Texts:
  • Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings from the New American Bible (NCCB/USCC).
  • 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.
  • Leccionario Dominical La Iglesia Episcopal Ministerio Latino Hispano, Año B.
  • Lutheran lectionary readings, Year B, from the ELCA site.
  • 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:
    • Esther
  • Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
    • "Possession" by Evil
    • Doers of the Word
    • Covenant 
    • Clean/Unclean
    • Sacrifice
    • Servanthood
    • Liberation
    • Prayer
    • Truth/Truthfulness
    • Confession
    • Repentance
    • Reconciliation
• 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).
  • Preaching This Week commentaries of RCL texts at WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary, 2018.
  • Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives. Commentary, historical background, poems and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
  • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2018.
  • "Courage for Community," Kathryn Matthews, UCC Sermon Seeds, 2018.
  • Starters for Sunday, 2018. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, illustration ideas, 2018.
  • The Adventurous Lectionary, Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2015.
  • Ministry Matters.
  • Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2015.
  • "The Church at Odd with Itself," D. Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2015.
  • Lectionary at Lunch: MP3, Windows Media, and Real Audio files of lectures by professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS)..
  • "Welcoming Disciples Do Not Forbid, Impede or Suffer Impediments,'" D Mark Davis, raw translation and exegesis/questions, Left Behind and Loving It, 2012.
  • Social Justice Lectionary, Dr. Bruce Sweet, 2018.
  • The Lectionary Lab, Proper 21B, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2012.
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Girardian Reflections on the Lectionary, Proper 21, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
  • Rumors, for September 27, 2009, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor."
  • Jesus Now, Proper 21B. 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).
  • Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22 / Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29
  • Psalm 124 / Psalm 19
  • James 5:13-20
  • Mark 9:38-50
• 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. 2018.
  • "Jesus is pretty clear: we should mind our own spiritual business," Rachael Keefe, The Christian Century, 2018.
  • "Accepting a Cup of Water," David Lose, ...in the meantime, 2018.
  • "A Hyperbolic Homiletic," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2018.
  • "Turning Sorrow into Gladness," commentary and discussion, RevGalBlogPals, 2018. 11th Hour Preacher Party.
  • "If It Causes You to Stumble," Debie Thomas, Journey with Jesus, 2018.
  • "A Community of Prayer," Connections, Next Sunday Resources, 2018.
  • Monday Meditations, Gary Neal Hansen, 2018.
  • "The Book of Esther as Resistance to Ethnic Nationalism," Robert Williamson, Jr., 2018.
  • Preaching Tip, Bob Eldan, 2018.
  • Lectionary Greek, Rob Myallis, 2018.
  • peaceonjustice, Barbara Born, 2018.
  • Sacredise, 2018.
  • Come Sunday, Disciples of Christ, 2018.
  • "A Reversal of Fortunes," Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2018.
  • "Not Narrative," 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.
  • "Wild Lectionary: Singing to Remain," Radical Discipleship, 2018.
  • Earthkeepers Preaching, Tom Harries, 2018.
  • A Plain Account, Wesleyan Commentary, 2018.
  • "Prophets Add Salt," Sermon-stories.com, 2018.
  • First Impressions, Andrew Prior, 2018.
  • Dancing with the Word, Janet H. Hunt, 2018.
  • Church Health Daily Devotions, Butch Odom, 2018.
  • "Draughting Theology," Steve Pankey, 2018. Daily reflections and study for Sunday.
  • Homily Week, 2018.
  • Your Cliche of the Week, Glenn Morison, 2018.
  • The Reflectionary, images, reflections, activities, Fay Rowland, 2018.
  • Sunday Scripture Podcast, Joe Cate and friends, 2018.
  • Reading in Church & Other Distractions Podcast, iTunes, Google Play, YouTube, 2018
  • "Crackers & Grape Juice," 2018.
  • Pray As You Can, Reflections, commentary, prayer, poems, etc., Kym Harris, Diocese of Rockhampton, 2018
  • Lectio Divina Podcast, Todd Spencer, 2018.
  • HuffPost Religion, religion news and contemporary news in religious perspective. Always worth a read...
  • Unfolding Light, Daily Reflections leading toward Sunday readings, Steve Garnaas-Holmes, 2018.
  • Break Open the Word, Michael T. Hiller, 2018.
  • Lectionary Poetry, Scott Barton, 2018.
  • One Little Word, David J. Risendal, 2018
  • Hitchhiker's Guide to the Bible, Andy Doyle, Episcopal Diocese of Texas, 2018.
  • The River of Life, Loddon Mallee UCA Presbytery Blog, 2018.
  • Living the Lectionary, Daily RCL reflections, Pr. Phil Heinze, Fort Worth, TX, 2018.
  • The Preacher's Exchange - First Impressions and Homilias Domincales / Homilias Breves. Jude Siciliano, O.P., 2018.
  • SacraConversazione, discussion of the texts in terms of traditions of interpreters, from a postmodern perspective, 2018.
  • "Who Are You?" David Lose, ...in the Meantime, 2015.
  • "On Seeing Yourself," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2015.
  • "Queen Esther: Unedited," Dan Clendenin, Journey with Jesus, 2015
  • "The Way of Cold Water: A Homily on the Hyperbole of Heaven and Hell," David R. Henson, edges of faith, 2015.
  • "Stumbling toward Jesus," Law and Gospel Everywhere Glenn Monson, 2015.
  • "Meat (and Potatoes)," Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2015.
  • Salt and Paint 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.
  • "Not Against Us - For Us?" Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2015.
  • "Be Careful What You Ask For," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2015.
  • "Ego Trip," Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure.
  • "Insiders and Outsiders," David Lose, Working Preacher, 2012.
  • "Was Ann Romney Right? Infinite Mystery, Intimate Goodness," Dan Clendenin, The Journey with Jesus, 2012. 2009.
  • "How Much Is Enough?" Kyle Childress, Ekklesia Project, 2012.
  • "Salted with Fire," Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2012. Use of images.
  • "Rx for Broken Lives and Faltering Faith," Sharron R Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2012.
  • "We're All In This Together," Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2012.
• Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • "What the Hell?!" by Andrew Foster Connors.  A Sermon for Every Sunday.  Video sermons from America’s best preachers for every Sunday of the Liturgical Year.
  • "Is Religion Just Another Tribal Marker?" by Brian McLaren.  A Sermon for Every Sunday.  Video sermons from America’s best preachers for every Sunday of the Liturgical Year.
  • "Deliverance and Deli Meat," the Rev. Bonnie Scott, Day 1, 2012.
  • "Xerxes, Esther, Haman, and Mordecai," Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustrations.
  • Ministry Matters.
  • Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "To Make the Wounded Whole," The Rev. Dr. Kenneth Carter, Day 1, 2009.
  • "Getting Serious," the Rev. Dr. David Galloway, Day 1, 2006.
• Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
  • "Courage for Community," Kathryn Matthews, UCC Weekly Seeds, 2018.
  • "Unquenchable Fire," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Heaven and Hell," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2002. (Mark 9)
  • "When Suffering Continues," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Aging," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2003. Focus Article: "When Suffering Continues," Robert V. Rakestraw. (James 5)
  • "Would That All Were Prophets," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Prophetic Ethics," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2003. (Numbers 11)
  • 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

• The Text This Week's Pentecost Resources Page.
• Complete Liturgies and General Worship Planning Resources:
  • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2015.
  • Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2015. (Terms of Use)
  • Life in Liturgy, Disciples of Christ, 2018.
  • Liturgy, Stephen Fearing, 2018.
  • "Be Careful What You Ask For," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2015.
  • Creation Season resources using RCL texts, Bosco Peters, 2015.
  • Ministry Matters.
  • Mustard Seeds, "God's Possibilities," Proper 21, 2018. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Lectionary Liturgies, 2018, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
  • Worship and Liturgy Resources, Ordinary 26, 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.
  • Resources: Based on the Revised Common Lectionary. Prayers, Collects and Litanies by Bruce Prewer, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • Lector's Notes, Ordinary 26, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
  • Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
  • The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 124, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2012.
  • "Liturgy: prayers reflection," reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, NZPB, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
  • Starters for Sunday, 2018. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas,. 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.
  • Worship Ways, prayers and liturgical resources. UCC. Español.
  • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2018.
  • Prayers of the People, Richard J. Einerson, sample prayers from Prayers of the People: Pastoral Prayers for Worship and Personal Devotion.
  • Liturgy Link, 2018.
  • re: Worship, 2018.
  • Point of Contact - Where Life and Worship Intersect, Julie Gvillo, Call to Worship is published on Tuesday mornings. The Confession piece is published on Wednesday mornings. And the Prayers of the People is published on Friday mornings.
  • Reclaim Weekly Worship Prayers, 2018.
  • Liturgical Resources, (Ir)revBrent, 2018
  • Engage Worship, 2018.
• Graphics and Multimedia (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Art in the Christian Tradition, Jean and Alexander Heard, Vanderbilt Divinity Library. Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial ShareAlike 3.0 License.
  • HermanoLeón Clipart, Ordinary 26B. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
  • Clip Art Images: Mark 9:38-48, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Ordinary 26 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, "God's Possibilities," Proper 21, 2018. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
  • Bulletin Covers, www.scholia.net. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Emmett, Idaho. Scroll down for Year B index.
  • Prayers and Musical Ideas, Ordinary 26, 2012. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
  • "Salted with Fire," Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2012. Use of images.
  • Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
  • Silly Glasses/Clown Noses, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2015.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
    • "Perhaps You Have Been Chosen," Text: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. A hymn based on Esther and its implications for today. Tune: AURELIA 7.6.7.6 D ("The Church's One Foundation")
    • "The Persian King Was Angry," Text: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. This hymn celebrates of story of Esther. Tune: LLANGLOFFAN 7.6.7.6 D ("Lead On, O King Eternal"; "Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers")
    • “Be Doers of the Word of God” is Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s hymn, based on the Letter of James, that calls Christians to care for the poor and to put faith into action.  Tune: ELLACOMBE 8.6.8.6 D (“I Sing the Mighty Power of God”).
    • “O Lord, May All We Say and Do” is Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s hymn based on the themes found in the five chapters of the Letter of James. Tune: TALLIS' CANON 8.8.8.8 (“All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night”).  Published in Baylor University's Christian Reflection journal.
    • "Rave," Brenton Prigge, C.M., New Hymn, 2006.
    • Hymns of the Spirit Three, Proper 21B, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
  • Psalm Settings:
    • "If the Lord Had Not Been on Our Side," (Psalm 124), "Heaven Declares" (Psalm 19), lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
    • Psalm 124 set to St Anne (CM 86 86), Psalm 19:7-14 set to Aurelia (76 76 D), by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms.
  • Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
    • Hymn and Song Suggestions, Proper 21B, 2018, annotated suggestions from Natalie Sims, Singing from the Lectionary.
    • You Call That Church Music? alternative music planning blog for church musicians following the RCL (with videos), Ann Strickland, 2015.
    • Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2015.
    • Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary (with lyrics and sound files) from the Oremus Hymnal. (Click "Hymn Suggestions for the Sunday Lectionary.")
    • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
    • Lectionary Hymns, Ordinary 26B, 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.
    • Choral Anthem Project, Ordinary 26B, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
    • Starters for Sunday, 2018. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland.
    • Prayers and Musical Ideas, 2018. 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)
    • Together to Celebrate, 2018, David MacGregor, Uniting Church in Australia. Contemporary Christian Music resources.
• With Children (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
  • Worshiping with Children, 2015, Proper 21B, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2012.
  • "Storypath Lectionary Links: Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story," 2018, Union Presbyterian Seminary.
  • Dollar Store Children's Sermon, John Stevens, 2018.
  • "Prayer Is Not Boring," Frances Woodruff, On the Chancel Steps, 2012.
  • Air Freshener, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2015.
  • "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
  • "Be Careful What You Ask For," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2015.
  • "Keep the Lid On," Dianne Deming, Childrens Sermons Today, 2012.
  • Children's Sermon, Faith Formation Journeys, 2018.
  • 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.
  • Story for Children's Worship and Family Activity, Ordinary 26, at word-sunday.com: A Catholic Resource for the Lectionary by Larry Broding.
• Children's Bulletins (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page)
  • Weekly Devotions, Faith Formation Journeys, 2018.
  • Coloring Pages/Puzzles. Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com. (Scroll to bottom 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.

• INDEX BY SCRIPTURE
• PODCASTS
• NARRATIVE LECTIONARY RESOURCES
• DAILY LECTIONARY RESOURCES
• FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS (includes Creation)
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF VIOLENCE
• PEACE RESOURCES
• FOR USE IN TIMES OF NATURAL DISASTER

• Year C
• Maundy Thurs Apr 14
• Good Friday Apr 15
• Easter Day Apr 17
• Easter 2 Apr 24
• Easter 3 May 1
• Easter 4 May 8
• Easter 5 May 15
• Easter 6 May 22
• Ascension May 26
• Easter 7 May 29
• Pentecost June 5
  

• Calendars
• YEAR A
• YEAR B
• YEAR C

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