Reading and Studying the Text This Week

Texts:
- Illustrated lectionary readings at Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- Roman Catholic Lectionary Readings from the New American Bible.
- Episcopal Lectionary: BCP - RCL.
- Lutheran lectionary readings, Year C, from the ELCA site.
- United Methodist lectionary readings.
- 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:
- Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
Special Day Resources: Advent
Special Day Resources: World AIDS Day
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).
Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
- Facebook Page: 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).
- Working Preacher commentary, Advent 1, WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary.
- Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, 2018. Commentary, historical background, poems, prayers, hymns and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
- Starters for Sunday. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2018.
- The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2018.
- Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2018.
- "Sprouting Leaves," Kathryn Matthews Huey, SAMUEL, UCC, 2018.
- Lectionary at Lunch: MP3, Windows Media, and Real Audio files of lectures by professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS), 2018.
- Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.
- Ministry Matters.
- This Week at PreachingIllustrations.com, 2018.
- Faith in Process, Robert McDonald, 2018.
- Social Justice Lectionary, Bruce Sweet, 2018.
- "The Imperative of Expectation," D Mark Davis, raw translation and exegesis/questions, Left Behind and Loving It, 2012.
- The Adventurous Lectionary, Advent 1C, Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2012.
- The Lectionary Lab, Advent 1, 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, Advent 1, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
- Jesus Now, Advent 1C. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
- Rumors, for November 29, 2009, Ralph Milton, "Sermon helps for preachers with a sense of humor." (Alternate lectionary texts.)
- Readings, Analysis of Texts and Preaching Paths, Dennis Bratcher, Christian Resource Institute. (Church of the Nazarene.)
Lectionary Reflections, Discussions & Weblogs:
- Facebook Page: 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.
- "Courage!" David Lose, ...in the Meantime, 2018.
- Living by the Word, William H. Lamar IV, The Christian Century, 2018.
- "When You See These Things," Debie Thomas, Journey with Jesus, 2018.
- "Hope, Even While the Seas Roar," commentary and discussion, RevGalBlogPals, 2018. 11th Hour Preacher Party.
- "Through the Door Again," Jan Richardson, The Advent Door, 2018.
- Preaching Tip of the Week, Bob Eldan, preachingtip, 2018.
- The Promise of the Righteous Branch, Connections, Next Sunday Resources, 2018.
- A Plain Account, Wesleyan Commentary, 2018.
- "A Thin Veil of Peace," Jennifer Henry, 2018.
- Stewardship of Life Institute Reflection, Sharron Blezard, 2018.
- "The Coming Near of God," Raj Bharat Patta, The Politics of Scripture, 2018.
- Monday Meditation, Gary Neal Hansen, 2018.
- Ecojustice Commentary on the RCL, Tom Mundahl, Lutherans Restoring Creation, 2018.
- "God's Righteousness Revealed," Robert Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2018.
- Sermon-Stories.com, 2018.
- "A Righteous Branch," 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.
- "Stand Up!" Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2018.
- Sacredise Lectionary Resources, 2018.
- Lectionary Notes, Fred Horton, 2018.
- Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, 2018.
- Richard Bryant, Food for Thought, 2018.
- Insights with Seitz Podcast, Wycliffe College, 2018,
- Radical Discipleship.Net, "The Wild Lectionary," curated by Laurel Dykstra.
- Earthkeeper's Preaching, 2018.
- Theology of Work, 2018.
- Church Health Daily Devotions, Butch Odom, 2018.
- "Draughting Theology," Steve Pankey, 2018. Daily reflections and study for Sunday.
- Homily Week, 2018.
- This Week at PreachingIllustrations.com, 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
- LectioCast - Homebrewed Christianity, 2018.
- "What I'm Thinking," Eric Anderson, You Tube, RSS, Playlist, 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.
- Sunday's Child, Daily Lectionary and Reflections on Scripture and World, Una Malachica, 2018.
- Weekly Reflections on the Christian Faith (lectionary texts), conversations between Mark Smith and David Owen, England Public School Chaplains. 2018
- Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Dialogue, Wesley White, 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.
- Lectionary Scripture Notes, Dr. Norman Beck, 2018.
- "Stand Up And Raise Your Heads!" David Lose, ...in the Meantime, 2015.
- "Why Advent?" Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2015.
- "Preparing for the Son of Man," Ron Hansen, Journey with Jesus, 2015.
- "The Portal," Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2015.
- "The Oldest Doors in Europe," Katie Munnik, Presbyterian Record, 2015.
- "Watching for Signs," Bob Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2015.
- "The Nearness of the Kingdom: Jesus Goes, Too," Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2015.
- "Your Redemption Is Growing Near," Glenn Monson, Law and Gospel Everywhere, 2015.
- "Is Today 'The Day'?" 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.
- "The Politics of Waiting," Mark Davis, Political Theology Today, 2015.
- "Advent Credo," Allan Boesak, Walking on Thorns, 2004.
- Liberating Lectionary, meditations from non-canonical texts, Jack Lohr, 2015.
- On a Stormy Shore, Andrew King, A Poetic Kind of Place, 2015.
- "A Promise Big Enough to Save Us," David Lose, Working Preacher, 2012.
- "A Season of Difficult Hope," Advent 1 and World AIDS Day, guest essay by Art Ammann, Dan Clendenin, The Journey with Jesus, 2012. 2009. 2006.
- Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2012.
- "Preparing for Disaster," Ragan Sutterfield, Ekklesia Project, 2012.
- "Wait Wait...Please tell me!" Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2012.
- "Drawing Near," Jan Richardson, The Advent Door, 2012. (Use of images.)
- "Hope in a Mad World," Peter Lockhart, a different heresy, 2012.
- "Raise up your heads," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2012.
- "A Posture of Hope," the Rev. Dr. Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2012.
- "The Redeemer Draws Near," Robert Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2012.
- "Finding a Place to Stand and Watch," Peter Woods, The Listening Hermit, 2012.
- "Don't Go To Sleep at the Switch," Neil Chappell, a weird thing, 2012.
- "The Day of Redemption is at Hand," Robert Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey.
- "Advent and Eschatology," Peter Lockhart, A Different Heresy, 2012.
- Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2012.
- Care for Creation Reflections, Dennis Ormseth, Lutherans Restoring Creation, 2012.
- "Live Expectantly!" PreacherRhetorica, 2012.
- "Stay Alert," Robert Stuhlmann, Stories from a Priestly Life, 2012.
Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
- "Not Suitable for Children," by Amy Butler. A Sermon for Every Sunday. Video sermons from America’s best preachers for every Sunday of the Liturgical Year.
- "It's All Coming Down," by Will Willimon. A Sermon for Every Sunday. Video sermons from America’s best preachers for every Sunday of the Liturgical Year.
- "Waiting," Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustrations.
- "We Are Yet Alive!" Bishop Kenneth Carter, Day1, 2015.
- "Wake Up! Christmas Is Coming," the Rev. Dr. Bill Brill, Day 1, 2012.
- Ministry Matters.
- Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
- "Advent: Waiting and Working for the Kingdom," the Rev. Dr. J. Barney Hawkins, IV, Day 1, 2009.
- "Apocalypse: Then and Now," The Rev. Dr. Scott Black Johnston, Day 1, 2006.
Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:
- "Sprouting Leaves," Weekly Seeds, UCC, 2018.
- "Fear of the Lord," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Where Wisdom is Found," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2009. Focus article, "Fear of the Lord," Russell Reno. (Psalm 25)
- 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 Advent Resources Page includes links to images illustrating Advent and Christmas themes.
Advent Candle Liturgies
Hanging of the Greens Liturgies
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, 2018.
- Life in Liturgy, Disciples of Christ, 2018.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2018. (Terms of Use)
- Liturgy for Advent 1C, Stephen Fearing, 2018.
- Sacredise Lectionary Resources, 2018.
- Mustard Seeds, "Hope, Waiting and Watching," Advent 1C. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Ministry Matters.
- Worship Resources, Rev. Mindi, Rev-o-lution, 2018.
- "Wait Wait...Please tell me!" Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2012.
- "A Service for the Hanging of the Greens" Written to reinforce Advent themes of Waiting, Watching, Praying, and Emptying, with original Taize-style music. From Anna's Hosannas.
- Lectionary Liturgies, Advent 1C, 2018, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- Music & Worship Resources, Cultural Resources, Advent 1/World AIDS Day, The African American Lectionary Commentary, 2009. (Not RCL texts)
- Worship and Liturgy Resources, Advent 1, 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, Advent 1C, Gregory Warnusz, Saint Jerome Parish, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. Notes and commentary for those reading this week's lectionary texts to the congregation.
- "Liturgy: prayer reflection", Advent 1, reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand.
- Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- Advent collects, Southern Hemisphere, Advent Penitence, Rev. Bosco Peters, Liturgy.
- Starters for Sunday. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2018
- Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2018.
- The Timeless Psalms: Psalm 25:1-10, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2015.
- World in Prayer, the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Lodi, California. Prayers. Prayers and litanies based on each week's world news.
- Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives. Commentary, historical background, poems, prayers, hymns and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
- 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
- Prayers of the People, Blessing/Benediction, Lowell Grisham, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 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, Advent 1C. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
- Clip Art, Advent 1C, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
- Clip Art Images: Luke 21:25-36, Luke 21:25-36 #2, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
- 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.
- Mustard Seeds, "Hope, Waiting and Watching," Advent 1C. 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 C index.
- "Drawing Near," Jan Richardson, The Advent Door, 2012. (Use of images.)
- Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
Hymns and Music:
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
  - "God's World Is Changing" a hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, celebrates that God is bringing in his Kingdom, and God calls us to participate in his love and justice here and now. Tune: BUNESSAN 5.5.5.4 D ("Morning Has Broken").
  - “There is a Mighty Question,” an original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette on Jesus’ teachings about the end times; it was selected to be in the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship’s Singing the New Testament. Tune: ANGEL'S STORY 7.6.7.6 D (“O Jesus, I Have Promised”).
  - “The Days are Coming, Said the Lord,” an original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette inspired by the ancient promises’ relevancy for today. This hymn was commissioned by The Presbyterian Outlook magazine for new Advent text-related hymns to Christmas carol tunes. Tune: CAROL 8.6.8.6 D (“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”).
  - “God, You Alone Know What You've Planned,” an original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette inspired Jesus’ teachings about the end times. This hymn was commissioned by The Presbyterian Outlook magazine for new Advent text-related hymns to Christmas carol tunes. Tune: CAROL 8.6.8.6 D (“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”).
  - "Light a Candle Straight and Tall," David Wood, 2012. Tune: DIX 7.7.7.7.7.7 ("As With Great Gladness").
  - A Hymn for Advent by Rev. David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  - "Angels Came Singing," ST DENIO (11.11.11.11), Brenton Prigge, New Hymn.
- Psalm Settings:
  - "Show Me Your Ways, O Lord," Psalm 25, lyrics, midi, sheet music, mp3. Stephen J. Pearson, The Psalmistry. See Terms of Use.
  - Psalm 25:1-10 set to Martyrdom (CM 86 86) by Dale A. Schoening, Metrical Psalms.
- Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
  - Hymn and Song Suggestions, Advent 1, 2015, 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.
  - Shepherd Sounds, Advent 1. Background information for hymns and choral music following the lectionary from the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Austin, Texas, by Eric Mellenbruch and David Zersen.
  - 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.
  - Choral Anthem Project, Advent 1C, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
  - Lectionary Hymns, Advent 1C, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
  - Starters for Sunday. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2018.
  - Hymnsight, Ralph Milton. Projection-ready image backgrounds to accompany seasonal hymn lyrics.
  - Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2018. (Terms of Use)
  - Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives. Commentary, historical background, poems, prayers, hymns and readings. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
  - 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, 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," 2015, Union Presbyterian Seminary.
- Children's Sermon, Faith Formation Journeys, 2018.
- Dollar Store Children's Sermons, John Stevens, 2018.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc. (Terms of Use)
- Sewing Kit, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2015.
- "Wait Wait...Please tell me!" Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2012.
- On the Chancel Steps, children's resources by Frances Woodruff, 2012.
- "The Son of David Is Coming," Dianne Deming, Children's Sermons Today, 2012.
- Ministry Matters, 2018.
- "Signs of the Coming," Children's Time, in Sermons and Liturgies. Richard J. Fairchild. (Scroll down in liturgies to find Children's Time.)
- "Sermon of the Week," / "Mensajes para ninos," Sermons 4 Kids, Charles Kirkpatrick, Object Lessons & Children's Sermons, Coloring Pages, Puzzles. Sermons4Kids.com.
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 Devotion, Faith Formation Journeys, 2018.
- 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.