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 - Lectionary for Sundays and Festivals Scripture Reference.
Images and Movies:
- Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Concordance, with the following themes:
  - John the Baptist
  - Links to general Advent images:
- Movies Linked at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance, with the following themes:
Commentary, Exegesis & Sermon Preparation (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):
- 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).
- Working Preacher commentary, Advent 3, WorkingPreacher.org, Luther Seminary.
- Commentary and Spiritual Perspectives, Advent 3C. 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.
- Sermon Seeds, Kathryn Matthews Huey, SAMUEL, UCC, 2018.
- The Adventurous Lectionary, Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2018.
- Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2018.
- Ministry Matters.
- Process and Faith, David Smith, 2018.
- Starters for Sunday. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2018.
- This Week at PreachingIllustrations.com, 2018.
- Social Justice Lectionary, Bruce Sweet, 2018.
- The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2018.
- Lectionary at Lunch: MP3, Windows Media, and Real Audio files of lectures by professors at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, MO (LCMS), 2018.
- "Fleeing Wrath, Burning Rubble and Turning Around," D Mark Davis, raw translation and exegesis/questions, Left Behind and Loving It, 2012.
- The Adventurous Lectionary, Advent 3C, Bruce Epperly, Living a Holy Adventure, 2012.
- The Lectionary Lab, Advent 3, 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 3, by Paul Nuechterlein & Friends.
- Jesus Now, Advent 3C. Lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
- Rumors, for December 13, 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.)
- "The Third Sunday of Advent," Abbot Gueranger O.S.B.
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:
- 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.
- "The Time Is Now," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2018.
- "What Should We Then Do?" Debie Thomas, Journey with Jesus, 2018.
- Living by the Word, Austin Crenshaw Shelley, The Christian Century, 2018.
- "Joy!" commentary and discussion at RevGalBlogPals, 2018. 11th Hour Preacher Party.
- Creation Care Commentary, Lutherans Restoring Creation, 2018.
- "One Sermon," Janet H Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2018.
- "The Lord IS in Our Midst!" Connections, Next Sunday Resources, 2018.
- Lectionary Ruminations, John Edward Harris, Summit to Shore, 2018.
- A Provocation, Richard Swanson, provokingthegospel, 2018.
- "Bells in a Foreign Land," sermonstories.com, 2018.<

Sermons (see also listings at individual scripture pages, linked in listings at top of page):

"How Many Coats Does One Man Need?" by Ryan Ahlgrim. A Sermon for Every Sunday. Video sermons from America’s best preachers for every Sunday of the Liturgical Year.
"What Should We Do?" by Luke Powery. A Sermon for Every Sunday. Video sermons from America’s best preachers for every Sunday of the Liturgical Year.
"Peace amid Bedlam," Michael Brown, Day1, 2015.
"Trust," Frederick Buechner Sermon Illustrations.
"Getting There," Rev. Dr. Robert Baggott, Day 1, 2012.
Ministry Matters.
Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors, 2018.
"Repent, Ye Saints," the Rev. Dr. Wiley Stephens, Day 1, 2009.

Group Studies & Discussion/Reflection Questions:

"Collide with a Promise Kept," Weekly Seeds, UCC, 2018.
"Making Moral Choices in Video Games," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Virtual Lives," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2012. (Philippians 4:8-9)
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
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.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc, 2018. (Terms of Use)
- Life in Liturgy, Disciples of Christ, 2018.
- Liturgy, Stephen M. Fearing, 2018.
- Mustard Seeds, "Sharing the Christmas Message," Advent 3C, 2018. A lectionary-based ideas resource for leaders of contemporary worship, Ann Scull, Gippsland, Australia.
- Worship Resources, Rev. Mindi, Rev-o-lution, 2018.
- Sacredise Worship Resources, 2015.
- Lectionary Liturgies, Advent 3C, 2018, Thom M. Shuman, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- Ministry Matters, 2015.
- Stewards of Joy, Sharron R. Blezard, 2015.
- "Elemental Advent," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2012.
- Worship and Liturgy Resources, Advent 3, 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 3C, 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 3, reflections on the collect at the Eucharist, Rev. Bosco Peters, New Zealand. "The Great O Antiphons."
- Thematic, Intercessory and Scripture Prayers for the RCL, Vanderbilt Divinity Library.
- Advent collects, Southern Hemisphere, Advent Penitence, Rev. Bosco Peters, Liturgy.
- Sunday Prayer, Advent 4C, Mompriest, RevGalBlogPals, 2009.
- Weekly Worship. Thoughts on Readings, Prayers & Hymn Suggestions. Office for Worship, Doctrine and Artistic Matters, Church of Scotland, 2019.
- Preaching Helps and Worship Resources, Rev. Dawn Chesser, Taylor Burton-Edwards, Dean McIntyre, Prayers, Lectionary Hymns, United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship, 2015.
- Call to Worship, Mary-Jane Konings, 2012.
- "Rejoice," Worship Ways, UCC, 2012.
- The Timeless Psalms: Isaiah 12:2-6, Joan Stott, prayers and meditations based on lectionary Psalms, 2012.
- Call to worship, reflections, Advent readings and music around the theme of "Praying." From Anna's Hosannas.
- Prayers from the Closet, Advent 3, OT / NT, Stephen Brown, 2012.
- Prayers and Musical Ideas, Advent 3C, 2012. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
- Prayers of the People, Advent 3, Rick Morley, 2012.
- Weekly Evangelectionary, Jonathan Shively, Evangelism Connections, 2012.
- "What Must I Do?" Suzanne Guthrie, Soulwork toward Sunday: At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2012.
- Prayers of the People, Jeremiah Williamson, Praying the Scriptures, 2012.
- Words for Worship, Amy Loving, 2012.
- Prayers of the People by Rev. Dr. Casey G. Baggott, Community Church of Vero Beach, Advent III, Year C,The day following the Sandy Hook School shooting. Based on Philippians 4:4-7.
- Prayer for Advent 3C and Newtown, CT, RevGalBlogPals, 2012.
- Reflections on collect prayers, Advent 3, Bosco Peters, Liturgy: Worship that Works - Spirituality that Connects.
- World in Prayer, the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Lodi, California. Prayers. Prayers and litanies based on each week's world news.
- 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
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 3C. Free clipart, backgrounds, slides, etc.
- Clip Art, Advent 3C, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
- Clip Art Images: Luke 3:7-18, 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, "Sharing the Christmas Message," Advent 3C, 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 C index.
- Hymnsight, Ralph Milton. Projection-ready image backgrounds to accompany seasonal hymn lyrics.
- Church Galleries sample - free powerpoint download for this week's lectionary scripture(s).
- "On the Fiscal Cliff with John the Baptist," Carolyn J. Sharp, ON Scripture, Odyssey Network, 2012.
- Visual Theology, Faithful Images, Dave Perry, reflections and images usually tied to RCL texts.
- "The Fruit of Repentance," Faith Element Discipleship System, "Setting the Bible Free," 2012.
- Agnus Day, Lectionary cartoon by James Wetzstein.
- Candle/Something Scented, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2015.
- Church Galleries free image, Dorothy Okray, 2015.
- "What Must I Do?" Suzanne Guthrie, At the Edge of the Enclosure, 2015.
Hymns and Music:
- Original Hymns, Settings, and Songs:
  - "If I Have Two Coats" a hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, is a reminder of John the Baptist's teaching for us to live differently. Tune: LYONS 10.10.11.11 ("O Worship the King, All Glorious Above!") or HANOVER 10.10.11.11 ("Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim").
  - “Sing Out, All God's People!” is an original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette inspired by Zephaniah’s song of joy, that God is saving, healing and renewing. This hymn was commissioned by The Presbyterian Outlook magazine for new Advent text-related hymns to Christmas carol tunes. Tune: ADESTE FIDELES (“O Come, All Ye Faithful”).
  - “John Went Out to Preach God's Word” is an original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette inspired by John the Baptizer’s call to ethical living and pointing to the Messiah’s coming. This hymn was commissioned by The Presbyterian Outlook magazine for new Advent text-related hymns to Christmas carol tunes. Tune: MENDELSSOHN (“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”).
  - "Sing with Joy, You Advent People!" David Wood, 2012. LES ANGES DANS NOS CAMPAGNES 8.7.8.7. with refrain (“Angels We Have Heard on High”)
  - A Hymn for Advent by Rev. David Beswick, Uniting Church in Australia.
  - Hymns of the Spirit Three, Advent 3C, Richard E. Hurst, Universalist National Memorial Church.
- Hymn/Song/Choral Piece Lists:
  - Hymn and Song Suggestions, Advent 3, 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.")
  - 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.
  - Liturgical Planning and Music Suggestions, CanticaNova Publications.
  - Worship Resource Manual, The Moravian Church, Southern Province. Worksheets for planning music in worship: hymns, anthems, solos, organ repertoire suggestions for RCL texts. Direct link to Advent 3C.
  - Choral Anthem Project, Advent 3C, National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
  - Lectionary Hymns, Advent 3C, 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.
  - Prayers and Musical Ideas. Center for Liturgy, St Louis University. (Español)
  - Together to Celebrate, 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, Advent 3, 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," Union Presbyterian Seminary.
- Children's Sermon, Faith Formation Journeys, 2018.
- Dollar Store Children's Sermons, John Stevens, 2018.
- Candle/Something Scented, John Stevens, Dollar Store Children's Sermons, 2015.
- On the Chancel Steps, children's resources by Frances Woodruff, 2012.
- Ministry Matters.
- Stewards of Joy, Sharron R. Blezard, 2015.
- "Elemental Advent," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2012.
- Gathering, from the United Church of Canada. Includes sermon seeds, liturgical ideas, "with children," hymn suggestions, choral suggestions etc,. (Terms of Use)
- "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)
- Lectionary Puzzles by Reg McMillan, St.Stephen's Presbyterian Church, Peterborough, Ontario. Word search puzzles in RTF or plain text (html) formats.
- 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.)
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.