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Easter, Year A

Scripture: John 20:1-18

First Mary Magdalene, then Peter and another disciple, peer into the tomb. The body is gone but not stolen. Remaining in the tomb were the cloths, just as the women had placed them around their Lord’s broken body. Jesus is now transformed into his resurrected body. What transformation is Jesus calling us to in our time and place?

Download the Lesson Plans for Easter

LPTW Easter Sunday, Year A, Younger Children
LPTW Easter Sunday, Year A, Older Children
LPTW Easter Sunday, Year A, All

Palm Sunday, Old Testament Lesson, Year A,

Scripture: Isaiah 50:4-9a

Isaiah 50:4-9 is identified as the third Servant Song. Here the prophet, who was taught by God, faithfully delivers God’s message of comfort to his fellow Israelites, despite their cruel treatment of him. This passage’s placement in the Palm Sunday lectionary signals the harsh torture that awaits Jesus in the course of Holy Week.

Download the Old Testament Lesson Plan for Palm Sunday

LPTW Palm Sunday, Year A, Younger Children, Old Testament
LPTW Palm Sunday, Year A, Older Children, Old Testament

Fifth Sunday in Lent, Old Testament Lesson, Year A

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Living in Babylon during the time of the Exile, Ezekiel’s visions and prophecies gave his fellow Israelites encouragement and support. He put the events of destruction and capture in a theological context, assured the people that God was still with them, and provided hope for return and restoration. The Book of Ezekiel is noted for its thorough chronological notations, vivid imagery, and beautiful prose and poetry. The Lectionary reading of Ezekiel connects to the Baptismal Rite’s forgiveness of sins and new life through baptism. “Heavenly Father we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon these your servants the forgiveness of sin, and raised them to the new life of grace.” [Book of Common Prayer, p. 308]

Download the Old Testament Lesson Plan for the Fifth Sunday in Lent

LPTW Lent 5, Year A, Younger Children, Old Testament
LPTW Lent 5, Year A, Older Children, Old Testament

Fourth Sunday in Lent, Old Testament Lesson, Year A

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Once David is anointed with oil by Samuel, the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him and he is empowered to speak for God as Israel’s king. The Hebrew word for one who is anointed as king or spokes person for God is “messiah.” The Greek word for the same title is “Christos.”  This story connects to the baptismal themes of Lent by reflecting the baptismal rite of anointing the newly baptized person with oil. “You are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own forever.” [Book of Common Prayer, p. 308.] The Christian is given the gift of enlightenment through the Holy Spirit.

Download the Old Testament Lesson Plan for the Fourth Sunday in Lent

LPTW Lent 4, Year A, Younger Children, Old Testament
LPTW Lent 4, Year A, Older Children, Old Testament

Third Sunday in Lent, Old Testament Lesson, Year A

Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7

The Israelites do not yet trust that the Lord will provide for them, and they question Moses’ leadership, as well as vent their fears and frustrations on him. Today’s lectionary story relates to the waters of baptism. “Now sanctify this water, we pray you, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that those who here are cleansed from sin and born again may continue forever in the risen life of Jesus Christ our savior.” [Book of Common Prayer, p. 307.]

Download the Old Testament Lesson Plan for the Third Sunday in Lent

LPTW Lent 3, Year A, Younger Children, Old Testament
LPTW Lent 3, Year A, Older Children, Old Testament

Second Sunday in Lent, Old Testament Lesson, Year A

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-4a

Abraham is the great patriarch of our religion, known as the prime model of faith. He put his total trust in God when he said yes to leaving his familiar homeland to journey to an unknown land.  His example becomes a blessing to all of us. The story’s connection to the Baptismal Rite is the concept of saying yes to God. It is not enough to say no to evil; we must be ready to say yes to Jesus. In the Baptismal Rite we are asked: “Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior? Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love? Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord?” [Book of Common Prayer, pp. 302-303.]

Download the Old Testament Lesson Plan for the Second Sunday in Lent

LPTW Lent 2, Year A, Younger Children, Old Testament
LPTW Lent 2, Year A, Older Children, Old Testament

First Sunday in Lent, Old Testament Lesson, Year A

Scripture: Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7

The Book of Genesis starts in primeval history with a mythological account of the beginnings of our relationship with God. The story of the Fall is the second creation story and comes from a different source than the first. It begins the pattern of humanity’s constant choosing to separate from God, despite God’s ongoing invitation to participate in creation. By following our temptations to become our own gods, rather than putting all our trust in God, we open the door to pain and suffering in our own lives and others’. This Lectionary reading reflects the first three renunciations in the Baptismal Rite: “Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God? Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God? Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God?” [Book of Common Prayer, p. 302.]

Download the Old Testament Lesson Plan for the First Sunday in Lent

LPTW Lent 1, Year A, Younger Children, Old Testament
LPTW Lent 1, Year A, Older Children, Old Testament

Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Old Testament Lesson

Scripture: Exodus 24:12-18

In the story of Moses coming to God and receiving the Ten Commandments, we are brought right back to the issue of how we live our lives in Grace with God.  There are guidelines that help us identify the boundaries that give us the ability to have a unique relationship not only with God but with each other.  Here we are witness to the mystery of God speaking to Moses and the promise of an ancient tradition of laws and prophets helping us to feel secure about the fact that God will always be with us showing us the way.  The blessing is always that Light which is given to each of us to follow always leading us to the Creator.

Download the Old Testament Lesson Plan for the Last Sunday in Epiphany

LPTW Last Epiphany, Year A, Younger Children, Old Testament
LPTW Last Epiphany, Year A, Older Children, Old Testament

Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany, Old Testament Lesson

Scripture: Isaiah 49:8-16a

From Isaiah we learn that the people and Jerusalem have been restored in their relationship with God and God invites them to rejoice.  It is metaphor that God does and will continue keep the “Promise” of restoration.  God will always have compassion on all people who suffer.  God is faithful to all his creation.

Download the Old Testament Lesson Plans for the Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany

LPTW Epiphany 8, Year A, Younger Children, Old Testament
LPTW Epiphany 8, Year A, Older Children, Old Testament

Third Sunday in Lent

Scripture: John 4:5-42

Politically incorrect: she was of a gender without voice and a race without acceptance. Yet she may well have been the first evangelist. “Come and see!” she said. They did, and they believed.

Download the Lesson Plans for the Third Sunday in Lent

LPTW Lent 3, Year A, Younger Children
LPTW Lent 3, Year A, Older Children
LPTW Lent 3, Year A, Adult
LPTW Lent 3, Year A, All