A generous grant has enabled the ICJS to encourage re-search, curriculum development, and a variety of independent projects in the field of Christian-Jewish relations. We are highlighting the efforts of the Rev. John Sharp. His work is a creative response to the challenge of translating innovative scholarship into congregational life.

Since 1984 an ecumenical computer service, based on an electronic telecommunications system called "EcuNet," has provided exegetical materials based on the Common Lectionary for clergy. The system is called "Sermonship" and provides an interactive area, accessed via a computer and modem, with materials based on the Scripture reading for each week. Through the years, guest theologians have been invited to post materials for specific texts, assisting clergy with their sermon preparation. On a regular basis, the clergy who use the system also share their materials.

The Holy Week Project, funded through a grant provided by the ICJS, has enabled the Sermonshop editor, the Rev. John R. Sharp, to enlist the support of theologians already involved in Christian-Jewish studies in the preparation of commentary on the Holy Week passages. Such theologians as Dr. Clark Williamson, Dr. Paul van Buren, Dr. Elizabeth Johnson, Dr. Wal-ter Harrelson, and Rabbi Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer have examined the Holy Week accounts and provided material for persons preaching on them in order to diminish the antisemitic effects often attributed to the passion texts. This project is intended to have the practical effect of guiding clergy in their use of these sensitive texts so the preacher remains faithful to the gospel without denigrating Judaism.

The scope of the project includes the texts listed for eight days, extending from Palm/Passion Sunday through Easter Sunday. The Common Lectionary includes forty-two texts (omitting duplicate lessons) for the services extending through the period, excluding the Saturday Vigil. In addition there are twenty-five unique texts for the Saturday Vigil. During the period in which the project was under way, a new "Revised Common Lectionary" was announced. The RCL introduced eighteen modifications of existing texts and fourteen new texts. These will be included in the project. All texts are posted in the Sermonshop, and are available to the more than five hundred clergy throughout North America who access EcuNet. It is hoped that the materials will also be published in hard copy in the future.