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Worship in the Garden: Services for Outdoor Worship
by J. Wayne PrattAs individuals, we often find peace, comfort, and a close connection to God in a garden. Gardens often provide a space for worship in a neutral setting outside the church for people to gather and share a faith experience.From Easter sunrise services to church retreats, the special worship experiences described in Worship in the Garden can enhance one’s experience of God as a congregation worships together outdoors. The beauty of creation enhances these sensitive, meaningful liturgies for Communion, Blessing of the Animals, Healing, Renewal of Wedding Vows, Resurrection/Memorial Services, Graveside, Baptism, Baptismal Reaffirmation, along with other services. Inside you will learn about liturgical gardens and biblical precedents for outdoor worship.
The Fruitcake Murders
by Ace CollinsAs Christmas 1946 draws near, thirty-something marine officer-turned-homicide detective Lane Walker has his hands full. Three men with seemingly no relationship to each other have been murdered, including the powerful District Attorney. The only connection between the crimes? The weapons: twenty-year-old unopened fruitcake tins manufactured by a company that is no longer in business.While some foods may be to die for, fruitcake isn't one of them! This heaping helping of murder will be no easy task for Walker, and he certainly doesn't need the determined and feisty Tiffany Clayton, the political reporter for The Chicago Star, getting in the way.Employing witty dialogue and historical accuracy, The Fruitcake Murders offers equal parts murder, mystery, and mayhem in a perplexing whodunit set in the days just after World War II.
Offering Christ: John Wesley's Evangelistic Vision
by Jack JacksonAfter decades of conversation serving up a mosaic of understandings ofWesleyan evangelism (focusing on proclamation, initiation, andembodiment), Jack Jackson offers a clearer portrait of Wesley’sevangelistic vision, understood through the lens of "offering grace."Anydiscussion of Wesley’s vision of evangelism must center on theproclamation of the story of God in Christ. But for John Wesleyevangelism was much more than preaching for conversion. This book offersa fresh conception of Wesley’s evangelistic vision by analyzing hismethod of gospel proclamation. Wesley was not constrained by thetruncated vision of evangelism that has been dominant since the latenineteenth century, one that all too often centers on group preachingwith a sole emphasis on conversion. Rather, he stressed a number ofpractices that focus on a verbal proclamation of the gospel. These practices occur in a variety of settings, only one of which ispublic preaching, and result in a number of responses, only one of whichis conversion. Of crucial importance for current theological students,clergy, and church leaders around the world, the book demonstrates thatvisitation, for the purpose of spiritual direction and evangelism, wasin many ways the critical leadership and pastoral practice of earlyBritish Methodism. This book offers important insights into earlyMethodism that inform both contemporary practices of evangelism andChristian leadership for both clergy and laity.
Alabadle!: Hispanic Christian Worship
by Justo L. GonzalezBy looking at the wide variety of Hispanic Christian worship that exists within the Hispanic community, Alabadle! highlights the cultural, generational, and denominational elements that comprise the spectrum of Hispanic worship. Justo L. Gonzalez and seven other contributors provide an insightful look into the variety of worship styles that exist among numerous church traditions including Assemblies of God, United Methodist, Catholic, American Baptist, Presbyterian, and Disciples of Christ. And yet, in the midst of this variety, is a common thread of excitement - about worship and about the gospel! Anyone interested in exploring worship, music, and liturgy styles from a particular Hispanic perspective will find Alabadle! a valuable learning tool.
Our Father: Where Are the Fathers?
by Ernest S. Lyght Jonathan D. KeatonErnest Lyght and Johnathan Keaton are fathers and United Methodist Bishops who have come together to share their firsthand experience of the responsibilities, trials, and joys of fatherhood. With God the Father as their example, Bishops Lyght and Keaton take a look at their own fathers, themselves as fathers, and the lack of fathers in the homes of African-American families. They lift up examples given to us by Jesus of how fathers can nuture, hold accountable and affirm those around them in the same way God does.
Abingdon New Testament Commentaries: 1 Corinthians (Abingdon New Testament Commentaries #Vol. 1)
by Richard A. HorsleyThis commentary highlights both the socio-political context of 1 Corinthians and the clash of significantly different religious viewpoints represented by Paul and the congregation he had founded in Corinth. In particular, Richard Horsley shows that this letter provides a window through which one may view the tension between the Corinthians' interest in cultivating individual spirituality and the apostle's concern for building up a social-religious community devoted to the common advantage, for the flourishing both of personal dignity and a humanizing solidarity.
Let Go: Leaning into the Future Without Fear
by Matt MiofskyLetting go of the familiar and leaning into change can be fearful for all of us. Let Go: Leaning into the Future Without Fear by Matt Miofsky, Lead Pastor of The Gathering United Methodist Church, is a guide for managing change and transition with faith as a compass. Using the exodus story as a roadmap for how change looks when you are following God’s lead, readers learn how to manage the uncertainty and fear often caused by change. Miofsky shows readers that by using faith to successfully transition during times of change, they are able to be the person they were created to become and live the life they were created to live."I have followed Matt and his ministry since the inception of The Gathering, one of the most inclusive, growing churches in the US. Matt knows this journey. He and his team walk into the unknown, daily, to achieve the vision they saw for The Gathering, creating new places for people to meet God." —Mike Slaughter, author, speaker, pastor emeritus at Ginghamsburg Church"I have spent time with Matt Miofsky and seen up close how he forges life transforming relationships with people far from God and brings them close to Jesus. Matt helps people find their purpose and seek God’s presence in their lives." —Tom Berlin, pastor of Floris UMC, Herndon, VA, author of Reckless Love"Matt Miofsky is one of our most creative and courageous leaders. He is passionate about the gospel and street-smart with a playful edge. In a season marked by uncertainty and change, Matt helps us identify and lay aside our fears and step forward into the bold and adventurous life God intends." —Janice Huie, Bishop of The United Methodist Church, retired"Matt Miofsky is one of the brightest and most cutting-edge pastors in the country. His ministry and teachings are insightful and practical for everyday living." —Emanuel Cleaver III, Senior Pastor, St. James UMC, Kansas City
The Hebrew Bible for Beginners: A Jewish & Christian Introduction
by Joel S. Kaminsky Joel N. LohrJews call the Hebrew Scriptures the "Tanakh" and Christians call them the "Old Testament." It doesn't take long to see that Jews and Christians view the same set of books differently and interpret these scriptures in unique and at times conflicting ways. The Hebrew Bible for Beginners introduces students to the tremendous influence the Hebrew Bible has had on western society for over two millennia and explores the complexities of reading ancient religious literature today. The book also addresses how certain modern critical approaches may initially be alarming, indeed even shocking, to those who have not been exposed to them, but it tackles the conversation in a respectful fashion. Avoiding jargon and convoluted prose, this highly accessible volume provides textboxes, charts, a timeline, a glossary, and regularly includes artistic renderings of biblical scenes to keep lay and beginning readers engaged.
Get in the Game Leader Guide: Basics of Christian Service (The Basics)
by Clayton Oliphint Mary Brooke CasadLiving in Christ brings us joy and fulfillment. But true Christian discipleship involves more. Following the example of Jesus, we are called to serve others through Christian service. In this book and 4-week study, readers will discover the joyful service that results when faith is put into action. This Leader Guide includes everything a group leader needs to plan and facilitate the four sessions, helping participants to explore what they have read and to discuss the reading with the group. The guide walks leaders through the study format and provides options for tailoring sessions to the time-frame and style of each group. Get in the Game is part of The Basics Series.
Bible Lessons for Youth Winter 2020-2021 Leader: Hope
by Lee Yates Sally Hoelscher Tim Gossett Mike Poteet Jason SansburyBible Lessons for Youth is a curriculum that helps teens apply the Bible to their real-life. Its teacher-friendly format is built around a step-by-step sequence with thought-provoking activities designed to help youth understand Scripture and apply it to their individual experiences. Each session is broken up into small segments that are designed to make teaching Bible Lessons for Youth easy. The student book is reproduced as the center piece of each session in the leader guide and is surrounded by the minute-by-minute teaching plans printed in the margin. The instructions are provided for student book activities, discussion questions, illustrative games and short drama skits. Complete Scripture texts are printed in all books. (No need to pause while everyone hunts for the appropriate verse.) At any time during the quarter you can refer back to the convenient Overview section found at the front of the guide. Each unit also focuses on a particular spiritual discipline to deepen the faith journey of your students and further information on each can be found on the Spiritual Disciplines page in the leader guide. Format Each lesson is divided into five activities. ENGAGE invites students into the lesson, SCRIPTURE focuses on the Bible passage for the week, FOCUS encourages teens to reflect on the passage, and CONNECT inspires students to deepen their understanding of the Scripture's meaning. Finally, each lesson ends with PRACTICE, where students utilize a spiritual discipline to apply the lesson to their lives. Key Verse Taken from the passage printed in the student book, this verse can be used to emphasize Scripture memorization in your class. Take-Away This is the basic point of the lesson and is summed up in a short sentence. It’s the big idea you want your teens to grasp from each week’s session. Bible Lesson For easy access, the Scripture passage your class or group will explore is taken from the Common English Bible. Each lesson contains an optional activity focused on the Wesleyan tradition. Winter theme: HOPE
Introducción al Nuevo Testamento AETH: Introduction to the New Testament Spanish
by Aquiles E. MartinezEl Estudiante avanzado del Nuevo Testamento podrá encontrar en esta introducción un análisis sobrio del estado actual de la disciplina, y los pastores y pastoras, al igual que los maestros y maestras de escuela bíblica—descubrirán en sus paginas buenas ideas para elaborar estudios que ayuden a las congregaciones a entender y disfrutar la importante literatura bíblica veterostestamentaria.Written in Spanish, this work highlights the importance of understanding the New Testament, broadly defining it in a simple, yet organized, concrete manner. Martinez investigates the contents, purpose and context of each book of the New Testament, explaining how they became part of the canon and exploring the realities of geography, history, politics, economics, culture, philosophy, and religion in biblical times. The book includes other helpful suggestions for examining the New Testament and is ideal for classroom or personal study.
Introducción a la unidad cristiana AETH: Introduction to Christian Unity Spanish
by Association for Hispanic Theological EducationIntroduccion a la unidad cristiana
Church Worth Getting Up For
by Charles E. GutensonWhile research identifies a disturbing exodus from church life by all age groups and young people in particular, many churches continue to maintain the status quo. Can we do no better? Are we too afraid to confront the realities of living in today’s world? Have we failed? This book will help readers create a church worth getting up for. In the book, Chuck Gutenson presents the thoughts of eight successful church leaders, including Deb Hirsch, Al Hirsch, Mike Slaughter, Nadia Bolz-Weber, Chris Seay, Greg Boyd, Olu Brown, and Doug Pagitt. Learn what characteristics they have in common.We all want to be a part of something meaningful—something or someone who will change our lives for the better. The Church has to find new ways to encourage, nurture, guide, inspire, and motivate people to find their true source in Jesus Christ. 'Jesus is worth getting up for." Help people find in your church a means to experience the source of their deepest desires.
Three Simple Rules That Will Change the World
by Rueben P. JobThere is no one secret to life. But there are three simple rules that have the power to change your life and your world. John Wesley taught and practiced these rules many years ago. Now it is up to us to practice this way of living. Do no harm, Do good, Stay in love with God...Not only can these rules change your life, they can change the world. This insightful work calls us to mutual respect, unity, and a deeper daily relationship with God.
Walking with Nehemiah: Your Community Is Your Congregation
by Joseph W. Daniels JR.So much of our attention in congregational development is spent dealing with internal issues and opportunities that we turn more and more inward. Even our "outward" work smacks of our "inward" bias as we invite people to our events and ponder how to make our events more compelling for those who aren’t part of our congregations. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, is known for saying "the world is our parish." Simply stated, the streets are our sanctuary. Our communities are our congregations.Yet too often congregations ignore their neighborhoods. They don’t consider the vast resource of people surrounding their church and seem to forget that Pentecost, the very event that gave birth to the church, happened in the streets. It's time for churches and congregations to engage with the people around them—most of whom have not yet made a faith decision but are hungering for the grace that only God can provide.Participate in this study of Nehemiah and discover what people God is asking you to encourage, what walls God is calling you to repair, what ministry God might be calling you to lead or do, and where you should start. This book will give readers inspiration and practical tools for engaging with their communities in ways that help congregations and communities become whole.
Spiritual Kaizen: How to Become a Better Church Leader
by Grant Hagiya“Kaizen” is a Japanese word that translates roughly, “to change or correct for the better.” What are the traits, qualities and characteristics of effective clergy? Is it possible to transform an average local church pastor into a highly effective and growth-oriented pastor? Leadership is not defined at birth. All of us can grow and develop into more effective leaders and we can do this at any time during our careers. In Spiritual Kaizen, Grant Hagiya works from the best secular and ecclesial models of leadership, comparing and contrasting the two, in order to draw out the best leadership practices available for current and future leaders of the church.
A Faith of Her Own: Women of the Old Testament
by J. Ellsworth KalasIn A Faith of Her Own: Women of the Old Testament, popular author J. Ellsworth Kalas focuses on women who were crucial—some in obvious and some in less obvious ways—to the story of the Old Testament. Kalas takes a look at several different women of the Old Testament. He examines the Scriptures to see what we can learn about them and from them, including their defining characteristics, how they fit into as well as shaped the Old Testament story, and how their stories of strength, courage, perseverance, and faith have shaped our lives as believers today.Chapters include:- The Ultimate First Lady (Eve)- A Woman Who Married Trouble (Cain's Wife)- The Compleat Woman (Sarah)- A Mother Who Played Favorites (Rebecca- They May Have Been Twins -- But Not Identical (Leah & Rachel)- The Original Big Sister (Miriam)- God Saw Beyond Her Profession (Rahab)- Israel's First Female Prime Minister (Deborah)- The Perfect In-Laws (Ruth & Naomi)- The Ladies Chorus (The Women of Bethlehem: Ruth 4: 13-17)- Counslor to the Clergy (Huldah)- Married to a Husband's Career (Wives of Old Testament Prophets)A discussion guide is included.
Bible Lessons for Youth Summer 2021 Leader: Respond
by Tim Gossett Julie Conrady Jenny YoungmanThis trust curriculum has been refreshed, while keeping everything you love about the resources. Bible Lessons for Youth is a comprehensive 6-year Bible-to-life curriculum that helps teens apply the Bible to their real-life. Its teacher-friendly format is built around a step-by-step sequence with thought-provoking activities designed to help youth understand Scripture and apply it to their individual experiences.Designed to make teaching Bible Lessons for Youth to your youth easy with each session broken up into small segments. The student book is reproduced as the center piece of each session in the leader guide and is surrounded by the minute-by-minute teaching plans printed in the margin. The instructions are provided for student book activities, discussion questions, illustrative games and short drama skits. Complete Scripture texts are printed in all books. (No need to pause while everyone hunts for the appropriate verse.) At anytime during the quarter you can refer back to the convenient Overview section found at the front of the guide and also take a moment to read the "Teaching Tools" article provided at the back of the guide. Don’t forget to check out the "Out and About" activity that will allow your students to take what they learn in Sunday school outside the classroom, enhancing their faith journey.BeginThe Bible Lessons for Youth format of "Explore," "Focus," and "Connect" is an intentional learning approach to help teens FOCUS on the original context, EXPLORE how the passage speaks to their lives, and CONNECT with how to live out God’s Word in their daily lives and in the world.Key VerseTaken from the passage printed in the student book, this verse can be used to emphasize Scripture memorization in your class.Take-AwayThis is the basic point of the lesson and is summed up in a short sentence. It’s the big idea you want your teens to grasp from each week’s session.Bible LessonFor easy access, the Scripture passage your class or group will explore is taken from the Common English Bible, and are coordinated with the Uniform Lesson Series. Contains options for younger and older youth.Summer Theme: RESPOND
Called to the Fire: A Witness for God in Mississippi; The Story of Dr. Charles Johnson
by Chet BushThis is the true story of Dr. Charles Johnson, an African Americanpreacher who went to Mississippi in 1961 during the summer of theFreedom Rides. Fresh out of Bible School Johnson hesitantly followed hiscall to pastor in Mississippi, a hotbed for race relations during theearly 1960’s. Unwittingly thrust into the heart of a national tragedy,the murder of three Civil Rights activists, he overcame fear andadversity to become a leader in the Civil Rights movement.As a key African American witness to take the stand in the trialfamously dubbed the "Mississippi Burning" case by the FBI, CharlesJohnson played a key role for the Federal Justice Department, offeringclarity to the event that led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Thisstory of love, conviction, adversity, and redemption climaxes with ashocking encounter between Charles and one of the murderers. The readerwill be riveted to the details of a gracious life in pursuit of the callof God from the pulpit to the streets, and ultimately into thecourtroom.
Preaching Paul
by Brad R. BraxtonHelpful and insightful strategies for preaching from the writings of Paul.Few biblical figures are more compelling to preachers than the apostle Paul. The story of his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus is a favorite example of the way that God turns lives around. His writings contain the earliest witness we have to the Christian gospel. His message of God's offer of grace in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is deeply appealing. So why is it that when it comes time to choose a text for this Sunday's sermon, preachers so often choose something other than Paul? When Brad Braxton asked himself that question, he realized that preachers are often daunted by the size and complexity of the Pauline corpus. Drawing on his expertise as a New Testament scholar and homiletics professor, as well as on his experience as a pastor, Braxton offers the reader tools with which to wrestle more effectively with the complex, yet essential, message of Paul. Eschewing either a solely historical approach or a completely spiritual one, the author brings the two together to explore the meaning of Paul's message in its original context, as well as its contemporary application. Written with imagination and depth of understanding, this book is for anyone who wishes to know Paul better and to preach from his letters more effectively.
Stories by Willimon
by William H. WillimonWill Willimon is known and read throughout the world for his riveting, edgy, witty, and provocative stories or parables. His most beloved, memorable, and impactful stories are presented in this collection. The Stories of Will Willimon will expose readers to joy, agony, thankfulness, greed, trust, fear, healing, suffering, laughter, weeping, yearning, irony, hatred, and love. Readers may see themselves or their friends at times in these stories. Fellow storytellers are likely to retell these stories to friends, family, colleagues, and churches. Preachers will find illustrative materials to support their sermons and all readers will be inspired by the insights into the Christian faith provided.
365 Meditations for Teachers by Teachers
by Sally D Sharpe; Angela M. Bailey et al365 Meditations for Teachers by Teachers offers a year’s worth of short daily meditational readings written specifically for teachers, by teachers. Four different writers of faith present three months’ worth of meditations each, providing a variety of topics and writing styles. Designed to be used by readers of all ages, each daily meditation is brief enough to be read in just a few short minutes, yet meaningful enough to prompt a longer time of reflection and prayer if desired. Each day’s reading includes a focus Scripture verse, a brief reflection, and a prayer.
All the Good Devotions for the Season: A Wesleyan Way of Christmas (All the Good)
by Laceye C. Warner Amy Valdez Barker Jung Choi Sangwoo KimJourney Through Advent with John Wesley's Means of Grace. The season of Advent offers time and space for Christians to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ at Christmas through reflecting on the story of salvation. In All the Good: A Wesleyan Way of Christmas, a group of diverse Wesleyan scholars will take you on an Advent journey guided by the practices in John Wesley’s means of grace. John Wesley’s emphasis upon practices of piety and mercy—or good works—drew from the larger Christian tradition. Such practices are often referred to as means of grace.The devotional contains 28 daily devotions for the four weeks of Advent corresponding to the themes of Altogether Love, Altogether Hope, Altogether Joy, and Altogether Peace. Written by pastors and other leaders, the devotions celebrate and bring together the season of Advent and the best of our Wesleyan heritage.Additional resources sold separately include a book, Leader Guide, and a DVD with weekly video segments. Perfect for a small group Advent study.
The Christmas Letters: Celebrating Advent with Those Who Told the Story First
by Magrey deVegaHear from “those who told the story first.” You may or may not know the story of your birth. If you do, there is something special about hearing your origin story again and remembering how it all began for you. That’s why we observe Advent: to celebrate how it all began for us. In The Christmas Letters, Magrey deVega invites you to hear about the miracle of Christ’s birth from those who first told the story. The letters in the New Testament, known as the Epistles, contain the first attempts by the church to understand and celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation. They point us to the origins of what we believe about Jesus, fully human and fully divine. By spending time with these holy, ancient words this Advent, you’ll come to know the meaning of Christ’s coming like never before. Read the New Testament letters, Romans, 1 John, Philippians, and Colossians as your first Christmas letters of the season and find within them an invitation from God to deepen your understanding of the Incarnation and embrace a fuller commitment to Jesus Christ. Components available to use this book in a small group study include a leader guide and video available on DVD.
Converge Bible Studies: Idolatry (Converge Bible Studies)
by Curtis ZackeryIdols are fairly easy to recognize in Old Testament stories about false gods, golden calves, statues, and Asherah poles. And they’re not hard to spot in the lives of other people. But what about our own idols? Is it even possible for 21st-Century Christians to worship gods that aren’t real? How do we know if we’re doing it? In Idolatry, Curtis Zackery takes a look at an ancient sin that still ensnares God’s people today. Converge Bible Studies is a series of topical Bible studies based on the Common English Bible. Each title in the series consists of four studies on a common topic or theme. Converge can be used by small groups, classes, or individuals. Primary Scripture passages are included for ease of study, as are questions designed to encourage both personal reflection and group conversation. The topics and Scriptures in Converge come together to transform readers’ relationships with others, themselves, and God.