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Pastor As Theological Steward
$19.99Add to cartAmong the many competing tasks of pastoral ministry is the primary responsibility of being a faithful steward of the gospel. As the uniting center of all other pastoral responsibilities, fulfilling this theological stewardship is challenging. The Pastor as Theological Steward is designed to help pastors as they embrace and practice this stewardship in their ministries.
With a keen grasp of practical theology, the contributors to this resource highlight the many ways of expressing this stewardship in ministry. Included are chapters on Scripture, church history, creeds, sacraments, and prayer. Written by a cadre of scholars and pastors, who are also experts in their chosen topics, this book is an essential addition to every pastor’s library.
The Pastor as Theological Steward contributors include: T. Scott Daniels, Dean Flemming, Stephen G. Green, Timothy M. Green, Steven Hoskins, Deirdre Brower-Latz, Diane Leclerc, Jesse C. Middendorf, Mark R. Quanstrom, Jeren Rowell, C. Jeanne Serrao, Sam Vassel.
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There Is A River
$9.99Add to cartSKU (UPC): 614187147627Artist: VariousMedia: CDReleased: May 2020DayWind Music Group Songs1. Hell Calm Your Storm2. I Give You Jesus3. Jesus Just The Mention Of Your Name4. Mary Did You Know5. 1 More River To Cross6. Sweet Anointing7. There Is A River8. You Say9. Jesus On The Mainline10. Gone At Last
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Understanding Scientific Theories Of Origins
$100.00Add to cartList Of Figures
List Of Tables
List Of Sidebars
Introduction
AbbreviationsPart 1: Getting Started On The Journey
1. Principles And Methods Of Biblical Interpretation (John H. Walton)
2. A Comprehensive Doctrine Of Creation And Implications For Scientific Study (Robert C. Bishop)
3. Knowledge And Faith In Pursuing Origins Questions (Robert C. Bishop)
4. Creation Through The Lenses Of Science And Theology (Robert C. Bishop)Part 2: Cosmic Origins
5. Cosmic Origins: Genesis 1:1-2:4 (John H. Walton)
6. Electromagnetic Radiation And The Scale Of The Universe (Robert C. Bishop)
7. The Expanding Universe (Robert C. Bishop)
8. The Big Bang Model And Contemporary Cosmology (Robert C. Bishop)
9. Lives And Deaths Of Stars And Fine-Tuning (Robert C. Bishop)
10. Biblical And Theological Perspectives On The Origins Of The Universe (Robert C. Bishop)Part 3: Origin And Geologic History Of Earth
11. Origin Of The Earth And Solar System (Stephen O. Moshier)
12. Historical Roots Of Geology: Catastrophism And Uniformitarianism (Stephen O. Moshier)
13. The Genesis Flood (John H. Walton)
14. The Rock Cycle And Timescales Of Geologic Processes (Stephen O. Moshier)
15. Rocks Of Ages: Measuring Geologic Time (Stephen O. Moshier)
16. Plate Tectonics: A Theory For How The Earth Works (Stephen O. Moshier)
17. Reading Earth’s History In Rocks And Fossils (Stephen O. Moshier)
18. Biblical And Theological Perspectives On Earth History (Stephen O. Moshier And Robert C. Bishop)Part 4: Origin Of Life On Earth
19. From Spontaneous Generation To Abiogenesis (Larry L. Funck)
20. Prebiotic Chemistry: Preparing The Primordial Soup (Larry L. Funck)
21. Biological Information: Proteins And Nucleic Acids (Larry L. Funck)
22. Alternative Scenarios For Life’s Origin (Larry L. Funck)
23. Biblical And Theological Perspectives On The Origin Of Life (Larry L. Funck)Part 5: Origin Of Species And Diversity Of Life
24. Development Of The Theory Of Evolution (Raymond J. Lewis)
25. The Modern Synthesis Of Evolution (Raymond J. Lewis)
26. Exploring The Evidence About Evolution: Phylogeny And Fossils (Raymond J. Lewis)
27. Development Of An Extended Synthesis Of Evolution (Raymond J. Lewis)
28. Biblical And Theological Perspectives On The Origin Of The Diversity Of Life (Raymond J. Lewis And Robert C. Bishop)Part 6: Human Origins
29. Human Origins: Genesis 2-3 (John H. Walton)
30. Human Origins: Evidence From Physical Anthropology (Stephen O. Moshier)Additional Info
The question of origins remains a stumbling block for many. But just as the Psalmist gained insight into God’s character through the observation of nature, modern scientific study can deepen and enrich our vision of the Creator and our place in his creation. In this often contentious field Bishop, Funck, Lewis, Moshier, and Walton serve as our able guides.Based on over two decades of teaching origins together in the classroom, the authors present a textbook exploring mainstream scientific theories of origins in astronomy, cosmology, chemistry, geology, biology, physical anthropology, and genetics. While many authors engage origins from a Christian perspective, this is the first work offering a full-fledged discussion of the scientific narrative of origins, from the Big Bang through humankind, accessible to a lay audience in biblical and theological perspective.
Topics include
Principles of biblical interpretation
Close readings of relevant Genesis texts
A comprehensive Trinitarian doctrine of creation
Cosmic origins
The geologic history of Earth
The origin of life on Earth
The origin of species and diversity of life
Human origins
New creation and creation care
Science educationRather than the familiar scenario where science and faith compete, this book seeks to diffuse tensions by taking the inspiration and authority of the Bible seriously while respecting and honoring God’s revelation through creation. Understanding Scientific Theories of Origins gives the reader a detailed picture of the sciences of origins along with how they fit into the story of God’s creative and redemptive action.
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Connections Year C Volume 1
$55.00Add to cartDesigned to empower preachers as they lead their congregations to connect their lives to Scripture, Connections features a broad set of interpretive tools that provide commentary and worship aids on the Revised Common Lectionary.
For each worship day within the three-year lectionary cycle, the commentaries in Connections link the individual lection reading with Scripture as a whole as well as to the larger world. In addition, Connections places each Psalm reading in conversation with the other lections for the day to highlight the themes of the liturgical season. Finally, sidebars offer additional connections to Scripture for each Sunday or worship day.
This nine-volume series is a practical, constructive, and valuable resource for preachers who seek to help congregations connect more closely with Scripture.
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Grounded In Creed Participant And Leader Book (Student/Study Guide)
$13.99Add to cartSession One: I Believe
Session Two: In God
Session Three: In Jesus
Session Four: In The Spirit
Session Five: In The Church
Session Six: In The PromiseAdditional Info
This offer to community groups (and small groups of any kind) is a six-session study based on the Apostles creed, which has served the church for nearly 1500 years as a basic summary statement about core Christian beliefs. This participant experience expands on the principle that “Growing People Change” their hearts and lives (a changed heart and life is the meaning of the New Testament concept metanoia, which in Elizabethan English is translated as “repentance”). This growth is accomplished by (1) understanding what changes in belief come through turning away from the practices that separate us from God (2) reflecting about our relationship to God while learning how to think theologically. -
Lent Talks : Seasonal Selections From Radio 4
$13.99Add to cartA selection of the best from BBC Radio 4’s Lent Talks over the last ten years. With a dynamic introduction from BBC Head of Radio for Religion and Ethics, Christine Morgan, six well-known personalities invite readers to reflect on a range of thoughts and themes from a number of different perspectives. From writer James Runcie’s reflection on the passion through the prism of mystery drama to Ann Widdecombe MP’s exploration of the “greater good’, this blissfully brief and entertaining book will provide something for everyone in the busy lead up to Easter. WEEK ONE – JAMES RUNCIE – MYSTERY First broadcast as part of the BBC Lent Talks 2015, director, literary curator and writer of The Grantchester Mysteries, James Runcie looks at the passion through the prism of mystery drama. WEEK TWO – BONNIE GREER – NAMES A gem of BBC Lent Talks 2014 archive, this talk sees playwright, novelist and critic Bonnie Greer reflect on the power of names. WEEK THREE – ANN WIDDECOMBE – GOODNESS Taken from the 2008 Lent Talks series, former MP, TV personality and author Ann Widdecombe reflects on the examples set by Jesus in his decision to go to the cross. WEEK FOUR – GILES FRASER – SACRIFICE First broadcast as part of the BBC Lent Talks 2010, Rev Dr Giles Fraser, Church of England priest, journalist and broadcaster, invites readers to reflect on the nature of sacrifice. WEEK FIVE – ALEXANDER MCCALL SMITH – ABANDONMENT Taken from the Lent Talks 2013, author Alexander McCall Smith explores the sense of being abandoned as you grow older. WEEK SIX – NICK BAINES – VISION Marking the beginning of the Lent Talks 2012, author, broadcaster and Bishop of Leeds, Nick Baines reflects on the challenges of finding a new narrative for the individual and community.
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Untamed Gospel : Reflections Poems And Prayers For The Christian Year
$30.49Add to cartUntamed Gospel complements The Bright Field and Darkness Yielding, and offers meditations, reflections, stories, prayers and poems for use throughout the church year. Each one focuses on the often startling nature of Jesusa(TM) sayings and teachings, the raw honesty of the psalms and other biblical texts, and on contemporary issues, such as mental health and displacement, seen in the light of the demands of the kingdom of God. It offers a prophetic challenge to the churcha(TM)s tendency towards management and control. A rich resource for worship, preaching, teaching and personal reflection throughout the year, Untamed Gospel contains hundreds of reproducible items, including seasonal reflections, stories, homilies, poems and some of Jim Cottera(TM)s last writings as he was being treated for cancer: a moving sequence of prayer poems inspired by the psalms.
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Happily Ever After
$10.99Add to cartHarder than you imagined. Better than a fairy tale. Marriage between sinners has its inevitable messes. If you’ve been married longer than a week or two, you know how the hard realities of life in a fallen age can come crashing in. Perhaps you had a season of “once upon a time,” but soon enough you realized that this marriage, in this world, is not yet your “happily ever after.” We want to help. We believe that God designed marriage not as a trial to be endured, but as a pointer to and catalyst for your greatest joy. God didn’t design marriage to be your storybook ending, but a fresh beginning, to help get you ready for the true “happily ever after” when together we see our great Bridegroom face to face. The thirty devotional readings in Happily Ever After have been assembled to shape, challenge, and inspire you and your spouse’s (or fiance’s) vision of marriage.
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WOW Gospel 2017 (DVD)
$12.99Add to cartWOW GOSPEL 2017! WOW Gospel is the premiere annual collection of top selling artists from Traditional to Contemporary Gospel! This power packed compilation returns with the best Gospel praise anthems, ballads and radio hits of the year. The WOW Gospel 2017 double disc CD set and companion DVD features 30 tracks from legendary & ground-breaking gospel talents like Donnie McClurkin (Stand LIVE), Kirk Franklin (Wanna Be Happy?), Todd Dulaney (The Anthem), Tasha Cobbs (Put A Praise On It), Erica Campbell/Big Shizz (I Luh God) & many more! Previously garnering gold and platinum certifications along with a core faithful fan base, this WOW Gospel installment may be the best yet! The companion DVD will feature live and concept videos from William Murphy (Arise You Are Good), Casey J (Im Yours), Jonathan McReynolds (Pressure) and Israel Houghton/Tye Tribbett (Chasing My Down) to name a few.
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Reflections For Sundays And Major Holy Days Year A
$23.99Add to cartChurch House Publishing
Reflections for Daily Prayer has nourished thousands of Christians for a decade with its inspiring and informed weekday Bible reflections. Now, in response to demand, Reflections for Sundays combines material from over the years with new writing to provide high-quality reflections on the Principal Readings for Sundays and major Holy Days.
Contributors include some of the very best writers from across the Anglican tradition who have helped to establish it as one of the leading daily devotional volumes today.
For each Sunday and major Holy Day in Year A, Reflections for Sundays offers:
* full lectionary details for the Principle Service
* a reflection on the Old Testament reading
* a reflection on the Epistle
* a reflection on the GospelIt also contains a substantial introduction to the Gospel of Matthew, written by renowned Bible teacher Paula Gooder.
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Watch For The Light
$26.00Add to cartThough Christians the world over make yearly preparations for Lent, theres a conspicuous lack of good books for that other great spiritual season: Advent. All the same, this four-week period leading up to Christmas is making a comeback as growing numbers reject shopping-mall frenzy and examine the deeper meaning of the season.
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Bright Field : Meditations And Reflections For Ordinary Time
$31.99Add to cartCovering the liturgical year outside Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter, this collection of reflections, readings, poems and prayers focuses on the life and ministry of Jesus the rich subject matter of the lectionary readings during Ordinary Time. This is a subtantial, original and varied resource for the longest liturgical season.
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Angus Buchans Ordinary People (DVD)
$16.10Add to cartA desperate criminal narrowly evades death at gunpoint. A hardened auto mechanic finds himself caught between grief and debt. A struggling young alcoholic yearns to escape from his misery. Three very different men seek hope in an unlikely place: the Mighty Men Conference held by Angus Buchan, the real-life farmer whose spiritual transformation inspired the celebrated film Faith Like Potatoes. The tale of Angus’ own journey intertwines with the stories of three men among the many thousands who travel to hear his words. Paths will cross and lives will be forever transformed in a powerful new motion picture based on true events.
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Navigating The Sermon Cycle C
$17.95Add to cartIn this special edition for the Sundays in Lent and Easter of Cycle C, the writers and editors of “Charting the Course,” an integral part of Emphasis: A Lectionary Preaching Journal from CSS Publishing Company, delve into the heart of the lectionary readings, providing you, the pastor with in-depth lectionary-based commentary; relating several fresh, solid ideas — based squarely on the lectionary texts — for creating sermons that speak powerfully to your audience. The team of writers looks for overall topics for the seasons of Lent and Easter in the Cycle C church year that hold the readings together. Then, they zero in on the theme and the specific scripture links, suggesting directions for the sermon and worship service. Since a single application for each week may not provide what you are looking for at that particular time, “Navigating the Sermon” in most cases suggests several ideas, giving you the opportunity to select the one that matches your specific needs.
This book is like having a dedicated, thoroughly versed sermon research and sermon resource team right in your own study to help you create riveting sermons that are truly yours and that speak powerfully to your audience. -
Navigating The Sermon Cycle C
$34.95Add to cartFor each Sunday in Cycle C, the writers and editors of “Charting the Course,” an integral part of Emphasis: A Lectionary Preaching Journal from CSS Publishing Company, delve into the heart of the lectionary readings, providing you, the pastor with in-depth lectionary-based commentary; relating several fresh, solid ideas — based squarely on the lectionary texts — for creating sermons that speak powerfully to your audience. The team of Navigating the Sermon looks for overall topics for the entire Cycle C church year that hold the readings together. Then, they zero in on the theme and the specific scripture links, suggesting directions for the sermon and worship service. Since a single application for each week may not provide what you are looking for at that particular time, Navigating the Sermon in most cases suggests several ideas, giving you the opportunity to select the one that matches your specific needs.
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Messianic Judaism Class Teacher Book (Teacher’s Guide)
$19.95Add to cartOlive Press Messianic (www.olivepresspublisher.com)
You will find this introductory course teacher book easy to teach from. The Scriptures are given in full for you, usually in the Complete Jewish Bible version. The answers are also given to each question along with occasional teacher’s instructions and background information. The Student Books have only the Scripture references and no answers. May your classes be as lively and heartwarming as Rabbi Jim’s have been over the years. He teaches in an exciting way, letting the students discover the answers in their own Bibles. If they can t see the answer right there in front of them due to past indoctrination, Rabbi Jim gently points it out to them. When they finally see it, gasping in amazement is often their response. May your students have many such “Aha!” moments and may their attitudes toward Yeshua and His Word be deepened forever.
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Solo Para Ellas – (Spanish)
$12.99Add to cartFinally a book meant specially for girls. This is the alternative for talking about true love, the best ideas for becoming beautiful and all of those subjects included in popular magazines but untouched within the church environment. In this book the reader will find articles written by leading women such as Kristy Motta (who also is the editor of this volume), Aline Barros, Gloria Vazquez, Karen Lacota, Rocio Corson, Valeria Leys, Ingrid Rosario, Raquel Lopez, Gimena Sanchez and many more.
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Simple Living Compassionate Life
$37.95Add to cartOn its ten-year anniversary of publication, we are pleased to re-issue this popular title with a new Morehouse Publishing imprint and ISBN.
Editor Michael Schut presents a rare collection of voices as they explore our use of money, the practice of simplicity, listening to our lives, widening our circle of community, and other topics at the core of how we live out our faith in our homes and workplaces. A study guide is included.
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Children Youth And Spirituality In A Troubling World
$31.99Add to cartEditors Mary Elizabeth Moore and Almeda M. Wright address the harsh, challenging, and delicate realities of children and youth-who live as spiritual beings within a beautiful yet destructive world. Providing a practical theological analysis of the spiritual yearnings, expressions, and challenges of children and youth in a world of rapid change, dislocation, violence, and competing loyalties, Children, Youth, and Spirituality in a Troubling World provides readers with a purposeful conversation on this important topic.
This book will serve as more than a collection; it will be a genuine conversation, which will in turn stir lively conversation among scholars, theological students, and Christian communities that seek to understand and respond more adequately in ministries to and with children and youth.
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Sermons On The Second Readings Series 2 Cycle A
$42.95Add to cartThe New Testament epistles are much more than just a historical record of the early church — they are also the heart and center of Christian proclamation, helping us to clearly understand how the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is part of God’s cosmic plan of salvation. In this outstanding anthology of sermons based on the Second Readings from Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary, five distinguished preachers bring their insight to the pastoral letters and draw valuable lessons for the complex challenges posed by life in the 21st century. Each thought-provoking message is filled with compelling stories and illustrations, and offers a clear and authentic vision of Christian faith in the context of daily life. With material for every Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year, this resource provides abundant seeds for preaching, teaching, and meditation, and will become a treasured addition to anyone’s reference library.
This essential resource is useful for:
* Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts
* Inspiring preaching illustrations and sermon starters
* Understanding scripture passages
* Adult study and discussion groups
* Personal devotions and Bible study -
Sermons On The First Readings Series 2 Cycle A
$37.95Add to cartModern life presents many difficult and challenging situations — but as the Hebrew scriptures tell us in rich detail, that’s nothing new for God’s people. Indeed, the Bible shares the epic story of how God’s faithful followers were formed and shaped through centuries of trial by fire. In this inspiring collection of powerful messages based on the First Readings from Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary, five master practitioners of the homiletic craft explore passages from the Old Testament and the Book of Acts, and show how the wisdom contained in those ancient texts offers vital moral and spiritual guidance for contemporary living. Building on stories in which God moves ordinary people to extraordinary heights, these sermons for each Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year passionately proclaim the good news of God’s continuing presence — and the possibilities that offers for our lives, our churches, and the world.
This essential resource is useful for:
* Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts
* Inspiring preaching illustrations and sermon starters
* Understanding scripture passages
* Bible study and discussion groups
* Personal devotions and inspirational reading -
Humor For The Holidays
$13.99Add to cartCelebrate the holidays with the marvelous gift of humor!
Holidays can be both fun and frustrating, can’t they? All the chaos that goes with the holidays can make you grin or groan. What you need for happy holidays is to have your stocking stuffed with tasty bits of humor.
Imagine reaching into your stocking and finding a hilarious story by Patsy Clairmont, pulling out funny-bone ticklers by Martha Bolton, Jack Hayford, and Tim Wildmon, and discovering goodies to make you giggle by many other gifted writers.
So grab a cup of wassail, curl up in your favorite chair, and indulge yourself with this heart-lifting book of holiday cheer — it’s stuffed full of special surprises to raise your spirits and add joy to your world!
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365 Meditations For Grandmothers By Grandmothers
$18.99Add to cartThis delightful devotional offers a year’s worth of short daily devotional readings written specifically for grandmothers, by grandmothers. Six different women of faith present two months’ worth of devotions each, providing a rich variety of topics and meditations. Designed to be used by grandmothers of all ages, the daily meditations are breif enough to be read in just a few short minutes yet meaningful enough to prompt a longer time of devotion and prayer if desired. Each day’s reading includes a focus Scripture verse from a mix of translations (including NIV and NRS), a brief meditation, and a prayer.
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Sermons On The Second Readings Series 2 Cycle C
$36.95Add to cartPaul and the other writers of the epistles were entrepreneurs for early Christianity — and not only did they tirelessly spread the good news, but their pastoral letters are also a marvelous guidebook full of practical wisdom. Because their writers were called on to assist the early faith communities in coping with a variety of problems, the New Testament epistles are chock-full of timeless lessons on living the Christian faith. In this extensive anthology of enlightening sermons based on the Second Readings from Cycle C of the Revised Common Lectionary, five eminent preachers from diverse denominations apply the nourishing teachings of the epistles to today’s complex challenges. With messages included for every Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year, there’s a wealth of ideas and illustrative stories helpful for preaching, teaching, and meditation. These biblically grounded sermons shine the light of Christ on our often confusing world and proclaim the richness of God’s truth, offering readers comfort and hope while challenging them to a more intense faith relationship with the almighty.
This essential resource is useful for:
* Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts
* Inspiring preaching illustrations and sermon starters
* Understanding scripture passages
* Adult study and discussion groups
* Personal devotions and Bible study -
Christmas Journey : Advent Christmas Resources
$14.95Add to cartThis complete set of seasonal material offers everything you need for an exciting Advent and Christmas program. With dramatic monologues, sermons, children’s messages and worship liturgies, a Sunday school program, and a pair of Christmas Eve candlelight services, there’s something for everyone, whatever your congregation’s size or worship style.
An Unlikely Cast (Alan E. Siewert) is a set of dramatic monologues that reveal the inner thoughts and feelings of five characters who were deeply involved in the unfolding divine drama of the nativity: Joseph, Mary, John the Baptist, the innkeeper, and a shepherd. The monologues can be used in midweek Advent services, special programs, or Sunday morning worship. Staging and costuming suggestions are included, to help you bring these exciting accounts to life.
The Colors Of Christmas (H. Michael Nehls) is a creative series of six sermons and children’s messages in which each week features a different color. The sermons use the color idea to stress such Christian themes as royalty, sacrifice, and holiness, while the children’s messages utilize the inventive device of passing out ribbon swatches of the color of the day; as the youngsters receive the various ribbons, they can collect a “ribbon rainbow.”
Is This The Road To Bethlehem? (Judy Gattis Smith) is an Advent worship liturgy in which children are the main participants. The centerpiece is an “action/sermon” featuring six brief readings using illustrative wooden figures. All the elements of a typical worship service are present — but in a manner that focuses on the interests and expressions of children, allowing them to experience worship rather than just listen and watch.
Producing Christmas (Jennifer Hockenberry Dragseth) is a humorous children’s play which casts the Christmas story as the ultimate Hollywood blockbuster. Everyone wants to be a part of the big movie — and they all have ideas about how to make it a hit, only to finally learn why the coming of the Christ child is truly the “greatest story ever told.” With participants ranging in age from junior high to preschoolers, this flexible piece is perfect for a brief Sunday school program.
A Christmas Journey and Christmas Letters (Rod Tkach) are imaginative Christmas Eve services weaving together carols, prayers, scripture readings, and several brief meditations. In A Christmas Journey, the reflections guide worshipers on a journey from being home alone to the ultimate destination of the
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Roll Back The Stone
$20.95Add to cartCreate memorable services that help worshipers experience the profound sadness of the crucifixion as well as the marvelous joy of the risen Christ with this diverse collection of ready-to-use dramatic material. With ample selections for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, there’s something special here for congregations of any size or worship style. Copying privileges are included for all segments. Included are:
* A Travesty Of Justice: In The Shadow Of The Cross (Kathy Martz), a series of six meditations in which an unusual assortment of “eyewitnesses” – the thorn, robe, nail, spear, shroud, and stone – tell about their extraordinary encounters with Jesus. Designed for use in Lenten vesper services, these spiritual contemplations examine the events leading up to the crucifixion from a unique perspective. Each user-friendly monologue comes with a brief scripture reading and a prayer.
* Live From Jerusalem (John O. Eby), a short Palm Sunday play that helps audiences envision what it would have been like to be on the scene of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Tying biblical prophecy together with a contemporary view, television-style news anchors and correspondents vividly portray the chaos and uncertainty of the first day of Passover while speculating on how simmering conflicts will be resolved – leaving audiences to ponder the question “What comes next?”
* Maundy Thursday Testimonies (David H. Covington), a brief set of dramatic readings depicting the Passion events and their meaning from the viewpoint of four characters: Mary Magdalene, Thomas, Judas, and Peter. An excellent vehicle for members to participate in worship, these moving monologues provide an especially powerful contribution to the Maundy Thursday service.
* God On Trial, Or…? (John O. Eby), a courtroom drama for Good Friday which portrays Jesus’ trial before Pilate ? with the novel twist of Beelzebub as the prosecutor, questioning several witnesses who level accusations against Jesus. While it is ostensibly Jesus who is on trial, it gradually becomes clear that everyone else (including all of us) is actually on trial before him ? giving new and deeper meaning to Christ’s plea, “Father, forgive them, for they do not understand what they are doing!”
* Sons Of Thunder (Carol Secord), a brief Good Friday sketch in which James and John struggle to come to grips with the stark reality of the crucifixion. As they bitterly lash out in anger and frustration at those who abandoned Jesu
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Global Bible Commentary
$45.99Add to cartThe Global Bible Commentary invites its users to expand their horizon by reading the Bible with scholars from all over the world and from different religious persuasions. These scholars have approaches and concerns that often are poles apart. Yet they share two basic convictions: biblical interpretation always matters; and reading the Bible “with others” is highly rewarding.
Each of the short commentaries of the Global Bible Commentary is a readily accessible guide for reading a biblical book. Written for undergraduate and seminary students and their teachers, as well as for pastors, priests, and Adult Sunday School classes, it introduces the users to the main features of the biblical book and its content.
Yet each short commentary does more. It also brings us a precious gift, namely the opportunity of reading this biblical book as if for the first time. By making explicit the specific context and the concerns from which she/he reads the Bible, the scholar points out to us the significance of aspects of the biblical text that we simply took for granted or overlooked.
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Revelation (Revised)
$11.99Add to cart(13 Sessions) God’s revelation to John encourages Christians at every age. Indeed, our victorious Lamb who was slain is worthy of honor and praise!
This newly updated study incorporates themes and materials found in Revelation by Louis A. Brighton (Concordia Commentary series). Key thoughts concerning John’s vivid prophecy include:
*the ultimate defeat of Satan and all the forces of evil;
*the confident hope believers have in their reigning Savior;
*the final, glorious destiny of all those who trust in Jesus for salvation.
Each study in the God’s Word for Today series provides an in-depth exploration of a book of the Bible. Each session includes:*background information on the book of the Bible, its author, audience, occasion, and purpose;
*learning experiences that promote exciting and challenging discussions;
*notes for leaders that answer questions, suggest a learning process, and provide additional information;
*discussion starters that help participants apply God’s Word to their daily lives. -
Christmas Treasures : A Collection Of Congregational Resources For Advent C
$25.95Add to cartThis anthology provides an ample selection of seasonal worship, drama, and children’s resources by popular authors from a variety of denominations. Whatever your congregation’s size or worship style, you’re sure to find something in Christmas Treasures to help you create memorable Advent and Christmas services. Copying privileges are included for all segments.
Litany For Advent And Christmas Candle Lighting provides brief responsive prayers and creative congregational activities for the four Sundays of Advent, Christmas Eve, and Epiphany. It’s excellent for worship services or as a Sunday school opener.
Christmas Treasures offers three sets of short readings and prayers for the candle lighting portion of Advent and Christmas Eve services. Each 2-3 minute narrative links aspects of the nativity with events in our modern lives, both global and personal, and challenges worshipers to reflect on current issues and respond in ways that glorify the Lord.
Six Christmas Testimonies depicts the Christmas events and their meaning from the viewpoint of John the Baptist, a magus, the innkeeper, Joseph, a shepherd, and Mary. Especially powerful when read in sequence, these concise dramatic readings are an excellent way to have members participate in Advent or Christmas Eve worship services.
The Christmas Gift utilizes a creative approach to the seasonal children’s program — a “talent show” is cleverly included as part of a simple yet powerful play based on Luke’s Christmas scripture. It’s a practical presentation for any size congregation — many of the speaking roles have only a few lines, and some parts can be combined. A prop list, set diagram, and sample rehearsal schedule are included to aid novice directors. Performance time is approximately 15 minutes (plus talent show time).
Who Are You In Bethlehem? and The Promise are two dramatic presentations for the entire congregation with roles that can be performed by any age. Each combines the reading of scripture and singing of familiar hymns with brief narrations to telling the Bethlehem story, focusing on how we respond to the Savior — asking us if we have truly welcomed the babe into our hearts. These inspirational services are flexible enough to be performed by as many participants as are available without requiring extensive memorization.
Revelations Of Jesus, Given From Heaven/Received On Earth, Nativity, and If It Happened Today are four flexible, Bible-based plays with parts for young peopl
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Holiness 101
$13.99Add to cart22 Chapters
Additional Info
Sometimes, living the holy life seems like an impossible task. But God’s call to “be holy as I am holy” remains. The call to holiness is a message of hope, not condemnation. This is the message Christ taught, lived, and died to deliver. Hope and salvation for our dying world flow only from hearts transformed by the love of Christ. -
This New Life Together
$12.95Add to cartAs an anthology, this book fits many settings facing clergy. Included is a ceremony for an older and once widowed couple, a Protestant and Catholic wedding, an evening ceremony and a simple congregational vow for inclusion in a service. This anthology includes meditations from men and women clergy who are United Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, Episcopal and Roman Catholic.
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53 Stories For Preaching Series 1 Year 1
$13.95Add to cart“Emilio Lopez received a surprise phone call from his bishop one day. “Would you be interested in a call to a white congregation in a neighborhood that is becoming Hispanic? I think you’re just the kind of pastor they need in these days of transition.””
(excerpt from the story “Light in the Life of Eternity”)
Following Shakespeare’s philosophy that “brevity is the soul of wit,” this anthology offers readers 53 succinct, insightful stories based on scripture passages. Each narrative faithfully updates the biblical theme in a modern setting from everyday life that everyone can relate to. Many feature surprise endings that will rivet the attention while strengthening believers’ faith. The brief stories in this well-rounded collection make excellent starting points or centerpieces for a sermon, and they’re also ideal for uplifting devotional reading.
The contributors to “53 Stories for Preaching” represent pastors and ordinary Christians from many denominations across North America. The 16 storytellers include:
Constance Berg
Dallas A. Brauninger
Charles W. Byrd
B. Kathleen Fannin
Susan K. Hedahl
Richard A. Jensen
James E. Sargent
Betty Lynn Schwab
Robert Beringer
Steve Burt
Cynthia E. Cowen
Peter C. Garrison
Sandra Herrmann
Paul Lintern
Henry Scholberg
John E. Sumwalt -
Lenten Resources For Worship Leaders
$12.95Add to cartThese field-tested materials represent the creative effort of many denominations. Each includes ideas for preparation, items needed, suggestions for use, number of parts, and the time for best use.
This complete Lenten volume for busy ministers includes:
Shadows Around The Cross: A Tenebrae
A Good Friday Vigil
The Service Of Diminishing Lights — for Sundays in Lent
Justified By Greed: Monologue Of A Pharisee — for Lent
The Passover Haggadah: A Traditional Seder Service
Litany For Forgiveness
Litany For Palm Sunday
Litany For Easter
Meditation: Forgiveness Is Peace
Meditation: You Make The Difference
Litany Of Confession
Litany For Peace -
Humor For The Heart
$15.99Add to cartEvery heart needs to laugh. Every face needs to smile. Everybody needs a little lift. Humor has the power to transform a down day into a wonderful adventure or a good day into an even brighter one. That’s why you and those you care for are sure to enjoy the humorous messages and light-hearted stories in this delightful book.
Whether you need relief from stress or some cheerful inspiration, the unique perspectives and fun stories of best-selling authors such a Barbara Johnson, Max Lucado, Marilyn Meberg, Chonda Pierce, Bob Phillips, Dennis Swanberg, Charles Swindoll, and more will give you a welcome refreshment in your busy day.
As you read, laugh, and relax, this book will lift you above your daily struggles and give your heart a healthy dose of optimism and hope.
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56 Lectionary Stories For Preaching Cycle B
$14.95Add to cart“Emilio Lopez received a surprise phone call from his bishop one day. “Would you be interested in a call to a white congregation in a neighborhood that is becoming Hispanic? I think you’re just the kind of pastor they need in these days of transition.””
— from the Advent 1 story
Here are 56 short stories for use in preaching. Each is a contemporary adaptation of a biblical theme.
“56 Lectionary Stories for Preaching” offers one story for each Sunday in the church year plus stories for Christmas Eve/Day and Ash Wednesday.
The collection is based upon the Revised Common Lectionary, Cycle B. Authors represent clergy storytellers from five denominations from across the United States and Canada.
Most of the stories are based on gospel texts. Some stem from first or second lesson scriptures. The collection offers a well-rounded selection of themes. Stories often offer surprise endings that catch listeners’ attention. Stories in this collection strengthen believers’ faith.
