- Table View
- List View
Mom Babble: The Messy Truth about Motherhood
by Mary Katherine BackstromFeatured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show sharing her "Holiday Magic" viral video. Hope, humor, and spiritual inspiration to families in the trenches of parenthood from the founder of Mom Babble. Mary Katherine Backstrom spends her days mending booboos, conquering the boogie man, comforting heartaches, laughing at knock-knock jokes, cooking pancakes, throwing baseballs, and mopping muddy floors. In other words she spends her days relishing in the beautiful, constant noise that is a life with children. In Mom Babble Mary Katherine (MK) Backstrom, founder and personality behind the Mom Babble online community, offers up hope, humor, and spiritual inspiration to families in the trenches of parenthood. With laughter, crying, and eye-rolls MK’s, oh so, real essays about raising littles will delight all the not perfect, not always holy, not completely normal, messy, honest and wonderful moms that read them. MK’s conversational approach connects with readers like dear friends cozied up on a coffee date. Praise for Mary Katherine Backstrom "I love how honest and relatable Mary Katherine is in her writing. When an author is raw, it is easy to make a connection to their work." – Meredith Masony, Founder of That’s Inappropriate "One of Facebook’s funniest parents!" – Today Show Parenting Team "Mary Katherine brings love, wisdom, compassion, humor, and insight to her writing that is a must read for every parent." – Love What Matters "I have probably read more parenting essays than anyone on the planet, and Mary Katherine’s voice still surprises me. I laugh out loud, cry, and recall the magic of being a mother in those fresh early years. She is a friend to the struggling moms in the trenches of motherhood." – Jill Smokler, Founder of Scary Mommy and New York Times Best-selling author "Thank you for cracking us up." – Today with Hoda & Jenna Product Features: Features funny and relatable personal essays. Expands on Backstrom’s already popular Mom Babble community posts and stories. Includes a forward by Meredith Masony, founder of That’s Inappropriate and That’s Inappropriate Parents online communities with nearly 1 million followers across multiple channels. 4-color photographs throughout. Grain embossed hardcover with ribbon.
Wake Up: Hip-Hop, Christianity, and the Black Church
by Cheryl Kirk-Duggan Marlon F. HallFirst an expression of black urban youth, Hip Hop music continues to expand as a cultural expression of youth and, now, young adults more generally. As a cultural phenomenon, it has even become integral to the worship experience of a growing number of churches who are reaching out to these groups. This includes not just African American churches but churches of all ethnic groups. Once seen as advocating violence, Hip Hop can be the Church’s agent of salvation and praise to transform society and reach youth and young adults in greater numbers.After looking at Hip Hop’s socio-historical context including its African roots, Wake Up shows how Hip Hop has come to embody the worldview of growing numbers of youth and young adults in today’s church. The authors make the case that Hip Hop represents the angst and hope of many youth and young adults and that by examining the inherent religious themes embedded in the music, the church can help shape the culture of hip-hop by changing its own forms of preaching and worship so that it can more effectively offer a message of repentance and liberation.
The Virtual Body of Christ in a Suffering World
by Deanna A. ThompsonWe live in a wired world where 24/7 digital connectivity is increasingly the norm. Christian megachurch communities often embrace this reality wholeheartedly while more traditional churches often seem hesitant and overwhelmed by the need for an interactive website, a Facebook page and a twitter feed. This book accepts digital connectivity as our reality, but presents a vision of how faith communities can utilize technology to better be the body of Christ to those who are hurting while also helping followers of Christ think critically about the limits of our digital attachments. This book begins with a conversion story of a non-cell phone owning, non-Facebook using religion professor judgmental of the ability of digital tools to enhance relationships. A stage IV cancer diagnosis later, in the midst of being held up by virtual communities of support, a conversion occurs: this religion professor benefits in embodied ways from virtual sources and wants to convert others to the reality that the body of Christ can and does exist virtually and makes embodied difference in the lives of those who are hurting.The book neither uncritically embraces nor rejects the constant digital connectivity present in our lives. Rather it calls on the church to a) recognize ways in which digital social networks already enact the virtual body of Christ; b) tap into and expand how Christ is being experienced virtually; c) embrace thoughtfully the material effects of our new augmented reality, and c) influence utilization of technology that minimizes distraction and maximizes attentiveness toward God and the world God loves.
Season of Ash and Fire: Prayers and Liturgies for Lent and Easter
by Blair Gilmer MeeksSeason of Ash and Fire will help pastors and worship planners prepare for Lent and Easter. The author provides corporate prayers for each Sunday and Holy Day in the Easter Cycle, including: Ash Wednesday, 1st through 5th Sundays in Lent, Passion/Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, Easter Sunday Morning, Easter Evening, 2nd through 7th Sundays of Easter, Ascension Day, and Pentecost. Additional prayers and liturgies for use during the season by small groups and families help extend and unify the congregation’s celebration. "Blair Meeks, gifted with an evangelical heart, an emancipated imagination, and a life settled in liturgy, offers a first rate resource as the church learns again to pray. Meeks not only guides the prayer of the church through the depth of Lent and the wonder of Easter, she also interprets and instructs along the way. Out of her long reflection on the mystery of worship, this book will serve pastors and all those in the church who live by faith that is funded through prayer.” --Walter Brueggemann, Professor Emeritus, Columbia Theological Seminary
Genesis to Revelation: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible (Genesis to Revelation series)
by James E. SargentStudy the entire Book of Acts in this comprehensive 13-session study, beginning with the mission to the world and ending with Paul's journey to Rome. Some of the major ideas explored are: a Gospel that cannot be contained, divine initiative and human responsibility, the subtle work of the Holy Spirit, what holds us together, and the plight oftheology in a cynical world.More than 3.5 million copies of the series have been sold.This revision of the Abingdon classic Genesis to Revelation Series is a comprehensive, verse-by-verse, book-by-book study of the Bible based on the NIV. These studies help readers strengthen their understanding and appreciation of the Bible by enabling them to engage the Scripture on three levels: What does the Bible say? Questions to consider while reading the passage for each session. What does the passage mean? Unpacks key verses in the selected passage. How does the Scripture relate to my life? Provides three major ideas that have meaning for our lives today. The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words.The meaning of the selected passages are made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words. The simple format makes the study easy to use. Includes maps and glossary with key pronunciation helps.Updates will include: New cover designs. New interior designs. Leader Guide per matching Participant Book (rather than multiple volumes in one book). Updated to 2011 revision of the New International Version Translation (NIV). Updated references to New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible. Include biblical chapters on the contents page beside session lesson titles for at-a-glance overview of biblical structure. Include larger divisions within the contents page to reflect macro-structure of each biblical book. Ex: Genesis 1-11; Genesis 12-50; Exodus 1-15; Exodus 16-40; Isaiah 1-39; Isaiah 40-66.The simple format makes the study easy to use. Each volume is 13 sessions and has a separate leader guide.
The Sermon without End: A Conversational Approach to Preaching
by Ronald J. Allen O. Wesley Allen JR.A New Model for Post-Apologetic Preaching in a Pluralistic World. The relationship between preaching and the public sphere has long beendebated. Three different theological approaches tend to dominate thediscussion. In different ways, these approaches take into account themovement from the modern mindset of the mid-to-late 20th century to theemerging postmodern worldview. In The Sermon without End, authors Allen & Allen thoughtfullyoffer a fourth option, one that in their view has not received muchattention, but which offers a distinct and especially helpfulperspective. It is a new and dynamic conversational model, reachingbeyond the earlier work of Tillich and Tracy. In this homileticalframework, conversation takes place in multiple directions between thetext or tradition and the world today. It is preaching in conversation,not just toward but with voices from the public sphere. The book provides a solid foundation for understanding thispost-apologetic approach, but it importantly goes on to offer practical,real-pulpit guidance for implementation in a preaching ministry. It is abook for both scholars and practicing preachers who wish to reachpeople in meaningful and significant ways, and in ways that make sensefor today."This book deserves to be widely applauded. It provides a post-apologetic lens to illuminate the history of various modern homiletical discourses even as it envisions a postmodern one. ... I strongly recommend this book for homileticians, preachers, and lay people alike." - Duse Lee, Boston University School of Theology - Reviewed in Homiletic
The Redemption of Scrooge: Connecting Christ and Culture (The Redemption of Scrooge)
by Matt RawleIs redemption possible for Ebenezer Scrooge? Pastor and author Matt Rawle believes so as he discovers the teachings of Jesus in the words of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. Rawle dives deep into the dark, sad, greedy world of Scrooge and discovers a man in dire need of a second chance. Along with Scrooge, we meet the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future and in the process learn about living with and for others in a world blessed by Jesus. Rediscover and reinvigorate your Christian faith this Advent and Christmas season and look at this familiar classic through the lens of faith.Chapters include: Bah! Humbug! The Remembrance of Christmas Past The Life of Christmas Present The Hope of Christmas Future
Disciple IV Under the Tree of Life: The Writings - John - Revelation (Disciple Ser.)
by VariousParticipants in Disciple IV Under the Tree of Life will recognize the familiar rhythm and requirements of daily Scripture reading and note taking in preparation for the discussion in the weekly group meeting. The study manual guides daily study of the biblical text and calls for written responses that become grist for discussion in the weekly group meeting.Two new elements in the study manual format represent special emphases in this study – the Psalm of the week and the radical disciple. The Psalm of the week will lead people into a deeper life of prayer using Psalms as a guide. It is to be prayed aloud both daily and weekly in the study group session. Study manual suggestions on experiencing the Psalm of the week pay attention to feelings as well as words.The radical disciple focuses on thoughts or actions relevant to the weekly theme. Whether praying or taking steps toward radical discipleship, participants know they are not alone – the community is there.Each member of the group needs a study manual and a Bible. The Bible is the text for the study and the study manual will guide group members in their study and preparation for the weekly group session. The study manual also includes suggestions for individual research and study-related activities. Space is provided for taking notes while reading Scripture, for recording thoughts and questions arising out of daily study, and for notes during the weekly group session.The titles of the sessions along with theme words and theme verses, and major persons, events, and topics will set the sequence of the biblical story in the minds of the participants. The principal Scripture for each session follows the chronological movement of the biblical story.Disciple IV Under the Tree of Life is the final study in the four-phaseDISCIPLE program.The study concentrates on Old Testament Writings, the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, James, Jude, and finally, Revelation. Emphasis on the Psalms as Israel’s hymnbook and prayer book leads naturally to an emphasis on worship in the study. Present through the entire study is the sense of living toward completion – toward the climax of the message and the promise, extravagantly pictured in Revelation. The image of the tree and the color gold emphasize the prod and promise in the Scriptures. The word under in the title is meant to convey invitation, welcome, sheltering, security, and rest – home at last.Commitment and Time Involved 32-week study Three and one-half to four hours of independent study each week (40 minutes daily for leaders and 30 minutes daily for group members) in preparation for weekly group meetings. Attendance at weekly 2.5 hour meetings.
Juvenile Delinquency: Pathways and Prevention
by Christopher A. Mallett Miyuki Fukushima TedorJuvenile Delinquency: Pathways and Prevention, Second Edition explores the pivotal roles that family, trauma, mental health, and schools have on juvenile delinquency, while examining opportunities for prevention and intervention. Authors Christopher A. Mallett and Miyuki Fukushima Tedor draw from years of experience working with juvenile offenders to shed light on the nature of delinquency and the diverse pathways to juvenile delinquency, while offering evidence-based techniques for preventing and rehabilitating youthful offenders. Each chapter features interactive and critical thinking sections alongside special interest boxed features, designed to move students beyond memorization while guiding them to develop informed recommendations for better practices and policies.
Ethnography: Step-by-Step (Applied Social Research Methods #17)
by David FettermanDavid M. Fetterman captures the ethnographic imagination with the Fourth Edition of his popular text, Ethnography: Step-by-Step. He shares new case examples of his work to highlight the illuminating power of reflexivity and theory. The new edition expands the discussion of critical concepts such as culture, contextualization, emic and etic distinctions, and symbols. The book provides insights into the use of technology in ethnography from qualitative data analysis software to data visualization, and Questions for Reflection have been added to the end of each chapter. Fetterman is a seasoned educator, evidenced by both the clarity of his thinking and the simplicity of his writing.
Multilevel Modeling (Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences #143)
by Douglas A. LukeMultilevel Modeling is a concise, practical guide to building models for multilevel and longitudinal data. Author Douglas A. Luke begins by providing a rationale for multilevel models; outlines the basic approach to estimating and evaluating a two-level model; discusses the major extensions to mixed-effects models; and provides advice for where to go for instruction in more advanced techniques. Rich with examples, the Second Edition expands coverage of longitudinal methods, diagnostic procedures, models of counts (Poisson), power analysis, cross-classified models, and adds a new section added on presenting modeling results. A website for the book includes the data and the statistical code (both R and Stata) used for all of the presented analyses.
Multilevel Modeling (Quantitative Applications in the Social Sciences #143)
by Douglas A. LukeMultilevel Modeling is a concise, practical guide to building models for multilevel and longitudinal data. Author Douglas A. Luke begins by providing a rationale for multilevel models; outlines the basic approach to estimating and evaluating a two-level model; discusses the major extensions to mixed-effects models; and provides advice for where to go for instruction in more advanced techniques. Rich with examples, the Second Edition expands coverage of longitudinal methods, diagnostic procedures, models of counts (Poisson), power analysis, cross-classified models, and adds a new section added on presenting modeling results. A website for the book includes the data and the statistical code (both R and Stata) used for all of the presented analyses.
Conducting Qualitative Research of Learning in Online Spaces
by Hannah R. Gerber Sandra Schamroth Abrams Jen Scott Curwood Alecia Marie MagnificoQualitative researchers have grappled with how online inquiry shifts research procedures such as gaining access to spaces, communicating with participants, and obtaining informed consent. Drawing on a multimethod approach, Conducting Qualitative Research of Learning in Online Spaces explores how to design and conduct diverse studies in online environments. The book focuses on formal and informal learning practices that occur in evolving online spaces. The text shows researchers how they can draw upon a variety of theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, and data sources. Examples of qualitative research in online spaces, along with guiding questions, support readers at every phase of the research process.
Crossing Borders: International Studies for the 21st Century
by Harry I. Chernotsky Heidi H. Hobbs Brenda M. Kauffman Sasha AllgayerCrossing Borders: International Studies for the 21st Century provides a framework to help students understand world issues, built upon an understanding of the many borders that define the international system. In the Fifth Edition, renowned authors Harry I. Chernotsky and Heidi H. Hobbs are joined by new coauthors Brenda M. Kauffman and Sasha Allgayer to address many of the different fields that constitute international studies—geography, politics, economics, sociology, and anthropology—and give instructors a starting point from which they can pursue their own disciplinary interests. In addition to developing a better understanding of the world, students also learn how to increase their own global engagement through study abroad, internships, and career options.
Crossing Borders: International Studies for the 21st Century
by Harry I. Chernotsky Heidi H. Hobbs Brenda M. Kauffman Sasha AllgayerCrossing Borders: International Studies for the 21st Century provides a framework to help students understand world issues, built upon an understanding of the many borders that define the international system. In the Fifth Edition, renowned authors Harry I. Chernotsky and Heidi H. Hobbs are joined by new coauthors Brenda M. Kauffman and Sasha Allgayer to address many of the different fields that constitute international studies—geography, politics, economics, sociology, and anthropology—and give instructors a starting point from which they can pursue their own disciplinary interests. In addition to developing a better understanding of the world, students also learn how to increase their own global engagement through study abroad, internships, and career options.
Reading the Good Book Well: A Guide to Biblical Interpretation
by Jerry Camery-HoggattThe state of teaching biblical interpretation in colleges and seminaries is generally a mess, and many conventional approaches can be alarming for religious students. The sources of this difficulty are wide ranging, but a quick summary would include at least the following: jargon that is unnecessarily technical; competing and contradictory methodologies; and a failure on the part of Biblical scholarship to demonstrate the direct relevance of its methods to the pastoral life of the Church. As a consequence, biblical scholarship is often opaque at best and distressing at worst to the student and beginning theologian. And because pastors and lay people are trained within this cobweb of methods, they are often functionally unable to draw clear conclusions from most teaching resources. Jerry Camery-Hoggatt addresses this problem with several solutions: a return to a conscious affirmation of authorial intention as the beginning place for interpretation; a careful examination of the actual workings of communication; a concept of text to include the assumptions and cultural knowledge upon which the text depends for meaningful communication; an examination of the various academic disciplines with an eye toward correlating their conclusions with the necessary activities of reading; and easily accessible language that makes sense to the beginning student and the lay reader alike. Here is a single, accessible volume that explains the basic vocabulary and logic of biblical interpretation, shows how the various methodologies can be fitted together into a seamless interpretive model for exegesis, and then reflects carefully on the implications of that method for the various issues of reading, teaching, reflection, and preaching.Through common and practical examples Jerry Camery-Hoggatt teaches students a way of reading the Bible that replicates the activities the biblical authors expected their readers would perform, and he uses a model that is applicable across linguistic boundaries, genres, and various cultural contexts; that is, throughout the human experience of language there exists a common set of mental activities that can be identified and studied, and these are fundamental to reading and interpreting the Bible.The prose style is conversational, non-technical, and is intended to be inviting to the beginning student, and refreshing for advanced students and teachers.
Unrelenting Grace: A United Methodist Way of Life
by Kenneth H. Carter Jr.A way of life: embracing grace, seeking holiness, building connections.United Methodist people long to love God and serve their neighbors. Unrelenting Grace by Bishop Ken Carter shows us how to come together and embrace grace, seek holiness, and build meaningful connections promoting strength and healing. Unrelenting Grace evokes insights and courage to overcome feelings of isolation, loneliness, and alienation.The book is an inspiring and practical resource for United Methodists who want to move forward with confidence and hope. As we wrestle with the effects of the pandemic, social disruption, and conflicts, Unrelenting Grace offers guidance for stepping into the future as individuals and as communities of faith. Ken Carter reminds us of our core values as United Methodists, prompting readers to rediscover, redefine, and reclaim the power of grace, holiness, and connection. We see afresh ways to bridge the gap between faith and life, and rediscover deep connections of unity and love.
For His Glory - Women's Bible Study Leader Guide: Living as God's Masterpiece (For His Glory)
by Marian Jordan EllisDiscover Your True Worth in Christ.What comes to mind when you hear the word masterpiece? Perhaps you think of a beautiful painting, a spectacular home renovation, or a captivating sunset. But few of us would describe ourselves with that word. We tend to listen instead to the lies that define us as rejected, unwanted, less than, ugly, stupid, or a failure. Sometimes we can feel more like worthless junk than a valuable masterpiece. Yet that is exactly what God’s Word says that we are!In For His Glory, Marian Jordan Ellis leads us in an in-depth study of Ephesians to help us dismantle the lies we’ve believed about ourselves and replace them with a new identity built on God’s Word. The truths in this beloved epistle speak to the core beliefs we carry about ourselves, revealing to us our part in God’s magnificent design to redeem a people for Himself who reflect His glory to the world. Drawing on her own journey of transformation and her passion to equip women to overcome shame, insecurity, inferiority, and condemnation, Marian invites us on a journey to discover our true worth in Christ, our status as beloved children of God, and our glorious calling as His masterpiece.Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Participant Workbook and DVD.Bible Study Features: A six-week, verse-by-verse study of Ephesians. Helps women discover how Jesus can take their broken and make it beautiful. Workbook includes five lessons for every week of study. DVD features the dynamic Bible teaching of Marian Jordan Ellis in six 20-25 minute segments.Praise for For His GloryMarian Jordan Ellis skillfully explores the great truths from the letter to the Ephesians and invites women to discover their unshakeable identity in Christ. She challenges us to see ourselves as God does—loved, chosen, redeemed, and yes…worth dying for. For His Glory beckons you to rest in God’s extravagant love and hear Him declare you "His masterpiece"! Lisa Mahan, Global Director of Women’s Ministry, Second Baptist Church, Houston, TexasMarian expands our understanding of the timeless words of Paul to an ancient culture that struggled and wrestled so many issues that are our same struggles today. This study will challenge you, equip you, and leave you ready to live out your purpose with renewed passion, living fully for the glory of God. Julie Lyles Carr, Author of Raising an Original and Footnotes: Major Lessons from Minor Bible Characters, host of The Modern Motherhood Podcast
Genesis to Revelation Minor Prophets Leader Guide: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible (Genesis to Revelation series)
by Gene M. TuckerWhat does the Bible say? What does it mean? How does it relate to my life? Genesis to Revelation, a comprehensive, verse-by-verse, book-by-book study of the Bible, will strengthen your understanding and appreciation of the Scripture by helping you engage on these three levels. Newly revised, these Abingdon classics are based on the NIV translation and are presented in an easy-to-read format. Each of the volumes includes thirteen sessions.Study the books of Jeremiah and Lamentation, beginning with some reference articles and timelines to help better under Jeremiah, and then moving through Lamentations. Some of the major ideas explored are: speaking for God, desire for revenge, being angry with God, covenants, human nature, what to hope in, and power. The meaning of the selected passages is made clear by considering such aspects as ancient customs, locations of places, and the meanings of words. The simple format makes the study easy to use. Includes maps and glossary with key pronunciation helps.The Leader Guide includes the additional information you need to lead: A verse-by-verse, in-depth look at the Scriptures. Background material, including word studies and history of the biblical setting. Answers to questions asked in the Participant Book. Application of the Scripture to daily life situations. Discussion suggestions. A variety of study options. Practical tips for leaders to use.
How Is It With Your Soul: Director's Guide for Use With This Day (How Is It With Your Soul)
by Denise StringerHow Is It With Your Soul? is a complete, stand-alone session guide for use by pastors and directors of Wesleyan Class Meeting groups to train Class Leaders. The ten training sessions are designed to create group support among the Class Leaders and also strengthen the relationship between the pastor or director and the Class Leaders they oversee. Dr. Denise Stringer, author of How Is It With Your Soul?, developed the Director's Guide for use in providing a training seminar for Class Leaders while in the process of training Class Leaders in her own congregation.
Church Leadership: Vision, Team, Culture, Integrity, Revised Edition
by Lovett H. Weems JR.Much has changed since the first edition of Lovett Weems’s seminal work Church Leadership appeared in 1993. In that time a substantial literature about leading the congregation has appeared, written from a broad variety of perspectives. But in some ways, little has changed in that time. The need for leadership in the church—defined as discovering the faithful future into which God is calling the congregation, and walking with the congregation into that future—is just as pressing as it ever was. And for that reason, the need for clear, insightful thinking about leadership is just as great as it ever was. In this revised edition, Weems draws on the best new ideas and research in organizational leadership, yet always with his trademark theological grounding foremost in mind. Anyone who guides the life of a congregation, be they clergy or laity, will find Church Leadership the indispensable tool with which to follow their calling to be a church leader.
Methodist Doctrine: The Essentials, Revised Edition
by Ted A. CampbellIn this concise, accessible book, Dr. Ted Campbell provides a brief summary of the major doctrines shared in the Wesley family of denominations. Writing in concise and straightforward language, Campbell organizes the material into systematic categories: doctrine of revelation, doctrine of God, doctrine of Christ, doctrine of the Spirit, doctrine of humanity, doctrine of "the way of salvation" (conversion/justification/sanctification), doctrine of the church and means of grace, and doctrine of thing to come. He also supplies substantial buy simplified updated references in the margins of the book that allow for easy identification of his sources.John Wesley distinguished between essential doctrines on which agreement or consensus is critical and opinions about theology or church practices on which disagreement must be allowed. Though today few people join churches based on doctrinal commitments, once a person has joined a church it becomes important to know the teachings of that church's tradition. In Methodist Doctrine: The Essentials, Ted Campbell outlines historical doctrinal consensus in American Episcopal Methodist Churches in a comparative and ecumenical dialogue with the doctrinal inheritance of other major families of Christian tradition. In this way, the book shows both what Methodist churches historically teach in common with ecumenical Christianity and what is distinctive about the Methodist tradition in its various contemporary forms. For more information, please see the author's website: http://tedcampbell.com/methodist-doctrine/
Voices for Good Friday: Worship Services with Dramatic Monologues Based on the Gospels
by Amanda BurrThese interpretive, dramatic monologues give voice to selected minor characters from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Presented in a reproducible, copy-friendly format, the monologues provide a creative way to present Good Friday/Tenebrae services and to tell the gospel story of Jesus Christ. The monologues can be presented as a collective work or can be used individually as sermon helps, Bible study presentations, and in other creative ways in worship settings. There are three sets of narratives, one each based on Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In addition, each set is individually titled, has a central theme woven throughout its narratives, and contains a suggested worship service outline. Each set contains 3 to 5 monologues that are 7 to 10 minutes long when performed. These monologues can be memorized or presented in reader’s-theater style. Dialogue and stage directions are provided to allow for easy stage setup, shorter prep time, and require fewer rehearsals than those for a full-production drama. This offers those watching and participating a fresh perspectives of the gospel story.
She Dreams - Women's Bible Study Guide with Leader Helps: Live the Life You Were Created For (She Dreams)
by Tiffany BluhmSay yes to the dreams God has planted in your heart. Every woman was born to dream—to live a life of beauty, passion, adventure, and purpose. No matter how big or how small they are, our dreams push us to become women of courage, grace, and grit. God in His goodness breathes new dreams within our hearts and revives the dreams that have died, inviting us to trust Him as we dream impossible dreams that only He can bring to pass—because God not only gives dreams; He fulfills them. In this six-week study we will look at Moses’ journey to live out the God-sized dream given to him, exposing the ancient wisdom and truth God offers for every woman with a dream beating in her heart. With timely truth and encouraging accounts of God’s heart and hand in the life of Moses as well as in the lives of ordinary women, author Tiffany Bluhm will dare you to dream the impossible dreams the Lord is stirring in your heart, reclaim any broken dreams, and trust God for the victory. Throughout the study you will identify: The role of prayer as you grow into your dreams. The importance of obedience as you pursue what God has for you. Why your dreams are a blessing not only to you but also to others. How your failures can be a gift that help your dreams become a reality. The life-changing love, power, and wisdom of the Dream Giver. Get ready to discover the role you are designed and destined to play as you partner with God for the impossible! She Dreams Bible Study Features: Encourages readers to discover and follow their God-given dreams. Learn how to live a life of dreams with this study of prayer, obedience, and the wisdom of God. Helps readers discover the role they are destined to play through partnership with God. An encouraging account of Moses’ journey to live out the God-sized dream given to him. Book can be a stand-alone resource, or combined with the Leader Guide and DVD for a six-week study. Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include the She Dreams book, and DVD.
Recruiting Volunteers (The Abingdon Press & The Church of the Resurrection Ministry Guides)
by Dan EntwistleThe Abingdon-Church of the Resurrection Ministry Guides are the first choice for recruiting, motivating, and developing lay leadership for specialized ministries from A to Z—from adult ministries to ushering. Each inexpensive, 64-page Guide brings together Church of the Resurrection’s can-do attitude with Abingdon Press’s ministry of empowering church leaders. The result is a series that is user-friendly, encouraging, and most important, practical. The passion to help churches experience how many things they can do to encourage participation drives these Ministry Guides. Each Guide is concise, conversational, and current, full of ideas you’ll be able to implement immediately, with little or no budget. Recognizing that volunteers are busy people who work hard, the Guides will be the first place to turn when you’re new to a topic, to help you feel empowered, prepare quickly, and get up and running with confidence and creativity. You’ll find eye-catching icons and features that help you move directly to practical, fun, and effective solutions. An excerpt from the Circuit Rider review: "This little guide, another in the series out of The Church of the Resurrection in Leawood Kansas, will be helpful to churches large, medium and small desiring to develop and expand lay participation in all aspects of congregational life and work. Dan Entwistle, managing executive director for programs and ministries at The Church of the Resurrection, writes out of years of experience in recruiting, training and deploying laypeople for ministry. His book will be no less valuable to UMM and UMW units, campus ministries, conference and district staff and church-related non-profits." (Click here to read the entire review.)