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Navigating the Future: Traditioned Innovation for Wilder Seas
by Andrew P. Hogue Dr L. Gregory JonesTraditioned innovation is a habit of being and living that cultivates a certain kind of moral imagination shaped by storytelling and expressed in creative, transformational action. Moral imagination is about character, which depends on ongoing formation that takes place in friendships and communities that embody traditions and that are sustained by institutions.There is no quick-fix or set of techniques that will create a mindset of traditioned innovation. But we do believe that you can learn to cultivate it by Becoming immersed in an imaginative engagement with the story of God told through Scripture Learning from exemplary institutions, communities, and people practicing traditioned innovation. Discovering new skills for integrating character formation and dense networks of friendships, communities and institutions into your leadership and life.Navigating the Future will explore stories and tips for cultivating traditioned innovation that will stimulate your thinking and inspire your imagination for more faithful and fruitful living along with the cultivation of more vibrant, life-giving institutions.
First Corinthians - Women's Bible Study Leader Guide: Living Love When We Disagree (First Corinthians)
by Melissa SpoelstraRelationships are messy. We're all different and imperfect, and we can struggle to get along--especially with those who disagree with us. Often we find ourselves divided--even as Christians. How can we work out our differences and disagreements with humility and grace, always showing the love of Christ, while still remaining true to what we believe?The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians living in Corinth about this very thing. The cultural backdrop of Corinth was even more overtly sinful than our culture today, yet Paul boldly encouraged the Corinthian Christians not to ridicule one another or outsiders but to work together to show the love of Christ. In this six-week study we will explore Paul's first letter to the Corinthians to learn how we as Christians are to deal with differences and divisions--whether in the workplace, neighborhood, school, home, social media community, or church. We'll discover that the answer is living and sharing the radical love of Jesus Christ, and we'll unpack what this means and how we can live it out day by day.The Leader Guide, to be used along with the study's workbook and DVD, contains six session plan outlines, complete with discussion points and questions, activities, prayers, and more—plus leader helps for facilitating a group.Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Participant Workbook, DVD with six 25-30 minute sessions, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study’s components).
ReStart Your Church
by Dottie Escobedo-FrankAs a result of the near-death experiences of many congregations today, denominational leaders are looking for ways to “revitalize” churches. The act of revitalization often starts with the assumption that what was once vital can be vital again, if church leaders simply do the same better. So congregations increase programs, budgets, and formulas. They look back in time, trying to recapture a period when the church’s role in society was vital. A church, seeking revitalization, typically does more of the same, but faster. However, the central story of our faith is the story of both death and resurrection. Followers of Christ like to live out the resurrection part of our faith, but they often aren't very comfortable dealing with what must come before resurrection - death.The church must be willing to live out its entire story, from beginning to end. The church needs to trust that God will bring to life what God wants to. This book suggests shifting away from the language of revitalization toward the story of death and resurrection. Escobedo-Frank focuses on ten specific “re-“ words to outline a strategy for dying and resurrecting again - for restarting the church:RecognizeRealizeRestoreReviewReformResensitizeReleaseReinvigorateReemphasizeRebirth
The Right Church: Live Like the First Christians
by Charles E. GutensonMany of us long for a faith like the first Christians. We speak ideally of the earliest followers of Jesus and use them authoritatively for current church doctrine and practice. But do we know what that means? What happens if we actually learn what early church leaders wrote? What might they be able to teach us?A variety of contemporary, hot-button issues have surprising context to the early church. In the modern era, church leaders can learn from early church thinking on key ethical issues such as poverty and wealth, war, creation care, social issues and more. Take a peek into a lost era and discover surprisingly relevant insights into contemporary issues.Includes a downloadable study guide.
The Grace of Les Miserables Youth Study Book (The Grace of Le Miserables)
by Matt RawleVictor Hugo’s Les Misérables is a truly epic story. Whether you’ve tackled the 1,400-page 19thcentury novel, witnessed the Broadway musical (and memorized its soundtrack), or seen the several screen adaptations of it, you already know the power of its story.In the six-week Lenten study The Grace of Les Misérables, author and pastor Matt Rawle dives into six ideals found in the story—grace, justice, poverty, revolution, love, and hope—each represented by a character in Hugo’s story. As these imperfect and relatable characters interact, we can see how these ideals work together (perhaps even in spite of each other) out in the world.In keeping with his previous works, Matt Rawle brings us to the intersection of Church and Pop Culture by drawing parallels between the iconic story and musical and our Christian calling, inspiring us to both understand our faith and live it out in the world.This Youth Study Book takes the ideas presented in Matt Rawle’s book and interprets them for young people grades 6-12.
Race and Theology (Horizons in Theology)
by Elaine A. RobinsonWhite privilege and racial injustice persist in the Church; and despite a commitment to promote justice for all, racism is a reality of life, and has been since before the founding of our nation. In addition throughout most of our nation’s history, theology, as a discipline, has remained silent about racism and, at its worst, overtly supported racist practices. This book, examines: 1) what racism is and how it functions, especially in the contemporary setting; 2) how the United States has claimed to be God’s chosen nation, yet systematically disadvantages persons of color; 3) how theology’s silence sustains racial injustice in the Church, rather than excises it; and 4) how reformulating theological discourse can contribute to racial justice within ecclesial communities and the larger landscape of society. The Horizons in Theology series offers brief but highly engaging essays on the major concerns and questions in theological studies. Each volume addresses in a clear and concise style the scope and contours of a fundamental question as it relates to theological inquiry and application; sketches the nature and significance of the subject; and opens the broader lines of discussion in suggestive, evocative, and programmatic ways. Written by senior scholars in the field, and ideally suited as supplements in the classroom, Horizons will be an enduring series that brings into plain language the big questions of theology. It will inspire a new generation of students to eagerly embark on a journey of reflective study.
Small Congregation, Big Potential: Ministry in the Small Membership Church
by Lyle E SchallerKindle EditionThere are many questions that leaders of small-membership congregations ask themselves about their church's future. Lyle Schaller suggests that two in particular should rise to the top of the list. First, what's the right size of for a church? Is the small congregation averaging two or three dozen people at worship a legitimate order of God's creation? You bet it is, says Schaller. Second, should these congregations make their plans on the basis of few resources and fewer options, or should they see themselves as possessed of pools of talent and expanding possibilities? If you are convinced that the former is true, then this book is not for you. If, however, you are among those who believe that small-membership churches are distinctive places of Christian witness and service, spreading the gospel and living in service to the world in ways that other, larger churches are not, then this book is for you. In it you will find the right questions to ask as you seek to lead a small-membership congregation, and solid, practical guidance for doing so.
Defying Gravity Leader Guide: Break Free from the Culture of More (Defying Gravity Ser.)
by Tom BerlinOur possessions can create unbearable weight and affect our ability to serve and thrive. How do we defy gravity and find freedom? In this 4-week small group study and stewardship campaign, pastor and author Tom Berlin explores what is required to sustain a vibrant life, what we need versus what we want, and what we can do to avoid being pulled into the orbit of materialism.This 64-page Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the 4-week group study as part of the stewardship program. Includes session plans, discussion questions, and activities based on the book and DVD, as well as multiple format options.
Reading Scripture as Wesleyans
by Joel B. GreenJohn Wesley boasted that he was a “man of one book,” but he was also a thoughtful student throughout his life and an author of many books. As breath gives life, John Wesley inhaled and exhaled the words of Scripture, shaping his thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and behavior. And like our eighteenth-century ancestor, the Bible is central to us for continued faith formation. In this invitation to Scripture, the general editor of the Wesley Study Bible and biblical scholar, Dr. Joel Green, summarizes Wesley’s understanding of key themes and topics of key books of the New Testament. Using brief excerpts from Wesley’s writings (in updated language), Dr. Green explains the importance of Wesley’s thinking as it directly applies to everyday life and faithful practice. Each chapter ends with questions suitable for private devotion or group settings, to help you apply your study to daily living.This book will be your trusted companion to the Wesley Study Bible as you love God with a warmed heart and serve God with active hands.
Guidelines Ministries with Young People: Empower Youth and Young Adults in Ministry
by CokesburyYou have been called to ministry with young people—those journeying through adolescence and those emerging from their teenage years to find themselves navigating the unpredictable and full-of-firsts years of their twenties and thirties. This sacred and exciting leadership role comes with dozens of challenges to be addressed, countless opportunities to touch lives, and a myriad of blessings that you might never anticipate. Your position as a leader with young people is the basis for building relationships and leading by example. This Guideline, formerly called Young Peoples Ministries, covers an introduction to the ministry of a youth or young adult coordinator and is designed to help implement and guide the work of the ministry area.This is one of the twenty-six Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation 2017-2020 that cover church leadership areas including Church Council and Small Membership Church; the administrative areas of Finance and Trustees; and ministry areas focused on nurture, outreach, and witness including Worship, Evangelism, Stewardship, Christian Education, age-level ministries, Communications, and more.
Journeys with Celtic Christians Participant
by Rodney Newman"The early Christians of Ireland developed an expression of the faith characterized by deep devotion and fascinating stories," Newman said. "It offers rich insights for modern issues such as promoting a caring society, relating to the natural world and welcoming strangers." Writers often use the metaphor of journey or pilgrimage to describe the Christian life. What distinguishes this book and its development of that theme is its invitation to readers to experience their personal faith journeys through Celtic lenses. Pilgrimage is part of the DNA of Celtic Christians. The faith spread and flourished in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Northern England between the 5th and 11th centuries because saints like Patrick, Brigid, and Columba traveled extensively, preaching, teaching, and founding monasteries. Soon small groups of Christians began to go out from these locations and begin new Christian communities. By connecting historical information with their current lives and concerns, readers will be encouraged to consider the many ways pilgrimage has shaped their personal faith. They will discover the value and contributions of fellow travelers on the faith journey and how they assist and shape that journey. By recalling how Celtic Christians celebrated and marked significant moments in their lives of faith, readers will discover ways they can develop this practice. They will affirm the importance of both offering and receiving hospitality on the faith journey, a discipline that was critical to the Celts. They will also have opportunities to deal with difficult life journeys such as transitions and opportunities for forgiveness, and the importance of blessing one another in a world that values polarization over cooperation and competition over community. With an introduction that sets the tone and introduces the theme and six chapters related to distinctives of Celtic Christianity, this book is ideal for small groups whose members want to grow together in their spiritual understandings and commitments.
UnBreakable: Forging a Marriage of Contentment and Delight
by Charles Causey Tony MiltenbergerA unique and powerful resource for couples who want to repair, strengthen, and shock-proof their marriages. The authors bring a remarkable and dynamic combination of experience: both Miltenberger and Causey have served in the military, are actively involved as leaders in the church, and are married with young families of their own. Their approach has already helped hundreds of military couples who live in perhaps the most challenging marriage context today.The authors are passionate about their work with our nation’s most-stressed marriages, and they are eager to share this resource with chaplains, counselors, and pastors everywhere.
Last Summer in Outer Space (Adventures of the PSS 118 #3)
by Joshua S. LevyJack's eighth-grade year aboard the PSS 118 is coming to an end. And the students and faculty of the best public schoolship in the galaxy (if it does say so itself) are on the verge of completing their mission. If all goes well, they'll soon foil the sinister alien plot that's put all of humanity in danger. But this is still middle school. So all does not go well. When the original plan backfires, it's up to Jack, Ari, and Becka to take on the evil Minister one more time and make the galaxy safer for everyone.
Natural Satellites: The Book of Moons
by Ron MillerFor centuries, astronomers have placed a special importance on the other planets of the solar system. But with the advent of spacecraft and the tremendous missions undertaken by the Voyager and Cassini probes, astronomers have discovered that the natural satellites of the planets—the solar system's moons—are some of the most extraordinary places imaginable. There are moons with towering geysers, erupting volcanoes, and subterranean oceans of warm, mineral-rich water. Some of the highest mountains and deepest canyons can be found on moons. There are moons that have shattered into pieces and then reassembled. There is even a moon where it rains rocket fuel. Recently, scientists have turned to moons for answers in their investigations of the origins of the solar system and the evolution of life on our own planet. Featuring full-color, scientifically accurate illustrations by NASA artist Ron Miller, Natural Satellites: The Book of Moons chronicles these investigations and the questions we have yet to answer in our exploration of the solar system's moons.
The Color of Sound
by Emily Barth Isler"[A] salient celebration of family, music, and neurodiversity." —starred, Publishers Weekly "A top pick for any middle school collection; a perfect book club pick and a reminder to all that patience and understanding can change lives." —starred, School Library Journal Twelve-year-old Rosie is a musical prodigy whose synesthesia allows her to see music in colors. She’s never told anyone this, though. She already stands out more than enough as a musical “prodigy” who plays better than most adults. Rosie’s mom expects her to become a professional violinist. But this summer, Rosie refuses to play. She wants to have a break. To make friends and discover new hobbies. To find out who she would be if her life didn’t revolve around the violin. So instead of attending a prestigious summer music camp, Rosie goes with her mom to visit her grandparents. Grandma Florence’s health is failing, Grandpa Jack doesn’t talk much, and Rosie’s mom is furious with her for giving up the violin. But Rosie is determined to make the most of her “strike.” And when she meets a girl who seems distinctly familiar, she knows this summer will be unlike any other. With help from a mysterious glitch in time—plus her grandparents, an improv group, and a new instrument—Rosie uncovers secrets that change how she sees her family, herself, and the music that’s always been part of her.
The Mystery of the Pirate's Treasure (The Code Busters Club #3)
by Penny WarnerReaders will have tons of fun creating the codes right along with the characters in this interactive series. Cody, Quinn, Luke, and M.E. love playing around with codes. In fact, they love codes so much they have their own club, with a secret hideout and passwords that change every day. On a class trip to the Cornell Mission, the Code Busters learn about Hippolyte de Bouchard, California's only known pirate. Now the Code Busters are on the trail of a new prize: pirate gold! But with a fortune at stake, the codes are bound to be hard. Will the Code Busters be able to figure them out, or will this mystery prove to be too difficult to solve?
Teen Innovators: Nine Young People Engineering a Better World with Creative Inventions
by Fred EstesA water purification system made of concrete and the same chemicals that block ultraviolet light in sunscreen. A robot made of PVC pipe that beat a shiny, eleven-thousand-dollar competitor in a robotics contest. An electricity-producing windmill built by a teen who taught himself physics by candlelight. Teen Innovators: Nine Young People Engineering a Better World with Creative Inventions reveals how people of any age or experience level can create something that changes others' lives through nothing more than hard work, creativity, and inspiration. (Oh, and perhaps a bit of electrical wire, some plastic piping, and a couple tampons.) Utilizing the principles of design thinking, these inventors all tinkered, experimented, and failed—repeatedly—until their inventions worked. The windmill produced light. The water became safe to drink. Jack Andraka: improved pancreatic cancer test Gitanjali Rao: device to detect lead in drinking water William Kamkwamba: improvised electrical generator using windmill in Malawi Austen Veseliza: digital display glove to aid people with speech impairment Deepika Kurup: easier, cheaper method to remove toxins from drinking water Cristian Arcega, Lorenzo Santillan, Oscar Vasquez, Luis Aranda: underwater robot Each of these stories offers inspiration to the next generation of teen innovators. You don't need a genius-level IQ or the latest and greatest technologies to create something that makes a difference. All you need is an idea and the determination to make it real.
Where Have All the Birds Gone?: Nature in Crisis
by Rebecca E. HirschBirds are disappearing. Birds are nature's essential workers, and they are crucial members of ecosystems around the world. Hummingbirds pollinate our flowers; cardinals munch on beetles, grasshoppers, and other pests that damage crops; owls eat rodents that can spread disease; vultures clean up roadkill and other waste. Beyond their practical aspects, birds bring us joy through their songs and beautiful feathers. But since 1970, nearly 30 percent of all birds in the United States and Canada have vanished. Scientists are scrambling to figure out what may be causing such a drastic decline. The answer: humans. City lights and tall glass skyscrapers disorient migrating birds. Domesticated cats prowling outdoors kill billions of birds each year. Pesticides contaminate fish and insects, which are then consumed by birds of prey. And climate change might disrupt and even wipe out feeding grounds for entire species. Discover the vast impacts birds have on ecosystems, food systems, and human communities, and learn more about what scientists are doing to protect them. “Never have my astonishment, wonder, and admiration been so stirred as when I have witnessed these birds drop from their course like meteors from heaven.” —Simon Pokagon, Potawatomi tribal leader “In pushing other species to extinction, humanity is busy sawing off the limb on which it is perched.” — American biologist Paul R. Ehrlich “There’s something everyone can do in their lives and in their communities to make it a better place for birds and people.” — Gary Langham, chief scientist, National Audubon Society
Mental Health and Well-being in Animals
Since the publication of the first edition of this book, professional and public concern for the well-being of animals has continued to increase throughout the world. Advances in research and technologies have yielded an enormous amount of new knowledge about animal mental health and well-being. Thoroughly updated and revised, the third edition includes: · Expanded chapters covering fear, boredom and suffering in animals, the what and why of animal fun, and the treatment of mental health disorders in animals. · New chapters covering the new classification systems concerning mental and behavioral disorders of cats and dogs, the importance of resilience and mental states, nutritional factors and recognizing emotional and psychological suffering. · New internationally renowned expert contributors joining the existing list of prestige authors. · A focus on practical information, with clinical behavioral medicine advice, hints and tips. With additional illustrations and photographs throughout, this book remains invaluable to veterinary professionals, animal welfare researchers and advocates, ethologists and other animal caregivers.
Genesis to Revelation: A Comprehensive Verse-by-Verse Exploration of the Bible (Genesis to Revelation series)
by C. M. Kempton HewittStudy the entire Book of Revelation starting with John's theology that teaches that Jesus, the exalted Christ, is the center of faith. Some of the major ideas explored are: personal religious experience; the living voice of God in the church today; advocating for what is right; distinguishing between good and evil; God's grace seeks to redeem; and covenant with God.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 understandingand 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 simple format makes the study easy to use.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.The simple format makes the study easy to use. Each volume is 13 sessions and has a separate leader guide.
Make a Difference Leader Guide: Following Your Passion and Finding Your Place to Serve (Make a Difference)
by James A. HarnishIn Make a Difference, author James A. Harnish helps United Methodists answer the questions "How can I contribute to God’s healing work in this world?" and "How can I find my place to serve and make a difference?" Drawing upon biblical wisdom and real stories of real people who have found their place to serve, he provides practical guidance to help every disciple make a difference as a participant in God’s transformation of the world.The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the six-week study including session plans and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options.
Get Their Name: Grow Your Church by Building New Relationships (Get Their Name)
by Doug Anderson Bob Farr Kay KotanChange your church culture. Create an outwardly focused environment where hospitality and invitation happen Sunday and every day of the week. This book offers five steps to help congregations go public with their faith—from service projects to sharing the faith with persons who want to know more about Christ and thw church. This book offers tactics to increase individual and church competency with relational evangelism with friends, neighbors, and even strangers. Learn how to start up a conversation, follow up with contacts, and navigate unfamiliar settings. Learn what works and what doesn’t.We may think that just because we invite someone on our church property, they’ll come back. Often we don’t reach out to help people cross the faith line, because we’re uncomfortable with "evangelism" or just plain scared. Gain the confidence to share the good news boldly. After all, we know the name of the One who loves us all and who holds all power over heaven and earth.
Prepare the Way for the Lord: Advent and the Message of John the Baptist
by Adam HamiltonPrepare to receive Christ this Advent with the message of John the Baptist and best-selling author and pastor Adam Hamilton in Prepare the Way for the Lord. For centuries, Christians have turned to the story and message of John the Baptist in the weeks leading up to Christmas. In Prepare the Way for the Lord: Advent and the Message of John the Baptist, best-selling author and pastor Adam Hamilton explores the Advent themes of John’s life and ministry, and how John calls all followers of Jesus to prepare our hearts for his coming. In each of the Gospels, the story of Jesus is intertwined with that of his cousin John, the one whom the prophets foretold would come to “prepare the way of the Lord.” When we hear the message of John the Baptist, it makes us and our world ready to receive Christ. Chapter topics include:1. A People Prepared for the Lord 2. God Is Gracious 3. The Fruit of Repentance 4. Witnesses Testifying to the LightTo use Prepare the Way for the Lord as a four-week Advent study, additional components include a comprehensive Leader Guide and DVD/Video sessions featuring Adam Hamilton.The book includes a link to free downloadable teaching resources for children and youth.
The Lord Is Our Salvation [Large Print]: A Lenten Study Based on the Revised Common Lectionary (Scriptures For The Church Seasons Ser.)
by Katie Z. DawsonThe Lord Is Our Salvation invites us to explore God’s saving and redeeming love through a study of the scripture readings for Lent and Easter. Author Katie Z. Dawson invites us to a deeper understanding of the salvation Christ offers by exploring the various ways God restores us and our world to wholeness. Through each week of Lent, Dawson opens the Scriptures to show God’s redemption at work in the men, women, and communities of the Bible. In her personal and insightful reflections, readers will hear a call to embrace Christ’s salvation in their lives and in the world around them. Based upon the Revised Common Lectionary scriptures for year B of the church year, a three-year cycle of Bible readings. The study includes commentary and reflection on readings from the Old Testament, the Gospels, and the Epistles. It offers the opportunity to explore these key Bible readings in a seven-session study. It will help participants understand, appreciate, and engage in meaningful and life-changing spiritual practices and to offer gratitude for God’s salvation through Jesus Christ. The study book includes a leader guide with information about the season of Lent, suggestions for starting and leading small groups, Bible background, and discussion activities.
Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect
by Richard H. SchneiderLong, long ago, in a land far away, lived a perfect little tree named Small Pine. Small Pine hoped to maintain its perfect form and be selected by the Queen as her Christmas tree. But as the warm-hearted little tree gave shelter to birds, rabbits, and deer in the forest, its branches became damaged. Fortunately, the Queen had a different idea of perfection...Young readers will want to read and reread the story of how Small Pine's love and charity for its friends helps make it the most "perfect" Christmas Tree of all.This magnificently illustrated story of a warm-hearted Christmas tree will surely become one of the most beloved classics of future generations. Schneider's storytelling will enthrall children and adults alike.