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7 Days of Christmas: A Season of Generosity
by Jen HatmakerWhat is the payoff from living a deeply reduced life at Christmas? It’s the discovery of a greatly increased God; a call toward Christ-like generosity.
Zbig: The Life of Zbigniew Brzezinski, America's Great Power Prophet
by Edward LuceNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER An intimate and masterful biography of Zbigniew Brzezinski—President Carter&’s national security advisor and one of America&’s leading geopolitical thinkers—from one of the finest columnists and political writers at work today.Zbigniew Brzezinski was a key architect of the Soviet Union&’s demise, which ended the Cold War. A child of Warsaw—the heart of central Europe&’s bloodlands—Brzezinski turned his fierce resentment at his homeland&’s razing by Nazi Germany and the Red Army into a lifelong quest for liberty. Born the year that Joseph Stalin consolidated power, and dying a few months into Donald Trump&’s first presidency, Brzezinski was shaped by and in turn shaped the global power struggles of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. As counsel to US presidents from John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama, and chief foreign policy figure of the late 1970s under Jimmy Carter, Brzezinski converted his acclaim as a Sovietologist into Washington power. With Henry Kissinger, his lifelong rival with whom he had a fraught on-off relationship, he personified the new breed of foreign-born scholar who thrived in America&’s &“Cold War University&”—and who ousted Washington&’s gentlemanly class of WASPs who had run US foreign policy for so long. Brzezinski&’s impact, aided by his unusual friendship with the Polish-born John Paul II, sprang from his knowledge of Moscow&’s &“Achilles heel&”—the fact that its nationalities, such as the Ukrainians, and satellite states, including Poland, yearned to shake off Moscow&’s grip. Neither a hawk nor a dove, Brzezinski was a biting critic of George W. Bush&’s Iraq War and an early endorser of Obama. Because he went against the DC grain of joining factions, and was on occasion willing to drop Democrats for Republicans, Brzezinski is something of history&’s orphan. His historic role has been greatly underweighted. In the almost cinematic arc of his life can be found the grand narrative of the American century and great power struggle that followed.
The Magnificent Book of Treasures: Ancient Rome (The Magnificent Book of)
by Stella CaldwellStep back in time 2,000 years to visit the powerful Roman Empire. Every page reveals a fabulous treasure and its unique story—from gladiator battles with lions; chariot races for vast cheering crowds; and mock naval ship battles in flooded auditoriums, to mythical tales of magic and monsters; gods and goddesses for every occasion; and wondrous feasts in fantastical gardens. Learn about Ancient Rome&’s fast-food joints, the original multi-tool pocketknife, and how some escaped Pompeii&’s legendary volcanic eruption. DOZENS OF ARTIFACTS: Learn about 36 iconic objects, from a gladiator&’s sword to the original multi-tool pocketknife. BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED: Vibrant, detailed images of the art, objects, people, and icons of Ancient Rome. FASCINATING FACTS: Includes hundreds of amazing facts about Ancient Roman treasures in an easy-to-read Layout that will enthrall amateur historians of all ages. CLASSROOM TO COFFEE TABLE: This beautiful volume is equally at home on a school bookshelf to support student learning as in a living room to be enjoyed by the whole family. COLLECT THE SERIES: More fascinating compendiums for all ages include The Magnificent Book of Treasures: Ancient Rome, The Magnificent Book of Horses, The Magnificent Book of Extinct Animals, The Magnificent Book of Birds, and more!
Growing Love in Christian Marriage Third Edition - Pastor's Manual: 2012 Revision
by S. Clifton Ives Jane P. IvesThe Pastor's Manual is a marriage preparation and ministry resource for pastors and other church leaders for pre-marital counseling and for comprehensive marriage ministries including guidelines for training mentor couples, working with couples in groups, and relationship education for all ages. Includes everything you need to have a comprehensive marriage ministry: The Ministry of Marriage Preparation The Pastor's Role (expectations and perceptions; coaching and problem solving; experiences and attitudes) Theological Perspectives (personal responsibility and christian community; God's purposes for marriage; divorce and remarriage; marriage as vocation and covenant) Basic Goals for Marriage Preparation Ministries (religion, money, and sex; communication skills) Working with Couples First Session (wedding details, assessing the couple's preparation for marriage) Sessions with Individuals (premarital questionnaire responses, surfacing potential disagreements) Additional Sessions (finalizing wedding plans) Nurturing Marital Growth After the Wedding Mentor Couples (selecting and recruiting mentor couples; leadership team; training mentor couples) Marriage Preparation in Groups Comprehensive Marriage Ministries (relationship education for children, youth, and young adults; enrichment opportunities for married couples; support for couples in crisis) An extensive list of "Additional Resources" includes organizations and other marriage ministry programs that may be readily available and can be incorporated into local church and community ministries. Updates for these"Additional Resources, " a "Directory of United Methodist Marriage Ministry" leaders and consultants, a "Training Model" for use of GLCM, and other helps are available at www.marriagelovepower.net.
Tall Poppy: How to Lead without Losing Your Head
by Holly McKissickIn New Zealand, they have a saying: “Keep a low profile or, like the tall poppy, stand tall and get your head cut off.” While there are risks to standing out, there are also benefits: tall poppies have the best view and are positioned to have the clearest vision of the horizon. Leadership has an up-side but also a down-side, and leaders must attend to both. Tall poppy leadership attracts attention, but it is a mixed blessing. These leaders leave their mark, shape the environment, and prepare the ground for others. Like tall poppies, they have a clear view of the lay of the land, not just for themselves but for their followers. To reap the benefits of being the first to harvest, they risk becoming easy targets for those who are jealous, petty, or have a hunger for power.This practical book helps leaders weigh the costs and benefits of leadership as they assess their own situations. It shows leaders how to move forward through inevitable conflict, while attending to the landmines and hazards of congregational life. After reading this book, leaders will lead with more confidence, be better able to keep the vision and avoid distraction of immediate crises.
Unfreezing Moves: Following Jesus Into the Mission Field
by Bill Easum William EasumPrepares Christian congregations to fulfill their basic function - to make disciples who make disciples for Jesus Christ. This book is about helping "stuck" and "unstuck" churches either become unstuck or constantly improve their ministry of making disciples. This book is designed to help church leaders make profound changes in the way they do ministry or constantly practice methodological innovation/improvement to be effective in creating disciples churches.
The Lord's Prayer: The Meaning and Power of the Prayer Jesus Taught
by Adam HamiltonThe power and significance of the prayer Jesus taught.Most Christians know the Lord’s Prayer by heart. We pray it often, at different times and in different settings. We remember it as the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. But do we really understand and appreciate the meaning and power of its words, what we ask of God each time we pray it? When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, Jesus gave them this prayer. He likely taught it to his followers often, not just one time. He never intended the Lord’s Prayer to be a museum piece, framed and placed on a mantel or in a display case. It was Jesus teaching God’s people, through his disciples, how to pray.In The Lord’s Prayer: The Meaning and Power of the Prayer Jesus Taught, pastor and bestselling author Adam Hamilton guides us to really know—and really pray—the Lord’s Prayer. He explores each of its rich lines and their meaning in the Bible, illuminating what we ask of God and what we ask of ourselves through its words. And he teaches us how to use it as a pattern for our own prayer life.Additional components for a six-week study include a DVD featuring Adam Hamilton and a comprehensive Leader Guide.
The Abingdon Worship Annual 2021: Worship Planning Resources for Every Sunday of the Year
by B. J. Beu Mary ScifresThe Abingdon Worship Annual is lectionary-based and follows the calendar year (January - December). It offers fresh worship planning resources for all who plan and implement weekly worship. Worship leaders "need to offer prayers, prepare an order of worship, select music, and even prepare a sermon. Into that weekly task, we offer this resource to strengthen your ability to lead creatively and prepare consistently." Liturgies and prayers are also included for New Year’s Day, Ascension Day, All Saints Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Eve. Using a theme based on the lectionary readings from the Revised Common Lectionary, each week’s offering of prayers and litanies follows a basic pattern of Christian worship: Invitation and Gathering Proclamation and Response Thanksgiving and Communion Sending Forth The Abingdon Worship Annual is a must-have source book offering countless opportunities for planning meaningful and insightful worship.
The Sermons of John Wesley: A Collection for the Christian Journey
by Jason E. Vickers Kenneth J. CollinsWith an eye on serious Christian development, Kenneth Collins and Jason Vickers have arranged this collection of the sermons of John Wesley in terms of the way of salvation in general and the "ordo salutis" in particular. This book contains the sermons that John Wesley approved, in addition to the standard 52 of the North American tradition, organized to correspond to the logic of Christian discipleship and formation. The editors include an outline and short introduction to each sermon detailing its importance and context. Sermons include "Sermon on the Mount," which is key to understanding Wesley’s ethics, "Free Grace," "On Working Out Our Own Salvation," and "The Danger of Riches." The book is designed to enhance the reader’s understanding of Wesleyan practical theology and written in an accessible style that will be appealing to the wider Wesleyan family of churches. Also included are all of the 44 standard sermons of the British tradition.
Life Lessons from a Bad Quaker: A Humble Stumble Toward Simplicity and Grace
by J. Brent BillOn quick observation, the Quaker lifestyle boasts peace, solitude, and simplicity—qualities that are attractive to any believer of any denomination or religion. Yet living a life of faith is not as simple as it may look. In fact, it’s often characterized more by the stumbles than the grace."When someone asks me what kind of Christian I am," says Quaker author J. Brent Bill, "I say I’m a bad one. I’ve got the belief part down pretty well, I think. It’s in the practice of my belief in everyday life where I often miss the mark." In Life Lessons from a Bad Quaker, a self-professed non-expert on faith invites readers on a joyful exploration of the faith journey—perfection not required. With whimsy, humor, and wisdom, Bill shows readers how to put faith into practice to achieve a life that is soulfully still yet active, simple yet satisfying, peaceful yet strong. For anyone who is bad at being good, this is an invitation to a pilgrimage toward a more meaningful and satisfying life . . . one step—or stumble—at a time.
The Starlit Night
by Peg AugustineThe Starlit Night is the engaging story of a family enjoying the Christmas season and learning about the true meaning of Christmas. The Starlit Night not only tells the Christmas story but also promotes family togetherness and Christian sharing by providing five, delicious family-friendly recipes. As the family bakes cookies to hand out to the persons who will hear them carol, the mother tells the story of the birth of the Christ Child. As the cookies are baked, the symbolism of each shape is used to tell the story. Angel sugar cookies relate to the angel’s appearance to Mary and Joseph. Gingerbread donkeys help children imagine the journey to Bethlehem. Manger haystacks remind us of the birth of Jesus. Shepherd’s crooks signify the role of the shepherds. Stained glass stars are used to tell of the visit of the wise men. This book includes recipes for each of the five cookies. Beautiful biblical and contemporary illustrations will portray the essence of the Christmas story.
OMG: A Youth Ministry Handbook
by Kenda Creasy Dean Don C. Richter Roland D. Martinson Amy Scott Vaughn Dayle Gillespie Rounds"Most contemporary young people operate far enough from Moses’ moral compass that it never occurs to them that "OMG" ("oh my God," in teenspeak) has anything to do with the Ten Commandments, much less that it breaks one of them. After all, the phrase is a nearly ubiquitous adolescent throw-away line...Yet Christians should hear the phrase "oh my God" differently. Youth ministers, parents, teachers—anyone who has ever loved an adolescent—know that "OMG" can be a prayer, a plea, a petition, a note of praise, or an unbidden entreaty that escapes our lips as we seek Christ for the young people we love." from the bookUsing six lens the authors detail current practices and tease out underlying questions as youth ministry becomes more self-consciously aligned with practical theology. Contributors include: Kenda Creasy Dean, Mike Carotta, Roland Martinson, Rodger Nishioka, Don Richter, Dayle Gillespie Rounds, and Amy Scott Vaughn.
The One Leader Guide: Reaching the Lost with the Love of Christ (The One)
by Jennifer Cowart Jim CowartWho is "the One" in your life who needs to know God's love? The One, a study of Luke 15 by Jim and Jennifer Cowart will help you discover your "One". As believers, we are called to share the love and message of Christ with those who don’t know him. We mean to share Christ, we really do. But then we get busy with other things—even as the church! But what if a subtle shift in focus could reignite a passion within you and your church for reaching the lost? What if instead of trying to reach “them” you began to focus on simply reaching “the One”—that person in your life who is far from God and needs to know his love? This study explores Luke 15, where Jesus tells three stories about rejoicing when lost things are found—specifically, a lost sheep, a lost coin, and two lost sons. First, we will discover that we are “the One” who is dearly loved and sought after by God, and then we will join together in Jesus’s mission to seek after “the One” in our own lives with intentionality, perseverance, and joy. This study is not about taking people on as a project—no one wants that. It’s about rediscovering the heart of God and his passion for going after those who are far from him.The Leader Guide contains everything needed to guide a group through the four-week study including session plans, activities, and discussion questions, as well as multiple format options. In addition, a free digital download includes information for incorporating The One as a church campaign, sermon starters, and more.Additional components for this study, each available separately, include a participant book and video sessions/DVD featuring Jim and Jen Cowart.
What Are We Fighting For?: Coming Together Around What Matters Most (What Are We Fighting For?)
by Thomas J. BickertonWith all the issues facing The United Methodist Church today, there are plenty of theories and opinions about what we should do. Frankly, many of us are weary of the relentless squabbling associated with all the rhetoric. What are we fighting for? This question not only points us to the futility of our disunity but also compels us to consider what we are fighting for—what deserves our greatest intensity and effort as we seek to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ.Thomas J. Bickerton offers a way to move beyond all the discord to a hope-filled future by exploring how we can come together around what matters most so that the gospel of Jesus Christ becomes a vibrant part of our lives and witness. He says that fights, feuds, and uncertainties can distract us, leaving us ineffective and mired in mediocrity and decline; but focusing on what matters most causes our ministries to flourish and the church to become a relevant and vital presence in the community and world. With a warm and practical approach, he leads us on a journey of discernment, inviting us to explore: the spiritual problem at the heart of the issues we’re facing, three foundational reminders, guidelines for determining the essentials necessary to make disciples, a motto for working together in the midst of disagreement, and thoughts about the ultimate essential, love.Each chapter includes practical stories of real people and churches who are attempting to stay centered on what matters most as they live out the calling to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Whether you read the book alone or as part of a group study, you will find the courage to say yes to the things that are worth fighting for and no to the fighting that so easily distracts us.
African American Christian Worship: 2nd Edition
by Melva W. CostenIn this update to her 1993 classic, African American Christian Worship, Melva Wilson Costen, again delights her reader with a lively history and theology of the African American worship experience. Drawing upon careful scholarship and engaging stories, Dr. Costen details the global impact on African American worship by media, technology, and new musical styles. She expands her discussion of ritual practices in African communities and clarifies some of the ritual use of music in worship. In keeping with recent congregational practices, Dr. Costen will also provide general orders of worship suitable for a variety of denominational settings.
Christmas from the Back Side: A Different Look at the Story of Jesus Birth
by J. Ellsworth KalasCHRISTMASFROM A DIFFERENT ANGLETake a look at Christmas from alternative angles. Using an approach similar to his other “BackSide” books, Kalas crafts new insights into the scriptures of the Christmas story by looking at them from the “back side” – ...taking unique starting points...creative re-telling from different views...examining the story through new “lenses”...or looking through the eyes of a not-so-familiar character. Book session titles include: The Scandal of Christmas Three Votes for an Early Christmas Christmas Comes to a Back Fence How the Government Helped the First Christmas Happen Celebrating Christmas in a Hotel Christmas Comes to a Church Christmas and the Impossible Dream
Invitation to Genesis: A Short-Term DISCIPLE Bible Study
by Dr Peter EnnsThe Leader Guide provides process guidance for weekly group sessions. The Leader Guide understands the role of leader as facilitator of small-group sessions. Procedures for guiding sessions include: directions for using related video segments, and questions for discussion.This study takes groups into the rich tapestry of Genesis exploring the interaction between God and very human people - pride, family relationships, conflict and journey all showcase the best known stories of Creation, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Rebekah and Joseph.The video reflects the drama of the Genesis stories, first with selected text dramatized by an actor, and then study writer, Peter Enns interviews a scholar to help unpack the meaning and the mystery in the stories.Participants for this Invitation to Genesis do not have to have an in-depth knowledge of the Bible to enjoy and benefit from participation. Reading just two chapters of Genesis a week, they will discover the life altering stories that will invite them to follow Christ as true disciples. This eleven-week study includes a participant book outlining daily reading assignments for group preparations, a leader guide suggesting discussion activities for use in the 60–90-minute weekly meeting, and a video component providing interpretation and context for the biblical texts. Sessions: The Beginning...and What Went Wrong Another Beginning: The Flood...and What Went Wrong Another Beginning: Abraham and the Patriarchs Abraham and a Glimpse to the Future The Promise Fulfilled: Isaac Another Beginning: Jacob and the Uneasy Birth of a People Jacob: The Struggle Continues Another New Beginning: Joseph and the Family of Israel The Trek Into Egypt An End and Another Beginning: Israel's Story
Brief Dramas for Worship: 12 Ready-to-Use Scripts
by Karen F. Miller Brenda M. NewmanBrief Dramas for Worship provides dramas that are suitable for both contemporary and traditional worship services. They are appropriate for use instead of a sermon, or as the sermon. Included are questions and comments to use in a discussion following the service so that key insights from the biblical drama can be emphasized. The scripts do NOT require memorization. Each drama includes extensive "helps" which identify possible sets, simple costumes, and a detailed worship outline, including hymn and praise song suggestions, original prayers, etc. These production notes provide effective, professional presentation instructions.Permission is granted to reproduce scripts for use in congregational settings. Most of these biblically-based dramas offer a woman's point of view about a scripture story or a scripture message. Some of the "main characters" are biblical people and others are contemporary people. Dramas include: The Bethlehem Child; Margaret, a Grieving Mother Yearns for Her Wayward Son (Hosea 11:1); Bath Sheba and David; Lydia, Pilate's Wife; Martha, Prescription for Peace; Caroline: A Waitress Receives the Living Water; Eli's Wife: A Husband's Tale Brings Hope for Peace; and, Mattie May: A Mountain Woman's Tale of Gracious Plenty.
Lord, I Love the Church and We Need Help (Adaptive Leadership Series)
by Virginia O. BassfordDo we ask too much? No, we’ve asked too little. Change, chaos, confusion – how can a pastor make sense of it all? The tap root of United Methodism goes deep into fertile soil – firmly planted in Scripture and enriched by the Holy Spirit. Our theology is rich and grounded into the depths of community and accountability, but the way we live out that theology is wide and deep-- both bane and blessing. United Methodists are neither blown away like chaff nor root-bound. Our calling is still to strive to be methodically faithful and alive in Spirit. This is our heritage and our vision. But will we dare to lean into the winds of change and be strengthened by the challenges we find? Only with God's help.
Meet the Goodpeople: Wesley's 7 Ways to Share Faith
by Roger RossEver felt stuck in ways of doing church thatproduce less and less fruit each year? John Wesley sure did—until hestumbled on to seven ways to connect with non-churched people thatignited a revival. Discover how those seven methods of early Methodism,recast for the 21st century, can bring fresh faith to pre-Christianpeople and unleash a new wave of the Spirit in our day. Discussionguides in each chapter facilitate interaction for leadership teams andsmall groups, and offer practice for successful implementation.I was inspired! This is a terrific read that my leadership team will be reading together.--Adam Hamilton, Senior Pastor, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection… helpful to pastors and laity alike!--Scott Jones, Bishop, Great Plains Conference (UMC) … Roger shares the spiritual core that leads and sustains vital, life changing ministry.-Mike Slaughter, Senior Pastor Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church…A beautifully written book…--Bill Easum, Author, Consultant, and Founder, 21st Century Strategies, Inc.… seven practices worthy of conversation, contemplation and promulgation.--Jonathan D. Keaton, Bishop, Illinois Great Rivers Conference (UMC)…helpful to Christians across the denominational landscape. Study it in groups - It will deepen your faith and help you move far beyond church walls. --Martha Grace Reese, Author of Unbinding the Gospel…Roger invites us to see, love and relate to the neighbors all around us with a new heart and new eyes.--Gregory Vaughn Palmer, Bishop, West Ohio Conference (UMC)… Roger shares how pastors and church leaders can shape the culture of their church to reach people.--Jim Griffith, Griffith Coaching
Guidelines Family Ministries: Support Families for Faith and Service
by CokesburyThe family is the primary center of faith formation, especially for children. Our affirmation for families asserts that families of all sizes and configurations are communities of commitment whose goal is human growth and faith development.You job is to work with other leaders in the congregation to plan and implement ministry in order to fulfill the church’s mission of helping all persons become disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Also, you address the needs of the families in your church and community so that all may grow in the Christian faith. This Guideline is designed to help equip you in leading this ministry group in your congregation.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.
The Scripture Way of Salvation: The Heart of John Wesley's Theology
by Kenneth J. CollinsTaking its title from one of John Wesley's most important sermons, The Scripture Way of Salvation explores the soteriological content of Wesley's entire literary corpus (sermons, letters, theological treatises, journals, and the notes on the Old and New Testaments). Fundamentally a doctrinal study, it is historically sensitive to the subtle shifts and nuances of Wesley's continuing reflections about the processes of salvation and the nature of Christian life. Collins provides a clear discussion of Wesley's emerging views about the development and maturation of Christian life, and in so doing highlights the essential structure that undergirds and provides the framework for Wesley's way of thinking about the processes of salvation.
The Wesleyan Way Leader Guide: A Faith That Matters (The Wesleyan Way)
by Scott J. JonesIn this exciting and inspiring new study, Scott J. Jones helps seekers and believers to envision and practice discipleship as a way of life. Presenting Christianity from a Wesleyan perspective, Jones invites participants into a deeper, more thoughtful, more active commitment to Christ. This Leader Guide includes everything a group leader needs to plan and facilitate the 8 sessions, helping participants to explore what they have read, to view a 12-minute video, and to discuss the reading and video with the group. The guide walks leaders through the study format and provides options for tailoring sessions to the time-frame and style of each group.
Under Wraps Devotional: The Gift We Never Expected (Under Wraps Advent series)
by Rob Renfroe Ed Robb Andy Nixon Jessica LaGroneUnder Wraps is an all-church Advent experience that explores the character of God described in the Old Testament and then revealed through Jesus Christ. Through small group resources for all ages, teaching video, worship ideas and visuals, sermon lead-in videos, and preaching guides, all areas of church life weave together for an exciting, new Advent celebration. The adult study book is the centerpiece of the program, serving as the adult small group resource and the source of content for worship planners and leaders. Each week centers on a key word that describes a characteristic of God that is evidenced in the Old Testament and then seen more clearly through Jesus: faithful, dangerous, expectant and jealous. Additional material on the theme of "Joy" is provided for an optional Christmas week focus. This companion volume that functions beautifully on its own or as part of the church-wide experience offers four weeks of daily devotions on the character of God exampled in the Old Testament and then revealed through Jesus Christ. The reflections, ideal for use during Advent, include Scripture, reflections, personal stories and insights, daily challenges, and prayers.
Consecration Sunday Stewardship Team Member Manual
by Herb MillerTeaching Stewardship from a Spiritual Perspective–Consecration Sunday Team Guide, Revised and Updated Edition.Consecration Sunday approaches financing the ministries of your congregation by teaching stewardship from a spiritual perspective rather than a fundraising perspective. It focuses on the question, "What is God calling me to do?" rather than, "What does the church need in order to pay its bills?" This revised edition offers updated language, references, and statistics while keeping everything that has resonated with the program for more than 25 years intact. Digital materials available with the Program Guide are now available via Internet download, are updated and include social media posts in additional to letters and other proven communications tools. The Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program is a proven winner; it has helped thousands of congregations increase financial giving by 15% to 30%. What do I need to get started? Order the Stewardship Program Guide (9781791024024) and gather a team. Purchase copies of the Team Member Guide (9781791024048), one for each member of your team. These resources provide complete instructions for implementing the program successfully. Also Available: Consecration Sunday Estimate of Giving Cards Pkg. of 100 (9780687064069) Living Gratitude Devotional (9781791024062) Does it work? Thousands of congregations have experienced 15% to 30% increases in financial giving with the Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program the first year plus additional significant increases in subsequent years of its use. One congregation obtained these impressive multi-year results: First year, a 14.4% increase in giving; second year, 10.3% increase; third year, 13.4% increase; fourth year, 13.6%; and fifth year, 19.6% increase. A congregation's financial secretary said, "More than two-thirds of our households made some degree of annual increase each year we used Consecration Sunday. And each year we used the program, four to six additional households decided to tithe (some of those donors grew from giving 4 percent of their income to giving 10 percent of their income)."