Christmastide

Christmastide
Author: Phyllis Tickle
Publisher: National Geographic Books
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2003-10-21
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0385510268

The third and final volume in a trilogy of prayer manuals compiled by Publishers Weekly religion editor Phyllis Tickle as a contemporary Book of Hours to guide Christians gently yet authoritatively through the daily offices. The Divine Hours is the first major literary and liturgical reworking of the sixth-century Benedictine Rule of fixed-hour prayer. This beautifully conceived and thoroughly modern three-volume guide will appeal to the theological novice as well as to the ecclesiastical sophisticate. Making primary use of the Book of Common Prayer and the writings of the Church Fathers, The Divine Hours is also a companion to the New Jerusalem Bible, from which it draws its Scripture readings. The trilogy blends prayer and praise in a way that, while extraordinarily fresh, respects and builds upon the ancient wisdom of Christianity. The third and final book in the set, Prayers for Springtime, provides prayers, psalms, and readings for this season associated with rebirth. Compact, it is perfect for those seeking greater spiritual depth. As a contemporary Book of Hours, The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime heralds a renewal of the tradition of disciplined daily prayer, and gives those already using the first two volumes the completion they are seeking. With this volume, the series culminates with three prayer manuals encompassing the liturgical and calendar year with the offices for every day.

Epiphany

Epiphany
Author: Elise Ballard
Publisher: Harmony
Total Pages: 322
Release: 2011
Genre: Self-Help
ISBN: 0307716104

Shares inspirational true stories about life-changing moments as experienced by everyday people and such nationally recognized individuals as television host Dr. Mehmet Oz, Newark Mayor Cory Booker and renowned speaker Rabbi Shmuley Boteach.

In the Time of the Butterflies

In the Time of the Butterflies
Author: Julia Alvarez
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Total Pages: 353
Release: 2010-01-12
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1616200995

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024, internationally bestselling author and literary icon Julia Alvarez's In the Time of the Butterflies is "beautiful, heartbreaking and alive ... a lyrical work of historical fiction based on the story of the Mirabal sisters, revolutionary heroes who had opposed and fought against Trujillo." (Concepción de León, New York Times) Alvarez’s new novel, The Cemetery of Untold Stories, is coming April 2, 2024. Pre-order now! It is November 25, 1960, and three beautiful sisters have been found near their wrecked Jeep at the bottom of a 150-foot cliff on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. The official state newspaper reports their deaths as accidental. It does not mention that a fourth sister lives. Nor does it explain that the sisters were among the leading opponents of Gen. Rafael Leónidas Trujillo’s dictatorship. It doesn’t have to. Everybody knows of Las Mariposas—the Butterflies. In this extraordinary novel, the voices of all four sisters--Minerva, Patria, María Teresa, and the survivor, Dedé--speak across the decades to tell their own stories, from secret crushes to gunrunning, and to describe the everyday horrors of life under Trujillo’s rule. Through the art and magic of Julia Alvarez’s imagination, the martyred Butterflies live again in this novel of courage and love, and the human costs of political oppression. "Alvarez helped blaze the trail for Latina authors to break into the literary mainstream, with novels like In the Time of the Butterflies and How the García Girls Lost Their Accents winning praise from critics and gracing best-seller lists across the Americas."—Francisco Cantú, The New York Times Book Review "This Julia Alvarez classic is a must-read for anyone of Latinx descent." —Popsugar.com "A gorgeous and sensitive novel . . . A compelling story of courage, patriotism and familial devotion." —People "Shimmering . . . Valuable and necessary." —Los Angeles Times "A magnificent treasure for all cultures and all time.” —St. Petersburg Times "Alvarez does a remarkable job illustrating the ruinous effect the 30-year dictatorship had on the Dominican Republic and the very real human cost it entailed."—Cosmopolitan.com

Time2

Time2
Author: Howard Victor Chaykin
Publisher:
Total Pages: 208
Release: 2022-02-22
Genre:
ISBN: 9781534321106

Graphically experimental, narratively daring and visually explosive, HowardChaykin's Time2 was a work ahead of its time. Now, to commemorate theproject's 35th anniversary with the arrival of its long-awaitedconclusion...it still is. In addition to remastered versions of thelong-out-of-print first two volumes, The Epiphany and The Satisfaction of BlackMariah, the Time2 Omnibus completes the trilogy with the new 48-page volumeHallowed Ground0, plus many never-before-seen extras from the project.

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Author:
Publisher: CSS Publishing
Total Pages: 144
Release:
Genre:
ISBN: 0788019899

Sermons on the Second Readings

Sermons on the Second Readings
Author: Donald Charles Lacy
Publisher: CSS Publishing
Total Pages: 488
Release: 2005
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0788023691

The New Testament epistles are a marvelous guidebook full of practical wisdom on living the Christian faith. Providing much more than just a glimpse of the specific issues facing the early church, the pastoral letters contain a multitude of timeless lessons for contemporary spiritual pilgrims who seek to grow in their daily walk with the Lord. In this extensive anthology of outstanding sermons based on the Second Readings from Cycle B of the Revised Common Lectionary, five distinguished preachers from diverse denominations apply the epistles' nourishing teachings to today's complex challenges. With messages for every Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year, there's a wealth of creative ideas and illustrations helpful for preaching, teaching, and meditation. These biblically grounded sermons shine the light of Christ on our often confusing world and proclaim the richness of God's truth, offering readers comfort and hope while challenging them to a more intense faith relationship with the Almighty. This essential resource is useful for: - Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts - Preaching illustrations - Understanding scripture passages - Adult study and discussion groups - Personal devotions and Bible study Donald Charles Lacy recently retired after more than four decades serving United Methodist churches in Indiana. He is the author of ten books, as well as hundreds of smaller pieces, several of which appear in his recently published Collected Works (Providence House). Lacy's sermons have appeared in many outlets, including Great Preaching 2001, Keeping the Faith: Best Indiana Sermons (2003), and The Minister's Manual 2004. John T. Ball has served numerous United Methodist congregations throughout western Ohio. A graduate of Ohio State University and Boston University School of Theology, he has had articles published in Circuit Rider, Christian Ministry, and Emphasis. Ball is the author of Barefoot In The Palace (CSS). Maurice A. Fetty is the interim senior minister of Park Congregational Church (UCC) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He previously pastored congregations in Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. Fetty is the author of numerous CSS titles, including The Feasts Of The Kingdom, The Devilish Dialogues, Money And The Kingdom Of God, and Sex, Love, And Marriage. Richard E. Gribble, CSC is an associate professor in the department of religious studies at Stonehill College in North Easton, Massachusetts. The author of more than a dozen books and over 175 articles, Father Gribble is the former rector/superior of Moreau Seminary at the University of Notre Dame. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and served for five years on nuclear submarines before entering the priesthood. Gribble earned his Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America and has also earned degrees from the University of Southern California and the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley. Among Gribble's previous CSS publications is a three-volume series on The Parables Of Jesus. Lee Ann Dunlap is the pastor of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Zanesville, Ohio. She is a graduate of Mount Union College and the Methodist Theological School in Ohio.

Sermons on the First Readings

Sermons on the First Readings
Author: Tony Everett
Publisher: CSS Publishing
Total Pages: 412
Release: 2007
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0788024515

Modern life presents many difficult and challenging situations -- but as the Hebrew scriptures tell us in rich detail, that's nothing new for God's people. Indeed, the Bible shares the epic story of how God's faithful followers were formed and shaped through centuries of trial by fire. In this inspiring collection of powerful messages based on the First Readings from Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary, five master practitioners of the homiletic craft explore passages from the Old Testament and the Book of Acts, and show how the wisdom contained in those ancient texts offers vital moral and spiritual guidance for contemporary living. Building on stories in which God moves ordinary people to extraordinary heights, these sermons for each Sunday and major celebration throughout the entire church year passionately proclaim the good news of God's continuing presence -- and the possibilities that offers for our lives, our churches, and the world. This essential resource is useful for: - Fresh homiletical approaches to the lectionary texts - Inspiring preaching illustrations and sermon starters - Understanding scripture passages - Bible study and discussion groups - Personal devotions and inspirational reading Tony S. Everett is currently the Dewey F. Beam Professor of Pastoral Care at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina, where he also consults with congregations in spiritual growth, leadership training, and conflict management. Everett is a graduate of Youngstown State University (summa cum laude), Hamma School of Theology, and Boston University School of Theology. Schuyler Rhodes is the pastor of Temple United Methodist Church in San Francisco, California. He is an honors graduate of the State University of New York at Potsdam and Drew University Theological School. Stan Purdum is the pastor of Centenary United Methodist Church in Waynesburg, Ohio. Stan is a graduate of Youngstown State University, Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and Drew University Theological School. David J. Kalas is the pastor of First United Methodist Church in Whitewater, Wisconsin. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Union Theological Seminary of Virginia. Timothy J. Smith is currently the senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Millersville, Pennsylvania. Smith received his M.Div. degree with an emphasis on preaching and worship from United Theological Seminary and his B.A. degree in American history from Millersville University.

Lectionary Preaching Workbook

Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Author: Jerry L. Schmalenberger
Publisher: CSS Publishing
Total Pages: 216
Release: 2003
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0788019775

Delivering a fresh, timely reflection every week on assigned scripture passages is a formidable challenge for even the most resourceful preacher. So when you're short on time or need creative ideas to jump-start your sermon preparation, the newest edition of this classic CSS resource is just what the doctor ordered! Prominent pastor, former seminary president, and prolific author Jerry Schmalenberger draws on the experience of a lifetime in the ministry to help you prepare vital, incisive messages that are sure to connect with the people in your pews. The Lectionary Preaching Workbook explores a variety of approaches for Cycle C lectionary passages, providing you with plenty of practical aids for effectively proclaiming God's Word. Each chapter includes: - a listing of the applicable Revised Common, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal lectionary texts; - a theme for the day's service; - commentary on the Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel lessons; - suggestions on preaching possibilities; - an outline of possible sermon moves; - a prayer for the day; and - additional illustrations to flesh out the message. The former president of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California, Jerry L. Schmalenberger served some of the largest Lutheran congregations in the United States during 29 years as a parish pastor. He is a graduate of Wittenberg University and Hamma School of Theology in Springfield, Ohio (where he received his D.Min. degree), and received an honorary D.Div. degree from Wittenberg. He now preaches and teaches throughout the world as a Global Mission Volunteer for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, appearing in such varied locations as Germany, Jamaica, Argentina, Uruguay, Suriname, Liberia, Indonesia, and China. Schmalenberger also serves as Visiting Professor of Practical Theology at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Hong Kong.

Pause Before the Pulpit

Pause Before the Pulpit
Author: William W. Helland
Publisher: CSS Publishing
Total Pages: 256
Release: 2005
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 078802373X

This collection of devotionals opens up the scriptures and serves a meal that nurtures the life with God. Helland is well acquainted with the needs of pastors, and through these pages he serves as a pastor's pastor. The book has the added value of speaking to the pastor the Word of God while he is preparing to speak to others. Those who use this book will be enriched and blessed through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Eugene L. Boe Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology Lutheran Brethren Seminary Today's busy pastors must cope with a diverse range of physically and emotionally draining tasks. Yet as they balance the many competing demands on their time, the essential element for maintaining a vital and successful ministry is carving out time for their own spiritual regeneration. Before pastors can effectively proclaim the Good News to the people in the pews, they must attend to their ongoing relationship with the God whom they serve. Based on each Sunday's epistle and gospel texts from Cycle B of the Revised Common Lectionary, this collection of prayerful reflections specifically addresses the spiritual needs of the clergy. Rather than a primer on how to preach the text, these devotions explore what the scripture passages have to say about the personal lives of pastors and their public ministry. It's an ideal resource to begin weekly sermon preparation with, as each thoughtful contemplation prepares the heart for faithful preaching of God's Word. But Pause Before The Pulpit isn't just for pastors -- these devotions will also strengthen and spiritually encourage anyone actively involved in lay ministry. Bill Helland has written a wonderful devotional companion which gives inspiration, hope, and commitment. Every pastor should have a copy of this book in his study -- it is a must-read before he steps into the pulpit on Sunday morning. Gaylord T. Gunhus Chaplain (Major General) USA (retired) Underwood, Minnesota Bill Helland talks with pastors who give of themselves in lifting people up to the Lord -- and he invites them to talk back. I suggest reading these devotionals early in the week. Helland's questions, self-disclosures, and sharing of God's Word will nourish you as you prepare sermons, plan worship, play with your family, pray over your people, and walk in fellowship with God. Joel R. Egge President Church of the Lutheran Brethren William W. Helland has been a pastor in the Church of the Lutheran Brethren of America for the past fifteen years, serving parishes in Minnesota and South Dakota. A former locksmith and dairy farmer, Helland is a graduate of the Lutheran Brethren Seminary.

When Heaven Stands Open

When Heaven Stands Open
Author: Timothy Matthew Slemmons
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Total Pages: 165
Release: 2013-02-28
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 162189553X

Liturgical Elements for Reformed Worship is a series of four liturgical resources: three consisting of liturgical elements for Years A, B, and C of the Revised Common Lectionary, and a fourth, the first such resource to support the implementation of Year D: A Quadrennial Supplement to the Revised Common Lectionary (Cascade Books). Each volume consists of a Call to Worship, Opening Prayer, Call to Confession, Prayer of Confession, and Declaration of Forgiveness, with Years A-C including additional elements (A Prayer in Preparation for Worship, The Offering, Prayer of Dedication, and a Blessing) suitable for Presbyterian, Reformed, and other Protestant worship. Each of these practical volumes is intended for use by pastors, liturgists, and other planners and leaders of worship.