Worshiping with United Methodists Revised Edition

Worshiping with United Methodists Revised Edition
Author: Hoyt L. Hickman
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Total Pages: 199
Release: 2011-12-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1426719434

Revised and updated, this popular book shows pastors and worship leaders the basics of United Methodist worship. In this straightforward and updated commentary, Hoyt Hickman explains the basic pattern of United Methodist worship within the broader context of Christian worship. Drawing upon five basic principles, the author explains the formative nature of worship and how it can revitalize persons' lives. These principles are: God's Word is primary; active congregational participation is crucial; spontaneity and order are both important; worship should be relevant and inclusive; and worship is communion. This revision will highlight the African-American contribution to UM worship, discuss at greater length what the various worship styles mean for us today, say more about the formative nature of worship, and include updated resources including the Abingdon Worship Annual, the Abingdon Preaching Annual, and WorshipConnection. Explains basic resources for planning and leading worship. Gives the basic pattern of UM worship and its origins. Gives practical suggestions how to renew and revitalize worship. Helps pastors be effective leaders in planning and revitalizing worship. Helps pastors understand and communicate the uniqueness of UM worship. Helps pastors lead their congregation into a deeper and richer experience of God through worship.

The United Methodist Book of Worship

The United Methodist Book of Worship
Author: UMPH Methodist Publication
Publisher: Kingswood Books
Total Pages: 646
Release: 2016-04-05
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1426735006

This helpful United Methodist denominational book of liturgy, prayer, services and service music is indispensable for pastors, musicians, and laypersons that plan and lead worship. Arranged according to the Christian year, this resource enables worship leaders to locate prayers, services, and information quickly. Updated information and new formats insure ease of use, making this a great resource when planning worship.. It features: A vast collection of worship material: services, liturgies, litanies, prayers, blessings, music, and other acts of worship and praise. Thousands of references to The United Methodist Hymnal, including suggested hymns for a host of worship occasions. Resources for special Sundays and other days of churchwide emphasis. New Christian Years Services Services for various occasions including: Presentation of Bibles to Children An Order of Farewell to Pastor Orders of Installation or Recognition Orders of Daily Praise and Prayer Updates include: Membership vows, baptismal covenant, diaconal changes, and other updates made as a result of General Conference action. Calendar for dating Easter and related holy days—extend beyond 2020. Chart of lectionary years on page 227--update and extend. Current version of ordinal. eBook Edition allows you download a digital file of full text of The Book of Worship to your eReader for personal use.

This Holy Mystery

This Holy Mystery
Author: Gayle Carlton Felton
Publisher: Upper Room Books
Total Pages: 81
Release: 2005-04-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0881776750

"This is the body of Christ. This is the blood of Christ." It's Communion Sunday. The service is a little longer, and the sacrament is observed with gravity. You know it's important, but the wonder is lost. What does it all mean, really? According to the results of a survey, you're not alone. United Methodists have a strong sense of the importance of Holy Communion, but they also lack a meaningful understanding of the theology behind it. Reclaim a richer sacramental life in your congregation through a group study of This Holy Mystery. In 2004, the General Conference of The United Methodist Church adopted an official interpretative document on Holy Communion. For the first time in our history, the denomination has an official, comprehensive statement of the practice and theology of the Lord's Supper. Now, it's time for congregations to help members understand the observance. "We believe that study of this document will yield increased appreciation for the sacrament in the worship experience and enable United Methodist people to draw nourishment and strength for their ongoing journeys of faith," writes Felton. This Holy Mystery: A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion is a study guide of the General Conference–approved document. An all-in-one resource, this book is for both participants and leaders. It's divided into 7 sessions, providing commentary on the history, practice, and principles of Holy Communion in United Methodist congregations. It also points to implications of the sacrament for ministry and mission. We come to the Table of the Lord, seeking to have our spiritual needs met. The benefits include forgiveness, nourishment, healing, transformation, ministry and mission, and eternal life. Renew your appreciation for the divine grace made available through this sacrament.

Living Our Beliefs

Living Our Beliefs
Author: Kenneth L. Carder
Publisher: Upper Room Books
Total Pages: 166
Release: 2009-10-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0881776645

You can believe anything and be a Methodist, just so long as you're sincere. Such a misperception has deep historical and cultural roots. Explore a basic explanation of the beliefs and practices of the United Methodist Church as defined in Part II of The Book of Discipline. Uncover a deeper understanding and experience of Christian faith as you embrace the United Methodist way. "Beliefs are to be lived; doctrine is to be practiced," writes Carder in this updated edition of his 1996 bestseller. "The authenticity of beliefs lie in their ability to shape people and communities into the image of Christ and to promote holiness and happiness. …The important test of the validity of doctrines and beliefs for United Methodists is the kind of character they produce in individuals and communities and the actions they inspire in the world." Living Our Beliefs is essential reading for new members, confirmation classes and small group studies. As one reviewer says, "Bishop Carder invites us to both understand and live our beliefs. With deep understanding of Wesley's teaching, he inspires us to practice what we preach. That is the United Methodist way." The Leader's Guide for this course, Living Our United Methodist Beliefs, by George Hovaness Donigan may be purchased here.

United Methodist Altars

United Methodist Altars
Author: Hoyt L. Hickman
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Total Pages: 66
Release: 2011-07-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1426730691

This basic, fully illustrated manual for congregational leaders explains how to prepare the sanctuary and its furnishings for the celebration of worship and sacraments throughout the Christian year. This practical, informative guide is an indispensable companion for worship committees, altar guilds, or individuals whose responsible for these vital tasks in their church. United Methodist Altars includes: care, cleaning, and storage instructions for all vestments and appointments; a calendar of the Christian year, with appropriate colors for each season; responsibilities and suggested organizational structure for the altar guild; an explanation of the history and meaning of worship furnishings; preparation instructions for the various United Methodist services; and, a glossary.

The United Methodist Clergy Book of Firsts

The United Methodist Clergy Book of Firsts
Author: F. Belton Joyner Jr
Publisher: Foundery Books
Total Pages: 142
Release: 2017-11-15
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 9781945935077

Written especially for licensing schools and the United Methodist Course of Study, this book of firsts will see pastors through those uncertain early days in ministry. Some of the firsts include: first sermon, first service, first baptism, first Communion, first challenge of pastoral authority, first Church Council meeting, first visit to dying person, first funeral, first wedding, first charge conference, first D.S., first move, first colleague, first bad cold (what do I do if I get sick on Saturday night?), first person who doesn't like you, first vacation, first day off, first non-required book, first parsonage, first bishop, first social justice issue, first tradition you challenge, first nominations meeting, first record-keeping, first funeral director, first sexual temptation, first opportunity for community service, first schedule conflict, first school pressure, first personal family issue, first bulletin or projected material, first bishop, first fund-raising, first stewardship campaign, first personal devotions, first burn-out, first counseling session, first challenge to Discipline, first connectional meeting, first meeting with Board of Ordained Ministry, first robe or alb, first new clothes, first paying of bills, first theological conflict, first Bible study, first revival, first dealing with groupie, first major snafu, first retirement plan decision, first electronic communication.

Our Membership Vows in the United Methodist Church

Our Membership Vows in the United Methodist Church
Author: Mark Stamm
Publisher: Upper Room Books
Total Pages: 34
Release: 2015-05-04
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0881777706

A resource for both newcomers to the United Methodist Church and those who have been members for decades, Our Membership Vows is a wonderful reflection on the vows each member takes upon joining the church. Members make covenant to uphold the vows, and each one is discussed in this easy-to-read booklet. A great gift idea for churches to give to new members.

United Methodist Beliefs

United Methodist Beliefs
Author: William H. Willimon
Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
Total Pages: 153
Release: 2007-04-19
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 161164061X

This brief introduction spells out the major beliefs of the United Methodist Church in a clear, nontechnical style. William Willimon, the beloved United Methodist author, preacher, teacher, and bishop, discusses the great theological themes that United Methodists share in common with all Christians as well as the particular accents and emphases that characterize United Methodist understandings of Christian doctrines. In his engaging style, Willimon opens the door for further study, challenging the reader to move toward a continuing reflection on their faith. This guide will be of great value to those who are beginning their study of United Methodist beliefs as well as those who have long been in the church and want a helpful way to refresh their understandings of the distinctiveness of United Methodist doctrine.

United Methodist Doctrine

United Methodist Doctrine
Author: Scott J. Jones
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Total Pages: 313
Release: 2002
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 068703485X

Throughout this book, Scott J. Jones insists that for United Methodists the ultimate goal of doctrine is holiness. Importantly, he clarifies the nature and the specific claims of "official" United Methodist doctrine in a way that moves beyond the current tendency to assume the only alternatives are a rigid dogmatism or an unfettered theological pluralism. In classic Wesleyan form, Jones' driving concern is with recovering the vital role of forming believers in the "mind of Christ, " so that they might live more faithfully in their many settings in our world.

By Water and the Spirit

By Water and the Spirit
Author: Gayle Carlton Felton
Publisher: Upper Room Books
Total Pages: 142
Release: 2003-10-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0881776580

By Water and the Spirit, a 6-session study guide for use in small groups, contains the full text of the paper "By Water and the Spirit," which describes the United Methodist understanding of baptism approved by the 1996 General Conference. This booklet serves as a resource for congregational leaders who are helping members make connections between the baptismal covenant and discipleship in daily life.