Bücher veröffentlicht von CSS Publishing Company

What really motivated the main characters in the events surrounding Jesus' death? Was Judas merely a pragmatic man dealing with the unpleasant realities of everyday life in an occupied land? Was Herod an honorable leader of the Hebrew people who was concerned with saving lives? Was Pontius Pilate a talented and efficient representative of Rome who was simply trying to keep the peace? Or did they all intentionally participate in the wrongful execution of an innocent man? Written in an easy-to-present format, this fascinating drama series will have your congregation pondering how they would answer these and many other questions. Six biblical characters come to life in new and revealing ways as they take the witness stand in a contemporary grand jury inquiry into the meaning of Jesus' death. While attempting to explain their thoughts and actions, Judas, Caiaphas, Herod, Pilate, Mary Magdalene, and Peter face intense questioning by a state's attorney. The innovative grand jury approach makes audiences active participants in the drama, as they are challenged to determine the true significance of the crucifixion. Why Did Jesus Die? is an enlightening six-part resource that's perfect for weekly Lenten worship, but it can also be easily used as a single dramatic production. Several thought-provoking questions relating to each witness's testimony are provided to spark follow-up discussion, and a closing argument by the state's attorney summarizes the evidence pointing to Jesus' innocence ? and our sinful guilt. The Church says Jesus died for us, for the sins of the world. Is this the real truth? Using the structure of a hypothetical modern-day grand jury investigation, Robert Kleinke confronts this most important question in a refreshing and entertaining manner. Steve Mangan CEO, The Ordean Foundation Duluth, Minnesota

This is a book of clues... clues to the awe and immensity of God that will lead children to think about, rather than "learn" about, God. Instead of teaching in the traditional sense, it provides "clues" for a shared journey toward discovering the Divine Mystery at the core of the universe. The recent trend in Christian education has been to emphasize knowledge, and to make church school more fun and entertaining. But in our zeal to pass on the basics of the faith, we have often neglected to guide children into truly experiencing the full wonder of the almighty. We have taught them about religion, but we have not always helped them to establish a deep and meaningful relationship with God. This book approaches the mission from a different perspective - one that identifies and reaffirms the spiritual experiences young people are already having. Each chapter suggest numerous ideas for use in classes, as well as a "Time to Reflect" section for adults to recall and meditate on their own spiritual life as children. Teaching The Mystery Of God To Children is an essential resource for any parent or church school teacher who is interested in the spiritual development of their children. Subjects discussed include: ? The Bible ? Art ? Symbols ? Music ? Sounds ? Movement ? Words ? Poetry ? Nature ? Sacred Space ? Koans and Miracles ? Death Judy Gattis Smith is the author of more than a dozen books, including Teaching to Wonder, Planting Spiritual Seeds, and Developing a Child's Spiritual Growth through the Senses (Abingdon). She has also written three books for grandmothers, and she is a regular contributor to Episcopal Teacher magazine. Smith has led more than 200 workshops and seminars, and has been a keynote speaker at conferences throughout the United States.

Create memorable services that help worshipers experience the profound sadness of the crucifixion as well as the marvelous joy of the risen Christ with this diverse collection of ready-to-use dramatic material. With ample selections for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, there's something special here for congregations of any size or worship style. Copying privileges are included for all segments. Included are: • A Travesty Of Justice: In The Shadow Of The Cross (Kathy Martz), a series of six meditations in which an unusual assortment of "eyewitnesses" -- the thorn, robe, nail, spear, shroud, and stone -- tell about their extraordinary encounters with Jesus. • Live From Jerusalem (John O. Eby), a short Palm Sunday play that helps audiences envision what it would have been like to be on the scene of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. • Maundy Thursday Testimonies (David H. Covington), a brief set of dramatic readings depicting the Passion events and their meaning from the viewpoint of four characters: Mary Magdalene, Thomas, Judas, and Peter. • God On Trial, Or...? (John O. Eby), a courtroom drama for Good Friday that portrays Jesus' trial before Pilate -- with the novel twist of Beelzebub as the prosecutor, questioning several witnesses who level accusations against Jesus. • Sons Of Thunder (Carol Secord), a brief Good Friday sketch in which James and John struggle to come to grips with the stark reality of the crucifixion. • The Animals Learn The Meaning Of Easter (Will Rabert), a charming and humorous children's play with speaking parts for a narrator and 14 young people (each representing a different animal). • M.I.H. -- Missing In Heaven (Frank Ramirez), an imaginative and engaging verse play in readers' theater format. • Tongues Of Fire (Kenneth Carlson), a four-voice choral reading especially appropriate for Pentecost, which can also be used any time during the Easter season.