Bücher veröffentlicht von CSS Publishing Company

Stimulate your creativity with 112 imaginative "sermon starters" in this companion volume to Shaking Wolves Out Of Cherry Trees... Each idea consists of a clever title that's sure to pique the interest of the people in the pews, along with a purpose statement and a brief discussion of the subject (including outline points and scripture references). Full of striking imagery, Lions And Cows Dining Together provides plenty of seeds for developing riveting, thought-provoking messages on a wide variety of critical topics. This homiletic "do-it-yourself" kit will be a treasured addition to any pastor's library -- combined with the material in its companion volume, there are over five years' worth of pump-priming ideas for weekly sermons that apply Jesus' teachings to contemporary living. But Lions And Cows Dining Together isn't just for preachers -- it's also an excellent source of meditations for men's, women's, or youth groups as well as inspiring devotional reading.Here's a sample of some of the inventive entries:• God Always Wins At Hide And Seek• Worship Is More Than Just Staying Awake• Can Pagan Objects Be Sanitized?• You Can Learn To Like Spinach, Liver, And Theology• Hell: But It's A Dry Heat• Will Reverend Tortoise Ever Catch Doctor Hare?• Pearly Gates Entrance Exam• Pilgrim Or Tourist?Terry Cain is a retired pastor who served United Methodist congregations in eastern Nebraska. In addition to Shaking Wolves Out Of Cherry Trees, he is also the author of What Your Minister Is Afraid To Tell You About The Bible and Frankenstein and Miss America: Who's Who and Who's Not. Cain is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University (B.A.), St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City (M.Div.), and San Francisco Theological Seminary (D.Min.).

Do you wonder what the stories in the Bible would look like from the viewpoint of those who were there? If so, then this collection of thirteen first-person narratives and readers' theater presentations spotlighting a variety of New Testament characters -- both familiar and not so well-known -- will give you a new perspective on the scriptural witness. After all, while the experience of these people is rooted in the distant past, we still relate to the same fears, joys, and motivations as they did. By listening in on these characters as they converse with themselves, these creative pieces provide an intimate look at their humanity and experience of the Good News, which in turn enables us to better understand our lives and our faith.This volume provides material for a variety of seasons and settings -- they're perfect for church drama groups, homiletical source material, and for inspiring devotional reading. And an introductory chapter addresses performance issues (including whether or not to use costumes) as well as how to use this format to develop your own material.Some of the intriguing presentations include:• Herod -- The First Christmas Grinch (Matthew 2:1-12)• Leaving Egypt For Home (Matthew 2:19-23)• My Name Is Levi (Mark 2:13-17)• Kneeling Before Him (Luke 10:38-42)• Just A Jar Of Water (Luke 22:7-13)• Rock The Boat! (John 21)Pamela J. Tinnin is the pastor of Partridge Community Church (United Church of Christ), the only church in Partridge, Kansas (population 250). Prior to her 1996 graduation from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, Tinnin was an editor for ten years with the University of California-Berkeley. In her past lives she has been the editor of a small-town newspaper, a freelance writer, a sheep rancher, a paralegal working with prison inmates, a small-town city clerk, and a migrant worker in the fields of Oregon.Peter K. Perry has been the senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Phoenix, Arizona, since July 2001, and has previously served churches in Prescott, Sedona, and Mesa, Arizona. He is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton (B.A. in history) and Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California.Bass M. Mitchell serves as a United Methodist minister in the beautiful mountain area of Hot Springs, Virginia. He is a prolific writer who has contributed several hundred articles to various publications, including Homiletics and Circuit Rider. Mitchell regularly writes devotions for The Upper Room and Upper Room Disciplines, as well as Bible studies and other curriculum for the United Methodist Publishing House. He is the author of God Sightings: Discovering God in Everyday Life and In Every Blade of Rustling Grass (Abingdon Press).

This anthology provides you with a great selection of dramatic material for memorable Advent and Christmas worship. With a variety of approaches, there's ample material to choose from to fit your needs, whatever your congregation's size or worship style.Five Advent Candle Dramas (Anne W. Anderson) explores the traditional meanings of the Advent wreath candles in brief 3-5 minute sketches that incorporate the lighting of each week's candle. The Advent themes of hope, love, joy, and peace are couched in contemporary dramatic settings yet connected to the powerful reality of Christ's coming. Each scene includes concise instructions for costumes, props, and settings.The Savior Of The World (Nelson Chamberlain) is a five-scene play that tells the traditional Christmas story -- with a touch of humor and a few unexpected twists. With roles for children from preschool age through sixth grade, this fun, easy-to-produce program is perfect for that special day when the church is full and you want to highlight the young people in your congregation.Time Travelers' Tale Of The Carols (Linda Buff & Sharon Cathcart) is an entertaining and educational presentation that combines the story of Jesus' birth with the stories of several beloved Christmas carols. Through the imaginative device of a time machine, audiences will hear from some of the musicians and writers who created these familiar classics. Sets and costumes are minimal, and this simple play can be produced by churches of any size -- while there are parts for many children, the script can be easily adapted for any age or number of participants. Performance time is approximately 35-40 minutes.Here We Come To Bethlehem (Pamela Honan Peterson) is a Christmas pageant and congregational worship service that lets audiences eavesdrop on the thoughts, stories, and questions of ancient travelers as they make their way to Bethlehem. There are roles for 18 performers ranging from age three through high school, but with this flexible program it's easy to involve as many children, youth, and adults as desired. Performance time is approximately 20-25 minutes.Choices skillfully interweaves dramatic readings and mimed characterizations with familiar carols and scripture texts to create a moving experience for the entire congregation. Perfect for either a children's program or Christmas Eve worship, this service combines contemporary drama with the charm and inspiration of a traditional Christmas pageant. It's a flexible piece that can be presented by any size group of young people, and costumes and settings may be simple or elaborate. Performance time is approximately 45-50 minutes.

We all must cope with life's trials and tribulations -- and there's no greater source for the comfort and support we need than the book of Psalms. Not only can the Psalms help us make it through difficult times, but they can also help us become stronger in our faith and in our ability to face each new day and its problems.Combining brief scripture excerpts with prayerful reflections, the uplifting meditations in Psalms of Comfort provide wisdom and sustenance for dealing with life's struggles. Whether you're facing serious illness, risky surgery, the death of a loved one, a faltering marriage, the betrayal of a friend you trusted, the wrongdoing of others (or yourself), or the stark reality of our eventual departure from this earth, Jesus reaches out his loving arms and says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."Comforting words from the Psalms, with short prayers that translate comfort into hope. A useful resource in counseling and pastoral care.H. George AndersonPresiding Bishop Emeritus, Evangelical Lutheran Church in AmericaI have been comforted, strengthened, and inspired by the writings of Barbara Jurgensen for more than thirty years. This collection will touch the hearts of all who love Jesus and who seek his presence in the midst of pain or distress. Psalms of Comfort is a divine gift to the poor in spirit, leading the anxious and the suffering into the love of God, where their wounds will find healing and their despair will turn to hope.Mark Allan PowellProfessor of New Testament, Trinity Lutheran SeminaryPsalms of Comfort speaks to the heart. For pastors and chaplains it offers a beautiful way to begin prayers and devotions with patients and their families.Delores Heidt, OSBChaplain, Trinity HealthMinot, North DakotaTough times, burdened hearts, loneliness, grief, and guilt can visit us. A word of hope to see us through can be found in this much-needed collection. Let Psalms of Comfort speak to you.Jesse L. WoodAssistant Pastor, Metropolitan Baptist ChurchWashington DCEvery human life is touched by loss and grief. This book will be a valuable resource for those who are troubled.Otto Dreydoppel Jr.Professor of Church History, Moravian Theological SeminaryBarbara Jurgensen, the author of 16 books, is a retired pastor and professor who taught for many years at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio.

This superb collection of biblically sound sermons based on the Second Readings from Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary covers every Sunday and major celebration of the church year. Five outstanding preachers from diverse denominations combine imaginative insights into the New Testament epistle texts with fresh, inspiring illustrations that enlighten the mind and warm the heart. By reliving the journey of Jesus through the prism of the early church's practical and moral concerns, these messages offer valuable lessons for Christian living in the modern world.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 studyThoughtful, insightful, and sprinkled with good humor, these sermons from Rich Ferris will warm your heart and give you fresh ideas. Most importantly, they clearly communicate the good news of Christ!Brian CowanPastor, Barberton Evangelical Friends ChurchBarberton, OhioWilliam Carter's sermons are an eruption of ingenious images, powerful experiences, and inventive connections. The result of interplay between creativity and fidelity, they are a splash of wildflowers growing in rich and loamy soil.Thomas G. LongBandy Professor of PreachingCandler School of Theology, Emory University

One of the most comprehensive lectionary preaching resources available, the Lectionary Preaching Workbook is the one tool you will want to have close at hand to help you get the most out of every minute you spend preparing your Sunday sermon. This completely revised and updated volume provides you with a host of practical aids for effectively proclaiming God's Word. In addition to theological reflections on the three lessons for each Sunday, each chapter also explores a theme for the day (including a prayer and a suggested hymn) and outlines numerous preaching options. You'll also find a handy, easy-to-use Sermon Planner template to facilitate the process of building your sermon.Special features include:• an introduction to Matthew's gospel• overviews for each liturgical season that pinpoint preaching goals and possible sermon series -- and examine the season's customs, history, meaning, and message• a listing of applicable Revised Common, Roman Catholic, and Episcopal lectionary texts• commentary on each Sunday's Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel lessons• theological reflections to help you explore the relationships among all the texts• a variety of preaching options, complete with suggested outlines• available in either paperback or 3-ring binder formats, with wide margins for convenient, easy useJohn R. Brokhoff, a celebrated preacher, teacher, and writer, is Professor Emeritus of Homiletics at Candler School of Theology, Emory University. He has also served as the pastor of Lutheran congregations in Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, and is a recipient of the George Washington medal from the Freedom Foundation of Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The original author of the ever-popular CSS Lectionary Preaching Workbook series, Brokhoff has written over 30 other works, including three-volume series on Preaching The Parables and Preaching The Miracles for Cycles A, B, and C, also from CSS Publishing Company.

Almost every month in the year has a secular holiday -- and on those "special" Sundays, preachers need to balance honoring the occasion with maintaining their focus on the proclamation of God's Word. It can be a challenging task, but it also presents a great opportunity to uncover the religious significance of our civic celebrations. In this extensive volume of inspiring messages, Alex Gondola draws on the rich variety of American culture and scriptural insight to remind us that holidays truly are holy days. Great for personal reading, adult study groups, or fresh sermon ideas, Holidays Are Holy Days is a versatile resource that you'll draw on throughout the year.Sermons are included for:• New Year's Day• Martin Luther King Day• Super Bowl Sunday• Valentine's Day• Presidents' Day• St. Patrick's Day• April Fool's Day• Earth Day• Mother's Day• Memorial Day• Father's Day• Independence Day• Labor Day• Grandparent's Day• Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day• Halloween/All Saints• Reformation Sunday• Veterans' Day• Thanksgiving• ChristmasHow does one avoid simplistic, even overly sentimental, preaching and yet address themes that are important to many American churchgoers? In this book Alex Gondola masterfully navigates his way into insightful sermons on themes which often tax the imagination of excellent preachers. Novice and seasoned preachers will benefit from this book, and all persons who read it will be inspired.Benjamin GriffinPresident EmeritusAndover Newton Theological SchoolThis is biblical preaching in the best sense: informative, creatively theological, challenging, invitational, occasionally wry, always participatory, and faithful to the God whose interests inform every page. In these sermons Gondola weaves hard data, history, and practical theology in the service of challenging Christians to live faithfully in the 21st century.Nancy S. TaylorMinister and PresidentMassachusetts Conference, United Church of ChristDesigned for those special days in our "civil religion" that preachers often find challenging, these expertly crafted sermons make an intelligent, creative use of scripture that demonstrates the relevance of those ancient texts to the present day. Filled with stories from everyday life, they reach both the head and the heart, and they have a social conscience.Kenneth CauthenJohn Price Crozer Griffith Professor of Theology EmeritusColgate-Rochester-Crozer Divinity SchoolAuthor of Rejoicing in Life's "Melissa Moments"Alex A. Gondola Jr., is senior pastor of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Wapakoneta, Ohio. He previously served Dennis Union Church in Dennis, Massachusetts. A graduate of Allegheny College (B.A.), Andover Newton Theological School (M.Div.), and Colgate Rochester Divinity School (D.Min.), Gondola has also studied at Hartford Seminary and the New College of Divinity of the University of Edinburgh (Scotland). He is the author of Come As You Are, Pray Like This... and Don't Forget The Child (CSS), and also contributed several stewardship sermons to the CSS anthology From Every Angle.

Bring the Old Testament to life with this inspiring and thought-provoking collection of sermons for each Sunday and major celebration in the Church year. Based on the First Readings from Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary, these powerful messages by five exceptional preachers from diverse denominations explore the meaning of the Hebrew scriptures for today's Christian living. Abundant insights into vital current issues are woven together with powerful proclamation of timeless themes of justice and righteousness -- and these imaginative homilies are full of compelling examples of how a loving God uses us to further his divine plan.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 studyIn this anthology, John T. Ball leads the reader from the biblical text into daily life while employing a wide array of theological and literary references. An exciting excursion into a thinking person's faith journey, Ball's sermons are a helpful primer for critically informed preachers and anyone who seeks to make sense of ancient truth in these perilous times.C. Joseph SpragueBishop, Chicago AreaUnited Methodist ChurchBy weaving the biblical text together with appropriate stories and illustrations, Arley Fadness crafts messages that are engaging and compelling. Readers will find much useful material, not only for sermon preparation, but also for personal spiritual growth.Robert DovenmuehlerPastor, St. John American Lutheran ChurchSioux Falls, South Dakota

Filled with insight, imagination, and inspiration, this anthology offers a treasure trove of spiritual guidance for living in today's materialistic world. Five distinguished preachers from a variety of denominations and ministry settings contribute compelling messages based on the gospel texts for each Sunday and major celebration in Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary. Weaving the story of Jesus' ministry into the dynamic tapestry of our contemporary human condition, these sermons proclaim the good news with strength and vision, and they provide abundant witness to the transforming power of God's word.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 studySome of the captivating sermons included in this collection are:• The Power of Positive Dreaming• Call Waiting• The Offense of Grace• Building Our Foundation on God• Completing the Master's Work• Will You Give Christ Your Supper?• Do Politics and Religion Mix?• Faith's Curious Dynamic... and many more!

The stories of Jesus' miracles challenge our jaded modern sensibilities -- with today's wealth of scientific and technological knowledge, the wonders of our world rarely amaze us anymore. It can be difficult for us to grasp the astounding effect of these events in Jesus' time, especially when we are sidetracked in a search for logical explanations, but Jeff Wedge maintains that the key to fully understanding the miracles is recapturing our child-like sense of wonder about them. Underlying these familiar stories is the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world in which we live.Packed with valuable idea starters and rich material for sermon development, A Bucket Full Of Miracles helps evoke that sense of wonder with a detailed exploration of the nine miracle stories appearing in Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary. Each chapter includes the biblical text and examines the words, the people, and the action of the lesson, as well as providing several illustrations and possible preaching approaches. This volume provides plenty of homiletic material for the busy pastor with limited time -- but it's also stimulating reading for anyone who wants greater insight into these marvelous accounts of God's power at work.Chapter titles include:• Nativity (Matthew 1:18-25)• The Man Born Blind (John 9:1-41)• Spirit's Coming (Acts 2:1-21)• Walking On Water (Matthew 14:22-33)• The Demon-Possessed Girl (Matthew 15:21-28)... and four more!Jeff Wedge is the author of eight books and numerous articles and church dramas, including Mrs. Johnson's Rummage Sale (CSS). A former parish pastor and Christian education director, he is the founder and vice president of his own company as well as a freelance writer of magazine articles and contract technical work with over 200 appearances in print. Wedge is an active member of Hope Lutheran Church in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he serves as a Lay Assisting Minister and Lay Preacher. He holds an M.Div. degree from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary.

Jesus used his parables to teach ordinary persons with ordinary quandaries; yet because these simple stories contain universal truths that transcend time and culture, they still provide us with powerful lessons. Preaching the Parables provides a gold mine of background material on each of the fourteen parables appearing in Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary. Dallas Brauninger brings a fresh, imaginative approach to these familiar texts, probing them to reveal what they tell us about God and inviting further reflection on what they mean for modern living.Much more than just a sermon preparation resource, Preaching the Parables explores questions like:* What dimension of the soul that needs tending does the parable address?* What is the parable's surprise?* What moves us into hope?* How does its point become obvious?* How do its characters relate to us today?Brauninger identifies points of action, examines significant terms, and engages in imaginary exchanges with a variety of characters. The complete text of each parable is also included, along with an analysis highlighting similarities and differences in parallel passages. Modeled on the format of Brauninger's popular Preaching the Miracles series, each chapter includes five sections:• Text• What's Happening?• Spadework• Parallel Scripture• Chat RoomWhat a refreshingly helpful way to exegete the text. The succinct but substantive "Spadework," "Parallel Scripture," and "Chat Room" sections provide the preacher with an exciting array of ways to understand and give meaning to the parables. Brauninger's writing will afford the reader many "Ahas."Diana CoberlyPastor, First Congregational United Church of ChristGreat Bend, KansasDallas A. Brauninger, a cum laude graduate of Albion College, received her Master of Divinity degree and an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Chicago Theological Seminary. She is the author of numerous CSS worship resources, including the Preaching the Miracles series and the Lectionary Worship Aids series. Co-pastor with her husband Robert of a congregation in Burwell, Nebraska, Brauninger is currently engaged in the Pastoral Excellence Program of the United Church of Christ's Nebraska Conference.

Jesus considered stories to be an essential teaching tool -- his preaching was filled with stories, and he used parables because he knew that people could relate to them. So if you're looking for a well-told, imaginative, and inspirational story that will take you right to the heart of the scriptures, the newest edition of CSS' popular Lectionary Tales for the Pulpit series is just the resource you need. Gregory Tolle draws on his gift of storytelling to illustrate Cycle A lectionary texts with thought-provoking, modern parables. This book is not only great for memorable preaching illustrations and "sermon starters" -- it's also a wonderful source for uplifting devotional reading.Greg Tolle offers contemporary and insightful illustrations -- as fresh as the morning's newspaper -- to bring the biblical message to life. Used to supplement lectionary sermons or to spark spiritual and homiletic creativity, Lectionary Tales for the Pulpit will enhance every minister's library. I highly recommend this book to anyone who endeavors to preach relevant sermons that people will remember for a long time to come.William G. Grice IIIPastor, First Congregational Church (UCC)Des Plaines, IllinoisThese stories remind us that God's grace is always in our midst, working through both the common and everyday and through the profound and extraordinary encounters of our lives. The gospel is a profoundly personal encounter with God's grace, and the gospel shines through in these pages. Rev. Tolle's reflections are a testimony to the love of Christ in our midst, even in those experiences when we might least expect to find it.Mark Y. A. DaviesDean, Wimberly School of Religion and Graduate Theological CenterOklahoma City UniversityGrounded in real human experience, Lectionary Tales for the Pulpit is insightful reading that helps bring the biblical witness to light week after week. It's a wonderful devotional guide for thoughtful Christians of any persuasion, even the occasional preacher who happens to be in a "homiletic drought."William E. LaBarrSenior Pastor, Lake Cities United Methodist ChurchLake Dallas, TexasGregory L. Tolle is the senior minister at First United Methodist Church in Heavener, Oklahoma. A graduate of Oklahoma City University (B.A. in Religion) and Texas Christian University (M.Div.), Tolle has had numerous articles published in Group magazine. He also serves as the Youth Coordinator for the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Whether you're looking for a great collection of sermon illustrations, or just want to enjoy reading amusing and inspiring anecdotes drawn from a lifetime in the ministry, Windows For Life is a fascinating book you'll want to include in your library. In this companion to his popular Windows For Sermons, Don Yocom shares a treasure trove of humorous and insightful stories on a wide range of topics. Each "window" sheds light on faith and life, and is an excellent source of material for preaching and teaching. And a convenient topical index makes it easy to quickly locate items on a specific subject.In his second "Windows" book, Don Yocom shares brief stories and one-line bits of wisdom that will be of interest for public speaking, sermons, or simply reading. The index is especially helpful.Edwin Maynardformer Assistant General Secretary, United Methodist CommunicationsDon Yocom displays an uncanny ability to take current events (such as the war on terrorism) and exploit their homiletical potential, thus providing resources for the preacher who is endeavoring to project pulpit relevance.Emerson S. ColawUnited Methodist bishop (retired)What a delightful read! The deeper meanings of life are perhaps best communicated through our life stories. A seasoned pastor shares stories from the storehouse of his preaching, enhancing our ability to see and to be whom God is gifting us.George O. CampbellSenior Pastor/Chaplain, Otterbein-Lebanon Retirement CommunityLebanon, OhioFull of humor, wit, and wisdom, Windows For Life is a refreshing pause -- it's pleasant and relaxing reading. We need more of this in today's world.William AugmanSpringfield District SuperintendentWest Ohio Conference, United Methodist ChurchDon R. Yocom has preached engaging, inspiring sermons for more than a half-century in several Methodist congregations in Indiana, Maryland, and Ohio. He is also the author of Windows For Sermons (CSS).

The church is a wonderful place to use all of our God-given senses, and this inspiring collection of liturgical resources utilizes art, music, drama, silence, and even aromas to retell the marvelous story of God's covenantal relationships with humankind. As a starting-off place for pastors and worship planners, this innovative workbook is certain to keep the creative juices flowing with new methods of making worship moving and relevant for all your parishioners.For each Sunday there's a complete selection of written liturgical material (calls to worship, prayers, choral readings, and benedictions) to supplement and strengthen your worship services -- all specifically tailored to the week's scripture readings. But that's not all! There's also a wealth of musical suggestions, including hymns chosen from a variety of denominational hymnals and appropriate anthems for the choir.By focusing all of the elements of worship in ways that really connect with the people in your pews, these resources will breathe new life into the scriptures. Anyone who contributes to worshipers hearing the Good News -- pastors, musicians, artists, lay readers, and directors of drama groups -- should have a copy of this must-have volume in their library.Beverly S. Bailey is a certified Christian educator and an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA). She is currently the director of Christian education at Rockville United Church, a congregation affiliated with both the PCUSA and the United Church of Christ, and she has been a musician or educator at six churches in the metropolitan Washington DC, area. Bailey served as the workshop leader for a "Creative Worship Techniques" class at the 2002 Interim Ministry National Conference, and she has led workshops for the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators. Bailey is also a partner in New Paths to Ministry, a group of artists and educators who lead workshops and retreats on merging faith and the arts. A former staff writer for Homiletics magazine, Bailey was part of the creative team for the Something Old, Something New curriculum series (Abingdon Press). She earned a B.M.E. from Baker University in Baldwin, Kansas, and an M.A. in Christian Education from Union Theological Seminary/Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia.

Lectionary Worship Aids by Frank Ramirez is a lectionary book based on Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary. Here are some of the topics covered in this lectionary book:WorshipWorship resourcesWorship servicesWorship aidsLectionaryCycle A of the Revised Common LectionaryLectionary worship aidsLectionary resources"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105 KJV)We are the People of the Book, and our book is the Bible. That's quite a bargain when you think about it. It's more than a book -- it's a collection of books. And it's more than a collection of books -- it's the Word of Life. These are the words of life, and this word has depth, with meaning for the time in which it was first delivered, and additional strata for every time and every heart, including our own. (from the introduction)Preparing to lead a congregation in worship each Sunday is a pressure-filled responsibility. That's why busy worship planners will love this all-new edition of a perennial favorite CSS reference. This resource is easy to use, with several prayers and a worship theme relating to the assigned scriptural passages for every Sunday and major observance in Cycle A of the Revised Common Lectionary. For each First Lesson, Second Lesson, and Gospel text there's a call to worship, a collect, a prayer of confession, and suggested hymns. This complete collection offers a wide selection of practical aids for creating sincerely reverent, meaningful worship experiences.Frank Ramirez is an author and pastor in the Church of the Brethren who has written numerous books, articles, and short stories. A graduate of LaVerne College and Bethany Theological Seminary, Ramirez has served congregations in Indiana and California, and is currently pastor at Everett Church of the Brethren in Everett, Pennsylvania. His other CSS titles include A Call To Worship, He Took A Towel, The Christmas Star, and Coming Home.

Are we facing a moral crisis in today's world? Perhaps so, judging by the daily headlines that parade the ethical failings of numerous public figures before us. It seems that more traditional role models, whether in the worlds of business, government, sports, or sadly, even the ministry, than ever are disappointing us and falling short of expectations and fostering cynicism rather than idealism. But these lapses are hardly limited to well-known people. Many surveys have made us aware of a cavalier approach to values in general, such as rampant cheating from term papers to tax returns.So how can we arrest this decline and instill a greater sense of "character" in our lives? "Character" is an elusive term, but we usually use it to describe the quality of a person's inner being -- their "moral fiber." In this insightful set of meditations, E. Dale Click suggests that the way to develop character is to put God at the center of our lives. And, he points out, the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes provide us with the blueprints to enjoying life. These essays illustrate that the timeless yet timely guides to living in God's laws (the commandments) and his declarations (the beatitudes) exemplify all the admirable characteristics of the godly, character-filled life.Labeled the "architect" of the United Lutheran Church in America's church-wide evangelism mission, E. Dale Click practiced evangelism in his own pastorate in two suburban congregations and three central city churches. He has directed evangelism missions in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Argentina, teaching thousands of pastors and lay people the meaning of evangelism. The author of five books, Click continues to serve as a consultant to numerous congregations and universities in evangelism and development as well as lecturing and preaching across the United States.

Ron Lavin says that we desperately need to re-examine and return to the basics of the Christian faith -- and what better source of inspiration is there than the word of God and the sacraments, God's holy pipelines from heaven?In the latest installment of his popular Another Look series, Lavin explores God's Word, baptism, and communion, and demonstrates that far from being meaningless rituals, they are extremely relevant for modern living. Weaving together time-tested biblical truths with a series of vignettes about Grace Livingstone, a fictional character who is a typical church "outsider," Lavin illustrates how faithful proclamation of the Word and celebration of the sacraments can be effective tools for evangelism and outreach. The ups and downs of Grace's life, and her need for the Word and sacraments, are sure to resonate with you.Structured in three four-session sets, Saving Grace is an ideal group study resource -- each chapter includes a "digging deeper" section plus stimulating discussion questions, and there are tips to assist small group leaders. Saving Grace is also great for new member or adult Sunday school classes, personal meditation, and sermon preparation.Ron Lavin's passion for the Word of God and zeal to reach humanity with the truth that Jesus is alive is a source of inspiration and hope. In Saving Grace, Lavin takes us back to the basics of our biblical and confessional heritage and shows us the interrelationship between what we confess and how we live.Robert WallaceDirector for EvangelismEvangelical Lutheran Church in AmericaSaving Grace is the story of one lonely heart's journey from uncertainty and fear into the warm comfort offered by God. Follow Grace Livingstone as she receives a gentle welcome into God's love. Saving Grace is a unique, insightful guide for those interested in helping others become part of God's community.Barbara CoulsonPresident, Southern California Writers AssociationRon Lavin is the award-winning author of 19 books, including Turning Griping Into Gratitude and Way To Grow! (CSS). He is the former Pastor-Director of Evangelical Outreach for the Lutheran Church in America, and pastored five thriving congregations, all of which grew substantially under his leadership. Lavin is a popular speaker and church consultant on the dynamics of small groups and evangelism.

The word "liturgy" literally means "the work of the people" -- so the active participation of everyone in the congregation should be the goal of Christian worship. Designed to help you attain that sense of full partnership, The Work Of The People provides you with a full year's worth of eloquent resources for thoughtful, reverent services. It's a comprehensive collection of liturgical prayers and readings for 52 Sundays, with each week's material based on a common subject (Freedom, Hospitality, Peace, and Stewardship are just a few examples). Written in everyday language that connects them to our daily lives, the prayers are conceived for congregational reading (either responsively or in unison) -- and their thematic unity will lead to reflection and insight in addition to praise and celebration.The components for each week include:• call to worship• invocation• call to confession• prayer of confession• words of assurance• Psalm reading• offering sentences• prayer of dedication• benediction• scripture references (as possible texts for homilies based on the theme)John H. Will is a retired pastor in the United Church of Christ. In addition to serving churches in Texas, Indiana, and California, Will has been a missionary in Honduras and Foreign Service officer for the U.S. State Department. He is a graduate of Rice University and Eden Theological Seminary. Will and his wife Johanna live in Burleson, Texas.

The sacraments of baptism and communion are foundational acts of the Christian faith -- in addition to affirming God's grace, they have the power to transform us in the living presence of the Almighty. Elaine Ward believes that the sacraments also "enable us to become aware of the holy." Dancing The Sacraments is an extensive collection of 20 complete worship services that will help congregations experience the holiness in these rituals.Each thematically unified service provides the framework for a celebration of communion or baptism, and includes:• a sermon• a children's message (with brief talking points to reinforce the theme)• scripture readings• hymns• a complete set of prayersThere's also original poetry, plus an informative discussion of ways to help children understand the symbolism of the sacraments, including suggestions for specific activities. Renew the power and potency of your baptism and communion services -- Dancing The Sacraments gives you a wealth of inventive material for observing them with awe and reverence.Elaine M. Ward, a resident of Austin, Texas, is a storyteller and prolific creator of worship and children's ministry materials. She served for nearly twenty years as Minister of Children at University Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, and is a graduate of Capital University, Union Theological Seminary (New York City) and Lancaster Theological Seminary, where she was writer-in-residence for seven years. Ward is also the author of the CSS titles Asking For Wonder, And The Sea Lay Down, Alleluia! and Story Time At The Altar, as well as Love In A Lunchbox: Poems And Parables For Children's Worship (Abingdon)."

Bill Mosley believes the book of Revelation has had a bad rap -- while it has the reputation of being a gloomy diatribe about a terrible Day of Judgment and Wrath, it is actually full of action and praise of God. Paradise Restored is a set of 15 practical and positive meditations that invites readers to take a new look at this most misunderstood book in the Bible. Focusing on how Revelation proclaims the cross and celebrates salvation rather than on dreary apocalyptic adventures, these uplifting messages emphasize the message of Christ's redemptive power that lies at the core of all its colorful symbolism.Paradise Restored provides a complete integrated preaching program that ties together the Lenten pilgrimage with the Easter celebration. Seven sermons for Ash Wednesday and Lent examine each of the letters to the seven churches in Asia Minor that comprise the second and third chapters, while additional messages for Good Friday and the seven Sundays of Easter are based on other texts from Revelation (mostly lectionary pericopes). John's vision thus moves from the practical considerations of the seven churches to the glorious sight of the New Heaven and the New Earth. But this book isn't only for preachers -- it's also great for devotional reading or as a user-friendly way to dip your toes in the book of Revelation.Bill Mosley has pastored several congregations in Texas, specializing in rural and small church settings. Currently he serves Trinity Lutheran Church in Frelsburg, Texas, and St. John Lutheran Church in New Ulm, Texas. Mosley is a graduate of Texas Lutheran University and Luther Seminary. His writing has been published in Emphasis preaching journal, Lutheran Digest, Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery magazine, Boy's Life, and KiteLines magazine.