Church Publishing Incorporated

These long-awaited rites include public rites and prayers for individual and family use, for all of the major stages of human development, and from early childhood to retirement. In addition, a collection of prayers and a simple rite for remembering the departed provide an important pastoral resource for human grieving in the weeks and months following the death of a loved one.

CONTENTS

Introductory Materials Including the theology and rationale for the rites, their structure and features

Planning for a Rite of Passage

Prayers for the Transitions of Childhood

Prayers and Rites for the Transitions of Young Adulthood

Including a rite of passage for young people and their parents; celebrating a significant birthday; the blessing of a betrothal

Prayers and a Rite for the Transitions of Midlife

Prayers and Rites for the Transitions of Elders

Prayers and a Rite for Remembering the Departed

Appendix containing suggested hymns and spiritual songs

A guide to communicating the power and significance of baptism.

Although the sacrament of baptism is central to Christian experience, it is usually only discussed in many churches when a baptism happens to be occurring. In Preaching Baptism, priest and noted preacher James Bradley Shumard identifies ways to reinforce baptismal values in the weekly liturgy, from the pulpit in sermons, as well as from other teaching moments in the liturgy. Including chapters on preaching about baptism across the church year, connecting the lectionary to baptism, baptismal vows, and more, this volume offers guidance to clergy in keeping baptismal vocation at the core in every Sunday's sermon.

How do the core actions of worship nurture life with God?

The ecumenical movement of the 20th century revealed a common pattern of worship among Christian communions, a pattern that bears the imprint of distinctive denominational emphases. In this exploration of that pattern, Samuel Torvend invites readers to delve into this flexible tradition that centers a parish in the life of God given for the life of the world.

The basics of Episcopal and Anglican worship in North America are explored in this Little Books series, which invites parishioners and newcomers to consider both the beauty of worship and Episcopal ethical commitments.

Short, pithy reflections illumine all the issues involving retirement living.

Working with the metaphor of a kayak paddling in a new, downstream current of retirement, prominent Wellness expert Bill Craddock offers an array of provocative reflections as a way to invite the reader to envision new opportunities, new relationships, new ways of being. The primary purpose of these reflections is to entertain, edify, and to prepare those anticipating retirement or actually retired with gentle yet intentional paddle strokes for guiding their life (kayak) into their later years.

Así como nuestros padres y abuelos tienen sus libros de oraciones que pasaron de generación en generación, este libro pretende ser el libro de oraciones en español de la generación más joven de la iglesia.

Oración Común para Niños y Familias es una colección de oraciones y liturgias escritas para niños y para los adultos o comunidades que oran con ellos. Imaginativamente ilustrado a plumilla, este libro contiene oraciones para la mañana, el mediodía y la noche; oraciones para usar a través del año en la Iglesia y oraciones para todo tipo de ocasiones. En el centro de este libro está la creencia de que la oración forma nuestras vidas, por lo que debe ser accesible y significativa para los niños y niñas. Las oraciones en este libro son llamadas “comunes” por diversas razones. Como el Libro de Oración Común, este busca proveer lenguaje, forma y teología que reúne a los episcopales en la oración compartida. Además, las oraciones reflejan temas familiares para los niños como el hogar, la escuela y el campamento. Pero más que todo, estas oraciones son dichas en comunidad -siempre como parte de la comunidad santa de Dios que incluye a la familia y los amigos, los vivos y los fallecidos, los santos y los pecadores, los ángeles, arcángeles y la compañía de los cielos.

Common Prayer for Children and Families is a collection of prayers and liturgies written for kids and the adults or communities who pray with them.
Whimsically illustrated with pen and ink, this book contains prayers for morning, midday, and evening; prayers throughout the Church year; and prayers for all sorts of occasions. At the heart of this book is the belief that prayer shapes our lives and should be accessible and meaningful for children. The prayers in this book are called “common” for a variety of reasons; like the Book of Common Prayer, it seeks to provide a language, form, and theology that binds Episcopalians in shared prayer. In addition, prayers reflect themes with which children are commonly familiar, like home, school, and camps. Most of all, these prayers are held in common—always done within God’s holy community that includes family and friends, the living and the dead, saints and sinners, angels, archangels, and the company of heaven.

Diseño elegante, encuadernado con lomo duradero, páginas con orillas en oro, puede ser utilizado sin cubierta adicional, para ser llevado en la procesión.

Contiene las lecturas del Evangelio para cada domingo de los años A, B y C según el Leccionario Común Revisado, también incluye lecturas del Evangelio para los Días Santos principales del año eclesiástico; versión Dios Habla Hoy. Encuadernado en tela con embozado dorado, marcador, páginas cosidas. Este libro ha sido diseñado para uso ceremonial Eucarístico. Este Leccionario Común Revisado en español ha sido creado para el uso de La Iglesia Episcopal y para otras denominaciones como la Iglesia Evangélica Luterana en América, Iglesia Metodista Unida y la Iglesia Presbiteriana (Estados Unidos de América). Punto tipográfico 16 pt., letra grande.

In the section entitled “Concerning the Service of the Church,” the Book of Common Prayer identifies the normative services of the Episcopal Church: The Holy Eucharist, the principal act of Christian worship on the Lord’s Day and other major Feasts, and Daily Morning and Evening Prayer, as set forth in this book, are the regular services appointed for public worship in the Church. (BCP, 13) Eucharistic propers (collects, Scripture readings, and proper prefaces) are provided in the Book of Common Prayer for the days when the Eucharist is the principal service. As celebration of the Eucharist has become more frequent, many congregations and other communities of faith now celebrate weekday Eucharists on days for which the Prayer Book does not assign propers. To facilitate the use of these authorized options, this resource contains weekday propers for the seasons of the Church Year (the temporal cycle), the Common of Saints (the sanctoral cycle), and Various Occasions from the Prayer Book and from resources authorized since the adoption of the Prayer Book. The propers in this resource are grouped into three sections by type for the temporal cycle, the sanctoral cycle, and various occasions.

A definitive look at how church music is changing in the 21st century.

There is no lack of resources for the church musician focusing on particular skills or repertoire. But this is the first collection of essays created specifically for musicians working in parish ministry that imagines how those vocations will change along with the evolving church.

Ponder Anew chronicles the rapid changes in the church music landscape in the last 20 years including the role of technology, education, relationships with clergy and choristers, and cultural presumptions. Contributors are parish musicians, professors, clergy, and bishops.

Explore with children and for yourself why we celebrate the Eucharist

Breaking bread with others is central to our faith. This book is an invitation to learn and wonder about why we worship and celebrate the Holy Eucharist. Although grounded in the Episcopal liturgical tradition, it is an accessible and inviting introduction to worship for children and families of many Christian traditions. While learning what occurs during worship and the Holy Eucharist, readers of all ages will be guided through the sacramental and communal aspects of the celebration and how in the breaking of bread we are called into the world.

The beautiful full-color illustrations reflect the diversity of God’s people, and a dedication page encourages personalization. A family section offers questions and suggests ways for all ages to engage in worship and family rituals. Reflecting some of the spirit, beauty, and vocabulary of the Episcopal liturgy, this will be a treasured volume for parents, godparents, grandparents, and other important adults in the life of a child who is wondering about worship.

Our inherent value and worth comes from God's love for us, but our modern world is filled with sexual expression that too often leads us away from the life of Christ. As Christians seeking to live a life worthy of our calling and desiring to pass along these values to our children and youth, this book explores how we (as parents and adults) can explore issues of sexuality in the context of our faith.

A sexuality education resource from a mainline/progressive denominational prospective aids the adult reader/teacher/parent in learning and using skills that enable them to embrace and affirm the wholeness of sexuality and to talk openly and honestly about the connection of sexuality and faith. This book, grounded from a theological perspective, focuses on foundational issues for addressing how we (and why we) are called to have these conversations in a faithful community to support families. The importance of looking at one's sexuality throughout the lifespan through the lenses of decision making, faith and daily life, respect, growth and change, behavior, responsibility, values, prayer, and intentionality is be explored, offering a grounding as well as stand-alone resource for individuals and churches to build upon.

Focus on Matthew is part of the Focus Bible Study Series which contains studies of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The Focus Bible Study Series is the perfect guide for in-depth scripture study. Each book in the series includes informative commentary, thought-provoking study questions and experiential group activities that encourage a deeper understanding of scripture. The journal format has lots of space for writing and encourages personal reflection and spiritual growth.

The Focus Bible Study Series is ideal for individual or group study and reflection, adult classes, small-faith communities, retreats and midweek Bible study groups.

Each book features:

• Thought-provoking study questions with space for written responses
• A wealth of ideas to promote prayer and journal meditations that build faith and understanding of the scriptures
• Numerous suggestions for activities that promote experiential learning and meaningful discussion to encourage spiritual growth.

An interfaith guide to planned giving.

Planned gifts are typically the largest gifts received by a charity and can transform religious organizations and congregations to become more sustainable, impactful, and vibrant entities for decades to come. Encouraging planned gifts to congregations and religious organizations is essential at this time of tremendous generational wealth transfer; these gifts also provide an opportunity to enhance relationships between supporters and organizations. Many congregations and religious entities fear that they cannot raise these transformational gifts due to a lack of expertise among staff or volunteers, the limited financial resources of their constituents, or the simple discomfort of addressing ultimate issues with donors. Faithful Giving can help change those dynamics.

The book is intentionally inclusive of Christian and other faith traditions by offering several case studies from a variety of Christian denominations and other religions, including Roman Catholic, Episcopal, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and others.

How can a church best respond when their priest tells them “I’m retiring,” or “I’ve been called to another parish?”
This book outlines to receiving a new ordained leader, recognizing that every parish is different. Discerning exactly what your parish needs can be both a challenge and a joy, and On the Emmaus Road affirms that you can listen to God’s voice while attending to other day-to-day tasks. Based upon several years of doctoral research into the work of search committees in the Diocese of Virginia, this book has been refined through the experience of using its new methodologies in over seventy-five calls.

With both traditional and creative new approaches to the clergy search process, Thorpe gives a wealth of resources for your parish to not only survive the days to come, but thrive in the midst of them.

For those seeking inspiration and devotion for Lent and beyond, A Path to Wholeness is an invitation to Lenten observance through biblical passages and reflections.

The ache of the human heart has always been to be made whole. The thrust of the Christian hope is that it can only come to that wholeness by way of a personal relationship with God, through Christ. This book is intentionally written as an avenue towards deepening, strengthening, and for some, beginning such a relationship during the forty days of Lent.

This thoughtful book, focusing on Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, is part of a four-part series on seasonal observances and devotions.

Godly Play® is an imaginative approach to working with children, an approach that supports, challenges, nourishes, and guides their spiritual quest.

Revised and updated, The Complete Guide to Godly Play, Volume 2 offers new concepts, new terminology, new illustrations, and a new structure that stem from more than 10 years of using Godly Play with children across the world. 30 to 40 percent of the text is new or revised, including a new lesson, revised Introduction, and a new full Appendix.

Lectionary texts for reading the daily office using the Revised Standard Version translation of the Bible.

Readers will find in this book a strong and uplifting argument that the Episcopal Church’s theology, sacramental ministry, and commitment to social justice have an essential role to play in mainline Christianity and in the public square. This book will help readers to understand that what it means to be an Episcopalian and how evangelism is a fruit of that identity, not a mere marketing strategy or an end in itself.

This book is an approachable and inspiring presentation of the theological rationale and resource for sharing the faith as well as an argument that sharing the faith increases our own. It addresses basic questions that are buzzing in the church today and lays out a series of stories from faith communities across the Episcopal Church, both physical and digital ministries. Proceeds from this book will go to Sandy Hook Promise, the non-profit organization doing the brave work of the Newtown Families Against Gun Violence.

Focus on Mark is part of the Focus Bible Study Series which contains studies of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The Focus Bible Study Series is the perfect guide for in-depth scripture study. Each book in the series includes informative commentary, thought-provoking study questions and experiential group activities that encourage a deeper understanding of scripture. The journal format has lots of space for writing and encourages personal reflection and spiritual growth.

The Focus Bible Study Series is ideal for individual or group study and reflection, adult classes, small-faith communities, retreats and midweek Bible study groups.

Each book features:

• Thought-provoking study questions with space for written responses.
• A wealth of ideas to promote prayer and journal meditations that build faith and understanding of the scriptures.
• Numerous suggestions for activities that promote experiential learning and meaningful discussion to encourage spiritual growth.

This is a complete revision of a detailed resource which has been the essential guide for church musicians working in the Episcopal church for over 20 years.

A Guide to the Practice of Church Music (1989) was originally written by Marion J. Hatchett, who taught for many years at the Episcopal seminary at Sewanee, was key in developing materials for The Hymnal 1982. This updated revision contains brief, but articulate discussions of the role of music in the church, the variety and nature of music ministries (people, cantor, choirs, organists, directors, instrumentalists, clergy, and music committees); principles for the selection of hymns, psalms, canticles, and other service music and their sources in materials from CPI and beyond; guidance for planning services for all rites of the church in the BCP and the Book of Occasional Services. Updated revision includes hymnals, electronic resources, and materials published since The Hymnal 1982.

This collection of liturgical music for congregations represents Euro-Anglicanism as well as American Anglican and African styles, along with Caribbean, gospel, blues, and jazz. The set consists of the score settings of the two masses (“The St. Mary Mass” and “St. Luke Mass for Healing”), Morning Prayer, and Evensong.

Choral and congregational parts along with a full score are included. The accompaniments are fully notated for organ and/or piano.

Provides a permanent record of gifts made to your church. This sturdy faux leather multi-ring binder includes a starter pack of 25 pages to record memorial and other gifts, held in place with multiple binder rings. 

An internationally recognized Christian formation program.

This latest addition to the Godly Play®­ series focuses on methods for mentors to use with school aged children to keep them engaged, including adaptations to the environment, adding more stories, offering more sophisticated materials for free-art responses, and more. There are compelling reasons for doing Godly Play with this age group and this book shows you how.

Praise for the Godly Play series:

"Jerome Berryman recognizes the inherent spirituality of childhood and his message in this book empowers parents and caregivers to nurture their children’s connection to their place of belonging in God’s ongoing story."
—Christian Education Journal

"Jerome Berryman's work helps children internalize the Christian tradition, and then offers them the opportunity to use that tradition in their daily living."
—Rev. Jim Carr, Methodist Minister, San Antonio

Offers a new perspective on Advent, including resources

Everyone knows that Advent is about waiting, but author William H. Petersen asks, what are we waiting for? In this book, he argues for a liturgical renewal in the life and mission of the Church by proposing an expanded, seven-week observance of Advent, taking its cue from the shape and substance of the Revised Common Lectionary, while noting (and critiquing) the Church’s complicity in the “Christmas culture.” Resources for a more authentic observance of Advent (other than a simple short four-week count-down to Christmas) are proposed and presented. With a renewed emphasis on eschatological formation into the Body of Christ during an expanded season, this counter-cultural approach gets beyond the secular and commercial Christmas preparation madness. Instead, it provides the Church (and the seasonally harried Christians who make up the Church) with the opportunity to enter each new liturgical year not simply as engaging a routine cycle, but with ever deeper understandings, broader horizons, and higher expectations in furthering our life and mission as reflection and agent of the Reign of God/Kingdom of Christ.

Twelve characteristics of healthy Christian communities and the congregational and personal practices that develop them.

Congregations have been the bedrock of mainline Christian life and practice for centuries but in recent years many have dwindled in energy and impact. Leaders conclude that change is needed, that they can’t keep applying the same models and practices that have served in the past but no longer seem to work.

At a time when all kinds of institutions are being buffeted by swift and strong cultural forces, Brochard and Newton believe the congregation to be a primary site for the transformation of individuals, communities, and the world and that the measures for congregational vitality begin with health, faithfulness, and effectiveness as local expressions of the Church.

The authors offer readers insights into developing a sense of purpose, building trust, encouraging curiosity, becoming more collaborative, appreciating productive conflict, and other vital skills.

A 5- to 10-week study for adults and young adults with appealing video format that prompts engagement and response.

Each program in this series features two components sold separately: (1) A DVD with five 10-15 minute presentations (one per group), in this case showing Fr. Richard Rohr interacting with a small group of adults, and (2) a participant workbook containing all the material needed by class participants as well as for the facilitator (one each). In this edition, Richard Rohr explores five topics central to Franciscan theology and practice:

1. Atonement Theory
2. Eco-Spirituality
3. The Christ who Existed before Christianity
4. Orthopraxy vs. Verbal Orthodoxy (Living Like Jesus)
5. Mysticism over Moralism

The second edition of a classic designed for baptismal preparation and relevant to all Christians.

A program for adult Episcopalians that can easily be adapted to other denominations, one-on-one spiritual mentoring, children, young adult, or intergenerational groups, and even to individuals for private meditation.

The eight group sessions in this book focus repeatedly on water, first as a natural element necessary to life, then as a symbolic element necessary to spirituality. Gradually, through prayer, song, scripture, silence, poetry, visual arts, storytelling, group discussion, and personal reflection, water—as a baptismal element—gains ascendancy. No longer merely occasional refreshment, Living Water inundates, becoming life’s very medium.

• Next generation of the classic Episcopal Teaching Series
• Accessible and engaging enough for newcomers and adult learners; full of content for church leaders and seminarians
• Filled with interactive study materials

Walter Brueggemann, arguably America’s leading Old Testament scholar and theologian, takes us on a exhilarating ride through the poetic prophecy of the Hebrew Scripture.

Brueggemann draws connections between Israel’s sociological, economic and spiritual status and that of America today. What was the message of these remarkable poet-prophets in their own time and place? What is their message for us today? Who are today’s prophetic voices? How has the contemporary church been coopted by culture? What steps can we take to reclaim the prophetic message of distributive justice, nonviolence, loss and hope? And what is your role in bringing God’s perspective to today’s society?

Each of the six sessions begins with a 10-15 minute video presentation by Walter Brueggemann, followed by filmed interaction with a diverse small group. This Participant’s Workbook then helps your own local small group “join the conversation.” It includes all study materials needed by participants an those who lead. Each participant will need one copy.

SOLD SEPARETLY. Embracing the Prophets in Contemporary Culture DVD.

Fresh, accessible, and thought-provoking look at the life and ministry of Jesus
Lent is a journey of the mind, heart, and spirit from the ashes of humanity to the cross and beyond—to the empty tomb. The central figure in that journey is Jesus. But who was he really? Why did he come and minister among us? How can his teachings enhance our lives? Why did he die? What does his resurrection really mean? These are questions that spur believers of all ages to seek a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Son of Man in their lives. In this collection of fifty-two meditations and additional resources for spiritual growth, Peter Wallace guides readers through the life and ministry, the words and works of Jesus, with the goal of getting to know him in fresh new ways that encourage a stronger faith and a spirited engagement with the world around us.

Daily Lenten reflections with a novel approach.

Lent is often a season given to denial of physical pleasure and sensation, but we're already denied these by a cultural atmosphere saturated with visual images, noise and air pollution, violence, and processed foods that dull the senses. The physical senses play an integral role in the human capacity for emotion and feeling. Overstimulation in the physical senses gradually erodes one’s ability to feel emotion. Yet empathy—emotional identification and connection with others—is crucial to liturgical engagement, especially in the highly dramatic practices of the signal events of the Christian Year.

Sam Portaro proposes to restore our ability to participate emotionally in the Lenten journey by revisiting the five physical senses—one per week—in Lent. The discipline of a 40-day preparation for Easter suggests the importance the Church places on this seasonal retelling of the central acts of Christian redemption. Sense and Sensibility encourages the reader to renew a relationship with the physical senses that is a prerequisite to a deeply attuned engagement with the biblical stories read, taught, and liturgically re-enacted in the rites of Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter.

An internationally recognized Christian formation program.

This revised and expanded version has been redesigned to complement the eight volumes in The Complete Guide to Godly Play series. Illustrations have also been updated, and the text now better reflects the playful spirit of Godly Play. Up-to-date research in childhood development and instruction has also been incorporated in this comprehensive volume.

Our inherent value and worth comes from God's love for us, but our modern world is filled with sexual expression that too often leads us away from the life of Christ. As Christians seeking to live a life worthy of our calling and desiring to pass along these values to our children and youth, this book explores how we (as parents and adults) can explore issues of sexuality in the context of our faith.

A sexuality education resource from a mainline/progressive denominational prospective aids the adult reader/teacher/parent in learning and using skills that enable them to embrace and affirm the wholeness of sexuality and to talk openly and honestly about the connection of sexuality and faith. This book, grounded from a theological perspective, focuses on foundational issues for addressing how we (and why we) are called to have these conversations in a faithful community to support families. The importance of looking at one's sexuality throughout the lifespan through the lenses of decision making, faith and daily life, respect, growth and change, behavior, responsibility, values, prayer, and intentionality is be explored, offering a grounding as well as stand-alone resource for individuals and churches to build upon.

The complete Book of Common Prayer, French language edition. Red hardcover.

This is the standard Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church together with The Psalter or Psalms of David according to use in the Episcopal Church in the United States as authorized in 1979.

Beautifully printed in red and black on heavy off-white stock. Appropriate for the ordination of priests or deacons. Suitable for framing.

Hymn suggestions for the complete lectionary. (343 pp)

This unique new service book includes liturgies for blessing and healing as related to childbearing and childbirth. It includes prayers, Scripture readings and hymn suggestions organized around the blessing of a pregnant woman; loss of a pregnancy; repentance and reconciliation for an abortion; difficult decisions, unexpected or unwanted pregnancy, loss of a child, termination of pregnancy, infertility, sterilization, and adoption.

A role model tells her story—and that of the nation and the church.

Hallelujah, Anyhow! is the long-awaited memoir of the Rt. Rev. Barbara Harris, the first woman bishop in the Anglican Communion. Edited by Kelly Brown Douglas, Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School at Union Seminary and an author and noted theologian in her own right, the book offers previously untold stories and glimpses into Bishop Harris’ childhood and young adult years in her native Philadelphia, as well as her experiences as priest and bishop, both active and actively-retired. A participant in Dr. Martin Luther King’s march from Selma to Montgomery and crucifer at the ordination of the “Philadelphia 11,” Bishop Harris has been eyewitness to national and church history.

In the book, she reflects on her experiences with the “racism, sexism, and other ‘isms’ that pervade the life of the church,” while still managing to say, “Hallelujah, Anyhow.” Photographs accompany the text and round out this portrait of a pioneer, respected outside as well as inside the church for her fierce, outspoken, and life-long advocacy for peace and justice.

Designed to help parishes of all sizes establish good financial management processes and policies.

Experience shows that open and transparent churches engender a greater feeling of trust and willingness on the part of the donor. The policies and processes in Financial Management for Episcopal Parishes, which can be implemented by any size church, allow clergy, vestry, and parishioners to establish and document procedures that enable a financially transparent organization. The book defines the roles of the clergy, staff, vestry, and congregation and outlines what needs to be done by them to design and implement a system of checks and balances for financial oversight and stewardship, in order to protect donations and assets. Throughout the book, real-life examples of processes and procedures that did not work (and why) make for enjoyable reading of an otherwise business-like subject. Every reader will recognize some of them in their own church life.

The Godly Play® approach helps children explore their faith through story, to gain religious language, and to enhance their spiritual experience through wonder and play.

Based on Montessori principles and developed using a spiral curriculum, the Godly Play® method services children through early, middle, and late childhood and beyond. Revised and expanded, The Complete Guide to Godly Play, Volume 4, offers new concepts, new terminology, new illustrations, and a new structure that stem from more than 10 years of using Godly Play® with children across the world. Thirty to forty percent of the text is new or revised, including a new lesson, revised Introduction, and a full Appendix.

A resource for parents or caregivers, this book will keep the parent informed about each session. In each chapter they will read about what their high schoolers is learning as well as journal questions that will help them connect faith with sexuality and with parenting. The adult reader will have an opportunity to reflect on the same scripture that their child has reflected upon so that all involved will learn new was to think about sexuality and how faith is relevant to understanding the complexities of sexuality and the responsibilities involved. In this program both participants and parents learn and grow together.

Pilgrim is a teaching and discipleship resource that helps inquirers and new Christians explore what it means to travel through life with Christ.
A Christian course for the twenty-first century, Pilgrim offers an approach of participation, not persuasion. Following the practice of the ancient disciplines of biblical reflection and prayer with quotes from the Christian tradition throughout the ages, Pilgrim assumes little or no knowledge of the Christian faith. Individuals or small groups on the journey of discipleship in the Episcopal tradition can use Pilgrim at any point.

There are many different aspects to helping people learn about the Christian faith. We have taken as our starting point Jesus’ summary of the commandments. We are called to offer our lives to God through loving God with all our mind, soul, strength, and heart, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Learning about Christian faith and growing in Christian faith is about more than what we believe. It’s also about the ways in which we pray and develop our relationship with God, about the way we live our lives and about living in God’s vision for the Church and for the world.

Course 3. The Commandments: Following Jesus is about the way we behave as well as what we believe. So how should Christians behave and how should we live? This part of Pilgrim explores that question through one of the core texts of the Christian faith: the Commandments. We look in Session 1 at the two commandments Jesus uses to summarize the whole of the Old Testament law: the call to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves. In Sessions 2–6, we explore the Ten Commandments themselves.

The new Church’s Teaching series has been one of the most recognizable and useful sets of books in The Episcopal Church. With the launch of the Church’s Teachings for a Changing World series, visionary Episcopal thinkers and leaders have teamed up to write a new set of books, grounded and thoughtful enough for seminarians and leaders, concise and accessible enough for newcomers, with a host of discussion resources that help readers to dig deep. Michael Curry leads off this volume with a clarion call for Episcopalians to join the Jesus Movement. A team of the church's brightest stars follow up with reflections on the practice of ministry in light of the movement: Nora Gallagher on encountering the "other," Rob Wright on adaptive leadership, Broderick Greer on reconciliation, Anthony Guillen on new ministries, Megan Castellan on evangelism, and Kellan Day on ministry with young people. Michael Curry closes with a word on making the world whole. Christians have been following Jesus together for some 2000 years - these leaders help to illuminate how we follow him in our time.

A look through a Latinx lens at how the Episcopal/Anglican church can minister to and with the Latinx community
Unmasking Latinx Ministry is a unique look at the history of the Episcopal Church in the last fifty years, including a bold and insightful analysis of the institutionalization of Latinx ministries. This history is contextualized within the struggles of the Episcopal Church in terms of race, gender, and sexuality.

Through a Latinx lens, the author brings fresh eyes to the challenges faced by the Episcopal Church’s ministry with and among Latinx persons and communities. Along with the historical analysis and insight, the author brings a background and formation in Episcopal churches in Puerto Rico, Texas, California and Central New York, as well as more than fifteen years of experience in a multicultural and multiracial, monolingual and bilingual congregations in New York City. Combining this history and ministry experience, the author explores specific areas where Episcopal/Anglican traditions speak to Latinx ministries and what Latinx persons and communities offer the Episcopal Church today.

A brief guide that shows how this spiritual practice can enrich your life.
Jesus called his disciples to give, forgive, teach, and heal in his name. We are empowered by the Spirit to bless everyone we meet, practicing generosity and compassion, and “proclaiming the Good News of God in Christ” with hopeful words and selfless actions. We can share our stories of blessing and invite others to the Way of Love. We share our faith and unselfishly give and serve others with our time, talents, and treasure.

This series of seven Little Books of Guidance are designed for you to discover how following certain practices can help you follow Jesus more fully in your daily life.

An easily accessible, theologically progressive, mainline Christian education resource on human sexuality for high schoolers.
This book is the high school participant’s guide to use during each session of the These Are Our Bodies program. It is filled with prayers, scripture, and reflection questions designed to help the participant see the connection between their sexuality and their faith. With lots of space for journaling, a glossary of important terms and words are included, as well as appropriate websites for further learning or help.

This tongue-in-cheek introduction by Episcopal priest and certified geek J. M. H. Ware uses an “it’s geek to me” approach to translate Episcopal theological concepts and rich church traditions into geek language, accompanied by comics that help the reader maneuver through the oft-dense liturgical and theological workings of the Christian tradition. A tool to evangelize and attract young people to church, it is useful for both those who have recently discovered The Episcopal Church and cradle Episcopalians who have always know there was magic here, helping them to deepen understanding of their faith and relate it to elements of their everyday life. It will also assist them in explaining their faith to friends, who may be even less familiar with Episcopal traditions than they are. This book endeavors to, as Rachel Held Evans has said, “creatively re-articulate the significance of the traditional teachings and sacraments of the church in a modern context” – specifically, in the geek context that is similar to, but more widely known, than church culture. All nerds are welcome on this wild adventure through the Episcopal jungle: Begin the quest by diving into the Player’s Handbook – otherwise known as the Book of Common Prayer. Discover the symbolism of every piece of equipment and vestment used during the service. Embrace the wonders of the Episcopal Disneyland we call General Convention. And embark on the adventure path that we call the Holy Eucharist. Ware’s light and funny style make the impenetrable mysteries of theology, liturgy, and church history accessible for all, from fans of Star Wars to fans of Star Trek. Her church geekery is matched only by the depth of her knowledge of nerd culture. We solemnly swear that you will make your next Knowledge (religion) check!

Godly Play® is an imaginative approach to working with children, based on Montessori principles.

The Godly Play® approach helps children explore their faith through story, to gain religious language, and to enhance their spiritual experience through wonder and play. Based on Montessori principles and developed using a spiral curriculum, the Godly Play® method services children through early, middle, and late childhood and beyond. Revised and expanded, The Complete Guide to Godly Play, Volume 3 offers new concepts, new terminology, new illustrations, and a new structure that stem from more than ten years of using Godly Play® with children across the world. 30 to 40 percent of the text is new or revised, including two new lessons, two radically changed lessons, a revised Introduction, and a new full Appendix.

Explore the biblical context for Advent in this series of contemplations.

The pieces of the beginning of the Christian story come together, not from one set of hands, but many. For instance, in the four Gospels, Mark makes no mention of the events leading up to and surrounding the birth of Jesus. John, for the most part, points back to Genesis. Most of the historical pieces come to us primarily from Matthew and Luke. The scriptures together are the key to telling the story of the season.

Allusions and references to other scriptures are accompanied by brief meditations so that readers may step more deeply into the Advent story and find its meaning and impact for their own lives.

Easily accessible, theologically progressive, mainline Christian Education resource on human sexuality.

Our inherent value and worth comes from God's love for us, but our modern world is filled with sexual expression that too often leads us away from the life of Christ. As Christians seeking to live a life worthy of our calling and desiring to pass along these values to our children and youth, this book explores how we (as parents and adults) can explore issues of sexuality in the context of our faith.

A sexuality education resource from a mainline/progressive denominational prospective aids the adult reader/teacher/parent in learning and using skills that enable them to embrace and affirm the wholeness of sexuality and to talk openly and honestly about the connection of sexuality and faith. This book, grounded from a theological perspective, focuses on foundational issues for addressing how we (and why we) are called to have these conversations in a faithful community to support families. The importance of looking at one's sexuality throughout the lifespan through the lenses of decision making, faith and daily life, respect, growth and change, behavior, responsibility, values, prayer, and intentionality is be explored, offering a grounding as well as stand-alone resource for individuals and churches to build upon.

This collection is an inexpensive, words-only edition of favorite hymns and songs from El Himnario, together with translations of other hymns that are familiar to Hispanic congregations.

The full-music edition of El Himnario was an ecumenical project sponsored by the Episcopal Church and several other mainline denominations. It is available for use by musicians who accompany worship.

What if tried and true methods from the corporate world could raise your ministry’s probability of success by a considerable margin?

Lorenzo Lebrija, director of TryTank, a lab for church growth and innovation, has developed a fresh straightforward framework for experiments in new ministry based on research and interviews. With three clear steps, this framework can have a lasting impact on any church that uses it. You can even start innovating today, using this specific and actionable process within your church community.

Scripture is full of examples encouraging us to try new works in the name of God. This book gives the exact tools and templates for how to do just that, and to find God in the failures as well as the successes.

For use with In Remembrance Register. Each packet includes 25 index-weight sheets, printed on both sides, to record memorial and other gifts to the parish. Suggestions for Use page included. Refill pages only.

In this installment, Diana Butler Bass expands on the ideas she developed in her recent book, Christianity after Religion, exploring what Christianity may look like “beyond religion and beyond the church.” Segments include (1) Arriving, (2) Believing, (3) Behaving, (4) Belonging and (5) Awakening.
Sold in combination with the Embracing Spiritual Awakening DVD, 846863019830. Buy one DVD per class and one guide per participant and leader.

Space for 1,425 entries.

Based on his work with young children at the Episcopal School of New York, teacher and storyteller Gordh offers a collection of stories from the Bible, arranged and told to create a meaningful childhood chapel for children ages 3-7 and their families. Originally conceived as a resource for use in day schools, it is also ideal for use in Sunday church schools in Episcopal and other mainline congregations.

This exciting resource contains:

• Advice and tips on creating a children's chapel, including challenges of using available space
• Techniques for retelling stories for young listeners, including the use of songs and artwork
• Suggestions for including parents in the chapel experience and for making chapel meaningful to families from many faiths and backgrounds
• More than 30 Bible stories, organized thematically, including the Creation, Noah, the GoodSamaritan, Abraham, Ruth, the Last Supper, David and Goliath, Moses and Passover, Easter,Hanukkah, the Three Wise Men, the Prodigal Son
• Collection of songs to support the story themes, with lyrics, musical notation, and easy-to-learn refrains

This Leader Guide contains nine sessions for engaging high school students, (ages 14-18 years) in conversation about faith and sexuality in the These Are Our Bodies program, helping participants and their adult parents or guardians deepen their connection between God, the Bible, and sexuality. Each session uses scripture as an integral piece of the program using the NRSV or Common English Bible translation. Facilitators and small group leaders will find detailed planning information as well as background and useful information to employ the program in your church or community in a variety of settings: youth group, Christian education, camps, or retreats. Comprised of two sections, “The Introduction” provides the goals of the curriculum, describes parts of each lesson, and provides all needed information for leaders to implement the program. The second section offers nine full session plans that have five parts that work together to create a hands-on, interactive approach to learning: Gather, Grow, Grapple, Guide, and Go. These offer creative and playful ways to engage with the material and participants in ways that provide intentional group formation, engage the nature of high schoolers, offer time to wrestle with new material, provide words of blessing and affirmation, and allow time to move from the sessions back into the world. The Facilitator leads each session with the help of Small-Group Leaders who facilitate the games, activities, and discussions.
SESSION 1: This is Our Introduction (John 15:16-17; Luke 2:41-52; Luke 19:45-48)
SESSION 2: This is Our Language (Proverbs 19:2; Ephesians 4:25-32)
SESSION 3: This is Our Value System (Philippians 4:8; Romans 7:14-25)
SESSION 4: This is Our Identity (Psalm 139:13-16; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
SESSION 5: This is Our Self Image (Genesis 1:26; Genesis 3:1-11)
SESSION 6: This is Our Relationship (Ephesians 4:25; 1 Corinthians 13)
SESSION 7: This is Our Health (Proverbs 2:10-11; Matthew 13:10-17)
SESSION 8: This is Our Dignity (Matthew 22:37-39; Luke 8:40-56)
SESSION 9: This is Our Theology (Isaiah 30:21; John 14:1-14)

Short, accessible meditations and photography to guide you through the season

Author Russ Levenson invites readers to slow down, “toward that stillness that, in a particular way, reveals not only the nature of God but our own nature and God’s calling to us.” These and other thoughtful insights seem most appropriate during the summer season. Bits of Heaven provides devotional readings that are companions to the sunlight, opportunities for relaxation, and growth that surround us during the summer.

Forty meditations, reflections for contemplation, and prayers fill this volume designed to accompany and encourage readers throughout the season. This thoughtful book is part of a series by this well-known author.

As science and politics engage in a never-ending battle over the environment, A Life of Grace for the Whole World re-claims the theology of salvation and redemption for all creation. Using the House of Bishop’s Pastoral Teaching on the Environment -- the first statement on the environment from The Episcopal Church leadership -- as a guide, A Life of Grace engages participants in understanding how the call to care for Creation informs and deepens appreciation and love for God and God’s work in Creation, and how that finds expression in the faith life of individuals and churches.

The adult sessions use Bible study, discussion questions, reflections on sections of the Book of Common Prayer, and other activities to encourage active learning. Each week participants are asked to reflect, in different ways, on their faith communities and their own spiritual journey and how they can find a more meaningful connection with God’s active work among all creation. The youth section, which parallels the adult sessions, encourages active engagement through viewing of videos, use of technology, and a range of activities. Exploratory questions for the facilitator allow for open-ended conversation and discussion of current events around environment and faith. Connecting the five-week session is the creation of a Tree of Life, which is added to during every session.

Both an Adult Booklet and a Youth Booklet enhance the experience of A Life of Grace, both within and outside of the sessions, with additional content, activities, and journaling space.

Esta nueva edición incluye las liturgias para el Discernimiento para una nueva misión de la Iglesia; Una liturgia para encomendar a un plantador de iglesias, misionero o equipo misionero; Liturgia para la apertura de una nueva congregación; Dedicación de un espacio secular para el uso sagrado; una nueva Letanía para la misión de la Iglesia; y una variedad de colectas de plantación de iglesias, bendiciones y otras oraciones, y sugerencias de himnos. Este nuevo material, autorizado por la Convención General de 2003, también disponible en inglés.

This new edition includes the liturgies for Discernment for a New Church Mission; A Liturgy for Commissioning a Church Planter, Missioner or Mission Tean; A Liturgy for the Opening of a New Congregation; Setting Apart Secular Space for Sacred Use; a new Litany for the Mission of the Church; and a variety of Church Planting collects, blessings and other prayers, and hymn suggestions. This new material, authorized by the 2003 General Convention, is published in English and Spanish.

This expanded edition of the official Burial Services of the Episcopal Church contains the newly authorized prayers and rites for the burial of a child. This edition is specifically intended for leaders of public worship.

Top voices highlight important changes in the role of bishop.

Compelling essays, written by bishops, other clergy, and academics from across the Episcopal Church, reflect the breadth of thinking on the history, current state, and future of the role of leadership within the denomination and the wider Anglican Communion.

Topics include the transformation of the role over the last fifty years, a review of historic documents on the episcopacy, issues of race and gender, and the definition of ministry and leadership. This volume will be of interest to leaders across denominations as well as scholars.

The New Church’s Teaching series has been one of the most recognizable and useful sets of books in the Episcopal Church. With the launch of the Church’s Teachings for a Changing World series, visionary Episcopal thinkers and leaders have teamed up to write a new set of books, grounded and thoughtful enough for seminarians and leaders, concise and accessible enough for newcomers, with a host of discussion resources that help readers to dig deep. Eric Law and Stephanie Spellers conclude the series with a dynamic conversation about faith, dialogue, and the generous give-and-take that makes Episcopal life possible. They interview the series’ authors and provide summaries of each volume: history, theology, contemporary society, ethics, practice of ministry, Bible, and worship. Then they invite readers to expand the faith conversation: with self, with neighbor, with the “enemy,” and ultimately with God.

Offers basic information to make the Bible less formidable to beginning readers.

In How Can Anyone Read the Bible? preeminent biblical scholar Bill Countryman provides a basic introduction for those with little knowledge about the Bible that aims to provide an easy point of entry into engagement with Scripture.

The new Church’s Teachings series has been one of the most recognizable and useful sets of books in the Episcopal Church. With the launch of the Church’s Teachings for a Changing World series, visionary Episcopal thinkers and leaders have teamed up to write a new set of books, grounded and thoughtful enough for seminarians and leaders, concise and accessible enough for newcomers, with a host of discussion resources that help readers to dig deep. What’s really going on when Episcopalians gather for worship? Musician Dent Davidson and Bishop Jeff Lee bring decades of partnership to this lively conversation about the rituals that make faith real—gathering, bathing, welcoming, storytelling, feasting, and sending God’s people. More than a treatise on the Book of Common Prayer, Gathered for God opens fresh ways of seeing what the Prayer Book makes possible.

The everything-you-need-to-know adult guide to the Episcopal Church—now in Spanish.

This updated and revised translated edition incorporates new initiatives and changes in the Episcopal Church, including marriage, inclusion of LBGTQ+ persons, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s call to join the Jesus Movement, and taking our faith out into the world. A Leader Guide is included in this revised edition in addition to the questions that follow each chapter.

Easy to read but with substance for newcomers, adult formation groups, and lifelong Episcopalians, this book is for all who desire to know more about the Episcopal Church.

The classic historical commentary by White and Dykman on the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, long out of print, is now available in a special limited-edition reprint. Revised for the Standing Commission on Constitution and Canons of the General Convention, it is an indispensable reference work for libraries and diocesan offices.

Behold What You Are is written to open the possibilities of liturgy and liturgical awareness, in the church and of the church, Sunday by Sunday, season by season.

In a world increasingly and sharply divided, the image of the body of Christ can provide an alternate and life-giving narrative. We don’t just gather to worship God; we gather to worship God together, even when that gathering is online. And we go forth together to be the body of Christ, that the world might be repaired and restored to God. This body is not finite and exclusive; it is porous and open to all.

Our traditions are a wonderful springboard for refreshed liturgical expressions in settings within and beyond our church buildings. These expressions can connect with people who would not otherwise enter a beautiful but somewhat austere structure. With some thoughtful reflection and intentionality, the public expression and formation of the body of Christ through liturgy can become more vital for all.

An introduction to the Way of Love for children and their families.

“The Way of Love” has become a mantra of Michael B. Curry’s episcopate as presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. From the royal wedding to the 79th General Convention of the Episcopal Church and continuing today, all ages have been inspired and eager to “grow more deeply with Jesus Christ at the center of our lives, so we can bear witness to his way of love in and for the world.”

The Very Best Day: The Way of Love for Children introduces the practices for a Jesus-centered life for children ages 3–10 and their families. Using accessible language and age-appropriate themes, it specifically addresses children and the importance of rhythm and practice in their lives as Christians, accompanied by Roger Hutchison’s familiar and vibrant artwork. Through a cadence of words and colorful images, children will see how to Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, and Rest in daily life as a follower of Jesus. Learning such wisdom at an early age will benefit children (and the adults who love them).

Each week brings a lighthearted opportunity to remember that humor and the gospel are not mutually exclusive.
The second in a series of three books brings weekly gospel readings to life. Each week, a cartoon illustration and text of the gospel creates a lighthearted opportunity for individual reflection, or an enjoyable addition to study materials and church bulletins. These amusing and original reflections deepen scriptural literacy and engagement among members of the Episcopal Church, including youth groups, and will inspire some fun in the process.

A practical guide to church community life.

Taking the approach of Michael Pollan’s Food Rules, Community Rules seeks to distill the basics of “good church” into a set of memorable rules. Working with three sections, the authors draw on their years of combined experience in academic and church administration to identify the basic Christian principles that underpin Episcopal community and then apply them to actions and relationships. The book seeks to explicate the best personnel practices, as well as good governance and communal life together, alongside a framing within the Christian worldview. The goal is to provide a text that can serve as a guide for any and all members of a parish, most especially those who serve on vestries or as volunteers.

An internationally recognized Christian formation program.

This 4-volume series presents an imaginative approach for telling scripture stories that invites children to wonder about themselves, God and the world in a way that is playful and meaningful to them. Based on the Montessori teaching method, Godly Play outlines specific storytelling techniques and use of story figures that encourage children to respond through a variety of creative activities. This method is greatly respectful of the innate spirituality of children and encourages them to use their curiosity and imagination to experience the mystery and joy of God.

Volume 1 contains all of the material you will need to become familiar with the Godly Play approach, with detailed information on creating a special space for children and techniques for presenting each lesson.

This book addresses the fact that, despite the inevitability of aging, the vast majority of us are ill-prepared for eldercare.

Eldercare as Art and Ministry broadens and deepens an understanding of eldercare as an art and as a ministry. As art, eldercare requires creativity, imagination, and perseverance. Here, ministry is considered in its fullest meaning, to include guiding, administering, serving, waiting upon, or acting as a loved one's agent. Through stories, lessons, and poignant vignettes, Jackson-Brown calls each one of us—whether young or older, ordained or laity, fortunate or less fortunate, prepared or not—to serve and care for an aging loved one. For lay people and professionals, this book is a guide to navigate the challenges of eldercare and to find meaning in this important work.

A must-read for Christians struggling with the present political conversation

Citizen helps Christians find our place in the politics of the world. In these pages, Bishop Andy Doyle offers a Christian virtue ethic grounded in fresh anthropology. He offers a vision of the individual Christian within the reign of God and the life of the broader community. He adds to the conversation in both church and culture by offering a renewed theological underpinning to the complex nature of Christianity in a post-modern world.

How did we get here? Is this the way it has to be? Are there implications for conversations about politics within the church? Doyle contends that our current debates are not about one partisan narrative winning, but communities of diversity being unified by a relationship with God's grand narrative. Crafting a deep theological conversation with a unified approach to the Old and New Testament, Citizen asks, what does it truly mean to live in community?

A plain language exploration of the theology of worship. Professional theological terminology is often inaccessible to the average Christian. A House of Meanings presents liturgical theology in accessible ways, free of technical language. The book is designed for individual reading and structured to be a resource for a series of parish workshops, especially during the Easter season. Chapters conclude with a discussion guide intended to assist parishioners in developing their own sense of the value of worship and its relationship to our daily lives.

Dedicated to deepening parishioners’ understandings of the Church and how it has both gathered and sent into service to the world, A House of Meanings will be useful not only to congregations, but to seminarians and anyone planning or evaluating worship.

A straightforward treatment of the only existential issue that matters from the Christian perspective.

In What Happens When We Die? Tom Long provides information about the promises and convictions of the Christian gospel concerning death and life after death. He surveys in simple terms the major themes surrounding death, dying, and hope for an afterlife.

Get to know two trailblazing Episcopalians as they talk informally about things that matter to them.
As a teenager, Michael Curry served as a part of the “Youth Presence” at General Convention 1979. While there, he met Barbara Harris, not yet a priest. The story of their friendship is one that tracks the history of the Episcopal Church over the intervening years. In this volume, the two talk about a wide range of topics—their families and the strong women who shaped them, the vocation of the priesthood and the episcopacy, and social justice, among others—in a conversation facilitated and edited by Fredrica Harris Thompsett.

Author and Bible scholar Marcus J. Borg invites us to join him in revisiting Christianity's most fundamental questions: Who is God? What does salvation mean? What place does Jesus hold in contemporary Christian faith? In this five-session, faith-formation resource, participants enjoy the rare privilege of witnessing Marcus in dialogue with a small, diverse group of adults as they honestly—and sometimes painfully—confront the big questions and work together toward authentic answers. Each session includes a 10-minute presentation by Marcus Borg followed by interaction with the group. The program print resources are designed to help your small group "join the dialogue" in your own setting.

The study addresses fundamental questions that adults struggle with as faith matures. It can be used as a resource for personal reflection as well as small group experience.

The five sessions include:
• God
• Jesus
• Salvation
• Community
• Practice

Participant Workbook — contains all the material needed for use by class participants as well as notes for the class leader to facilitate each session; leadership can be shared among members of the group.

SOLD SEPARATELY. Packaged DVD Contains the video for the five sessions

Practical workbook for committed couples as they prepare for marriage or cohabitation.

Written especially for you and your spouse, this resource will guide you through the important preparation process for the sacrament of Matrimony in the Catholic Church. It contains all of the information you will need as you consider the following important issues facing couples today:

• The sacrament of Matrimony
• The influence of one’s family of origin
• Couple communication and conflict resolution
• Finances, budgeting, and money management
• Married intimacy
• Dreams, goals, and decision-making
• Couple spirituality
• Parenting in today’s world
• Ecumenical and interfaith marriages
• Natural family planning
• Relating to and as in-laws

Questions and activities invite personal reflection and journaling, sharing with your spouse, and small-group and large-group activities.

Focus on Luke is part of the Focus Bible Study Series which contains studies of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The Focus Bible Study Series is the perfect guide for in-depth scripture study. Each book in the series includes informative commentary, thought-provoking study questions and experiential group activities that encourage a deeper understanding of scripture. The journal format has lots of space for writing and encourages personal reflection and spiritual growth.

The Focus Bible Study Series is ideal for individual or group study and reflection, adult classes, small-faith communities, retreats and midweek Bible study groups.

Each book features:

• Thought-provoking study questions with space for written responses.
• A wealth of ideas to promote prayer and journal meditations that build faith and understanding of the scriptures.
• Numerous suggestions for activities that promote experiential learning and meaningful discussion to encourage spiritual growth.

Bestselling author Kathleen Norris provides a unique viewpoint of "what matters most."

Each of the five DVD sessions begins with a 10-15 minute video presentation by Kathleen Norris followed by filmed interaction with a diverse small group of adults. Sessions are the following:

Belief Matters: Why does belief matter? To what do we give our hearts? What is the core message of what we believe—creeds or commitment? To what extent is to believe also "to belove"?

The Bible Matters: The Bible is our collective story. How is that story reflected in our daily lives? What is it about the Bible that always seems to address our present moment?

Community Matters: In community, individualism and imperfection meet grace and acceptance. What is our part in the Body of Christ?

Place Matters: In what ways is faith set within the physical space of home, church, land and people?

We Matter: What it means to remain in God's image and to counter our selfishness by embracing the world and its needs?

Ideal for adult and young-adult small groups, Christian educators, clergy, chaplains and campus ministries.

Whether you have a small group or a larger one, whether you want to structure the program in 2 sessions or 5, whether the children in your group are all the same age or not, you'll have all the tools you need to customize a Communion instruction program that's just right for your parish with these rich, adaptable resources.This Leader's Guide is a comprehensive resource for clergy and lay people offering:

Background information on theology, leader reflection, goals, overview and materials lists

• Ways to invite children to participate more fully in the eucharistic service
• Explanations of what we do and say at Eucharist
• Prayers, activities and scripture stories
• Reproducible handouts to send home

This Bread and This Cup is a program for children and their families. The intended age is 6-9 but younger works too in the program. The Child's Book assumes the child can read, or it is used with a parent who does the reading.

This invaluable new resource brings greater understanding and meaning to a key aspect of Christian formation: Holy Communion. With solid information, including a brief history of children at the Eucharist, current theological perspectives and practices and flexible, user-friendly sessions, leaders will find that this program fits a wide variety of parish needs.

Christ's Own Forever is a unique resource developed with the varying needs of Episcopal communities of all sizes in mind. Flexible session plans are ideal for both one-on-one conversations with parents or meetings that include several families together.

This interactive journal is designed to first guide you as you prepare for this special baptism, but then takes things a step further with tips and practical exercises that invite you to nurture the spiritual development of your child or godchild beyond baptism. You'll gain more understanding about your own spiritual journey, too as you consider ways to help your child or godchild live out the baptismal vows you mill make on his or her behalf.

Includes background on baptism and Christian initiation, as well as guidance on preparation for baptism in The Episcopal Church today. Guidance is provided for preparation and follow-up with parents who are parish members and those who are unchurched.

Focus on John is part of the Focus Bible Study Series which contains studies of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The Focus Bible Study Series is the perfect guide for in-depth scripture study. Each book in the series includes informative commentary, thought-provoking study questions and experiential group activities that encourage a deeper understanding of scripture. The journal format has lots of space for writing and encourages personal reflection and spiritual growth. The Focus Bible Study Series is ideal for individual or group study and reflection, adult classes, small-faith communities, retreats and midweek Bible study groups.

Each book features:

• Thought-provoking study questions with space for written responses
• A wealth of ideas to promote prayer and journal meditations that build faith and understanding of the scriptures
• Numerous suggestions for activities that promote experiential learning and meaningful discussion to encourage spiritual growth.

A lovely keepsake gift for godparents and a handy guide to use for years to come.

Being a godparent is a great honor—and a sacred responsibility. Baptism, after all, is at the center of Christian life, and godparents play a critical role in celebrating this sacrament. When you accept the invitation to sponsor a little one, what exactly are you promising to do? Godparenting: Nurturing the Next Generation explores the history and theology of godparenting, and offers plenty of helpful tips on how to be the best godparent ever.

An introduction to the Way of Love for children and their families.
Una Introducción a El Camino del Amor para infantes y sus familias.

The Very Best Day: The Way of Love for Children introduces the practices for a Jesus-centered life for children ages 3–10 and their families. Through accessible language and age-appropriate themes, it specifically addresses children and the importance of rhythm and practice in their lives as Christians, accompanied by Roger Hutchison’s familiar and vibrant artwork. Through words and colorful images, children will see how to Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, and Rest in daily life as a follower of Jesus. Acquiring such wisdom at an early age will benefit children (and the adults who love them) to learn these practices for a lifetime.

El Mejor Día: El Camino del Amor para Niños y Niñas introduce las prácticas para una vida centrada en Jesús a infantes entre 3 y 10 años y sus familias. El libro usa un lenguaje asequible y temas apropiados para la edad, los cuales son dirigidos a los niños y niñas, y a la importancia del ritmo y la práctica en sus vidas como seguidores de Jesús. El libro incluye además el familiar y vibrante arte visual de Roger Hutchison. A través de una cadencia de palabras e imágenes coloridas, los infantes verán cómo Cambiar, Aprender, Orar, Adorar, Bendecir, Ir y Descansar en su vida diaria como seguidores de Jesús. Aprender tal sabiduría a tan temprana edad beneficiará a los niños y niñas (y a los adultos que los aman).

Psalm for the eucharistic lectionary and other liturgical occasions in plainsong with congregational antiphons. Ad libitum alleluia verses are included in the books for Years A, B, and C. Reprint permission is given for local parish use.

Congregations that are alive and vibrant have vital music programs. How did they get that way?

There are sensible and practical steps to develop such a program which begins with a clear vision of the end product. This book addresses the many interrelated issues of defining and embracing the leadership role in the church music program that is required of clergy in parish ministry and essential for a healthy congregation.

Clergy and musicians work toward the same goals; however, clergy are trained differently from musicians. How does this fact impact their relationship, and how can they learn to work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect? The practical issues of employment can be addressed more effectively in this atmosphere.

If one is looking for the right musician for the parish, what qualities does one seek? How does one find such a rare and gifted individual? A successful search complete, how does the clergyperson work harmoniously with the music leader?

This book provides a blueprint for:
• Developing a vision for music in your parish
• Locating a musician who is a partner in ministry
• How music comes and goes in the church’s repertoire
• Moving from musician as performer to musician as pastor

The Newest Embracing series study features Diana Butler Bass as the latest in this best-selling series known for world-class authors and commentators.

Best-selling author, speaker, scholar, and "cultural observer" Diana Butler Bass explores what Christianity may look like "beyond religion and beyond the church." In this engaging and provocative study, Diana leads a small group of diverse adults, young adults, and youth in s fascinating discussion of how, both culturally and spiritually, we are in the midst of another of history's "great awakenings."

Session Titles:

1. Waking Up
2. Believing
3. Behaving
4. Belonging
5. Awakening

Invites the reader behind the scenes of Bible stories

What was the reaction of the head waiter at the wedding at Cana when he realized the wine had run out? What gave the man the idea to lower his paralyzed friend through the roof to see Jesus? What were the young men who accompanied Abraham and Isaac on the journey to the mountain thinking? Much of scripture is comprised of individuals who are unnamed but have important roles to play in biblical stories. This illustrated book offers first person accounts of twenty-one Bible stories (Old Testament, New Testament, and apocrypha) from the perspectives of bystanders or "sup-porting" characters, giving us an opportunity to imagine: how would we react? What would we say or do given similar circumstances today? This imaginative collection includes thought-provoking discussion questions for congregational or individual reflection, and can be invaluable for fresh perspectives in sermons and study groups.

This is a beautifully crafted collection of prayers for each Sunday and most major festivals in the church's year, together with additional material for each season. The Sunday prayers - known as collects in the Anglican tradition - follow the three-year cycle of the Revised Common Lectionary. The author uses expansive and inclusive language and imagery to address and describe God, to describe God's presence and action in the world, and to describe the people of God. Ideal for use at weekday celebrations, including the Book of Common Prayer Order for Eucharist.

Struggling to offer a children’s program that resonates with young families? Finding it difficult to recruit teachers and volunteers for your children’s program? Want a children’s ministry that is grounded in Christ’s foundational teachings and relevant to the experiences of children today? This must-have guide to rethinking your children’s ministry is informed and intelligent, with the lighthearted humor so helpful to working with children.

Through storytelling, testimonials, and research-based creativity, you’ll be inspired and energized to use your church’s gifts, your children’s interests, and your families’ needs to develop a children’s ministry that fits your church and the people in it. An appendix includes sample lesson plans, suggested Bible stories and book, and sermons. Colette Potts offers a successful model for a congregation to turn around their children’s ministry program to engage the whole congregation in worship, learning, and service while partnering with parents for bridging the formation gap between Sunday morning at church and the rest of the week at home and beyond.

This playful yet substantial "dogmatic" book of theology addresses our central human longing to be deeply loved. This is also an incarnational theology, putting us in contact with a God who is willing to roll in the earth with us, dive in to rescue us, and whose tracks can be seen throughout our homes and lives. Illustrated with lovely charcoal drawings, Dogspell challenges readers to believe that God loves, welcomes, and longs to greet us as much as a dog.

This helpful volume gives all necessary directions about how to do the Office of Tenebrae in the parish according to the form set forth in The Book of Occasional Services. This paperback book contains Antiphons and Psalms set to psalm tones, printed in a large format with permission to copy for congregational use.

Essays from academics across a spectrum of perspectives.
The Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music sought input from multiple sources in order to better understand the charge of the General Convention of 2015 suggesting that it present a plan for the revision of the Book of Common Prayer to the 2018 Convention. While the individual chapters of this volume raise a variety of differing issues, they share a common assumption—that one of the sources of information for the Standing Commission and the Church in its deliberations ought to be the community of academically trained liturgical scholars. The hope of this volume is to open a conversation across the church that will continue in the future.

Author, historian and keen cultural observer Phyllis Tickle invites us to join her in examining the changing face of Christianity and culture.

Phyllis surveys 2000 years of Western history, identifying the great upheavals that occur in Western culture and Christianity every 500 years. The last was the Great Reformation of the 1500’s; the next is happening now. What are the implications of this “Great Emergence,” both culturally and spiritually? What are the key questions and issues that need to be addressed? Where might we be headed next? And, perhaps most importantly, where are you, at this moment? Might you be an emergence Christian?

The six sessions are: 1) Emergence 101, 2) Where Now Is the Authority? 3) The 20th Century and Emergence, 4) Gifts from Other Times, 5) How Then Shall We Live? and 6) Hallmarks of Emergence

The Participant’s Workbook contains all the material needed for use by class participants as well as notes for the class leader to facilitate each session; leadership can be shared among members of the group.

DVD SOLD SEPARATELY
There are six sessions on the DVD. Each session begins with a video presentation by Phyllis Tickle, lasting from 10-15 minutes. Ms. Tickle’s presentation is followed by filmed interaction with a small group. The Participant Workbook then helps your small group “join the dialogue” in your own setting.

Phyllis Tickle, founding editor of the religion department of Publisher’s Weekly, is frequently quoted in print sources like USA Today, Christian Science Monitor, and NY Times as well as in electronic media like PBS, NPR, Hallmark Channel and innumerable blogs and websites. She is an authority on religion in America and a much sought after lecturer and workshop leader. In addition to lectures and numerous essays, Tickle is the author of over two dozen books in religions and spirituality.

A manual for securing a significant number of planned gifts for a church of any denomination or size.

In order for churches and related religious institutions to advance their strategic growth initiatives, a variety of funding vehicles are required, and a planned gifts program can play an important part. A planned gifts program offers a systematic and sustainable implementation model that is formalized, progressive, and—most importantly—volunteer-based and -driven.

Implementation of a planned gifts program should be centered upon the resolution of significant church needs and the advancement of God’s work. The authors, both successful fundraisers, keep this motivation at the center of their implementation model.

The treasure trove of stories from Scripture provides wonderful examples of people encountering the mystery of God. We read these stories over and over, and know how they turn out year after year. The one perspective we might miss, however, is that the characters in Scripture never knew how their story would turn out when they were living the unknown, fear, joy, surprise, and drama of the moment. They faced the same uncertainty, worry, distraction, and wonder that we face in light of life events that leave us breathless for hope and help. We often fail to grasp how divine participation in the human story is actually what God's story is all about. Our stories are God's story. Personal narratives, then and now, seem to be the ways in which God works best as Scripture is transformed from static story to a conversation that informs our own modern dilemmas and uncertainties.

Today's reader can engage with ancient and familiar tales through the lens of pondering where God might be at work in our own lives as well. As today’s Church is in an unsettling transition, today’s spiritual seekers and those who have grown disenfranchised from or disillusioned with traditional spiritual approaches will find a fresh perspective that opens their own story to the overwhelming constancy of God's grace and love.

Celebrating Liturgical Time continues the standard of scholarship set by Patrick Malloy’s Celebrating the Eucharist. It is ideal for students, clergy, and church members who seek to strengthen their knowledge—and parochial practice—of liturgical timekeeping and the Daily Office.