This handbook is part of a series designed to equip and empower church volunteers for effective ministry. If you're reading this, chances are you're a church volunteer. Thanks for your willingness to serve!
The 'Hospitality Minister," including ushers, do more than just seat people and take up the offering; they are the first point of contact with guests and potential members, and are the first ones to make a first (and lasting) impression. Hospitality Ministers, which are ushers, greeters, information booth attendants, parking lot volunteers, and more, are just that: "ministers." They represent God and God's House, and are key team members to making sure that the worship experience brings honor and glory to God and builds up the people God loves.
This resource takes the place of both The Upper Room Handbook on Emmaus and The Upper Room Handbook on Chrysalis. It explains the ins and outs, and the whys and hows of all four Upper Room Emmaus Ministries—The Walk to Emmaus, Chrysalis, Face to Face, and Journey to the Table. The Emmaus Ministries Community Manual provides a comprehensive overview and explanation for the Emmaus movement and all of the ministries, both from theological and technical perspectives. The handbook answers many questions and offers insight into the reasons behind the design of Emmaus Ministries and the accompanying procedures.
This handbook is part of a series designed to equip and empower church volunteers for effective ministry. If you're reading this, chances are you're a church volunteer. Thanks for your willingness to serve!
The Single Most Comprehensive Resource for Preaching and Worship "Students, teachers, Bible study leaders, but especially preachers, will discover a treasure trove here. Search and mine it for new perspectives on old stories, fresh Biblical insights into current issues, ways of seeing outside the box. You'll find yourself nourished and strengthened!" —Rev. Dr. James W. Crawford, minister emeritus, The Old South Church, Boston, Massachusetts "No other compilation offers more comprehensive resources to assist the parish minister in planning every aspect of weekly worship." —William E. Hull, research professor, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama For more than eighty years, The Minister's Manual has been the standard by which all other preaching annuals are measured. The book's research-based content and searchable CD-ROM make this non-denominational resource even more helpful to today's busy pastor. The 2010 Minister's Manual is the comprehensive and traditional resource pastors have come to rely on. Filled with practical features, this new edition is designed to be user-friendly and the handy CD-ROM makes the book's material easily accessible. Turn to The Minister's Manual for: Complete sermons for the entire year Lectionary messages and worship aids to expand Sunday services Feature articles on preaching parables, faithful worship, and the creative art of homiletics that speak to the hearts and minds of ministers A treasury of practical, contemporary, and relevant sermons A diverse group of contributors, a broad and contemporary range of illustrations, and new and expanded preaching resources Children's sermons, based on the lectionary texts, for engaging young minds Musical suggestions, based on the lectionary texts, for each week of the year Calendars of important historical, cultural, and religious anniversaries Eloquent and useful messages for holidays, funerals and bereavement, communions, and missions A free, searchable CD-ROM of the entire contents can be used to extract, edit, and print selections for sermons, bulletins, and other messages
When is the best time to seat a latecomer? How can you be friendly to visitors without overwhelming them? What should you do if someone faints during the worship service? It's natural to have these questions as an usher or greeter. You can find the answer to these questions and more in Welcome to Our Church. This book will help ushers and greeters learn how to make visitors and members feel welcome, handle large crowds of people and noisy children, prepare for emergencies and problem situations, and usher special services like weddings and funerals.
In its 77th year, The Minister's Manual is the single most comprehensive resource for preaching and worship available. Filled with completely new material for 2002, this nondenominational guide is the best source for sermons, prayers, insights, and inspiration for all--from pastors and lay leaders to Sunday school teachers and choir directors. Turn to The Minister's Manual for: Complete sermons for the entire year, featuring both topical and lectionary preaching and worship aids to expand Sunday service Thought-provoking quotations and questions on life and religion to add breadth to your message Children's sermons for engaging young minds and a wealth of topics to ponder during small group discussions Calendars to help you remember important historical, cultural, and religious anniversaries and much more. To compare the extensive features of The Minister's Manual with those in The Abingdon Preaching Annualand The Zondervan Pastor's Annual, click here.
This easy-to-use resource provides initiation ministers with the pastoral tools needed to lead dismissal sessions with adults preparing for Baptism. Through reflection and discussion, each dismissal session guide helps to develop the catechumen’s relationship with Christ, self, and neighbor by internalizing the Word, concentrating their prayer around the Scriptures, and becoming familiar with the teachings of the Church. The step-by-step format makes leading the dismissal an easy and prayerful experience. The Living Word™: Leading RCIA Dismissals, Year A includes: - Guides for dismissal sessions for every Sunday and Holyday of Obligation of Year A - Seasonal overviews, Scripture backgrounds, and preparation materials for catechists - Seasonal dismissal texts for the priest celebrant - Complete reflection texts with discussion sparkers on the readings of the day - Centering ideas and closing prayers - Suggestions for additional catechetical topics that are connected to the readings of the day - An appendix with dismissal guides for the Rite of Acceptance, Rite of Sending, Rite of Election, and the three Scrutinies
Hospitality has been practiced by the people of God dating back through the entire Old Testament (Consider Abraham and Lot). Today, many of those practices are still in place throughout much of the Middle East. God, however, has called the whole church to participate in Kingdom hospitality. In fact, it is an integral part of the culture of the Kingdom of God. Kingdom hospitality encompasses much more than simply hosting people out of the kindness of our hearts. This book is a journey into the heart, attitude and mindset of the hospitality of God and the beginning of a life of Kingdom hospitality. Through an exploration of Scripture, culture and calling, you'll discover the beauty of Kingdom hospitality and its importance in the expression of our Christian faith.