Real Good Church
Real Good Church

Author: Molly Phinney Baskette

Publisher: The Pilgrim Press

Published: 2014-06-16

Total Pages: 284

ISBN-13: 0829820167

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"This is a practical manual of everything our church did," says author Molly Phinney Baskette, "to reverse our death spiral and become the healthy, stable, spirited and robust community it is today—evident in the large percentage of children and young adults in our church, and a sixfold increase in pledged giving in the last decade." "Real Good Church" is a testament to Baskette's and First Church Somerville UCC's success, and a gift of hope for all churches that find themselves struggling to keep their doors open. What makes "Real Good Church" unique in the field of church growth books? It's practical. It actually tells churches what they can do—and how to do it. It offers beginning and intermediary steps for growth and renewal. Churches, no matter what situation they're in, will be able to jump in and get to work. It has a sense of humor. Baskette's easygoing, often self-deprecating writing style and approachable strategies will empower the reader and their church to revitalize itself. (If her church could do it, we can, too!)

Faithful and True
Faithful and True

Author: Greg Carey

Publisher: The Pilgrim Press

Published: 2022-01-31

Total Pages: 93

ISBN-13: 0829821856

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“What in the world are we to make of the dizzying array of grand and grotesque images ‘revealed’ to an early Christ-follower named John? Enter the expert scholar-teacher Greg Carey as the perfect docent through Revelation’s stunning gallery. Carey orients us to a ‘faithful and true’ focus on the ‘faithful and true’ Christ—a vital corrective to fanciful and false readings of Revelation that remain wildly popular.”—F. Scott Spencer, author of Salty Wives, Spirited Mothers, and Savvy Widows What should modern readers make of the wildly fantastical Revelation to John? New Testament scholar Greg Carey offers an accessible guide to the daunting Book of Revelation, inviting us not to decode every symbol or tame every dragon, but rather to engage the urgent questions of power and loyalty.

Another Scroll
Another Scroll

Author: Amy G. S. A. Brooks

Publisher: The Pilgrim Press

Published: 2021-11-15

Total Pages: 110

ISBN-13: 0829821848

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“A timely and poetic journey through sacred texts that causes the reader to pause and consider matters worthy of our action, repentance and transformation. Another Scroll is in defiance to oppression and encouraging to the work of liberation.”—The Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, Associate Professor of Constructive Theology, Meadville Lombard Theological School. To the Revised Common Lectionary, Amy G. S. A. Brooks adds another scroll of holy texts: gritty, fiercely loving, justice-minded poems that defy theological oppression. Another Scroll: Defiant Readings for Lectionary Year C is a sacred invitation to open the scripture and allow it to unfurl with the courageous affirmation of every reader. As Brooks notes, “Beloved, in case no one has told you: you are whole, you are holy, you are wholly loved.”

Whose Land? Whose Promise?
Whose Land? Whose Promise?

Author: Gary M. Burge

Publisher: Paternoster

Published: 2005-05-01

Total Pages: 286

ISBN-13: 9781842273845

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This book is a powerful, prophetic call for justice that all Christians with an interest in the Middle East ought to ponder carefully Whose Land? Whose Promise? Is a passionate and personal set of reflections about the crisis in the Middle East, born out of personal experience, and historical and theological study. Untold and heartbreaking stories from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are combined with the insights of a biblical scholar with a passion for justice. Burge wrestles with questions such as: How do I embrace my commitment to Judaism, a commitment to which I am bound by the Bible, when I sense in my deepest being that there is a profound injustice about Israel? How do I celebrate the birth of this nation Israel when I also mourn the suffering of Arab Christians who are equally my brothers and sisters in Christ? How do I love those Palestinian Muslims who are deeply misunderstood by all parties in this conflict?

Going to Wait!
Going to Wait!

Author: James Abbington

Publisher: GIA Publications

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 128

ISBN-13: 9781579992620

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"Resourceful and easy-to-use, Going to Wait! is a ground-breaking book designed to assist worship leaders and musicians of the Black church in their ministries. Authors Rev. Dr. Linda H. Hollies and Dr. James Abbington have created an indispensable guide to Sunday worship preparation for between Pentecost and Advent, calling congregations to celebrate the cycle of the Christian year and follow the suggested scripture readings of the Revised Common Lectionary. Going to Wait! is a companion volume to Waiting to Go! (GIA), which covers Advent through Pentecost. For each Sunday and other holy days, scripture references are given along with suggested altar and banner colors. Rev. Dr. Hollies includes prayers, a short focus essay with sermon ideas, suggestions for visual art, and more. Dr. Abbington brings his expertise in music to the planning. Based on seven major African-American worship hymnals, he suggests appropriate hymns, as well as anthems, spirituals, gospel songs, and organ music for each service. Sure to compliment the traditions of all types of congregations, Going to Wait! is an excellent reference for all who lead African-American Christian worship today!"--Back cover.