tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34723836543390398862024-03-13T15:26:05.651-07:00The Pilgrim PressKimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472383654339039886.post-54817000694526753392013-01-08T08:37:00.002-08:002013-01-08T08:49:42.339-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">MISSION 4/1 EARTH</span></strong></div>
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<strong>"ONE UNITED CHURCH on a shared resurrection witness for Planet Earth during 50
great days of greening up, powering down, and shouting out."</strong></div>
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Over the last few years, the global community has felt the harsh impact of hurricanes, tornadoes, mass floodings, tsunamis, wildfires, earthquakes, snowstorms, and blizzards. Global warming is now a household word that causes each of us to care for the earth. From April 1 - May 19, 2013, the United Church of Christ will embark on 50 days of planting, pruning, conserving, saving, and caring for God's earth. You can be a part of this historic event by visiting <a href="http://www.ucc.org/earth">www.ucc.org/earth</a>. In the meantime to help you get started, order one or all of Pilgrim's books that will help you begin this fantastic 50 day journey of reclaiming and renewing our earth space.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Do882Fhg7u0/T5CJ0b_InmI/AAAAAAAAADI/uK0sAUbTroQ/s1600/9780829818185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Do882Fhg7u0/T5CJ0b_InmI/AAAAAAAAADI/uK0sAUbTroQ/s200/9780829818185.jpg" width="133" /></a><strong>Ecofaith: Creating and Sustaining Green Congregations</strong> by Charlene Hosenfeld </div>
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Find practical and useful suggestions on how you can help to sustain the earth in your church as well as in your home. Each chapter has an extensive list of facts, actions and resources that are easy to use.</div>
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<a href="http://www.ucc.org/earth/images/return.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Return Blessings" border="0" src="http://www.ucc.org/earth/images/return.jpg" width="150" /></a><strong>Return Blessings: Ecofeminist Liturgies Renewing the Earth</strong> by Diann Neu</div>
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Using the framework of the four seasons, New presents sixteen liturgies that are designed to celebrate the sacred power that originates and emanates from the Earth. </div>
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<a class="MagicThumb" href="https://secure3.convio.net/ucc/site/magicthumb/images/wormwatching900.jpg" id="mt-363307148961" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; z-index: 70001;"><img alt="Worm Watching" height="200" src="https://secure3.convio.net/ucc/magicthumb/images/wormwatching150.jpg" width="142" /></a><strong>Worm Watching: And Other Wonderful Ways to Teach Children to Pray</strong> by Ann V. Ingalls & Maryann Macdonald<br />
Ingalls and Macdonald, two sisters who enjoy writing together, have included wonderful ways to include toddlers and small children in caring for the earth while learning how to pray.Wind: Invisible Power, Frogs: Nature Appreciation are just two of the stories to engage little ones.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ucc.org/earth/images/splendor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="http://www.ucc.org/earth/images/splendor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Splendor of Creation" border="0" src="http://www.ucc.org/earth/images/splendor.jpg" width="150" /></a><strong>The Splendor of Creation: A Biblical Ecology</strong> by Ellen Bernstein<br />
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Using her Jewish faith, and her passion for nature and religion, Bernstein has painted a "story about a story on creation" -- Genesis. "This book considers the mysteries of creation and offers back a reverence for life and a creation ethic. In the end, the earth will become whole as we become whole, when we see nature as integral to our identities and stewardship as an extension of our everyday lives." </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNtWbhpoym8/T5CLUdgdHNI/AAAAAAAAADQ/DQrWk13Tx4Q/s1600/9780829818772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNtWbhpoym8/T5CLUdgdHNI/AAAAAAAAADQ/DQrWk13Tx4Q/s200/9780829818772.jpg" width="161" /></a><strong>What's So Amazing about Polar Bears? Teaching Kids to Care for Creation</strong> by Randy Hammer, Kristin Evans, & Suzanne Blokland<br />
An ideal resource for young children, this interactive resource includes an ecology theme with a scriptural background for study, discussion, and fun. Children will explore ways to care for God's earth and God's inhabitants.<strong></strong><br />
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<a class="MagicThumb" href="https://secure3.convio.net/ucc/site/magicthumb/images/9780829819410.jpg" id="mt-979905198767" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; z-index: 70001;"><img alt="God's Blue Earth" src="https://secure3.convio.net/ucc/magicthumb/images/9780829819410130.jpg" /></a><strong>God's Blue Earth: Teaching Kids to Celebrate the Sacred Gifts of Water</strong> by Suzanne Blokland and Randy Hammer<br />
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Children love to play in water, whether splashing around in the pool, blowing
bubbles or the joy of bath time. God’s Blue Earth includes six interactive,
Christian-based lessons. Each lesson includes fun scientific facts with Biblical
reinforcement, hands-on activities to engage children and emphasis on the
importance of water conservation.</div>
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To order any of the above books, please visit, <a href="http://www.thepilgrimpress.com/">www.thepilgrimpress.com</a>. </div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472383654339039886.post-19198123244573804312012-11-06T14:10:00.001-08:002012-11-06T14:23:10.441-08:00<div style="text-align: left;">
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YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE</h2>
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The Pilgrim Press Writers Conference was a Great Success! </h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7da5IBg6Dv0/UJlu94bTbFI/AAAAAAAAARo/pHGpbZ-mEys/s1600/Presenter+1+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7da5IBg6Dv0/UJlu94bTbFI/AAAAAAAAARo/pHGpbZ-mEys/s200/Presenter+1+closeup.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCR2EwSR1f8/UJmMNNCpcMI/AAAAAAAAATE/5cbBZ2gYr1I/s1600/Presenter+1+receives+question.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CCR2EwSR1f8/UJmMNNCpcMI/AAAAAAAAATE/5cbBZ2gYr1I/s200/Presenter+1+receives+question.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7da5IBg6Dv0/UJlu94bTbFI/AAAAAAAAARo/pHGpbZ-mEys/s1600/Presenter+1+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Keynote presenter George Fraser shared a wealth of information on all aspects of book publishing. He encouraged writers to be disciplined, and to use all that is around them for story ideas in a manila folder. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5akSKYc8JB8/UJmMmzhSzYI/AAAAAAAAATU/Al8Vai4Jf0o/s1600/Presenter+3+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5akSKYc8JB8/UJmMmzhSzYI/AAAAAAAAATU/Al8Vai4Jf0o/s200/Presenter+3+closeup.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59TLmRGPr70/UJlvArXepuI/AAAAAAAAARw/7JJ8XfSzsa4/s1600/audience+question+from+copy+editor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59TLmRGPr70/UJlvArXepuI/AAAAAAAAARw/7JJ8XfSzsa4/s200/audience+question+from+copy+editor.jpg" width="200" /></a>Kris Firth, copy editor extraordinaire makes a point during her session on "The Right Way to Write: Manuscript Preparation for Print." </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lx_b5zhmwX4/UJlvGH7gyMI/AAAAAAAAAR4/n2DIIewjjXY/s1600/Presenter+2+closeup+smiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lx_b5zhmwX4/UJlvGH7gyMI/AAAAAAAAAR4/n2DIIewjjXY/s200/Presenter+2+closeup+smiling.jpg" width="200" /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gVo0QPv0ks/UJmMRlfCg2I/AAAAAAAAATM/FdC3_DSmnfY/s1600/Presenter+2+wide+shot+with+audience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2gVo0QPv0ks/UJmMRlfCg2I/AAAAAAAAATM/FdC3_DSmnfY/s200/Presenter+2+wide+shot+with+audience.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lx_b5zhmwX4/UJlvGH7gyMI/AAAAAAAAAR4/n2DIIewjjXY/s1600/Presenter+2+closeup+smiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Bestselling author, Barbara Essex, author of <em>Bad Girls of the Bible: Exploring Women of Questionable Virtue</em>, shares a smile from a comment made by an inquisitive participant. </a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TsfAqVrmCTg/UJld19tLAwI/AAAAAAAAARI/11FSuJTm9cY/s1600/audience+member+laughing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TsfAqVrmCTg/UJld19tLAwI/AAAAAAAAARI/11FSuJTm9cY/s200/audience+member+laughing.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56zkJ-Eq6FU/UJld86RB07I/AAAAAAAAARQ/0sPlzqALUM0/s1600/Audience+wide+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56zkJ-Eq6FU/UJld86RB07I/AAAAAAAAARQ/0sPlzqALUM0/s200/Audience+wide+shot.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e-t9E0IbsYI/UJmGws2D51I/AAAAAAAAASo/MamobY-TJIU/s1600/Question+from+audience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e-t9E0IbsYI/UJmGws2D51I/AAAAAAAAASo/MamobY-TJIU/s200/Question+from+audience.jpg" width="200" /></a>Writers had questions on multiple topics of concern. They received useful and quality information from the presenters.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kYQOmGL9W-Q/UJmF2J3PIBI/AAAAAAAAASY/tVv8xkIJY0w/s1600/all+3+authors+panel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kYQOmGL9W-Q/UJmF2J3PIBI/AAAAAAAAASY/tVv8xkIJY0w/s200/all+3+authors+panel.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Maren Tirabassi, Barbara Essex, and Randy Hammer discussed "Book Publishing in the Electronic Age" during the closing presentation.</div>
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<strong>Here are some comments from participants</strong>:</div>
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"It was exactly what I was looking for and expecting it to be. Thank you!"<br />
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"What a wonderful and inspiring way to spend an Autumn afternoon with outstanding authors in a safe, welcoming space to learn, and grow in our writing and publishing skills"<br />
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"Thank you for the diversity of authors and topics."<br />
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"Thank you Pilgrim Press for organizing a day to promote writng. It 's energizing to be part of a roomful of creative people."</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472383654339039886.post-23633689038338287732012-10-12T11:45:00.002-07:002012-10-12T11:50:37.577-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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FALLING FOR PILGRIM PRESS BOOKS</h2>
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It's fall and The Pilgrim Press debuts it new list of books! It includes resources for clergy, women. lay leaders, and church historians.</div>
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<strong>Sermon Seeds - Year C </strong></div>
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<strong>Inclusive Reflections for Preaching from the United Church of Christ</strong><br />
<strong>Kathryn Matthews Huey</strong></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTdmOtVyxKM/UCEf5SVNTZI/AAAAAAAAAN8/CnrXhecCvWA/s1600/9780829819403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTdmOtVyxKM/UCEf5SVNTZI/AAAAAAAAAN8/CnrXhecCvWA/s200/9780829819403.jpg" width="133" /></a>Undoubtedly, Sermon Seeds will be one of the most useful resources for pastors. The popular UCC portal containing "commentary" on lectionary texts, Sermon Seeds, is now available in print. This resource will also be available in PDF and eBook formats so that pastors can prepare their sermons with the technology of their choice. Written by Rev. Kate Huey, Sermon Seeds has provided thousands of clergy with valuable information to prepare their sermons.</div>
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<strong>52 Ways to Ignite Your Congregation...Bible Study</strong></div>
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<strong>Barbara J. Essex</strong></div>
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Nearly every church has a special day of the week when Bible study is held. But how well attended is Bible study? Be honest, do you regularly attend Bible study at your church? Bestselling author Barbara Essex has some great ideas that will help clergy and lay leaders ignite Bible study. Essex asks, "Who doesn't enjoy a good story? Want family drama? Murder and mayhem? International espionage and cold war tactics?" "The Bible is filled with interesting characters, life-changing scenarios, sticky situations, and unpredictable outcomes." So add some drama to your Bible study class!</div>
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<strong>Unexpected Grace: Preaching Good News from Difficult Texts</strong><br />
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<strong>Gennifer Benjamin Brooks</strong></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1rmkQIq8bds/UCAswbDHIjI/AAAAAAAAANc/IEiWKScuFa4/s1600/9780829819380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1rmkQIq8bds/UCAswbDHIjI/AAAAAAAAANc/IEiWKScuFa4/s200/9780829819380.jpg" width="129" /></a>Here's the ideal text for pastor's who wrestle with and/or totally avoid preaching difficult texts. According to Brooks, the chapters in <em>Unexpected Grace</em> "provides a foundation for understanding the challenge of preaching past the difficulty in biblical texts in a way that offers genuine good news. It addresses difficulty of preaching good news when the text seems to reveal a picture of God that is contrary to human expectation or when it seems that God is uncaring, absent, or uninvolved in the lives of God's people. It looks at family systems as they are portrayed in scripture, especially when they represent dysfunction. It turns the spotlight on human nature revealed in the shaping of and life in community and it looks at biblical texts whose difficulty arises mainly from their use in particular contexts." Those who are responsible for preaching the good news will see difficult texts from a different lens.<br />
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<strong>Prayers from Riverside, Updated</strong></div>
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<strong>Leo S. Thorne, editor</strong></div>
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<strong>The Riverside Preachers, Updated</strong></div>
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Two classic Pilgrim Press books about the historic Riverside Church in New York City have been revived! <em>Prayers from Riverside</em> has beautifully written prayers by senior ministers from Riverside Church, Harry Emerson Fosdick, Robert McCracken, Ernest Campbell, William Sloane Coffin, Jr., Eugene Laubach, George Thomas and James Forbes, Jr. It also includes the rich and vibrant voices of two women clergy, Fanny Erickson and Joan Kavanaugh. </div>
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<em>The Riverside Preachers</em> brings the sermons of Fosdick, McCraken, Campbell and Coffin back to life. You can experience today, the words of clergy from yesterday who transformed America through peace, hope, and justice.</div>
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<strong>Growing Older, Thinking Younger: Ministry with Boomers</strong></div>
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<strong>Keith Haemmelmann</strong></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jnE7thZWlUk/UHhfx6EuvpI/AAAAAAAAAQY/CYob29LuY5M/s1600/boomerssmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jnE7thZWlUk/UHhfx6EuvpI/AAAAAAAAAQY/CYob29LuY5M/s1600/boomerssmall.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Certainly, it's no surprise to anyone that "boomers are in and here to stay!" Haemmelmann provides clergy and lay leaders with tried and true ways to engage boomers. According to Haemmelmann, "America <u><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">is</span></u><i> </i>aging, and our churches are aging along with
it. This could be viewed as a pattern for despair, but I would choose to
see it as an occasion for great hope. For the irony of it all is, as
America grows older, our churches have the opportunity to become younger --
focusing on the Boomers coming our way. The challenge for ministry is to
recognize their uniqueness, identifying the means by which to meet their needs,
focus for their energy, fulfill their drive for purpose, while spiritually
enabling them to grow." Every mainline church in America will benefit from this learning.</span></div>
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<strong>It's Your Time to Shine! Weekly Spiritual Reflections for Women</strong></div>
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<strong>Nicole Roberts Jones</strong></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msM_sBZyOKs/UHhfPVCbLtI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/0jJIAf2omHE/s1600/9780829819670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msM_sBZyOKs/UHhfPVCbLtI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/0jJIAf2omHE/s200/9780829819670.jpg" width="129" /></a>Can a sister get a little help? Help is exactly what Jones has in store for African American women in particular and women in general through the transforming and empowering story of Queen Esther. Through 52 weekly devotions, Jones, a life coach, discusses the following topics: <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">setting long-term goals, in a society that often
encourages short-term gratification; the problems of self-image in an
environment where negative images prevail; recognizing the difference between
positive relationships and potentially toxic relationships; valuing your own
time and talents;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>learning to bolster
self esteem; making career and life choices; and learning to make dreams into
reality. This book will definitely enable you to let your light shine!</span>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472383654339039886.post-49321732819010402972012-09-25T08:48:00.000-07:002012-09-26T13:09:15.888-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>SIGN UP FOR THE PILGRIM PRESS</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>WRITERS CONFERENCE TODAY!</strong></span></div>
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You have 12 days left -- and counting down -- to get your seat at The Pilgrim Press Writers Conference!</div>
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Aspiring and published authors from as far away as Maryland, Florida, Minnesota, and Texas will be in Cleveland, Ohio for one of the best writer's conferences held this year.<br />
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<strong>But I don't see your name on my guest list!</strong></div>
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If you are thinking about joining us, but still can't make up your mind, answer the five questions below. If you answer "Yes" to more than one question, then you need to go to <a href="http://www.thepilgrimpress.com/writersconference">www.thepilgrimpress.com\writersconference</a> today and register for the conference:<br />
Have you ever wanted to be a published author?<br />
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<li>Do you have a manuscript stored in your computer that's needs to find a home with the right publisher?</li>
<li>Have you started to write that great novel or self-help book than gave up? </li>
<li>Do you want to get your creative juices flowing but need to be around like-minded creative people?</li>
<li>Do you need to learn more about writing and what it takes to get published?</li>
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Well, if "Yes" has been your answer to more than one question, let your family and friends know that you will be in Cleveland on October 18th to prepare for your life as a published author!<br />
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<strong>I can't wait to meet you and to talk with you!</strong> </div>
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<strong>Sign up today!</strong></div>
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<strong><a href="http://www.thepilgrimpress.com/writersconference">www.thepilgrimpress.com\writersconference</a> </strong></div>
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See you next month!</div>
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Kim</div>
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472383654339039886.post-51141823748165828322012-08-07T09:40:00.000-07:002012-08-07T14:34:42.602-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><strong>CLAIM YOUR SEAT TODAY AT</strong></span><br />
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<strong>THE PILGRIM PRESS WRITERS CONFERENCE!</strong></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">I invite all aspiring writers, experienced writers and published writers to join me on Thursday, October 18th at the Radisson Gateway Hotel in downtown Cleveland for the best Writers Conference being held in northeast Ohio this year! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">The Pilgrim Press will host its first writers conference. An informative and exciting day of workshops has been planned with a focus on current publishing trends critical to any and every writer. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LUU1E4GkUys/UCEwHoCHDHI/AAAAAAAAAOU/Kg68m0iMQhk/s1600/GeorgeFraser2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LUU1E4GkUys/UCEwHoCHDHI/AAAAAAAAAOU/Kg68m0iMQhk/s200/GeorgeFraser2.jpg" width="155" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Your day begins at 9:00 a.m. with George Fraser, critically-acclaimed bestselling author and authority on networking. George will get you motivated and engaged with his presentation on <strong>Perfect Pitch: Writing a Strong Hook for Your Book. </strong></span>Your day will close at 4:00 p.m. with a panel discussion on<strong> Book Publishing in the Electronic Age</strong> with Pilgrim authors, Barbara Essex, Randy Hammer, and Maren Tirabassi. <br />
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Throughout the day, you will get a wealth of information in workshops designed for writers at every level. Additionally, you will enjoy a networking lunch where you can speak with presenters and your peers. <br />
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<strong>Early-bird registration is only $149 and ends on August 31st. Registration will be $199 from September 1 through October 8th. REGISTER NOW at: <a href="http://act.ucc.org/site/Calendar?id=101341&view=Detail">http://act.ucc.org/site/Calendar?id=101341&view=Detail</a></strong></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sG_YYNOJpII/UCEwO_rAj5I/AAAAAAAAAOc/PPrmO_52yRM/s1600/P27+(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sG_YYNOJpII/UCEwO_rAj5I/AAAAAAAAAOc/PPrmO_52yRM/s200/P27+(4).jpg" width="160" /></a></ul>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cy7xd7DeztY/UCExOR0_GNI/AAAAAAAAAOo/kStM9S1TR1g/s1600/Maren+retouched_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cy7xd7DeztY/UCExOR0_GNI/AAAAAAAAAOo/kStM9S1TR1g/s200/Maren+retouched_1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><strong>Writing Dynamic Devotionals: Inspirational Writing for Faith and Profit</strong> with bestselling Pilgrim author, Maren Tirabassi. Maren is a poet, liturgical writer, performer and teacher of poetry and memoir. She teaches writing in public schools, ELL classes, correctional institutions and senior centers. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ksFeESq0lTc/UCExfD2iY3I/AAAAAAAAAOw/dID3DshsGmU/s1600/DSC_0425+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ksFeESq0lTc/UCExfD2iY3I/AAAAAAAAAOw/dID3DshsGmU/s200/DSC_0425+(2).JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><strong>From Proclamation to Print: Making the Transition from Sermon Writing to Publication</strong> with Pilgrim author, Randy Hammer. Randy is the author and co-author of several books: The <em>Talking Stick: 40 Children's Sermons with Activities</em>, <em>What's So Amazing about Polar Bears: Teaching Kids to Care for Creation</em>, and <em>God's Blue Earth: Teaching Kids to Celebrate the Sacred Gift of Water</em> which will be released in Spring 2013.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ8fApZjUFE/UCEx7eHvd0I/AAAAAAAAAO4/SrU0wAVJ6Xo/s1600/DSCN4490_edited+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ8fApZjUFE/UCEx7eHvd0I/AAAAAAAAAO4/SrU0wAVJ6Xo/s200/DSCN4490_edited+(2).jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><strong>Publicists and Agents: What You Need to Know</strong> with former Associate Publisher and Marketing Director of Judson Press, Linda Peavy. Linda is owner of LiPav Consulting, a marketing and publishing consulting company servicing authors and companies across the country.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64F8uTUMaQY/UCEyHLL2dJI/AAAAAAAAAPA/ezTYc-TB1cM/s1600/Kris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-64F8uTUMaQY/UCEyHLL2dJI/AAAAAAAAAPA/ezTYc-TB1cM/s200/Kris.jpg" width="150" /></a><strong>The Right Way to Write: Manuscript Preparation for Print </strong>with Kristin Firth, expert copy editor. Kristin has more than 30 years experience in editing, copy writing, and proofreading in book, magazine, and health communications publishing.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bXLo7PwDMko/UCEyOzBCs7I/AAAAAAAAAPI/fLGIKV6VdfE/s1600/paul-hobson-sadler-2009-photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bXLo7PwDMko/UCEyOzBCs7I/AAAAAAAAAPI/fLGIKV6VdfE/s200/paul-hobson-sadler-2009-photo.jpg" width="191" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><strong>Building Your Platform: Is Your Network Following You?</strong> facilitated by Pilgrim author Paul Hobson Sadler, Sr. Paul is an author, consultant and coach. He has effectively used social media and his merchandising skills to build a platform that has helped him reach a global market and sell thousands of books.</span><br />
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I know you are as excited as I am about this event so claim your seat today! <br />
<a href="http://act.ucc.org/site/Calendar?id=101341&view=Detail">http://act.ucc.org/site/Calendar?id=101341&view=Detail</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>PRAY!</strong></span></div>
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With a tone of utter sadness laced in her voice, my girlfriend asked me the question, "What else is going to happen in this world?! You can't go to the movies without someone getting killed. You can't go to the corner store without getting killed. In Syria, they can kill a woman in the street while people cheer. They're killing people in Israel where Jesus was born! Dear God!!" </div>
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Her fear and frustration came from the news report that an unidentified man had killed 12 people and wounded 50 others at a Colorado movie theater during the debut of the movie, "The Dark Knight Rises." She, like I, was trying to understand how anyone could plan and execute such a demonic plot. <br />
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"PRAY!" I said. "Pray for the deceased and their families. Pray for the murderer and his family."
I am a firm believer in the power of prayer. In Scripture, we learn that Jesus persistently prayed for others and with others. More importantly, Jesus taught us that GOD IS IN CHARGE." Praying is a simple gesture that can take less than a minute. I know people who pray more than an hour in their desire to commune with God. <br />
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Several years ago, I wanted to develop a resource that would help busy people get in the habit of <em>opening their Bible and taking time during the day to pray</em>. This annual resource became <em>The Book of Daily Prayer, Morning and Evening</em>. Today, <em>The Living Book of Daily Prayer, Morning and Evening</em> is available to help people develop a prayer life. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChKsdd-yY2I/UAqbIv7CevI/AAAAAAAAAMw/VoNyPNPylwg/s1600/Colorado_Shooting__CMG_support_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChKsdd-yY2I/UAqbIv7CevI/AAAAAAAAAMw/VoNyPNPylwg/s200/Colorado_Shooting__CMG_support_2.jpg" width="143" /></a>Later, I learned that the alleged killer is a 24 year old man named James Eagan Holmes. "Wow!" I said to myself. <br />
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Pray for James. Pray for the world. Pray for yourself. Pray for me. And while you're at it, pray for my friend. Amen.</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472383654339039886.post-14756065580357478802012-07-13T13:29:00.000-07:002012-07-13T13:29:02.030-07:00<div id="cboxOverlay" style="display: none;">
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">CATCH THE SPIRIT - IGNITE YOUR YOUTH MINISTRY!</span></strong></div>
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<a href="http://www.ucc.org/youth/nye" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="National Youth Event, July 10-13, 2012, Purdue University" border="0" height="137" src="http://www.ucc.org/youth/nye/2012header/header_03_1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><span></span></div>
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This week, thousands of youth, their parents, youth ministers, and staff members of the United Church of Christ converged on Purdue University's campus for the UCC National Youth Event. Those who attended have been immeasurably blessed by the presence of the Holy Spirit flowing through each workshop, presentation, friendships made, mission projects and gatherings. There is nothing more powerful than being ignited with the touch of the Holy. So in the spirit of the UCC National Youth Event, catch the Spirit and ignite your youth ministry with the following Pilgrim Press titles. The first five titles were developed out of the research and practices of the Duke University Youth Academy for Christian Formation.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cbu51xPuTnQ/UABvPHybAXI/AAAAAAAAALc/bJgfCujGGV4/s1600/9780829818536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cbu51xPuTnQ/UABvPHybAXI/AAAAAAAAALc/bJgfCujGGV4/s200/9780829818536.jpg" width="133" /></a><em>Holy Things for Youth Ministry: A Guide to Book, Bath, Table, and Time</em> edited by Brian Hardesty-Crouch. A curriculum designed for those who are experienced youth leaders, contributors to this title build on the resource by Fred Edie, <em>Book, Bath, Table, and Time. </em>Hands-on exercises to prepare the leader for ministry and activities for youth are provided. </div>
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<em>Book, Bath, Table, and Time: Christian Worship as Source and Resource for Youth Ministry</em> by Fred Edie provides youth ministers, congregational leaders, and seminary students with ideas for and suggestions on how to practice the liturgical holy things -- Scripture (book), baptism (bath), Holy Communion (table), and calendar (time). This blue print shares stories of how congregations can fully engage their youth within the church.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-px4_NOsZTmc/UAB5ArjCLcI/AAAAAAAAAL0/7bWuxQqktS0/s1600/924985871_custom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-px4_NOsZTmc/UAB5ArjCLcI/AAAAAAAAAL0/7bWuxQqktS0/s200/924985871_custom.jpg" width="133" /></a><em>Branded: Adolescents Converting from Consumer Faith</em> by Katherine Turpin, integrates the author's experiences with stories from young people and examines three issues: 1) The distortion of adolescent vocation in a consumer-focused culture; 2) the dream that adolescents would discover the freedom to live into a vocational path void of the consumer culture and 3) an educational process of imagination that would allow for such freedom of vocational development.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbIKO-Qz3H8/UAB7hxALznI/AAAAAAAAAMA/2pvKYFMLTwE/s1600/0829816313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lbIKO-Qz3H8/UAB7hxALznI/AAAAAAAAAMA/2pvKYFMLTwE/s200/0829816313.jpg" width="133" /></a><em>Practicing Discernment with Youth: A Transformative Youth Ministry</em> <em>Approach</em> by David F. White shares ways in which those who do ministry with youth can invite young people to be Christian disciples.It provides the skills for leaders to bring the gospel into creative tension with the questions and circumstances of our lives and those of our youth -- including questions of lifestyle, vocation and social responsibility.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dc0WN5SwOjI/UAB9JD8znLI/AAAAAAAAAMI/QlAENYilTfs/s1600/9780829817263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dc0WN5SwOjI/UAB9JD8znLI/AAAAAAAAAMI/QlAENYilTfs/s200/9780829817263.jpg" width="133" /></a><em>Lives to Offer: Accompanying Youth on their Vocational Quests</em> by Dori Grinenko Baker and Joyce Ann Mercer "propose a vision of youth ministry as a companioned walk with young people in search of vocation. In this vision, faith communities provide companions -- parents, other adults, and peers -- as faithful sojourners with youth in search of compelling ways to 'offer their lives' in response to God's call."</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EQcXhNeiDlc/UAB-l5gJTzI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/1gm5SZXXZwI/s1600/9780829818406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EQcXhNeiDlc/UAB-l5gJTzI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/1gm5SZXXZwI/s200/9780829818406.jpg" width="133" /></a><em>Kitchen Table Youth Ministry: Inviting God to Dinner</em> by Jana Strukova proposes a narrative model of youth ministry in which youth are nurtured into the life of the Christian faith through stories and conversations. Strukova provides a set of practices that can be used in homes and churches.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hXGs93MDfUU/UACAVQeZQ5I/AAAAAAAAAMc/ua6CdxC4njA/s1600/9780829818840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hXGs93MDfUU/UACAVQeZQ5I/AAAAAAAAAMc/ua6CdxC4njA/s200/9780829818840.jpg" width="129" /></a><em>52 Ways to Ignite Your Congregation...Youth Ministry</em> by Steven Case offers practical suggestions that can be easily implemented in any youth ministry. Tips such as "Mountain Dew is a Youth Ministry Tool" and "Eminem, Not M&M's will capture the imagination.</div>
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Visit: <a href="https://secure3.convio.net/ucc/site/Ecommerce/238059998?store_id=2541">https://secure3.convio.net/ucc/site/Ecommerce/238059998?store_id=2541</a> for copies of these great resources.</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472383654339039886.post-74519342762363971882012-07-06T13:37:00.001-07:002012-07-06T13:37:25.133-07:00<div align="center">
<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Are we forgotting about HIV/AIDS?</strong></span></div>
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Last week, Americans were largely focused on the Supreme Court ruling of "Obamacare." Many people -- especially our media outlets -- minimized or neglected to cover the eighteenth National HIV AIDS Testing Day held on June 27. Clearly, HIV AIDS isn't the leading story of the day. Maybe it's because of groundbreaking drugs that enable people to live longer. Who knows. But one thing for sure, AIDS is still ravaging people around the globe and it is now capturing a new population in the United States.<br />
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We are all familiar with the AIDS pandemic in Africa. Regretfully, statistics show that the total number of people living with HIV in Asia is growing. Nearly 4.8 million people in Asia are infected with AIDS. Around half (2.4 million) of these were in India followed by China (740,000), Thailand (530,000) and Myanmar (240,000). Many of these cases are caused by intervenous drug use. More alarming in the United States, however, is the increase of younger African Americans. <br />
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In 2002, The Pilgrim Press published, <em>Manna in the Wilderness of AIDS: Ten Lessons in Abundance</em> by Kenwyn K. Smith. Smith shares the moving story of a church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania trying to find its way after the sudden death of their beloved pastor. Learning that hunger and the lack of housing were key problems confronting AIDS patients, a courageous group of church members decided that their "mission was to ensure that in the Philadelphia region, no man, woman, or child who was home bound and ill with HIV?AIDS ever went hungry again." The ten critical lessons learned can minister to anyone who wants to step out on faith and provide manna to those in need.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwWpu_vPSxM/T_dCVLfAzeI/AAAAAAAAALI/nozNzvRPug8/s1600/9780829816380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwWpu_vPSxM/T_dCVLfAzeI/AAAAAAAAALI/nozNzvRPug8/s200/9780829816380.jpg" width="133" /></a>In the words of Bishop John Shelby Spong, Rev. Dr. Yvette Flunder, pastor of City of Refuge United Church of Christ in San Francisco, "bridges gaps that some do not even admit exist." Why does he say this? Because Flunder ministers to people who are recovering from substance abuse, in therapy, undocumented, physically and emotionally disabled, recently incarcerated, living with HIV/AIDS, same gender loving, and transgendered. In <em>Where the Edge Gathers: Building a Community of Radical Inclusion,</em> Flunder shows readers how to create, sustain, celebrate and preach to the community of faith.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8OZ88gbgskU/T_dEVH8ARUI/AAAAAAAAALQ/1BeSJ-sqn0s/s1600/9780829818031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8OZ88gbgskU/T_dEVH8ARUI/AAAAAAAAALQ/1BeSJ-sqn0s/s200/9780829818031.jpg" width="133" /></a>In spite of the increasing number of people of color being affected with HIV/AIDS in the 21st century -- and especially African Americans -- some black pastors refuse to preach/teach about HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, some ignore and/or ridiculed the LGBTQ community. Rev. Dr. Marvin A. McMickle penned, <em>A Time to Speak: How Black Pastors Can Respond to the HIV/AIDS Pandemic </em>to address this malady. Who better to write such a book than the former pastor of Antioch Baptist Church where the Agape Program was found. The Agape Program was the first Ohio faith-based AIDS service organization and the only African American AIDS service organization when it was formed in 1999. Using the themes found in Ecclesiastes 3, McMickle "preaches" to his peers in an effort to "open their eyes and heart."<br />
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Today, HIV/AIDS might not capture the top news spot, but tomorrow, there will be people newly diagnosed with it. And for that reason, we can't forget about it. <br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472383654339039886.post-42944313196644275742012-06-28T13:53:00.003-07:002012-06-28T13:53:33.363-07:00<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>WHAT CAN WE DO NOW? </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>AFFORDABLE CARE ACT UPHELD</strong></span></div>
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Even before President Obama's Affordable Care Act was born into reality on March 23, 2010, it would have an unhealthy beginning. Not unlike a premature baby fighting to survive, "Obamacare" was faced with a barrage of threatening and crippling blows -- all designed to stunt it's growth. </div>
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I had been anxious all morning and refused to do my daily ritual -- pressing the on switch of my radio to hear my favorite NPR programs. I felt like Glenda, the good witch in the Broadway musical, The Wiz, who belted out the famous line, "Don't you bring me, no bad news!!" Yes, I prayed for the Supreme Court justices and their decision but I just didn't want to hear <em>any</em> bad news! So, I resisted the urge to turn on my radio. </div>
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A little after 11:00 a.m., however, I inhaled deeply and turned on my radio. And to my utter surprise, I heard the reporter say that the Supreme Court had upheld President Obama's heath care law. I was so pleased with their decision!</div>
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Now that the Supreme Court -- and especially Justice Roberts -- has upheld the Act, what might congregations of faith do to extend their ministry to "the least of these?" And why is it especially important for communities of faith to consider this question now ? It's quite clear that the battle to maintain the Affordable Care Act isn't over. Therefore, I believe that congregations can benefit their surrounding community and church family, by developing ministries of health. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ksFGqybj-As/T-yrS_4zjcI/AAAAAAAAAKU/FhCCXWdbD7o/s1600/1668136875_custom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ksFGqybj-As/T-yrS_4zjcI/AAAAAAAAAKU/FhCCXWdbD7o/s1600/1668136875_custom.jpg" /></a>As a good start, congregations can read <em>Standing in the Margin: How Your Congregation Can Minister with the Poor (and perhaps recover its soul in the process)</em> by Mary Alice Mulligan and Rufus Burrow, Jr. This small-group study book offers a important first steps that a congregation can take to live out their beliefs in faithful ways. In essence, it helps church folk to start <em>doing</em> church rather than <em>acting</em> like church.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wzmwas73ZT4/T-y5LxiFKnI/AAAAAAAAAKw/P0AM-wZoRmY/s1600/995280260_custom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wzmwas73ZT4/T-y5LxiFKnI/AAAAAAAAAKw/P0AM-wZoRmY/s200/995280260_custom.jpg" width="130" /></a>The Pilgrim Press has published three other critical titles that pastors and congregants can use to extend what Mulligan and Burrow shares. According to Mary Chase-Ziolek author of <em>Health, Healing & Wholeness: Engaging Congregations in Ministries of Health</em>, "The faith and health ministries movement began with a few fledgling groups in the 1980s working primarily with the models of parish nursing and lay health educators. Over time, it has grown to embrace diverse health ministry approaches and expanded to include community-based faith and health partnerships....." She believes that pastors who are knowledgeable about the integration of faith and health, when the time comes, will be just as likely to initiate health ministries as a health professional. Useful questions and ideas are throughout the book.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8kW6w0UXYYU/T-y45cHnmNI/AAAAAAAAAKo/zrgV3I1LMY0/s1600/9780829818499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8kW6w0UXYYU/T-y45cHnmNI/AAAAAAAAAKo/zrgV3I1LMY0/s200/9780829818499.jpg" width="129" /></a>Deborah Patterson, in both of her books, <em>Health Ministries: A Primer for Clergy and Congregations</em> and <em>The Healing Word: Preaching & Teaching Health Ministry</em>, teaches pastors and congregations about the importance of parish nurses and the need to organize a parish nurse ministry. <em>Health Ministries</em> helps congregations to see that parish nursing is a viable ministry that can support and multiply the many health ministries that already exist in congregations such as sick visitation, food pantries and ministry to the homeless. </div>
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<em>The Healing Word </em>is designed for parish nurses to supplement their professional knowledge and for pastors seeking new ways to approach the subject of healthcare for their congregations.</div>
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Now that the Affordable Care Act has been upheld, we can encourage people to develop a ministry of health in their local church. Modern technology has enabled preemies to survive in the worst dire cases. Let's work alongside President Obama and bolster the Affordable Care Act through our ministries of health so that we can live healthy lives and grow older together.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">PRIDE in Harlem</span></strong></div>
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<br />On Friday, I was heading to an appointment on West 116th Street in Harlem. As I walked towards my destination, I stopped to read an attractive sign posted at a bus shelter. It read:</div>
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YOU do not have to abandon your faith because of </div>
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your sexual orientation, gender identity and/expression.</div>
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There are many </div>
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WELCOMING PLACES OF WORSHIP</div>
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<br />This sign was paid for by the LGBT Faith Leaders of African Descent. </div>
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<br />I couldn't believe my eyes. Was this real? WOW! Is this sign really posted in Harlem??!! I was so happy to see the sign that I took a picture of it and decided to blog about it. The above picture -- which looked far better than the one I took on my camera phone -- came from the LGBT Faith Leader's Facebook page. </div>
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<br />Needless to say, I immediately thought of my denomination, the United Church of Christ, and its Open and Affirming Churches. It certainly was refreshing to know that there was an organization in New York City taking a stand to offer support to the LGBT community of African descent. Since the next day was going to be the Gay Pride Parade, I wondered if the signs had been put up in time for the event. Or, had it been posted after President Obama's statement about same-sex marriage?</div>
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<br />Irrespective of when and why they were placed in strategic locations, Harlem was finally being welcoming to its LGBTQ residents! Unlike the village and other parts of lower Manhattan where large populations of the gay community reside, Harlem has had a bad reputation on how it treated its own. Although there aren't "gay" establishments per se in Harlem, there are a growing number of restaurants and bars that welcome the gay community. <br />
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Unfortunately, there are still many churches in Harlem that are not welcoming to the LGBTQ community. Horace L. Griffin, in his book, <em>Their Own Receive Them Not: African American Lesbians & Gays in Black Churches </em>wrote a thorough and true description of the black church on this powder-keg topic.<br />
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The black community has much to do in this area but it sure was refreshing to see such a beautiful sign that offered hope and shared loved for many. </div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472383654339039886.post-45998822652186633852012-06-25T14:19:00.001-07:002012-06-25T14:19:12.482-07:00<div align="center">
<strong>The Faith of the Black Church</strong></div>
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<br />Dr. Alton Pollard, III, dean of the Howard University School of Divinity, visited the national setting of the United Church of Christ and preached in its Amistad Chapel. And preach he did about "The Faith of the Black Church."</div>
<br />Skillfully engaging the congregation, Dr. Pollard shared three stories. The first story was about how an old time church meeting in Winston Salem, North Carolina merged the spirits of African ancestors to current day African American elders. Reflecting on the Maafa, a Swahili word meaning "great disaster" or "terrible occurrence," Dr. Pollard helped us to visualize a revival service where singing, preaching, crying and prayers ushered in the presence of the Holy Spirit. According to Dr. Pollard, such a sankofa (<em>to reach back and examine the past so that one may insure the future</em>) moment is ritually healing for suffering people. <br />
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His second story was about a Hip Hop worship service hosted by a church group called Destinations during the Black Out College Tour in Atlanta, Georgia. He told us about this worship service were young people came to experience poetry, hip hop music, bass beats, synthesizers, and an MC rocking the microphone. The room, according to Dr. Pollard, had been turned into "a club, concert hall, sanctuary." This sacred gathering -- which might be unusual for mainline churchgoers -- was inspiring to young people who might not have ever experienced a traditional worship service. This was their church. This was their inspiration. Ant this was their experience with transformation by the Holy One.<br />
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And lastly, Dr. Pollard shared the story of how a growing number of black and multiracial churches are "seeking to do 21st century ministry in first century fashion." In this story, he discussed how a nondenominational prayer breakfast to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was used to "cultivate inclusiveness in the church and especially for those in the LBGTQ community."<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJjsL0ee8U0/T-jP3ObUb4I/AAAAAAAAAJs/iZH_kEZBjaI/s1600/9780829817522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJjsL0ee8U0/T-jP3ObUb4I/AAAAAAAAAJs/iZH_kEZBjaI/s200/9780829817522.jpg" width="133" /></a>After listening to Dr. Pollard, I thought about Dr. Lawrence Neale Jones, the former dean of Howard's Divinity School and his pivotal book, <em>African Americans and the Christian Churches, 1619 - 1860</em>. What has happened to the faith of the black church? How can form and fashion in black mainline churches keep the doors closed to a generation of youth? It was the church that motivated black people to risk their lives for basic civil rights! It was prophetic preaching that gave words of encouragement, and hope during the civil rights movement! It was the church that mobilized thousands of people to move from the back of the bus to the front! It was the church that formed leaders that birthed the Fannie Lou Hamers and Andrew Youngs of America!</div>
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These three stories let me know that the black church needs a refreshing touch from the Holy Spirit. Sankofa moments and revivals must occur -- but in new ways -- so that by remembering ancestors, embracing young adults and loving those in the LBGTQ community, the true faith of the black church will be freed.<br />
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472383654339039886.post-31895347327261165452012-06-13T14:21:00.001-07:002012-06-13T14:21:02.879-07:00The Pilgrim Press Publishes Book of Sermons by the Mosses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a4NHYOLKOrk/T9jzI5zJmrI/AAAAAAAAAJU/zzbyJT2qkL8/s1600/9780829819076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a4NHYOLKOrk/T9jzI5zJmrI/AAAAAAAAAJU/zzbyJT2qkL8/s200/9780829819076.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
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Over twenty years ago, my husband and I were preacher groupies. You read correctly! We were preacher groupies! Now, we didn't follow just any old preacher. We were groupies of the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. Wherever he preached on the East Coast, we would make our way to the church. Rev. Otis Jr. had the ability to weave words and use the extraordinary "hooping" of down home southern preachers and move you to the edge of your seat. I tell you, when he started the sing song tune in every word, you knew what was coming. He preached like a plane set to take off! He once even made me, a stoic Episcopalian (at the time), want to get up and shout! Rev. Moss Jr., had what other preachers call "fire in his belly." And trust me, he preached every sermon like it was going to be his last! <br />
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<a href="http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/12/large_oprah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" id="il_fi" src="http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/12/large_oprah.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /></a><br />
Rev. Moss, Jr. is now the Pastor Emeritus of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church. He retired after 48 years of shepherding his faithful flock. The still reigning queen of daytime talk shows, Oprah Winfrey, came to his retirement party. An advisor to presidents, he also worked alongside Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement.<br />
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<a href="http://blog.cleveland.com/pdworld/2007/08/otismoss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" id="il_fi" src="http://blog.cleveland.com/pdworld/2007/08/otismoss.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /></a>And just like his daddy, Otis Moss III preaches like his father had in his prime. As the pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Rev. Moss III twice blessed my church, Mt. Zion Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, as our Men's Day preacher. So it was more than a joy when I received a call from Rev. Moss III, a proud Morehouse College and Yale University graduate, to tell me that he wanted The Pilgrim Press to publish sermons that he and his dad had preached. I must admit, when I hung up the phone, I got out of my seat and attempted to shout like I had been slain with the Holy Spirit!<br />
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Readers will be blessed to read and hear six powerful sermons from the Mosses. Using QR codes, readers can scan the code and actually listen to the actual sermons. Only God knew that I would live in the city where Rev. Otis, Jr. was a pastor and only God knew that I would become the editor of a book written by him and his son. <br />
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I am more than sure that you will be on the edge of your seats after hearing these sermons. You can hear an excerpt by clicking on the link:
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.ucc.org/the-pilgrim-press/qr/qr.html"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.ucc.org/the-pilgrim-press/qr/qr.html</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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So, if you feel like you are going to shout after hearing the sermons, go ahead. Enjoy the blessing of two of America's most sought after preachers!<br />
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<a href="http://www.uccresources.com/">www.uccresources.com</a> <br />
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472383654339039886.post-47710645602206565712012-06-13T12:46:00.002-07:002012-06-13T12:47:33.796-07:00Make the Best of Your Summer Reading<div style="text-align: center;">
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It's June! June is the month when parents and students are excited about graduation and confirmation. Happy couples anxiously mark off the days before their wedding and make final preparations for a beautiful, memorable day. And gardens blossom with beautiful colorful and fragrant flowers! And it's time for hot fun in the summertime!!</div>
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June is also the month when I make my annual summer plan to read the books that cover my night stand along with the unread books stored in my Kindle. From June to August, I follow what I call my "Summer Reading Plan." Okay, I know you might think I'm a little anal. Well, I am. As a teenager, I challenged myself to read a list of books each summer. The library was my second home and books were my best friends. I was so enthusiastic about my plan, I once drew a portrait of myself relaxed and reading a book under a beautiful weeping willow tree. Yeah, I was a dreamer because as you know, I grew up in Manhattan -- around limited trees and absolutely no weeping willows!</div>
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My current schedule doesn't allow me to enjoy reading for pleasure so that's why I work hard to keep a plan that motivates me to catch up on my reading during the summer. Needless to say, I could read as much as I wanted when I was younger so my current plan has been greatly modified. My plan is much like that of disciplined writers who daily set aside time to write. It's a simple yet effective plan that helps me to catch up on my reading. So, here's my plan. It might be useful to you:</div>
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1. I categorize books based on genres I enjoy reading: Self-help, professional, biographies and mysteries.</div>
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2. After dinner I commit to two hours of reading - this is my "Just for Me" time. Sometimes I'll read one book and sometimes I'll two books. It just depends upon how I'm feeling.<br />
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Here are a few of my favorite Pilgrim Press titles that will make your summer reading enjoyable:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NKqg5TNTLq0/T9jWf3OXaZI/AAAAAAAAAIg/yXXL1WY82Lg/s1600/9780829818420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NKqg5TNTLq0/T9jWf3OXaZI/AAAAAAAAAIg/yXXL1WY82Lg/s200/9780829818420.jpg" width="133" /></a><em>Kneeling in the End Zone: Spiritual Lessons from the World of Sports</em> by Josh Tinley. Sports fans will enjoy Josh's book. He is literally a walking sports encyclopedia! Josh creatively intersperses stories about sports with scripture. There's also a list of college programs by religious affiliations, religiously inspired sports nicknames, and a dictionary of inspirational sports movies. I especially like chapter 3: Neither Jew Nor Greek, Slave Nor Free: We're All One on Game Day.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7cluMXqfMFE/T9jicZVTWCI/AAAAAAAAAIs/YTqDDZ5ry5U/s1600/51DNS0EH32L__AA160_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7cluMXqfMFE/T9jicZVTWCI/AAAAAAAAAIs/YTqDDZ5ry5U/s1600/51DNS0EH32L__AA160_.jpg" /></a><em>With Sacred Threads: Quilting and the Spiritual Life </em>by Susan Towner Larsen. Susan's books shares the endless ways that quilting is a context for the spiritual journey. Each
chapter centers on a theme that connects to life in the Spirit and to life as a
quilter. Faith Ringgold, the renowned quilter piqued my interest in quilts. Her quilts have been shown in museums such as the Smithsonian Institution. Several years ago, my husband received a Star quilt from the Mandan Native American Indian tribe. He was told that the quilt was not to be hung on the wall. It had to be used for warmth and comfort. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ik94KC8nzBc/T9jqck810tI/AAAAAAAAAJA/SnL1bjHf8RI/s1600/1031166814_custom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ik94KC8nzBc/T9jqck810tI/AAAAAAAAAJA/SnL1bjHf8RI/s200/1031166814_custom.jpg" width="130" /></a><em>Living the Labyrinth: 101 Paths to Deeper Connection to the Sacred </em>by Jill Kimberly Hartwell Geoffrion. Jill is the queen of walking the labyrinth. This is the perfect book for anyone who wants to deepen their spirituality. Designed for beginners as well as seasoned labyrinth users, Jill shares four simple approaches: ask, listen, receive and be grateful. If you can find a labyrinth in your community walk it with this book in hand. If you can't find one, there are lots of portable labyrinths that can be purchased at a reasonable cost.<br />
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Have fun and enjoy your summer reading!</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472383654339039886.post-59206494308878492342012-05-25T13:05:00.000-07:002012-05-25T13:07:03.171-07:00<div align="center">
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This year is the anniversary of three of my favorite books. <em>Their Eyes Were Watching God</em> by Zora Neale Hurston turned 75. <em>To Kill a Mockingbird</em> by Harper Lee celebrates its 50th anniversary and <em>Charlotte's Web</em> by E.B. White is 60 years old.</div>
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Each of these classics impacted my life. <em>Charlotte's Web </em>taught me how different beings can show care and concern for one another. The harsh realities of growing up black in the south and its dangers became real with <em>To Kill a Mockingbird</em>. And Zora Neale Hurston "walked into my heart" with stories of black Southern folklore and Janie's -- the lead character -- search of self-worth in <em>Their Eyes Were Watching God</em>. </div>
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Like these three award winning literary giants, The Pilgrim Press has its own classic celebrating its 30th anniversary. </div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Water Bugs and Dragonflies</span></em></strong></div>
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In 1971, Doris Stickney submitted a short story to the editor of COLLOQUY Magazine, titled "Death." After it was published, many people wrote the editor to share their appreciation for the touching story.<br />
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At the time, Doris had no idea she had given her church an enduring gift. "Death" was the story shared by her pastor husband during the funeral service for their son's five year old friend, Bobby. Bobby had died in a tragic playground accident. It moved everyone in the church. Some years later, Doris decided to share the story with the wider church.</div>
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In 1982, Marion Meyers, then editor of The Pilgrim Press, brought this wonderful story to life in book form and with illustrations in the Looking Up series. <em>Water Bugs and Dragonflies: Explaining Death to Young Children</em> would be the new title. <br />
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By this time, Doris had died, however, her son was pleased to know that the press had decided to resurrect it. In a letter to Robert Stickney, Marion wrote: <em>"I have just reread your delightful letter of March 9, 1977, in which you said you had a hunch your late mother knew we liked her article on Water bugs, and she was "chuckling to herself."</em> </div>
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If Doris were living today, she would delight in knowing that her book is used all over the world. Foreign rights have been brought is England, Denmark, and Australia. Last year, the press received interest from a person who had translated it into Korean. Each year, we receive letters from people whose lives have been changed by this book. <br />
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<em>Water Bugs and Dragonflies</em>, has gone from a small booklet for caregivers to formats for use by parents, clergy, caregivers and therapeutic use by grief professionals for children. It includes a gift edition, library edition, and a coloring book. <br />
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Like my favorite classics, <em>Water Bugs and Dragonflies</em> will continue to bless children and adults across the globe. Our thanks to the Stickney family for their gift! <br />
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</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472383654339039886.post-16709693407968208862012-05-16T13:16:00.003-07:002012-06-13T12:48:28.186-07:00Thank You Mr. President, It's About Time<div id="_atssh" style="height: 1px; position: absolute; visibility: hidden; width: 1px; z-index: 100000;">
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Last Wednesday when I was in Washington, D.C., I received a text from my daughter. I thought it odd to receive her text because it was sent during the time she would be on-air -- my daughter is a radio personality on a Hip Hop station in Cleveland, Ohio. She wanted to know if I had heard about President Obama's announcement concerning same-sex marriage. "Of course," I texted back. "It was 'Breaking News' on television channels in D.C." President Obama's announcement touched me and my family in a very personal way. When my son was born, my husband and I asked two dear friends to be his godparents. We prayed that they would say yes to our request because we knew they would be excellent godparents. And, God forbid, if something would happen to us, we wanted them to step in and take care of our children. Needless to say, we were excited when they both said "yes" to our invitation. My son's godparents are a lesbian minister and a gay priest -- both who have been in long-term relationships with their partners. Since 1986, my son's godparents have been with him as well as his sister in every phase of their lives. </div>
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So I got a little concerned about my daughter's text. I wondered if someone had called the station to share their opposition to President Obama -- which would be in opposition to my daughter's viewpoint about marriage equality and homosexuality. God only knows what she would say to them -- and on-air!</div>
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When I finally had the chance to speak with my daughter, she told me that she had clearly and definitively let her listeners know her viewpoint on the matter. Her co-host, she said exhorted, "Whew, Bijou is on fire right now!" I had to laugh when she told me that. "I guess we should thank the President but, really, what took him so long?" she continued. I knew such a historic announcement would set off a firestorm. SEX is always a huge controversial topic! If people want to have a serious discussion on the topic of "marriage," it should be intelligent - speaking from serious research and knowledge. It should also be civil - respect for all points of view, knowing that we can "agree to disagree."</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-47UkJnGc8jw/T7K74UGn1aI/AAAAAAAAAFs/1PEdejtfSyw/s1600/259175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-47UkJnGc8jw/T7K74UGn1aI/AAAAAAAAAFs/1PEdejtfSyw/s200/259175.jpg" width="126" /></a>In 1995, Pilgrim published Christine Gudorf's book, <em>Body, Sex and Pleasure: Reconstructing Christian Sexual Ethics. </em>She noted that the
particular cultural aspect of marriage in the nomadic tribes of Israel had
nothing to do with romantic love and everything to do with the transference of
property rights (the woman) and the differentiation between the Israelites and
their neighbors, many of whom practiced heterosexual and homosexual sex acts in
pagan rituals. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fgSmteZtiU/T7K9N2Mb3rI/AAAAAAAAAF0/M3Un_3gwj5c/s1600/0829816593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fgSmteZtiU/T7K9N2Mb3rI/AAAAAAAAAF0/M3Un_3gwj5c/s200/0829816593.jpg" width="138" /></a>We later published the groundbreaking book, <em>Same-Sex Marriage? A Christian Ethical Analysis</em> by Marvin Ellison. Ellison, who doesn't want to place too much emphasis on legalizing same sex marriage said in a speaking engagement earlier this year that: "<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: black;">C</span><span style="color: navy;"><span style="color: black;">hange is possible, and while inclusion is good, transformation is better. Expanding marriage rights is important, but an agenda that aims at relational justice for all, rather than legal remedy for a few, is what the focus needs to be on.</span> </span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span style="color: black;">The change many of us desire so deep down is not mere inclusion but rather spiritually, moral, economical and cultural transition toward genuinely right relations.”</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4c8yl2tWy8/T7LCTNF3DcI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/UfnMPjcw5J8/s1600/1653626905_custom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4c8yl2tWy8/T7LCTNF3DcI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/UfnMPjcw5J8/s200/1653626905_custom.jpg" width="133" /></a>Pilgrim later published Ellison's co-edited title, <em>Heterosexism in Contemporary World Religion</em>. This academic thesis boasts a list of high-power contributors of religious note. Daniel Maguire, a Catholic who teaches at Marquette University asserts that "homosexuality is not a problem: heterosexism is a problem, and not just for
sexual minorities. To think of homosexuality as "problem"-which even persons of
liberal bent can do-is a distraction and a surrender to the unjust and poisonous
prejudice of heterosexism. Homophobia has, in irony, been called "the last respectable prejudice" but, of
course, no prejudice merits respect. All prejudice metastasizes into other sites
and spreads its malignancy into policy, law, custom, and culture. Any prejudice
tolerated makes other prejudices seem more natural. By its nature, prejudice
"outgroups" persons, disenfranchising them of their human rights. It marks
persons out for special and negative handling simply because of who they
are. Unlike its cousins anti-Semitism, sexism, and racism, heterosexism
has enjoyed undue immunity from critique, especially religious critique." <br />
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Marriage Equality, without question, is the civil rights issue of the 21st century. Now that President Obama has voiced his opinion, it will surely be a part of the election debate. <br />
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Thanks Mr. President. It's about time!</div>
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</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472383654339039886.post-1962438337600537392012-05-04T22:04:00.001-07:002012-05-04T22:04:55.692-07:00<div align="center">
<strong>IGNITING LEADERS WITH AMERICA'S MOST FAMOUS </strong><strong>MOUSE</strong></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jmY8k5GhczM/T6RJi3sQu-I/AAAAAAAAAFg/38ygbzPnGqQ/s1600/9780829818741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jmY8k5GhczM/T6RJi3sQu-I/AAAAAAAAAFg/38ygbzPnGqQ/s200/9780829818741.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In 2009, I acquired a manuscript from a father/son writing team, Christopher Perry and C. Wayne Perry. It was a creative leadership book titled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Learning to Talk Sheep: Understanding Those You Lead</i>. Not too long after the release of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Learning to Talk Sheep</i>, Chris sent me a proposal for another book he was working on tentatively titled, “Church Mouse.” Church Mouse?? Okay, first sheep now mice, really?? I thought. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "Alright Kim," </span>I said to myself. "You enjoyed the sheep book so try to push aside your disgust for mice and read the proposal." So with a face that said “ICK”, I read the proposal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I read the first paragraph of the introduction, I knew Chris was on to something. It read: “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hello. My name is Chris and I’m a Disneyaholic. (Everyone say “Hi, Chris.”) I realize that’s a fairly big revelation since we just met, but it is important that you know where I stand. My family and I love all things Disney. We try to go to the parks at least every other year. We adore the movies. My boys prefer watching Playhouse Disney cartoons in the morning over everything else. Several rooms in my house are themed in Disney. My wife, Renae, and I went to Walt Disney World for our honeymoon and even had a Mickey and Minnie Mouse cake topper at our wedding. Is it excessive? Probably. But at least you understand my opening confession</i>.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">"Wow," I said out loud. "This book is about Mickey!!" It wasn't about some icky rodent that might show up at Sunday worship! </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This time, Chris wanted to write a book that took the best Disney principles and apply them to the church. "This would be a great book." I said to myself. Who doesn’t love Disney? And who hasn’t visited the Magical Kingdom or at least dreamed about visiting it? </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, in 2011, we published <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Church Mouse: Leadership Lessons from the Magic Kingdom</i> -- and we even kept Chris’ title! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year, Chris was the second Pilgrim author selected to present at our Igniting Leaders Series. This one-day intensive workshop offers pastors and lay leaders the opportunity to have a one-on-one session with our best-selling authors. How cool. I finally was going to meet this Disneyaholic who had a thing for sheep and mice!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was so glad that the day had finally arrived. Sure, there were some headaches along the way. But nevertheless, I, along with my colleagues, had prepared and planned for this one-day event like we were launching a Colin Cowie extravaganza with over a thousand guests -- and Oprah being one of them! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I put on my Minnie Mouse ears (that's right, Minnie Mouse ears!) and prepared to greet nearly fifty attendees who had come from Iowa, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding area to learn from one of Walt Disney’s number one fans! B</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">eginning with worship and then moving right into the workshop, Chris spent the day sharing insightful information based on his book: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. <strong>A Whole New World</strong> – “The idea of amusement park rides had been around for years, but Disney immersed every ride within a story, so that it ceased being just a ride and turned into an experience....Most of our worship services, regardless of denomination, contain the same elements: sermon, singing, prayer, offering, communion, baptism, and maybe some special music or drama. The execution of those elements is what will determine whether your congregation has an experience they will remember or if they will go through the motions and forget most of what happened by Monday morning.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. <strong>Creating Culture</strong> – “Part of the reason that Disney has been so highly successful is that they are intentional about creating the environment in which their people work.... A whole lot of planning, prayer, and courage are required to intentionally create a culture that will accomplish great things for God.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3. <strong>Finding Your “Do”</strong> and <span style="font-family: Calibri;">4. <strong>Intentional Training </strong></span>- "If you want to understand the current culture of your church family, ask yourself, 'What is their 'do'?' What do they do instinctively? If you don't like what you see, then you have to go through a period of training....Every Disney cast member must go through Traditions, which is an intensive, total immersion into the Disney culture." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">5. <strong>Attention to Detail</strong> – “Part of what makes walking through a Disney park such a magical, immersive experience is the incredible attention to detail....Details are what separate good churches from great churches. Your commitment to detail will make a huge difference in your success for God.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">6. <strong>Epcot </strong>- "EPCOT's original meaning is exactly what the church should be: an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Walt's idea that we are to be 'shapers of the world of tomorrow' is exactly what Jesus called the church to do."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">7. <strong>Everyone is Important</strong> - "Walt Disney didn't believe in the 'top down' style of leadership, but felt that good ideas could come from anywhere....I have a calling, but it is not a higher calling than yours or any other ministry among God's people and it is not a higher state of spirituality. Your calling is just as valid and holy as mine." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">8. <strong>Living On-Stage </strong>- "Throughout Walt Disney World every hallway and door that leads 'on-stage' (any area where a Cast Member might encounter guests) is painted blue to remind Cast Members of their mission -- to make people happy....I think we should paint the exit doors to our churches blue. The church should be a safe place where you can feel free to be yourself, warts and all, so that together we can learn to be more like Christ."</span></div>
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The day was executed as planned and we even had some new learnings. What a powerful, enriching day! As I sat in my office, tired yet exhilarated by the successful event. I looked at the Minnie Mouse ears and I remembered the first time I read Chris' proposal. I laughed and thought of Peter Pan and his famous words: "All you need is faith, trust, and a little pixie dust." How true. :-)</div>
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</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472383654339039886.post-61864666075169928822012-04-27T13:54:00.001-07:002012-05-04T20:06:01.420-07:00<div align="center">
<strong>TRAYVON AND THE ISSUE OF THE "COLOR LINE"</strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The senseless murder of Trayvon Martin has sparked an international outcry. Over the past several weeks, several people have asked me if The Pilgrim Press was going to publish a book about this story. After all, one person said to me, “Your denomination fights for justice.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The United Church of Christ alongside our sister denomination, the Disciples of Christ, held a worship service and a symbolic march to show our outrage with Trayvon’s killing and the proliferation of guns in our communities. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">To be quite honest, I hadn’t thought about such a book. The person, noticed my hesitancy and mentioned that we had published a book about the Million Man March, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Atonement: The Million Man March</i>. So will there be a book about Trayvon Martin?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">To me, Trayvon Martin is the Emmett Till of the 21<sup>st</sup> century. If you don’t know Emmett’s story, he was the 14 year old Chicago kid who, in August 1955, visited his relatives in Mississippi. He was beaten and shot to death by two white men who threw the boy's mutilated body into the Tallahatchie River near Money, Mississippi. Supposedly, he was killed because he talked and/or whistled at Carolyn Bryant, a white woman at a local grocery store. His decaying body was returned to Chicago where his absolutely distraught mother, after seeing what was left of his face, decided to have an open casket funeral. Mamie Till wanted the world to see what racism had done to her son. The picture of his decaying face was published in Jet magazine. Many believe that this killing motivated Rosa Parks to keep her seat on that segregated bus on December 1, 1955.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There are layers upon layers of issues that led to Trayvon Martin’s death. I don’t think a story <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">just</i> about Trayvon is the answer. Might we publish a book that discusses the disparaging ways in which people of color and specifically African American and Latino youth are negatively portrayed on television and on the evening news? Might the book address the issues that enables law enforcement to make “driving while black” a crime or should it focus on racial profiling? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should it include ways in which the NRA continues to twist words so that people think their Constitutional rights are being violated if any minute hint of limits on gun ownership is mentioned? Might it include a chapter about the issues that some lawmakers have with sagging jeans? Or would we go deeper as Henry Giroux posits and we discuss “what kind of society allows young black and brown youth to be killed precisely because they are wearing a hoodie?” Thanks Geraldo! On the other hand, might we publish a book about the type of society that produces a George Zimmerman who is suspicious of black men who simply walk down the street?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Will a book be forthcoming? Right now, I don’t know. What I do know, however, is that we have several books that can aid individuals and communities of faith who want to work through “the problem of the color line.” This well-known phrase was coined by W.E. B. Dubois in his book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Souls of Black Folk</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it was written, DuBois was concerned about the twentieth century: <em>“The problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color-line -- the relation of the darker to the lighter races of men in Asia and Africa, in America and the islands of the sea."</em> DuBois is long gone and the matter of race is front and center. And as much as we want to blame Trayvon's killing on hoodies or guns, the issue of race will <em>not</em> go away so maybe these books will help:</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dismantling Privilege </span></span></em><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">talks about the power that selected groups have over other ethnicities and races. The author also takes the matter beyond our borders and looks at issues in Africa and Latin America for inspiration. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdTir-BGrxM/T5sEoCc8DQI/AAAAAAAAAEU/z9wQqn-faIQ/s1600/855710742_custom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdTir-BGrxM/T5sEoCc8DQI/AAAAAAAAAEU/z9wQqn-faIQ/s1600/855710742_custom.jpg" /></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Disrupting White Supremacy </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">shares hope for a better future where all races can enjoy one another as human beings. The contributors to <em>Disrupting White Supremacy from Within</em>, all European Americans, propose that a fundamental part of the answer to racism lies in white peoples' unwillingness to admit, understand, and confront the power of white supremacy, white privilege, in their own lives. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4OYB5flQlM/T5sBuXTLOSI/AAAAAAAAAEA/Wb0zzMDJ22I/s1600/11241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4OYB5flQlM/T5sBuXTLOSI/AAAAAAAAAEA/Wb0zzMDJ22I/s1600/11241.jpg" /></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Ending Racism in the Church </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">discusses the issue of racism and four case studies on those who strive to end racism. A guide is included to help groups discuss issues that separate the church. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3a6firrXYk/T5sB-mS_gXI/AAAAAAAAAEI/6MgCcPaN4vQ/s1600/9780829815269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3a6firrXYk/T5sB-mS_gXI/AAAAAAAAAEI/6MgCcPaN4vQ/s200/9780829815269.jpg" width="133" /></a><em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We Will Get to the Promised Land</span></em><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> explores Martin Luther King, Jr.'s spirituality: its roots, formation, growth, nature, character, and dynamics as well as its political aspects, which were shaped by his experience and influences. The author hopes that sharing King’s s story will enable us to build the "Beloved Community." <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCtdD-vU1qM/T56RmUiIpUI/AAAAAAAAAEg/yM6iF-P_8Gk/s1600/9780829818567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCtdD-vU1qM/T56RmUiIpUI/AAAAAAAAAEg/yM6iF-P_8Gk/s200/9780829818567.jpg" width="129" /></a>Deborah Plummer's work demonstrates how cross-racial friendships can improve race relations. A robust combination of Plummer's personal experiences and insights, it includes shared stories, and findings from focus groups she conducted.</div>
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A serious conversation is needed. If not for ourselves and the "beloved community" that can be formed, maybe for Trayvon and Emmett.</div>
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</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472383654339039886.post-59210359699991527672012-04-19T15:21:00.000-07:002012-04-19T15:21:10.773-07:00<div align="center">
EARTH DAY, GO GREEN</div>
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Growing up in New York City didn't allow me to enjoy lots of green space. The closest I got to God's green earth was during the week when I, along with my friends, would go through the massive graveyard of our church -- the Church of the Intercession -- known as one the finest examples of Gothic Revival style in America. The landscaping of lush grass, beautiful tall trees, and blooms of azaleas bring back fond memories.</div>
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I now have the opportunity to live in a community with lots of green space designed for walking and playing. You may or may not live in the city but there is no better time to enjoy the outdoors than now!</div>
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April 22 is Earth Day! This is the day to become more aware of and appreciate the riches of God's earth. So, enjoy the outdoors or engage in green play while indoors. The Pilgrim Press has two great books that would be helpful to use.</div>
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<em>Eco-Faith: Creating and Sustaining Green Congregations</em> by Charlene Hosenfeld is designed for anyone who wants to get facts, take action, and find resources to go green. She includes practical suggestions like:</div>
1. Eat less meat<br />
2. Choose glass over plastic, and recycle<br />
3. Walk or bike for short trips<br />
4. Stop junk mail, unwanted catalogs, and credit card offers<br />
5. Give handmade gifts.<br />
6. Make gift tags from last year's cards.<br />
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This year, I took Charlene's advice and did the <em>Daniel Fast</em> for Lent. I ate no meat for forty-six (46) days. This spiritual fast was a blessing to me and those who joined me for the fast. I lost weight and am much healthier!<br />
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The Animal Channel has to move over for <em>What's So Amazing about Polar Bears? Teaching Kids to Care for Creation </em>by Randy Hammer, Kristin Hammer Evans, and Suzanne Blokland. This is the absolute book to own. Did you know that a polar bear's fur is not white? It is hollow. The fur reflects light. The hollow fur also traps the sun's heat to help keep the polar bear warm. And did you know that polar bear babies weigh a little more than a pound when they are born?<br />
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<em>What's So Amazing about Polar Bears? </em>is interactive and includes an ecological theme with a scripture for study, reflection and discussion. The fun facts and activities -- like making a gator and a gator hole - will keep children busy. Oh, by the way, you will learn amazing things about other animals such as blue whales, octopuses, and hummingbirds. And, if you don't have kids, you can always do these activities on your own -- and have a ball. I promise, I will not tell a soul. :)<br />
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</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472383654339039886.post-70745641639643571202012-04-10T14:30:00.000-07:002012-04-10T14:31:38.043-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
RESURRECTION!</h2>
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As I reflect on the blessings of Resurrection Sunday and Christ' victory over death, I become filled with pregnant possibilities and inspired by God's ever present promises! Today, I imagine walking towards the empty tomb, touching the massive boulder that blocked it, and looking into an empty tomb where Christ laid. This vision gives me voice to rejoice because Christ conquered death! And Christ has given you and me a second chance to take transformative action over circumstances in our lives and faith communities. <br />
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I speak Life today! You can speak Life today! And "Life" is the word that fifteen churches breathed into existence as they fought back against the death of their church. They tore off the burial clothes that were being wrapped around their congregation! They pushed against the boulder that was blocking the doors of their church! They knew of and believed in the power of Christ's resurrection and spoke LIFE into their circumstances.<br />
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I am so grateful to Paul Nixon who stepped out on faith and said, "That's it! I have had it with dead, lifeless churches! I REFUSE TO LEAD A DYING CHURCH!!" This proclamation enabled him to write Pilgrim Press' best-seller, <em>I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church. </em>Now Nixon has written, <em>We Refused to Lead a Dying Church! Churches that Came Back Against all Odds</em>. Nixon's new book is filled with resurrection stories of churches that proclaimed <em>life</em> to their situation. <br />
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Each church had a specific and different circumstance -- lack of money, changes in their community demographics, lack of faith, visionless people -- but in spite of this, there were people who had a spirit that believed resurrection <em>is</em> possible!<br />
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They wanted to be a part of a healthy church - a church that:<br />
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<li>C<span style="font-size: medium;">hose life over death</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">Chose community over isolation</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">Chose fun over drudgery</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">Chose bold over mild</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">Chose frontier over fortress</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;">Chose now rather than later </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"></span><em>We Refused to Lead a Dying Church! Churches that Came Back Against all Odds </em>tells a powerful story about believers. They are pretty much like the few believers who were bold enough to stay with Jesus until the end. <br />
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I choose resurrection! What about you?<br />
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Book Trailer: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAxjlqBi0g4">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAxjlqBi0g4</a><br />
Purchase your copy at: <a href="http://www.ucc.org/pilgrimpress">www.ucc.org/pilgrimpress</a><br />
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472383654339039886.post-86626222844916602922012-04-02T06:50:00.000-07:002012-04-02T06:50:40.968-07:00Welcome Readers!<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Welcome to the new home of The Pilgrim Press blog! We hope you like our new look and will regularly join us. You will find news and information about our great books, your favorite authors, and other insights on what we are doing to provide you with excellent resources.<o:p></o:p></span> <br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So make yourself at home. And if you have time, post a note and let us know about books you would like to see published by our press and/or ideas you may have. The Pilgrim Press is also on Facebook and Twitter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> W</span>e would love to hear from you and thanks for joining us today.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Blessings!</span></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Kim Sadler</span></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Editorial Director</span></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472383654339039886.post-64240215257163731082012-03-30T12:46:00.011-07:002012-04-02T13:54:18.638-07:00Books for Busy Pastors Who Have Their Hands Full Sick visitations, Bible study, new member classes, confirmation class, church meetings, ecumenical meetings, sermon preparations -- the work of a pastor is never done! Pastors can exhale, relax and get needed help by reading the books in Pilgrim's <em>52 Ways to Ignite Your Congregation...</em> series.<br />
Each resource is written by seasoned clergy who share 52 practical and useful nuggets of information that is also useful for active lay leaders. To order go to: <span style="color: navy; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://secure3.convio.net/ucc/site/Ecommerce/265665718?FOLDER=2000&store_id=1401"><span style="color: blue;">https://secure3.convio.net/ucc/site/Ecommerce/265665718?FOLDER=2000&store_id=1401</span></a>.</span> <br />
Here's a peek:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZxe2XmGsdY/T3m0PNL7-dI/AAAAAAAAABg/3zG0Vr1zg3s/s1600/9780829818253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jZxe2XmGsdY/T3m0PNL7-dI/AAAAAAAAABg/3zG0Vr1zg3s/s200/9780829818253.jpg" width="129" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Tip: The church should have a positive, friendly, yet informative answering machine message.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Tip: S<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">pecial parking spots for handicapped worshippers and first-time visitors says “We were expecting you.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> -- from <em>52 Ways to Ignite Your Congregation...Practical Hospitality </em>by Randy Hammer</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r6ezAYz3uVQ/T3m2CkC68kI/AAAAAAAAABo/mZcXM9GT3Lw/s1600/9780829818529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r6ezAYz3uVQ/T3m2CkC68kI/AAAAAAAAABo/mZcXM9GT3Lw/s200/9780829818529.jpg" width="129" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Tip: Generosity is ignited when we look more closely, not only at ourselves, but at those around us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Tip: <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Faith is always plural, never singular and so are incentives to give. </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
-- from <em>52 Ways to Ignite Your Congregation...Generous Giving</em> by William Green<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AW0CPLtHTo0/T3m2S6LApWI/AAAAAAAAABw/Gk4nfeWY5gQ/s1600/9780829818789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AW0CPLtHTo0/T3m2S6LApWI/AAAAAAAAABw/Gk4nfeWY5gQ/s200/9780829818789.jpg" width="129" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Tip: Develop an expectation of spontaneity. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Tip: Add hand instruments that the congregation can <span style="background-color: white;">play.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> -- from <em>52 Ways to Ignite Your Congregation...Worship</em> by Paul Hobson Sadler, Sr.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrZbvQ4hwMU/T3m3De1fhrI/AAAAAAAAAB4/aQ7lkZHMa54/s1600/52waystoigniteyouthministrycoversmall.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; height: 229px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 137px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrZbvQ4hwMU/T3m3De1fhrI/AAAAAAAAAB4/aQ7lkZHMa54/s200/52waystoigniteyouthministrycoversmall.gif" width="127" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Tip: <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">WHATEVER you can use to get teens closer to God is a legit tool for ministry.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Tip: Keep your youth guessing and you will keep them coming back. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> -- from <em>52 Ways to Ignite Your Congregation...Youth Ministry </em>by Steven Case</span></span><br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472383654339039886.post-29672295670146290372012-03-28T13:00:00.014-07:002012-04-02T13:56:19.596-07:00April Showers of New Books April showers will not dampen our month! Our office has been showered with releases of engaging, educational and encouraging books for clergy and lay leaders!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDE28g6lVyo/T3nD2UqGkoI/AAAAAAAAACA/dBGLU5GSp9w/s1600/9780829818956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dDE28g6lVyo/T3nD2UqGkoI/AAAAAAAAACA/dBGLU5GSp9w/s200/9780829818956.jpg" width="129" /></a> <strong>For Pastors and Lay Leaders</strong></div>
The long awaited follow-up book to Paul Nixon's blockbuster, <em>I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church</em> is here! <em>We Refuse to Lead a </em><em>Dying Church! Churches that Came Back Against All Odds</em> is a must read for pastors and lay leaders. Nixon traveled across the country and interviewed a cross-section of churches that beat the odds and have gained new life!<br />
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<strong>For Women in Pastoral Ministry</strong> </div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3IFoXv3VECo/T3nEK31F1-I/AAAAAAAAACI/f_HXCL50LA8/s1600/9780829818871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3IFoXv3VECo/T3nEK31F1-I/AAAAAAAAACI/f_HXCL50LA8/s200/9780829818871.jpg" width="133" /></a>The revised and updated ministry resource by Bishop Vashti Murphy <br />
McKenzie, <em>Not Without a Struggle: Leadership Development for </em><em>African American Women in Ministry </em>came in with a big splash. This perennial best-seller includes a new introduction, epilogue, and letters from women in ministry who offer words of strength and sustenance to women who have accepted the call to the pastorate. Who would have known that McKenzie, the first female Bishop elected in the 213 year history of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, would break yet another record with her pivotal work?<br />
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<strong>For Readers in Need of Something Fit and Thin </strong></div>
This is the month to take at least ten minutes of "me time" to get <em>your life better </em>with a book from the <em>Your Life, Better </em>series. Get mentally in shape with our inspirational, pocket-sized books that offer transformative, creative and straightforward suggestions to add spirituality to everyday experiences. Our spring releases include: <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qi5iK7gP5Us/T3nGM9VkpuI/AAAAAAAAACg/peLsqQ1cPNQ/s1600/ylbtravelingsmall.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qi5iK7gP5Us/T3nGM9VkpuI/AAAAAAAAACg/peLsqQ1cPNQ/s1600/ylbtravelingsmall.gif" /></a><em>20</em> <em>Lessons Learned While Traveling: </em>Traveling can be rough -- lost luggage, bumpy flights, crowded airports with long lines. These 20 lessons will take a load off of your shoulders and give you insights on making a long trip an enjoyable and memorable one.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtxZqd9eW6U/T3nF9HrNCFI/AAAAAAAAACY/lETNE1tg3pY/s1600/ylbparentingsmall.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtxZqd9eW6U/T3nF9HrNCFI/AAAAAAAAACY/lETNE1tg3pY/s1600/ylbparentingsmall.gif" /></a><em>20 Life Lessons that Parenting Can Teach You: </em>A parent is a child's first teacher. Children, however, can teach parents some interesting things. Whether or not you are a parent, these 20 lessons will remind you of when you were a kid -- and give you new appreciation for your parents!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n7K_Dt0m5q4/T3nGgh8goaI/AAAAAAAAACo/4TgoUuHFHWA/s1600/ylbbabysmall.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n7K_Dt0m5q4/T3nGgh8goaI/AAAAAAAAACo/4TgoUuHFHWA/s1600/ylbbabysmall.gif" /></a><em>20 Ways to Welcome Your New Baby: </em>A new bundle of joy can be a handful for new and even experienced parents. But what a joy a baby can bring into your life -- the lives of other siblings and even the other baby -- the furry four-legged one. Blessings abound with these 20 ways to adjust to the new baby<em>.</em></div>
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<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T8TvE67Ivy0/T3nNyWDe8RI/AAAAAAAAAC4/KT-qWOv1peU/s1600/ylbparnetssmall.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T8TvE67Ivy0/T3nNyWDe8RI/AAAAAAAAAC4/KT-qWOv1peU/s1600/ylbparnetssmall.gif" /></a><em>20 Lessons On Caring for Elderly Parents: </em>We all pray that God will bless our parents with longevity. For many, however, longevity can come with serious health challenges - challenges that also involve adult children as caregivers. These 20 lessons are sure to give you a needed refreshing touch of grace.<br />
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To see these titles and others in the series, please go to:
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://secure3.convio.net/ucc/site/Ecommerce/265665718?FOLDER=2000&store_id=1401"><span style="color: blue;">https://secure3.convio.net/ucc/site/Ecommerce/265665718?FOLDER=2000&store_id=1401</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03783607155226387264noreply@blogger.com0