God thinks the world is worth saving. When we are close to God, we too will want to save the world. For anyone who dismisses Lent as a seemingly endless time of self-sacrifice and introspection, this 6-week study for Lent offers a breath of fresh air. It connects prayer and other inner spiritual practices with outward actions of mercy and compassion. George Donigian guides you to grow in your prayer life by praying about daily news reports, discovering the needs around you, and responding wit...

A Christian minister and a Hindu monk fall in love and get married. How does this interfaith relationship work? Saffron Cross is the intriguing memoir of the relationship between Dana, a Baptist minister, and Fred, a devout Hindu and former monk. The two meet on eHarmony and begin a fascinating, sometimes daunting but ultimately inspiring journey of interfaith relationship and marriage. Dana's compelling vignettes, laced with self-deprecating humor and refreshing honesty, give you a glimpse i...

This course will explore the origins of the office of class leader in the Wesleyan Methodist tradition. It examines the need for recovering the lay pastoral ministry of the class leader for the twenty-first century church. Participants will see how the ministry of Certified Lay Servants intersects with that of the class leader. NOTE: Accountable Discipleship is a prerequisite to this course. Please note that the Participant's Guide for this, Class Leaders: Recovering a Tradition, by David Low...

Why do we celebrate Christmas? Why was Jesus born? What does Jesus' birth have to do with my life? Embodied Light invites you to ponder our Creator's daring adventure of becoming human and coming to earth to live among us. During this 4-week study, you will explore the meaning of incarnation—the miracle of our Creator choosing to become human and live among us. The Incarnation also says something to us about our own lives, about what being human means. Using scripture, prayer, and daily refle...

Do you wonder how God is present in your ordinary, everyday life? Joe Pennel has a gift for recognizing God at work in life's events, both large and small. He tells how, when, and where he has encountered God's grace. His down-to-earth, insightful reflections make you aware of how God surrounds us with hope and love. Step away from the busyness of life, pull up a chair, and listen to this winsome, folksy storyteller weave his simple tales about being fully alive to the mystery and wonder all ...

NOTE: Prayer beads are sold separately. Order beads at Kristen's site: www.prayerworksstudio.etsy.com. Do you ever struggle with prayer? Maybe your mind wanders, you wonder if God even hears your prayers, or you just don't know what to pray. A Bead and a Prayer introduces Protestant prayer beads as a tool for connecting with God. This 4-week Bible study is designed for people with no experience in using prayer beads. You will discover answers to such questions as: Why use prayer beads? ...

Are you tired of shallow faith? Do you long for something more in your relationship with God? All you need to do is open yourself to the gift that God extends to you already. Trevor Hudson says, "The Holy Spirit is deeply at work within you, right at this moment, wherever you are." Hudson, a beloved pastor and speaker, shares his own struggles and joys in seeking to be more responsive to the Holy Spirit. He invites you to open yourself to this gift of God. In this book you will discover wh...

What is the meaning of baptism? Why do United Methodists baptize babies? The authors explain the biblical and theological meanings of the sacrament of baptism through the words of the Baptismal Covenant of The United Methodist Church. This book is for parents and guardians preparing to present their children for baptism, and for those who seek a deeper knowledge of this sacrament. A great handbook for ministers.

Have you ever railed in anger about some situation in your life and wondered if something awful might happen because you dared express your rage to God? Or after some trauma, have you experienced the horrible sense of God's absence? If you've had these or other feelings and wondered what to do with them, the Psalms provide a good way for you to pray about any situation. Canham, an Episcopal priest who specializes in teaching and spiritual guidance, explores 7 themes found in the Psalms: hea...

This guide provides information for conference and district directors of Lay Servant Ministries, including: the responsibilities of conference and district directors guidance for organizing Lay Servant Ministries tools for administration information on the Association of Conference Directors of Lay Servant Ministries (ACDLSM) other helpful resources