Spiritual Growth

Reading Program 2002

THE AFRICAN PRESENCE IN THE BIBLE: GOSPEL SERMONS ROOTED IN HISTORY
Judson Press, 2000
117 pages
William D. Watley and Raquel Annette St. Clair (#3402) /$14.00

A new level of understanding and appreciation of the African presence in Scripture is portrayed through 18 eye-opening sermons. The authors also address many contemporary issues for people of all races.

AMAZING GRACE
Penguin Putnam, 1998
384 pages
Kathleen Norris (#3403) /$12.95

Blending history, theology and story-telling, the author looks at words such as "judgment," "faith," and "sinner" and finds new meaning in the vocabulary of faith. She evokes a rich spirituality which directs us to find faith in our everyday lives.

AN EVENING WALK: STEPS TOWARD WISDOM AND GRACE (ER)
Ave Maria Press, 1999
160 pages
Cathleen L. Curry (#3418) /$9.95

In a warm style, the author offers a collection of meditations that encourages readers to reflect on the past with gratitude and to look to the future with hope. At 70, Ms. Curry believes that aging with grace is a matter of walking with the assurance of God’s presence.

ENDLESS CONNECTIONS: TAKING GOD’S WORD TO HEART
Sheed and Ward, 1997
184 pages
Jane Eschweiler (#3416) /$14.95

Chapters in this book begin with passages from the Bible and brief meditations on their meaning. Through the eyes of faith, we view endless connections between the struggles of biblical people and our own as the author’s reflections and prayerful insights touch our hearts in unexpected ways.

EVENSONG (S&D)
Ballantine Books, 1999
405 pages
Gail Godwin (#3419) /$14.00

This engaging novel immerses us in the lives of Margaret Bonner, rector of an Episcopal Church in High Balsam, North Carolina, and her husband Adrian, a chaplain at a boys’ school. The adventures of the family, the church, and the community bring us to an affirmation of faith as the characters struggle towards wholeness. A guide for discussion groups is included.

FIRE IN THE SOUL: A PRAYER BOOK FOR THE LATER YEARS (SLT)
Upper Room Books, 2000
159 pages
Richard Lyon Morgan (#3421) /$12.00

"In a person’s later years," the author says, "the life of prayer is not a luxury–it is an imperative priority." Meaningful prayers begin with discerning God’s call at the time of retirement and move through redeeming our suffering during times of frailty and pain. The prayers guide readers in reflecting on personal aging as well as that of loved ones.

JESUS: HIS LIFE AND TEACHINGS (ER)
Random House, 2000
183 pages
Joseph F. Girzone (#3434) /$10.95

Based on the accounts in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, this is a beautiful retelling of the life and work of Jesus. Each episode from the life of Jesus is told with wisdom and freshness.

LEADING LADIES: TRANSFORMATIVE BIBLICAL IMAGES FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP (S&D, SLT)
Innisfree Press, 2000
158 pages
Jeanne Porter (#3436) /$13.95

In this inspiring book, the author presents biblical examples of women leaders to help empower women in claiming their full leadership potential. For example, the "weaver" braids together a vision for the future; the "midwife" helps birth ideas and dreams; the "choreographer" brings people together to celebrate; and the "intercessor" advocates on behalf of others. Questions for reflection and discussion follow each chapter. An excellent resource for the 2001-2002 study on Jesus and Courageous Women.

OUT OF THE ORDINARY: PRAYERS, POEMS AND REFLECTIONS FOR EVERY SEASON
Ave Maria Press, 2000
256 pages
Joyce Rupp (#3450) /$13.95

This collection of worship resources–poems, songs, litanies, rituals, guided meditations–focuses on observances such as Advent, Lent, family occasions, and the work of justice. United Methodist Women will find this a rich resource for both personal and group worship.

REFLECT, REKINDLE, RENEW: MEDITATIONS SHARED BY DEACONESSES AND HOME MISSIONARIES (ER)
General Board of Global Ministries, 2000
112 pages
Betty and Art Swarthout, eds. (#2943) /$4.00

Dedicated United Methodists share Scripture, meditations, prayers, and thoughts for the day in this inspiring volume. Contributors use examples from their work with children, the poor, the elderly, and the marginalized. Sharing these meditations will introduce members of United Methodist Women to these special persons in mission.

RESISTLESS LOVE: CHRISTIAN WITNESS IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM
General Board of Global Ministries, 2000
127 pages
S.T. Kimbrough, Jr. (#2846) /$7.95

This book is a heartfelt plea for a biblical and Wesleyan approach to evangelism that puts equal emphasis on deeds and words. With moving insights from Scripture, hymns, and personal experience, the author calls United Methodists to move toward a broad vision of evangelism.

SIMPLICITY: FINDING PEACE BY UNCLUTTERING YOUR LIFE
Broadman and Holman Publishers, 1999
149 pages
Kim Thomas (#3457) /$9.00

By applying a biblically inspired process, the author shows how to simplify our physical, emotional, and spiritual lives. Anecdotes from the author’s struggles, questions, and prayers provide suggestions to separate the wheat from the chaff in daily living.

SPIRIT MOURN, SPIRIT DANCE
United Church Publishing House, 1998
210 pages
Rebekah Chevalier, ed. (#3460) /$14.00

This collection of music, poetry, prose, artwork, liturgies, prayers, and litanies celebrates the Ecumenical Decade of Churches in Solidarity with Women. Written by men and women from many faith groups, this wealth of inspiring material will enrich personal reflection, study groups, and corporate worship.

STORIES BETWEEN THE TESTAMENTS: MEETING THE PEOPLE OF THE APOCRYPHA
Abingdon Press, 2000
141 pages
Marjorie L. Kimbrough (#3465) /$12.00

In recent years, Christians have become interested in the books of the Apocrypha which Protestant Reformers removed from the biblical canon. The stories are about heroes and heroines who were faithful and obedient to God. Readers will find wisdom here for us today.

YOURS ARE THE HANDS OF CHRIST
Upper Room Books, 1998
125 pages
James C. Howell (#3476) /$10.00

The author develops what Jesus did with his hands–praying, teaching, touching, healing, feeding–and urges us to be Christ’s hands and feet wherever we are. Written in a lively personal style, the book takes a fresh look at familiar moments in the life of Jesus and in the lives of saints through history.