Spiritual Growth

Reading Program 2003

BAD GIRLS OF THE BIBLE: EXPLORING WOMEN OF QUESTIONABLE VIRTUE
United Church Press, 1999 115 pages
Barbara J. Essex #3302/$14.00

This book brings to life women from the Bible who have been labeled as bad. By exploring lives filled with betrayal, deception, rejection, jealousy and exploitation, author Barbara J. Essex looks beyond the women’s notoriety to show readers women of exceptional boldness, courage, determination and independence.

FOR THE HEALING OF THE NATIONS: THE BOOK OF REVELATION IN AN AGE OF CULTURAL CONFLICT
(Difficult reading, study & discussion)
Orbis Books, 1999 117 pages

Justo L. González #3323/$15.00

Author Justo L. González discusses how the Book of Revelation deals with the cultural, political and economic conflicts of the first century. He demonstrates how economic inequities and culture wars from that century are similar to today’s struggles.

MAD MARY: A BAD GIRL FROM MAGDALA, TRANSFORMED AT HIS APPEARING
Random House, 2001 290 pages
Liz Curtis Higgs Hardcover/#3348/$19.95

Meet the genuine Mary Magdalene of the Bible and follow her story of deliverance and dedication, despair and declaration. This book begins with the fictional journey of Mary Margaret Delaney, adrift in contemporary Chicago.

THE MESSENGER: A PARABLE
Random House, 2002 112 pages
Joseph Girzone #3342/$9.95

Author Joseph Girzone weaves a story that will transform readers’ understanding of Jesus’ teachings and the way those teachings are put into action in their own lives.

MOTHER GOOSE MEETS A WOMAN CALLED WISDOM: A SHORT COURSE IN THE ART OF SELF-DETERMINATION
United Church Press, 2000 139 pages
Linda H. Hollies Hardcover/#3346/$15.00

Retelling classic fairy tales with a spiritual spin, author Linda H. Hollies provides a guidebook for women at crossroads in their lives to assess reality. She encourages them to seek renewal and rebirth.

MY HEART IN MY MOUTH:PRAYERS FOR OUR LIVES (Slightly larger print)
Innisfree Press, 2000 158 pages
Ted Loder #3350/$14.95

This book of prayers brings us to the feet of God in language worthy of the Psalmists.

PRACTICING OUR FAITH: A WAY OF LIFE FOR A SEARCHING PEOPLE
John Wiley & Sons, 1997 232 pages
Dorothy C. Bass, editor #3354/$14.00

This book offers help to those seeking God that is rooted in Christian faith and tradition. It explores 12 central Christian practices that are defined as "shared activities that address fundamental human needs, which when woven together, form a way of life."

PRAYING WITH VISIONARY WOMEN (Study & discussion)
Orbis Books, 1999 231 pages
Bridget Mary Meehan #3355/$12.95

Brief biographies of 20 women of faith are followed by commentary, questions for reflection and suggestions for action. Their examples can inspire, encourage and empower.

SABBATH: FINDING REST, RENEWAL, AND DELIGHT IN OUR BUSY LIVES
Random House, 1999 241 pages
Wayne Muller #3357/$14.95

Stories, poems and suggestions teach readers how to use times of sacred rest to refresh body and mind, restore creativity, and regain inner happiness in cultivating such human qualities as wisdom, courage, honesty, generosity, healing and love. Also available on audiocassette.

SILENT CONVERSATIONS: READING THE BIBLE IN GOOD COMPANY (Study & discussion)
Judson Press, 2000 174 pages
William Apel #3362/$16.00

As a springboard for meditation, this book’s probing journeys bring life and wisdom to Bible study while helping readers embrace Scripture with heart, mind and passion.

WHAT CHRISTIANS REALLY BELIEVE AND WHY
Westminister John Knox Press, 1998 159 pages
Stanley Grenz #3379/$14.95

The author presents the central tenets of the Christian faith clearly and concisely, answering the most commonly asked questions: Why believe at all? Which God? Who is Jesus and what did he do? What am I searching for? How do I find it?

WHY FORGIVE? (Easy reading)
The Plough Publishing House, 2000 161 pages
Johann Christoph Arnold #3382/$10.00

Author Johann Christoph Arnold lets people speak for themselves about overcoming hurt and gaining peace of mind. He addresses the difficulty of forgiving oneself, the futility of blaming God and the turmoil of those who cannot forgive.