Spiritual Growth

Reading Program 2000

BIBLE READINGS FOR MOTHERS

(Easy reading)
Augsburg, 1996
109 pages
Mildred Tengbom #3032/$14.00

Writing from her own experience as a mother and using Scripture, prayer and meditations, the author provides devotional readings that deal with situations mothers face.

BIBLICAL AUTHORITY OR BIBLICAL TYRANNY? SCRIPTURE AND THE CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGE

Cowley Publications, 1994
125 pages
L. William Countryman #3033/$13.00

The author raises challenging questions such as: What is the authority of the Bible? What does it mean to say the Bible is inspired or infallible? He argues that the authority of the Bible lies in its power to transform us. Recommended as a resource for the 1999-2000 mission study "The Bible, Part 2: Interpretation and Authority."

A BISHOP’S REFLECTIONS

(Study & discussion)
Providence House Publishers, 1996
144 pages
Kenneth L. Carder #3034/$11.95

In brief essays, United Methodist Bishop Kenneth L. Carder considers topics such as membership and evangelism, and what it means to be Wesleyan. Readers gain an understanding of The United Methodist Church and its positions as the author tackles issues such as the death penalty, child abuse and violence.

THE CUP OF OUR LIFE: A GUIDE FOR SPIRITUAL LIFE

Ave Maria Press, 1997
181 pages
Joyce Rupp #3043/$12.95

This book uses images of ordinary cups to illustrate our lives. The author shows how we, like open cups, chipped cups, broken cups, can become sacred vessels that draw closer to God. Scripture, meditations, questions for journaling, and suggestions for group sharing and ritual are included. The reflective art accompanies each theme.

EMBRACING OUR ESSENCE: SPIRITUAL CONVERSATIONS WITH PROMINENT WOMEN

Health Communications, 1995
227 pages
Susan Skog, editor #3045/$11.95

Prominent women, such as Betty Ford, Marian Wright Edelman and Madeleine L’Engle, discuss their life experiences and how they nurture their spiritual lives. Some look to nature, others to meditation, and still others to music to find God.

FINDING GOD BETWEEN THE LINES: NEW INSIGHTS FROM FAMILIAR PASSAGES AND PLACES

Judson Press, 1997
105 pages
Jody Seymour #3052/$13.00

This book presents new insights from familiar biblical passages. With poetry, vignettes and Scripture, the author, a United Methodist pastor, portrays everyday scenes that give new meaning to Advent and Easter, and to bibical stories.

GATHERED IN THE WORD: PRAYING THE SCRIPTURES IN SMALL GROUPS

(Study & discussion)
Upper Room Books, 1996
128 pages
Norvene Vest #3055/$8.95

This is a book tool for Bible study for those who seek spiritual refreshment from reading the Bible in a new way. Through practical helps and sharing experiences of an actual group, the author shows us how to "pray the Bible" using an age-old tool called lectio divina.

QUIET PLACES: A WOMAN’S GUIDE TO PERSONAL RETREAT

Bethany House Publishers, 1997
191 pages
Jane Rubietta #3083/$10.00

Each chapter of this book includes quotes for contemplation, Scripture, questions for journaling, prayers and a hymn that can help a busy woman find God in the midst of daily life. Whether for 20 minutes or a weekend, Quiet Places helps the reader draw closer to God.

SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN: THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS

The Plough Publishing House, 1997
173 pages
Johann Christoph Arnold #3086/$13.00

"Forgiveness is the way to peace and happiness," writes the author, a member of a Christian community that practices non-violence. Here are accounts from people who have experienced betrayal, abuse, bigotry and war, and have found healing through forgiveness, which give powerful witness to how Christ’s commandment to forgive is essential for spiritual growth.

THE SOUL AT REST: A JOURNEY INTO CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER

Bethany House Publishers, 1996
224 pages
Tricia McCary Rhodes #3088/$10.00

This guide to contemplative prayer invites the reader to be still and listen to God. The author provides step-by-step suggestions to prepare for prayer, to reflect on biblical passages and to overcome difficulties.

STORIES SELDOM TOLD: BIBLICAL STORIES RETOLD FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS

Northstone Publishing, Inc., 1997
192 pages
Lois Miriam Wilson #3090/$14.95

The author retells Bible stories of women on the margin, widows, orphans and the poor that are often ignored. These stories illustrate violence against women and their joys and triumphs. Cast in a fresh light, each story brings understanding to the struggles of girls and women today.

THEN SHALL YOUR LIGHT RISE: SPIRITUAL FORMATION AND SOCIAL WITNESS

(Study & discussion)
Upper Room Books, 1997
106 pages
Joyce Hollyday #3092/$9.95

Integrating spiritual formation and social witness through Scripture, stories from personal experience and the voices of the world’s marginalized, the author prods the reader to follow the biblical imperative to do justice. Questions for prayer and discussion follow each chapter.

THOSE PREACHING WOMEN: AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN TACKLE TOUGH QUESTIONS

(Easy reading)
Judson Press, 1996
106 pages
Ella Pearson Mitchell, editor #3093/$12.00

These sermons by pastors of the black church, which are personal, full of life and prophetic, bring the Bible to life. Relating to daily concerns, each sermon moves the reader to become a more faithful follower of Christ.

WINTER GRACE: SPIRITUALITY AND AGING

Upper Room Books, 1998
210 pages
Kathleen Fischer #3100/$11.95

This book explores the Christian perspective on key experiences of the later years of life: memories, loss, dying and resurrection dependence and independence and love and sexuality. Recommended as a resource for the 1999-2000 mission study "Humanity Comes of Age."