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The issue of Jesus' self-consciousness remains at the forefront of New Testament studies. In this book, Bernard Cooke exhibits courage and tenacity as he reconstructs, with full acceptance of historical criticism, the religious self-consciousness of Jesus and Jesus' awareness of the divine.Cooke focuses on the term "Abba" as descriptive of Jesus' relationship to the divine, considering it within the context of the Jewishness of Jesus' experience, Jesus' masculinity. Jesus' consciousness of being "eschatological prophet," and Jesus' awareness of healing by the power of God's Spirit. A concluding chapter deals with the question of what can reliably be said about the religious experience of Jesus.Bernard J. Cooke is Professor of Theology at the college of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA, and the author of Ministry to Word and Sacrament and The Distancing of God: The Ambiguity of Symbol in History and Theology.

The Revised Common Lectionary is not just to provide a guide to scripture reading during the church year. It can help shape the entirety of our worship. The themes for each Sunday service, as created by the lectionary, can be further explored and appreciated through Reed's poetic prayers and responsories, as well as through musical selection suggestions. By involving all of the senses in worship, congregations can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the various themes highlighted in the lectionary, themes such as grace, mercy, justice, and others.Lectionary Worship Aids allows ministers and worship leaders to tie the entire worship experience together for their congregations. Reed's insights will prove invaluable in leading congregations into the presence of God not only on Sunday but also on holidays and other special occasions.Topics covered in this resource include:• Calls to Worship• Suggested Hymns• Collects for the Day• Prayers of ConfessionGeorge Reed, OSL has served as a minister in the United Methodist church for over thirty years. He holds degrees from Wright State University and United Theological Seminary, both located in Dayton, Ohio. He has also taken graduate studies at the Institute of Formative Spirituality at Duquesne University. After ministering in various UMC churches in Ohio, Reed is now serving as an interim pastor at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Bellevue, Ohio. He is a contributor to The Immediate Word, which is part of the online pastoral resource SermonSuite (www.sermonsuite.com) as well as the Sermons on the Gospel Readings series. Reed and his wife have three grown children.

God intends for marriage to be one of the most satisfying relationships you will ever experience. Like our relationship with Christ, your relationship with your spouse should be a source of joy, peace, life, and love. But many marriages miss God's plan. The facts are that only about half the couples who go to the altar remain married -- and many of those who do not divorce find themselves in frustrating relationships full of pain and conflict. Maximizing Your Marriage is an interactive mentoring course for couples based on solid biblical principles about God's design for marriage. Ten weekly sessions provide plenty of tools that get couples headed in the right direction to experience and enjoy all God wants for them. And the course concludes with an overnight retreat which offers couples the opportunity to renew their vows. Maximizing Your Marriage is an adventure that will bring refreshment and encouragement to any marriage. It's a great investment for a healthy relationship that reflects Jesus Christ. Sessions include: * Mutual Submission To Christ * The Wonder Of God's Oneness * A Promise To Be Kept * Expectations vs. Godly Assignments * Stop -- Talk -- and Listen, Listen, Listen * In Pursuit Of Understanding * Finding A Firm Financial Foundation * The Reward Of Raising Children * Intimacy In Every Way * Fueling The Flames Of Your Marriage * The Getaway Daryl G. Donovan is currently the senior pastor of Sanibel Community Church in Sanibel, Florida. He has served in pastoral ministry for nearly three decades and been extensively involved in premarital and marriage counseling. Donovan received his D.Min. degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Other books by Donovan include Able To Stand, Men Mentoring Men, Men Mentoring Men Again, The Inheritance, and Mentoring For Marriage.

So you've just been asked to put together your church's Christmas pageant -- are you feeling overwhelmed yet? Don't worry ... let Doris Wells Miller show you how this ministry can be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for all concerned. In addition to seven delightful programs designed for children of preschool age through sixth grade, this book provides comprehensive, easy-to-follow guidelines that walk you through the entire process of planning, rehearsing, and presenting your holiday production. There's even a step-by-step worksheet to help you keep organized and stay on top of all the details. Each complete script comes with a synopsis and stage directions, as well as an attractive cover that can be reproduced for your program. You'll find material suitable for congregations of any size; most require no more than a dozen participants. And props, sets, and costumes are kept simple for maximum flexibility. With these practical resources, your children's Christmas program this year is bound to be successful -- Seven Advent Programs For Children has all the help you need in one convenient volume. Copying privileges are included. Doris Wells Miller has been a church secretary, taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School, and served in many leadership roles in her congregation. Now retired, she is an active member of Cambridge Drive Baptist Church in Goleta, California. CSS Pub

Contemporary life is filled with a host of contentious moral and social issues. There are many thorny topics, both personal and political, which bring out a cacophony of opinions that can overwhelm us. While we are inundated with questions, there often seem to be no clear answers. So how should we respond? As Christians, we must constantly ask ourselves, "What does the Lord require of me?" In this outstanding collection of meditations, James Killen examines many of today's hot-button issues with an eye toward helping readers think through their beliefs and responsibilities. Mindful of our call to live in faithfulness to God's purpose, each essay draws on the Bible and the Christian faith to discern how God would have us respond to the emerging situations of our world's history. What Does The Lord Require? is topical, inspiring reading -- and with thoughtful discussion questions at the end of each meditation, it's an excellent resource for adult classes or study groups, as well as for a sermon series that is sure to connect with congregations. Among the issues addressed are: * religious pluralism * economic justice * materialism * environmental stewardship * gender roles * suicide * abortion * personal integrity * homosexuality * AIDS * race relations * war The timid pulpit is too often the platform of pastors who choose not to unsettle their parishioners. As a result, words that address the critical social and moral issues of our day go unspoken. The messages of this book inspire the reader to new heights of courage as these difficult issues are presented with clear, forthright challenges. You will be informed and motivated as the cost of discipleship awakens your Christian journey in the 21st century. Joe A. Wilson United Methodist bishop James Killen does a remarkable job of reminding us that being a Christian is more than "individual religiosity." Rather, it encompasses every facet of our existence, personal and corporate. These meditations explore issues that Christians cannot afford to ignore. A must read! Brig. Gen. Hiram "Doc" Jones, USAF (retired) Former Deputy Chief, Air Force Chaplain Service James L. Killen has pastored a variety of congregations during a 45-year career in the ministry, ranging from a small open country parish in northeast Texas to Trinity United Methodist Church in Beaumont, Texas, a 2,000-member church with a television ministry serving all of southeast Texas and southwestern Louisiana. A graduate of the University of Houston and Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, Killen's work has appeared in several publications, including Preaching, Pulpit Digest, Circuit Rider, The Upper Room, and the Abingdon Preaching Annual. He is also the author of Who Do You Say That I Am?

Acolytes can be much more than just cute little kids who light and extinguish the candles on Sunday morning -- they have a very important role as congregational worship leaders. But acolytes can only fulfill that responsibility if they understand what worship is, why it is important, and how we do it. Come, Follow Me is an excellent teaching tool that helps prepare young people to become effective acolytes. It provides a thorough overview of worship -- its specifics, its history, and its significance. Students will grow in knowledge and faith as they learn about the meaning of worship, the sanctuary, ritual and liturgy, Christian symbols, and the sacraments. The teacher's guide of this completely revised and updated edition includes extensive aids, such as practical suggestions on how to organize an acolyte program, a brief service of consecration, and several quizzes and tests that can be used "as is" or adapted to individual needs. And the material for students is presented in clear, easy-to-understand language appropriate for junior high age youth. Each chapter also includes a brief "How Much Do You Remember?" summary that facilitates review. Ed Womack has written a highly informative and interesting manual to help young people understand the liturgical traditions of the church as they seek to serve in worship as acolytes. The manual will aid both novice and seasoned acolytes in understanding their responsibilities and sharpening their skills. I highly recommend it. Tim Weitkamp Pastor, First United Methodist Church Huntingdon, Pennsylvania At first glance, this book may look like just a training manual for acolytes. In actuality, it is a life-changing opportunity for young people. It not only teaches them a comprehensive understanding of worship, it will also deepen their spirituality and appreciation of all that we are when we "gather as God's people." Mary M. Bullis Central West District Superintendent Desert Southwest Conference, United Methodist Church We use acolytes each week; but not until I used Come, Follow Me did I have acolytes that wanted to be carriers of Christ's light in worship. The enthusiasm during the teaching sessions was high, and after our learning sessions the momentum to serve was impressive. I have certainly appreciated this thoughtful, well-organized resource. Constance Sidebottom Pastor, First United Methodist Church Missoula, Montana Edwin B. Womack served as pastor of United Methodist congregations in Arizona, California, and Hawaii for over 40 years. Now retired, he resides in Cottonwood, Arizona.