"What has been needed for a long time is someone sufficiently attuned to George MacDonald to undertake the careful editing necessary to make his provocative, content-packed sermons accessible to the thoughtful reader. Rolland Hein has done this task with extraordinary success. Here are more than thirty sermons made vitally alive for the contemporary reader." -E. Beatrice BatsonWheaton College "Here holiness is presented as so beautiful and necessary that we covet it as a man dying of thirst covets water. I know of no other writer with a greater capacity to make faith real as the air we breathe, rich with the secrets of Paradise for which we would willingly break out hearts." -Robert Siege, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Rolland Hein is Professor of English at Wheaton College, where he has taught since 1970. He has had a lifelong interest in George MacDonald's writings, having edited several volumes of his sermons. He is also the author of George MacDonald: Victorian Mythmaker, a biography based on the letters of MacDonald and his family, The Harmony Within: the Spiritual Vision of George MacDonald, and Christian Mythmakers.

The Walking with God series was developed as the curriculum for small groups at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. Since its release in 1992, it has been used by churches and small groups to help raise up devoted disciples of Christ. Group members who work through the program will lay a solid foundation for a lifelong walk with God. While small groups may be formed for a variety of purposes, the goal of this curriculum is for groups to produce disciples-fully devoted followers of Christ-by studying God's Word in community. To this end, the goal of the study is to produce disciples who walk with God, have a personal relationship with Jesus, and live in step with the Holy Spirit. It is also to produce believers who live the Word in all areas of life and contribute to the work that God is doing in the local church. Ultimately, the goal is to develop believers who impact the world and are prepared and eager to spread the good news of Christ to others. This material will help develop these attributes in group members. Each lesson includes group Bible study and discussion questions in addition to devotions, reflections, and personal study for use by individuals between the group sessions.

Since children spend a great deal of their productive hours each day in the school setting, the propagation or non-propagation of religious ideas is a legitimate issue. Many parents, especially those located outside the coastal elite states, believe that religious acts belong in schools as a crucial part of child-rearing. This book examines the core questions of what is and what is not permitted regarding prayer and religion in the public schools as of the latest rulings and presents a selective bibliography of the book and journal literature for further analysis and reading.

6-8 sessions. The Miracles of Jesus will help learners experience the miracles as part of the redemptive work of Jesus and to understand these miracles as a testimony to Jesus identity, as depicted in the Gospels. Included are: Jesus as a miracle-working figure, Healing as symbolic action, such as rethinking the purpose of the Sabbath, Exorcisms, Portents miracles showing Jesus divine authority and Old Testament predecessors, such as Moses and Elijah, Miracles, or signs, in the Gospel of John, Miracles as signs of the early church, Miracles of healing and touch, and Jesus and miracles beyond the Gospels. DAVID OTTO is an Associate Professor of Religion at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana, and a nationally recognized speaker and provocative scholar. Dr. Otto is the author of several books and is a featured workshop leader throughout the church."

Children are born spiritual beings, full of joy, meaning, and possibility. Sadly, hope may be lost for some children by forces that challenge families and society -- stress, brokenness, a loss of community, spiritual poverty.

But there is hope. In her latest book, Christian educator Betty Cloyd reminds parents, "Before we give our children wings, we must give them roots". Cloyd urges parents to reclaim their primary role as spiritual guide for the sake of their children and society. In an affirming tone, the author shows how the whole family and the church are in a sacred partnership to provide the roots children need.

Readers will find examples of how they can introduce children to the presence of God during daily, routine activities as well as in planned devotional times. Questions for discussion and an interactive project and pledge are included to help incorporate Cloyd's ideas into the lives of parents and children.

Parents and Grandparents as Spiritual Guides includes biblical models of spiritual guides along with wonderful, insightful stories from children, medical professionals, Christian educators, and the author's own experience as a parent and grandparent. This is a must-have resource for grandparents, parents, and other child caregivers.

Bedingt durch gesellschaftliche Umwalzungen in den alten Bundeslandern und die politische Wende in der ehemaligen DDR ruckte die Frage nach der Begrundung und Gestaltung des schulischen Religionsunterrichts seit den 1990er Jahren verstarkt ins Interesse der OEffentlichkeit. Dabei kamen immer deutlicher auch die von staatlicher Seite an den Schulen eingerichteten sogenannten Ersatzfacher in den Blick. Die Frage nach Verhaltnisbestimmung und Zusammenarbeit des staatlich verantworteten Philosophie- und Ethikunterrichts mit den unterschiedlichen Angeboten von Religionsunterricht macht die Entwicklung schulorganisatorischer und didaktischer Perspektiven noetig. Diese Studie leistet einen Beitrag fur die Gestaltung religioeser und wertbezogener Lernprozesse an der Schule.

Richard Patt's sermons enable the reader/listener to perceive new truths in old stories. As one reads them, it might be tempting to challenge Patt's observations, to argue against him, to debate his approach... but one is never bored. Only "stirred up" at times.
Sermon titles, based on the gospel of Luke, include:
It's Okay To Stir Up God -- Luke 11:1-13
The Fear Of Taking The Plunge -- Luke 12:32-40
Sabotaging The Sabbath -- Luke 13:10-17
The Crux Of Being A Christian -- Luke 14:25-33
Nobody Owes You Anything -- Luke 17:5-10
... and more
Richard W. Patt has served as pastor of Lutheran congregations in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Illinois, and now serves Catalina Lutheran Church, a diverse desert community of faith north of Tucson, Arizona. He has been a national leader in promoting the fine arts in churches as a member of the Board of Directors and Editorial Board of "Christianity and The Arts," a national quarterly magazine published in Chicago. Patt is also a professional watercolor artist whose work has been represented by Arlene Siegel Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico. His one-man exhibition "Places Of The Spirit In The Southwest" was shown for two months in central Manhattan at the gallery of Saint Peter's Church, New York City.

" Do you ever wonder why Jeffrey talks all of the time?
Or why Toni can't sit still? Or why Alex loves work sheets?
Or why Jordan is always trying something new?
""
Each chapter is fun to read, stimulating, and immensely practical. This book is valuable to teachers, and for preachers, too.
"DAVID R. MAINS
DIRECTOR
CHAPEL OF THE AIR
"
It's about time. "Creative Teaching Methods "is not just another book on the theory of creativity (which we don't need). Rather, it is a book on the practice of creativity in the classroom (which we desperately need). This is a book you will use over and over again.
"Creative Teaching Methods "is loaded with practical and usable ideas that will make creative teaching a reality in your classroom. Without hesitation, I would recommend this book to anyone who teaches young people or adults.
"MIKE YACONELLI
PRESIDENT
YOUTH SPECIALTIES
"
Marlene LeFever makes the principle of learning through creative participation come alive for Christian education. Creative methods are vividly and invitingly explored for their potential for deepening the spiritual life through new ways of hearing the Word of God and using heretofore untapped personal resources in responding to it. Unique in its assumption that in Christian education creativity is just as essential in work with youth and adults as it is in work with children.
""
"D. CAMPBELL WYCKOFF
PROFESSOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION EMERITUS
PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Marlene D. LeFever is Manager of Ministry Relations for David C. Cook Church Ministries, holds a master of Christian education and is a frequent speaker at Sunday School conventions, writers' conferences, and professional organizations. Editor of "Teacher Touch, "a quarterly letter of affirmation for Sunday School teachers, Marlene has authored over ten books, including "Creative Teaching Methods "(Cook), "Creative Hospitality "(Tyndale), and Is "Your To Do List About To Do You In? "(NavPress).

This popular, comprehensive Bible-reading program for individuals and group study offers a sweeping introduction to biblical themes and concepts. Complete with a detailed reading schedule for every day of one year,The Year of the Bibleleads participants to a better understanding of Scripture and a greater sense of community within the church. Newcomers to Scripture and longtime Bible readers alike will find their Christian faith enhanced and feel a sense of accomplishment from reading the Bible in its entirety. James E. Davison helps congregations put the program together and keep it going when enthusiasm flags.

"Do you ever wonder why Jeffrey talks all of the time?
Or why Toni can't sit still? Or why Alex loves work sheets?
Or why Jordan is always trying something new?
""
""Learning Styles "answers these questions and more. Effective learning follows a natural four-step process that answers these four questions:
- WHY DO I NEED THIS?
- WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT MY NEED?
- HOW DOES WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES ACTUALLY WORK?
- HOW WILL I USE WHAT I HAVE LEARNED?
By answering each of these questions, we will appeal to the four learning styles: Imaginative, Analytic, Common Sense, and Dynamic. A learning style is the way in which a person sees or perceives things best and then uses that knowledge. When we understand learning styles and adjust our teaching or parenting to those styles, we begin reaching everyone God gives us to teach.
"A wonderful book capable of teaching us how we learn . . . and what to do with all that knowledge once we've learned it. Practical, helpful, and an eye-opening book for all of us in the teaching trade--from mothers to professors! I heartily recommend this be a" "must for your bookshelf. "
JILL BRISCOE, AUTHOR, SPEAKER
Learning Styles "displays Marlene LeFever at her best. Few people see others in terms of their learning capability. Fewer still dedicate themselves to the study of how understanding occurs. Marlene long ago grabbed my attention and admiration with her teaching skills. Her insights deserve thoughtful reading by every teacher and meaningful discussion in every teacher training meeting. Learning should stir up" "pleasure and she shows us how. "
HOWARD G. HENDRICKS, CHAIRMAN
CENTER FOR CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP DALLAS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
." . . great teachers and preachers throughout the history of the church have realized the importance of answering the why, what, so what, and how questions.... The author has isolated and tied these elements to the teaching context so that their incorporation will be purposeful. Anyone involved in the communication process will be benefitted by "Learning Styles....
DR. TONY EVANS, PASTOR
OAK CLIFF BIBLE FELLOWSHIP DALLAS, TEXAS
"Easy reading, but not simplistic. Many authors ask hard questions; Marlene dares to suggest answers.... We now have no excuse for careless teaching.
"MICHAEL S. LAWSON, PH D., PRESIDENT
PROFESSIONAL ASSOC. OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS (PACE)

We are born into this world with a natural longing to connect to God and other human beings. When children have a listening companion who hears, acknowledges, and encourages their early experiences with God, it creates a spiritual footprint that shapes their lives. How can we increase our capacity to engage children in spiritual conversations? In this book Lacy Finn Borgo draws on her own experience of practicing spiritual direction with children. She offers an overview of childhood spiritual formation and introduces key skills for engaging conversation-posture, power, and patterns-from a Christ-centered perspective. "When we are fully present and open to another, we will be changed," Borgo writes. "Indeed, as you listen to God with a child, the child will lead you into a fuller experience of God's love and acceptance." In this book you'll find: Sample interactive dialogues with children Ideas for engaging children with play, art, and movement Prayers to use together Whether you are a parent or grandparent, pastor or spiritual director, you will find this to be a friendly guide into deeper ways of listening.

This lively blend of theory, story, and practical resources and checklists is designed for churches committed to welcoming and nurturing children, and those who care for them. Written for clergy, religious educators, Christian Education superintendents and planners -- from the local to the national level -- it shows how to work effectively with children in educational, liturgical, and pastoral settings.

Add depth and meaning your family's traditions with these basic Christian practices that nurture and enrich everyone's faith at home. Home and parents are the key mechanisms by which religious faith and practice are transmitted inter-generationally. Recent studies indicate that the single most important factor in youth becoming committed and engaged in their religious faith as young adults is that the family talks about religion at home. However, for many parents in the United States, religious language is a foreign language. Faith at Home helps parents learn this "second language" and introduce it to their children in simple, meaningful, concrete ways. Parents often ask: How do we introduce prayer to our children if we do not necessarily believe prayer changes outcomes? How do we approach reading the Bible with our children when our own relationship with it is mixed or complicated? How do we talk about difficult things and where do we find God in the midst of them? How do we teach our children to make a difference in the world? How do we connect what happens at church to what happens at home? These questions and many more are addressed with talking points, practices, and resources provided for each subject.

Faith formation resource for children on human sexuality. This sexuality education resource from a mainline/progressive denominational prospective aids the leader, child (participant), and parent in learning about their body and using skills that enable them to embrace and affirm the wholeness of sexuality as part of who they are. Session plans will address facts about sexuality, vocabulary, decision making, faith and daily life, respect, growth and change, behavior, responsibility, values, prayer, and intentionality in an age appropriate manner for children and their parents. One Leader Guide will cover all ages, with three Parent Books (Preschool: 3- to 5-yearolds, Primary: 6- to 8-year-olds, and Intermediate: 9- to 11-year-olds), and two Participant Books (Primary and Intermediate ages). Session topics include: * We are Wonderfully Made * We are Complex * We are Changing * We are Knowledgeable * We are Equipped * We are Called * We are Growing Up

The two volumes of Prayer Book Parallels are aids to the study of the development of the American book from as many points of view as possible. They include liturgical texts and related historical documents. Volume One contains the texts of the public services of the American Church arranged in parallel columns--from the colonial period to the present--to enable comparative study. The two volumes are of great value to seminarians, clergy, church historians, and anyone interested in the development of the present Prayer Book. (702 pp)

Faith formation resource for children on human sexuality. This sexuality education resource from a mainline/progressive denominational prospective aids the leader, child (participant), and parent in learning about their body and using skills that enable them to embrace and affirm the wholeness of sexuality as part of who they are. Session plans address facts about sexuality, vocabulary, decision making, faith and daily life, respect, growth and change, behavior, responsibility, values, prayer, and intentionality in an age appropriate manner for children and their parents. One Leader Guide covers all ages, with three Parent Books (Preschool: 3- to 5-yearolds, Primary: 6- to 8-year-olds, and Intermediate: 9- to 11-year-olds), and two Participant Books (Primary and Intermediate ages). Session topics include: * We are Wonderfully Made * We are Complex * We are Changing * We are Knowledgeable * We are Equipped * We are Called * We are Growing Up