Candles & Conifers is a collection of seasonal resources - prayers, liturgies, poems, reflections, sermons, meditations, stories and responses - written by Iona Community members, associates, friends and others. It offers resources for groups and individuals covering the weeks from All Saints' Day to Christmas Eve, including saints' days, Remembrance Day, World AIDS Day and Advent. There are liturgies for an outdoor celebration with fireworks, a Christingle service and a longest night service, as well as Advent candle ceremonies, personal prayer practices, a series of responses and blessings and a cats' Advent calendar. A companion resource book, Hay & Stardust, covering the season of Christmastide, from Christmas Eve to Candlemas, is also available. In towns and villages In tower blocks and terraces Christ is waiting to be born In palaces and shanty-towns In high streets and back-streets Christ is waiting to be born In the vastness of the universe In the intimacy of our hearts Christ is waiting to be born Come, Lord Jesus Come into our homes Come into our lives Come and stay

Excerpt In today's society, we have created a generation of children that have been empowered to know their rights. They have been informed through television, radio, newspapers, magazines and the Internet that they are not only children, but also smaller human beings that have certain privileges. Society may have meant it for the good of the children, but the children have used and abused these rights. We have been very careful not to hurt the children's feelings, label them, ignore them, disrespect them, or expect too much from them. With this mindset, we have made these children "mini gods" The children now feel they can do any and everything they please and, their rights will protect them. According to Webster, confusion means disorder. This bewilderment is a prevalent term that exists in many school settings. When confusion enters into the learning environment, it is difficult to teach the required subject matter. Classroom Discipline without Confusion will place order and clarity in your classroom. Simple techniques and strategies will allow you to get control and make teaching enjoyable, successful and fun Confusion and chaos have entered like thieves in the night to rob our classrooms of dignity and respect. We are losing some of our finest teachers, all at the expense of enforcing the rights of the children. Fighting, weapon possession, disobedience towards school rules, property and authority figures seem to be the order of the day. Society seems to be in limbo, shock and it does not know what to do with children that are now out of control. Many people fail to realize many schools have disruptive children. Society wants the schools to teach all students regardless of what problems they have or from where they come. There is a scarcity of books on how to reach and teach these children many of whom do not want to be taught. Classroom Discipline without Confusion addresses these issues and concerns. It takes a realistic look at the children that are growing up in today's society and tries to address their needs and learning patterns. It is filled with everyday survival techniques that can be used effectively in many classroom settings. The techniques given are not the conventional methods that most people use. They are creative strategies designed to teach the hard to reach. They are methods that sap the confusion from the environment, so you can quickly access any problems.

"Both by his choice of confessions and by his judicious and scholarly introductions, Mark Noll has made the major Reformation confessions and catechisms] available in a form that is sure to deepen and enlighten doctrinal discussion and confessional awareness and that will therefore contribute to solidly evangelical and hence soundly ecumenical theology. I am delighted to see this book appear." - Jaroslav Pelikan, Yale University "It is a delight to welcome Mark Noll's well-chosen, well-edited selection of key sixteenth-century statements of faith - Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, Anabaptist, Roman Catholic. To have this significant material brought together in one book is a boon, for the enrichment that comes of studying it as a whole is very great. For anyone who would take the measure of the Reformation conflict, this collection is a 'must.'" - J.I. Packer, Regent College "Mark Noll has ably introduced these still living confessions to a modern audience more prone to forgetfulness than any since the sixteenth century. This collection will be useful not only for classes in historical and systematic theology, but also to pastors and lay readers who wish better to understand their Protestant heritage." - Thomas C. Oden, Drew University

Locked church doors and tossed rotten eggs greeted the faithful and patient Charles Simeon in his early years as a pastor. But in humility and simple power he was allowed by God to triumph. He became, as John R.W. Stott notes, "one of the greatest and most persuasive preachers the Church of England has ever known." Why did he have such an impact? You'll discover the reasons yourself as you read these clearflowing sermons, rich in content and clean in style. Shining through his words are Simeon's simple devotion to pure biblical truth, his concise and orderly presentation, and his pastor's mind and heart. James Houston's editorial preface is an instructive guide to Simeon's sound homiletical principles, while Stott's introduction is an engaging portrait of Simeon as a servant of God. Surveying his long life (1758-1836) and fruitful ministry, Stott is especially impressed by Simeon's refreshing, unaffected humility, and writes, "Our proud, self-confident, self-congratulatory generation urgently needs to recover this biblical perspective." Dr. James M. Houston, editor of the CLASSICS OF FAITH AND DEVOTION SERIES, is a highly acclaimed scholar and pioneer in the field of evangelical spirituality. He came to North America from England in 1968 to lead Regent College in Vancouver, Canada, an international graduate school of Christian studies.

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.

Written by a team of adults and teens, Way to Live discusses concrete ways youth can practice Christianity in everyday life. This book answers teens' yearning for a meaningful way of life by inviting them into an abundant way of life Jesus offers and challenging them to join others in practicing their faith.

Through teen-friendly language and relevant examples, Way to Live uses stories and ideas that make Christian practice come alive. Practices such as forgiveness, work, play, stuff, justice, prayer, food, and time are discussed as ways to nourish a more meaningful life offered by Jesus Christ.

18 teens and 18 adults joined together to write Way to Live. Their collective wisdom and experience offers things that readers can do -- rather than things not to do. It also presents each practice as a gift and not a task that engages readers in the real world.

Great for youth ministry and small group study, Way to Live is perfect for individual use too.

Every church has far more work than any one person can do. Even a team of professionals is not enough. The New Testament solution was for every member to be a minister. Though the priesthood of all believers was a key idea in the Reformation, it is little practised today. Following secular models, churches usually organize around the clergy, who are paid by the laity to do the ministry. Paul Stevens argues that, according to Scripture, the primary task of a Christian leader is not to do the work but to equip the saints to do it. Exploring new options for pastors, tentmakers and laypeople, this book provides structures and strategies to best equip all the saints for ministry.

Helping the next generation live for Christ As Christian adolescents develop into adults, they face unique questions and challenges. But this stage of life also provides unique opportunities for all who care about the spiritual flourishing of the next generation. Created in partnership with the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center, Formation for Mission empowers those who interact with teenagers and young adults. Gathering wisdom from a diverse variety of veteran teachers and weaving together research--informed social, theological, and practical insights, each chapter examines essential features in the missional development, formation, and contexts of young people. Questions for reflection and discussion move the conversation forward. Each generation is commissioned to pass the faith on to the next and help them live for Christ, enter congregational life, and engage in Christian mission. With cultural awareness and sensitivity to the challenges of today, Formation for Mission offers hopeful advice to those who are invested in supporting the spiritual thriving of emerging adults.

"We know how to be teenagers. We want [the church] to show us how to be adults." --Kristin, aged 17

Two-thirds of today's teens are interested in having a meaningful relationship with God, yet less than one-third of them are active in a local church. Alvin Reid--an experienced pastor, professor, evangelist, and youth ministry speaker--suggests these statistics are more an indictment of the way the church does youth ministry than of the teens they try to reach.

Today's generation of teens is marked by teamwork, authenticity, and a "can-do" attitude. They are much more than kids finishing childhood--an erroneous perspective of many in the church, and one that drives what often passes for effective youth ministry. Teens are young adults with incredible potential who need to learn how to be Christian adults. This compelling book provides an impassioned plea for the church to set a higher standard; to reinvent the fundamental ways we minister to teens and their families.

"[This book] is not for the faint of heart or those who are intimidated by this culture. It is written for those who are deadly serious about reaching and keeping this Digital generation. . . an unreached people group, 'a tribe apart' with their own language, values, customs and dress." --Jay Strack
President, StudentLeadership.net

Alvin L. Reid (Ph.D., M.Div., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of evangelism and the Bailey Smith Chair of Evangelism at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of seven books, including Radically Unchurched, Introduction to Evangelism, and Light the Fire: Raising a Generation to Live Radically for Jesus.

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."

" 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.

The canon for Catholic social teaching spreads to six hundred pages,yet fewer than two pages are devoted to Catholic social learning or pedagogy. In this long-needed book, Roger Bergman begins to correct that gross imbalance. He asks: How do we educate ("lead out") the faith that does justice? How is commitment to social justice provoked and sustained over a lifetime? To address these questions, Bergman weaves what he has learned from thirty years as a faith-that-does-justice educator with the best of current scholarship and historical authorities. He reflects on personal experience; the experience of Church leaders, lay activists, and university students; and the few words the tradition itself has to say about a pedagogy for justice. Catholic Social Learning explores the foundations of this pedagogy, demonstrates its practical applications, and illuminates why and how it is fundamental to Catholic higher education. Part I identifies personal encounters with the poor and marginalized as key to stimulating a hunger and thirst for justice. Part II presents three applications of Catholic social learning: cross-cultural immersion as illustrated by Creighton University's Semestre Dominicano program; community-based service learning; and the teaching of moral exemplars such as Dorothy Day, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and Archbishop Oscar Romero. Part III then elucidates how a pedagogy for justice applies to the traditional liberal educational mission of the Catholic university, and how it can be put into action. Catholic Social Learning is both a valuable, practical resource for Christian educators and an important step forward in the development of a transformative pedagogy.