This book offers a comprehensive examination of Methodist practice, tracing its evolution from the earliest days up to the present. Using liturgical texts as well as written accounts in popular and private sources, Karen Westerfield Tucker investigates the various rites and seasons of worship in Methodism and examines them in relation to American society.

Ignatius of Antioch gives us meaningful insights into his high regard and use of deacons. These insights have been historically documented and carried forward to the application of the office of Diaconate in today's world. Polemic from both ordained offices of Priest and Deacon are analyzed and placed in today's context without prejudice. The challenge from the past, seeks further involvement both from Directors of Diaconate Programs and a challenge to their Bishops.

Based on the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL), Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 2 provides liturgical pieces used in preparing for worship. Written and compiled by an ecumenical team of 11 seasoned liturgy writers, this resource offers a multitude of poetic prayers and responsive readings for all parts of worship and is meant to complement existing denominational resources. In addition, the weekly entries include questions for reflection and household prayers for morning and evening that are drawn from the lectionary, allowing churches to include them in their bulletin for parishioners to use throughout the week.During times of the year when two different tracks of Old Testament texts are offered by the RCL, this resource offers an entire set of materials for each track. Also, a CD-ROM is included with each volume that enables planners to easily cut and paste relevant readings, prayers, and questions into worship bulletins. Liturgy writers include the following: Kimberly L. Clayton, Director of Contextual Education, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia; Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) David Gambrell, Associate for Worship in the Office of Theology and Worship, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Louisville, Kentucky; Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Daniel M. Geslin, Pastor, Sixth Avenue United Church of Christ, Denver, Colorado; United Church of Christ Kimberly Bracken Long, Associate Professor of Worship, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia; Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) L. Edward Phillips, Associate Professor of Worship and Liturgical Theology, Candler School of Theology, Atlanta, Georgia; United Methodist Church Melinda Quivik, Liturgical Scholar, Houghton, Michigan; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Carol L. Wade, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Lexington, Kentucky; Episcopal Church

The author is writing these documents in response to the need for a concise and simple presentation of how to properly identify and understand the types found in the tabernacle. The framework of the study is a general knowledge of the tabernacle. The author will explain why an understanding of the tabernacle is important to Christians. The history of the tabernacle will be pointed out. The materials and construction of the tabernacle will be studied. Also, the author will discuss the Levitical priesthood and the important subject of typology. Continued studies will be explained concerning three areas of the tabernacle and their furnishings: the outer-court, the Holy place and the Holy of Holies. There will be pointed out in this study items such as: the court of the tabernacle, the laver, the Mercy-Seat, the Ark of the Covenant, the Shewbread, the Golden Altar, the Holy Place, the Holy of Holies, the gate or the door, the priesthood and the function of the priesthood; which includes the offerings and the atonement. The altar, the offering and sacrifice, along with the atonement will be especially displayed. Also, though the tabernacle was built for Israel while in the wilderness, its believed that it was also a shadow of things to come. Because of that, there is consideration given to some study on sin, the veil and Jesus Christ. The tabernacle is scantly preached or taught in Churches today. Therefore, few people realize the great importance given to the tabernacle throughout scripture. Believers should study the tabernacle for the following reasons: 1. The study of the tabernacle is necessary for a proper understanding of God's redemptive program, which is progressively revealed throughout the Scriptures. 2. A study of the tabernacle with an understanding of it will inform sinful people about the holiness of God. 3. The study of the priesthood is foundational to an understanding of Christ's priestly ministry. 4. The study of the sacrificial system within the tabernacle teaches the great importance that God placed on the need for a blood sacrifice to atone for sin. The author wishes that the readers of this study not only use this study for knowledge, but also to find and gain a closer relationship with God.