Four complete Christmas services:
- Christmas Play With Drama And Service Of Lights
- Christmas Service Based On Traditions And Carols From Around The World
- Christmas Service In Monologues And Carols
- Christmas Service Of Scriptures, Traditions, And Carols
These inspiring services are easy for any size church to prepare and present. Each one offers a unique and different approach.
Gail Gaymer Martin has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, majoring in English and Speech Performance, and a Masters degree in Educational Guidance and Counseling from Wayne State University in Detroit. She is a high school guidance counselor. She has written news and feature articles for professional publications and has been active for many years in worship planning and choral music. Gail sings with two professional choral ensembles. She is a script writer for puppet ministries and has written and directed numerous successful musical comedy productions used in fund-raising programs. Her poetry has been widely published.

Liturgy, which literally means "the work of the people," sums up all the ways people have responded to God, including hymns, prayers, laments, invocations, and confessions of faith.
"The Liturgical Witness Of The New Testament" contemporizes and brings to life these various forms of worship as the author draws unique canticles, prayers, hymns, and responsive petitions from the books of the New Testament. Each New Testament book is allowed to speak with its own voice. For example, the service based on Luke gives voice to the gospel by the use of four canticles (psalms), and Luke's own version of the Words of Institution and his truncated version of the Lord's Prayer are included.
Also included are a helpful index listing the worship services according to their use in the lectionary and ten sermons for use with these liturgies.
Contents include:
- Through The Desert Clear A Highway -- The Liturgical Witness Of Luke
- One Lord, One Body -- The Liturgical Witness Of The Corinthian Letters
- Lordship And Unity -- The Liturgical Witness Of Colossians
- God Is Love -- The Liturgical Witness Of First John
- Worthy The Lamb -- The Liturgical Witness Of Revelation
Charles M. Mountain received a Master of Arts in Music degree from California State University, a Master of Divinity degree from Luther-Northwestern Theological Seminary, and has engaged in graduate work in Hispanic Ministries in Denver, Colorado. He has written, produced, and hosted various radio shows in Colorado and South Dakota, providing commentary for classical music. His articles have been widely published and he has authored three previous books, including "We Have Beheld His Glory "(CSS Publishing) and "New Testament Scriptures For Singing" (Fairway Press). A freelance violinist in the greater Denver area, he is married to Dr. Jane Mountain, a family practice physician.

Founded by free people of color in Philadelphia in the aftermath of the American Revolution, the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church emerged in the nineteenth century as the preeminent black institution in the United States. In 1896, the church opened mission work in South Africa, absorbing an independent ""Ethiopian"" church founded by dissident African Christians a few years earlier. In the process, the church helped ignite one of the most influential popular movements in South African history. Songs of Zion examines this remarkable historical convergence from both sides of the Atlantic. James Campbell charts the origins and evolution of black American independent churches, arguing that the very act of becoming Christian forced African Americans to reflect on their relationship to their ancestral continent. He then turns to South Africa, exploring the AME Church's entrance and evolution in a series of specific South African contexts. Throughout the book, Campbell focuses on the comparisons that Africans and African Americans themselves drew between their situations. Their transatlantic encounter, he argues, enabled both groups to understand and act upon their worlds in new ways. |Discusses the interaction between the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States and in South Africa, arguing that each group influenced the other to understand and act on their worlds in new ways.

In recent years the term "religious pluralism" has come to be used not only in a descriptive sociological sense but also as theologically prescriptive. Within this new paradigm traditional Christian understandings of Christ, conversion, evangelism, and mission have been radically reinterpreted. The Recovery of Mission explores the pluralist paradigm through the work of three of its most influential Asian exponents - Stanley Samartha, Aloysius Pieris, and Raimundo Panikkar - subjecting each to a theological and philosophical critique. On the basis of biblical, patristic, and contemporary theological writings Vinoth Ramachandra argues for the uniqueness and decisiveness of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. Ramachandra seeks to show that many of the valid concerns of pluralist theologians can best be met by reappropriating the missionary thrust at the heart of the gospel. The book ends with suggestions, challenging to pluralists and conservatives alike, as to how the gospel needs to be communicated in a multifaith world.

"Dallas Brauninger offers all who plan Sunday services of worship rich varieties of uses of one lectionary passage for every Sunday: a variety of voices and groupings of voices, and a variety of settings within the service of worship itself, from calls to worship to benedictions. Each arrangement can help worshipers hear the Word of God with new appreciation."
Arthur M. Field
Editor, "These Days"
"In The Beginning Was The Word" allows every person of whatever age who can read and speak to become a leader in worship.
The clear, ringing voice of children, and the aging voices of older members help make Sunday worship part of everyone's joy.
Dallas Brauninger takes one lectionary reading for each Sunday and other special days in the life of the church and develops it into a choral reading.
Readings are based on the New Revised Standard Version texts and the Revised Common Lectionary texts.
This is part of a three-book cycle on lectionary readings.
Dallas A. Brauninger, a graduate of Albion College, received her master of divinity degree and an honorary doctor of divinity degree from the Chicago Theological Seminary. A full-time writer, Brauninger has served churches in Colorado and Nebraska. She and her husband, also an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, live in West Point, Nebraska.

-- An exposition of the meaning of the Trinity for worship, baptism, the Lord's supper and language for God.
-- Firmly rooted in Scripture and warm-heartedly pastoral while masterfully theological.
-- Points to the "who" of worship, not the "how".

Here Is a Book That Sets Our Worship, sacraments, communion and language of God back on track. In a day when refinement of method and quality of experience are the guiding lights for many Christians, James Torrance points us to the indispensable "who" of worship, the triune God of grace. "Worship is the gift of participating through the Spirit in the incarnate Son's communion with the Father", writes Torrance.

This book explodes the notion that the doctrine of the Trinity may be indispensable for the creed but remote from life and worship. Firmly rooted in Scripture and theology, alive with pastoral counsel and anecdote, Torrance's work shows us just why real trinitarian theology is the very fiber of Christian confession.

This book offers 30 meditations and complete orders of worship for use by clergy or lay persons at retirement centers.
In addition to 26 topically based services, this volume features worship outlines for Easter, communion, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Each service includes and opening prayer, suggested scripture, hymns, easy-to-present meditations, and appropriate closings.
Worship themes include:
- If We Are Dreamers
- The Best Surprises
- The Larger Design For Living
"As a minister with 56 years of experience, the last 15 of which I have spent ministering to and living with older persons, how I wish a volume such as Chaplain Lewis' When It's Twilight Time had been available to me
The themes he has selected, and the manner in which he has organized them; his choice of hymns, prayers, scripture readings, and other worship helps; and his appropriate and timely illustrations reveal a keen insight into the interests and needs of older persons and those who work with them."
Rev. W. Darwin Andrus
San Antonio, TX
Clement E. Lewis has served as chaplain at Morningside Meadows, an ecumenically sponsored retirement community in San Antonio, Texas, since 1982. He is a graduate of Southwestern University, Georgetown, Texas, and previously served as pastor of churches in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.

The Psalms are wonderful sources of encouragement, enlightenment, and strength. This series explores the Psalms for Cycle A of the Common Lectionary using New Revised Standard Version of the Bible texts.
Each meditation is in three parts. First is the Psalm itself. Second is the alternate image, offering readers new insights to stimulate their vision of the Psalms. Third is the reflection section, offering a short analysis and comment on the passage.
"Aids to the Psalms" is appropriate for liturgical aids, sermon starters, personal and group meditation, and Christian education.
Among the Psalms of Cycle A are:
- Christmas Eve -- O sing to the Lord a new song.
- Good Friday -- My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
- Thanksgiving -- Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion.
- Ascension -- Clap your hands, all you peoples.
This is part of a three-book set on exploring the message of the Psalms.
Hugh H. Drennan is a Presbyterian minister serving in the Oakland-Cambridge Presbyterian church in Cambridge, Wisconsin. He is a graduate of the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, Dubuque. Iowa.

Worship must be directly connected to our daily lives," writes George A. Nye. "It must address our fears, our hopes, even our indifferences."
"Old Wine In New Skins" provides pastors many resources to make the connection. These include 66 calls to worship, 13 preparations for pastoral prayers, and 52 reflections.
Calls to worship categories include:
- With praise and celebration
- Using traditional hymns and praise hymns
- Relating to a story
- With a commitment theme
- Involving personal preparation
- By season
A preparation for pastoral prayer section helps pastors broaden a congregation's understanding of how to approach God in prayer. Thirteen "preparations" are provided, including one for Advent-Christmas.
Fifty-two short reflections cover eight major themes for countless pastoral uses. These are easily adopted for mini-devotions, sermon illustrations, and newsletter meditations.
George A. Nye, Medford, Oregon, is senior pastor of the Eastwood Baptist Church. He graduated from Willamette University, Salem, Oregon, and holds a master's of divinity degree from American Baptist Seminary of the West, Berkeley, California. He has pastored churches in Washington, Idaho, Utah, and Oregon.

"Death took me. I found myself in an empty, dark void. I don't remember anything of it, just emptiness. Then I heard his voice, "Lazarus, come out " Jesus called me from death to life. Struggling through the darkness, I came out of my tomb." (from Lazarus' personal confession)
Using the theme "confessions" this resource offers 12 worship options to enhance your congregation's Holy Week and Easter journey.
The journey begins with a Palm Sunday worship service and the confession of Lazarus. Resources are also offered for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and various Saturday and Sunday services.
Two communion services for Easter Sunday and an Easter message, "The Sun Has Risen, Behold -- The Risen Son " conclude the series.
Stephen and Cynthia Cowen, Escanaba, Michigan, have worked together to develop many creative worship resources for their congregations. The husband-wife team is active in the Northern Great Lakes Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Cynthia is author of many CSS books. This is the first CSS book jointly authored by the couple.

Inspiring stories of Padre Pio's miracles, clairvoyance and bi-location.
Capuchin monk and spiritual leader, Padre Pio (1887-1968), is known and venerated throughout the world. Drawn by his stigmata (bodily wounds similar to those of the crucified Christ) and by his extraordinary powers of spiritual and physical healing, literally millions of people have made their way to his little monastery in Italy from every corner of the globe.
"Tales of Padre Pio" is a collection of first-hand accounts of various meetings with this humble and holy friar. Driven by curiosity and a bit of skepticism, the author first sought out Padre Pio some forty years ago and soon became a fervent disciple. Convinced of the man's saintliness, he remained a close confidant until Pio's death. As fascinating and inspiring as these stories are, they represent just a small portion of the countless miracles attributed to Pio. "The full extent of his authentic miracles will, however, never be known," the author reminds us. "But the example and spiritual splendor of his life," McCaffery continues, "is there for all to see. And that life, his attributes, and those works which we know constitute a tremendous rebuttal of all the blind and stupidly presumptuous godlessness of our present age."
This book is a most distinguished addition to the Image line and will be warmly welcomed for the spiritual riches it contains. In addition, students of ESP and mystical phenomena will find "Tales of Padre Pio" especially provocative, stimulating, and truly captivating.

A riveting work reflecting on the characteristics of Gregorian chant that have attracted the attention of so many: its permanence, beauty, and history, as well as its liturgical, sacred, and philosophical qualities.

Includes for each hymn in the Hymnal historical background of text and tune; suggested uses for today;name origin;text/tune changes over the years; commentary on Hymnal treatment; and theological base of texts.

The Psalms are wonderful sources of encouragement, enlightenment, and strength. This series explores the Psalms for Cycle C of the Common Lectionary using New Revised Standard Version of the Bible texts.
Each meditation is in three parts. First is the Psalm itself. Second is the alternate image, offering readers new insights to stimulate their vision of the Psalms. Third is the reflection section, offering a short analysis and comment on the passage.
"Aids to the Psalms" is appropriate for liturgical aids, Sermon starters, personal and group meditation, and Christian education.
Among the Psalms of Cycle C are:
- Psalm 8 -- O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
- Psalm 23 -- The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
- Psalm 51 -- Have mercy on me, O God.
- Psalm 100 -- Make a joyful noise to the Lord.
This is part of a three-book set on exploring the message of the Psalms.
Hugh H. Drennan is a Presbyterian minister serving in the Oakland-Cambridge Presbyterian Church in Cambridge, Wisconsin. He is a graduate of the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa.

Brilliant and forceful, Charles Abel was one of the most acclaimed missionaries in the South Pacific. His Kwato Mission, founded in 1891, became virtually a state within a state in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea. The influence of Kwato remained long after the Mission itself began to decline, with descendants of Mission families playing significant roles in the formation of the independent nation of Papua New Guinea during the 1960s and 1970s. Charles Abel contributes to contemporary debate on the role of missions in the expansion of empire. David Wetherell has drawn on unpublished documents to produce a fascinating portrait of this controversial man and the dynasty he founded.

A blend of case history, anecdote, history, and spiritual quest, this intimate and fascinating look at the world's oldest and most reclusive monastic order provides a rare understanding of day-to-day Trappist existence.

Here is a fresh library of resources to help the busy pastor or worship planner prepare for the season of Lent and for Easter Day. Included are orders of worship, model homilies, scripture and hymn suggestions, and historical and theological reflections for:
- Ash Wednesday
- The Lenten Season
- Palm Sunday
- Maundy Thursday
- Good Friday
- Easter Vigil
- Easter Day
Complete sermons are provided for Ash Wednesday, Lent, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Day. Copying privileges are included, so that the original purchaser may duplicate any resource in this book which would prove useful in worship planning in the local setting.
Gary Houston is a United Methodist clergyperson with a prior ordination in the Episcopal Church. He holds a Ph.D. in Tibetan Studies. This unusual background combined with a rural Southern Indiana pedigree flavors all of his books. His other publications include "The Cross and the Lotus "(editor), "Wings of the White Crane," "The Bsam-yas Debate," "Cowherding Christians" (CSS), and "Six Presents From God" (CSS).

"Kenneth Burcham... gives abundant information about the background of worship forms. He helps readers approach the parts of a worship service with a good sense of interpretation and meaning. I recommend its use with classes of lay people who are interested in growth in their spirit."
Harriet Miller, Administrator
First United Methodist Church
Dayton, Ohio
"The Wings of Worship" is an excellent introductory study course for congregations to gain a greater understanding of the people's role in public worship.
Ten sessions are offered in the course with each focusing on a different element of worship. Discussion questions conclude each session.
Topics include:
- Traditional worship
- Liturgical year
- Tools of worship
- Sacraments
- Rituals and celebrations
- Creeds and prayers
The book includes evaluation forms, a questionnaire on worship, and a bibliography section.
Kenneth R. Burcham is pastor of the United Methodist Church, West College Corner, Indiana. He is a graduate of Ball State University. Asbury Theological Seminary and United Theological Seminary. This is his first book published by CSS.

"At last A practical planning tool for use by those responsible for implementing corporate worship There's just enough information to get you in the mood of each liturgical season, then lots and lots of suggestions for creative and exciting worship."
Fred S. Mortensen, Pastor
Education Advent Lutheran Church, Boca Raton, Florida
"This is a carefully planned presentation that offers the liturgist a concise way of journaling through the seasons, keeping record of hymns, lessons, prayers, and themes each year. The special notes allow for "food for thought.""
Hannah M. Howe
Associate Pastor United Congregational Church, Tolland, Connecticut
"My Worship Planner And Organizer" is the best friend of the pastor, organist, church secretary, choir director, and worship committee when it comes to keeping worship records and reference.
Its focus is Sunday worship. Each Sunday has two pages available for taking notes and reference.
You will find Sunday by Sunday:
- Cycle A, B, and C, gospel, first and second lesson lectionary text listings for Revised Common, Episcopal, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic.
- Countless hymn possibilities based on the lectionary.
- Invaluable liturgical information, at your fingertips.
You may record Sunday by Sunday (for three years):
- Hymns used
- Special music
- Sermon titles
- Attendance
- Special notations for any Sunday
Gloria M. Meurant is a Lutheran layperson residing in Delray Beach, Florida.

Lent is a time when many Christians approach the cross. This Lenten series approaches the cross from many different directions.
Author Cynthia E. Cowen explores the cross with meditations and orders of service for Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter vigil, and Easter sunrise.
Themes in the series include:
- The cross of repentance
- The cross of salvation
- The cross of destiny
- The cross of commitment
- Crossroads (Easter vigil)
- What's on your Easter menu? (Easter sunrise)
A communion service is provided in the Ash Wednesday order of service.
Cynthia E. Cowen is a resource person for youth, women and clergy/lay ministers. She is mission growth chairperson of the Synodical women's Organization of the Northern Great Lakes synod of women of the ELCA. She is a graduate of Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan.

Shalom means much more than prosperity, more than a sense of well-being, and more than quiet and calmness. It is more than the absence of stress and much more than peace. It is a peace that surpasses understanding; it is a promised gift. This book of eloquent poems, monologues, and worship resources is about the search for shalom.

This resource will help pastors and visitors in their ministry with the sick and the dying. It is designed for use by any person, ordained or lay, who is engaged in any ministry of care.

The Presbyterian Supplemental Liturgical Resource (SLT) series includes liturgies that were used on a trial basis in preparation for the development of the "Book of Common Worship." Though superseded by the "Book of Common Worship," SLR resources remain valuable, both for the variety of liturgical texts they contain and for the commentary on the text, which contains rich historical, theological, and practical background.

This all new collection of prayers will involve each member of your congregation in an informal, first-person personal style that demands individual accountability (which corporate prayer too often allows us to avoid), and encourages the sense of community upon which Christian worship is built -- affirming "that, as we gather for worship, we are both individual seekers and believers and also the Body of Christ."
Included are original Prayers of Confession for each Sunday, and special days, throughout the church year, developed as a result of the author's nearly twenty years in campus and parish ministries. Whether read aloud or contemplated silently, these tried and proven prayers will add a freshly honest, contemporary texture to your Sunday morning worship -- or provide meaningful insight for Bible study classes and personal devotions.
David L. Wade has served thirteen years as an ecumenical campus minister at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, and is currently a United Church of Christ pastor in Rock Spring, Wyoming.