Most ecumenical work on worship has been greatly influenced by those traditions which use written liturgical texts and who give a normative place to the Eucharist. Here Free Church worship however is studied on its own terms allowing its ecumenical contribution to be fully appreciaed. Using a study of Baptist worship, Gathering explores the spirituality implicit in a worship tradition which to dated has received little theological or historical attention. "What makes this book refreshing is that Ellis] is not a prisoner to the view that the job of the liturgical movement is really to formalize "free" worship in some way, and introduce a weekly eucharist.(...)Ellis's source-use, together with his sensitivity to context, architecture and hymnody included, provides a rich picture of an evolving tradition, with its own theological emphases and its own way of doing the liturgy.(...)He is to be congratulated not only on the account he has given of a story that many of us have only known in shreds and snatches, but in the ambitious way in which he has provided a truly ecumenical underpinning." Kenneth Stevenson, Anglican bishop of Portsmouth, England, The Ecumenical Review. April 2005. "There is no doubt that Ellis has done us a service in providing us with a magisterial study of Free Church worship that will probably become a standard work for some time to come. The production of the book is exemplary. The bibliography is extensive and impressive, and the notes (...) are also full. It is pleasing that there are separate indices for names and subjects and for biblical references.(...) I do warmly commend this book to readers of Ministry Today. Philip Clements-Jewery, Ministry Today, Summer 2005. "This stimulating, well-documented study will doubtless capture the attention of liturgical scholars in various traditions, but it especially merits careful reading by Baptists and others in the Free Church tradition who would like to gain new insight into their own gathering. Although focused on English Baptists, it contains critical insights for Baptists everywhere." Glenn Hinson, Baptist Theological Seminary, Richmond, Virginia, Worship July 2005. "This is a signifiacnt study of Free Church Worship, combining detailed historical analysis with rich theological reflection. (...)Chris Ellis'scholarly yet accessible book is essential reading." Ian Randall, Spurgeon's College, London, The Expository Times, vol 117, n 3. Dec.2005 "This is an excellent study, combining historical detail bith current theological reflection." Bryan Spinks, Institute of Sacred Music, New Haven, Ecclesiastical History, Vol.57/2, April 2006. "Ellis is a fine scholar whose rigorous and often groundbreaking work deserves careful attention. (...) The benefit of being the first to do scholarly work in an area is in knowing that your work will spur on further work. In this respect Ellis has laid out a solid and sizable foundation for further work to be built upon. His historical work in particular is worthy of much study and expansion. (...) Ellis has made a significant contribution to both the free church tradition and to liturgical theology. In my own teaching, his book was the cornerstone for our conversation in a recent doctoral seminar in liturgical theology, and excerpts of his work have been helpful introductory pieces in master's level courses. Ellis work deserves a wide and frequent reading, but even more deserves a lively idscussion and thoughtful scholarly reflection." Todd Johnson, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA, Doxology 2006.

Diplomatic edition of interesting sacramentary from the Carolingian period. This sacramentary, compiled at the abbey of Echternach between 895 and 900, is one of the most interesting and unusual examples from the Carolingian period. Unique in combining aspects of Gregorian, Gelasian, and Old Gelasian sacramentaries, it also has important implications for such matters as Carolingian liturgical reforms, and it is a vital source for the study of the local history of the abbey of Echternach itself. The Sacramentary, with material appended to it (such as a list of the benefactors of the abbey), is presented here in a diplomatic edition, with introduction, notes and collation tables by the editor. YITZHAK HEN is Lecturer in History at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.

This very practical resource offers a well-informed guide to an aspect of ministry that every single priest or minister will encounter. It is one of the most difficult tasks, yet many embark on it with very little theological or practical training. They will encounter a wide range of beliefs about death and the afterlife in today's secular society, such as can be seen in the death notices of local newspapers - grandma goes to sleep, is reunited with grandpa, becomes an angel or a star in heaven. They need a resource that equips them to deal sensitively and wisely with the variety of demands that will be made of them in the planning and conduct of funerals and in helping the bereaved to understand that resurrection is God's response to death's terrible finality.

Origins of the Eucharist explored in a new way which questions traditional opinion A different picture of the origins of the eucharist from the traditionally received one. The author argues that the Last Supper did not play as important a part in the formulation of the Eucharist as is popularly thought. The book will cover topics including: the last supper and New Testament narratives; the Didache and early Christian ritual meals; Justin Martyr; Irenaeus; Cyprian; the emergence of the eucharistic prayers and the transformation of the eucharist in the fourth century.

The hunger for modern, relevant resources for the Christian seasons and celebrations is deep. Here is a book that will help to fill this need. Suitable for group worship or personal reflection, and with material for Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Mothering Sunday, Palm Sunday and Holy Week, it is a collection to accompany readers through Lent and Easter for many years. Eggs and Ashes includes a Lent discipline for those who care about the environment, liturgies, responses, prayers, poems, reflections, meditations, stories, stations of the cross, sermons, monologues and songs, with some all-age resources - written by Iona Community members, associates, friends and others. Ruth Burgess is the author of A Book of Blessings and Friends and Enemies, both published by Wild Goose Publications. Chris Polhill is a frequent contributor to Wild Goose books.

Preachers and liturgy planners will find "The Cultural World of the Prophets" a companion to John Pilch's "The Cultural World of Jesus Sunday by Sunday" series and "The Cultural World of the Apostles" series. Each essay offers historical, literary, and Eastern Mediterranean cultural information about the first reading and responsorial psalm of the liturgy of each Sunday.

"The Cultural World of the Prophets" relates the first reading and responsorial psalm to the Gospel as intended by the architects of the Lectionary. It encourages readers to pursue in-depth study and helps them appreciate the specific verses of the first reading and the responsorial psalm in their own right.

"John J. Pilch, PhD, teaches Scripture at Georgetown University. His other Liturgical Press publications include "The Cultural World of Jesus" series; "The Cultural World of the Apostles" series; "The Cultural World of the Prophets" series; "Cultural Tools for Interpreting the Good News; The Cultural Dictionary of the Bible"(Catholic Press Association award winner); "The Triduum and Easter Sunday: Breaking Open the Scriptures; Choosing a Bible Translation; Galatians and Romans in The Collegeville Bible Commentary"; and articles in "The Modern Catholic Encyclopedia, The Collegeville Pastoral Dictionary of Biblical Theology," and "The Bible Today.

This guide to the Christian faith is ideal for those preparing for confirmation. Arranged in three parts: "Becoming a Christian", "Belonging to God" and "Belonging to the Church", it is appropriate for personal reading and as a basis for a confirmation course. In uncomplicated language it takes the reader from the first step of making a choice for God and lays a solid foundation of teaching that will hold good for the whole of life.

With its focus on narratives, its attention to contextual and material realities, and its collection of women-identified liturgies in global context, "Dissident Daughters" claims prominence within the growing literature on women's ways of worship. This book not only introduces liturgical texts, but focuses on the communities that create and celebrate these liturgies. "Dissident Daughters" gives voice to the women activists in these communities who show how their communities came into being; how social, cultural, and political realities shaped them and their liturgies; and how they envision their lives in and as communities of faith. In drawing the different narratives together, "Dissident Daughters" displays the expanse of the worldwide expression of women's rites, and how each is shaped by distinctly different contexts of struggle and hope.

A complete prayer book in the Slavonic language printed with the Cyrillic (old orthography) alphabet. Includes morning and evening prayers, the liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, various Akathists and Canons annd much more besides.

We have all experienced hunger, whether it's a need for spiritual guidance or physical nutrition. Our hunger for God's Word can benefit those needing material sustenance. God's Word calls us to nourish the physically hungry and poor just as it nourishes our faith and sustains us in our struggle for justice. "Hunger for the Word explores the Lectionary with a focus on anti-hunger advocacy, social activism, and political issues affecting marginalized people. Using insights, images and stories from pastors, professors and lay people who are active in anti-hunger campaigns, this ecumenical book offers devotional connections to inequality issues, as well as themes to help in our struggle to understand and eliminate injustice. "Hunger for the Word, edited by Larry Hollar of Bread for the World, brings concern for hunger and fairness into our daily religious life. With weekly sermon/homily reflections, "Hunger for the Word is an invaluable resource for pastors, liturgical ministers and those interested in justice-oriented Bible study and spiritual growth. Also includes suggestions for musical worship, and ideas for children's sermons to help spread God's Word of activism, compassion, and integrity throughout the congregation.

This practical volume explores every aspect of serving as a eucharistic minister in the Catholic church. It offers in-depth teaching on the meaning of the Eucharist; personal preparation for the rite of commissioning; an explanation of the practical skills required; pastoral advice on giving communion at home or in hospital as well as help for those unexpected moments when something may go wrong. A warm and encouraging companion for all who serve in this ministry.

Worship and Christian Identity argues that sacramental and liturgical practices are the central means by which a church shapes the faith, character, and consciousness of its members. Consequently, for any church to set aside such practices as outdated or irrelevant is to set aside the means by which the church nurtures and sustains its theological identity. From this perspective, Anderson explores the following questions: What is the relationship between worship and belief? What is the relationship between corporate worship and the formation of Christian persons and communities? What is the relationship between worship and our knowledge of ourselves, our world, and God? How might our attention to the reform and renewal of worship and sacramental practice provide a framework for theological, evangelical, and sacramental renewal? Questions of sacramental practice, inclusive or transformative language, and the renewal of congregational hymnody have been largely displaced by marketing questions and conflicts between "traditional" and "contemporary" worship. The hour of worship is subdivided now into increasingly specialized "target audiences" of singles, seekers, boomers, and "X-ers" with worship carefully packaged as "traditional" or "contemporary." What at various points has been understood as a "means of grace" is now seen primarily as a "means of numerical growth." Missing in the conflict between "traditional" and "contemporary" worship is significant discussion of what is at stake for the identity of Christian persons and communities in the shape and practice of worship. Perhaps more surprising, discussion of the theological shape and practice of worship also has been absent in discussions concerning theological standards. These absences suggest that for many in the church today, worship is a means for expressing a community's belief but has little to do with the shape and character of that belief. The assumption that worship is only or primarily a pragmatic means for expressing a community's belief stands in sharp contrast to the Christian tradition. This assumption also contrasts with the insights provided by recent work in ritual studies, psychology, and faith development. Worship and Christian Identity is an important book for faculty and students in seminary and graduate programs in liturgical studies and religious education, particularly those interested in the relationships between liturgical studies and practical theology, ritual studies and liturgical theology, as well as the role of worship in Christian formation. Chapters are "Making Claims About Worship," "Worship as Ritual Knowledge," "Worship as Ritual Practice," "Trinitarian Grammar and the Christian Self," "Trinitarian Grammar and Liturgical Practice," and "A Vision of Christian Life."

Daily Catholic meditations for the liturgical season of Lent.

Since the Common Worship Lectionary first came into use, many short preaching aids have been published. They have ranged from brief notes to almost complete sermons. This new companion offers an understanding of some points of significance in each lection for every Sunday and for other major days. It combines the latest scholarship with the conviction that the text should address today's world, squarely facing up to the difficulties that some passages may present to modern congregations. It does not aim to provide a substitute for sermon preparation, but to stimulate reflection among those engaged in this work. This is a serious academic commentary on the readings, by scholars who are also aware of the demands and purposes of preaching. The book - provides the academic background knowledge essential for interpreting the texts; does not shirk difficult questions; stimulates the prospective preacher to see new ways of reading the text; covers the Anglican variations not dealt with in American commentaries. "Real scholarship and valuable resources are] to be found in this volume..." John McCourt, Church Times on previous volume

"Catholic Press Association Award Winner "The commentaries on the Lectionary readings in "Hearing the Word of God" are an attempt not only to hear the Word of God in Scripture but also to suggest ways that the Sunday readings might continue to nurture faith and life. Inevitably, they reflect the time in which they were first written - as a popular weekly column in America from November 2000 to Advent 2001.

"Hearing the Word of God" includes Scripture readings for the Sunday, followed by a reflection on the reading, and concludes with Praying with Scripture," a series of questions and meditations to guide readers in making a personal application of the reflection.

"John R. Donahue, SJ, PhD, is the Raymond E. Brown Distinguished Professor of New Testament Studies at St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore. He is the coauthor, with Daniel Harrington, SJ, of the "Sacra Pagina" commentary on "The Gospel of Mark," published by the Liturgical Press.""

Whereas most scholarship has concentrated upon the synagogue, Margaret Barker's work on the Jerusalem temple contributes to our understanding of the meaning and importance of many elements of Christian liturgy which have hitherto remained obscure. This book opens up a new field of research.;The any subjects addressed include the roots of the Eucharist in various temple rituals and offerings other than Passover, the meaning of the holy of holies and the Christian sanctuary, the cosmology of temple and church, the significance of the Veil of the Temple for understanding priesthood and Incarnation, the Holy Wisdom and the Mother of God, angels and priesthood, the concept of unity, the high priestly tradition in the early church and evidence that Christianity was a conscious continuation of the temple.

This volume examines commitment in the context of the individual and institutional response to God s call to be God s people. The call from God is a call to the altar, to the holy, in a simple do-able way, explains the author. Right now we are a little like an aborted African chant in the mainline church; there is a call, but no response. Donna Schaper outlines various reasons for this disconnect between call and response, and she offers ten concrete ways of responding to the gospel through specific actions that will help persons reconnect with their commitment to be the people of God."

Begun as a practical pastoral guide to worship, this book balances theory and praxis to create a compelling case for a biblical, aesthetic, and covenantal worship service as the place where the Triune God and His people renew the bonds of love and loyalty. Jeffrey Meyers begins laying out a case for a covenant renewal service by means of Old Testament sacrificial liturgics, biblical typology, and covenant theology. He then guides us through the stages of a covenant renewal liturgy, explaining from Scripture the meanings of each step of the service. The final section addresses miscellaneous issues in worship, such as the use of creeds, the "regulative principle," and ministerial clothing. Meyers provides not only a compelling biblical, theological, and historical case for covenant renewal worship, but also shows that it is beautiful, profound, edifying, and liberating.

In studying the history of the vernacular in worship beginning with the Christian Scriptures, Dynamic Equivalence uncovers the power of a living language to transform communities of faith. How we pray when we come together for common worship has always been significant, but the issue of liturgical language received unprecedented attention in the twentieth century when Latin Rite Roman Catholic worship was opened to the vernacular at Vatican II. Worshiping in one's native tongue continues to be of issue as the churches debate over what type of vernacular should be employed. Dynamic Equivalence traces the history of liturgical language in the Western Christian tradition as a dynamic and living reality. Particular attention is paid to the twentieth century Vernacular Society within the United States and how the vernacular issue was treated at Vatican II, especially within an ecumenical context. The first chapter offers a short history of the vernacular from the first century through the twentieth. The second and third chapters contain a significant amount of archival material, much of which has never been published before. These chapters tell the story of a mixed group of Catholic laity and clergy dedicated to promoting the vernacular during the first half of the twentieth century. Chapter Four begins with a survey of vernacular promotion in the Reformation itself, explores the issue of vernacular worship as an instrument of ecumenical hospitality and concludes with some examples of ecumenical liturgical cooperation in the years immediately preceding the Council. The final chapter treats the vernacular debate at the Council with attention to the Vernacular Society's role in helping with theimplementation of the vernacular. Chapters are "A Brief History of the Vernacular," "The Origins of the Vernacular Society: 1946-1956," "Pressure for the Vernacular Mounts: 1956-1962," "Vernacular Worship and Ecumenical Exchange," "Vatican II and the Vindication of the Vernacular: 1962-1965" Keith F. Pecklers, SJ, SLD, is professor of liturgy at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and professor of liturgical history at the Pontifical Liturgical Institute of Sant 'Anselmo. He is the author of The Unread Vision: The Liturgical Movement in the United States of America 1926-1955, and co-editor of Liturgy for the New Millennium: A Commentary on the Revised Sacramentary, published by The Liturgical Press.

Eucharistic adoration is part of Catholic tradition. In many parts of the world, perpetual adoration is flourishing as never before. Presented here for any who respect the Blessed Sacrament, the reflections found in "Eucharistic Contemplation" provide a distinct style for prayer and veneration.

"Eucharistic Contemplation" is not another book of eucharistic devotions" as has been the style for the past few centuries. The prayers are not directed to Jesus in the Sacrament of the Altar, full of sentiments, feelings, petitions, thanksgiving, praise, or reparation. Rather, these 32 reflections focus on contemplation as a simple, straightforward, and honest prayer. Every short reading leads to moments of silent contemplation. They are meant to serve principally for moments of prayer, yet define the meaning of what contemplation, and specifically eucharistic contemplation, are to people of faith praying before the Blessed sacrament.

Prepared and delivered in the parish of San Francisco de Borja, in Lima, Peru, these reflections on the Eucharist use actual prayers from the Church's sacramentary and rites. Each reflection follows the process of Eucharistic contemplation. The first reading should be studied slowly to have a basic understanding of the text. Then, the reader is invited to search out the various scriptural background references, especially from the Old Testament. A re-reading of the text, with pauses, and time for deep silence concludes the meditation.

Chapters are *The Mystery of the Love of God, - *Eucharistic Contemplation, - *Mystery/Memorial of Christ, - *United in Blood with One Past, - *The Blood of Christ, - *The Seven Offerings of the Blood of Christ, - *Bread as Living Remembrance, - *Proclaim the Mystery of Faith, - *O Holy Banquet, - *Blood of the Covenant, - *'Remove the Sandals From Your Feet, For the Place on Which You Are Standing is Holy Ground, '- *'I AM WHO I AM, '- *The Meeting Tent, - *'And He Lived Among Us, '- *The Wedding of Cana, - *Bread in the Wilderness, - *The Ark of the Covenant, - *Christ, the Propitiation For Our Sins, - *Christ, the One and Only Sacrifice, - *Advent, - *The Beginning and the End, - *'Let Us Go Up to the House of the Lord, '- *Zen Meditation and the Eucharist, - *Pope John Paul II in the Cenacle of Jerusalem, - *Grace, the Fullness of the Christian Life, - *The Eucharist Where There Is No Eucharist, - *Bread For the Journey, - *The Eucharist and the Servant of the Lord, - *The Eucharist and the Lord of Miracles, - *Mary and Martha, - *Mary and the Eucharist, - *The Eucharist and Prayers of Petition. -

"Ernest Rally, CPPS, PhD, is the administrator of two parish schools at San Francisco deBorja parish in Lima, Peru.""

Early 11c service book containing many masses commemorating English and Continental saints. The `Missal of Robert of Jumieges' is one of the most important, and also most beautifully written and decorated, service books which have survived from the late Anglo-Saxon period. Probably written at Canterbury in the early years of the eleventh century, it eventually came into the possession of Robert, bishop of London (1044-51), who gave it to the abbey of Jumieges in France, where it remained until 1791. From a liturgical point of view, the manuscriptis notable for the large number of masses commemorating not only native English, but also continental, and particularly Flemish, saints culted in late Anglo-Saxon England; the book is thus an important witness to the cultural links between England and the Continent at that time. The text, first published in 1896, has a still-valuable introduction by its editor and is accompanied by fifteen black and white plates, which give some impression of the original, lavish decoration. There are also full indexes of liturgical forms and subjects.

This project highlights Jesus' use of scripture within each Synoptic Gospel as an important component of each Gospel's narrative rhetoric. Using literary analysis -- particularly composition criticism, narrative criticism, and comparative analysis -- the main object of study is the explicit citation of Jesus, rather than any implied citation, allusion or echo. Concentration on the latter areas offers insight into the way scripture was understood by Christians and Jews in Second Temple Judaism, however, the study of explicit citations provides the basis upon which we assume other allusions may be heard by first century audiences. The study concludes that each Gospel offers its own distinctive portrayal of Jesus' use of scripture based on each one's narrative rhetoric.

Worship renewal is now on the agenda of many Reformed churches, as the need for adaptation and new approaches is acutely felt all over. How can the church faithfully worship God in the midst of rapidly changing situations? How can it constructively relate to widely differing cultural contexts? What is its place in the wider ecumenical scene? In preparing a sweeping survey of Reformed worship across time and place, this volume provides some help to those engaged with vital questions like these.

Written by theologians and liturgical scholars from a wide range of churches and countries, these chapters explore the history of Reformed worship on every continent from the sixteenth century to the present. Surveying the most significant developments in the growth of Reformed worship, the book identifies the major "ingredients" that make the Reformed worship tradition distinctive and highlights those aspects of Reformed worship that are particularly relevant to present efforts at renewal. Indeed, an important component of this book is the inclusion of "A Common Reflection on Christian Worship in Reformed Churches Today, " the result of a major consultation in January 2001 at the International Reformed Center John Knox.

Revealing the rich variety of forms and diversity of perspectives that have made and do make up Reformed worship worldwide, this volume will be a valuable resource for church and worship leaders both in and outside the Reformed family.

CONTRIBUTORS: Horace T. Allen Jr.
Emily R. Brink
Livingstone Buama
Coenraad Burger
Bruno Burki
Gerson Correia de Lacerda
Alan D. Falconer
Kasonga wa Kasonga
Baranite T. Kirata
Elsie Anne McKee
Seong-WonPark
Ester Pudjo Widiasih
Alan P. F. Sell
Joseph D. Small
Bryan D. Spinks
Leonora Tubbs Tisdale
Lukas Vischer
Isaiah Wahome Muita
Geraldine Wheeler
Marsha M. Wilfong
John D. Witvliet

Exploring fundamental ways in which verbal expression in worship relates to aesthetic expression, Clayton Schmit provides a vitally important book for all homiletics students and scholars. Schmit explains that worship isn't just a sequence of "holy" words, and he reflects theologically on the relationship between verbal and aesthetic expression, demonstrating the aesthetic significance of verbal liturgical expression and the aesthetic responsibility of those who preach, pray, and lead in public worship.

Hughes Oliphant Old masterfully summarises the worship of Israel and the early church and traces the development of worship through the period of the Reformation. He provides a historical survey that will be highly useful for pastors and church study groups as well as for scholars and students interested in Reformed worship. The topics covered include baptism, the Lord's Day, the ministry of praise, the ministry of the Word, the ministry of prayer, the Lord's Supper, daily prayer and alms.