Jay Sidebotham is a priest nowadays, but prior to taking Holy Orders was a professional cartoonist working on, amongst other things, the US hit show "Schoolhouse Rocks".Combining his faith with his artistic ability has allowed Jay to produce several humourous cartoon books for Morehouse, including "The Old Testament from A-Z".Logically enough he has followed that with...yeah, you've guessed it "The New Testament from A-Z". Great cartoons teach readers about the characters and stories from the "NT". Each cartoon is accompanied by a brief but funny poem and an invitation to explore the story more thoroughly through the Biblical texts.This book is a great impulse buy for self, or friends and family, and humour is a good way to get some people into the Faith.

* Of interest to a wide audience-parish office staff, youth group leaders, small groups, etc. * Pages are reproducible for bulletin creation This is the first of three books that will cover all of the Sundays in the lectionary year, as well as special days such as Christmas, Epiphany, Ash Wednesday, and Ascension Day. There is a cartoon illustration of the gospel, the gospel text, a short paragraph of introduction, and a limited number of engaging questions for each Sunday. The cartoons are scaled in such a way that they could be reproduced for bulletins, inserts, or even posters.

This book guides readers into conversation with Paul's letter to the Romans. The author helps readers listen to what that letter said to the people to whom it was written and to hear what it says to us today. Readers will bring their own reflections, personal concerns, and questions to the table as we let this letter challenge us with meaning-letting it read the reader. The thesis of this book is that the letter has demonstrated transforming power to renew lives and the church through a focus on worship; a rigorous assessment of the human condition, especially the failure of human religiosity; a claim of transforming power in the ongoing life of Christ; an expansive vision of who is included in God's life and love; a call to practical application and proclamation of the gospel.

This is not a book about why people give; it is a guide for how to create outreach partnerships to provide better help more efficiently and responsibly. With text aided by practical worksheets, it explores the entire step-by-step process of outreach, from motivations and documentation of available resources, to focus on desired outcomes and alternative methods to achieve goals. Written in clear, concise language and illustrated by real-life stories of good and bad programs, the authors include evaluation techniques, bibliography, and index.

Each week brings a lighthearted opportunity to remember that humor and the gospel are not mutually exclusive. The Drawn to the Gospels series covers all of the Sundays in the lectionary year, as well as special days such as Christmas, Epiphany, Ash Wednesday, and Ascension Day. Each entry contains a cartoon illustration of the gospel, a short paragraph of introduction, and some engaging questions. The cartoons are scaled so they can be reproduced for bulletins, inserts, or even posters, bringing weekly gospel readings to life. These amusing and original reflections deepen scriptural literacy and engagement among members of the Episcopal Church, including youth groups, and will inspire some fun in the process.

* Proof humor and the gospel are not mutually exclusive * Adds visual interest to bulletins and other printed materials * New from popular illustrator The second in a series of three books brings weekly gospel readings to life. Each week, a cartoon illustration and text of the gospel creates a lighthearted opportunity for individual reflection, or an enjoyable addition to study materials and church bulletins. These amusing and original reflections deepen scriptural literacy and engagement among mem-bers of the Episcopal Church, including youth groups, and will inspire some fun in the process.

In your church, where are the signs of life? Signs of Life offers a clear-eyed consideration of the challenges facing congregations as well as a celebration of practices that contribute to spiritual vitality in congregations. These best practice principles--signs of life--emerge from a ministry called RenewalWorks, a concerted effort to make spiritual growth a priority in congregations and to build cultures of discipleship within them. The book is written free from illusion that there is a quick fix. Nor does it propose a prescriptive focus on programmatic solutions. What you have in this book is an exploration of the catalysts and best practices for spiritual growth-and the hopeful confidence that it can happen. After all, with God all things are possible.

Have some fun and learn about the stories and characters of the Old Testament at the same time Episcopal priest Jay Sidebotham provides a humorous approach to Hebrew Scripture that is as educational as it is entertaining. Cartoons, along with short and funny poems, plus references to relevant Bible passages make this a great book for confirmation classes, for newcomers, and for adult and teenage education programs.

Spanning all 3 years of the lectionary cycle, this book provides a welcome tool for the renewal of preaching from the gospel readings. In a concise, uniform, and simple format, the authors provide a thematic summary of the gospel, list several possible points for preaching, and offer a humorous story for the week that illumines the deeper meaning of the biblical text. Lectionary Levity also functions as a practical manual on how to use humor in preaching and allows the reader to view the gospel in a different light so as to enliven the worship experience. A treasure trove of biblical insights, homiletical helps, and just good humor!