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What really motivated the main characters in the events surrounding Jesus' death? Was Judas merely a pragmatic man dealing with the unpleasant realities of everyday life in an occupied land? Was Herod an honorable leader of the Hebrew people who was concerned with saving lives? Was Pontius Pilate a talented and efficient representative of Rome who was simply trying to keep the peace? Or did they all intentionally participate in the wrongful execution of an innocent man? Written in an easy-to-present format, this fascinating drama series will have your congregation pondering how they would answer these and many other questions. Six biblical characters come to life in new and revealing ways as they take the witness stand in a contemporary grand jury inquiry into the meaning of Jesus' death. While attempting to explain their thoughts and actions, Judas, Caiaphas, Herod, Pilate, Mary Magdalene, and Peter face intense questioning by a state's attorney. The innovative grand jury approach makes audiences active participants in the drama, as they are challenged to determine the true significance of the crucifixion. Why Did Jesus Die? is an enlightening six-part resource that's perfect for weekly Lenten worship, but it can also be easily used as a single dramatic production. Several thought-provoking questions relating to each witness's testimony are provided to spark follow-up discussion, and a closing argument by the state's attorney summarizes the evidence pointing to Jesus' innocence ? and our sinful guilt. The Church says Jesus died for us, for the sins of the world. Is this the real truth? Using the structure of a hypothetical modern-day grand jury investigation, Robert Kleinke confronts this most important question in a refreshing and entertaining manner. Steve Mangan CEO, The Ordean Foundation Duluth, Minnesota

This is a book of clues... clues to the awe and immensity of God that will lead children to think about, rather than "learn" about, God. Instead of teaching in the traditional sense, it provides "clues" for a shared journey toward discovering the Divine Mystery at the core of the universe. The recent trend in Christian education has been to emphasize knowledge, and to make church school more fun and entertaining. But in our zeal to pass on the basics of the faith, we have often neglected to guide children into truly experiencing the full wonder of the almighty. We have taught them about religion, but we have not always helped them to establish a deep and meaningful relationship with God. This book approaches the mission from a different perspective - one that identifies and reaffirms the spiritual experiences young people are already having. Each chapter suggest numerous ideas for use in classes, as well as a "Time to Reflect" section for adults to recall and meditate on their own spiritual life as children. Teaching The Mystery Of God To Children is an essential resource for any parent or church school teacher who is interested in the spiritual development of their children. Subjects discussed include: ? The Bible ? Art ? Symbols ? Music ? Sounds ? Movement ? Words ? Poetry ? Nature ? Sacred Space ? Koans and Miracles ? Death Judy Gattis Smith is the author of more than a dozen books, including Teaching to Wonder, Planting Spiritual Seeds, and Developing a Child's Spiritual Growth through the Senses (Abingdon). She has also written three books for grandmothers, and she is a regular contributor to Episcopal Teacher magazine. Smith has led more than 200 workshops and seminars, and has been a keynote speaker at conferences throughout the United States.

Create memorable services that help worshipers experience the profound sadness of the crucifixion as well as the marvelous joy of the risen Christ with this diverse collection of ready-to-use dramatic material. With ample selections for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter, there's something special here for congregations of any size or worship style. Copying privileges are included for all segments. Included are: • A Travesty Of Justice: In The Shadow Of The Cross (Kathy Martz), a series of six meditations in which an unusual assortment of "eyewitnesses" -- the thorn, robe, nail, spear, shroud, and stone -- tell about their extraordinary encounters with Jesus. • Live From Jerusalem (John O. Eby), a short Palm Sunday play that helps audiences envision what it would have been like to be on the scene of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. • Maundy Thursday Testimonies (David H. Covington), a brief set of dramatic readings depicting the Passion events and their meaning from the viewpoint of four characters: Mary Magdalene, Thomas, Judas, and Peter. • God On Trial, Or...? (John O. Eby), a courtroom drama for Good Friday that portrays Jesus' trial before Pilate -- with the novel twist of Beelzebub as the prosecutor, questioning several witnesses who level accusations against Jesus. • Sons Of Thunder (Carol Secord), a brief Good Friday sketch in which James and John struggle to come to grips with the stark reality of the crucifixion. • The Animals Learn The Meaning Of Easter (Will Rabert), a charming and humorous children's play with speaking parts for a narrator and 14 young people (each representing a different animal). • M.I.H. -- Missing In Heaven (Frank Ramirez), an imaginative and engaging verse play in readers' theater format. • Tongues Of Fire (Kenneth Carlson), a four-voice choral reading especially appropriate for Pentecost, which can also be used any time during the Easter season.

Finding and using apt illustrations to enhance a sermon or Bible study is a fine art. In this book, Forrest Chaffee proves himself a master at this endeavor. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to plumb the depths of some of the most significant miracles of Jesus. Herbert Chilstrom Former Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America The Gospel of John has a unique function - unlike the synoptic Gospels, which provide chronological accounts of Jesus' life and ministry, John weaves the story and words of Jesus around seven miracles that he calls "signs." These signs are the visible evidence that Jesus is the source of true life. Through his spoken words and healing power, Jesus' inspiring life force flows outwardly to all who believe in him. This in-depth exploration of the miracle stories in John's Gospel helps you discover how to tap in to this powerful life force and become more alive than ever. Each chapter studies the scripture text of a miracle to identify the quality associated with it, then offers numerous illustrative examples demonstrating how this "sign" or trait can positively influence daily living. With thought-provoking discussion questions included, More Alive Than Ever is an excellent resource for small group Bible study or adult Sunday school classes. Its convenient illustration index also makes this a rich source of meaningful metaphors and stories for preaching. But even more, it's stimulating reading for anyone who wants greater insight into these marvelous accounts of God's power at work. Chapters include: ? Joy Is Like The Rain John 2:1-12 ? Trust Is An Umbrella John 4:46-54 ? Hope Can Be Moving John 5:1-9 ? Bread Is Always Needed John 6:1-14 ? Peace Is Like A Flowing River John 6:16-21 ? Seeing Is Getting The Mud Out Of Your Eyes John 9:1-41 ? New Life Is Like A Grain Of Wheat John 11:1-44 This book is a beautiful witness to the possibilities of a deeper and richer spiritual life. Chaffee opens up for us the spiritual wisdom of John's Gospel in understandable simplicity. Jerry L. Schmalenberger Former President Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary Forrest Chaffee has an amazing gift of using stories and illustrations to help his readers discover what he is attempting to say. Laypersons will find this text to be very interesting and easy to read and understand. Chaffee takes the signs of Jesus and brings them down to very practical and earthy applications of everyday life. (from the Foreword) Paul M. Werger Bishop Emeritus, Southeastern Iowa Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Forrest Chaffee opens up the signs of John's Gospel to us as he also opens up his own life and experiences for us to behold. Pastors and laypersons alike will enjoy his rich storytelling abilities. This engaging work, deeply rooted in a faithful pastor's heart, is a resource that will surely help others grow in their faith - and become more alive than ever! Daniel Solomon Senior Pastor, Augustana Lutheran Church Boone, Iowa In its sensitivity and simplicity, Forrest Chaffee's pastoral style penetrates to the heart of the Fourth Gospel's theology, which is the sacramental nature of all life. Both the Evangelist and Pastor Chaffee encourage readers to find God in the immediacy of daily existence. Edward W. Amend Emeritus Professor of Religion and Humanities Univers

The Ten Commandments continue to provide both significant prohibitions and helpful invitations for living a moral and godly life in the 21st century. I did not post the Ten Commandments on my classroom wall, but they were imprinted more boldly onto my heart. (from the Introduction) Melvin Kieschnick Former Director of Parish Education Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod The Ten Commandments are universally acknowledged as God's blueprint for human behavior -- yet they seem to be a major focus of controversy in today's headlines. Should these commands from God be prominently featured in classrooms and courtrooms? What difference do God's laws make for multitudes of people who can't even repeat them from memory, much less integrate them into everyday behavior? In the latest installment of his popular series examining the basics of the Christian faith, Ron Lavin takes another look at the Ten Commandments and suggests they offer a powerful biblical corrective for a society filled with ethical relativism and moral decay. But they are much more than just a list of do's and don'ts -- they are also the foundation for God's invitation to a full and abundant life. The Big Ten is an ideal group study resource -- each chapter includes a "digging deeper" section plus stimulating discussion questions, and there are tips to assist small group leaders. The Big Ten is also great for new members, adult Sunday school, and confirmation classes, as well as for personal meditation or sermon preparation. Ron Lavin is the award-winning author of 20 books, including Turning Griping Into Gratitude and Way To Grow! (CSS). He is the former Pastor-Director of Evangelical Outreach for the Lutheran Church in America, and pastored five thriving congregations, all of which grew substantially under his leadership. Lavin is a popular speaker and church consultant on the dynamics of small groups and evangelism.

Is the typical didactic sermon still an adequate vehicle for communicating essential biblical truth? In this provocative and enlightening volume, Larry Lange contends that story sermons are a far more effective way to proclaim the Good News in a modern world that largely communicates through narrative-driven multimedia spectacle. The powerful stories in the Bible don't need to be turned into morals or ideas to convey the gospel. But because they were composed in a radically different cultural context, they may require additional explanation or interpretation to make them relevant for contemporary audiences. So how can a preacher add narrative elements to these stories without diminishing their dramatic impact or changing their meaning? Retelling The Story outlines an innovative process for retelling biblical stories that utilizes fictional elements and contexts yet remains faithful to the scriptural text. Several creative and homiletical issues are comprehensively examined, and six sample sermons are included to illustrate various aspects of this process at work. Inject exciting new life into the old, old story with this primer for developing dramatic sermons that touch hearts and minds and souls. Lange's book is very well connected to recent homiletical literature, is well researched, deeply biblical, and creatively challenging. Parish pastors will benefit from this clear and brief presentation of biblical retelling. Richard A. Jensen Carlson Professor of Homiletics emeritus Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Larry Lange and his wife, Julie Wrubbel-Lange, serve as the pastors of Grace Lutheran Church in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Lange is a graduate of Carthage College (B.A.), the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (M.A.), the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (M.Div.), and the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (D.Min.).

I experienced the power of God's grace in two ways as I have read these e-mails: I heard the story of faith of an ordinary parish pastor who served God in a rather extraordinary setting, and I experienced the power of God to make the ordinary precious. These letters are filled with simple moments of serving coffee and serving God, baptism by bottled water and denominational tensions melting under a desert sun. Lance Kittleson shares with all of us a small piece of God's kingdom in a far-off land. (from the Preface) Elaine Siemsen Assistant Professor of Religion St. Olaf College In January 2003, Lance Kittleson's army reserve unit was deployed to Kuwait and Iraq. For the next 14 months, his ministry was transformed ? instead of pastoring an Iowa congregation, he now served under harsh and sometimes dangerous conditions as a chaplain for a support unit on the edge of war. Yet even in this chaotic and challenging environment, his trained pastor's eye finds the presence of God in moments both mundane and exhilarating. In this collection of e-mails sent to family and friends during his time in the Middle East, Kittleson shares insightful, poignant, and humorous meditations on faith and life. You'll get a firsthand glimpse of military life, as well as the remarkable ways of the spirit (both divine and human) at work. When the camp's altar suddenly disappears, you'll read about how Kittleson comes to understand that the crude replacement altar hastily assembled from discarded shipping crates is a better symbol of Jesus than any fancy altar in an ornate sanctuary. You'll also see how the sight of a superior officer offering a cup of coffee draws quizzical responses from servicemen accustomed to a rank-conscious army. Whether you are interested in learning more about what some of our men and women in uniform are experiencing in Iraq, want thoughtful sermon illustrations, or just desire inspirational reading that highlights God's presence even in the worst of life, Meditations >From Iraq is a fascinating volume for everyone. Some of the illuminating chapters include: * A Baptism In The Desert * The Spirit's Honeywagon * The Rivers Of Babylon * Tikrit And Perspective (Or Dodging Bat Guano In The Desert) * Saint SGT Murphy * Eli's Christmas Tree (Or Someone In Iowa Loves You) * The Last Convoy * SRP Blues Lance Kittleson has been an ELCA pastor since 1981. He is currently the pastor of Deer Creek Lutheran Church in Carpenter, Iowa, and St. Peter Lutheran Church in Toeterville, Iowa. Kittleson previously served parishes in Iowa and Oregon, and has been a missionary in Senegal. Kittleson's military service has included 17 years as a chaplain in the Army Reserve and 10 years as an infantry officer. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University and Luther Seminary. click here for sample

The impact of the miraculous event of the incarnation continues -- and the light of hope that appeared in the darkness of that night in Bethlehem two thousand years ago still shines on us today, even in the midst of life's most difficult situations. Illustrated with poignant stories and anecdotes, these powerful messages celebrate the heartwarming joy of Christ's coming, and demonstrate how we can rely on the Lord to serve as our steady lighthouse while we navigate the shoals of life. This seven-part series for Advent, Christmas Eve, the Sunday after Christmas, and Epiphany Sunday provides a comprehensive seasonal resource for busy pastors and worship planners. Each chapter includes a sermon, a children's message, a candle lighting response with scripture reading, and a pastoral prayer. Chapter titles include: • In The Darkness Of Despair -- Isaiah 9:2-7 • In The Darkness Of Suffering -- John 1:1-13 • In The Darkness Of Oppression -- Luke 2:1-5 • In The Darkness Of Fear -- Luke 2:6-11 • In The Darkness Of Anxiety -- Luke 2:12-17 • In The Darkness Of Uncertainty -- Luke 2:17-20 • In The Darkness Of Suspicion -- Matthew 2:1-12 Thomas A. Pilgrim, the senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, Georgia, has served several United Methodist congregations in the North Georgia Conference since 1966. He is the author of six other books, including They Came Together In Bethlehem and The Man From Galilee (CSS). Pilgrim has served on mission trips to Puerto Rico and Costa Rica, and his travels have included eight trips to the Holy Land as a tour host/leader. He is a graduate of LaGrange College and Candler School of Theology at Emory University.

The Bible is filled with stories of shining moments -- Moses' face shone as he came down from the mountain with the ten commandments; Jesus' face changed and his clothes became dazzling white in a transfiguration witnessed by the disciples; Paul was blinded by a light and heard the voice of Christ on the road to Damascus -- and many modern Christians have had equally life-changing experiences of the Lord's power and presence. In this third volume of the acclaimed Visions series, 60 contributors share their authentic, intensely personal accounts of holy experiences. Rosmarie Trapp of the Sound of Music family tells of a moment of assurance when "the Lord visited me in a bright, golden light" whose "golden glow brought peace to my soul." Ralph Milton, author of the historical novel Julian's Cell, describes a visitation by his late sister: "We were singing together as we often did as children ... I don't recall ever having a memory or dream as clear and powerful as that one, and it left me with a sense of joy and peace." Karen Steinke recounts the warmth she felt at the moment of her baptism: "I looked up to see the form of Jesus with an overpowering light surrounding him ..." Whether they relate transforming moments like visions, healings, or visitations by angels, joyous moments like being in the presence of a loved one who has died, or just the simple sense of God's presence while singing in church or sitting in a sunny meadow on a warm spring day, the vignettes in Shining Moments are a testament to the indescribable comfort and peace of an encounter with the divine. And because each story also illustrates a scripture passage, Shining Moments is a valuable preaching resource and an excellent catalyst for small group discussion. But even more, this book provides inspiring and heart-warming reading for personal devotion and spiritual growth. Praise for other volumes in the Visions series: This wonderful collection of stories reminds us of a fact our world desperately needs to know -- that God is alive and well and ready to be at work in our daily lives. J. Ellsworth Kalas Author of New Testament Stories from the Back Side A noted storyteller, John E. Sumwalt is the pastor of Wauwatosa Avenue United Methodist Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The author of CSS'Lectionary Stories series, Sumwalt leads seminars and retreats on sharing and understanding visions. He and his wife Jo Perry-Sumwalt also are the editors of the online service StoryShare.

Whether it's leaving home, having children, losing a parent, or retiring, we spend much of our lives passing through transitions -- and it is often very stressful to cope with changing circumstances, as we feel lost, confused, and depressed, sometimes even wondering "Where is God in all of this?" But if we think of biblical journey stories (such as the Prodigal Son or Jonah's journey to Nineveh) as accounts of life transitions, we can begin to understand the profound spirituality of our own transitions -- no matter how "godawful" the experiences may seem. This enlightening book demonstrates how the hand of God, yes even "Godawful," is at work in our everyday lives. Each chapter includes helpful exercises and discussion questions, making it an ideal individual or group study resource. Andre Papineau writes about identity and authenticity with penetrating clarity. He grounds the religious search and the human equation in our passion to be truthful. The truth will make us free. This book shows us how that is accomplished. The sources used, the stories told, even the discussion questions are compelling. Anthony T. Padovano Distinguished Professor of American Literature & Religious Studies Ramapo College Andre Papineau brings to this book his deep familiarity with the scriptures, his knowledge of psychology, and his common sense honed in a lifetime of experience. With deep wisdom and perceptive insight, he helps us understand better both important biblical passages and the transitions that occur in all our lives. All pilgrim Christians can learn much from this book. Charles E. Curran Elizabeth Scurlock Professor of Human Values Southern Methodist University Andre Papineau is the maestro of the liminal, emcee in the cabaret called Transition, which is always open and whose customers are always edgy, confused, and desperate to get out. It isn't simplistic psychobabble pabulum he offers here, but hard, good advice, the kind grownups need in order to advance to the next grade. Each of these chapters is a meditation on the strange and intermittently glorious thing called being alive. Russell Shorto Author of Gospel Truth Once again, Father Papineau has gifted us with a unique blend of theology, psychology, and biblical savvy. He reminds the reader that life is a process and, as such, is a succession of transitions reflected in innumerable personal and collective stories. Using this as a central template, he takes the reader deep into the exegetical and imaginative core of several critical biblical events. This is a book of inclusive theology in understandable and relevant story form. Frederick R. Gustafson Editor of The Moonlit Path: Reflections on the Dark Feminine Andre Papineau is a Salvatorian priest and associate professor of pastoral studies at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Franklin, Wisconsin. A frequent lecturer on life stages and the co-founder of the C. G. Jung Center in Milwaukee, Father Papineau is the author of ten previous books, including Lightly Goes The Good News (CSS), and is a member of The Abraham Group (www.abrahamgroup.com). He holds degrees in theology and drama from Catholic University and the University of Notre Dame.