wfn.org | [ENS] Lenten study resources available through Church Center

["Matthew Davies" <mdavies@mail.epicom.org>]

Daybook, from Episcopal News Service

January 25, 2005 - Tuesday to Note & to Read

Lenten study resources available through Church Center

[ENS] - To enrich the Lenten season of study and reflection, a variety
of
resources -- including the new "Groundwork" series for congregational
transformation and hospitality -- are currently available through the
Episcopal Church Center. Additional study guides include "The Call of
the
Cross" prepared by Episcopal Relief and Development, together with
several
titles offered by the Episcopal Book/Resource Center (see
recommendations
below).

Centered on lesson plans for use in varied teaching settings,
"Groundwork"
is a new resource produced collaboratively by several offices of the
Episcopal Church Center. The materials continue a proactive strategy
begun
by General Convention in 2000 to strengthen local congregations and to
increase hospitality and evangelism initiatives.

The Rev. Dr. James B. Lemler, director of mission for the Episcopal
Church,
describes "Groundwork'"as "an educational offering for Lent 2005 that
joins
together reflection on the study and proclamation of the Lenten Sunday
Scripture cycle and learning about evangelism, congregational
invitation,
and mission in the present changing context."

To download "Groundwork" visit,
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/groundwork

-- "The Call of the Cross," produced by Episcopal Relief and Development
(ERD,) is free and aims to "help deepen the compassion and caring of the
people in your congregation."

In a letter, ERD President Sandra Swan and Board Chair Harry Bainbridge,
Bishop of Idaho, said, "Lent is meant to be a time to prepare for the
joy we
experience at Christ's resurrection...We have designed this year's
Lenten
materials to help your parishioners spiritually prepare for Easter while
providing them with opportunities to reach out to children and families
struggling as a result of disaster, disease and poverty."

To order "The Call of the Cross" visit http://www.er-d.org or call
800.903.5544.

-- "Turning to God: Lenten Reflections" is available through Episcopal
Parish Services http://www.episcopalparishservices.org	for $1.50 plus
$5.00
for shipping and handling. It is produced by the Higher Education
Ministries
Area which is a program function of a multi-denominational group of
which
the Episcopal Church is a part.

Daily meditations are also available via e-mail, free through the Office
of
Ministries with Young People at join-myp@mh.epicom.org

- - - - -

TO READ

Note: The following titles are available from the Episcopal
Book/Resource
Center, 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY  10017; 800-334-7626;
http://www.episcopalbookstore.org

To Read: A TIME TO TURN: Anglican Readings for Lent and Easter Week by
Christopher L. Webber (Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania,
2004; 131 pages; $11.95)

>From the publisher: For centuries Lent has been a season when
Christians
stop and take stock of their lives. This stocktaking comes in many
forms.
During Lent we revisit the story of Jesus' life, death, and
resurrection,
and in reading them anew, focus on our own sinfulness and the need to
repent. We set aside luxuries and make sure that others have what they
need.
A Time to Turn provides readings for each day of Lent, Holy Week, and
the
first week of Easter, and explores these themes using the best sermons,
books, poems, and hymns of Anglican writers throughout the centuries.
Readings, carefully selected, from Christina Rossetti, John Donne,
Philips
Brooks, John Keble, Thomas Traherne, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and many
others,
make A Time to Turn a thoughtful companion for the season.

Christopher L. Webber is an Episcopal priest who has served inner-city,
suburban, and overseas parishes. He is the author of many books,
including
Give Us Grace: An Anthology of Anglican Prayers; Love Came Down:
Anglican
Readings for Advent and Christmas; Welcome to the Episcopal Church; and
others.

To Read: BEYOND THE PASSION: Rethinking the Death and Life of Jesus by
Stephen J. Patterson (Fortress Press, Minneapolis, 2004; 161 pages;
$18.)

>From the publisher: In this timely work, Patterson challenges basic
assumptions about how Christians in the West have interpreted Jesus'
death.
He emphasizes the importance of Jesus' life in relation to his death and
resurrection. And he challenges individualistic notions of how Jesus'
death
relates to Christian ethics.

Stephen J. Patterson is Professor of New Testament at Eden Theological
Seminary, St. Louis. His previous books include The God of Jesus (1998,)
The
Fifth Gospel (1998,) and The Gospel of Thomas and Jesus (1998.)

To Read: WHY JESUS DIED by Gerard S. Sloyan (Fortress Press,
Minneapolis,
2004; 154 pages; $6.00)

>From the publisher: For all who wonder what really happened in the
passion
and death of Jesus, this book will provide compelling information and
resources-including study questions and suggestions for further reading.

Gerard S. Sloyan is Professor Emeritus of Religion at Temple University,
Philadelphia. Past President of both the Catholic Biblical Association
and
the College Theology Society, he is author of many books, including John
in
the Interpretation series (1992) and Preaching from the Lectionary, with
CD-ROM (Fortress Press, 2003.)