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
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.)
