Church of the Brethren Newsline
January 13, 2018
This year’s Lenten devotional from Brethren Press, written by Erin Matteson, is titled “Growing in God’s Garden.” The pocket-sized paperback includes daily devotions, scriptures, and prayers for Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14, through Easter Sunday, April 1.
In more news from Brethren Press, 425 copies of “Shine On: A Story Bible,” including 5 copies of the Spanish version, have been sent to congregations through an offering taken up at the 2017 Annual Conference. Shine is a curriculum jointly produced by Brethren Press and MennoMedia.
‘Growing in God’s Garden’
“Each life is like a garden, created and nurtured by God,” said an announcement of the new Lenten devotional. “Lent invites 40 days of intentional soul work. It gives us time to reflect on God’s word and pray, trusting God to tend our garden and bring forth new life.”
Author Erin Matteson is a spiritual director, retreat leader, writer, speaker, and ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. She previously served as a pastor for nearly 25 years, and lives in Modesto, Calif.
Readers are encouraged to use the devotional for individual devotions, and for congregations to give to their members. Cost is $3.50 for regular print, $6.95 for large print. Purchase online at www.brethrenpress.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=8496 or order from Brethren Press by call 800-441-3712.
‘Shine On’ story Bibles
Here is the cover letter that accompanied the mailing of story Bibles:
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:
This story Bible is coming to you compliments of Brethren Press and the people at this year’s Annual Conference.
You know that the stories children hear early on set the foundation for faith. The good news we all share with children transforms their lives. At Brethren Press we call this “Starting small.”
Annual Conference shares this vision and has partnered with Brethren Press for a special initiative aimed at growing faith in children. Through an offering received in Grand Rapids, we are able to send you a copy of “Shine On: A Story Bible.” Please accept this gift from all of us.
This book has over 150 Bible stories that will excite the imaginations of children and enrich your church’s faith formation ministry. The story Bible also serves as an introduction to the Shine Sunday school curriculum.
To learn more about Shine visit: www.brethren.org/bp.
Together in Christ,
Jeff Lennard
Director of marketing and sales
— To order the Lenten devotional, the “Shine On” story Bible, and other Brethren Press products, go to www.brethrenpress.com .
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