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Brethren Press publishes book of poetry by Ken Gibble, among new resources

Church of the Brethren Newsline
May 4, 2018

Brethren Press has published a book of poetry by Ken Gibble, titled “A Poetry of the Soul,” among new resources from the Church of the Brethren denominational publishing house. The summer quarter of the Shine curriculum, jointly produced by Brethren Press and MennoMedia, is now available to order on the theme “God’s Creation.” A new children’s Advent devotional by Christy Waltersdorff and Mitch Miller is anticipated in June.

A Poetry of the Soul

In this collection of poems from Ken Gibble, readers will encounter the worries, hopes, sorrows, and joys that pour forth from the mouths and hearts of those around us. “A Poetry of the Soul” rises from the tension between heartache and happiness, doubt and faith, lament and praise.

“Ken Gibble writes out of an artful understanding of God and humanity in this soulful collection of story-shaped poems,” says Scott Holland, Slabaugh Professor of Theology and Culture who teaches theopoetics at Bethany Theological Seminary. “This pastor knows how to lean in and listen to life. His poems, like all good writing, show rather than tell…. Most striking is the poet-pastor’s conclusions about what we will remember and what others will remember about us when our lives finally reach the epilogue.”

Gibble has pastored Church of the Brethren congregations in Virginia and Pennsylvania. He is an essayist and poet whose writings have appeared in numerous periodicals and several books.

Price: $17.95. Order online at www.brethrenpress.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=9028 or call Brethren Press at 800-441-3712.

Children’s Advent devotional

“25 Days to Jesus” is a new children’s Advent devotional that reflects upon God’s greatest gift to us–Jesus. The devotional is authored by Christy Waltersdorff. Her nephew, Mitch Miller, provides the illustrations. Miller is an up-and-coming talent, and Brethren Press is publishing his very first book. Look for the devotional to arrive in June, in time to introduce your family to a new Christmas tradition. Order “25 Days to Jesus” online at www.brethrenpress.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=9033.

Summer Shine curriculum

“God’s Creation” is the Shine theme for the summer. Shine has engaging stories and activities that will teach children the Bible, help them understand that they are known and loved by God, and aid them in learning what it means to follow Jesus.

Celebrating God’s world: Summer 2018 begins with stories of God making the world and filling it with all kinds of creatures. Stories of God’s creative work do not end with Genesis. The psalmist, Isaiah, and Matthew also tell of God’s care for all creation. Stories about a new heaven and a new earth, light, shepherd’s care, birds and lilies, thirsty deer, strong trees, growing seeds and bearing good fruit, and wings of protection provide images that inspire children and youth to learn about God’s love and desire for a peaceful world.

An image of God’s Creation from the book of Genesis, from the Shine curriculum.

Sharing God’s world: The quarter concludes with stories from the Old Testament in which God’s people share the goodness of creation with one another. In the stories of Ruth, the harvest-time Festival of Booths, and the 50-year celebration of Jubilee, children and youth see God’s provision for fairness and equality.

New for this summer, teachers of preschoolers will be telling the Bible story using cutout felt shapes, along with story props from the resource pack. Specific instructions for preparing the felt cutouts are in the back of the teacher’s guide and full-color photos of the layouts and additional templates, a video showing how to prepare the felt cutouts, as well as demonstration videos for how to tell every story will be found at www.ShineCurriculum.com/Extras. The items will be used in all 13 sessions, with the repetition of props and layouts helping children see the many connections between the Bible stories.

For churches that do not purchase products for the summer, the Multiage leaflets make great children’s bulletins.

Order Shine curriculum from Brethren Press by calling 800-441-3712.

Go to www.brethren.org/Newsline to subscribe to the Church of the Brethren Newsline free e-mail news service and receive church news every week.

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