“People of faith across the centuries have used the Psalms, laden with powerful images and emotions, in their devotional life,” said an announcement from Brethren Press about its newest Covenant Bible Study. “God’s Steadfast Love in the Psalms” is written by Christina Bucher, a professor of religion at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College.
Also new from Brethren Press is a book for ministry with children titled “Small Wonders: Stories for Worship with Kids” by Kate Finney.
Additional special resources currently available from the Church of the Brethren denominational publishing house include a set of recommended books on racial justice, currently offered at a discount with free shipping; a set of face masks featuring Brethren messaging; and new digital resources from Shine, the Sunday school curriculum jointly produced by Brethren Press and MennoMedia.
These and more resources are available at www.brethrenpress.com .
“God’s Steadfast Love in the Psalms”
“We see God portrayed as a good shepherd, a generous host, a strong deliverer,” said the announcement of this new Covenant Bible Study. “God is our rock and refuge. Water is a metaphor for the spiritual life–it nourishes and quenches our thirst, but it can also destroy like a flood.
“The Psalms plumb the depths of human emotion, from despair to joy and from anger to gratitude, and encourage us to express ourselves authentically before God. In these gifts, we will know God’s steadfast love.”
This Bible study resource suitable for both small groups and individual use sells for $10.99 per copy. Purchase one copy for the leader and each member of a study group.
“Small Wonders: Stories for Worship with Kids”
“Children’s worship time is much more than telling children a story,” said the Brethren Press announcement of this new book. “It’s about showing them how to connect with God and the world around them.” During children’s worship, the church creates spiritually enriching experiences that shape children’s understanding of God’s family and build healthy relationships that last a lifetime. The worship stories in this book “will spark the wonder of a child and foster Spirit-led discovery for everyone.”
Author Kate Finney writes from her home in Plymouth, Ind. The book is available from Brethren Press for $15.99.
Digital products for Sunday school this fall
Shine curriculum has two new digital resources: “Shine at Home” and “Shine Connect.”
“Shine at Home” is a simple option for families to do at home if congregations are not resuming regular Sunday school. “Shine at Home” includes weekly mini-sessions, complete with a prayer practice, ideas for sharing the Bible story, questions and conversation prompts, media suggestions, and activities that help children and families explore the Bible story. Use with Shine’s storytelling, music, and student resources. “Shine at Home” is available for preorder and will be released Aug. 1 as a downloadable PDF to email to all the families in the purchasing congregation.
“Shine Connect” is a free resource for teachers leading children through online Sunday school sessions. “Shine Connect” materials are free with the purchase of any Shine teacher’s guide starting with Fall 2020 materials. The early childhood resource includes a two-page outline and tips for creating fun, online sessions for preschoolers using the activities in the teacher’s guide and storytelling pictures in the resource pack. A more robust guide with weekly online session plans for elementary children accompanies the primary, older elementary, and multi-age teacher’s guides. “Shine Connect” for junior youth provides a simple framework and tips for facilitating discussion around the Bible story and connecting via the at-home devotional, “Quest.” The “Shine Connect” free resources are available with the fall curriculum.
Find out more about the Shine curriculum and its new digital products at https://shinecurriculum.com/product-category/product-type/digital-products .
Books to further racial justice
“To grow in understanding about the deep roots of racism and the need for transformation, reading is essential,” said a Brethren Press announcement of a set of books that the Church of the Brethren publishing house is recommending for those interested in furthering racial justice. “Through the books recommended here, find challenge, learning, and inspiration to build a world of equality and justice for all.
Brethren Press is currently offering the following titles at special discounts with free shipping:
“Me and White Supremacy” by Layla F. Saad
“The Color of Compromise” by Jemar Tisby
“Trouble I’ve Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism” by Drew G. I. Hart
“The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander
“I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness” by Austin Channing Brown
“They Can’t Kill Us All: The Story of the Struggle for Black Lives” by Wesley Lowry
In addition to the above titles, Brethren Press’s website offers an extensive selection of books on race and racial justice. Click on the “Books on Race” banner at www.brethrenpress.com .
Brethren face masks
Face masks in three patterns make for a unique Church of the Brethren witness. They display three Brethren messages of caring in the name of Christ: “Speak Peace,” “For the Glory of God and My Neighbor’s Good,” and “Peacefully, Simply, Not So Close Together.” Order at www.brethrenpress.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=FACEMASK .
Find out more information about these resources and order online at www.brethrenpress.com or call Brethren Press customer service at 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.