Books published by Resources for Christian Living

Bill Williams claims he was born with a ¿spine in the shape of a question mark.¿ The question ¿why?¿ has haunted him ever since his two siblings died of cystic fibrosis while he wrestled with the disease. Naked Before God: The Return of a Broken Disciple chronicles Williams¿ quest to find the answer. His poetic prose, the sharpness of his wit, and the profound nature of his struggle will leave you alternating between tears of sorrow, periods of laughter, and moments of breathtaking insight.

Preaching Through the Year of Luke is the ninth in a series of books devoted to presenting examples of preaching excellence. These sermons, collected from the 1999 Preaching Excellence Program and from clergy nationwide, use biblical passages for the liturgical year C, which focuses on the Gospel of Luke. Sermons for the major holy days as well as a selection of Sundays throughout the year will be helpful to pastors preparing to preach, as well as laypeople who seek a better understanding of the year C lectionary passages.

An introduction to the Episcopal Church's history, structure, and beliefs. The perfect book for adult newcomers and adult education classes.

"Does the face of God change? Years ago I would have said, ''No.'' Countless hymns, passage of Scripture and confessions of faith assert or imply the changelessness of God. To take issue with traditions that are centuries, if not millennia old, seemed to be daunting and misguided....But when the great professions of confidence in God harden into philosophical propositions, one is bound to ask: What difference would it make to say that God has only one face? Even if true in some sense, the fact of the matter is that features each of us would count as necessary and changeless would be a matter of considerable debate." - From the IntroductionIn 1998/99 five scholars presented lectures at Washington National Cathedral about our images of God and what difference they make. This book, and its companion videos, will allow parish study groups and individuals to consider and discuss the viewpoints of Marcus Borg, Karen Armstrong, Jack Miles, James Cone, and Andrew Sung Park.

Combines The Burial of the Dead Service with the Service of Holy Eucharist according to Rites I and II. 5" x 7".

In the past two decades or so the issue of homosexuality has taken center stage at national and regional denominational meetings and in local church communities. The response of the majority of churches ranges from condemnation to toleration of the gay and lesbian community, neither of which offers much hope for homosexual Christians. In Gifted by Otherness L. William Countryman and M. R. Ritley conclude that being gay or lesbian is not actually a problem at all; rather it is a vocation, and, in fact, a gift to today's church.As "outsiders" gay men and lesbians challenge the church to be inclusive of all God's children -- the central message of the gospel. "God has drawn us to this difficult place", they write, "in order to reveal God's grace to us and in us and through us". Basing their book on retreats they have presented to churches and seminaries, Countryman and Ritley explore what it means to affirm, not merely accept, being gay or lesbian, as well as Christian. Written primarily for the lesbigay community, and for their families and communities, they explore the ways in which the gay and lesbian community can appropriate and re-tell the biblical story, and find confidence in their unique spiritual journey and gifts. This pro-active and self-affirming book provides new hope for those who feel that it is impossible to be gay or lesbian, as well as Christian.

Cutting-edge essays, written by seasoned spiritual directors, which examine a variety of new frontiers in spiritual direction in the 21st century.

Never somber, sometimes playful, always a delight to share aloud, Father Greely's blessings and prayers feature a dazzling array of people, places, and celebrations.