Below are some books and music that our staff recommends. Check back often to see if there are new additions! PLEASE NOTE: If you purchase the item through the link below, a portion of the sale will go to benefit our Church Library or music program! DECEMBER 2007 BOOK OF THE MONTH by Rev. Troy Sims The First Christmas: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus's Birth by Marcus Borg & John Dominic Crossan BIBLE STUDY: HarperCollins Bible Dictionary - Harper Collins Publishers Rev. Troy Sims: This is a relatively inexpensive but worthwhile addition to a biblical library. It helps to give insight and background to various biblical and theological topics, making it easier to interpret the Scriptures. The Last Week: A Day-by-Day Account of Jesus' Last Week in Jerusalem - by Marcus Borg & John Dominic Crossan Rev. Troy Sims: This is an excellent Bible Study book that focuses on the last week of Jesus's life. Borg & Crossan use the Gospel of Mark as a framework for an in-depth study of Scripture, tradition, and other historical information. This would be a great book to prepare for Easter! Hardcover Softcover Audio CD The New Interpreter's Study Bible: New Revised Standard Version with Apocrypha - Abingdon Press Rev. Troy Sims: This is a great study Bible that gives good insight into the Scriptures using modern, critical scholarship. It also includes information such as: "The Reliability of Scripture;" "The Authority of the Bible;" "The Inspiration of Scripture;" and more. Reading the Bible Again for the First Time: Taking the Bible Seriously But Not Literally - by Marcus Borg Rev. Troy Sims: This is a good, yet easy to understand, overview of critically reading the Scriptures while not losing the importance and sacredness of Scripture. The Grand Sweep: 365 Days from Genesis Through Revelation - by J. Ellsworth Kalas Rev. Troy Sims: A great way to help you read through the Bible in a year! Walking the Bible - by Bruce Feiler Rev. Troy Sims: This is a fascinating series that contains interesting information to go along with the story of the author as he visits various places spoken of in the first 5 books of the Bible. It is a fun read! Walking the Bible: A Journey by Land Through the Five Books of Moses (Hardcover) Walking the Bible: A Journey by Land Through the Five Books of Moses (Paperback) Walking the Bible Book on CD: A Journey by Land Through the Five Books of Moses Walking the Bible: A Photographic Journey Walking the Bible: An Illustrated Journey for Kids Through the Greatest Stories Ever Told Walking the Bible Book on CD: An Illustrated Journey for Kids Through the Greatest Stories Ever Told CHURCH HISTORY: The Story of Christianity, Volume 1: The Early Church to the Dawn of Reformation - by Justo L. Gonzalez The Story of Christianity, Volume 2: The Reformation to the Present Day - by Justo L. Gonzalez Rev. Troy Sims: This two-volume set is a relatively easy and interesting read about the history of Christianity. Wesley and the People Called Methodists - by Richard P. Heitzenrater Rev. Troy Sims: This is a great history of the early days of Methodism that includes the immediate roots / sources of Methodism as well as great detail about the growth and progress of early Methodism. DEVOTIONAL: A Book of Uncommon Faith - by Kenneth G. Phifer Rev. John Dillard: A book of brief devotional readings. Courage to Change: One Day At A Time in Al-Anon II Rev. John Dillard: This is a daily devotional book offering a path to sanity for those living with an alcoholic or addicted person in their life. My Utmost For His Highest - from Writings of Oswald Chambers Rev. Troy Sims: This classic is still a good devotional guide, and it is even better since the English has been updated to make it easier to read and understand. Over My Shoulder - by Rev. John Dillard This is a FREE resource available for reading or downloading in PDF format. It is a collection of 40 stories drawn from the life and experiences of Rev. John Dillard as a person recovering from alcohol and its effects. Renew My Heart: Daily Wisdom from the Writings of John Wesley Rev. Troy Sims: This is an inexpensive way to get to know a bit about the theology of John Wesley, one of the founders of Methodism. It is not a broad cross section of his writings, but it does give one a taste of Wesley. MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT: The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate - by Gary Chapman Rev. Troy Sims: This is an easy read with helpful hints to get to know youself and your spouse better. It Takes Two: The Joy of Intimate Marriage - by Andrew D. Lester & Judith L. Lester Rev. Troy Sims: This was written by one of my seminary professors and his wife. I HIGHLY recommend it for good theology and good insight into growing one's marriage! Tough Marriage: How to Make a Difficult Relationship Work - by Paul Mickey & William Proctor Rev. John Dillard: Whether you are in a relationship that could be considered "tough" or not, this book will offer pointers for making every relationship better for both. MUSIC: Come Together - by Third Day Rev. Troy Sims: If your looking for a contemporary Christian band with a little "umph" to their music, Third Day is it! Faith - by Ray Price Rev. Troy Sims: If you prefer laid back Christian music, you'll love Ray Price's controlled, passionate voice complemented by lush string arrangements. Peace in the Valley: The Complete Gospel Recordings - by Elvis Presley Rev. Troy Sims: This has virtually every religious song Elvis ever professionally recorded and more on 3 CDs. Strangely enough, Elvis won only three Grammys in his lifetime, and each was for Gospel recordings! Moonchild or Astronome - by John Zorn Dr. Kiyo Watanabe: If you think the organ is too loud, try these! I also wish for the contemporary Christian music in this style. Published Music by Our Organist - Dr. Kiyo Watanabe (Click HERE for the complete list) Allegretto (from Symphony No. 7) for Handbells Christmas Fantasy for Handbells Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing for Handbells Crown Him with Many Crowns for Handbells Four Hymns for Two-Octave Handbells Four Plainsongs for Handbells or Handchimes O God Beyond All Praising for Handbells Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) for Handbells Six Contemporary Hymn Settings for Flute and Piano Three Hymn Preludes for Organ Solo We Are God's People for Handbells Various Introits (Calls to Worship) from www.Cokesbury.com SELF IMPROVEMENT: Friedman's Fables - by Edwin Friedman Rev. John Dillard: This book gives insight to behavior we often participate in that keeps us from becoming all we can be as God's free and loved people. Games Christians Play: An Irreverent Guide to Religion Without Tears - by Judy Culbertson & Patti Bard Rev. John Dillard: This book gives insight to behavior patterns persons often unknowingly take on as they relate to each other in a church setting. Listening To Prozac, The Landmark Book About Anti-Depressants and the Remaking of the Self - by Peter Kramer Rev. John Dillard: This book chronicles treatment of depression with the newest seratonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) medications. The Secret Strength of Depression - by Dr. Frederic Flach Rev. John Dillard: This book highlights some positive things to recognize for those experiencing depression in their lives. Why Am I Afraid To Tell You Who I Am? - by John Powell Rev. John Dillard: This is a great book for those discovering their uniqueness as a child of God. THEOLOGY: Discipleship (aka The Cost of Discipleship) - by Dietrich Bonhoeffer Rev. Troy Sims Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time: The Historical Jesus & the Heart of Contemporary Faith - by Marcus Borg Rev. Troy Sims: See Jesus in a new and exciting ways in addition to the way you may see Jesus now. This helped Jesus become "bigger" in my heart, mind, and theology. The Heart of Christianity - by Marcus Borg Rev. Troy Sims: This is probably the best book I've read that reminds us of what we are really about as Christians: what we should believe about God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and the Bible. On top of that, it's a relatively easy read! The New Creation: John Wesley's Theology Today - by Theodore Runyon Rev. Troy Sims: This book helped me to name and claim my Wesleyan heritage in my theology. In my opinion, it is a must for all United Methodists. The Powers That Be: Theology for a New Millenium - by Walter Wink Rev. Troy Sims: This was the first book I read while in seminary that really made me think about what I believe and experience my faith in a new way. These Three: The Theological Virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love - by Elaine A. Robinson Rev. Troy Sims: This book was written by one of my favorite professors at Brite Divinity School, and it does a great job of helping us understand the Christian virtues of faith, hope, and love. The Will of God - by Leslie D. Weatherhead Rev. Troy Sims: This is a great book if you are struggling with understanding "The Will of God." It's a short read (only 84 pages), but it is very insightful. Some of the illustrations are dated (it was originally written & preached in England in 1944), but it is amazingly relevant today. UNITED METHODIST RESOURCES: Various resources available from www.Cokesbury.com Order The Book of Discipline, The Book of Resolutions, music by Dr. Kiyo Watanabe, and more! VIDEO RESOURCES: The Search for Jesus - Peter Jennings Reporting - ABC TV Special Rev. Troy Sims: This is a very illuminating look at the source of our faith as Christians - Jesus. The Search for Paul - Peter Jennings Reporting - ABC TV Special Rev. Troy Sims: This is a very illuminating look at the great apostle named Paul. Order anything from any of these businesses, and a portion of the sale will benefit the church! Search Now: Artist Song Name Composer Composition Instrument

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