Book reviews
Sparrow’s Easter Garden
If I threw it back to the 1990s and made a David Letterman-style Top Ten Questions I Get In Children’s and Family Ministries, “How do I address Lent and Holy Week with children?” would be in the top 5. Part of the curiosity stems from wanting to address the events,...
Taking Faith Home: RCL
When I walk into a church, I often wear many hats. Sometimes, I’m the consultant helping a congregation reimagine and revamp their faith formation ministries. Sometimes, I’m a parent attending worship with my seven children. Sometimes, I’m the parent chauffeuring my...
The Way of the Wildflower
The Way of the Wildflower: Gospel Meditations to Unburden Your Anxious Soul, published by Thomas Nelson, is written by Ruth Chou Simons, an accomplished author and talented artist. She writes thirty Gospel-focused meditations that help release our burdens and focus on...
Let the Children Lead Book Review
Many in children’s ministry contend that Sunday school is becoming obsolete. However, children’s faith formation is still a priority for churches. Let the Children Lead: Models for Worship with All Generations provides thoughtful and practical models for meeting this...
And Upon This Rock Book Review
Because And Upon This Rock is a collection of essays rather than the work of a single author, it is brimming with ideas—all centered on the disciple Peter. The sixteen essays were mostly written by Doctor of Ministry students, but while they tend to be academic, they...
The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t
Managing expectations is a struggle for humans. We often envision how things should go, especially during special seasons like Christmas, only to be met with unexpected disruptions. Learning to navigate our feelings and actions when things don’t go according to plan...
10 Nesting Swallows
I have spent almost three decades living and working with young children. I know that when a little one is struggling with a transition during the day, most everything can be righted by a snuggle, a snack, a story, a bit of outdoor time, or a rest. I always have a snack and a book with me just so I can be ready to help a wee one through a tough patch in their day. When 10 Nesting Swallows by Tammar Stein landed on my desk from the publisher, I saw that I had a new title to add to my bag of tricks.
Queer & Christian
The term queer in the title of this book may take some readers--especially older ones--by surprise. Once used as a derogatory slur, it has since been reclaimed as an inclusive term for people of diverse non-heterosexual and/or non-cisgender identities. The word also...
Separation of Church and Hate
In today’s polarized society, many of us who consider ourselves moderate or progressive Christians know someone—a relative, coworker, or friend—whose understanding of Christianity differs sharply from our own. Ignoring the issue is one way to deal with it, but if...
Thanks for the Memories
Thanks for the Memories: Launching into Alzheimer's World, written by Brian and Jean Ward, takes us through an inspiring journey, as Brian becomes the caregiver of his beloved wife, Jean. Many of us have been touched by the devastating diagnosis of Alzheimer's in our...
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