Unbinding the Gospel
by Martha Grace Reese
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Martha Grace Reese is a researcher, corporate attorney, and congregational pastor. In her book
Unbinding the Gospel, she answers the questions why and how to share your faith. She defines
evangelism as anything you do to help someone move closer to a relationship with God, or into
Christian community. Churches can't share their faith until they want to and she shows how we can
make this shift.
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24 Hours That Changed the World (DVD)
by Adam Hamilton
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In this DVD we travel to the Holy Land with Hamilton to visit the sites where the events in the last day
of Jesus' life took place.
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Mistaken Identity
by Don & Susie Van Ryn and Newell,
Colleen & Whitney Cerak
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Read this unprecedented true story of two traumatized families who describe their ordeal and explore
the bond sustaining and uniting them as they deal with their bizarre reversal of life lost and life found;
one daughter buried under the wrong name and one daughter in a coma being cared for by the
wrong family. Mistaken Identity weaves a complex tale of honesty, vulnerability, loss, hope, faith, and
love in the face of one of the strangest twists of circumstances imaginable.
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Glimpses of Heaven
by Trudy Harris, RN
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Tender, heartbreaking, and eye-opening, Glimpses of Heaven gives you an intimate look at the final
thoughts, words, and visions of terminally ill and dying people. Through the eyes of former hospice
nurse Trudy Harris, you'll experience more than forty true stories that paint a reassuring picture of
life's end. You'll marvel at how patients received exactly what they needed to see or hear in order to
die peacefully and well. And you'll find great hope and peace in knowing that God goes to great
lengths to redeem, comfort, and prepare His children to come home.
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Advent Conspiracy
by Rick McKinley, Chris Seay, and Greg
Holder
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Now that we have experienced the busy days of this Christmas season, we can reflect on those
things that may have interfered with our focus on what Jesus would have wanted us to be doing at
this time. The authors of Advent Conspiracy ask the question, "Can Christmas still change the
world?” They want us to take a stand and join Christ's followers who chose to make Christmas a
joyous celebration of Jesus' birth that enriches our hearts and the world around us, not a retail circus
that depletes our pocketbooks and defeats our spirits. Read this book and next Christmas season
be prepared to have a Christmas worth remembering, not dreading.
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The Hole in Our Gospel
by Richard Stearns
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The Hole in Our Gospel is the compelling true story of the corporate CEO who set aside worldly
success for something far more significant, and discovered the full power of the gospel of Jesus
Christ to change his own life. He uses his journey to demonstrate how the gospel—the whole
gospel—was always meant to be a world-changing social revolution, a revolution that begins with
us. Two thousand years ago, twelve people changed the world. Rich Stearns believes it can happen
again. Is our faith just about going to church, studying the Bible, and avoiding the most serious
sins— or does God expect more? Have we embraced the whole gospel or a gospel with a hole in
it? Richard Stearns has been President of World Vision U.S. since June 1998. His corporate
background includes stints at Gillette, Parker Brothers Games, and President and CEO of Lenox.
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A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23
by W. Phillip Keller
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Phillip Keller, born in East Africa, always loved wildlife and the outdoors. Having spent many years in
agricultural research, land management, and ranch development in British Columbia, his
experiences as a real shepherd equipped him with the insights that are the basis for A Shepard
Looks At Psalm 23. This beloved classic has sold over 2 million copies and I was excited to find this
copy which truly will bring new meaning to Psalm 23. This is a must read book!
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When God Whispers Your Name
by Max Lucado
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This book has been recommended to me by several people as one that will leave a lasting
impression. Somewhere, between the pages of this book and the pages of your heart, God is
speaking and is calling you by name. Maybe that's hard to believe. Maybe you just can't imagine that
the One who made it all thinks of you personally—that He keeps your name on his heart and lips. So
listen closely as you turn these pages. The voice that calls you is more loving than you ever dared
dream.
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What I've Learned Since I Knew It All
by Paul Meier and
Todd Clements
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Dr. Paul Meier and Dr. Todd Clements have learned a lot from their thousands of combined hours in
counseling patients, as well as from their own life experiences. The authors will attest that true
wisdom can only develop once we acknowledge how little we really know. This book lays out twelve
common sense, yet crucial truths, that the authors learned after they thought they knew it all.
Following these simple ideas will help us to embark on healthy, satisfied lives at work, home, and at
play.
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The Five Languages of Apology
by Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas
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Real life involves real people who make real mistakes. Sometimes saying "I'm sorry" just isn't
enough. The need for apologies impacts all human relationships. The good news is that you can
learn the art of apology. In this book you will learn to recognize your own primary apology language
while speaking the languages of those you love. Thus you can experience healing in all your
relationships.
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Today I Am a Ma'am
by Valerie Harper
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Valerie Harper has a message for women of a certain age: "Work those laugh lines!" In this book
she helps women celebrate, with humor and grace, what it means to be middle aged. It is Humor
Replacement Therapy.
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The Happy Day Books Family Treasury
(for children)
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This colorful anthology of favorite stories provides young children and families with hours of
enjoyable reading together. It includes stories about God's world, Bible stories, stories about faith
and family, stories about values, and stories about holidays.
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Joshua
by Joseph F. Girzone
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Literally millions of people have read this book. People of many different backgrounds and beliefs
have identified with this book's central character, his gentle persuasive and clear vision. Letters from
clergy praise the book for its rich spirituality. Parents find their teenage children reading the book
more than one time. Why is Joshua so compelling? It is a simple but engrossing story about a
woodcarver, who changes the lives of everyone he meets. Many intriguing ideas are expressed
throughout this deceptively plain story. This, perhaps, is why some people have read the book fully
ten times, and write to say that it is the most beautiful book they have ever read.
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Stories Behind Women of Extraordinary
Faith
by Ace Collins
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Ace Collins employs all his storytelling skill to uncover the deeply personal stories of women, such
as Mother Teresa and Harriet Tubman, whose faith shines for us today. Explore twenty different tales
of unparalleled inspiration. Learn how each woman's prayers were heard and answered, and
discover how each story can light the way on your own spiritual journey.
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Spiritual Journeys To Success
by Today's Christian Women Magazine
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Thirty-five women featured on the covers of Today's Christian Women Magazine share their personal
stories of struggle through heartbreak, doubt, and fear to triumph in God. Filled with humor,
inspiration, and guidance, these amazing real-life stories provide insight into the spiritual journeys of
women who turned tragedy and trials into sweet success.
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Saving Levi - Left to Die...Destined to Live
by Lisa Misraje Bentley
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Covered with third-to-fourth-degree burns over 70 percent of his body, the tiny baby boy shrieked in
agony in a cold village field on the outskirts of Langfang, China. Horrified villagers gathered around
him, then walked away. But one older man stayed behind, gathered the child in his arms and went
for help. His compassion and courage sparked a momentous chain of events. In this true story of
this baby left to die, people were brought together from different countries, faiths, and social
backgrounds in the successful battle to save his life and secure his future.
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The Costly Call
by Emir Fethi and H. Edward Pruitt
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The most powerful stories of the twenty-first century are those that we have yet to hear. They are the
untold tales of the heroes of the Christian faith, those rejected, tortured, and killed because of the
One they have chosen to follow. Hassan, Aisha, Wan Mae, Adahiem...Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, China,
Egypt. These are their true stories. Read them and weep. Read them and rejoice. Read them and
understand.
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“The Case For Faith” DVD
by Lee Strobel
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In the film “The Case for Faith,” journalist Lee Strobel investigates two of the most emotional
objections to Christianity. Barriers to faith confronted by believers and skeptics alike: Why is Jesus
the only way to God? And how could a loving God exist if there is evil and suffering in the world?
Strobel presents an honest message of hope and spiritual clarity in a world where faith is tested on a
daily basis.
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The Faith of Barack Obama
by Stephen Mansfield
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In this fair minded but inspiring account of Obama's faith, New York Times best-selling author,
Stephen Mansfield, takes you inside the theology of Barack Obama, inside the church that has been
his spiritual home, and inside the battles of faith that have shaped his politics. Archbishop Desmond
Tutu has stated, "You must read this perceptive and well-written book. Then you will know why
Obama has such a passion for justice and equity, such a gift for filling people of different generations
with a newfound hope that things can and will change for the better."
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Grace (Eventually)
by Anne Lamott
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A review of this book by the Los Angeles Times Book Review states, "Lamott writes essays that are
howlingly funny mini-sermons, reminding us of what's important in life.... For readers trying to live a
kind of faith that's centered on social justice, who are saddened at the state of our nation and feel
mired in a world gone mad with war and greed, Lamont and her quirky, funny perspective are nothing
short of a salve for tired souls." Wise and irreverent, poignant and funny, Grace (Eventually) is a
primer in faith, as we come to discover what it means to be fully human and alive.
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The Gospel Of John
DVD
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This motion picture is a meticulous recreation of the turbulent era of Jesus and the events that
changed the course of history. John presents a uniquely human portrait of courage and passion
encompassing Jesus' entire three-year ministry, the final years of his life.
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Blue Like Jazz
by Donald Miller
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Miller writes this book for anyone wondering if the Christian faith is still relevant in a postmodern
culture. He writes it for anyone thirsting for a genuine encounter with a God who is real, and for
anyone yearning for a renewed sense of passion in life. Blue Like Jazz introduces Christian
spirituality (a way of life) to people for whom Christianity (a system of beliefs) seems like a bad math
problem or a traffic jam.
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Unveiling Mary Magdalene
by Liz Curtis Higgs
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Discover the Gospel truth about the most myth-understood woman of the New Testament. Was she
a prostitute? An adulteress? The wife of Jesus? The author opens with the fictional journey of Mary
Margaret Delaney, a madwoman adrift in contemporary Chicago, desperate for someone to save her
from herself. Her moving story, closely paralleling the biblical account, is followed by an absorbing
study of the first century Mary Magdalene and her life-changing encounters with Christ—filled with
personal application and wrapped in humor.
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God Came Near
by Max Lucado
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He came not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror, but as One whose first cries
were heard by a peasant girl and a sleepy carpenter. Travel back in time and relive Christ the Son of
God becoming man. Come with Max Lucado as he brings to life the most important event in history.
And as you catch a vision of this incredible moment, let it mark the beginning of a new life for yourself.
If he is who he says he is, there is no truth more worthy of your time.
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God In My Corner
by George Forman with Ken Abraham
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A childhood in grinding poverty and two heavyweight boxing championships, and then George
Forman experienced a life-changing encounter with God. For the first time he tells the whole story of
his remarkable life. With the frankness, warmth, and humor you expect from him, he shares the faith
journey that has shaped his life, offering many lessons along the way.
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The Lazarus Life
by Stephen W. Smith
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This book is about a spiritual transformation for ordinary people. Smith takes a profound walk
through the life of Lazarus, a story that offers remarkable insights into our own spiritual
transformation. Through this exploration of Lazarus's life we encounter a God who seems distant
and unresponsive, a life marked by disappointment, a situation where hope seems impossible, and
a savior who can forever change our world. Lazarus was an ordinary man who found himself at the
center of an extraordinary miracle.
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The Next Level
by David Gregory
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If you are still searching for your ultimate meaning in this world, your God-given purpose in life,
Gregory, the author of Dinner with a Perfect Stranger, will guide you into surprising answers so that
you can begin to experience life at The Next Level. Logan, a fictional character in this book, has been
hired by a company as a trouble-shooter to evaluate the company's five divisions, each on a separate
level. Joining Logan you'll be inspired to consider the big picture of your own life from an entirely
different perspective.
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The Shack
by William Paul Young
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Michael W. Smith, recording artist, has this to say about The Shack. "The Shack is the most
absorbing work of fiction I've read in many years. My wife and I laughed, cried, and repented of our
own lack of faith along the way. The Shack will leave you craving for the presence of God." In a world
where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant The Shack wrestles with the timeless question:
Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain? The answer that Mack, the main character,
gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him.
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After You Say "I Do
by H. Norman Wright
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Wright, author and Christian counselor known for his keen insights and realistic approach to
relationships, provides practical ideas and innovative suggestions for creating special times
together, finding harmony in differences, raising children, balancing home and career and getting
along with relatives. Whether you've been married for 2 months or 15 years, these encouraging
devotions will help you celebrate your marriage.
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The Twenty Piece Shuffle
by Greg Paul
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This book is about why the poor and the rich need each other. Greg Paul believes that the rich, the
impoverished, and everyone in-between can learn much from each other if they're willing to walk
together. Join Greg as he takes a look at a remarkable paradox, where the poor can miss their
blessedness while the wealthy overlook their own desperate needs, and reveals why God has
always called the wealthy and the powerful to care for the poor or excluded. Don't miss this
opportunity to find out how these transforming relationships can inspire your spiritual journey.
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Faith that Hurts, Faith that Heals
by Stephen Arterburn and Jack Felton
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Understanding the fine line between healthy faith and spiritual abuse is the focus of this book. Egos,
desire for power, searching for a quick fix for pain, and the need to manipulate have produced a
generation of faithful followers with harmful faith. The authors of these pages have communicated
well why people turn from God and how they come full circle to a new awareness of the Creator. The
principles and concepts in this book have been tried and proven effective in bringing people back to a
balanced faith. Dr. Robert Schuller stated, "The hot topic! The urgent issue! All tackled by the right
man for a great book!"
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A Short History of The Early Church
by Harry R. Boer
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For readers who want a brief introduction to the history of the early church as well as for those who
are looking for a quick review of the period, these chapters will furnish a concise account of the
people, places, institutions, events, and ideas that made a difference in the development of the
Christian faith in the first centuries of our era.
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Let Your Life Speak
by Parker J. Parker
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With wisdom, compassion, and gentle humor, the author invites us to listen to the inner teacher and
follow its leadings toward a sense of meaning and purpose. Telling stories from his own life and the
lives of others who have made a difference, he shares insights gained from darkness and
depression as well as fulfillment and joy, illuminating a pathway toward vocation for all who seek the
true calling of their lives.
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Where Is God When It Hurts
by Philip Yancey
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Winner of one of the Gold Medallion Awards for the Best Inspirational Book, Yancey deals realistically
with crisis, pain, and suffering. He has entered the world of the sufferer to find out what difference it
makes to be a Christian there. Dr. Veernon Grounds wrote, "One of the most helpful treatments of
the problem of evil that I've ever read...on a level that speaks to people." This is a book you will be
unable to put down.
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The Rest Of Your Life
by Nancy McGuirk
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In The Rest of Your Life, McGuirk writes with empathy, wisdom, and biblical understanding about the
many ways God's Word impacts life's daily struggles. As a wife, mother, and ministry leader, she
relates to all who seek rest in a restless world. She believes God is our only reliable source of true
spiritual rest.She challenges readers to "cultivate stillness on the inside even when there is
busyness on the outside."
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The Heart Of The Chronicles of Narnia
by Thomas Williams
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Whether you are new to this magical land, or a longtime friend, this book is a traveling companion for
the journey ahead. Skillfully probing the story within the story, author Thomas Williams approaches
Narnia as a flower to be enjoyed more than a puzzle to be solved, informing our curious wonder by
unfolding the deeper truths embedded within the stories. See God with fresh eyes, and recognize
yourself in unexpected ways.
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Prayer
by Philip Yancey
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Does prayer work? More personally, does it work the way we think it should? What can we expect
from prayer? Written by one of the most significant Christian thinkers of our generation, Prayer: Does
It Make Any Difference? explores the questions surrounding prayer that many of us wonder, but few
of us know how to express.
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The Mystery of the Child
by Martin E. Marty
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Marty, a respected historian, theologian, and interpreter of religion and culture, presents the child as
a mystery who invokes wonder and elicits creative responses that affect the care provided him or her.
He inspires readers to think afresh about what it means to be a child - and to be a caregiver.
Practical suggestions are given for relating to children and maintaining a childlike attitude throughout
the adult life cycle.
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What God Wants For Your Life
by Frederick W. Schmidt
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Spiritual retreat leader and Episcopal priest, Fred Schmidt reveals how we are driven farther away
from both God and lasting fulfillment by our dependence on interpreting "signs and wonders" from
heaven and our preoccupation with supposedly divine to-do lists. The spiritual practices described
by Schmidt show how we can better recognize the difference between God's will and our own, and
deepen our ability to hear God's voice.
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The Names of God
by Lester Sumrall
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God's names reveal His favor and immeasurable love for us. He is our Healer, Provider,
Peacemaker, Conqueror, and much more. By knowing how God expresses His love for us through
His names, we can deepen our fellowship with him, discover our purpose in life, and have our
deepest needs met. Here's the key to unlocking the treasure...the thousands of promises made by
God to each one of us.
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Walkin' With God Ain't for Wimps
By Karen O' Conner
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Through amusing stories that touch the heart and soul, humorist Karen O'Connor reveals the joy,
strength, and laughter that is ours when we walk with God, regardless of our circumstances. These
short, real-life adventures will have you chuckling as you relate to foibles of people just like you or
someone you know. We have another book written by her in our library, Gettin' Old Ain't for Wimps.
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The New Testament Audio Bible
(New King James Version)
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Carl Amari, producer of the Audio Bible, was intrigued by the old radio shows as a youth and so had
a vision of a dramatized version of the Bible. He brought together an incredibly talented group, over
120 actors and musicians, to touch people’s lives in this unique way. There are 21 hours of dramatic
audio theater on 20 CDs and a "Behind the Scenes" DVD. You may decide to listen to only one or two
CDs. Contact Sue Gump if you are interested in taking this set.
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90 Minutes In Heaven
by Don Piper
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This is a true story of death and life. On the way home from a conference, Don Piper's car was
crushed by a semi that crossed into his lane. Medical personnel said he died instantly. Ninety
minutes after the wreck, while a minister prayed for him, Piper returned to life on earth. Now he
shares his life-changing story with you.
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Light a Candle
by Sylvia Browne
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Browne believes that we can benefit from the spiritual energy of candles. By lighting a candle with
love in our hearts we can increase our spiritual awareness, and connection to God. Browne shows
ways to concentrate on what is important in our lives, making us more proactive.
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Me, Myself, & BOB
by Phil Vischer
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Phil Vischer is the creator of the video series Veggie Tales. This is his story of dreaming big and
working hard, of spectacular success and breathtaking failure, of shouted questions, and, at long
last, whispered answers. With trademark wit and heart, Phil shares an amazing story that shows
how God can use our failures and the death of a dream to point us toward true success.
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The Language Of God
by Francis S. Collins, Ph.D.
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Dr. Francis Collins, head of the Human Genome Project working on the study of DNA, provides a
satisfying solution for the dilemma that haunts everyone who believes in God and respects science.
For Collins, science does not conflict with the Bible; science enhances it. He explains his own
journey from atheism to faith. This book is essential reading for anyone who wonders about the
deepest questions of all: Why are we here? How did we get here? And what does life mean?
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Bad Girls of the Bible
by Liz Curtis Higgs
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This book is for all women - from former Bad Girls who need to be reminded we're truly forgiven to
veteran Good Girls who long to understand those still searching for answers. Higgs first includes
them in a contemporary, fictional story and then follows with a zippy, verse-by-verse review. Each
chapter includes four life-changing lessons.
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A Second Resurrection
by Bill Easum
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Too many churches are among the 'walking dead.' These churches have died to the purpose of the
New Testament church - to make disciples of Jesus Christ. This book points to the only way for a
church to experience resurrection and a future worth anticipating. Emmanuel Consistory is currently
reading this book.
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The Return of the Prodigal Son
by Henri Nouwen
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A chance encounter with a reproduction of Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son catapulted
Nouwen on a long spiritual adventure. The themes of homecoming, affirmation, and reconciliation
will be newly discovered by all who have known loneliness, dejection, jealousy, or anger.
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"Amazing Grace" DVD
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This inspiring story of how one man's passion and perseverance changed the world is based on the
true story of William Wilberforce's courageous quest to end the British slave trade. A reformed slave
ship captain, John Newton, who urged him to see his cause through penned the beloved hymn
"Amazing Grace."
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The Miracles of Jesus
by Michael Symmons Roberts
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Based on a major Discovery Channel documentary, this book presents an authoritative and
accessible assessment of the miracles of Jesus. By taking you back in history to see the
tremendous impact the miracles had on first -century believers, Roberts unearths hidden meanings
in these acts. Seeing Jesus' miracles through first-century eyes can really help us understand the
significance they continue to have today.
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"The Nativity"
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This is a DVD of the movie that was shown in movie theaters last year.
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Labyrinths From The Outside In
by Donna Schaper and Carole Ann Camp
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This book is a user-friendly, interfaith guide to making and using labyrinths for meditation, prayer,
and celebration. People have used labyrinths for thousands of years and they have been
rediscovered as a spiritual tool in our own day. A labyrinth is a circular path that people walk as a
spiritual exercise. There is an outdoor labyrinth at the First Congregational Church on East Market
Street that you can walk.
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Sex God - Exploring The Endless
Connections Between Sexuality And
Spirituality
by Rob Bell
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This book is a must-read. Rob Bell, whose Nooma short videos we have seen, approaches this
topic with great insight and sensitivity.
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Velvet Elvis
by Rob Bell
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We met Rob Bell in the videos ( Noomas) he has produced that have been shown during worship
and at our Lenten study group this past year. In his book Velvet Elvis he takes you on a spiritual
journey in which you find out where you are on this life-long process of coming to know God. He
wants us to test his book. He says don't swallow it uncritically. Think about it. Wrestle with it. Just
because he's a Christian and he is trying to articulate a Christian worldview, doesn't mean he's got it
nailed. THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ!!!
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Get Out Of That Pit
by Beth Moore
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Ever been in a pit? Are you in one now? Is somebody you love living there? Don't think for one
second that God has forgotten, says Beth Moore. Moore wasn't just a visitor; this former pit-dweller
had to be delivered from acres of life-accumulated dirt that had left her profoundly wounded with little
hope of wholeness. What she learned in that experience is shared with us in this very personal
book--lessons for us all about the healing to be found in Jesus.
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Why Men Hate Going To Church
by David Murrow
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David Murrow's groundbreaking new book reveals why men are the world's largest unreached
people group when it comes to attending church. He states that less than 40 percent of adults in
most churches are men. With eye-opening research and a persuasive grasp of facts, Murrow
explains the problem and offers hope and challenges every churchgoer to step up to the plate and do
what it takes to engage the men in their congregation. Why Men Hate Going to Church does not call
men back to the church - it calls the church back to men.
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Burn This Book
by Garth Heckman
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Burn This Book was written by Heckman with teenagers in mind, but adults will be enlightened by his
unique presentation of coming to know God. No one ever wrote a book hoping it would be
burned...until now. You'll be playing with fire as you work through this book - the right kind of fire, a
fire for the heart of God. Follow the challenges in this book and burn away the wood, hay, and
stubble from your life, and move to a new relationship with him.
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The Red Tent
by Anita Diamant
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The Red Tent is a fictional novel told in the voice of Dinah, daughter of Jacob, about the traditions and
turmoil of ancient womanhood. Diamant brings to life these women about whom the Bible tells us
so little. She makes readrs see there's not much difference between people across the eons, at
elast when it comes to trial and tragedy, happiness and love.
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Home Improvements
by Gary Chapman
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Over time, annoying little habits can wreak havoc on a relationship. Fortunately, after years of
counseling battle-weary couples, Dr. Gary Chapman has developed a simple effective approach that
will help you and your spouse turn those irritating behaviors around once and for all.
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The Other Side Of Love - Handling Anger
In A Godly Way
by Gary Chapman
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Many of us believe anger is a sinful emotion of which we should be ashamed. Chapman explains
that this much-misunderstood emotion necessarily goes hand-in-hand with love. He provides us
with insights that show us how the fundamental purpose of anger is not to tear down, but to motivate
us to positive, loving action that will leave things better than we found them. He provides techniques
to help us deal with our anger.
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