Product Description
In clear, accessible language, Markham demonstrates how the liturgy of the Episcopal Church can enable us to cope more effectively with the stresses and strains of modern life. This book is a delightful introduction to the movement and flow of Episcopal services and demonstrates how the liturgy can transform human lives. Markham shows persuasively how the whole purpose of the Christian liturgy is to provide us with the resources to enable God to facilitate healthy and authentic living.

"The time has come for the Episcopal Church to explain that the liturgy in our services is intended to provide hope, when hopelessness is the only option. It is intended to enable us to cope, when coping is difficult. It is intended to help confront the demons of our past, when we imagine that the demons are bound to triumph. This is the Gospel. This is the purpose of our shared liturgical life.

"This book is written for those who are interested in the Episcopal Church. The primary focus is on the adult who is trying to cope with the stresses and demands of living in modern America. However, I am hoping the life-long Episcopalian might appreciate the study. Those who want to fall in love again with the liturgy." -Ian S. Markham ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Relief from suffering and doubt
Some years ago while assigned as a Junior Resident on a Pediatric Neurosurgical unit at a major University Hospital, I faced a crisis of confidence. This moment of doubt was the culmination of long hours of work, 126 per week, lack of sleep plus severe mental and physical fatigue. On that afternoon after long hours in the operating room, I was alone and faced with making important clinical decisions oncritically ill children. In desperation I sat down, lowered my head and pleaded " Dear God please help me". This plea lasted no more than 15 seconds.Upon opening my eyes and lifting my head I felt completely refreshed, with confidence restored and able to take on the tasks at hand.I realized there was a presence in my midst; it was not of the five senses: touch, taste, sight, hearingor odor, but what I felt involved the 6th sense of God's presence. I have asked for help on many occasions and always known of his presence.Now having read Ian Markham's "Liturgical Life Principles" I understand what had occurred in those brief moments. Reading LLP #2 is the first answer, "God wants to do the work; God wants us to let him".As you read this book, each LLP will impact your sense of being and your connection with the Trinity.You will be inspired to search the Bible and Book of Common Prayer for clarification of the concepts inherent in the text. There will be moments when you will transcend your every day life and find comfort in God's presence.

A WONDERFUL read!!
This book was an amazing read. As someone who is "coming back" to the church, this was an informative read. Though I have been going to the Episcopal church since I was a little girl and already know many of the processes, I learned so much! This book is also incredibly MOTIVATING! I have been struggling to get back in touch with God for a long time (quite normal in your 20's) and this book helped me turn that "light bulb on" and now I feel immensely better about myself and my relationship with others and God. An easy and joyful read...I recommend this to ALL who are either wanting to become an Episcopalian or for someone who already is!

I feel a MUST for Episcopalians
I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to learn more about the Episcopal Church whether you're a "Cradle" Episcopalian or just joined or maybe wanting to help someone else understand what it is to be an Episcopalian.

It explains each step of the service using the Book of Common Prayer. I've raved about the book with many people at church. We are using the book in our Inquirer's Class.

... Read more

Product Description
The opening of the ordained ministry to women, in the larger context of the women's movement in America, has created an unprecedented situation within Protestant denominations. This book is the first careful historical and sociological study of the impact of these gender changes on the Episcopal church. It includes essays on Episcopal theology and women's spirituality, the urban church, aging and the church, women's organizations, women donors, clerical leadership, and black women's experience in the Episcopal Church. ... Read more

Product Description
This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone! ... Read more

Product Description
Presents the full text of the Eucharistic service from the Book of Common Prayer, alongside commentary and cartoons that clarify the meaning of this service of the Episcopal Church. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

This is a great book
This is a very good book for children to understand the ritual of the episcopal church which can be very confusing for adults let alone children.I know the author and her husband who is a priest and they are fabulous!

Warning!Not for true Gospel believers!
I returned this product because it does NOT teach the true meaning of the Eucharist or the Christian gospel.This book was clearly written for the progressive, more liberal portion of the Episcopal Church.I found some of the passages actually offensive.For example, about the eucharistic prayers, "In this prayer we especially remember that Jesus gave his life freely...This made it possible for God to enter into any trouble or evil in the world so that God could bring good out of evil or trouble."What a load of garbage!God has always been able to intervene to bring good out of evil. Jesus, the Son of God, suffered a horrible death so that OUR sinful nature could be crushed and we could be reconciled to God.

Another example?"When we eat at God's table we share bread and wine.This reminds us that God wants human beings to share what we have on earth...this reminds us that God wants everyone to have enough to eat, and God wants everyone to be able to share a meal in peace with one another."While this may sound nice, it's not even close to the truth.The bread and wine are a symbol of Christ's death, a sacrifice that was required because all of us and this world are broken, broken, broken.We have no life or goodness, food or peace, without God.Our joy and freedom come from the acceptance of this fact.I want my child to think upon God's sacrifice to bring her back to Him and the call to spread this news of redemption, not about world peace or any other watered-down U.N. version of Christianity.

A great learning tool
My ten year old son loves to follow along with our Holy Eucharist on Sundays with his own manual.It explains in elementary terms the meaning of different aspects of the service.It is a wonderful way to introduce a young member to the Common Book of Prayer.

Terrific Book-Very Helpful
As a teacher of Religion and History at The Episcopal Academy, I think this book is a terrific, age-appropriate guide for youngsters on the Holy Eucharist.The writing is clear, concise, and helpful and the illustrations are wonderful.I wholeheartedly recommend this book for parents, christian education coordinators, priests, and teachers.Two Thumbs up.

Peter Carey

A helpful guide for young children
This book brings the Eucharist to life for my six year old.He enjoys following along during the service with "his book", although the text is the same as in the prayer book, the explanations and pictures enhance his experience. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume is produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's preservation reformatting program. The Library seeks to preserve the intellectual content of items in a manner that facilitates and promotes a variety of uses. The digital reformatting process results in an electronic version of the text that can both be accessed online and used to create new print copies. This book and thousands of others can be found in the digital collections of the University of Michigan Library. The University Library also understands and values the utility of print, and makes reprints available through its Scholarly Publishing Office. ... Read more

Product Description
Lectionary Preaching Workbook, Cycle B, Series IV, is the first-ever update of John R. Brokhoff's classic Lectionary Preaching Workbook, Series B.

New to this edition are Revised Common lectionary and Episcopal lectionary material. These lectionaries join the standard Lutheran and Roman Catholic lectionary material from the original workbook.

The CSS Lectionary Preaching Workbook series' strategies help you get the most out of every moment you spend in sermon preparation. This is the one book you will look at every week to get started on your Sunday sermon.

Special features include:
An introduction to Mark's Gospel
Commentary on Revised Common, Episcopal, Lutheran, and Roman Catholic lectionary texts
Preaching possibilities for First Lesson, Second Lesson, and Gospel texts for each Sunday in Cycle B
Theological reflections to help you explore the relationships among all the texts for each Sunday in Cycle B
Stay-flat binding wide margins for ease of use
Overviews for each Cycle B liturgical season, including meaning, message, mood, observance, preaching goals, theology, liturgical propers, customs, and contemporary understanding

John R. Brokhoff is former Professor of Homiletics, Candler School of Theology, Emory University. He is a graduate of Muhlenberg College and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. His other popular CSS titles include Lectionary Preaching Workbook, (the original series) A, B and C, Preaching The Parables, A, B and C, and Preaching The Miracles, A, B and C.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Not Just "Preaching to the Choir"
Justice for Gays and Lesbians (Robert L. McCan, PhD) is a "must read" for any thinking American, especially one who defines himself as "Christian."In a reasoned, scholarly, yet highly approachable way, Dr. McCan reviews the historical context of Biblical pronouncements on same sex relationships; the positions of main-stream churches; and the very real struggle the Episcopal Church US went through for over 40 years before arriving at the vote to install an openly-gay Bishop.As I wrote the author: "To my continued shame, I watched the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's with bemusement rather than conviction.Similarly, as a straight, non-believer I hardly have a dog in this fight..."But, truth is, having watched friends and family members struggle with issues related to their sexuality, I do have one, and --- since you're reading this-- I suspect you do too. This book (with excellent, timely "on demand" production by a division of Amazon--so no need to look for it elsewhere at a lower price) deserves a readership far beyond those who accept or are indifferent to its conclusions before reading.Dr. McCan's review of the compassionate and sometimes revolutionary example Christ set should be a "wake up call" for all "Christians;" still, in the end this pastor/scholar leaves room for your position even if not totally in agreement with his.

What the Bible Really Says!
Justice for Gays and Lesbians is wonderfully accessible and useful rather than a "scholarly" dissertation or one-dimensional approach to the crisis and challenge facing mainline Protestant denominations in this country.This easy-reading book provides both clarity and comprehensive coverage of the issues involved when individuals and congregations wrestle over inclusion of gays and lesbians in church and society.Dr. McCan ably summarizes the long years of religious debate on this issue inmainline protestant churches and specifically highlights the Episcopalian odyssey. He addresses context and meaning when homosexuality is discussedin the Old and New Testaments. Dr. McCan provides a clear exposition of how Jesus burst on the scene of public ministry with a desire to redefine the ethic of Judaism. We can understand how absolutely radical Jesus was within both his Jewish community and larger community of his day.

Dr. McCan's wonderful and simple chapter on the "right and the good" in ethics, when combined with Jesus' love ethic, is applicable to our lives as citizens as well as Christians. The book lends itself to teen as well as adult education classes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A Rich Treasury of Music by Which to Worship God
I'm in the process of reviewing the many Christian books of devotion, prayer, and spirituality that I believe may feed the souls of the faithful.It might not occur to some to include a hymnal in this list, but music has always been extremely important to God's people, from the Psalms of David, to Gregorian chant, to the hymns of the various revivals, to the praise choruses of today.

The 1940 Hymnal is simply one of the best hymnals ever printed.While it was only the official hymnal of the Episcopal Church from 1940 to 1982, its predecessor was used long before 1940, and the 1940 hymnal continues to be used by a wide variety of Anglicans.In my own life, I've found the 1940 Hymnal to be a wonderful worship resource, not just at church but at home.Sometimes I want to express my praise of God in hymns, and often we use the Hymnal in our family worship that we have every evening after dinner.

There are a lot of reasons why the 1940 Hymnal remains a classic and an amazing resource.There are more than 700 hymns, which represent centuries and centuries of the best of hymnody.One hymn has its words taken from the Didache (c. A.D. 100), there are a lot of hymns adapted from plainsong, and some of the hymns come from the 20th century.In this way, the 1940 Hymnal helps connect us to the Church of all ages, and not just the Church of the last 10 years.It's easy to find the hymn you're looking for.Not only is there an index of first lines of the hymns, but you can also search by composer, tune, and meter.

No hymnal is perfect, and I find it ironic that an Anglican hymnal doesn't include "Amazing Grace" by John Newton, who was an Anglican clergyman.I would also like to see more hymns by Wesley and to see some of the late 19th century ones dropped.But the bottom line is that this is a very rich treasury of beautiful, reverent music to the glory God.As such, it has the potential to lead us to worship Almighty God with the angels, archangels, and all the host of heaven!

Out of Print Hymnal fills a need
We received 16 pristine, new copies of the Hymnal, 1940 (Used in the Episcopal Church from 1940-1982-- although there is no cut off date for the 1940) As a congregation which uses the Traditional Languague of the Services, we had some EXTREMELY well used 1940 hymnals (like 'falling apart')from which to sing God's Praises. The addition of these 16 new hymnals is much appreciated. The Rev. W.G.

This is the finest hymnal ever!
The Hymnal 1940 is so far superior to its follow-on that our Parish has refused to use the 1982 hymnal.Thanks to the Church Hymnal Corporation for continuing to offer this quality product.Highly recommended for those Parishes who still practice true Anglican worship.

Hymnal 1940 Standard Harmony.
This is a refreshing edition with the white paper and clear print.The old ones are yellowed and just plain tired.I don't sing unless they want "tree frogs" in the group.I really purchased this to leave at the church for ayone to use.

Couldn't be More Pleased
The item ordered though advertised as "used" was in A -1 condition and the order was shipped promptly. ... Read more

Product Description

The current debate in the Episcopal Church in the United States (ECUSA) over its relationship with the worldwide Anglican Communion has been building for some time. Some Episcopalians (including priests, bishops, and dioceses) have broken or are considering breaking their historic affiliation with the current authoritative bodies of ECUSA because they believe they have betrayed the historic teachings and morality of the Anglican tradition. The author places this emerging crisis in context: historical, moral, theological, cultural, and ecclesiological. He explores how the rift between Episcopalians in the United States originated, how it is being played out now in the rift between the official representatives of ECUSA and the Anglican Communion, what the arguments are for and against all sides, and what are the prospects for either reconciliation at some level between the opposing parties or deepening schism in the future. Kirkpatrick explores the variety of contentious issues, rather than focusing just on the one that gets the most media attention: homosexuality.

The crisis in the Church goes much deeper than that, however, and involves issues of church, tradition, and biblical authority. The author provides necessary background but focuses primarily on the events that have occurred since 2003 when ECUSA approved the election and consecration of an openly gay bishop. While the situation continues to evolve and change, the book provides readers with an up-to-date account of the history of the crisis, an analysis of the conflicting arguments, and a contextual guide for understanding what might come next in this unfolding story.

Customer Reviews (3)

A Useful but Completely One-Sided View of the Crisis
Contrary to what the book purports to be and what certain reviewer claim for it, this is not an even-handed, unbiased report of the Episcopal Church in crisis.It is, instead, a fairly good representation of the standard liberal Episcopal understanding of the Bible, Anglicanism, and the current crisis.

Thankfully the author, Frank G. Kirkpatrick makes his liberal point of view clear from the beginning.But he and his reviewers somehow assume that he is completely fair and unbiased in how he presents things.In the interest of full disclosure, I'm an orthodox or "conservative" Anglican priest and know that I come with my own point of view.I also happen to have a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Lancaster University, and my Ph.D. dissertation was on the state of contemporary Anglicanism.I am, therefore, very familiar with this issue.

The book is a combination of a look at the history of Anglicanism and the Episcopal Church, the Bible and homosexuality, the issue of the Bible and homosexuality, and the crisis that has ensued within Anglicanism.While there is a lot of useful background information along the way, almost all of it is presented with a distinctly liberal "spin."There is no attempt to see both sides.This would be less of an issue if the book were portrayed as a liberal polemic.

In the Foreword, Mark Silk claims that, "Frank [Kirkpatrick] is the most fair-minded member of the academic profession I have ever met, perhaps even to a fault."This, however, is not true for this book, and I would have expected to see positive reviews on the back cover from conservative Anglican clergy outside of The Episcopal Church, and not only those still inside it, if the book were truly even-handed.

Throughout, Kirkpatrick assumes what he sets out to prove, and the fact that he sets out to argue certain things immediately suggests he is not a neutral observer.He assumes on page xxv that "homosexuality as such was probably not known to the Biblical writers.(One well-known exception might be the special friendship between David and Jonathan.)"Also, on page 170 he cavalierly makes the sweeping and incorrect statement that, "purity codes were effectively done away with by Jesus, Paul, and the early Christians."

Kirkpatrick's evident bias also comes out in the way he reports things.For example, he spends several pages in a number of places talking about the money that American conservatives have given to African bishops and the "right wing" money that has funded certain orthodox Anglican institutions.However, why doesn't he mention, in the interest of fairness, the much greater American money that backs certain institutions in the Anglican Communion and that favor the American and English churches over the churches of the Global South which have far more members?

He also misreads Anglican and Episcopalian history and reads it sometimes in a hypocritical manner.While acknowledging that PECUSA (the original name for The Episcopal Church) was "far from intending to depart from the Church of England in any essential point of doctrine, discipline, and worship," Kirkpatrick seems intent on making PECUSA a liberal institution from the very beginning at the end of the 18th century.In arguing for women's ordination and criticizing conservatives for trumping the long-established Anglican recognition of episcopal authority at the local level," he never criticizes the liberal Episcopalians for trumping a much greater number of long-established Anglican and Christian traditions.This is, after all, the cause of the current crisis.

Finally (and there is so much more I could write), on page 171 he states that conservative Anglicans "tend to demonize the `other side' as the spawn of Satan and identify themselves with the angels of goodness."First of all, this is such a gross mischaracterization that it's hard to believe that a scholar, much less one touted as being the fairest of academics, would make such a statement in print.Also, once again, why does Kirkpatrick not mention the way that liberal Anglicans demonize conservative Anglicans?Has he listened to or read what many liberal Anglicans have said about conservative Anglicans?

If you are a liberal Anglican or Episcopalian, then you'll probably like what Kirkpatrick has written, and you'll probably learn some things along the way.If you're a conservative Anglican you'll find many errors and inconsistencies, not to mention the obvious disagreements you'll have with the material, but you'll understand better the liberal position.And if you're someone coming for an even-handed report on the current Anglican crisis, then you are better off reading other works.For a better book on the Bible and homosexuality you might try Robert Gagnon's "The Bible and Homosexual Practice."Miranda Hassett's "Anglican Communion in Crisis" is a much better book critical of orthodox Anglicans, although Hassett is a liberal and I disagree with some of what she writes.From the conservative viewpoint, a useful article in understanding TEC's new theology is Philip Turner's "ECUSA's Gods and the Idols of Liberal Protestantism," which may be found in the book "The Fate of Communion."

Episcopal Church in Conflict
Frank Kirkpatrick presents all sides fairly with clarity and depth - truly respecting the issue and the people involved and seeking to serve God's covenant with all people.If you read only one book on the conflict of sexuality in the Church, this is the one to read!

A Contemporary Masterpiece
I have just finished reading Dr. Kirkpatrick's newest book and am astounded by the amount of its documented, historical information and, as well, the author's penetrating insights about the roles of sex, the Bible, and authority among Episcopalians/USA and other worldwide Anglicans. Before and after the 2008 Lambeth Conference, this excellent book is so even handed that readers on all sides of the issues will better understand this period in the lives of those Christians who express their Faith within the global Anglican Communion.
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Product Description
This is the complete and authorized version of the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church as revised by the General Convention of 2009. This printed handbook provides an indispensable reference for the denomination between now and the 2012 General Convention. Correcting a previous announcement, please note that there is no CD-Rom edition available or accompanying this printed work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Episcopalian Educational series
This book is so very good-- all the Welcome To books are excellent. This one causes one to actually feel they are in church on Sunday.It explains absolutely everything, and is never boring.I really loved it...and plan to re-read often.If a book is that good, one does tend to re-read it and find information that one missed the first reading.Very well worth the purchase.

Welcome to Sunday
I am a life long Episcopalian and found this book full of useful information. I highly recommend this book for every
Episcopalian or for someone wanting to learn about the Episcopal Church.

Clear Concise, Informative
My wife and I are former Methodists who have attended an Episcopal church for the past 18 months.We are attracted by the Eucharistic service but don't wish to "check our brains at the door", as would be required by the Bishop of Rome.I bought this book because I wanted basic information on the background and meaning of the service we so recently found. The book didn't disappoint me. The author explains the traditional architectural styles and floor plans, the roles of the Ministry and the Laity, and the Christian year as it is observed in the Episcopal church.The author systematically works his way through a typical service, explaining in adequate depth for all but the budding theologian, the origins and meanings of each part.He also discusses trends within the church, for example, to include more elements of the Eastern Orthodox service.Each chapter ends with questions for thought and further discussion.This would make it a great book for an adolescent or adult discussion group. If you want a book to explain the Episcopal (Rites I and II) service in a methodical and easily understood fashion, this is a great start.

It happens every Sunday...
Christopher Webber's book, 'Welcome to Sunday', is an excellent companion to the volume 'Welcome to the Episcopal Church'.Together, these books often form a curriculum of sorts for inquirers' classes, confirmation classes and new member conversations.This particular volume, as the title suggests, concentrates on the Sunday worship experience, the centre of most every church.

The Episcopal Church is the official version of the Anglican Church (Church of England) in the United States.For historical reasons, after the American Revolution the Church of England in America could no longer remain the Church of England -- the tendency toward national autonomy among Anglican church structures generally holds true as a pattern today.

Webber's first chapter looks at architecture and space considerations.Most Americans are familiar with basic differences in church design depending upon denomination.The Episcopal church actually has a wide variety of architectural styles incorporated into their many churches, but there are some patterns that generally hold true (with exceptions, of course).Most Episcopal churches can be noted by a red door -- red draws attention to the entrance.Episcopal churches will almost always have the altar as the centre element, with a pulpit raised but to the side.The baptismal font is always somewhere, but again design can locate it almost anywhere.

The chapter on ministry talks not only about the three-fold ordained ministry of bishops, priests and deacons as well as the ministry of the laity.The Episcopal church has been in a mode of recovering the importance of lay ministry, but there is still a long way to go in that regard.Webber compares the ministry definitions of the four orders as laid out in the catechism of the Book of Common Prayer and as they appear in the New Testament scriptures -- alas, a visit to any Episcopal church on any Sunday, however, will show the sharp contrast and division of types of ministry.

Webber's chapter on how to worship looks at practical pieces such as posture, prayer positions, silences, vestments and clothing, and other physical aspects.One of the more confusing aspects for newcomers to Episcopal churches is knowing what to do and when, and sometimes following the congregation does not quite work out well.There is a lot of ceremony, and a lot of 'doing' in the church, which reflects the incarnational aspect as well as the sacramental aspect of the church.

Webber's final three chapters look at the liturgy from the Book of Common Prayer.The church year discusses the differences in the seasons (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost) as well as saint's days and ordinary time.The final two chapters look at the structure of the liturgy in its two primary pieces -- ministry of Word and ministry of sacrament.Both follow patterns adapted from ancient sources that involve the reading aloud scripture, singing (congregational, choir and celebrant), recitation of faith contained in creeds, and the performance of the Eucharist.Webber's descriptions here are precise without being overly technical, and are useful as descriptions in instructed Eucharists.

Each chapter ends with a series of questions for further thought and discussion, which makes this a useful text for use in small groups and classrooms as well as personal instruction.Worship is the heart of the church, and as Webber states, it is where the church begins.God does not need us to worship (indeed, God does not need anything from us), but we worship and praise nonetheless to God's glory. This book tells how this special group of Christians called Episcopalians set about the task with reverence and care.

Great Introduction to Sunday
This book serves as a short introduction to the Episcopal Church's Sunday service.As a newcomer to the church, this book helped me understand "what was happening" during Sunday Eucharist (communion).The author writes with sensitivity and openness.I'd also recommend "Welcome to the Episcopal Church" (same author) as an excellent more general introduction to the church's history, beliefs, and practices. ... Read more

Product Description
Questioning and renegotiating the authority, roles, responsibilities, and relationships between lay and ordained leaders has become the order of the day for the church. In her new book for clergy and congregations, leadership expert Katherine Tyler Scott provides models and spiritual practices to feed the growing hunger in our churches for grounded spiritual authority. ... Read more

Product Description
It hath been the wisdom of the Church of England, ever since the first compiling of her Public Liturgy, to keep the mean between the two extremes, of too much stiffness in refusing, and of too much easiness in admitting any variation from it.
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Customer Reviews (1)

most difficult book to use
I purchased this book to use during service.It is a complete book but impossible to use as there are no references to allow me to move forward to the service or section being read.Therefore, one cannot find communion or specific prayers of celebration, etc.I am very sorry that I purchased this item. ... Read more