One of the world’s most admired preachers offers practical, wise advice for some of the most basic tasks of ministry: preparing, delivering, and evaluating sermons; planning, leading, and evaluating worship services; offering public prayers; and celebrating baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Willimon also provides creative suggestions for involving lay people in worship. Ideal for beginning ministers and seasoned veterans alike.

Also by Willimon from Abingdon:

• Calling & Character: Virtues of the Ordained Life. $34.99

• Pastor: A Reader for Ordained Ministry. $49.99

• Pastor: Theology & Practice of Ordained Ministry. $49.99

No pastor sets out to fail, but many leave pastoral ministry within the first 5 years. Seminary professor Schwanz focuses on the person of the minister and the relational system of the minister's life. She spotlights three areas of connection — relationships with self, others and God. Attending to these three primary connections will strengthen the pastor and cushion her or him against the pressures and stresses of daily ministry.

Experienced church leaders and management experts discuss successful contemporary church leadership including: leading a team • choosing and mentoring assistants • leading lay ministers and volunteers • leading churches of different sizes • leading multiple congregations • what kind of a leader are you • getting your work/life balance right • thinking strategically.

"A fresh look at the power of small groups from years of practical experience. Clearly written, this book is based on a deep understanding of how groups work and their potential for experimential learning. An excellent resource for both new and experienced leaders." Sam Criss,
St James Episcopal Church, Wichita, Kansas.

This collection of original prayers is published in honour of the 100th anniversary of the US Social Creed of the Churches of 1908, described as "an effective consensus statement of social ideals that helped build support for the social protections of the New Deal and later legislation." Contributors include: Walter Brueggemann, Tony Campolo, Michael Kinnamon.

From music and flowers to vows and ceremonies to blessings, this book contains a vast assortment of rich traditions for use in weddings today - Catholic, Byzantine (Eastern Catholic and Orthodox), Protestant and Jewish. Includes suggestions for each stage of planning and sound advice on honouring and combining traditions for couples from different religious backgrounds.

Gathered from many of his writings, including those when he was imprisoned by the Nazis before his execution, these devotions show how Bonhoeffer understood the meaning of discipleship and the importance of placing God at the centre of life. Includes scripture references and keys to the Bonhoeffer source from which the readings are taken.

O’Donohue (1956-2008), Irish teacher and poet, draws on Celtic spiritual traditions to create words of inspiration and wisdom for today. He looks at life’s thresholds - getting married, having children, starting a new job - and offers invaluable guidelines for making the transition from a known, familiar world into a new, unmapped territory.

Also by O’Donohue: Anam Cara, Bantam, US. $29.99

Newell offers the ancient traditions of Celtic Christianity as a way forward in healing humankind and the earth. An international retreat leader who is the former warden of Scotland’s Iona abbey, he argues that we discover unity as we become connected to one another and allow ourselves to be surprised by the Presence that is within creation and within the human soul.

This practical book explains how to conduct a meaningful funeral or memorial service and be a sensitive caregiver to today’s often complex families in their time of bereavement. Covers: family issues that arise in preparation for the funeral • the day of the service • biblical passages and sermons, and more.

Beautifully crafted selection of thoughts and prayers inspired by Christian scriptures and other literature, from NZ Catholic priest Father James Lyons. Each reflection invites you to pause and consider all that has gone into preparing a meal you are about to enjoy, and provides an opportunity to give thanks.

Prayers, tips and stories for those who look after others. The author throws out lifelines to those drowning in responsibilities in short chapters on beginnings, fear, grief, hope, challenges, gifts, burnout and balance. Though a small book in size, it is generous in heart and wisdom.

Also by Bartocci: Grace on the Go: 101 Quick Ways to Pray. $16.00

The Hodsons provide the integrated wisdom of a scientist and a pastor who have discovered that sustainable living requires spiritual as well as technological resources. Every system on Earth has been affected by human actions. We have plundered its mineral resources and polluted the land, the atmosphere and the water, and urgently need to learn how to care for God’s creation. Lively stories of people who have found positive ways to respond, combined with thoughtful theological commentary.