Young Adults

One Breath At A Time

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 15:02:00 GMT

Meditation is a practice growing in popularity. Used to reduce stress and to increase relaxation, meditative practices invite us to bring mindful attention to body and breath. But how does meditation fit into Christianity, and how does it differ from prayer?

One Breath at a Time: A Skeptic's Guide to Christian Meditation reframes meditation for those who are skeptical because (1) they doubt their ability to be still and quiet and (2) they doubt the validity of meditation as a Christian spiritual practice. Using scripture, theology, and examples from the early church, this book challenges the prayer habits of Christians that leave little room for enough silence to experience and listen for God.

Using five approaches?breath meditation, lectio divina, centering meditation, loving-kindness meditation, and devotional meditation?One Breath at a Time provides a practical, 40-day guide to beginning and sustaining a Christian meditation practice in an often chaotic world.

This eCourse, based on J. Dana Trent's book One Breath at a Time, offers basic instruction in the five approaches to meditation named above: breath meditation, lectio divina, centering meditation, loving-kindness meditation, and devotional meditation.

Learn first, and then practice! Following the basic instruction is an invitation and guide to 40 days of meditation practice. You are encouraged to work at your own pace. The eCourse content?videos, all the reading material from One Breath at a Time, and space for comments?is available anytime.

Participants in the eCourse are invited to join a live session with J. Dana Trent on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at noon (CDT). This session will be recorded for those unable to attend live. Register here.

Testimonials

"Whether you are new to meditation, lapsed in your practice, or simply curious, you have found the right teacher. Dana Trent is not only wise about the ways in which our tech-driven lives are stunting our spiritual growth but also serious about offering us an invitation to be still with God for a few moments each day. The added bonus of her skepticism is that she knows how hard that can be and why it remains essential for our soul's health.'
Barbara Brown Taylor, author of Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others

"Dana's journey into contemplation is, to me, a sign of the times. As we reach for a still point in the turning world, meditation isn't a flight from the world of action but a way of staying centered in the midst of it. One breath at a time, indeed."
Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, author of Reconstructing the Gospel

Campus Ministry

Fri, 20 May 2022 15:29:24 GMT

This resource, written with the intention to support a new Lay Servant Ministries course, will give readers a general understanding of the developmental needs of the 18- to 26-year-old demographic in the United States; general categories of institutions of higher learning; basic structures for campus ministries and offices of spiritual and religious life on college or university campuses; a framework to discern how United Methodist congregations may be called to serve students in their local context; and tools to begin bridging the administrative structures at the institution of higher learning in question to gain appropriate access to students.

The approach of this text (and its companion PDF leader's guide, available separately) is fundamentally student-centered and contextual, placing the needs of students as the foundation of congregational discernment and institutional bridging to build and/or support a student ministry. (The scope of this text is limited to higher education in the United States, as models of higher education differ greatly in other regions of the world. This text also primarily targets the 18- to 26-year-old demographic, recognizing that many students in the United States may fall outside this age range.)

Campus Ministry

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 13:42:28 GMT

Campus Ministry Leader's Guide

Wed, 18 May 2022 20:27:20 GMT

This PDF-format leader's guide, a separately available companion component to the book Campus Ministry: Empowering Congregations, by Colleen Hallagan Preuninger, will provide all necessary tools to lead a Lay Servant Ministries course on the book's subject matter. These resources will work together to give readers a general understanding of the developmental needs of the 18- to 26-year-old demographic in the United States; general categories of institutions of higher learning; basic structures for campus ministries and offices of spiritual and religious life on college or university campuses; a framework to discern how United Methodist congregations may be called to serve students in their local context; and tools to begin bridging the administrative structures at the institution of higher learning in question to gain appropriate access to students.

The approach of this PDF leader's guide and its companion book is fundamentally student-centered and contextual, placing the needs of students as the foundation of congregational discernment and institutional bridging to build and/or support a student ministry. (The scope of this text is limited to higher education in the United States, as models of higher education differ greatly in other regions of the world. This text also primarily targets the 18- to 26-year-old demographic, recognizing that many students in the United States may fall outside this age range.)

A Family Like Mine

Sat, 14 May 2022 04:11:56 GMT

Families are complicated, and they always have been. A Family Like Mine explores the surprising variety of family stories and relationships reflected in the Bible, emphasizing God's grace, reconciliation, and renewal. The book tells the family stories of our spiritual ancestors in ways that resonate with our own family stories.

Author Rosalind Hughes weaves accounts of familiar and less well-known biblical characters with stories of family formation, estrangement, adoption, and more. She imaginatively retells biblical stories, inviting the reader to dig deeper into the motivations, disappointments, faith, and fulfillment we hold in common with our biblical ancestors.

Story-based and biblically informed, A Family Like Mine combines spiritual autobiography with Bible study to provide a gentle but probing look at the many "mansions" of God's household, where Jesus has prepared a place for all God's children. Reflection questions encourage readers to examine and compare their own family history and spiritual journey with the stories of families found in the Bible.

A Family Like Mine

Sat, 14 May 2022 03:44:37 GMT

A Family Like Mine

Tue, 24 May 2022 17:49:23 GMT

A Family Like Mine

Meditation on Both Sides of the Camera

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 16:05:53 GMT

Have you ever thought of photography as a spiritual journey?

Photography provides a way to still the heart and soul so you can hear God's voice and sense God's presence. Whether you're an experienced photographer or just take pictures with your smartphone, you will enjoy this creative way to connect with God.

In Meditation on Both Sides of the Camera, award-winning photographer Valerie Isenhower guides you to pay attention, center, and focus your eyes in new ways. "The spiritual journey of photography from beginning to end is like breathing life into the stories of our photographs and souls," Isenhower writes.

This e-book includes:

color photography
helpful suggestions for preparing your heart, mind, and soul before you go on a photo shoot
tips for reflecting on the images you capture
links to online resources

Take advantage of Isenhower's years of experience as enjoyed by others in her workshops and online courses.

Meditation on Both Sides of the Camera

Wed, 18 May 2022 15:36:53 GMT

Have you ever thought of photography as a spiritual journey?

This e-book includes:

color photography
helpful suggestions for preparing your heart, mind, and soul before you go on a photo shoot
tips for reflecting on the images you capture
links to online resources

Take advantage of Isenhower's years of experience as enjoyed by others in her workshops and online courses.

One Breath at a Time

Sat, 14 May 2022 01:41:54 GMT

In secular mainstream America, meditation has become as ubiquitous as yoga. But how does meditation fit into Christianity, and how does it differ from prayer?

One Breath at a Time: A Skeptic's Guide to Christian Meditation reframes meditation for those who are skeptical because (1) they doubt their ability to be still and quiet and (2) they doubt the validity of meditation as a Christian spiritual practice. Using scripture, theology, and examples from the early church, this book challenges the prayer habits of Christians that leave little room for enough silence to experience and listen for God.

Using five approaches—breath meditation, lectio divina, centering meditation, loving-kindness meditation, and devotional meditation—One Breath at a Time provides a practical, 40-day guide to beginning and sustaining a Christian meditation practice in an often chaotic world.

One Breath at a Time

Sat, 14 May 2022 01:42:06 GMT

In secular mainstream America, meditation has become as ubiquitous as yoga. But how does meditation fit into Christianity, and how does it differ from prayer?

One Breath at a Time

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:30:56 GMT

In secular mainstream America, meditation has become as ubiquitous as yoga. But how does meditation fit into Christianity, and how does it differ from prayer?

On Our Way

Sat, 14 May 2022 00:22:45 GMT

Early adulthood is a time of possibility, uncertainty, decision, and hope. During these years, individuals determine how they will approach life challenges and opportunities. In On Our Way: Christian Practices for Living a Whole Life, writers from a variety of backgrounds address topics of particular relevance to young adults. The essays are grouped in 5 sections that together express the whole: living a whole life

attentively
together
in the real world
for the good of all
in response to God

On Our Way looks at common subjects in fresh, meaningful ways. It presents "study," for example, as "not synonymous with reading books or with academic reflection, though it may well include these." Instead, this essay explains study as "a particular kind of attending to Christ and the world, a particular stance of curiosity, vigilance, and openness to learning—an openness that extends even to unlearning what we have previously learned to take for granted." Other chapters explore such subjects as

discerning God's call
friendship and intimacy
care for creation
knowing and loving our neighbors of other faiths
doing justice

As young adults move away from the confines of home, school, and church youth group, this book will serve as an excellent resource. While it speaks from a Christian perspective, its broad approach makes it appealing both to Christians and to those who consider themselves "spiritual but not religious."

Well-suited for individual reading or group discussion, On Our Way is an excellent companion for young adults seeking their place in today's world.

Living Compassion

Sat, 14 May 2022 01:34:22 GMT

Named One of the Best Spiritual Books of 2017
by Spirituality and Practice (Frederic & Mary Ann Brussat)

In the face of hurtful public dialogue and worldwide conflict, many Christians want to practice and experience genuine compassion. After all, centuries of Christian teachings have insisted that compassion is at the heart of the Christian life.

"Love your enemies," Jesus said in Luke 6:35-36. "Do good to them. Be compassionate, just as God is compassionate."

How do we become more compassionate toward others, especially our enemies? And since Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves, how do we practice being compassionate toward ourselves?

Join Andrew Dreitcer, codirector of the Center for Engaged Compassion, in exploring how certain Christian spiritual practices are compassion practices. Discover how ancient as well as contemporary practices can shape your life, helping you become more compassionate in today's world.

Dreitcer introduces you to the Compassion Practice, a compassion formation process that has been developed in the last decade. Each chapter includes a "Review and Practice" section to help you apply what you learned. Uncover and learn how to express your innate compassion within you, and find out how to turn your desire for compassion into a life centered in genuine, lasting compassion.

Living Compassion

Sat, 14 May 2022 01:34:56 GMT

Named One of the Best Spiritual Books of 2017
by Spirituality and Practice (Frederic & Mary Ann Brussat)

"Love your enemies," Jesus said in Luke 6:35-36. "Do good to them. Be compassionate, just as God is compassionate."

How do we become more compassionate toward others, especially our enemies? And since Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves, how do we practice being compassionate toward ourselves?

Living Compassion

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:30:30 GMT

Named One of the Best Spiritual Books of 2017
by Spirituality and Practice (Frederic & Mary Ann Brussat)

"Love your enemies," Jesus said in Luke 6:35-36. "Do good to them. Be compassionate, just as God is compassionate."

How do we become more compassionate toward others, especially our enemies? And since Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves, how do we practice being compassionate toward ourselves?

Praying with Mandalas

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:41:59 GMT

Have you ever thought of coloring as a way to pray? Pick up your colored pencils or crayons and discover a creative way to slow down and focus on God.

Sharon Seyfarth Garner invites adults to color mandalas as an easy, enjoyable, and tangible way to "be with God on purpose." Praying with Mandalas blends the relaxing and contemplative practice of coloring with these ancient spiritual practices:

Lectio divina (meditative reading of scripture)
Intercessory prayer
Centering prayer
Examen (reviewing the day's events to see where God was present)

This coloring book guides you through heartfelt, hands-on experiences of prayer. Delight in the colorful, contemplative practice of praying with mandalas.

FEATURES

10 pages of 4 blank mandala designs (40 mandalas)
Information on the use of mandalas in Christian tradition
Tips for praying with mandalas
Simple explanations of mandalas and 4 spiritual practices
Can be used with individuals or groups in diverse settings: retreats, hospitals, elder care residences, prisons, campus ministries, family devotions, and more

Compassion in Practice

Thu, 05 May 2022 20:36:36 GMT

Jesus was a spiritual teacher who demonstrated personal and social transformation. His earliest disciples were first known not as Christians but as followers of the Way. Jesus' Way was a spirituality of radical compassion. He taught how to love and be loved by an extravagantly compassionate God; how to cultivate love for ourselves; and how to love our neighbors by extending love to the outcasts, the offensive, and even our enemies.

Compassion in Practice is an introduction to Christian compassion. It explains not just what Christian compassion looks like but how to practice it in a world ravaged by violence, fear, and reactivity. This book teaches us how to love as Jesus loved.

Expanding on the foundation of Practicing Compassion, Frank Rogers defines the way Jesus prepared his disciples to transform hearts hardened from the assaults of life into compassionate hearts.

Compassion in Practice

Sat, 14 May 2022 01:14:24 GMT

Expanding on the foundation of Practicing Compassion, Frank Rogers defines the way Jesus prepared his disciples to transform hearts hardened from the assaults of life into compassionate hearts.

Compassion in Practice

Sat, 14 May 2022 01:14:37 GMT

Expanding on the foundation of Practicing Compassion, Frank Rogers defines the way Jesus prepared his disciples to transform hearts hardened from the assaults of life into compassionate hearts.