AUGUST 2010 IN THE UMC LIBRARY

We have a panoply of choices with this month's additions: a popular version of "Pilgrim's Progress" for primary readers (which adults might also enjoy), two volumes of the Believers Church Bible Commentary, stimulating issues of "Sojourners," and the practical and informative "Leader Magazine."

"Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim's Progress" by Marshall Morgan [J MOR]. This book is intended for primary school readers. In 1676, a poor tinker named John Bunyan was imprisoned in Bedford Goal; and while there, he wrote one of the most famous books in the English language: "Pilgrim's Progress." Christian, an everyman character, travels from his hometown, "City of Destruction" to the "Celestial City," and the people and situations he encounters are an allegory of the journey of the Christian life.

The following two volumes are part of the Believers Church Commentary, a series that goes through the Bible from the Anabaptist viewpoint. They're appropriate for Sunday school teachers, speakers, small groups, and personal study.

"Jeremiah: Believers Church Bible Commentary" by Elmer A. Martens [224.2 MAR]. Martens explores the message and insights of Jeremiah for today. In Jeremiah, God disciplines people and punishes them. Yet there is also forgiveness and the promise of a new covenant. This ancient book is strangely relevant to our generation. The more we learn about the stressful times in which Jeremiah lived, about the passionate prophet himself, and about the arrangement of the book that bears his name, the more forceful the message becomes.

"2 Corinthians: Believers Church Bible Commentary" by V. George Shillington [227.3 SHI]. Of all the letters of Paul in the New Testament, none reveals the emotional side of his Christian character more boldly than 2 Corinthians. This letter was written out of personal conflict with the church of Corinth, and its language exhibits the deep feelings of heart and grief in the heart of this foremost Christian missionary of the first century.

"Sojourners – August 2010" [magazine shelf]. Cover article features essays on the BP Gulf spill. Other articles: sex trafficking of children in Atlanta, reducing the federal deficit by cuts in military spending, and a New York cabbies offers food and more to the homeless.

"Sojourners – June 2010" [magazine shelf]. Cover article: Dethroning King Coal: Christians defend a way of life, and the earth, in Appalachia. Other articles: Walter Brueggemann writes on Pentecost, and women discuss cross-generational blogging about faith and feminism.

"Leader Magazine – Fall 2010" [Leader magazine binder]. First a note: this magazine is not just for leadership or worship service participants, but rather all active congregations. Theme of the issue is: Calling Blessing, Growing: Nurturing the gifts of the congregation, including an article by David Miller on missional vision. Other articles include graciously redirecting church volunteers, renovating our imaginations, and materials for the 2010 Advent season.

See you in the stacks,

Leah the Former Librarian