Memo to Pastors October 1999

Biblical Passages used in the Mennonite Bulletins

Now you can find the biblical texts that will appear in the weekly Mennonite Bulletins. Scriptural passages are provided to assist pastors and worship leaders in their long-range planning for congregational worship. This list is  available on Herald Press web page: http//www.mph.org/cp/rcl.htm. For more information about the Mennonite Bulletin Series or to order the Mennonite Bulletin Series call either Faith & Life Press, 1 800 743-2484, or Herald Press, 1 800 245-7894.

Mennonite Publishing Annual Report

Mennonite Publishing House is celebrating over 90 years of service and ministry. See the Annual Report for details about Trade Publishing, Congregational Publishing, Provident Bookstores, and Operations and Printing Services.

Bible Reading Record

Over 259,400 copies of the Bible Reading Record have been sold by Mennonite Publishing House. To encourage Bible reading in your congregation, order enough copies for every member today and hand them out over the holidays to encourage daily Bible reading through out 2000. This chart of all the chapters in the Old and New Testaments is a handy tool for the Bible reader to record each chapter as it is read. Price each $.08. To order the Bible Reading Record, call toll free Herald Press, 1 800 245-7894, or Faith & Life Press, 1 800 743-2484.

New Releases from Herald Press

A Christian View of Hospitality: Expecting Surprises
By Michele Hershberger

In a world of polite conversation, linen tablecloths, and busy schedules, how can one be hospitable? In a world filled with drive-by shootings and neighborhood muggings, how does one love the stranger? In A Christian View of Hospitality: Expecting Surprises, author Michele Hershberger calls readers to see the stranger as one who brings the gift of hospitality.

"Don't read this book if you like the status quo. Hospitality is much more than inviting visitors for a meal after church. It is breaking down walls that divide--walls of race, ethnicity, social class, you name it. Walking in the world of hospitality can be scary and unpredictable, but it will help you grow."

--Wally Kroeker, Author, God's Week Has Seven Days and Faith Dilemmas for Marketplace Christians.

Paper, 288 pages Price $12.99. Available from Herald Press 1 800 245-7894, Faith & Life Press 1 800 743-2484 or your local Christian Bookstore.

366 Ways to Peace
Compiled by Melodie M. Davis

You are about to walk for a year in the company of thinkers, who, for the most part, have lived out their commitment to peacemaking. They have made profound and powerful statements for peace.

People from all walks of life and with many points of view can benefit from this perpetual peace calendar. Here is a rich resource of quotes and Scripture verses to keep handy and refer to every day!

"After a while, this calendar gets to you! It's like listening to great music with a central theme that you keep humming long after the music has stopped."

--Peter J. Dyck, Peace Storyteller, in active retirement

Perpetual calendar, Price $12.99. To order call toll free Herald Press, 1 800 245-7894; Faith & Life Press, 1 800 743-2484; or your local Christian bookstore

Making Peace with Conflict
Edited by Carolyn Schrock-Shenk and Lawrence Ressler

Does conflict still surprise and often overwhelm you? Do you wish you had a better understanding of how to transform life's inevitable conflicts from problems to opportunities? Do you wonder what power has to do with conflict?

Here is a practical guide to understanding and transforming conflict based on biblical and Anabaptist principles. Over 20 noted authors shaped by many experiences and cultures tell of lessons taught by walking conflict's holy ground. Some insights will be familiar, some new, and some able to trigger new conflict!

Study questions continue the conversation begun in each of 17 chapters and will help highlight the common ground as well as differences readers may have with authors and each other.

A project of Mennonite Conciliation Service, a program of Mennonite Central Committee U.S.

Paper, 200 pages, Price $14.99. To order call toll free Herald Press, 1 800 245-7894; Faith & Life Press, 1 800 743-2484; or your local Christian bookstore.

New resources from Faith & Life Press:

Let's Talk: Communication Skills and Conflict Transformation
By Barry C. Bartel

How do we relate to others when we are in conflict with them? For many, the solution is to walk away or pretend there is no problem. Others feel the only way is through aggressive behavior. But the best way is to face conflict honestly and deal with it through caring processes that lead to win-win outcomes.

Let's Talk is a new resource designed to get Christians thinking, talking, and living out effective skills in interpersonal communication, transforming conflict into growth. As a workbook for group study, Let's Talk includes a personal inventory on our conflict management style, discussion guides, personal reflection exercises, role plays for active listening and appropriate speaking, and is appropriate for high school youth and adults. A leader's guide is included at the back.

Price $8.95. Available from Herald Press, 1 800 245-7894; Faith & Life Press 1 800 743-2484 or your local Christian bookstore.

Good Ground Studies

Have you tried Good Ground, the new Bible studies series for active adults? Each six-session study includes many ideas for study, discussion, and actively engaging learners. Leader's tips are included for each session. All units are undated and can be used in any order. Twelve units are currently available, with two new units being published each quarter. Try Good Ground, and let the Word take root! Listed below are the newest releases.

Voice from the Fringe: Studies in Isaiah
By Lani Wright

Through Isaiah, God opened the people's eyes to new, sometimes unsettling, analyses of their circumstances. How do we discern prophetic directions for our lives?

Price $5.95. Available from Herald Press, 1 800 245-7894; Faith & Life Press, 1 800 743-2484; or your local Christian bookstore.

Hanging on to Hope: Studies in Revelation
By Joy Lapp

This study uncovers the relevance of visions for our perplexing and changing world.

Price $5.95. Available from Herald Press, 1 800 245-7894; Faith & Life Press, 1 800 743-2484; or your local Christian bookstore.

Bulletin Announcement For Your Congregation

To help you promote the Advent resource, How Can This Be? Table Devotions for Advent, we have provided below a bulletin announcement. Please use or amend this announcement to fit your situation. To order How Can This Be? call, toll free Herald Press, 1 800 245-7894, or Faith & Life Press, 1 800 743-2484.

Bulletin Announcement

Now available from Herald Press is the Advent devotional guide, How Can This Be? Table Devotions for Advent by Rose Mary Stutzman. Designed for family worship, How Can This Be? provides for daily Bible readings, related Bible stories, songs, and questions to ponder on Advent themes. This convenient 40-page booklet includes an Advent calendar and suggestions for family reading and activities to worship God and build family relationships during the Advent season. Price $5.99. We plan to send in bulk order to save on postage. Please contact _____________ to place your order.

A Resource for Winter International Bible Lesson

Emmanuel: God with Us the newest video from Herald Press can strengthen Bible teaching in your adult classes, especially designed to go with the Winter 1999-2000 International Bible Lessons on the Gospel of Matthew. Dorothy Jean Weaver of Eastern Mennonite Seminary and Dan Ulrich of Bethany Theological Seminary provide a five-to-seven-minute segment for each Sunday. Excellent resource for the Adult Bible Study and Builder. Price $24.99. To order the video Emmanuel: God with Us call toll free Herald Press, 1 800 245-7894, or Faith & Life Press, 1 800 743-2484