| Memo to Pastors December, 1997 |
 |
Update on Plans for a New Mennonite Directory
One vital information resource for pastors has been the Mennonite Yearbook. The last issue was published this past March. At that time we noted the plans to develop an integrated Mennonite Directory for 1999. This is an update on those plans. James E. Horsch of our staff has been asked to edit the new publication. Associate editors are Doris Mendel Schmidt at the Division of General Services in Newton, Kansas; and Aiden Schlichting Enns at the Resources Commission in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
One of the main changes in data gathering will give congregations, area conferences, and churchwide boards the option to update information through the World Wide Web rather than using the current paper form. There is also discussion about making the basic information about congregations available on our home page on the World Wide Web. The gathering of the ministerial data is being coordinated with the ministerial leadership offices of the churches. The goal is to eliminate duplication of efforts for the denominational and area conference offices and to make information readily available as a publication or electronically.
The new directory will have some of the main categories of earlier publications which include:
1. Congregational geographic listing
2. Area conferences and congregations
3. Ministerial directory
4. Statistics
5. Churchwide organizations
This cooperative effort brings together the Mennonite Yearbook, the Handbook of Information of the General Conference Mennonite Church, and the CMC Directory of the Conference of Mennonites in Canada. Overseeing the data gathering and publishing are David Linscheid for the General Conference Mennonite Church, Jack Suderman for the Conference of Mennonites in Canada, and Levi Miller for the Mennonite Church. Because pastors are the primary users of the directory, we especially welcome any suggestions you have as we develop this further.
Levi Miller
Bible Reading Record
Over 232,000 copies of the Bible Reading Record have been sold by the 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 study throughout 1998.
This chart of all the chapters in the Old and New Testaments is a handy tool for the Bible reader to keep a record of each chapter read.
Price each: $.08 (U.S.); $.15 (Canada). Catalog Number 8101. To order, call toll free 1 800 245-7894.
Three New Releases
Faith Dilemmas for Marketplace ChristiansChristians may feel lost in fog when they seek answers for marketplace dilemmas. Here are 13 dilemmas faced by Christians who want their faith to count in the workplace. Each includes biblical background and questions for discussion. This book will help to connect Sunday faith with Monday work.
"Authentic. I recommend it highly as a discussion starter in Sunday school classes, prayer breakfasts, Bible studies, and other places where committed Christians gather to find support and challenge in working through tough real-world decisions.’’
—John W. Eby, Professor, Messiah College.
Paper. 224 pages. Price: $14.99 (U.S.); $21.50 (Canada).
For photo and additional description, see the Herald Press online catalog page on Faith Dilemmas for Marketplace Christians.
Parents Passing the Torch of Faith
"Are you among parents who feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of teaching children so they will choose Christ’s way for life? If so, simple yet wise suggestions by John M. Drescher will help you sense the privilege, joy, and power God will surely give you. Here are practical ideas for managing family time, priorities, prayer, electronic media, and more to pass on the torch of faith. There is no greater concern we can have for our children. "I heartily recommend this book to every Christian parent. Drescher’s special writing is full of touching illustrations and practical ways lovingly to assure that each child will have rich spiritual life."
—Ross Campbell, author, How to Really Love Your Child.
Paper, 104 pages. Price: $7.99 (U.S.); $11.40 (Canada).
For photo and additional description, see the Herald Press online catalog page on Parents Passing the Torch of Faith.
Drawing on Old and New Testament resources as well as secular arguments, Gardner C. Hanks shows that the death penalty harms rather than helps any quest for a just, humane society. He demonstrates through research data that the death penalty is an ineffective crime-fighting tool. Used primarily against the poor or mentally disabled, capital punishment reinforces societal inequities and exacerbates racism. Financial costs of capital punishment are higher than for life sentences. Its horror is irreversible, yet the innocent have been sentenced to death and in some cases executed. The death penalty brings out the worst in society, pollutes the political process, and threatens human rights.
Paper, 208 pages. Price: $11.99 (U.S.); $17.25 (Canada).
For photo and additional description, see the Herald Press online catalog page on Against the Death Penalty.
Rejoice! A Winter-Spring
1997-1998 Experiment
The winter and spring issues of Rejoice! will include the Bible readings appearing in the Mennonite Bulletin Series based on the revised common lectionary text. During these quarters, the daily devotionals will use texts based on the lectionary texts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. From Monday through Thursday, the texts will continue to be selected from the International Lessons.
Over a year ago, we consulted in MEMO TO PASTORS in regard to this change and were encouraged to include some lectionary readings in Rejoice! If your congregation is not getting Rejoice! to use as a daily devotional, try it during the winter and spring quarter and let us know of any response. We are trying this on a two-quarter experimental basis; if the response is positive, we’ll continue it in 1999. Rejoice! is published cooperatively with the Mennonite Brethren and General Conference Mennonite Church.
Christmas Gift Ideas
Gift Selections from Herald Press. A periodical subscription makes a great Christmas gift.
For children ages 4-9, Story Friends ($18.00 U.S.; $25.65 Canada); and ages 10-14, On the Line ($21.05 U.S.; $30.00 Canada). Both periodicals reinforce Christian values through stories, puzzles, and activities.
With ($18.95 U.S.; $25.95 Canada) helps youth to commit themselves to Jesus Christ and the church amidst conflicting worldly values.
For youth and adults, Purpose ($17.15 U.S.; $24.45 Canada) explores models of action-oriented Christian discipleship living.
For adults and households, Christian Living ($20.95 U.S.; $29.85 Canada) tells what people are thinking and doing about spiritual life, church life, and family issues.
For congregational leaders and teachers, the Builder (General Edition: $19.75 U.S.; $28.15 Canada) provides resources that assist congregational leaders in their educational work, ministry, and service.
To order, call 1 800 245-7894