Feb 5th – Let Justice Roll: Biblical Devotions on Conscience and Justice

“Let Justice Roll” is a compelling devotional that walks the reader through 365 days of biblical insights in freedom of conscience, and social justice. This compilation of articles represents the work of a nationwide network of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) advocates and other connected community activists.

The components of conscience and justice ministry include conscience, discipleship, engagement, fellowship, the power of the Holy Spirit, love, and prophecy. This is a must-read book for all followers of Christ and those who seek spiritual growth. Get ready to explore the profound biblical insights in this masterful book.

Feb 12th – African American History & Devotions: Readings and Activities for Individuals, Families, and Communities: Twenty-eight devotions for individuals, families, or small groups, including a scripture verse, a reflection on the scripture, related activities for each day, and a prayer. This intergenerational devotional is great for use during Black History Month, but can be used at any time.

Feb 19th – On Love and Mercy: A Social Justice Devotional A hopeful and Christ-centered devotional for Christians who know social justice to be a good and holy endeavor. On Love and Mercy is a 60-day devotional that invites readers to expand their vision of both personal faith in God and the redemptive and saving work of social action. Each day’s entry offers Christians who long to see justice and equity within society with a much-needed source of affirmation, solidarity, and encouragement. These heart-felt devotions bring readers hope and encouragement to embrace social justice as the Christ-like discipline that it always was and is meant to be. On Love and Mercy validates social justice practices within the Christian faith by centering the example of Jesus as the ultimate standard. Step into this journey and discover anew what it means to be devoted to Jesus and justice. This can be found on Amazon and Christianbooks.com.

Feb 26th – Songs We Should Remember, Truth We Can’t Forget: 50 Devotions from Negro Spirituals and Gospel Songs. Your Granny had more than “old time religion”. She had a solid foundation of biblical truth. And much of it was passed down through the words of Black sacred music. The Spirituals and traditional Gospel songs that the old folks used to sing are filled with wonderful truth from the scripture and priceless heritage from the Black cultural tradition. Songs We Should Remember guides you through 50 days of devotional reading to explore and celebrate the rich biblical truth found in Black sacred music.

Tell The Story: 40 Devotions with Reflections on Black History

May 7th – Contemplations from the Heart: Spiritual Reflections on Family, Community, and the Divine How do we find God in a world where God often seems to be hidden? How do we love one another and seek social justice? This series of theological and spiritual reflections on family and community helps readers see spirituality in daily life, exploring current issues such as global warming, environment, racism, child rearing, and sexism in relation to the church to offer readers new insights and directions for living as faithful Christians.

This book’s brief, daily reflections on universal concerns give voice to what many people feel but struggle to articulate, bringing emotions to the surface to help readers apply theology in their everyday lives. The book’s thirty entries make it ideal for a month of daily personal devotions or group study and discussion.

Devotional Spotlight: Do you want to grow deeper in faith with a Daily Devotional but don’t know where to start? Each week we will highlight a devotional book you might like to try. This week’s devotional is: 

Jan 1st Life: An Obsessively Grateful, Undone by Jesus, Genuinely Happy, and Not Faking it Through the Hard Stuff Kind of 100-Day Devotional Do you ever wonder if the Gospel is truly “good news” for your actual, everyday, often difficult, sometimes painful, and typically crazy real life? Well, it is. But sometimes we all need a reminder that God’s faithfulness really does follow us into the face of all that harried, hard, and even humorous stuff of life. In her new devotional LIFE, Lisa Harper gives you exactly that: a gut-level exploration of pertinent and redemptive moments in Scripture that prove God’s grace is more than sufficient for both the massive and the minuscule things of life. Whether we deal with personal loss, ongoing trauma, global crisis, or simply stuff, the Gospel is more than enough. 

Jan 8th Live in Grace, Walk in Love: A 365-Day Journey Join beloved New York Times bestselling author Bob Goff in Live in Grace, Walk in Love as he shares 365 days of inspiring, unexpected, humble teachings on grace and love that will prepare you for the year ahead. Built on Bob’s trademark storytelling and unique way of helping us to see things in a new light, Live in Grace, Walk in Love weaves together personal stories with timeless scripture, taking you through an entire calendar year of meditations. Each of the 365 daily devotionals center around a key scripture and combine Bob’s thoughtful analysis and a thought-provoking question that you can reflect on throughout the day.

Jan 15th April 30th  God Is Still Speaking: 365 Daily Devotionals “God is Still Speaking: 365 Daily Devotionals” is a collection of light-hearted, God-filled, and provocative devotionals for the person who thinks devotionals are “too religious.” Do you wonder if God has anything to say about what you face each day when you get up in the morning? Not sure that the Bible has much to tell you, but you are curious and willing to find out? The book includes relevant, brief, insightful devotionals designed to give you a powerful jolt each day. Each easy-to-read devotional provides a scripture verse, reflection, and prayer for every day of the year. Whether as a thoughtful gift or a personal resource, this book will encourage, inspire, and strengthen anyone’s Christian journey.

Jan 22nd Liberating Love Daily Devotional: 365 Love Notes from God When the world is scary and comfort is in short supply, Sandhya Rani Jha’s Liberating Love Daily Devotional provides a daily message of encouragement. In 365 “love notes from God,” dated for each day of the year, hear the voice of our loving God connecting your life with the Bible’s many stories of imperfect people facing real challenges. Drawing from all 66 books of the Bible, each devotion includes scripture, a brief meditation, and a word of hope, encouragement, and challenge that will help you foster a deeper relationship with God and with the great diversity of God’s beloved children. If you’ve never found a devotional for your inclusive values, Liberating Love is for you.

Bonus Books from other months that are full year Devotionals 

One Year of Dinner Table Devotions & Discussion Starters: 365 Opportunities to Grow Closer to God as a Family A daily serving of spiritual nourishment for your whole family. Between sports practice, music lessons, and homework, we can feel like our days pass by without ever really talking with each other about the most important matters of life and faith. This family devotional serves up a year’s worth of daily truths from God’s Word to chew on and apply to real life. Going beyond Bible stories, your whole family will enjoy discussing biblical words and themes at a level kids from 5 to 95 will understand and relate to.

Let Justice  Roll: Biblical Devotions on Conscience and Justice

“Let Justice Roll” is a compelling devotional that walks the reader through 365 days of biblical insights in freedom of conscience, and social justice. This compilation of articles represents the work of a nationwide network of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) advocates and other connected community activists.

The components of conscience and justice ministry include conscience, discipleship, engagement, fellowship, the power of the Holy Spirit, love, and prophecy. This is a must-read book for all followers of Christ and those who seek spiritual growth. Get ready to explore the profound biblical insights in this masterful book.

These Days, Daily Devotions for Living by Faith. Strengthen your faith with These Days, an inspiring and uplifting daily devotional! Each issue of These Days features: Scripture suggestions, thought-provoking daily reflections written by clergy and lay leaders, Inspiring prayers, Adult coloring pages and artwork, poems, prayers, and songs pertinent to the issue’s theme. These days is available right here at church. 

Our Bible App.  “Our Bible App.” is an online and app driven source for devotions from a Protestant perspective. In fact for advent this year they are producing out advent devotional from last year. Holy Nights: Advent Through John. So hop over to the app store and download and enjoy our dictionary and many others to uplift you through the year. 

The Upper Room Disciplines 2023: A Book of Daily Devotions Center your heart and mind on God each day with The Upper Room Disciplines. Readings in this

year-long devotional will awaken and strengthen your awareness of God’s presence in your daily life. Each week a different Christian thought leader offers daily meditations, scripture readings, and prayers that will help you engage God’s Word. Based on the Revised Common Lectionary, Disciplines features: a focal scripture passage for each day, short daily meditations from 53 thought leaders from diverse Christian traditions, a reflection or prayer to carry with you each day, weekly scripture overviews, an index of scripture readings, and a guide to daily prayer.

Our Daily Bread. It is a calendar-style devotional booklet published by Our Daily Bread Ministries. The booklet is one of the most widely read Christian devotionals in circulation today. Each day gives you a short bible passage to read and highlights a main verse from that passage. This is followed by thoughts on the passage. It is written by a different author each day, and also features additional Bible passages for people following Our Daily Bread’s “Bible In One Year” reading program.So if you looking to dip your toes into the devotional waters this short pocket size booklet may be for you. Bonus, it’s available right outside the church doors. 

Devotional Spotlight: Walking in Grace – 366 Inspirational Devotions for an Abundant Life in Christ Walking in Grace Devotional holds 366 grace-filled devotions designed to offer courage, hope, and wisdom to women. This daily devotional is a haven of calm contemplation amid the busyness of life. Each devotional includes a Scripture verse, a devotion, a thought-provoking question, and a prayer. You can find this lovely book on Amazon. Bonus: the imitation leather version is on sale. You can also check out the Author Dalene Reyburn on right now media.

WEEK 4  Book Recommendations for Black History Month

February is Black History Month, a time that has been set aside to honor African Americans, who have contributed so much to society and the church. We celebrate the history and contributions of African Americans and we continue to be inspired by those who have worked to ensure that equal opportunities are offered to all people, regardless of the color of their skin. This is also a time of studying and reflecting on racism, as well as learning the important role the church is called to play in anti-racism. Each book explores the black experience in America and calls each of us to repentance, redemption, and reconciliation in response to Jesus. Most books can be found on amazon or Christianbooks.com: 

Jesus And The Disinherited by Howard Thurman, Vincent Harding

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of Stamped from the Beginning by Jason Reynolds (Author), Ibram X. Kendi (Author)

This is NOT a history book. This is a book about the here and now.

A book to help us better understand why we are where we are.

KID BOOKS: 

Lift Every Voice and Change: A Sound Book: A Celebration of Black Leaders and the Words that Inspire Generations by Charnaie Gordon (Author), Aeron Cargill (Illustrator)

With the touch of the button, hear impactful quotes spoken by inspiring Black Americans in primary source audio files. Aimed at children ages 7–12, a succinct profile of the speaker alongside an explanation of the significance of the quote and moment provide the context for each audio clip. A vibrant illustration of the speaker completes the picture.Through the included quotes, kids gain an age-appropriate understanding of the strides made in the ongoing journey for equality, from the early days of sound recording to modern day.

The voices chosen represent an equal number of men and women, historical and modern figures, across a variety of disciplines. Some are household names and others may very well be introduced to children for the first time! Inspire the next generation of leading voices by inviting them to listen to and learn from the Black leaders of yesterday and today.

For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World” by Michael W. Waters 

“Dad, what happened?”

“Why are they shooting?”

“What is this vigil for?”

The shootings keep coming, and so do Jeremiah’s questions. Dad doesn’t have easy answers, but that doesn’t mean he won’t talk about it—or that he won’t act. But what if Jeremiah doesn’t want to talk anymore? None of it makes sense, and he’s just a kid. Even if he wants to believe in a better world, is there anything he can do about it?

Inspired by real-life events, this honest, intimate look at one family’s response to racism and gun violence includes a discussion guide created by the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky, a multicultural center and museum committed to promoting respect, hope, and understanding.

WEEK 3 Book Recommendations for Black History Month

February is Black History Month, a time that has been set aside to honor African Americans, who have contributed so much to society and the church. We celebrate the history and contributions of African Americans and we continue to be inspired by those who have worked to ensure that equal opportunities are offered to all people, regardless of the color of their skin. This is also a time of studying and reflecting on racism, as well as learning the important role the church is called to play in anti-racism. Each book explores the black experience in America and calls each of us to repentance, redemption, and reconciliation in response to Jesus. Most books can be found on amazon or Christianbooks.com: 

1. Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom 

KID BOOKS: 

“Brian the Brave” by Paul Stewart and Jane Porter

Every sheep is different. Some white, some black. Some striped, some spotted, some with hats! They’re all still sheep, and they can all play together. At least that’s what Brian thinks—until the other sheep say they can be friends only with sheep that are just like them.

But when danger strikes, can Brian help the sheep come together? Can Brian the ordinary become Brian the Brave?

This lively story with bright, playful artwork will prompt conversations about friendship, teamwork, and bias based on race or language.

1. Essential Writings of the American Black Church -Edited By: John Hunt

BLACK CHURCH HISTORY is a big part of African-American history. The Essential Writings of the Black American Church is not just a history of the African American church. It highlights their perseverance and faith in the one true God who would rescue them, just as he had done for Moses in the Exodus.

The Essential Writings of the American Black Church reveals the tireless faith of African American believers in the one true God, whose justice reigns supreme, and to whom all men are ultimately accountable. This book will challenge us wherever we are: in our classrooms, places of study, with our colleagues at work, among our families, and in our Christian fellowships. For the whole volume shrieks out at us, at the top of its voice, “How we treat one another is of paramount importance. We are all equal in the sight of God.” Following God’s agenda will transform us.

2. The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism by Jemar Tisby

In The Color of Compromise, Jemar Tisby takes readers back to the roots of sustained racism and injustice in the American church. Filled with powerful stories and examples of American Christianity’s racial past, Tisby’s historical narrative highlights the obvious ways people of faith have actively worked against racial justice, as well as the complicit silence of racial moderates. Identifying the cultural and institutional tables that must be flipped to bring about progress, Tisby provides an in-depth diagnosis for a racially divided American church and suggests ways to foster a more equitable and inclusive environment among God’s people.

3. Sisters of the Spirit: Three Black Women’s Autobiographies of the Nineteenth Century by William L. Andrews

Jarena Lee, Zilpha Elaw, and Julia Foote underwent a revolution in their own sense of self that helped to launch a feminist revolution in American religious life and in American society as a whole.

Sisters of the Spirit… should interest a wider audience…. These fascinating accounts can stand on their own…. Mr. Andrews has made them even more accessible by providing a comprehensive introduction and helpful footnotes… but he does not intrude on the text itself.” ―New York Times Book Review

… informative and inspiring reading.” ―The Journal of American History

4. How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi

Kendi weaves an electrifying combination of ethics, history, law, and science with his own personal story of awakening to antiracism. This is an essential work for anyone who wants to go beyond the awareness of racism to the next step: contributing to the formation of a just and equitable society.

YOUTH BOOKS:

1. How to Be a (Young) Antiracist

2. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You: A Remix of Stamped from the Beginning by Jason Reynolds (Author), Ibram X. Kendi

This is NOT a history book. This is a book about the here and now. A book to help us better understand why we are where we are. A book about race.

The construct of race has always been used to gain and keep power, to create dynamics that separate and silence. This remarkable reimagining of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning reveals the history of racist ideas in America, and inspires hope for an antiracist future. It takes you on a race journey from then to now, shows you why we feel how we feel, and why the poison of racism lingers. It also proves that while racist ideas have always been easy to fabricate and distribute, they can also be discredited.

Through a gripping, fast-paced, and energizing narrative written by beloved award-winner Jason Reynolds, this book shines a light on the many insidious forms of racist ideas–and on ways readers can identify and stamp out racist thoughts in their daily lives.

KIDS BOOK:

1. Who Was? (Series)

Books about important figures in history for kids, including Harriet Tubman, Louis Armstorng, Martin Lurther King Jr., Barack Obama, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, and many more.)

2. God’s Very Good Idea Storybook: A True Story of God’s Delightfully Different Family by Trillia J. Newbell

This book celebrates diversity and will help children see how people from all ethnic and social backgrounds are valuable to God and how Jesus came to rescue all kinds of people. It will also excite them about being part of church – God’s delightfully different family.

MARTIN LUTHER KING LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL  

Martin Luther King, Jr. rarely had time to answer his critics. But on April 16, 1963, he was confined to the Birmingham jail, serving a sentence for participating in civil rights demonstrations. “Alone for days in the dull monotony of a narrow jail cell,” King pondered a letter that fellow clergymen had published urging him to drop his campaign of nonviolent resistance and to leave the battle for racial equality to the courts.

In response, King drafted his most extensive and forceful written statement against social injustice – a remarkable essay that focused the world’s attention on Birmingham and spurred the famous March on Washington. Bristling with the energy and resonance of his great speeches, Letter from the Birmingham Jail is both a compelling defense of nonviolent demonstration and a rallying cry for an end to social discrimination that is just as powerful today as it was more than twenty years ago.

Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation by Latasha Morrison

In an era where we seem to be increasingly divided along racial lines, many are hesitant to step into the gap, fearful of saying or doing the wrong thing. But change begins with an honest conversation among a group of Christians willing to give a voice to unspoken hurts, hidden fears, and mounting tensions. These ongoing dialogues have formed the foundation of a global movement called Be the Bridge—a nonprofit organization whose goal is to equip the church to have a distinctive and transformative response to racism and racial division.

In this perspective-shifting book, founder Latasha Morrison shows how you can participate in this incredible work and replicate it in your own community. With conviction and grace, she examines the historical complexities of racism. She expertly applies biblical principles, such as lamentation, confession, and forgiveness, to lay the framework for restoration. Along with prayers,  and discussion questions,  Be the Bridge presents a compelling vision of what it means for every follower of Jesus to become a bridge builder—committed to pursuing justice and racial unity in light of the gospel.

Jackie Robinson: A Spiritual Biography: The Faith of a Boundary-Breaking Hero by Michael G. Long and Chris Lamb 

Jackie Robinson believed in a God who sides with the oppressed and who calls us to see one another as sisters and brothers. This faith was a powerful but quiet engine that drove and sustained him as he shattered racial barriers on and beyond the baseball diamond. Jackie Robinson: A Spiritual Biography explores the faith that, Robinson said, carried him through the torment and abuse he suffered for integrating the major leagues and drove him to get involved in the civil rights movement. Marked by sacrifice and service, inclusiveness and hope, Robinson’s faith shaped not only his character but also baseball and America itself.

How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice By: Jemar Tisby

Racism is pervasive in today’s world, and many are complicit in the failure to confront its evils. Jemar Tisby, author of the award-winning The Color of Compromise, believes we need to move beyond mere discussions about racism and begin equipping people with the practical tools to fight against it.

How to Fight Racism is a handbook for pursuing racial justice with hands-on suggestions bolstered by real-world examples of change. Tisby offers an array of actionable items to confront racism in our relationships and in everyday life through a simple framework–the A.R.C. Of Racial Justice–that helps readers consistently interrogate their own actions and maintain a consistent posture of anti-racist action. This book is for anyone who believes it is time to stop compromising with racism and courageously confront it.

Tisby roots the ultimate solution to racism in the Christian faith as we embrace the implications of what Jesus taught his followers. Beginning in the church, he provides an opportunity to be part of the solution and suggests that the application of these principles can offer us hope that will transform our nation and the world. Tisby encourages us to reject passivity and become active participants in the struggle for human dignity across racial and ethnic lines. Readers of the book will come away with a clear model for how to think about race in productive ways and a compelling call to dismantle a social hierarchy long stratified by skin color.

YOUTH BOOK:

The Book of Awesome Black Americans: Scientific Pioneers, Trailblazing Entrepreneurs, Barrier-Breaking Activists and Afro-Futurists by Monique L. Jones

Celebrate the successes made possible by diversity. African Americans have made history by challenging and changing the American landscape. 

Among these biographies, readers will find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things – bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn’t always accept them.

Aug 27th Presbyterian Questions, Presbyterian Answers and More Presbyterian Questions, More Presbyterian Answers, Revised edition By Dona

Presbyterians often have questions about Presbyterian theology and beliefs t

a distinguished Presbyterian theologian.

Bonus Content – Joy Together Spiritual Practices for Your Congregation: Although interest in spiritual practices has grown in recent years, most of the books available address individuals who wish to try Christian disciplines such as fasting or fixed-hour prayer. This book, by contrast, offers guidance and examples to Christian leaders as they seek ways to involve their congregations or small groups in spiritual practices.

In Joy Together, Lynne M. Baab describes six spiritual practices that congregations can attempt together: thankfulness, fasting, contemplative prayer, lectio divina, hospitality, and Sabbath keeping. She goes on to explore how these practices can help with congregational life and discernment and provides practical instructions for communicating with group members. Discussion questions are included at the end of each chapter so groups can delve into the topics more fully

1. A Time to Embrace: Same-Gender Relationships in Religion, Law, and Politics William Stacy Johnson

2. UnClobber, Expanded Edition with Study Guide By: Colby Martin

Armed with only six passages in the Bible—often known as the “Clobber Passages”—the conservative Christian position has been one that stands against the full inclusion of our LGBTQ siblings. UnClobber reexamines each of those frequently quoted passages of Scripture, alternating with author Colby Martin’s own story of being fired from an evangelical megachurch when they discovered his stance on sexuality.

UnClobber reexamines what the Bible says (and does not say) about homosexuality in such a way that sheds divine light on outdated and inaccurate assumptions and interpretations. This new edition equips study

In this revised and expanded bestseller, Rogers argues for equal rights in both the church and society for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgendered people. He describes how he moved away from opposition to support, charts the church’s history of using biblical passages to oppress marginalized groups, argues for a Christ-centered reading of Scripture, debunks stereotypes about gays and lesbians, and explores texts used most frequently against homosexuals and gay ordination.

In this newly revised edition, he maps the recent progress of major U.S. denominations toward full equality for LGBT persons, adds a new chapter that examines how Scripture is best interpreted by Jesus’ redemptive life and ministry, and updates his own efforts and experiences. The book also includes a guide for group study or personal reflection.

4. The Bible’s Yes to Same-Sex Marriage, New Edition with Study Guide: An Evangelical’s Change of Heart by Mark Achtemeier

In the early 2000’s, Mark Achtemeier embarked on a personal journey with the Bible that led him from being a conservative, evangelical opponent of gay rights to an outspoken activist for gay marriage and a fully inclusive church. In The Bible’s Yes to Same-Sex Marriage, Achtemeier shares what led to his change of heart: the problems with excluding groups of people and the insights into the Bible’s message that led him to recognize the fullness of God’s love and support for LGBT persons. Readers will discover how reading snippets of Scripture out of context has led to false and misleading interpretations of the Bible’s message for gay people. Achtemeier shows how a careful reading of the whole Scripture reveals God’s good news about love, marriage, and sexuality for gay and straight people alike.

This new edition includes a study guide and a new introduction from the author that reflects on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling and changes within the church. Perfect for groups or self-reflection, the study guide directs readers over four sessions to explore both Achtemeier’s book and the Bible.

5. Transforming, Updated and Expanded Edition with Study Guide by Austen Hartke

In 2014, Time magazine announced that America had reached “the transgender tipping point,” suggesting that transgender issues would become the next civil rights frontier. Years later, many people—even many LGBTQIA+ allies—still lack understanding of gender identity and the transgender experience. Into this void, trans biblical scholar Austen Hartke brings a biblically based, educational, and affirming resource to shed light and wisdom on gender expansiveness and Christian theology. This new edition offers updated terminology and statistics, plus new materials for congregational study, preaching, and pastoral care.

Transforming deftly weaves ancient and modern stories that will change the way readers think about gender, the Bible, and the faith to which Jesus calls us. Hartke helps readers visualize a more inclusive Christianity, equipping them with the language, understanding, confidence, and tools to change both the church and the world.