The Moderator Has a Blog

The current Moderator of the PC(USA), Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, makes the following provocative statement on his personal blog. "I believe that the cultural, social and technological shifts that are happening in the world are the most pressing issues facing the church." Bruce is the pastor of a new church development in San Francisco. He is interested in moving the church beyond the tired, old conservative/liberal paradigm for being church. He wants the church to face the future and the changes that are happening in the culture. If you would like to read his frequent reflections on his time as Moderator, including what he is finding in the church as he travels and his vision for the church, you can read his blog here.

Ministry in Cities

One of the more interesting books the Resource Center has acquired recently is Sabbath in the City: Sustaining Urban Pastoral Excellence by Bryan Stone and Claire Wolfteich. The book grew out of a Lilly funded study on urban pastoral excellence conducted at the Boston University School of Theology. The book explores practices that sustain ministers working in urban contexts. Two that are highlighted are cultivating friendships and finding practices of re-creation and renewal. The authors do a nice job of highlighting the significance of place in one's ministry, how it shapes the focus of ministry and how it shapes the practice of one's own spirituality. Read a review here.

Advent Candle-Lighting Liturgy

The Winter 2008-9 issue of Ideas! for Church Leaders contains an Advent Candle-Lighting Liturgy, ready to be used in your church this holiday season.

New Advent Study

The Thoughtful Christian has released a new four session Advent study called "Advent Through the Eyes of Those Who Waited." It explores the four characters we meet in the lectionary who exemplify the waiting we will do this Advent, including Isaiah, John the Baptist, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Elizabeth.

Advent Study

A resource that would pair well with What Would Jesus Buy? is the 6-session study from We Believe called Keep It Simple and Sacred: Alternatives for Advent and Christmas. This study is designed for small groups of young adults, but I think it would work well as a discussion starter for lots of folks. Available now!