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CHI RHO
CONNECTION |
Vol. IX, No. 1
************************* 1. New
2008 Liturgical Calendar 2. Three
Devotionals for the New Year 4.
May We Suggest Two Lenten Studies?
-------------------------------------------------- Welcome once again to the Chi Rho Connection, the
electronic newsletter of Chi Rho Press. Thank you for passing this Chi Rho
Connection on to others. To join our list, send an e-mail message to
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Adam@ChiRhoPress.com.
-------------------------------------------------- 1.
New 2008 Liturgical Calendar! The new Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary is out!
The new Church Year started with the first Sunday in Advent, December 2, 2007.
Chi Rho Press' annual Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary for 2007-2008 is back
from the printer and ready to ship. The NEW 2007-2008 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary
Year A is now on the Chi Rho Press Web site. You may view it and order it at
this link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa07_08.html The 2007-2008 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary
sells for $11.95 each, $9.50 each for six or more copies, plus shipping and
handling. The Lectionary in the Liturgical Calendar is from the
Revised Common Lectionary, widely used as the ecumenical consensus on readings
for each Sunday and holy day in the three-year cycle of the church year. Our
Liturgical Calendar is packed with useful information for planning worship and
preaching in the local church. It is intended for use by pastors, musicians,
altar guilds, teachers, theological students, and anyone using the Church Year
as a basis for worship or education. The Liturgical Calendar is spiral bound so
it can lie flat for easy use, in the popular 8 ½" x 11" format. Featured in this new Liturgical Calendar are these
sections: A Heading that identifies the day in the church year (for example, the
first Sunday of Advent) with alternative descriptions where appropriate. The
Revised Common Lectionary readings, including a brief summary of each reading.
(These are intended as only a very brief overview to identify general themes as
an aid to worship planning. We do not represent them as anything approaching a
thorough exegesis.) The First Reading is usually from the Hebrew
Testament, but there are exceptions, such as the use of readings from Acts
during the Easter season. These are sometimes selected thematically to fit the
Liturgical Calendar, but often are simply being read through key passages over a
series of weeks. This is followed by a Response, usually a Psalm. The Epistle
Reading is next, like the Hebrew Testament Reading typically a series of key
passages from the same book being read over a number of weeks. Finally the
Gospel Reading follows the story of Jesus through the Christmas and Easter
cycles, plus the teachings of Jesus the rest of the year. Next is a section called "Worship Planning." This
includes suggestions for decorations or symbols for special seasons, such as
Advent wreaths; the liturgical color for the day; etc. Rev. Witt has added lots of Notes in the Worship
Planning section, which serve to explain in more detail information about the
time of the church year, provide resources for further study and information,
and develop liturgical themes to make your worship experience more rich and
meaningful. Then comes a section called "Special Events," which
includes any special events occurring that day or that week that you may wish to
commemorate, such as World AIDS Day, and some special occasions for celebrations
of diversity, such as celebration days for specific cultures (e.g., Cinco de
Mayo) and special days for the GLBT community (e.g., a day of remembrance for
Matthew Shepard). As a special added section, we have included
alternative readings for the five Sundays of Pride-Tide (June) prepared by the
Rev. Gordon McCoy. The five sets of readings for Pride-Tide may be used at any
time in the year that the faith community celebrates LGBT Pride. The standard
Revised Common Lectionary readings are included for the five Sundays in June as
well. The 2007-2008 Liturgical Calendar will be a helpful
aid for anyone involved in planning worship, as well as a useful resource for
all who want to know more about the Church year and the rich liturgical life of
the Church Universal. We think you will like this Liturgical Calendar. Order the 2008 Calendar today at this new link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa07_08.html The 2008 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary sells for
$11.95 each, $9.50 each for six or more copies, plus shipping and handling.
-------------------------------------------------- 2.
Devotionals for the New Year It is difficult to believe that 2008 has already
started. It seems just a short time ago that my friend Kevin and I watched 2000
come in with some anticipation and joy. With the new year already a week old, we
thought it would be good to remind our faithful readers of three books of daily
devotions that Chi Rho Press has to offer, "The Road to Emmaus," "Christian with
a Twist," and "Living as the Beloved." Please order at least one of these
excellent books, of all three, for your daily devotions. They also make
excellent gifts throughout the year. We still have copies of the excellent daily
devotional, "The Road to Emmaus." This was the
first book of daily devotions published by and for the LGBT faith community. "The Road to Emmaus: Daily Encounters with the Risen
Christ," is an inclusive devotional edited by Joseph W. Houle. "The Road to Emmaus" is a valuable resource for those
who wish to balance the frenetic pace of modern life with moments of
recollection and spiritual refreshment. There is a Gospel reading for each day
of the year and a meditation based upon it. Each meditation is a gentle
invitation to become attentive to the presence of the Sacred in the ordinary
circumstances of our lives and to open our hearts to the risen Christ in quiet
reflection. As an inclusive devotional, "The Road to Emmaus"
affirms the goodness of all God's children, the young and the old; the male and
the female; the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered person; heterosexuals;
the single, coupled, and celibate; and people of all races, physical ability,
and education. Its underlying message is that the Gospel is good news for all
people. If you seek a deeper walk with the risen Christ, the
daily meditations of "The Road to Emmaus" will speed you on your way. James B. Nelson writes, "Reading the devotions in The
Road to Emmaus made scriptural passages come alive for me, often in new ways.
Further, the writings prodded me to examine my spirituality more honestly. And,
most importantly, they freshened my hope." Contributors to "The Road to Emmaus" include the Rev.
Kathy Baker, the late Rev. Harold J. Burris, Adam DeBaugh, Sarah Fershee, Sr.
Jeannine Gramick, the Rev. Louis Kavar, the late Joseph Houle, Virginia Miles,
Fr. Robert Nugent, Jack Pantaleo, the Rev. Dusty Pruitt, the Rev. Andy Sidden,
and the late Rev. Larry Uhrig. "The Road to Emmaus" is available at $9.95 each plus
shipping and handling. Six or more copies are $7.50 each. Order on our Web site
at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevRoadToEmmaus.html
***** "Christian with a Twist:
Reflections on Scripture that are a bit more inclusive, a bit more relevant, and
with a bit of a bite," by William Gaston.
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevChristianWithATwist.htm $19.95 each, $14.95 each for six or more copies, plus
shipping and handling. We are confident that you will agree that this book of
reflections is a work of mighty faith, great skill, and surprising good sense.
It is also a very enjoyable read. So please break open the wonders and delights
of this "Christian with a Twist." Read them all in one sitting, one a day, even
one a week. We guarantee that you will be blessed. For a sampling of Bill's writing, please see article #
5 below. $19.95 each, $14.95 each for six or more copies, plus
shipping and handling. View and order this book on our Web site at:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevChristianWithATwist.htm ***** A powerful book of daily devotions,
"Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the
Rev. Dr. Sandra L. Bochonok. $20.95 each, six or more copies for $15.75 each,
plus shipping and handling. You can see and order the book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.htm
Dr. Bochonok is the founder of the very popular Soul
Food Ministry Web site (www.soulfoodministry.org),
a special work of Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, DC. "Living As The Beloved" has a Scripture reading,
meditation, and prayer for every day of the year. Dr. Bochonok's meditations are
poignant, wise, and amazingly pastoral. Her many years of ministry as a military
chaplain and pastor, and now as an Internet pastor shine through her every word.
Her meditations are simple, basic Christian teaching, yet glow with power,
grace, and beauty. These are devotions that will light your days for many years
to come. Dr. Rembert Truluck, author of
"Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse" writes:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevStepsToRecovery.html "I welcome the opportunity to commend to you this
new book of daily meditations by my friend Sandra Bochonok. The meditations
are centered in a realistic practical understanding of love and recovery
'one day at a time.' Filled with personal experiences, helpful information
and quotes from other sources, the book is easy to read. Dr. Bochonok draws
upon her own personal spiritual pilgrimage and her loving listening
relationships with many people in her own family and in her life as a
minister and teacher at MCC DC. Thank you, Sandra, for passing on to us what
you have discovered that has been helpful to you." Order your copy of "Living as the Beloved: One Day at
a Time" today. Only $20.95, plus shipping and handling, six or more copies are
$15.75 each plus shipping and handing.
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.htm
-------------------------------------------------- We saw this on the Internet as Ten Ways to Have a
Great Day, but it seems to us that these would make wonderful New Years
Resolutions, to reflect on and try to implement all year round. May we suggest
these are ways to have a great day every day and to have a great year! 1. TODAY I WILL NOT STRIKE BACK: If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if
someone is unkind.... I will not respond in a like manner. 2. TODAY I WILL ASK GOD TO BLESS MY "ENEMY": If I come across someone who treats me harshly or
unfairly, I will quietly ask GOD to bless that individual. I understand the
"enemy" could be a family member, neighbor, coworker, or stranger. 3. TODAY I WILL BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT I SAY: I will carefully choose and guard my words being
certain that I do not spread gossip. 4. TODAY I WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE: I will find ways to help share the burden of another
person. 5. TODAY I WILL FORGIVE: I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way. 6. TODAY I WILL DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE, BUT I
WILL DO IT SECRETLY: I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another. 7. TODAY I WILL TREAT OTHERS THE WAY I WISH TO BE
TREATED: I will practice the golden rule (do unto others as you
would have them do unto you) with everyone I encounter. 8. TODAY I WILL RAISE THE SPIRITS OF SOMEONE WHO IS
DISCOURAGED: My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make
the difference to someone who is wrestling with life. 9. TODAY I WILL NURTURE MY BODY: I will eat less; I will eat only healthy foods; I will
exercise. I will thank GOD for my body. 10. TODAY I WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY: I will spend a little more time in prayer today:
I will read something spiritual or inspirational today; I will find a quiet
place (at some point during this day) and listen to God's voice!
-------------------------------------------------- 4.
May we Suggest Two Lenten Studies? Lent begins in just a month on Wednesday, February 6,
and Chi Rho Press is very proud of our two books of Lenten devotions. Here is a
description of each one. "'You Need Only To Be Still:'
Using the Hebrew Scriptures to Journey Through Lent," by Randy Jedele.
Spiral bound, 5½" x 8½", 100 pages. A book of daily devotions for Lent, in which
author Randy Jedele takes us on a journey through the Old Testament. A lay
Christian Education minister in the United Church of Christ in Iowa, Randy
Jedele has drawn on his strong Protestant and Congregationalist background to
enliven the Hebrew Testament for us in new ways in these Lenten devotions. View
it on our Web site at this link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevYouNeedOnlyToBeStill.htm
In "You Need Only to be Still," each of the 40 days of
Lent, starting with Ash Wednesday, features a Hebrew Testament passage, followed
by two questions for your consideration to bring the passage into our own lives.
Then Randy provides his own "Thoughts for Meditating," a few paragraphs
reflecting on the ancient Bible story in which he offers some background
information where it is needed and his own thoughts on the two questions. On the
right hand page for each day in Lent there is space for the reader to write his
or her own "Personal Reflections," an opportunity for the reader to respond and
record thoughts and feelings. Each day concludes with a prayer, a personal
moment between the reader and God. For each Friday, Randy has chosen a passage
from the Psalms. The six Sundays of Lent in "You Need Only to be Still"
have a very different format with two blank pages for each Sunday, one for
"Reflections from the Past Week" and one for "Opportunities to Seek in the New
Week." Randy writes, "I have chosen the Sunday format for a couple of reasons.
First of all, I have chosen not to have a Scripture passage for Sundays because
I did not want to interfere with the scripture passages used in the regular
lectionary for the day. Secondly, it is my practice to do just as I have
suggested on Sundays. I spend my devotional time on Sundays to reflect on the
events of my past week and contemplate on opportunities that may lie before me
in the new week. I think it is important for us to remind ourselves of the
lessons we have learned, the joys we have known, and the pains that have pierced
our hearts. It is also good for us to make plans for the days that come before
us. Reflecting is truly a time of quiet meditation and being still before God." The title, "You Need Only to be Still," comes from
Exodus 14:13-14, "Moses answered the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand firm and
you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you
see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only
to be still.'" Randy Jedele writes, in the Introduction, "Too often we
Christians ignore the Hebrew Scriptures and build our relationships with God on
the New Testament. However, as I have journeyed through the Hebrew Scriptures
through the years, I have always marked passages that spoke to me. It has not
surprised me to discover a wealth of spiritual wisdom throughout the Hebrew
Scriptures. It is my hope and prayer that those who use this devotional as they
journey through Lent will also discover the richness of the God of the Hebrew
Scriptures. Truly, there is much to be learned as we discover the God of
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of Hannah, Ruth, and Esther, a God who was a
powerful source in the lives of those who learned to seek the presence of the
living God and to live in the stillness of God's grace." "Over and over, God calls us to be still, so that God
can minister to our hearts and prepare us to journey each day as a new day. . .
. I have envisioned that [this devotional] will mostly be a personally journey,
a quiet time each day when the readers will, on their own, seek the stillness of
God. . . . As you read, meditate, and pray through this devotional, may God
bless and enrich your life. It is my prayer that each of you will find God in
the stillness of your busy lives and that God will provide you with wisdom, fill
you with peace, and shower you with love." We know you will be blessed by this book of devotions
for Lent. You may order it on our Web site at this link:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevYouNeedOnlyToBeStill.htm
$10.95 each, six or more copies for $8.95 each, plus
shipping and handling. ***** Our other book of Lenten Meditations was
"For Another Flock," written from a Gay Roman
Catholic point of view. "For Another Flock: Rainbow Meditations and Study Guide
for Lent," by Jeffrey Lea. ($10.95 each, $8.95 each for six or more copies, plus
shipping and handling.) View it on our Web site at:
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevForAnotherFlock.htm
Written out of the deep faith and learning of a gay
practicing Roman Catholic and from a Catholic perspective, "For Another Flock"
includes daily meditations for all the days of Lent and Holy Week, beginning
with Ash Wednesday (which this year is Feb. 9), and ending with Easter Sunday.
Scripture readings are provided for every day in Lent and Holy Week followed by
a reflection from a uniquely gay and Catholic point of view and a prayer. Following the daily meditations is a seven-week Lenten
Bible Study Guide. Jeff Lea's introduction explores Lent as a penitential
season, discussing penance and repentance. Each weekly Bible Study starts with a Gospel reading.
There is a Lenten theme for each of the seven sessions. Week One is "An Ash
Wednesday Ritual and Discussion of the Nature of Penance." Week Two is "The
Nature of Temptation." Week Three is "The Meaning of Sin in our Lives." Week
Four is "Faithfulness and Homosexuality." Week Five is "The Joy of Being Gay."
Week Six is "The Meaning of Judgment." And the concluding session is" The Last
Supper and the Mandatum" (New Commandment). Seven Appendices conclude the book: Solemnities and
Feasts in Lent, Lectionary Cycle Calendar, The Books of the Old Testament of the
Various Biblical Traditions, Small Group Study Guidelines, an Ash Wednesday
Liturgy, a Maundy Thursday Liturgy, and a Bibliography. Jeff Lea writes, "Far too many gay women and men
continue to view the primary Christian scripture, the Holy Bible, as a document
hostile to people whose expression of intimate love is homosexual. Nothing can
be further from the truth. While the Bible does condemn the ritualistic abuse of
human sexuality it does not ever express a view of same-sex love as an
abomination. In fact it affirms it in the love story of Jonathan and David. "The Bible's primary message is Love. To love God,
ourselves, and each other as God has loved us. The Bible is not a handbook on
how to hate sin. It is a transcript of the ongoing love story between God and
the people of God. "Lent is the primary renewing and penitential season
of the Church year. It is the time of personal examination and purification
before we enter into the Paschal mystery on Easter Sunday. We are at the door to
salvation during this time. Gay people are also at that door and we too have an
experience of conversion and faith. These meditations present the point of view
of a gay male Christian exploring the liminal experience of coming out gay,
coming out Christian, and discovering affirmation in the Bible. The book
provides both a daily meditation on the scriptural readings for Lent, and a
seven-week group study that explores penance from a positive gay perspective." "For Another Flock: Rainbow Meditations and Study
Guide for Lent" is spiral bound, 5 ½" x 8 ½", 104 pages, and sells for $10.95
each, $8.95 each for six or more copies, plus shipping and handling.
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevForAnotherFlock.htm
-------------------------------------------------- Here is a selection from our book of reflections,
"Christian with a Twist: Reflections on Scripture that are a bit more inclusive,
a bit more relevant, and with a bit of a bite," by the late William Gaston. "Christian with a Twist" is available for $19.95 each,
$14.95 each for six or more copies, plus shipping and handling. You can read
more about it and order it at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevChristianWithATwist.htm
As the subtitle suggests, Bill's writing has a bit of
a bite, and we believe you will enjoy his sharp, but loving take on Scripture,
life, and faith. Here is a selection entitled "Timidly We Seek Him"
from the Epiphany section of "Christian with a Twist." Please read Matthew 2:1-4, 7-12 Are we like the wise men? Do we boldly and without
wavering seek to encounter Jesus in our lives? Or are we a bit timid in our
faith journey? Do we waste a lot of valuable time either trying to avoid Herod
or getting into fights with him? Maybe we get overly involved in theological
points with the priests and scribes. I catch myself in that last little trick
every so often! Sometimes we actually blame God for our not finding
Jesus. Why does God not give us a star like the wise men, or at least a heavenly
host to lead us away from the flock and into the light? Jesus does not seem to be sleeping under a bright
light these days. Sometimes he is not even in church. Wonderful as church can
be, it is a place to prepare for the journey, not the final destination. Men and
women wiser than we keep mentioning that we will find Jesus in the faces of
strangers or maybe friends and family. Maybe sometimes we do see him there, but
we do not want to tell anyone. You never know where that boogey man Herod might
be lurking. He might hurt Jesus or make fun of our childlike vision. It is a tough world we live in. We need a messiah with
a sword, a mighty king! God keeps just sending us Love, childlike love. If Jesus
would just appear all grown up and strong instead of vulnerable and human … then
we could seek him boldly and tell the whole world when we found him. We would
give him our treasure too, if we were sure he could take care of it.
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevChristianWithATwist.htm
-------------------------------------------------- Happy New Year! ***** Our annual Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary is now
available! Please order now at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa07_08.html
***** I really encourage you all to become Guardian Angels
of Chi Rho Press. This will help us a lot as we prepare our next books for
publication. Just $150 for a year will make you an important participant in this
ministry. Thank you! ***** Gracia y paz, Brother R. Adam DeBaugh, OSL Director, Adam@ChiRhoPress.com.
****************************************** We are glad you are partners in ministry with us here
at Chi Rho Press. We are eager for your comments, your suggestions, your
assistance with selling our books, and your own purchases! And of course, we
covet your prayers for this ministry. If you've received the Chi Rho Connection as a result
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check or moneyorder. Please always include your e-mail address, mailing address,
and telephone number. For all e-mail correspondence, please write
Adam@ChiRhoPress.com. Our snail mail address is: Chi Rho Press, Inc. Our telephone and fax number is 301/926-1208. Copyright 2008, Chi Rho Press, Inc.
7 January 2008
P.O. Box 7864
Gaithersburg, MD 20898
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