Organizations and Institutions Books

"This book analyses the social, political and religious roles of confraternities -- the lay groups through which Italians of the Renaissance expressed their individual and collective religious beliefs -- in Bologna in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Confraternities shaped the civic religious cult through charitable activities, public shrines and processions. This civic religious role expanded as they became politicized: patricians used the confraternities increasingly in order to control the civic religious cult, civic charity, and the city itself.

This book examines in detail how confraternities initially provided laypeople of the artisanal and merchant class with a means of expressing a religious life separate from, but not in opposition to, the local parish or mendicant house. By the mid-sixteenth century, patricians dominated the traditional lay confraternities while artisans and merchants had few options beyond parochial confraternities which were controlled by parish priests."

For any pastor or church leader considering change, this is an essential read. I am amazed it went out of print. Murren offers strong practical advice as well as insightful theory. Most helpful was his handling of the concept of "paradigm," which was the premise of the entire book. He steers the reader to a better understanding of the differing "lenses" through which people view their church. It will help you both understand those opposed to change as well as offer strategies for bringing about needed change.

This is a great introduction to the biblical foundations to Christian worship. The weekly matieral is easy to read and the follow-up questions help one to think about their approach to worship. If you are looking for ways to turn your worship "vertical", this is a great study guide for personal or corporate worship.

I'm a Pastor who preaches frequently from the Revised Common Lectionary. Until I purchased this bible a few years back, that meant weekly time spent locating the various texts (Old Testament, Psalm, Epistle, Gospel). A small inconvenience perhaps, but multiply it weekly for a decade and the beauty of Abingdon's Lectionary Bible becomes quicky evident. The Lectionary Bible 'extracts' the readings for each week's lections (Cycles A, B, & C are covered) and places them chronologically throughout the lectionary year. The scripture passages you need are already gathered for you. This has been a great aid to me in worship planning. I highly recommend this Bible!
Now if only Abingdon would create a Lectionary Bible for the two year cycle of daily lections . . .

Thom Shuman is a lovely writer whose prayers and liturgical work offer a fresh view of the lectionary readings, and yet pick up enough traditional themes that his work can be used in almost any congregation. You will find yourself using his worship helps week after week, encouraged by the images and prose.

I have used Mr Ramizez Lectionary Worship Aids Series VII Cycle B to plan worship services. I am a summer chaplain at a park and his insights to illustrate the lectionary readings are remarkable. I was pleased to find his Cycle C to use next year.

He includes a theme for each reading. This is extremely helpful when I have been stuck and developing an idea for my sermon.

I like clear and concise (down to earth) interpretations in his selections and the citations of where he got his ideas, (pg 57.. Based on Jeremiah 1:6-7, The Message) I also like his choices for unison or responsive readings.

Although I do not know all of his musical references in the hymn selection, I find this is also helpful in developing my worship service.

I hope Mr Ramirez continues to write and that Amazon would have more of his selections to choose from.

This book is really smart. It goes all the way back to FDR and the New Deal to discuss how Catholics have been involved politically with the Democrats. I hope Obama and his campaign team read it - Obama did badly among Catholics in the primaries. Hillary beat him 70%-30% among Catholics in Pennsylvania. This book will give him ideas about how to win them back. The last chapter on Latinos is especially good.

I'm a Presbyterian who consults this volume at the beginning of every Lent. Bishop Kallistos' extensive introductory material on the history, practice, and meaning of the Lenten fast and Lenten observances is inspirational.

Dr. Abbington has out done himself with this text in concerning the ministry of music. Anyone who is involved within the music ministry within their own church no matter if they are choir director, minister of music, choir member or congregation member who enjoys the music in the church needs to read this doctrine. Pastors should also put this on their literary menu. Dr. Abbington has a chapter that specifically discusses the relationship of the Minister of Music/Choir Director and the Pastor. He details the importance of the communication between the 2 individuals. To our advantage, a large contributor of information to Dr. Abbington for this chapter is from the late Reverend James Cleveland. Finally, I must include this. I've attended several music workshops involving Dr. Abbington in North Carolina. What I admire about him the most is that no matter how many initials he acquires behind his name (i.e. Ph.D, BA, BS, etc.), "he ain't forget where he done come from!" Warmest regards, J. Bush

This book is a fascinating collection of personal letters to and from an 8th century English missionary turned bishop, working on the edge of pagan Germany, as he sought and received counsel from friends, popes, and bishops. Initially, his letters reflect a man seeking to know what the rule is, and expecting others to live by the rules. On a deeper level, the letters reflect Boniface's deep honesty, frustration, and dedication to his work in churches plagued by pagan and heretical influences. Weeks after I finished this book, individual incidents Boniface confronted came to mind. The letters inform about eighth century culture. They share the thoughts of a dedicated man trying to do the right thing in a difficult era.