The book of faith faith as a window, a lens for looking at the world

German theologian Paul Tillich liked to speak of faith as a window, a lens for looking at the world. He challenged students to consider the Bible, prayer—even Jesus—as windows or ways of looking beyond the thing itself to what lies beyond it. Tillich warned against making the window itself—whether Scripture, prayer, or our own tradition—the objects of our devotion.

The biblical stories are remarkable wellsprings. Burbling up century after century, the insights and wisdom they offer continue to challenge, assault, comfort, and even frustrate listeners who find them both compelling and disturbing. These stories are windows for looking at the world and at our own lives. They help us see!

An ongoing ELCA initiative called the Book of Faith invites us to “open scripture and join the conversation.” It’s a way of helping Lutherans engage with the biblical stories. While we don’t make the Bible into an object of worship, the living Word is the lens through which we make sense of life and faith.

You will find here the Book of Faith collection of resources. They provide one way to engage in opening Scripture and whetting our appetites for the riches of the biblical stories. Open scripture! Join the conversations!

Introduction to the book of faith…

…is best described on their website or social network sites: ning | facebook | twitter .

Augsburg Fortress has published the wide array of resources described here (Visit their store). You will also find preview copies of all the Book of Faith offerings in the EaND Synod Resource Center listed here.

How did the Bible come to be our Book of Faith?

Try Rediscovering the Book of Faith, a DVD, leader guide, and participant book. (K164)

How can the Book of Faith renew our lives?

Try Opening the Book of Faith, a DVD, leader guide, and participant book that introduces four approaches: devotional, historical, literary, and theological. (K163)

What Bible might I use?

The Lutheran Study Bible (NRSV) provides hands-on tools for using the Bible—basic introductions to each book, background information, maps, charts, illustrations & more. It’s a great place to begin!

Where might we begin?

Try Making Sense of Scripture: Big Questions about the Book of Faith or Making Sense of the Christian Faith both by David Lose.

Bibles…

….include the following:

• The Lutheran Study Bible (NRSV)
• Spark Story Bible for children ages 2-2nd grade
• Spark Bible—NRSV for children 3rd-6th grade
• Bibles on CD-Rom
• Other Bibles

Additional Resources…

…can be found at the Book of Faith’s Bible resources page where there are links for the following:

• A Short Introduction to the Hebrew Bible
• A Beginner’s Guide to Reading the Bible
• A Beginner’s Guide to Studying the Bible
• A Beginner’s Guide to the Books of the Bible
• About the Bible: Short Answers to Big Questions
• The Old Testament Story
• Fortress Introduction to the New Testament

Together in Faith…

…includes studies that connect with worship themes and follow the Revised Common Lectionary (available at Augsburg Fortress).

• God’s Will for Life (Studies in Mark)
• God’s Extraordinary Church (Studies in Ephesians)
• God’s Standard or Gold Standard? (Studies in Proverbs)
• Songs of the Faithful (Studies in the Psalms)
• Great Expectations (Studies in Isaiah)
• Heaven on Earth (Studies in Matthew)
• Questions for Jesus: Studies in Mark
• Being the Body of Christ: Studies in 1 Corinthians
• From Beginning to End: Studies in Revelation
• Close Encounters of the Jesus Kind: Studies in Luke
• God’s Own People: Studies in 1 Peter
• Signs of the Kingdom: Studies in Matthew
• Church in Waiting: Studies for Advent

Additional Bible Studies…

…appropriate for meeting openers, small groups, and for other short activities are available for free on the following topics:

• Deuteronomy 11:18-19 with Norma Cooke Everist
• Mark 4:2-3 with F. Javier Goita Padilla
• Psalm 111:2,10 with Thulie N. Beresford
• 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 with Mark Powell
• Jeremiah 17:7-8 with Marty Stortz 
• Romans 8:37-39 with Roy Harrisville
• John 15:5 with Craig Satterlee 
• Revelation 22:1-2 with Susan McArver 
• Amos 5:24 with Peter Nash 
• Matthew 25:35-36 with Kristin Swanson 
• Mark 8:34-35 with Mary Streufert 
• John 1:14,16 with Erik Heen 
• Isaiah 55:1-11 with Stan Olson 
• Augsburg Adult Bible Studies
• No Experience Necessary Bible Studies

Find more Book of Faith resources at Augsburg Fortress 

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: Lutherans and the Bible

The Great “O” Antiphons of Advent are favorites of mine because they give shape and words to our deepest longings. To the voices of so many generations before us, we add our own:

O Lord of Light, come, light the hearts of all in dark and shadow;
Spring of Joy, rain down upon our spirits, come, make us whole;
Root of Life, draw us to you, our hope reborn in dying and in rising;
Key of Knowledge, open to us the pathway of peace;
Wisdom, come and teach us the way of prudence.
(Paraphrases of the “O” Antiphons are listed in ELW #257)

In this season of waiting, may the yearnings expressed in the “O” Antiphons echo our own longing for the Christ we celebrate this season: the Promised One who is Lord of Light, Spring of Joy, Root of Life, Key of Knowledge, Wisdom.

As you wait and prepare during Advent, you may enjoy reading Come, Lord Jesus: Devotions for the Home by Susan Briehl (AFP). Briehl’s blessings, prayers, poetry, and songs are combined with scripture and meditations. You also might like Advent Reflections: While We Wait; I wonder as I wander; and Making All Things New (AFP).

These resources are gifts to the church. Several years ago, Briehl wrote a beautiful Advent reflection on the first of the “O” Antiphons about our desire for wisdom. I’ve saved it to reread each Advent season. She closes with this prayer:

“O Wisdom, come and teach us for we are a people highly skilled, but unable to connect with one another. Come and teach us, Sweet Wisdom, for we are a people burdened to breaking with information, but void of compassion, empty of justice, aching for a vision of hope. Come and teach us that we might be wisely rooted, not merely entrenched. O Wisdom, O God’s Wise Heart, O Christ Jesus, come. Amen.”

This is my prayer for each of us this Advent, 2011. Warmest wishes to you all!

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: The “O” Antiphons

Among the newest resources from Spark is Clayfire Curator , a creative worship design blog. Check out The Stories the Stars Tell, a collection for Christmas and Epiphany.

Sundays and Seasons—Year B: As we begin a new church year, the very best resources for worship are found here. It includes preparation for each season, weekly texts, seasonal rites, music and so much more. Take a look at our preview copy or subscribe online.  You also might like to consider Clayfire (AFP)

For daily prayer, The Meaning is in the Waiting: the Spirit of Advent from Paraclete Press focuses on people of the Bible who waited on God—Sarah and Abraham, John the Baptist .

Advent Book of Faith Reflections offer daily readings, bible study, journaling, activities and prayer. This year’s title is Advent Reflections: Making All Things New from Augsburg Fortress. For small group or individual use.

DVDs for group use include:

• Legend of the Three Trees
• Advent Calendar on DVD
• Songs of Christmas
• The Christmas Story
• Advent Conspiracy: Can Christmas Still Change the World?
• Advent, five compelling 2-3 minute video illustrations about Jesus’ birth

For adult study, Kerygma’s Hallelujah: the Bible and Handel’s Messiah explores the scriptural texts of Handel’s Messiah in four sessions: Comfort, Comfort My People; Who Shall Abide the Day of His Coming?; For Unto Us a Child Is Born; and Glory to God in the Highest. A recording of Messiah is recommended for class use.

For midweek worship in Advent, the Resource Center has a variety of services available for loan: The Long Road to Christmas, Flames for the Faithful, A Child is Born in Bethlehem, and A Place Prepare. (Creative Communications)

Advent and Christmas programs are available for many kinds of settings. In addition to programs, music, liturgies, preaching resources, books, and more are available at Augsburg Fortress.

An old favorite and an especially beautiful book for celebrating Advent and Christmas, Winter: Celebrating the Season in a Christian Home by Peter Mazar combines readings, images, and reflections. (Liturgy Training Publications)

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: Open For Exploration: Advent and the Coming of Christ

Advent Reflections: I Wonder as I Wander invites readers, congregational groups, and families to observe the four weeks of Advent reflecting on texts and themes of hope, love, joy and peace. It includes ritual, prayer, activities, questions. Very fine and ideal for entire congregational use as part of the Book of Faith family of resources (external link). (AFP)

Christmas, Festival of Incarnation by Donald Heinz is a beautiful overview of the cultural history of Christmas, a call to “authentic celebration.” Additional study resources available online at Fortress Press (external link). (AFP)

Sundays and Seasons, Year A, 2011 This is a must-have for every congregation! As we begin a new church year, the very best resources for worship planning are found here. It includes preparation for each season, weekly texts, seasonal rites, music and so much more. Take a look at our preview copy or subscribe online at www.sundaysandseasons.com (external link). (AFP)

For individuals, groups, families, confirmation students: don’t forget Bread for the Day 2011. This beautiful collection of readings, prayers, table graces, hymns and rituals is a rich companion for the new church year! (AFP)

For midweek worship in Advent, the Resource Center has a variety of services available for loan. They include Flames for the Faithful, The Word Fulfilled, A Place Prepare, A Child is Born in Bethlehem, More Services for the Advent Wreath, and more.

An especially beautiful book for celebrating Advent and Christmas, Winter: Celebrating the Season in a Christian Home by Peter Mazar combines readings, images, and reflections. (Liturgy Training Publications)

Christmas programs are available for many kinds of settings. Call the resource center for help!

For adult study, Sing the Faith: Carols of Christmas is a pleasing way to reflect on five well-known Christmas carols including Once in David’s Royal City, O Little Town of Bethlehem, Joy to the World and more. Five sessions. (AFP)

Paula Gooder’s The Spirit of Advent: the Meaning is in the Waiting is a lovely book of meditations focusing on the spiritual practice of waiting. Provocative and insightful!    (Paraclete Press)

For daily reflection, I’m eager to read The Christmas Mystery. This “perfect Christmas tale” by Norwegian novelist Jostein Gaarder comes highly recommended!

DVDs for group use include “Advent Conspiracy: Can Christmas Still Change the World?”; five compelling 2-3 minute video illustrations about Jesus’ birth in “Advent”; “Advent Calendar on DVD”; “The Christmas Story”; and “Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

Life is for Living: Advent Reflections based on the O Antiphons is a beautiful set of reflections by Joan Chittister. (Benetvision)

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: Open for Exploration: Advent …the coming of God!

• The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder is a wonderful read about a magical Advent calendar and an incredible journey for individuals and families. (B3457)
• For worship planners and others involved in creating sacred space for Advent and Christmas, be sure to check the updated Sundays and Seasons (external link) from Augsburg Fortress. It includes many more resources for comprehensive planning including music, images, and background information.
• Prophets and Angels: An Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols from AFP includes an audio CD, the service of lessons and carols, and full instrumental score.
• Family Advent-ures is a guide to help families observe each day of Advent. For all ages, it includes scripture, storytelling, and activities. (PR1010)
• Check out Text Week: Year C (external link) for texts, images, articles, preaching helps, reflections and more.
• Check out the Saint Nicholas Center (external link) For unique ideas for giving and celebrating
• Visit www.elca.org and search for Advent resources (external link), especially ideas (external link) for alternative Christmas giving (external link).
• Discover new stories that embrace the joy of the Christ child’s birth while uncovering your own personal Advent stories in In My Heart I Carry a Star: Stories for Advent by Derek Maul. (B3649)
• Resources for midweek Advent worship include Joyous Light by Ray McKeever; Holden Evening Prayer by Marty Haugen; Prayer Around the Cross, a reflective service of prayer and meditation; and Unfailing Light by Marty Haugen and Susan Briehl. Additional options include a midweek service based on the O Antiphons in Sundays and Seasons 2010; and evening prayer in LBW and ELW.

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: Open for Exploration: Advent

The following Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany resources are intended for reflection. They may be used individually, as families, or as a congregation. While the Resource Center has dozens of programs, ideas and activities for these seasons of the church year, this collection is meant for quiet contemplation.

Featured Resources:

• Incarnation edited by Alfred Corn (B1495)
• A Metaphorical God by Gail Ramshaw (B1695)
• The Irrational Season by Madeleine LiEngle (B738)
• To Dance With God by Gertrud Mueller Nelson (B537)
• A Cup of Christmas Tea by Tom Hegg (B413)
• The 24 Days Before Christmas by Madeleine LiEngle (B476)
• The Comings of God by Richard Simon Hanson (B835)
• Awaiting the Child: An Advent Journal by Isabel Anders (B1225)
• The Manger is Empty by Walter Wangerin (B783)
• Celebrate While We Wait by the Schroeder Family (PR316)
• An Advent Sourcebook (PR136)
• An Advent Hymn Study (PR295)
• A Family Journey (PR332)
• In Straw and Story (PR111)
• Psalms of Advent (PR113)
• A Christmas Sourcebook (PR135)
• Celebration Services for Christmas (PR329)
• Creative Ideas for Epiphany (PR236)
• Preparing for Christmas I and II (VT205 and VT464)
• Martin Luther’s Christmas Sermon (VT1242)
• The End of Time, the Start of Time (C614)
• The People of Advent C623)
• Behold This Child (VT465)
• Preparing for Christmas with Richard Rohr (C573)
• What Are We Waiting For? and How Do We Wait?
• Advent: A Time to Hope (VT1099)
• The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (VT1183)
• Birth of Jesus (VT348)
• The Gospel of Luke (VT21 and VT22)
• Songs of Christmas (VT466)

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: Quiet Waiting – The Advent of Our God

As we celebrate the Christmas Season-Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany-let the rituals and customs of our celebrating be rooted in the deeper meanings of “God with us” so that all our days will be hallowed and holy.

Advent: A Time of Hope

These resources can help us know Advent as a time to hope…

• Advent Blessings by Edward Hays
• Hasten the Kingdom, Praying the O Antiphons of Advent by Mary Winifred
• Preparing for Christmas with Richard Rohr
• Advent: A Time to Hope (video)

Christmas: Grace Upon Grace

The following resources can help reveal the extravagant love of God in Christ-grace upon grace:

• The Overwhelming Love of God a video by Brennan Manning
• John Shea’s Christmas tapes, Behold the Vulnerable God and the Spiritual Center of Christmas
• Gertrud Mueller Nelson’s To Dance with God

Epiphany: Transformation of the World

These resources can help us live the meaning of Epiphany:

• O Marvelous Exchange: Daily Reflections for Christmas and Epiphany by John McIlhon
• Christ is Coming: Celebrating Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany by Theresa Cotter
• Liturgy: Epiphany-Journal of the Liturgical Conference
• Winter: Celebrating the Season in a Christian Home by Peter Mazar

The preceding resources are highlighted and recommended for your consideration. If you have questions or would like to reserve a resource, contact Julie Aageson at 701-232-3381 or julie.aageson@ecunet.org

Visit the EaND Resource Center | Search the Catalog

Eastern North Dakota Synod - ELCA: The Coming of Christ: Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany