Brethren Press recommends resources for holiday gifts.

Brethren Press is recommending several of its current publications and resources as gifts for the holidays. The following list was supplied by marketing director Jeff Lennard. To order an item call Brethren Press at 800-441-3712.

Books

"Lines, Places, and Heritage: Essays Commemorating the 300th Anniversary of the Church of the Brethren" edited by Steve Longenecker and Jeff Bach. This collection of essays honoring the Church of the Brethren's 300th Anniversary is divided into sections of essays on peace and social justice, essays on ministry and higher education, and essays on history. Contributors hail from the seven Brethren institutions of higher education--the six Church of the Brethren-related colleges and university, and Bethany Theological Seminary. In this year of celebration, the editors offer this book as a gift of serious thought and scholarship. Order from Brethren Press for $22.95 plus shipping and handling.

"Schwarzenau 1708-2008" edited by Otto Marburger. Three hundred years after the first Brethren baptism in 1708, the 2008 Brethren World Assembly convened in Schwarzenau, Germany, the birthplace of the Brethren. Authors from Scharzenau and the surrounding Bad Berleburg region as well as authors from different Brethren bodies have contributed to this book, which is in both English and German. Proceeds go to support the Alexander Mack Museum in Schwarzenau. Order from Brethren Press for $24 plus shipping and handling.

Childrens Books

"Give a Goat" by Jan West Schrock, illustrated by Aileen Darragh. Can reading a picture book in class end up making a difference to a family that lives on a different continent? And what does a goat have to do with it? Some people think philanthropy is only for big foundations with lots of money, but that's only part of the picture. In this true story, readers will discover what is possible when a class works together on a small but successful project. Written by the daughter of Heifer International founder Dan West. Order from Brethren Press for $16.95 plus shipping and handling.

"Small Camel Follows the Star" by Rachel W. N. Brown, illustrated by Giuliano Ferri. Wise Balthazar is going on an important journey; he is following a brilliant star and looking for a baby king! Small Camel and his mother are going too, and Small Camel is carrying a special bundle tied to his hump. What is in the bundle? Brown's sweet nativity story is sure to touch the hearts of children everywhere, while Ferri's luminous paintings capture the wonder and joy of the birth of Jesus. Order from Brethren Press for $16.95 plus shipping and handling.

Daily Devotions

"With Heart and Soul and Voice: Devotions for Advent through Epiphany" by Kenneth L. Gibble. The carols and stories we hear during the Christmas season focus our ears--and hearts--on the timeless message of God's love made known in Jesus Christ. Through daily devotional readings and prayers, Gibble encourages us to listen for this familiar refrain and respond by joining our own voices in praise and thanksgiving to God. This small devotional booklet is suitable for individual use, and also is designed for congregations to give to their members during Advent. Order from Brethren Press for $2.25 plus shipping and handling.

Music

"Hymns for a Baby Boy: Christmas Songs and Hymns of the Brethren" by Brent Holl and Friends. Hymns and songs in the Brethren and Mennonite tradition with Celtic influence, done in acoustic folk guitar style. Selections give special emphasis to the birth and life of Christ. Many of the songs came from "Hymnal: A Worship Book" and the "Hymnal Supplement." Order from Brethren Press for $12.97 plus shipping and handling.

Commemorative Anniversary Gifts

Alexander Mack Logo Pewter Pin. This solid pewter pin featuring the Alexander Mack logo is a simple yet elegant keepsake of the church's 300th Anniversary year. Three dimensionally crafted and measuring one inch in diameter, the pin offers striking shadow lines that are not found with flat pins of lesser quality. The pin makes an affordable gift for family and friends. Order from Brethren Press for $5 plus shipping and handling.

Alexander Mack Pewter Coaster. Every detail of the Alexander Mack seal has been carefully engraved on this cork-backed, solid pewter coaster. Both tasteful and affordable, these coasters make wonderful gifts. The coaster measures 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Order from Brethren Press for $10 plus shipping and handling.

Stainless Steel Church of the Brethren Logo Water Bottle. This sleek 20-ounce classic water bottle looks great and is BPA free. It features an unlined single wall stainless steel construction and a black plastic waterproof screw top lid. The bottle is imprinted with the logo of the new Church of the Brethren denominational organization. The bottle is two and three-quarter inches in diameter, eight and five-eighths inches in height. Order from Brethren Press for $19.95 plus shipping and handling.

Videos in DVD Format

"Back to Schwarzenau: Celebrating 300 years of the Brethren Movement" is a video in DVD format produced by David Sollenberger. On Aug. 2-3, more than 600 people came to the small German village of Schwarzenau to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the beginning of the Brethren movement. This DVD contains a narrated 12-minute overview of the gathering, and a three-minute collage of images from the weekend. Bonus tracks include sermons from the Anniversary worship service, the McPherson (Kan.) College choir singing the anthem commissioned for the 300th Anniversary, a presentation by Larry Glick in his role as Alexander Mack Sr., and a video tour of the Alexander Mack Museum in Schwarzenau. Order from Brethren Press for $29 plus shipping and handling.

"300th Anniversary Annual Conference Wrap-up" and "300th Anniversary Annual Conference Sermons." These two videos in DVD format are produced by David Sollenberger. They capture the highlights and sermons from a memorable joint conference with the Church of the Brethren and the Brethren Church in Richmond, Va., in July. The wrap-up DVD documents highlights of the week and contains special bonus material. The sermons two DVD set offers the week's nine keynote addresses. Order the "300th Anniversary Annual Conference Wrap-up" DVD from Brethren Press for $29.95 plus shipping and handling. Order the "300th Anniversary Annual Conference Sermons" DVD from Brethren Press for $24.95 plus shipping and handling.

"A Tribute to the Seagoing Cowboys" produced by Peggy Reiff Miller. This photo documentary in DVD format tells the story of the men and boys who volunteered to serve as "seagoing cowboys" after World War II. Recruited by the Brethren Service Committee between 1945-47, they tended to the livestock being sent to war-devastated countries by the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration and the Heifer Project. Order from Brethren Press for $12.95 plus shipping and handling.

"A Simple Feast." A musical drama about the Brethren by Steve Engle and Frank Ramirez, in DVD format. When a musical play rehearsal is interrupted by a board meeting that falls apart in anger, a teen actor questions whether the Brethren really have anything to offer her. Can their production of "A Simple Feast" bring the participants back together to demonstrate that Brethren are still committed to live the love of Jesus, no matter what the cost? This entertaining, thought-provoking, intergenerational musical DVD includes a study guide. Sheet music and CD accompaniment are also available. Running time is 1:48. Order from Brethren Press for $15 plus shipping and handling.

Coming Soon from Brethren Press

"Beyond Our Means: How the Brethren Service Center Dared to Embrace the World" by R. Jan and Roma Jo Thompson. A new history with behind-the-scenes details of how the Brethren Service Center campus in New Windsor, Md.--first devoted to education--later became a community of Christian service known around the world. Available early 2009. Order from Brethren Press for $18.95 plus shipping and handling.

Source: 11/21/2008 Newsline Extra