Doing Justice: Congregations and Community Organizing

Doing Justice: Congregations and Community Organizing
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Food for Organized Thought and Action

Doing Justice: Congregations and Community Organizing
Dennis A. Jacobsen
Manufacturer: Augsburg Fortress Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Activism That Makes Sense: Congregations and Community Organization

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ASIN: 0800632443

Book Description

Doing Justice is an introductory theology of congregation-based community organizing rooted in the day-to-day struggles and hopes of urban ministry and in the author's 14 years of personal experience in community organizing ministries.

Drawing from the organizing principles of Saul Alinsky, Jacobsen weaves the theological and biblical warrants for community organizing into concrete strategies for achieving justice in the public arena. Designed to be used by congregations and church leaders, as well as by ministerial students, Doing Justice opens new vistas for community action in support of the poor, the disadvantaged, and the disenfranchised of our society.

Customer Reviews:

Food for Organized Thought and Action.......2001-05-06

I think I speak for many people -- clergy and lay, organizers and the organized -- in decrying the dearth of good, digestible faith-focused written resources for organizing. We scrounge through magazines and periodicals; we "cut-and-paste" from other disciplines (theology, sociology, political science, history, psychology, etc.); we listen to big-name and not-so-big name speakers as they expound with (or without) competence on related topics; and we mutter, "Why doesn't someone write a book?" I am a Catholic priest who's been in parish ministry for the past twenty years, and these have been some of my frustrations. I know from conversations with many colleagues that I am not alone.

So, thank you Dennis Jacobsen! "Doing Justice" is the best book of its type to hit the press in those twenty years! Sure, there've been biographies ("Let Them Call Me Rebel"), case studies ("Streets of Hope", "Upon This Rock"), populist analyses ("Who Will Tell The People?", "You Can't Be Neutral On A Moving Train"), and much more that has been truly inspirational. But not since Gregory Pierce's "Activism That Makes Sense" (1984) and "Confident & Competent" (1987) has it all been put so neatly, compactly and engagingly under one cover. Not only that, but Jacobsen goes beyond Pierce in integrating what I regard to be both a welcomed and appropriate degree of theological consideration into his discussion.

I have heard Dennis Jacobsen speak on several of the topics covered in "Doing Justice" both in Milwaukee and in the context of Gamaliel Foundation activities. But reading those pieces together with his new (at least, to me!) material is really exciting! I was particularly moved by his handling of "Self-Interest" (Chapter 6), "Building and Sustaining Organizations" (Chapter 10), and "Community" (Chapter 11). In each of these sections, he weaves a profound message that incorporates organizing principles, theological challenge, and psycho-historico-political realism.

Rick Deines's "Studies Guide" as an appendix is pure bonus!!! Even without it, "Doing Justice" would be an excellent primer in organizing for seminarians, judicatorial and/or denominational clergy groups, ecumenical ministerial associations and alliances, and groups within congregations that are either already involved in or considering becoming involved in a community organization. It is also just plain good, refreshing reading for those of us who have been "in the trenches" (or in a rut!) for a while!!!

There are some parts of the picture that are still missing, though. Such related topics as "money", enemies (i.e., adversaries, or "the opposition") and the role of Foundations in the survival and success of the kind of organizing Jacobsen describes could well be the subject of what I truly hope will be his sequel to "Doing Justice."

The Spirituality Of Welcoming: How to Transform Your Congregation into a Sacred Community
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A handbook for building a great synagogue

Terrific!

The Spirituality Of Welcoming: How to Transform Your Congregation into a Sacred Community
Ron Wolfson
Manufacturer: Jewish Lights Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Rethinking Synagogues: A New Vocabulary for Congregational Life

God's To-do List: 103 Ways to Be an Angel and Do God's Work on Earth

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ASIN: 1580232442

Book Description

So often we want our congregations to be more--more compelling, more member-focused, more spiritual and yet more useful for our daily lives. Through reflection, examples, tips and exercises--and incorporating the fruits of Synagogue 2000 (now Synagogue 3000), a groundbreaking decade-long program investigating the challenges facing modern synagogues--this inspiring handbook both establishes a sound foundation for why a deep hospitality is crucial for the survival of today's spiritual communities, and dives into the practical hands-on how of turning your congregation into a place of invitation and openness that includes:

Prayer that is engaging, uplifting and spiritually moving
* Institutional deepening that is possible because of an openness to change
* Study that engages adults and families, as well as children
* Good deeds--the work of social justice--as a commitment of each and every member
* An ambience of welcome that creates a culture of warmth and outreach
* Healing that offers comfort and support at times of illness and loss
* ... and much more.

Customer Reviews:

A handbook for building a great synagogue.......2007-09-18

Ron Wolfson accomplishes a very difficult task in this book. He writes a "how to" book that will help synagogue leaders improve the quality of their "products." Drawing heavily (but not too visibly) on the organizational dynamics literature he shows us how to change the way synagogues relate to their members and their prospective members. By using a pre-existing literature on how organizations in general can become better places to work and to do business with, he gently transposes employees and customers to the synagogue's staff (including rabbis and cantors) and its members. He studies the Christian mega-churches and the Jewish Chabad Lubavitch movement to understand and illuminate how to make a spiritually-based organization work well. In the process he puts together a package, based on the decade-long Synagogue 2000 project, that provides practical guidance on what synagogues can do to make themselves more spiritual, more attractive, and more successful with their members.

Terrific!.......2006-09-06

This book is an inspiration. Ron Wolfson presents excellent ideas to change the synagogue (or church) to become a more welcoming, engaging and spiritually uplifting place of worship. Anyone who cares about their religious community can learn from this.

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...okay this was on my wish list for waaaay too long...
This is a great book for a reflection group.

St. Francis and the Foolishness of God
Marie Dennis , Cynthia Moe-Lobeda , Joseph Nangle , and Stuart Taylor
Manufacturer: Orbis Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Monasticism | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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Catholic Social Teaching: Our Best Kept Secret
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the
A Sacred Voice Is Calling: Personal Vocation And Social Conscience
Vocabulary for Achievement: Course 6
The Art of Catechesis: What You Need to Be, Know and Do

ASIN: 0883448998

Customer Reviews:

...okay this was on my wish list for waaaay too long..........2003-02-23

I finally bought it, and I'm more than glad I did. This book is not at all what I thought it would be about --- it is so much more. Initially, I thought it would be another book about the life of St. Francis which, of late, I've been quite taken with. This book, though, has more to do with how we can make our faith real --- how we can really respond --- in light of a needy world around us. This is just what the doctor ordered. I say this reluctantly, but reading a chapter is almost better than going to church. I close this book at night with the understanding that I've got to get out there and DO something; I feel like I CAN make some small difference in this world, and that means so much to me. I'm at that point where I WANT to change, WANT to make sacrifices, WANT to be conformed to what God wants me to be. I want desperately not to be an 'average' Christian who longs for the same dusty, lifeless, rusting things the world does. This book reminds me that Francis, in his life, was not afraid to give up personal comfort and familiarity. When he finally overcame the greatest personal obstacle for him --- learning to love the leper -- he was freed from within, freed from that nasty monster that can entangle so many of us. Reflecting on his unique experience, I am compelled to look at my own prejudices, those things about people that keep me from loving them completely. I can't remember the last time a church sermon so compelled me. I highly recommend this book, and encourage you to grow in ways far outside the box.

This is a great book for a reflection group........1998-09-03

St. Francis and the Foolishness of God is not just about St. Francis, but about themes that touch all of our lives. There are reflection questions at the end of each section and an invitation to share stories. I recommend this book for personal and group reflection.

The Rule of Benedict: Insights for the Ages (Crossroad Spiritual Legacy Series)

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St. Benedict For Today
INSIGHTFUL TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION BY ONE OF AMERICA'S MOST PROLIFIC BENEDICTINE WRITERS
Rule of Benedict: Insights for the Ages
The Best
A great book for...everyone

The Rule of Benedict: Insights for the Ages (Crossroad Spiritual Legacy Series)
Sister Joan Chittister OSB
Manufacturer: Crossroad Classic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Monasticism | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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Wisdom Distilled from the Daily: Living the Rule of St. Benedict Today
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ASIN: 0824525035

Book Description

The Benedictine way is the spirituality of the twenty-first century because it deals with issues facing us now--stewardship, relationships, authority, community, balance, work, simplicity, and prayer. --From the Introduction

Customer Reviews:

St. Benedict For Today.......2007-05-13

An excellent resource for anyone who wants to apply the Rule of St. Benedict, written in the 6th century, to today.

INSIGHTFUL TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION BY ONE OF AMERICA'S MOST PROLIFIC BENEDICTINE WRITERS.......2007-03-24

I am grateful this gentle text includes the traditional calendar of readings by which Benedictine houses around the world read our Rule through three times a year.

I am grateful Sister Joan presents so graciously her interpretation of each reading based upon her personal living and study of the rule for so long, an experience and wisdom which fills so much of her many courageous and brilliant Benedictine writings.

I am grateful for the great English translation of the immortal and ancient Rule which is included here, a translation which renders this simple rule comprehensible to us in our present situation of an alienated, individualized, selfish and secular nation where this holy and devoted and committed and avowed way of life seems so alien.

I am grateful each day to pray in this way with the strength and wisdom which ever flows from Sister Joan. For instance, this Sunday's reading of Chapter 45 included this commentary:

"Those who pray without knowing what they pray," Maimon Ben Joseph wrote, "do not pray." If anything, this chapter requires us to ask even to this day how it is that we can hear the Scripture but never study it, pray prayers but never contemplate the universal implications of them, go through rituals but never immerse ourselves in their meaning. How is it that we too pray without thinking, pray carelessly, pray poorly, or pray without thought? (p. 129)

Please join us in prayer in peace, that we may all together come home to the Kingdom, as Our Holy Father Saint Benedict writes in his Rule and desires for us all.

This Rule is welcome in any household. Read it at dinner with your own community this night, and each evening as the readings are ordered. We have so much to learn from this healing and holy Rule, of humility, holiness, submission, reading, work and prayer.

Rule of Benedict: Insights for the Ages.......2007-01-14

This an excellent book that has gem after gem of reflections about living a holy life. St. Benedict's words are quoted in original text (written more than a thousand years ago), and Joan Chittister's reflections give this text new insights and meaning relevant for today's world. We used it as a study book for a Christian Women's group. We started out highlighting words or phrases that "spoke" to us and ended up highlighting most of the Ms. Chittister's text!

The Best.......2005-10-12

By far one of the best and most honest writers we have today in the Catholic Church. If you are interested in becoming enlightened this is a writer to follow. Along with her books she also writes weekly for the Catholic Reporter.

A great book for...everyone.......2005-08-31

I was a sceptic of this book when a book store employee said he took issue with the authors translation. But after reading it and comparing with another translation of the rule, I found that Chittister is right on. She explains the rule as a relevent work and uses examples from other cultures to display the rule's universal appeal. I strongly recommend this book for everyone who wishes for direction and perspective in life.

Brothers of Light, Brothers of Blood: The Penitentes of the Southwest

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Brothers of Light, Brothers of Blood: The Penitentes of the Southwest
Marta Weigle
Manufacturer: Ancient City Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0941270580

The Parish Nurse: Providing a Minister of Health for Your Congregation

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The Parish Nurse, Providing a Minister of Health for Your Co

The Parish Nurse: Providing a Minister of Health for Your Congregation
Granger E. Westberg , and Jill Westberg McNamara
Manufacturer: Augsburg Fortress Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Essential Parish Nurse: ABCs for Congregational Health Ministry
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ASIN: 0806624582

Book Description

Here, Granger Westberg presents a creative, new way for congregations to provide a wholistic ministry to their members. His parish nurse program brings nurses onto congregations' staffs to work as ministers of health on a part-time or full-time basis. In this way congregations can play an increasingly important role in keeping people spiritually and physically healthy and giving leadership in the field of preventive medicine.

Parish nurses serve as health educators, health counselors, volunteer trainers, and support group organizers. In hundreds of congregations, this program has been well received by clergy and church members.

Customer Reviews:

The Parish Nurse, Providing a Minister of Health for Your Co.......2000-07-26

This is a must for any nurse or church seriously considering a Parish Nurse program. Granger Westberg is considered the "father" of parish nursing. This book presents the background and history of parish nursing and then provides the "how to" to set up a parish nurse program within your congregation. The final section is basic resources including sample job and role descriptions. Possible cost and needs and the models and types of parish nurse services.

The Premonstratensian Order in Late Medieval England (Studies in the History of Medieval Religion)

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The Premonstratensian Order in Late Medieval England (Studies in the History of Medieval Religion)
Joseph A. Gribbin
Manufacturer: Boydell Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Monasticism | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

Monasteries were a dominant feature of the landscape of medieval England, but although much critical attention has been devoted to them, comparatively little has been written on the thirty abbeys of the English Premonstratensians (`White Canons'), a gap which this book, the first detailed study since the early 1950s, seeks to fill. Centred upon the remarkable visitation records of Richard Redman (d.1505), commissary-general and visitor of the English Premonstratensian abbeys, it covers topics such as the foundation and development of the English Premonstratensian province; Redman's visitation of the Premonstratensian abbeys; conventual food and clothing; misdemeanours, such as sexual immorality and apostasy; liturgical observances; spirituality and learning; and English Premonstratensian libraries. It thus offers evidence for the vitality of the English Premonstratensians, as well as re-evaluating their monastic observances.JOSEPH GRIBBIN works at the Borthwick Institute of Historical Research.

Worship and Work: Saint John's Abbey and University, 1856-1980

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Worship and Work: Saint John's Abbey and University, 1856-1980
C. J. Barry
Manufacturer: Liturgical Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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What to Expect in Seminary: Theological Education As Spiritual Formation

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seminaries in a state of change
Great expectations...
A hollow defense against seminary criticism
Good reading for prospective seminary students
A must read for seminary students.

What to Expect in Seminary: Theological Education As Spiritual Formation
Virginia Samuel Cetuk
Manufacturer: Abingdon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0687017289

Customer Reviews:

seminaries in a state of change.......2006-11-06

Being a seminary student, i do not have the time to read this book (i have a pile a few feet tall to deal with already this semester), so my 4 stars counts for squat. I will say this though for anyone looking to enter seminary: many seminaries are in a transitional spot right now because the churches in America and around the world are in a transitional spot (i.e. cell church movements, emergent church, postmodern ministry) - the modern church is on a MAJOR decline (just check barna). Honestly it may not be the best time to enter seminary as many schools TRY to understand these movements. Also: Often we think our "call to the ministry" automatically equates to bible college/seminary but it does not, and for those who think it will be some "spiritual empowering experience" - you MAY be in for a rude awakening, even in evangelical/pentecostal schools. Seminaries are mainly for educational purposes, not spiritual formation. Right now there is a battle in many schools over the purpose or goal of seminary education, as more evangelical/pentecostal theology emerges, the deans of the schools are more interested in producing scholars than pastors, evangelists, prophets, etc in order to write the next 100 years or so of theology. My advice to those looking to enter is really seek the Lord on this, because unless you want to be a scholar or absolutely need credentials you maybe should only take a class here or there under your area of interest. Seminary has taught me how to study the Bible, how to write papers, and given me a handful of skills/wisdom to minister better, but honestly getting mentored in the context which i want to minister and taking classes here and there would have been much more productive (and thats how Jesus did it, minus the classes part), since the mission field, local church, etc. is the context of theology.

Great expectations..........2004-07-23

Virginia Samuel Cetuk, an associate dean at Drew Theological School, put together this book in the hope that potential seminarians would gain some insight into what happens in a seminary setting. Cetuk set for herself a difficult task -- there are many different kinds of seminaries, different kinds of programmes at these seminaries, and different kinds of people enrolling in them.

Seminaries strive for community; some succeed better than others, but most have a continuing struggle to maintain a community setting -- in this regard, it matches many church settings, who have to continually work at maintaining community. But often the students feel they are alone (from my own seminary experience, I can testify that many feel this way) -- they feel lost, they question the appropriateness of the tasks of seminary education, they question their vocation and their hierarchies (both church and seminary). There are an increasing number of second-career seminarians, which means the students have been out of school for a time (some as long as twenty to thirty years), so the idea of regular reading, writing, research and study is daunting.

Cetuk looks at many practical issues, from time management and money management to how to approach courses in different disciplines. Being experienced with ATS-accredited seminary curriculum, her guidance here applies broadly -- most every seminary will require courses in Bible, church history, systematic and philosophical theology, culture, ethics, pastoral ministries and practical ministries. Some may have more of a direct applicability than others, but all are important in different ways (which is why the many schools of the Association of Theological Schools agree that these broad topical groupings are important components of the overall curriculum) -- Cetuk explores the different disciplines and relates them to the overall concept of ministry. There are some that could use a bit more development (given the reaction I've had in systematic theology classes I've taught, much more convincing needs to be done to show the worth), but overall it is a good development in the chapter dealing with classroom learning.

Cetuk also looks at the overall issue of call -- what is a call to ministry, and how does seminary help this call become something we call 'ministry'? Students come to seminary for a variety of reasons -- to try to experience God, because they have a desire to serve others, in order to grow spiritually, etc. Some students come for healing (of one sort or another) -- this is not always appropriate, but it is often difficult to determine. Most often, the reasons are a mixture of impulses and desires. Cetuk develops this along with historical ideas (she looks at Luther's idea of faith, vocation and priesthood; she looks at other denominations' ideas of ministry and ordination) as well as her own personal experiences.

Cetuk designed this book so that it might be useful as a course or a primer at the beginning of seminary (or perhaps a summer session orientation). It has some exercises for reflection at the end of the chapters, and includes appropriate prayers -- something any seminary student (and teacher, and administrator) will need!

A hollow defense against seminary criticism.......2004-06-15

As an entering seminarian I was hoping for real advice and insight into the seminary experience. This book was poorly written ad read like a defense against criticism of seminary education. The audience was not entering seminarians in my opinion. In fact, this read more like a doctoral thesis. I bought this book used and still feel that I was ripped off. It offered nothing new or unusual. What a dissapointment.

Good reading for prospective seminary students.......2003-07-24

"Theological education is not about learning, it is about change." This statement, not original with the author of this book, is nevertheless the most important sentence in "What to Expect in Seminary." The goal in moderate-to-liberal mainline seminaries is change, and just how the student will respond makes all the difference. She/he will be challenged with new ways of thinking, which may seem threatening to her/his faith. This book makes an attempt to equip the prospective student with a proper mindset to regard theological education as spiritual formation. Every aspect of seminary life is covered, from classroom to community life to financial and time management. I wish this book had been available when I first attempted seminary 25 years ago, and I'm glad to have it now when I am once again preparing to further my theological education.

A must read for seminary students........1998-10-22

In this pilgrim's progress of theological education, students of all ages and ethnic backgrounds will find wise counsel about the potential for positive spiritual formation in theological education as well as honest and sensitive discussion of various pitfalls. Spiritual formation is always part of the seminary experience, weither intentional or not. The issue is what kind of spiritual formation, and how are you responding?

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Late Monasticism and the Reformation
A. G. Dickens
Manufacturer: Hambledon & London
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1852850914

Book Description

A.G. Dickens is the most eminent English historian of the Reformation. His books and articles have illuminated both the history and the historiography of the Reformation in England and in Germany. Late Monasticism and the Reformation contains an edition of a poignant chronicle from the eve of the Reformation and a new collection of essays. The first part of the book is a reprint of his edition of The Chronicle of Butley Priory, only previously available in a small privately financed edition which has long been out of print. The last English monastic chronicle, it extends from the early years of the sixteenth century up to the Dissolution. Besides giving an intimate portrait of the community at Butley, it reveals many details concerning the local history and personalities of Suffolk during that period. The second part contains the most important essays published by A.G. Dickens since his Reformation Studies (1982). Their themes concern such areas of current interest as the strength and geographical distribution of English Protestantism before 1558; the place of anticlericalism in the English Reformation; and Luther as a humanist. Also included are some local studies including essays on the early Protestants of Northamptonshire and on the mock battle of 1554 fought by London schoolboys over religion.

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