SWEET HOPE WEDDINGS Welcome to Sweet Hope, Georgia—where weddings come to those who least expect them! MEET THE JILTED GROOM: Jacob Matthews would have married his dream bride…except she left him waiting at the altar. Now he finally had the chance to win back the wife and child who should have been his! AND HIS ALMOST BRIDE! Single mom Cathryn O'Malley had a very good reason for jilting her groom-to-be. But returning home meant confronting Jacob. Would this seductive, determined man accept anything less than her "I do"? Will these two get a chance at another SWEET HOPE WEDDING?

Born in Chicago, Illinois, during the Great Depression, the fictionalized author narrates for his children the story of his life in the Twentieth Century. His account begins with the loss of innocence during childhood and concludes with realization of his pending last moments. It is an account which moves him from a life among a little known religious sect, The Brethren of Northern Illinois and Wisconsin, through some of the defining moments of the Twentieth Century as experienced by one who both reflects about, and acts upon that which is happening.

BEHIND THE ALTAR by Robert Henman Xlibris Publishing 2008 ISBN 978-1-4363-2487-8 This is a work of fiction reflecting on the role of contemporary institutional religions in the modern world. Over the past 500 years science has emerged as a challenge to contemporary religions that have their origins in the mythical and classical consciousness of the past 3000 years. Those modes of consciousness have collapsed into an eclectic mix of consciousness. Do traditional forms of religion have a role in the future of humanity? This story, based on the authors 24 year experience of working in pastoral and educational positions with the Roman Catholic Church, attempts to raise this question. It challenges the reader to reflect on their own authentic way of moving forward. As all issues in contemporary society, the issue is global and serious, as we witness the tension between religions, not unlike that of the Medieval Period in Europe and its destructive colonization of valid cultures world wide. History, or perhaps the longer cycle of decline, will perpetuate itself until some cross cultural, cross gender, and foundational human commonality is empirically discovered. This story is an attempt to reveal local functioning problems as a manifestation of a much larger historical problem. The story ends with a subtle pointing towards solution. This novel is about personal survival within the context of modern institutions, more specifically, contemporary religions. The main character, Jimmie Deveau, and his wife Mel, work as pastoral associates with the Roman Catholic Church. The institution begins to take its toll on their personal lives. Jimmie has had to deal with numerous problems in his career and he accepted them as part of his job and life in general. As ongoing problems emerge within the institution, Jimmie discovers a secret about his childhood that has been kept from him. Jimmie finds himself wondering whether he can continue working in the institutional church. Relationships become strained as Jimmie attempts to work through to a decision. These events send him into a deeper reflection on his career, his life, and the role religion plays in contemporary society. Through dramatic fiction, the story explores a growing self-interest in contemporary religion and the difficulty of personal change. See below or go to Roberthenman.com for a review of this book and more information on the author. Review by William Zanardi of Behind the Altar by Robert Henman Published by Xlibris Publishing April 2008 ISBN 978-1-4363-2487-8 Available at Amazon.ca/com and most online bookstores worldwide> Love and betrayal, anger and distrust such are the phases of relationships ending in pain. In Behind the Altar, Robert Henman narrates his protagonists journey through these phases. The love was for a Church that offered a secure home, moral ideals, a purpose for living. Betrayal took the form of institutional authorities putting personal gain and the Churchs reputation above service to those they professed to love. If anger is proportionate to love lost, then the greater the original love, the greater the distrust betrayal evokes. The reader will suspect much of the story is autobiographical, an insiders report on the psychological flaws and rationalizing defenses of fearful individuals: authority figures desperate to hang on to power and prestige and their too trusting followers anxious about leaving the only secure home they have known. The authors careful depiction of the wrenching trauma of betrayal is so nuanced that it must have a basis in personal experience. There is no sudden shift from nave belief to disillusionment. Instead, trust erodes slowly; doubts arise and subside; resolve takes shapes and retreats; efforts to overcome fear and to accept financial and spiritual risks only gradually build momentum. The grea

An essential volume spanning the theology, tradition, and practical considerations of altar guild ministry This necessary and practical guide is designed to function as a theological, formational, and spiritual resource for any altar guild member. Peppered with Scripture and prayers, it examines the history and tradition of the noble office and elevates the altar guild role as a vocation in the life of our church. Offering definitions, instructions, and illustrations, this volume has what you need to prepare for every liturgical season, as well as a guide for special services, including weddings, funerals, ordinations, and visits from the bishop. The volume will address modern challenges for this ministry arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, including health and safety and the rise of virtual worship services, as well as unique opportunities for leadership in a changing ecclesial landscape. The congregations of The Episcopal Church are richly varied in architecture, custom, tradition, style of worship, and practice. The Manual for Altar Guilds will serve as a foundational resource and guide for this essential ministry, providing practical yet flexible guidance that can be easily adapted to meet the unique needs of your congregation and the changing times.

"Resourceful and easy-to-use, Going to Wait! is a ground-breaking book designed to assist worship leaders and musicians of the Black church in their ministries. Authors Rev. Dr. Linda H. Hollies and Dr. James Abbington have created an indispensable guide to Sunday worship preparation for between Pentecost and Advent, calling congregations to celebrate the cycle of the Christian year and follow the suggested scripture readings of the Revised Common Lectionary. Going to Wait! is a companion volume to Waiting to Go! (GIA), which covers Advent through Pentecost. For each Sunday and other holy days, scripture references are given along with suggested altar and banner colors. Rev. Dr. Hollies includes prayers, a short focus essay with sermon ideas, suggestions for visual art, and more. Dr. Abbington brings his expertise in music to the planning. Based on seven major African-American worship hymnals, he suggests appropriate hymns, as well as anthems, spirituals, gospel songs, and organ music for each service. Sure to compliment the traditions of all types of congregations, Going to Wait! is an excellent reference for all who lead African-American Christian worship today!"--Back cover.

The publication of The Roman Missal, Third Edition offers an opportunity for homilists to explore the relationship between the Sunday readings and the new Roman Missal. Between the Ambo and the Altar is the second book (Year B) in a three-volume series that presents scriptural, liturgical, and preaching commentary for Sundays, solemnities, and feasts throughout the year. Each Sunday's resources are presented in three sections: exploring the Scripture, connecting the Lectionary with the liturgy, and a homiletic strategy. DeBona takes the preacher through a meditation on the language of the Missal, suggests parallels to the Sunday Lectionary, and gives practical homiletic strategies, using core themes and images. It is hoped that the commentary advances a framework for homily preparation, so that preachers might "savor the deep meaning of the word of God which unfolds each year in the liturgy" (Benedict XVI, Verbum Domini 52).