Greetings

Hi, Jim and Bill,

I have the book, will try to post on a regular basis, but am not sure how often I will be able to come "in person" on Thursday. I will be out of town tomorrow, but will be looking forward to hearing how things go. I would find it really helpful if you could let us(me)know how much of the book you would like us to complete each week. It will help motivate me to stay on track!!

Alleluia! The Lord is Risen!

mary+

Diana Butler Bass on the Resurrection

I found this recent blog by Bass moving and prescient, not only for our celebration of Easter this year but also because it speaks to what we're doing with the church. Resurrection isn't an event but a life, a new life.

Take a look yourself! And Alleluia! Christ is risen!

Daring to Be a Different Church

Over the past year, I've immersed myself in case studies and "how to" books on church growth and have seen much to consider. I recently encountered an article that summed up reams of material so well and so concisely, I thought I'd pass it along for your consideration. I hope it hits home with you the way it did with me:

Daring to Be a Different Church

Those other churches

Are you're wondering, "what in the world are these other churches doing on the link section of this blog?"

These are the web home pages of the churches that Diana Butler Bass discusses in her book. Not all of them (but most of them) have websites, so I thought it might be productive if you might take a look at how they present themselves to the world, at least in virtual reality.

A fun diagnostic of your theological worldview

What "kind" of Christian are you? Take this to find out!

Of course, this isn't meant to be taken seriously. But I'm a sucker for these kinds of benchmark games.

Buy the book!

When the group officially convenes after Easter, I'll post a more formal "welcome" to fellow bloggers and lurkers. For now, I will be posting occasionally on more logistical matters and perhaps some items of interest.

You can purchase Diana Butler Bass's book at a discount on the amazon.com website. Click here.

If you're loyal to Barnes & Noble, click here.

There are most likely copies of the book available at the local B & N, and I will ask the good people at Adventures For Kids to have some copies available. Mind you, there won't be a discount if you buy at a brick-and-mortar bookstore.

I'm sorry that only the hardback version is available. The paperback is due to come out this October.

Let me know if you are having trouble finding a copy of the book.

Diana Butler Bass at Grace Cathedral

If you haven't read begun reading Bass's book, might I recommend taking a listen to a recent presentation that she gave at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco?

You can access the talk in a variety of formats by clicking here.