Books published by publisher Westminster John Knox Press

Those lovable friends, the church mice who took us on a tour of Sunday worship in A Children's Guide to Worship, are back, and this time they are teaching about the holidays and seasons of the church. In this colorful and beautifully illustrated children's book, Advent, Christmas, Palm Sunday, Easter, and more come alive as the mice trace the journey of the church year and invite children of all ages to worship.

The values we live and raise our families by are grounded, first, in love. Contrary to many of today's so-called family values, our values go beyond one or two loaded social issues to a wholehearted lifestyle of practicing compassion, hospitality, justice, peace, and belonging. More than Words articulates ten values that forward-thinking, openhearted people want to embody in their lives and pass on to their children. With practical ideas and thought-provoking questions, this book inspires families to live more intentionally, engage their communities, and make a difference in the world.

Congregations are often confused or uninspired by the emphasis on Old Testament themes during Advent and too "over" Christmas by December 26 to pay much attention to the gospel stories that follow Jesus' birth. Walking Backwards to Christmas starts at the end of the story, with Jesus' presentation to Anna and Simeon at the temple, and moves backwards through Herod's slaughter of the innocents, the wise men's visit, Jesus' birth in a stable, Mary's pregnancy, and finally to the much-earlier hopes and dreams of Isaiah and Moses. Telling the Christmas story through the eyes of both famous figures like King Herod and imagined characters like the innkeeper's wife, Stephen Cottrell invites readers to experience Jesus' birth anew, with greater appreciation of the dark themes and ancient figures relevant to the Advent story.

The Snake in the Grass combines whimsical poetry and colorful, imaginative illustrations to retell the biblical account of Adam and Eve's encounter with the serpent. This charming rendition features memorable sing-song rhymes and eye-catching artwork that will help children learn about God and connect the story to their own lives. All who relate to children--whether parents, teachers, or pastors--will find this book an essential and delightful addition to their collection of Bible stories for younger ages.

At 17, Peg Madison, though talented in art, still has no idea of what she wants to do with her life. When a friend casually suggests a hostel trip, she immediately decides that here is the answer. Peg leaves Chicago to start her chaperoned hostel trip with a group at Washington, DC. The group travel in hilarious comradeship - they swing from Washington, DC, to Colorado, Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Vancouver, Banff National Park, Montreal, and then down to New York.

Rebecca Barnes outlines fifty ways in which you, your congregation, and your local community can help fight global warming and enjoy participation in a vital part of Christian discipleship. In 50 Ways to Help Save the Earth, Revised Edition, she makes a clear connection, in a practical and unintimidating way, between stewardship of the earth and living one's faith.This easy-to-follow book consists of seven chapters on topics related to global climate change: "Energy," "Food and Agriculture," "Transportation," "Water," "People," "Other Species," and "Wilderness and Land." Each chapter begins with a statement on how the content relates to global warming, followed by action items ranging from individual efforts to activities that encourage the involvement of the congregation and wider communities.

In one of the most insightful, provocative, and witty books yet to explore the fascinating relationship between the Bible and American politics, author Jacques Berlinerblau looks at how the left, right, and everyone in between have used and misused the Bible to advance their political causes and careers. In this engaging book, Berlinerblau looks at the recent history of how Scripture has influenced public policy, including debates about the environment, abortion, stem cell research, and foreign policy. Berlinerblau also pays close attention to how recent U.S. presidents have employed the Bible, and he examines how each of the major candidates in the 2008 presidential elections used and often misused the Bible in his or her race for the White House.

This guide outlines fifty ways in which you, your congregation, and your local community can help fight global warming and enjoy participation in a vital part of Christian discipleship. 50 Ways to Help Save the Earth makes a clear connection, in a practical and unintimidating way, between stewardship of the earth and living one's faith. This easy-to-follow book consists of seven chapters on topics related to global climate change: "Water," "Energy," "Transportation," "Food and Agriculture," "People," "Other Species," and "Wilderness and Land." Each chapter begins with a statement on how the content relates to global warming, followed by seven action items ranging from individual efforts to activities that encourage the involvement of the congregational and wider communities.