The title of this book is a cry often heard by leaders of organizations. This resource is a response to that cry. Designed to be a 12-month guide, there are programs for Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Halloween, the Christmas season, Lent and more. The programs are designed for easy implementation at women's meetings, youth gatherings and congregational events. Leader's helps are provided to indicate what props, songs and readers are needed. This collection of 15 programs is reflective, at times humorous, and includes skits, meditations and other suggestions to fit particular seasons. Programs for various months include: *February -- A Heart Filled With Love *March -- From Slavery To Sainthood *May -- A Humorous Look At Some Hopeful Women *July -- God's Picnic Basket *August -- The Armor Of God *October -- In Pursuit Of The Right Spirit *November -- The Exodus Murmurs *... and eight more Cynthia E. Cowen is a Christian resource writer and liturgical evangelist. She has published five other worship resource books with CSS. She stays active by involving herself in youth ministry and women's church programming. She also teaches a course on Worship and Evangelism and is a member of the ELCA Board of Publications for Augsburg Fortress Publishers.

Who -- Me? Do A Program? (Volume 1)

Religion & Spirituality

Cynthia E. Cowen

Christian Books & Bibles

C.S.S. Publishing Company

The traditional children's pageant comes together with Christmas scripture lessons, hymns, and other elements of a worship service. The program culminates with the completion of a ""living"" creche, gradually built throughout the ceremony. Among the very practical features this resource offers are ""Leader's Helps"" and a sample bulletin format. No memorization of lines is required. The only setting required is a simple backdrop and manger. Here is a family Christmas worship resource that provides opportunities to involve children from pre-kindergarten on up. Included are: Call to Worship Christmas hymns The Christmas scripture lessons Age group presentations from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade A suggested bulletin layout Leader's helps Cynthia E. Cowen is a Christian resource writer and liturgical evangelist. She has authored program resources for women, youth and special congregational events. She holds a B.A. in education from Northern Michigan University and has completed requirements for certification as an Associate in Ministry in the ELCA Board of Publications. She is president of her synodical women's organization of the Women of the ELCA.

Creating God's Family In Christmas

Arts & Photography

Music

CSS Publishing Company

Cowen, an experienced resource writer, offers this follow-up collection of programs designed for easy implementation at women's meetings, youth gatherings, and congregational events. Leader's helps are provided to indicate what props, songs, or readers are needed. This collection of 15 programs, like the first volume, is reflective, at times humorous, and includes skits, meditations, and other suggestions to fit the season, including Lent, Spring, and Advent. This second volume follows the tremendous demand for and interest in Cynthia Cowen's first book. These programs are designed for easy implementation at women's meetings, youth gatherings, and congregational events. Leader's helps are provided to indicate what props, songs, or readers are needed. This collection of 15 programs, like the first volume, is reflective, at times humorous, and includes skits, meditations, and other suggestions to fit the season, including Lent, Spring, and Advent. Programs include: A Mother's Heart, A Celebration Of Woman A Journey With Prayer No Fooling! A Look At The Month Of April Bloom Where You Are Planted! God's Pentecost Pantry I Am The Vine, A Harvest Of Worship God's Advent Rainbow and eight more ... As a member of the church-wide Executive Board of Women of the ELCA, a licensed lay minister, and an Associate in Ministry to youth and family, Cynthia E. Cowen has many avenues to develop programs for use in congregations. She has authored 14 other books published by CSS. Cowen received a B.A. in education from Northern Michigan University and is a graduate from her synod's Lay School for Mission. She currently serves as a licensed lay minister of the Northern Great Lakes Synod of the ELCA at Calvary Lutheran Church, Quinnesec, Michigan, and a rostered Associate in Ministry at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Iron Mountain, Michigan. She was elected to the Executive Board of the church-wide Women of the ELCA in 1996 and sits on the Printed Resources committee.

Who -- Me? Do A Program? (Volume 2)

Lights, Symbols And Angels is a compilation of related worship resources that will enhance the Advent/Christmas worship life of any congregation, large or small. O Come, Blessed Light Of The World! is ideal for raising awareness of the Advent season for families. Those using the material will learn about the Advent candles, read God's Word for the day, and have a challenge of action each week. Devotions include a reading, reflection, and prayer. Celebrating The Advent Wreath is a special Advent service which can be used for mid-week or women's programs. Reflections on each candle will help participants learn more about the Advent wreath. Christmas Symbols And Songs is a program which blends sharing the meaning of traditional Christmas symbols with the singing of a variety of carols. It's excellent for a fellowship potluck, women's tea or program, mid-week worship service, or an intergenerational event. Angels Inspire Our Worship is an order of worship with a skit that's ideal for a youth program. The skit, Hark! It's Harold And The Angel Band, dramatizes an imaginary encounter between Gabe (the archangel Gabriel disguised as a stock boy), Mr. Grumpy and Mr. Grumpier (old men shopping at Heaven's Grocery Store), and an angel band led by Harold. Angels In The Outfield is a resource for a Sunday worship experience, mid-week service, or special Advent program. The worship is designed around the ministry of angels, using a baseball theme with appropriate hymns featuring angels. A Christmas Celebration is a communion/candlelight service for Christmas Eve with readings, litanies, and carols. A prolific and enthusiastic writer of worship resources, Cynthia E. Cowen has been an established writer with CSS Publishing Company since 1991. She received a B.A. degree in education from Northern Michigan University and is a graduate of the Northern Great Lakes Synod Lay School for Mission. Cowen has served as a licensed lay minister in the Northern Great Lakes Synod of the ELCA at Calvary Lutheran Church, Quinnesec, Michigan, and is currently a rostered Associate in Ministry in Youth And Family at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Iron Mountain, Michigan. She was elected to the Executive Board of the Church Wide Women's Organization of the Women of the ELCA in 1996, and served on its Printed Resources committee.

Lights, Symbols, And Angels

You Can't Keep Jesus In The Nativity Scene is an exciting and inspirational Christmas pageant for congregations of any size. Two main characters (Ms. Arranger and Mr. Lost N. Foundit) converse about Jesus and where he can be found as various groups of children sing the message of the Christmas story. The characters (and the audience) come to the realization that Jesus is a real, living presence, not just a figurine in a nativity scene. Best of all, this is a practical, ready-to-use program that comes with a complete order of service and leader's aids. A prolific and enthusiastic writer of worship resources, Cynthia E. Cowen has produced numerous pieces for CSS Publishing Company since 1991. She received a B.A. degree in education from Northern Michigan University and is a graduate of the Northern Great Lakes Synod Lay School for Mission. Cowen serves on synod leadership teams for youth, women, and clergy, is a licensed lay minister in a small congregation, and is currently a rostered Associate in Ministry in Youth And Family at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Iron Mountain, Michigan. She was elected to the Executive Board of the churchwide Women of the ELCA in 1996, and serves on its Printed Resources committee.

You Can't Keep Jesus In The Nativity Scene

Literature & Fiction

Dramas & Plays