Advent Devotional Update

Final editorial touches are being done by reverendmother and Mary Beth -- the cover is almost finalized. The book will wholesale for less than $10.00, is listed for retail at $12.99 or so and Amazon will probably list it for less than that. Final prices have not been calculated yet, so don't quote me on that. When it is published, there is some code that each of us can put on our website to promote the book. The book also will be available for download from Lulu for $2.50 and Crystal (some of you may know her) is desiging a companion website www.alightblazes.org. (Still working on getting the URL registered...)

I'm in conversation with Abington, St. Barthelemy's Press and a couple of others about a next book -- "Ordinary Time." If you are interested in editing a portion of that, let me know. 182 devotionals from June 1 to Nov 29 based on the RCL for year B.


Here's the copy for the cover:

A Light Blazes in the Darkness:
Advent Reflections from an Intentional Online Community
Based on Year B of the Revised Common Lectionary

Written by members of the RevGalBlogPals Webring
Edited by Theresa Coleman and Mary Beth Butler
Foreword by Gordon Atkinson, RealLivePreacher.com

The back:

The RevGalBlogPals webring homepage is found at http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com. The webring is an Open Table -- anyone can join but it is especially for clergywomen who maintain a weblog and their friends and acquaintances who blog as well. We represent a diverse group of people -- women ministers, with or without children, discerning women, other clergypersons -- and our friends. The main webpage forms us as an intentional community. We laugh, pray and grow together as clergy, as Christians and as women.

“The RevGalBlogPals have created the advent booklet we all wish for: inspiring, funny, poignant, and thought-provoking. A truly ecumenical offering, the stories and prayers are a gift to help anyone who wants to ‘go deep’ this advent.”
-- Rev. Sean Parker Dennison, minister, South Valley Unitarian Universalist Society, Salt Lake City, Utah

"In this Advent time of waiting, here is a collection of voices that has been waiting to be heard. You will want to take time to ponder and listen to these thoughtful advent melodies playing just beneath the surface of the rush toward Christmas."
-- Rev. Dr. Phil Schroeder, Senior Pastor Grayson United Methodist Church, Grayson, Georgia

“Historically, Christians have used the Church seasons of Advent and Lent as special times of devotion and spiritual discipline. Print resources have guided the work of these periods. A Light Blazes in the Darkness joins those resources as a worthy companion. This well written and passionate devotional guide will add immeasurably to the joy and growth of the season.”
-- Rev. Dr. Pete Paulson, Past Synod Executive, Synod of the Mid-Atlantics, Reformed Church in America, currently Director of Communications at Candler School of Theology.

“This is brilliant!"
-- Dave Warnock, the self acclaimed most junior probationary minister in the Methodist church of the UK, who blogs at http://42.blogs.warnock.me.uk/.

“Devotional practice and blogging are wonderfully complimentary. Both are about stopping to reflect on our busy lives. Devotional practice helps us to reflect internally, and blogging allows us to share those reflections. This book brings together the best of both worlds as this group, which I'm thrilled to be a part of, truly demonstrates the creative energy of a community gathered in His name.”
-- Helen Thompson (Gallycat), journalist with the Philadelphia City Paper.

The proceeds from this book will go for hurricane relief efforts along the American Gulf coast, especially Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Editors
Theresa Coleman blogs, writes and posts her photography at reverend mommy's random thoughts at http://reverendmommy.blogspot.com/. She is a student at Candler School of Theology, a local pastor in the United Methodist church and the Minister of Christian Education at Grayson United Methodist Church just outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

Mary Beth Butler's blog home is at Terrapin Station, http://www.marybethbutler.typepad.com. With academic background in English language and literature, she is an international education professional in Denton, Texas, an Episcopal laywoman, and a member of the Order of the Daughters of the King.