*See list of Mennonite publishers at the end of book list

Theology, Spirituality

Brown, Dale W. Biblical Pacifism. Evangel Publishing House and Herald Press, 2003, $16.95 US.
This second edition of a book published in 1986 explores key biblical passages about peace and takes up the unsettling questions that the world today poses for peace-loving Christians. The author, an Anabaptist historian from the Church of the Brethren tradition, has been active in the American peace movement for more than 50 years.

Greiser, David B. and Michael A. King, eds. Anabaptist Preaching: A Conversation Between Pulpit, Pew and Bible. Cascadia Publishing House, 2003, 238pp., $34.95.
Fourteen scholars and preachers offer an overview of the Anabaptist preaching tradition within the challenge of current communication theories and hermeneutics. Writers include Rene Sauder, June Alliman Yoder, Ervin R. Stutzman and Dennis Hollinger.

Kraybill, Donald B. The Upside-Down Kingdom (25th anniversary edition). Herald Press, 2003, 312pp., $26.79. This is a revised and updated version of a popular book on the kingdom of God as portrayed in the New Testament. Since its release in 1978, the book has sold over 60,000 copies and been translated into six languages. The author, a sociologist and pastor from Pennsylvania, has written about 15 books on Anabaptist faith and life.

Liechty, Daniel. Reflecting on Faith in a Post-Christian Time. Cascadia Publishing House, 2003, 200pp.
This is a new edition of Theology in Postliberal Perspective (1990), with added chapters and extensive responses. The author, who teaches social work, draws on the anthropological work of Ernest Becker to examine the Anabaptist-Mennonite faith. Duane Friesen, Mennonite ethicist, wrote the foreword.

Shenk, David W. Journeys of the Muslim Nation and the Christian Church: Exploring the Mission of Two Communities. Herald Press, 2003, 232pp., $23.49. This resource examines the differences and similarities of Islam and Christianity at their deepest levels. The author draws on years of dialogue with Muslims. Appropriate for university, the book also has study questions for church groups. The writer works for Eastern Mennonite Missions in Pennsylvania.

Sider, Ronald J. Doing Evangelism Jesus’ Way. Evangel Publishing House, 2003, 112pp.
In this book, a well-known author shows how all Christians have opportunities to share their faith in everyday encounters with others. The book emphasizes the vital relationship between evangelism and community service. Ron Sider is the author of Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger.

Swartley, Willard M. Homosexuality: Biblical Interpretation and Moral Discernment. Herald Press, 2003, 248pp., $23.49. A well-known New Testament scholar takes a fresh look at what the scriptures teach about same-sex relationships. Drawing from contemporary scholarship and cultural analysis, he tries to present various sides of the issue and concludes with a model for congregational discernment. The author teaches at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary.


History and Biography

Africa. Global Mennonite History series, Book 1, Pandora Press and Herald Press, 2003.
This first volume in the history of Anabaptist churches worldwide, was written by Africans from six countries: Alemu Checole, Barbara Nkala, Bekithemba Dube, Doris Dube, Michael Kodzo Badasu, Erik Kumedisa, I.U. Nsasak., Siaka Traore, Pakisa Tshimika and Samuel Asefa. Editors of the series are John Lapp and Arnold Snyder. Compiled at Pandora Press in Ontario, the book was printed in Zimbabwe and released during Mennonite World Conference assembly.

Chornoboy, Eleanor Hildebrand. Faspa: A Snack of Mennonite Stories. Self -published, 2003, 215pp., $24.95. This book is a compilation of stories and anecdotes about two second- and third-generation Manitoba Mennonite families who arrived in Canada from Ukraine in 1874. The stories range from toilet training with straw, and bootlegging during prohibition, to butchering, bees and unorthodox car repairs.

Driedger, Jacob N. There Was a Boy. Essex-Kent Mennonite Historical Association, 2003, 100pp., $20.00.
This is a collection of short stories, with poems and photos, of life in Essex County, Ontario, in the 1930s—the early years of Mennonite settlement there. The author, a retired English teacher, observes events with the curiosity and humour of a young observer. The book is available from the historical association, phone (519) 326-0456 or e-mail: ekmha@mnsi.net.

Friesen, Edith Elisabeth. Journey into Freedom: One Family’s Real-Life Drama. Raduga Publications, 2003, 242pp., $34.95. The story of a Mennonite family caught up in the sweep of events during the 1930s and 1940s, from Stalinist Russia to Poland and Germany to Canada. Journey combines history with family experiences of loss, faith and survival. The author, a Winnipeg communications specialist, has based the book on her family’s stories.

Kraybill, Donald B. The Amish: Why They Enchant Us. Herald Press, 2003, 48pp., $12.49.
This Mennonite sociologist explores why the Amish are one of North America’s most fascinating religious communities. How does a traditional group that shuns secondary school, computers and cars survive in a high-tech society? This overview describes the diversity among Amish, their common practices and changes occurring in their communities.

Loewen, Harry, ed. Shepherds, Servants and Prophets: Leadership Among the Russian Mennonites (ca. 1880-1960). Pandora Press, 2003, 445pp., $42.50. This volume presents 24 short biographies of men who guided Mennonite life and faith in Russia and North America. During the period represented, Russian Mennonites experienced the greatest upheaval in their history: World War 1 and the communist revolution, the Stalinist terror, emigration, World War II and resettlement. The profiles are by a variety of writers.

Marr, Lucille. The Transforming Power of a Century: Mennonite Central Committee and its Evolution in Ontario. Pandora Press, 2003, 390pp., $38.00. Through the use of interviews and archival sources, this history of MCC Ontario preserves the stories of those who founded the Ontario organization, including the significant role played by women. The author is pastor of the Mennonite Fellowship of Montreal and lectures in Religious Studies at McGill University.

Mock, Melanie Springer. Writing Peace: The Unheard Voices of Great War Mennonite Objectors. Cascadia Publishing House and Herald Press, 2003, 348pp., $35.95. Here are published, for the first time, the diaries of several Mennonite conscientious objectors from World War 1. The book uses historical, biographical and literary approaches to understand these diaries and their role in the story of the Mennonites and wartime in America. Foreword by historian James C. Juhnke.

Riall, Robert A., trans., and Galen A. Peters, ed. The Earliest Hymns of the Ausbund. Pandora Press and Herald Press, 468pp., $39.50. The Swiss Brethren hymnal, the Ausbund, is the oldest hymnal in continuous use. (The Old Order Amish in North America still use it.) The earliest hymns, translated here, refer to 53 songs composed and sung in a dungeon in Passau, Germany, from 1535-37, which became the core of the first Ausbund. This book includes analysis and commentary on the hymns.

Schiedel, Mary A. Pioneers in Ministry: Women Pastors in Ontario Mennonite Churches, 1973-2003. Pandora Press and Herald Press, 2003, 206pp., $22.50. Surprise and opportunity are themes in the stories of these Ontario women who responded to God’s call to pastoral ministry. Without role models, they enriched the church and blazed a trail for their younger sisters.

Wiebe, Katie Funk. Border Crossing: A Spiritual Journey. Cascadia Publishing House and Herald Press, 2003, 212pp., $22.95. A revised edition of a classic resource on aging. The Saskatchewan-born author, now living in retirement in Kansas, combines lively autobiography with commentary and added material, including the recent experience of her daughter’s death.

Yoder, Cynthia. Crazy Quilt: Pieces of a Mennonite Life. Cascadia Publishing House, 2003, 188pp., $22.95.
The author’s depression in graduate school takes her to her Pennsylvania grandparents where she finds keys to recovery and hope for her broken marriage. The book includes stories, diary entries, old photographs and recipes. The author holds a master’s degree in fiction writing. Foreword by John L. Ruth.


Literature and Art

Bender, Carrie. Beyond Mist Blue Mountains. Herald Press, 2003, 158pp., $14.29.
Book three in the Dora’s Diary series. In this story, Dora and her husband go to Belize to work in an orphanage. Carrie Bender is the pen name of an Old Order Amish woman from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She is the author of the Whispering Brook series, Miriam’s Journal and Miriam’s Cookbook series.

Dick, Janice. Eye of the Storm. Herald Press, 2003, 398pp., $23.49.
This novel, a sequel to Calm Before the Storm, tells of the further adventures of Katarina Hildebrandt and Johann Sudermann, who strive to retain faith in God as their world is torn apart by war. The author lives on a grain farm in Saskatchewan. She writes out of the experience of her parents who were born in Russia.

Dirks, Ray, compiler. In God’s Image, Herald Press, 2003, 148pp., hardcover $34.99, soft $29.99.
Art, photographs and stories from the Mennonite family in 17 countries, from the exhibit at the Mennonite World Conference assembly in Zimbabwe this summer. Published in cooperation with MWC and the Mennonite Heritage Art Gallery in Winnipeg, the book was printed by Friesen Printers of Altona, Manitoba. Dirks is curator of the gallery and contributed photographs. Order by phone: (204) 888-6781 or e-mail: cwiebe@mennonitechurch.ca.

Gundy, Jeff. Scattering Point: The World in a Mennonite Eye. State University of New York Press, 2003.
This book of essays draws on the author’s experience of growing up in a Mennonite farming community in Illinois. It is part memoir and family history along with creative musing. The book ranges widely, traversing the Illinois prairie to caves in Europe. The author is a poet and teaches English at Bluffton College in Ohio.

Hostetler, Ann E, ed. A Cappella: Mennonite Voices in Poetry. University of Iowa Press, 2003.
This anthology of 24 Mennonite poets is compiled by a Goshen College English professor and poet. Canadians in the collection include David Waltner-Toews, Barbara Nickel and others. The editor created this collection so that Mennonites and others can enjoy “this wonderful new literary productivity” in one volume. The book is available from the publisher. Phone 800-621-2736.

Klassen, Jack. The Chiropractor. Self-published, 2003, 200pp., $16.99.
This novel from an Altona, Manitoba, writer is available in both English and Low German versions. The book is based on the writer’s great-aunt, Gertrude Klassen, a single woman who was a chiropractor and took in 46 foster children in her lifetime. The book can be ordered from the author. Phone (204) 324-5993 or e-mail: jcklasse@mts.net.

Miller, Evie Yoder. Eyes at the Window. Good Books, 2003, 512pp., $22.95 US.
This historical novel is a saga of Amish settlers in Pennsylvania and Ohio in the 19th century. The author uses eight points of view to show the rise and fall of patriarchs, the devotion of women, and the difficulties of life in the wilderness. The author, who grew up in Iowa, teaches writing at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Rainbow, Jonathan. Speak to Her Kindly: A Novel of the Anabaptists. Pleasant Word, 2003, 422pp.
This novel, set in Germany in 1534, traces the life of an Anabaptist couple during the revolution in the city of Münster. The author, who is a specialist in Reformation history, teaches history and English in California.


Children’s books

Bender, Esther. Elisabeth and the Windmill. Lemon Tree Series. Herald Press, 2003, 144pp., $10.99.
Elisabeth is haunted by a secret: although she is 16, she cannot read. This tale blends fiction and history as a way to show children what many settlers endured in the pioneer days of North America. The writer, a former teacher, is a member of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Rock, Lois, with Ayliffe, Alex, illus. My Very First Bible. Good Books, 2003, 256pp., $18.99 US.
A colourful Bible story book for toddlers. The old stories—such as “Grandfather Abraham,” “Jesus and his Friends,” and “The Hole in the Roof”— are told simply and faithfully. The author is known for her books on prayer and Bible stories.

Rock, Lois, with Ayliffe, Alex, illus. My Very First Prayers. Good Books, 2003, 158pp., $14.99 US.
This book covers a child’s world with 120 prayers. It is divided into sections that reflect a child’s experience: “Morning,” “Things I Do,” “Great Big World.” Its papercut pictures capture the everyday world of children. Alex Ayliffe is an award-winning illustrator of picture books for young children.

Weber, Levi B. Possom Hollow, Book 4. Herald Press, 2003, 200pp., $15.79. The continuing saga about the author’s childhood and youth in Virginia and Pennsylvania. This is the last book in this series. The author is a retired building contractor who has published many stories on his early life.

Wiebe, Rudy, with Michael Lonechild, illus. Hidden Buffalo. Red Deer Press, 2003, $19.95.
A Mennonite author teams up with First Nations painter Michael Lonechild of Saskatchewan to retell an old Cree tale about the buffalo. The story, for young children, emphasizes First Nations’ understanding of the relationship between the spiritual and physical realms.

What You Will See Inside... is a series of illustrated books for children ages 6-10 on the houses of worship and rituals of various faiths. What You Will See Inside a Mosque is the newest in the series. The first one focused on the Catholic church. Coming next spring is the Jewish synagogue. The books are published in Canada by Novalis, a Catholic publisher, phone 1-800-387-7164.


Other books

Brubacher, Shirley Yoder, ed. Reinventing Aging. Herald Press, 2003, 208 pp., $17.29.
This book is intended to revolutionize the way we respond to aging in our families and churches. The writers—all professionals—share stories and advice. Issues range from bodily changes to financial decisions to preparing for death. A study guide appendix and companion video make this ideal for group study.

Byler, Anne Meyer. How to Teach Peace to Children. Herald Press, 2003, 96pp., $14.29.
This book shows parents how to teach peace through family relationships, teaching care for others, and guiding children in the way of nonviolence. Based on the popular book by J. Lorne Peachey, this new edition offers suggestions to help families pattern their lives after Jesus. The author, from Goshen, Indiana, has been involved in peace and justice as an activist and writer.

Eby, Omar. Markings/My Own: Musings on the Gospel of Mark. Cascadia Publishing, 2003, 236pp., $22.95.
Markings is a spiritual memoir of eclectic devotional meditations on 70 episodes in Mark’s gospel. The writer taught writing and literature for 27 years at Eastern Mennonite University, and spent six years teaching in Africa.

Eidse, Faith and Nina Sichel, eds. Uprooted Childhoods: Memoirs of Growing Up Global. Intercultural Press, 2003. This book includes 20 memoirs from the children of missionaries, business people, diplomatic attaches, military personnel and educators. Included are stories of well-known writers such as Isabel Allende, Pat Conroy and Carlos Fuentes. Editor Faith Eidse grew up as a Mennonite missionary child in Congo, Manitoba and the United States.

Klassen, Joanne. Tools of Transformation. Art Book Bindery, 2003, 230pp., $18.95. This book provides tools for transformation through the process of writing, whether one’s interest is self-help, a business, or enhancing one’s creativity. The author, from Winnipeg, operates a writing school called Heartspace. She has brought principles of personal and organizational transformation to thousands of groups across North America. The book is self-published.

Noll, Douglas. Peacemaking: Practicing at the Intersection of Law and Human Conflict. Cascadia Publishing House, 2003, 480pp., $51.95. In this ambitious project, the author weaves many strands of academic thinking about human conflict into a view of why people fight—and how they can make peace, in the courtroom and beyond. Joining ancient philosophical views with modern neurosciences, the book reflects on human nature and the conflicts people face in a multidisciplinary approach.

Powell, Elinor. The Heart of Conflict: A Spirituality of Transformation. Northstone Publishing, 2003, 256 pp., $34.00.Challenging the belief that conflict is negative, this book contends that our spirituality is found in the midst of turmoil, most especially when we confront difficult issues and our wounded relationships. The author, a retired physician from British Columbia, is a leader in the field of peace studies and conflict management.

Roche, Douglas. The Human Right to Peace. Novalis, 2003, $24.95. The book argues that peace is a fundamental human right. We must build a peaceful world—that children must be taught to make peace a reality—if we are to survive. Douglas Roche has spent his career working for peace and security, both in the Canadian government, where he served in development and disarmament, and at the United Nations.

Schipani, Daniel. The Way of Wisdom in Pastoral Counseling. Institute of Mennonite Studies, 2003, 120pp., $12.00 US. Daniel Schipani’s thesis is that pastoral counselling must be reframed—practised and taught in a different framework. He proposes wisdom as a powerful biblical alternative and illustrates how counsellors can centre their work around the good news of Jesus. The author teaches pastoral care and counselling at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary.

Shenk, Sara Wenger. Anabaptist Ways of Knowing: A Conversation About Tradition-Based Education. Cascadia Publishing House, 2003, 212pp., $34.95.Tapping the wisdom of Plato, the early Anabaptists and contemporary thinkers, this work of practical theology shows how daily habits shape our personal and communal character. The author’s approach to education draws its strength from the particular and the practical. She teaches Christian education at Eastern Mennonite Seminary.

Taylor, Pamela Howe. The Germans We Trusted. The Lutterworth Press, 2003, $46.00.
This is the author’s second book on German prisoners of war in England during World War II and how they fostered reconciliation. It contains 36 stories of friendships between Germans and Britons (and a few North Americans), with 180 photographs. Her first book, Enemies Became Friends, was published in 1997 and has been featured on German and British television. The new book can be ordered from the author for $46.00, e-mail: pamela9939@aol.com.


Publishing notes

The Mennonitische Rundschau, the German periodical of Canadian Mennonite Brethren, is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. It began as the Nebraska Ansiedler in 1878 by John F. Funk and moved to Winnipeg in 1923. It became a Mennonite Brethren magazine in 1945. Current editors are Brigitte Penner and Marianne Dulder.

Herald Press has released a perfect bound edition of the popular cookbook, Extending the Table: A World Community Cookbook, by Joetta Handrich Schlabach. The cookbook, which first came out in 1991, features recipes and stories of people from 80 countries. The cookbook sells for $21.99.

Copies of Ever Into New Horizons with a Faithful Guide by Sara Lehn Harder are available at the CMU Bookstore, phone (204) 487-3300. The autobiography, published in 2000, follows the writer’s life from childhood in Ukraine to British Columbia.

Voices Across Boundaries is a new Canadian multi-faith magazine that treats public events from a perspective of faith, and matters of faith in an accessible way. The first issue, Summer 2003, includes an article by Ernie Regehr of Project Ploughshares entitled, “Culpable nonviolence: The moral ambiguity of pacifism.” Other writers are Mary Malone, Gregory Baum and Joy Kogawa. Voices publishes essays, reviews, art, fiction, poetry, photography and creative non-fiction. It will appear bimonthly. Its inaugural issue was summer 2003. The magazine is a publication of Across Boundaries Multifaith Institute. Editor is Robert Chodos, e-mail: voices@acrossboundaries.net.

Jason Has Been Shot: The True Story of Family, Faith and the Power of Forgiveness by Dale Lang and Mark Lang tells the story of the high school shooting in Taber, Alberta, in 1999. Dale, an Anglican pastor, announced on television his forgiveness of the boy who killed his son. Here he tells the story together with his son Mark. The book, published by Castle Quay Books Canada, can be ordered from Augsburg Fortress Publishers, phone 1-800-265-6397.

An Annotated Anthology of Hymns by J. R. Watson (Oxford University Press) is now available in paperback. The 470-page book includes 250 of the best-known hymns, arranged historically. It sells for $51.00.


Resources

Making Disciples by April Yamasaki is a guide for preparing people for baptism, Christian living and church membership. Published by Faith & Life Resources, the guide includes ideas, hand-outs, lesson plans and other resources for church leaders. The author is pastor of Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Abbotsford, B.C. Order from Faith & Life Resources, phone: 1-800-743-2484.

God’s Story, Our Story. Exploring Christian Faith and Life by Michele Hershberger is an introduction to the Christian faith from Faith & Life Resources. The book can be used in preparation for baptism, or by people who simply want to mull over questions of faith. The writer teaches youth ministry and Bible at Hesston College in Kansas.

“Heading for the Promised Land” is Pathway B in the Second Mile program for congregations. Second Mile is a “peace journey” with four different “pathways.” Pathway B includes resources on conflict transformation, spirituality of peace and walking with First Peoples. It comes with student pamphlets and a leader’s guide. The Second Mile program is available from Faith & Life Resources, phone 1-800-743-2484. Cost is $10.99 per copy. It can also be viewed online at www.gosecondmile.org.

The first issue of Leader magazine from Faith & Life Resources came out this fall. The quarterly magazine is to help Mennonite leaders equip congregations for their missional tasks. Senior editor is Richard A. Kauffman; managing editor is Byron Rempel-Burkholder of Winnipeg. The first issue includes a feature on Ontario pastor Jim Loepp Thiessen, columns by Elsie Rempel and Jeff Steckley, and Advent resources for congregations. An annual subscription is $46.75. Single copies are $11.85. To order, phone 800-245-7894.

Sex and Faith: Celebrating God’s Gifts by David Boshart is the third booklet in a series for men called “Closer than a brother” published by Faith & Life Resources. This booklet gives guidelines for five sessions on the glories and risks of sex, the meaning of manhood, keys to sexual fulfillment, temptation and accountability, and sexuality through life stages. Other titles in the series: What Really Matters: Conversation Starters for Men and The Meaning of Tough: Using Power and Wealth.

Mennonite Central Committee Canada has launched “7 Days—An Earth Care Trek for Christians,” a nine-month web-based experience to help Christians explore the connections between their faith and caring for the earth. About one month will be devoted to each of the seven days of creation. Register on the website (www.mcc.org/7days) to receive weekly updates from coordinator Joanne Moyer and to join those on the trek.

Extreme Virtues: Living on the Prophetic Edge by David Fillingim is a seven-session Bible study on the Old Testament prophets, especially Isaiah. Published by Herald Press, the 112-page study calls the reader to radical living and virtues of sacrifice, responsibility, steadfast love, justice, hope, courage and peace. The author, who teaches in Georgia, is a former pastor. The book sells for $23.49.

Mennonite Central Committee offers an AIDS tool kit to help congregations understand AIDS from a Christian perspective. Join Hands Stop AIDS includes a four-session curriculum with case studies, games about myths versus facts, and discussion materials. The kit also includes a DVD, posters, T-shirt order forms and materials for worship on World AIDS Day on December 1. Although created for a high school audience, the kit can be used by adult groups. There are suggestions on how to assemble a care kit for AIDS workers overseas. To order, phone 1-888-622-6337 or e-mail: aje@mcc.org.

Creative Worship 2, compiled by Ian Price for Wood Lake Books, is an ecumenical collection of services for special days. A service of “Healing for congregations in conflict” was prepared by Muriel Bechtel, minister of pastoral services for Mennonite Church Eastern Canada. Others include a ritual for affirming pregnancy, an Earth Day service, a litany for graduates, and services for seasons of the church year. The first collection of Creative Worship focused on services from Advent to Pentecost. The $29.95 resource can be ordered from Wood Lake Books, phone 800-663-2775.

Conversations at the Well is a video and study guide from the Church Council on Justice and Corrections. This video features two young people asking tough questions on what they believe about crime and justice, and God’s perspective on it. For more information, contact Rick Prashaw, phone (613) 563-1688, ext. 13.

Mennonite publishers

Herald Press
Scottdale, Pa. USA
Phone: 1-800-256-7894
hp@mph.org

Faith & Life Resources
Phone: 1-800-743-2484

Pandora Press
Kitchener, Ont.
Phone: (519) 578-2381
panpress@golden.net

CMBC Publications
Winnipeg, Man.
Phone: (204) 487-3300
mfranz@cmu.ca

Kindred Productions
Winnipeg, Man.
Phone: 1-800-545-7322
kindred@mbconf.ca

Good Books
Intercourse, Pa. USA
Phone: 1-800-762-7171
custserv@goodbks.com

Cascadia Publishing House
Telford, Pa. USA
Phone: (215) 723-9125
contact@
cascadiapublishinghouse.com