Leading into the World [Hardcover]

The call to care for creation is a central part of our discipleship as followers of Jesus Christ. However, language and imagery of the earth is often absent in our worship services. This book helps reconnect our commitment to creation care with our life of discipleship. The process includes helping congregational members name ways that they are involved in caring for creationand encouraging them to see ways that these practices are related to Christian faith, and in doing so, nurturing the life of our communities while fostering our identity as those who care for the earth.
Central to the process of reconnecting holy discipleship with earth stewardship is the development and rediscovery of biblical imagery and language that will support our care of creation and shape our prayers. As our actions are more closely connected to the language of our prayers, praying and acting will inform and enrich each other. This book also includes custom liturgies that highlight earth care, prayerfully prepared for the major festivals of the church year.

Paul Galbreath is professor of worship and preaching at Union Presbyterian Seminary. As an ordained Presbyterian teaching elder, Galbreath has served congregations in Clatskanie, Woodburn, and Warrenton, Oregon as well as in Tacoma, Washington. He has also written Leading from the Table and Leading through the Water.

This book contributes to what may be the most urgent project of this century: reimagining
humanitys place within the earths ecology. Paul Galbreath explores the symbol-laden setting of Christian worship as a uniquely promising site for eco-theological orientation. . . .[T]he overall approach of the book would be welcome and instructive in most ecumenically engaged congregations. . . . This book could anchor a rich adult forum series, especially in congregations that would benefit from Galbreaths helpful encouragement to move beyond overly wordy or cerebral approaches to liturgy. . . .[Galbreath] offers alS,