Expressions of Grace -

"Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

- The doubting Thomas Bible reading and discussion society
  Shelby Larsen is a retired pastor, mother, wife, and grandmother. Her blog contains categories for "random thoughts and opinions", "travel thoughts", and "ministry for multitaskers". The schedule for the doubting Thomas Bible reading and discussion society is included.
  
  Mr. Locke's Classroom
  Neal Locke is a student at Princeton Theological Seminary and a former teacher. His blog postings are thoughtful, and he also includes music.
  
  Rachel Held Evans Blog
  Rachel Held Evans is a Christian writer, speaker, and blogger. The postings are thoughtful and the topics are far-ranging, including interviews with people of different faiths and backgrounds.
- Buy Nothing Christmas
- This site will help you think about how to celebrate the real reason for Chistmas - and it's not by shopping! There's a study kit for youth, a Christmas study guide, a recommended book list, and ideas for spending less money. Anyone can contribute their ideas as well. This initiative was started by Canadian Mennonites.
- Christian Churches Together in the USA
- All Christian churches in the United States - Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox - are invited to be a part of this forum where churches can relate to each other. The website contains news and press releases, a list of participating churches and organizations, and a downloadable 'Statement on Poverty'.
- Christian History Institute
- If you want information about important people in Christian history, this is the site for you. You can find out what happened in each century of church history, subscribe to "Glimpses" bulletin inserts, access factoids and quizzes, and purchase books and study guides.
- Covenant Network of Presbyterians
- The Covenant Network is made up of clergy and laity who are seeking to support the mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and to work for an inclusive church. You can sign up for their newsletter, read about news and events, and learn about the history of the network. Search for sermons and papers of interest, view the trailer for the documentary "Turning Points", or check out the links to related sites.
- The Crystal Cathedral
- Find out when the "Hour of Power" TV show is shown in your area, watch video sermons and special music, or request prayer. There is a daily devotion each day, which you can email to a friend. There is also an online gift store, and a Learning Network where you can watch videos of Bible lessons and download learning notes.
- Ecclesiastical Calendar Calculator
- The dates for Easter are listed for the years 1875 - 2124 in the Western and Orthodox calendars. An explanation of how the date for Easter is calculated is also included, as are explanations of other ecclesiastical celebrations, and a number of useful links.
- Emergent Village
- Read about the emerging church; find out about books, conferences, and blogs; or make a donation. You can locate a cohort (a group) near you, or download a podcast with music or a sermon.
- Epic Stories of the Bible
- This site is all about the Ten Commandments. You can download songs and materials, and take the Ten Commandments Challenge. Free resources to help people learn the Ten Commandments are available.
- Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability
- There is so much great information on this site related to finances and fundraising for churches and parachurch organizations. Read the standards and best practices, and find out how to become a member. Their motto is 'Applying a higher standard. Serving a higher purpose.'
- Faithwebsites
- This site is "a content management system that allows Christian ministries to develop and maintain a fully dynamic Web site with absolute ease". Whether you have a church website, or a Christian school or business site, they can help.
- Fuller iTunes
- If you have an iPod and want to listen to music, sermons, and speeches from Fuller Theological Seminary, this site has the podcasts to download. They are all free, too!
- Good Search
- Use this website for all your web searches (it's powered by Yahoo) and each search will provide a donation to a charity of your choice at no cost to you! Just select the charity you would like the donation to go to - it can be your church, or a Habitat for Humanity chapter, a school, or any non-profit group.
- Instant Church Directory Online
- With this company, you can produce your own church directory and bypass using an outside company. You import your own digital photos. Demos are available on the site, and the price is reasonable.
- The Joyful Noiseletter
- Subscribe to the print or electronic version of this newsletter and receive Christian articles, jokes, and cartoons. These materials can be used in your church newsletter and/or bulletin. You can also order CD-ROMs with reproducible clip art, and find out about 'Holy Humor Sunday'!
- Living Stones Associates
- This is the website of a church consultant organization. You can utilize their articles and book reviews, order recommended books from their bookstore, or read a sample consultation report. The information about Natural Church Development, "a way of understanding church health and growth that views the church as a living organism," is especially interesting.
- Monte Vista Grove Homes
- This retirement community is located in Pasadena, California. It is associated with the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Find out about the various living options they offer, and community events.
- My Body His Temple
- Both physical health and spiritual health are featured on this website. You can subscribe to a free e-zine and read articles. There is an 'Ask the Nutritionist' column with many answers about nutritional questions. Read about the "Daniel Diet" or download an e-book.
- National Association of Presbyterian Scouters
- The Boy Scouts of America recognizes this denominational association, which encourages each Presbyterian Church to have a scouting experience available for the youth of the congregation. On this site you can find a worship service for campouts, suggestions for Scout worship services, and free copies of "The Presbyterian Scouter" newsletter. There are also hints for effective press releases, and an application for membership.
- National Council of Churches USA
- The NCC is the leading force among Christians in the USA for ecumenical cooperation. Read about humanitarian and public policy initiatives, program commissions, and Bible translations.
- New Covenant Funds
- If you are interested in socially responsible investing, you may be interested in this mutual fund family. Investments are based on the social witness principles of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The website explains the policies behind the investments, and the funds that are available. Annual reports, a prospectus, fact sheets, and a newsletter are available on the site.
- Presbymergent
- An online community of those in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) who are also interested in the Emerging Church. Articles, teaching resources, and book recommendations are available on the site.
- Presbyterian Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
- This site is a great resource to locate services for the aging in your community. The mission of the Association is to 'provide and encourage networking and educational opportunities among its members, and to interpret the ministry of its members to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and others.'
- Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America
- This is a group of retirement living communities in Kansas and Missouri. You can find out about their history, their mission in the community, and the services that they offer.
- Raise a Barn
- This site provides a way for church members to locate other church members who have the skills you need. Find a plumber, a dentist, a babysitter, or a web designer. Enrollment is by church, and when your church is enrolled, you can enroll free as a member. Their slogan is 'Connecting Through Faith.'
- Religion Online
- This site contains full-text articles and chapters by religious scholars in categories such as Theologians, Culture, Local Church, and Ethics. There are also several entire books available online, such as An Introduction to the New Testament by Richard Heard. There is also a list of recommended sites for additional resources.
- SundayGraphx
- Free downloadable graphics for church bulletins! This is a great site, with original graphics offered for free for your congregation. Accompanying texts are available in English and Spanish. Since these resources are offered for free as a ministry, you can also donate on the website to assist in the costs.
- s/v Quest Adventure Log
- Scott and Jean Adam were Christians, adventurers, and global evangelists. In their sailing vessel Quest, they traveled the world. Early in 2011 they and two of their friends were killed by Somali pirates. This Adventure Log was maintained by Jean Adam, and has so many pictures and tales of their travels, you will be blessed by visiting the site.
- World Council of Churches
- Read the history of the WCC, latest news, and news highlights! Resources include online periodicals and newsletters. There is also a page with an extensive listing of ecumenical links.