The Sanctuary For Lent 2015 - A Review

The Sanctuary For Lent

2015

by

Sue Mink

A Review

A nice devotional for use during Lent 2015 - the dated cover being the least useful aspect of this book.  The devotions are practical and interesting.  Most are rooted closely to the Biblical text, consisting of six parts:

1. The date
2. A scripture reference of 5 to 10 versus - to be read from one’s Bible
3. A highlighted key verse from the daily scripture passage
4. A devotional focused on one of the names or characteristics of Jesus (e.g. “Jesus is the light of the world.” or “Jesus is the conqueror of the world.”
5. A brief prayer that summarizes the devotional - the prayer provides a handy way to remember the subject and content of the day’s devotional.

The oblong size of this devotional book can serve as a handy bookmark during Lent and could continue to be used for the purpose even after the Lenten season has passed.  

Though I received a free electronic copy from the publisher in order to create this review, I placed a quick order so I can distribute copies to my congregation the weekend before the start of Lent.  I expect others may want to do the same.

______________

This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review and a second paper copy which I purchased for my and my church’s use.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Feasting on the Word Lenten Companion - A Review

Feasting on the Word
Lenten Companion

A Review

A well-designed book to move the liturgical pastor through the Lenten season.  The book includes complete service and extended commentaries for each Sunday of Lent.  Also provided are complete mid-week services - including prepared homilies.  

Like other books in the series, the extended commentaries approaches each text from  four perspectives:

1. A Theological Perspective
2. A Pastoral Perspective
3. An Exegetical Perspective
4. An Homiletical Perspective

These overviews provides the pastor a number of ideas and concepts from which to build his or her sermon.  

Along with the commentaries designed to help the pastor prepare a sermon, each entry includes a Children’s Sermon, designed for use with a younger audience, hymnal suggestions (using multiple sources), responsive and unison readings for each week’s service.    

These are all positive elements included in the book.  However, there are two concerns:

1. The book is designed for one time use.  I would like to think the publisher might consider publishing updated or new editions each year in preparation for Lent.
2. The Kindle version of the book was more difficult to use than than the PDF (with DRM) version designed for use with Adobe Digital Editions. The Kindle version seems to have lost some of the formatting and details that made the book useful to the pastor preparing for Sunday’s service.  To be honest, I came close to not reviewing this book after seeing the Kindle edition.  I changed my mind only after seeing the PDF presentation.  I expect a printed copy of the book would more closely duplicate the PDF version - and be extremely useful.

For the pastor looking for  a comprehensive Lenten program this would be a wonderful tool.  Another way this book would fit into the life of the church would be if a pastor were part of a pulpit exchange for the Lenten season.  Such was the case, early in my pastoral career.  Assigning each pastor in the rotation one of weeks (either for the midweek service or for the Sunday service), a unique theme could be maintained even with multiple speakers.  

______________

This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.