Roy Howard, Author at The Presbyterian Outlook

Baptism books for children

March 21, 2019 by Roy Howard Leave a Comment

Today Is a Baptism Day Anna V. Ostenso Moore and Peter Krueger Church Publishing, 48 pages The Baptism of Your Child: A Book for Presbyterian Families Carol A. Wehrheim WJK Press, 56 pages Baptism Promises Carol A. Wehrheim and Roz Fulcher Flyaway Books, 18 pages These books will go a long way toward helping families understand the theology of baptism — and they include age-appropriate resources to share with baptized children. In many of our congregations we declare: “Remember your baptism and rejoice!” But how do congregations help us remember? What is it that we are remembering? And why is it so important to remember our baptism? In “Today Is a Baptism Day,” the author and illustrator address all of these questions in precise language drawn from the service of baptism. It is beautifully illustrated by Peter Krueger to display the diversity of God’s people. What is especially remarkable about Anna Ostenso Moore’s book is the theology undergirding Christian … [Read more...]

Tagged With: baptism

Almost Everything: Notes on Hope

March 6, 2019 by Roy Howard Leave a Comment

Anne Lamott Riverhead Books, 208 pages Who doesn’t love Anne Lamott? I know there must be some, but that’s a group I would not want to be around for long. Seriously, reading Lamott is like eating comfort food when you’ve heard some dismal news, only much healthier. There is nothing quite like meatloaf with a side of mac and cheese when you are down. Likewise, when you need to hear some good news, pull Lamott off the shelf. She is so reliable that even the New York Times called her the “guru of optimism.” While that’s a fair description, it’s a bit misleading because there is more to Lamott than funny stories with a happy ending. In “Almost Everything,” she delivers plenty of the humor, yet the beauty of her humor is that she never flinches in the face of horrible human tragedy. In a chapter on death, she reveals that her mother, aunt and maternal grandmother died from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Terrified at first of death, Lamott describes how hospice taught her to … [Read more...]

Catch Your Breath: God’s Invitation to Sabbath Rest

February 25, 2019 by Roy Howard Leave a Comment

Don Postema Faith Alive, 93 pages Does a book like this ever go out of favor? I hope not (in the same way that I hope quiet classics are not forgotten). Years ago, Don Postema published a classic, “Space for God.” This book, “Catch Your Breath,” is equally a classic and draws upon the themes of “Space for God.” There is a need, indeed a necessity, for humans to rest - catch our breath - in order to know God and experience peace. That sounds so easy, and perhaps trite. The truth is that this counsel remains a necessity for our time in the same way that it has for generations upon generations. Postema devotes six chapters to Sabbath practices: mindfulness, rest, refreshment, receptivity, release and refocusing. His introduction and conclusion draw from his own experience. It will not shock anyone to say we are a people in need to deep rest. We are a people who must find creative ways to honor the Sabbath rest that God intends. Nothing about this is new. What Postema does is provide … [Read more...]

Paul Writes (a Letter)

February 11, 2019 by Roy Howard Leave a Comment

Chris Raschka Eerdmans, 40 pages The author is a two-time Caldecott Medal winner who has now turned this talent to the letters of the Apostle Paul. This book is in the Eerdmans Books for Young Readers series and it is a whimsical and accurate way to capture Paul’s insight for developing disciples. Honestly, this book is so well done that I think many parents will enjoy it as much as children. I certainly do. What makes the book so delightful is the interpretive skill of the author to find the gold in each of Paul’s letters and bring it to light. Rather than give readers a full letter, Raschka lifts up the bright lights of each in a way that children and adults follow Paul’s advice. Of course, what makes books for young readers great is the calligraphy and art. This is absolutely true for this one. I can imagine parents having a conversation with their children about each of the letters summarized in this book. That is something that is likely never to happen if one were to read … [Read more...]

Mornings with Bonhoeffer

January 21, 2019 by Roy Howard Leave a Comment

Donald K. McKim Abingdon Press, 240 pages “No priest, no theologian stood at the cradle of Bethlehem. And yet, all Christian theology finds its beginnings in the miracle of miracles, that God became human.” So said Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who remains a valuable teacher for our time. What makes this devotional different and most helpful is the commentary of Donald McKim. A generous sampling of Bonhoeffer’s writings are enhanced by Scripture and his thoughtful commentary in this format: Scripture, Bonhoeffer quote and commentary by McKim. It all sounds so similar — just another devotional. Alas! Yet, dear Christian reader, imagine what might happen if you invited your pastor, your elders and deacons – not to mention the full congregation – to spend 15 minutes with you for 100 days reflecting upon Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Seriously. What can go wrong? Each year I give a Christmas gift to my elders and deacons to encourage their spiritual practice. This year I gave this book. These are … [Read more...]

Simon and the Big, Bad, Angry Beasts: A Book About Anger

December 26, 2018 by Roy Howard Leave a Comment

Ian De Haes Flyaway Books, 40 pages Anger is spewing out everywhere these days. Actually, rage – which is a notch higher – is surging throughout the world. Rage is destroying lives and local communities, especially when guns are involved. As someone said after the recent killing in Annapolis, Maryland: “It used to be when you were upset with a news opinion, you write a letter to the editor. Now you shoot the journalist.” This children’s book explores the roots of anger and the consequences for young Simon. As with all anger, Simon revels in the fury of it (wild animals appear!) until he realizes that all his relationships have been terribly damaged. Simon’s struggle with anger is beautifully illustrated, while the author is careful to name the causes of his rage. Any parent will recognize what is happening in Simon’s life. What’s often great about a children’s book is the window it provides into adult experience. (Full disclosure: My daughters are older now, and I miss children’s … [Read more...]

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