Spirit of Life Publishing: Books

Big Ideas for Small Congregations: a friendly guide for leaders
by Jane Dwinell and Ellen Germann-Melosh
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The small congregation (150 members or less) has unique gifts and challenges and is a very different religious community than a larger congregation. This book is a practical, how-to handbook for leaders of small congregations. It's written for Unitarian Universalists, but is useful for lay and paid leaders of any denomination. Jane and Ellen write in a friendly, down-to-earth style, offering useful advice on everything from money to ministers to mission. Each section includes resources for further exploration. Click here to read more and order.

Full-Spectrum Joyfulness
by Amanda Aikman; songs by Kathleen Tracy
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This simple yet profound handbook uses current happiness studies to offer easy, fun ways to raise your happiness level. The menu of games and practices is built around seven color-keyed themes (from “Receiving” to “Venturing”) to help you remember to incorporate a wide variety of joyfulness practices into your life. There are quiet, introverted practices as well as extroverted activities, a “covenant with myself” process to help you stay committed to the journey, and lots of encouragement to take risks and tailor the practices to your own needs and interests. This book also includes a “random color generator” for inviting chance into your daily joyfulness planning and a CD of seven delightful songs that reinforce the joy messages. Great for group exploration as well as individual play. Click here to read more and order.