Bringing American Baptists together: Judson Press announces 2021-2022 ‘ABC Reads’ selection
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 12/1/20)—Judson Press, the publishing ministry of American Baptist Home Mission Societies, has named “River of Life, Feast of Grace: Baptism, Communion, and Discipleship” by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer W. Davidson as the “ABC Reads” book for 2021-2022.
Every other year since 2006, in conjunction with the Biennial Mission Summit, ABC Reads highlights a Judson Press book that is appropriate for reading and discussion in small group settings as well as for individual study. The recommended book provides an opportunity for learning, sharing and growing in knowledge and faith in Sunday school classes and Bible studies as well as with interested church and community groups.
In the Baptist tradition, baptism marks the unique launch into a life of discipleship, drenched in
God’s love. Communion is the repeated experience of God’s invitation into life-sustaining relationship, overflowing with grace. As such, baptism and communion are profoundly interconnected in the life of the Christian disciple. Says Davidson: “Theology happens in those moments.”
“River of Life, Feast of Grace” provides students, pastors and congregations with the analytical skills needed to create robust services of their own—services that will help to shape our understandings of who God is, how God cares about the world, and how Christ-followers can perceive God’s invitation to a life of grace through participation in meaningful services of baptism and communion.
A free, supplemental resource, “River of Life, Feast of Grace Reflection & Study Guide for Individuals & Small Groups,” is available at judsonpress.com.
Author Jennifer Davidson, Ph.D., serves as an associate professor of Theology & Worship at Berkeley School of Theology, formerly American Baptist Seminary of the West. She is also a retreat leader who offers a deep and abiding interest in lived spirituality, seeking to cultivate attentiveness to God’s presence in everyday life. Her website (https://jenniferwdavidson.com/) features resources, tools and the newsletter “Contemplative Theology.”
The book’s retail price is $17.99. Save 15 percent on orders of at least 10 copies. Order at judsonpress.com or by phoning Judson Press customer service at 800.458.3766. Mention promo code “ABCREADS” when phoning, or enter it in the discount box during online checkout.
Founded in 1824, Judson Press is a publishing ministry of American Baptist Home Mission Societies, American Baptist Churches USA. It is committed to producing Christ-centered leadership resources for the transformation of individuals, congregations, communities and cultures.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.
