Category Archives: Spiritual Practices

Easter Prayers and Scripture Reading Plan Inspired by The Third Day by Tom Berlin

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I was thrilled when Bishop Tom Berlin gave me permission to create a prayer resource to accompany his new book, The Third Day. I originally created the prayer resource for the season of Lent, since that was how the book was intended to be used. I heard from some of my pastor friends that they were using the book for the season of Easter, so I modified the resource for the season of Easter.

Both resources include a prayer and Scripture reading plan for each chapter of the book, a Scripture journaling plan, and weekly reflection questions based on the Examen.

EASTER RESOURCE: Click Here for the Prayer Resource I created for The Third Day for the Season of Easter. It is an eight-week resource, starting Easter Sunday and concluding the week after Pentecost.

If you’re using The Third Day for a sermon series, as a small group study, or for personal devotion, you’re welcome to download this prayer resource for free. You can use and distribute it digitally or print it for yourself, your small group, or your congregation. You may not claim the work as your own or sell it for profit.

If you need this resource modified for your circumstance, please contact me. I’m glad to help. For example, you’re starting the resource the Sunday after Easter rather than Easter Sunday.

LENTEN RESOURCE: Click Here for the Prayer Resource I created for The Third Day for the season of Lent. It is a seven-week resource, starting Ash Wednesday and concluding the week after Easter.

I used Bishop Berlin’s book to inspire my Lenten sermons this year. (2024) You can find those worship services, including the sermons, on the Coronado Community UMC YouTube Page. If you’re ever in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, please feel free to join us for in-person worship on Sundays at 9:30 am. (201 South Peninsula Ave. 32169)

About Bishop Tom Berlin

Bishop Berlin is currently the faithful, energetic Bishop of my annual conference, the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Prior to being elected Bishop, he served as lead pastor of Floris United Methodist Church in suburban Washington, D.C. He holds degrees from Virginia Tech and Emory University, and is the author of numerous books.

Where do I find the book?

As of the day of this post, the ebook version of The Third Day is least expensive on Amazon. The paperback version is least expensive on Cokesbury.com. A video and leader’s guide is also available for those using the book in a small group setting.

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Easter Prayer and Scripture Reading Plan Inspired by The Third Day © 2024 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia. You’re welcome to share this plan with others. Please do not claim it or publish it as your own.

Lenten Prayers and Scripture Reading Plan Inspired by The Third Day by Tom Berlin

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I was thrilled when Bishop Tom Berlin gave me permission to create a Lenten prayer resource to accompany his new book, The Third Day. The resource includes a prayer and Scripture reading plan for each chapter of the book, plus a prayer for Ash Wednesday, a Scripture journaling plan, and weekly reflection questions based on the Examen.

I’ll be using Bishop Berlin’s book to inspire my Lenten sermons this year. The prayer and scripture reading plan was designed to accompany the sermon series as well as the book.

If you’re using The Third Day for a sermon series, as a small group study, or for personal devotion, you’re welcome to download this prayer resource for free. You can use and distribute it digitally or print it for yourself, your small group, or your congregation. You may not claim the work as your own or sell it for profit.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE LENTEN PRAYER & SCRIPTURE READING PLAN

About Bishop Tom Berlin

Bishop Berlin is currently the faithful, energetic Bishop of my annual conference, the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. Prior to being elected Bishop, he served as lead pastor of Floris United Methodist Church in suburban Washington, D.C. He holds degrees from Virginia Tech and Emory University, and is the author of numerous books.

Where do I find the book?

As of the day of this post, the ebook version of The Third Day is least expensive on Amazon. The paperback version is least expensive on Cokesbury.com. A video and leader’s guide also available for those using the book in a small group setting.

See the sermons live

Lastly, know you’re always welcome to join us live for Sunday worship at 8:15 am, 9:30 am, or 11:15 am at Coronado Community United Methodist Church in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. You can also find recordings of our 9:30 am and 11:15 am services on our YouTube Channel. – Lisa <><

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Lenten Prayer and Scripture Reading Plan Inspired by The Third Day © 2024 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia. You’re welcome to share this plan with others. Please do not claim it or publish it as your own.

2023 Bookshelf

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In November of 2014, I read a blog post encouraging folks to set aside a bookshelf for all the books read in a calendar year. As the year goes by, you see the shelf filling and are reminded of time well spent. (I wish I could remember who to thank.)

The project was so rewarding I’ve continued it every year. I’ve found the process of adding books enjoyable and helpful. Sometimes you forget a really good book.

HELPFUL HINTS

  • If you read most of your books electronically, or through library loans, consider setting up a virtual bookshelf on Pinterest.
  • Another option for a virtual bookshelf is to set up a profile on Goodreads. Be sure to fill in a start and end date for each book you complete. You can even set up a reading challenge for the year.
  • My list includes books I read and books I listen to while traveling. (I now have a short commute to church and a longer one to see our granddaughter.) There are wonderful, free audiobooks available through your local library. I’ve enjoyed buying audiobooks at deep discounts via Chirp. 

In looking over this year’s list, it’s clear I like historical fiction, especially ones that read like a memoir, and fiction with a bit of a fairy tale quality. I also really enjoy memoirs on audiobooks when they’re read by the author.

So my friends here’s my 2023 bookshelf. I hope it encourages you and that you find a treasure or two. Should it be helpful to you, I’m glad to provide more feedback on specific selections. Just leave a comment below. Also, feel free to leave your book recommendations in the comments.

Happy reading. Happy exploring. Happy growing. – Lisa <><

NOVELS

MEMOIRS & BIOGRAPHY

Everything is Spiritual could easily fall into the Theology category, but Bell included so many revealing stories about himself that I put it in the memoir category.

CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY & BIBLE STUDY

CHRISTIAN DEVOTIONALS & SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

NON-FICTION

Scripture Reading Plan for a Sermon Series on Jacob

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I’ll start a new sermon series on October 15th on the life of Jacob. (Genesis 24-35) Jacob’s journey to faith and accepting his place in God’s plan is full of schemes, betrayal, and family dysfunction. Yet, in the midst of the mess, God remains steadfast- offering relationship, provision, purpose, and new life. In Jacob’s story, we see our own mess and the hope of God’s saving grace for us as well.

The following scripture reading plan was designed to accompany the sermon series. Feel free to adjust the dates to what suits you best.

You’re welcome to join us live for worship anytime at 9:30 am or 11:00 am at Coronado Community United Methodist Church in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. You can also find recordings of our 9:30 am and 11:00 am services on our YouTube Channel. – Lisa <><

FAQ for the Reading Plan:

  • 5 readings per week for 6 weeks, beginning the week of October 8th and ending the week of November 12th. The readings related to the sermon take place the week before the sermon so the congregation is familiar with the story. For example, the readings for the week of October 8th lead up to the sermon on October 15th.
  • The plan focuses on chapters 24-35 of Genesis, plus additional scriptures that share themes with the Genesis passages.
  • The second page of the plan provides a simple plan to help you hear from God through scripture reading- Stillness, Attention, Connection, Invitation to Action, and Prayer.
  • The reading plan is designed with grace. If I use a 7-day-a-week plan I get behind and I get discouraged and I drop out. A 5-day reading plan leaves room to catch up and to rest.
  • Consider printing the plan on card stock and using it as a bookmark.

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2023 Scripture Reading Plan for Jacob Sermon Series © 2023 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia. You’re welcome to share this plan with others. Please do not claim it or publish it as your own.

Scripture Reading Plan for Sabbath and Rest

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I’ll start a new sermon series on April 30th entitled The Gift of Sabbath. It’s inspired by the book and video 24/6: A Prescription for a Healthier Happier Life by Matthew Sleeth.

The following scripture reading plan was designed to accompany the sermon series. Feel free to adjust the dates to what suits you best.

You’re welcome to join us live for worship anytime at 9:30 am or 11:00 am at Coronado Community United Methodist Church in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. You can also find a recording of our 9:30 am service on our YouTube Channel.

FAQ for the Reading Plan:

  • 5 readings per week for 5 weeks, beginning the week of April 23rd and ending the week of May 21st.
  • Includes a simple plan to help you hear from God through scripture reading- Stillness, Attention, Connection, Invitation to Action, and Prayer.
  • The reading plan is designed with grace. If I use a 7-day-a-week plan I get behind and I get discouraged and I drop out. A 5-day reading plan leaves room to catch up and to rest.
  • Consider printing the plan on card stock and using it as a bookmark.
2023 sabbath rest scripture reading planDownload

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2023 Scripture Reading Plan for Sabbath and Rest © 2023 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia. You’re welcome to share this plan with others. Please do not claim it or publish it as your own.