Community Building

The role of organized religion in our society is undergoing monumental changes. Church attendance is decreasing at unprecedented rates. At the same time, there is an increase in the number of people who identify as “spiritual but not religious.” Clearly, the need for religion remains as strong as ever, yet more and more, people are seeking spirituality elsewhere. Why? What accounts for these trends? Can organized religion still play a valuable role in today’s world?

Each Christmas retired chemistry teacher Edwina Bopp makes her newest invention of miracle fudge as a fundraiser for missions in her small Southern town Fountain City. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the good lady cooks through the night and then gives the candy away to the fudge-hungry group of people who know this year's newest recipe is coming and line up in front of her store before she ever opens the door of her Main Street candy shop. People receive their portion of this year's fudge and place donations for missions in her jar on the counter, expecting miracles. Some miracles have...

How to Reach Consensus Making decisions in a group is often challenging. All too often the more dominating members tend to impose their ideas, or the discussion bogs down and no decision is made. The practice of consultation provides a solution to this dilemma, by focusing on the decision-making process as a joint search for truth, in which each person’s perceptions and ideas contribute to a fuller understanding of the reality of a given situation, and consequently to better decisions. The practice of consultation is based on certain guidelines that encourage all participants to share ...

In a world that often feels more connected yet increasingly isolated, true friendships can feel hard to find. Mastering Friendship is your guide to cultivating meaningful connections and creating the tribe that lifts you up. Whether you're looking to build new friendships, strengthen existing ones, or shift your mindset to embrace connection, this book gives you the practical tools and insights to make it happen.

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey toward mastering the art of conflict resolution and effective communication? "Navigating Life's Conflicts: Strategies for Effective De-Escalation and Communication" invites you to step into the heart of true-to-life scenarios where tensions rise, emotions flare, and understanding seems out of reach. In this immersive and scenario-driven approach, you'll not only learn invaluable conflict resolution skills, but you'll also apply them in these true-to-life situations, challenging yourself to navigate the complexities of human interaction. ...

Beyond the Selfie: Crafting Your Digital Persona" is a captivating guide that unravels the secrets behind the digital success of influential figures like the Kardashians, providing readers with a roadmap to cultivate their own unique and authentic online presence. Delving beyond the surface of social media glamour, this book navigates the intricacies of building a digital persona that resonates with audiences and stands the test of time. Within its pages, readers will embark on a journey through the realms of authenticity, storytelling mastery, and visual aesthetics. From decoding the art ...

Never in the history of civilization have we been more connected and felt more alone. We are all so lonely. What if fundamentally the ways we have set up our lives is broken? We've withdrawn rather than moved through it. We want supper clubs and friends, instead of war partners. We have a wrong view of community.

​In times of isolation, heartbreak, and brokenness, reaching out to each other, being in conversation, finding ways to connect with compassion and openness can help us heal and thrive. This powerful, positive guide coaxes us to go beyond our individual and collective grief and courageously re-enter and reclaim our sense of community—which then further strengthens our spiritual practice.

Embark on a transformative journey to healing with "Beyond the Wound," a vital companion for anyone navigating the after-effects of psychological trauma. Through each chapter, this book delicately unfolds the fabric of trauma's profound impact on the human psyche, illuminating a pathway from darkness to the dawn of understanding and recovery. The narrative begins by peeling back layers of misconceptions, exploring the very nature of psychological trauma with depth and compassion. As the guide delves into different types of trauma, from acute, chronic to complex, readers are met with a sense...

Unlock the transformative potential of nonviolent activism and become a catalyst for positive social change with this comprehensive training manual. Rooted in the principles and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this guide empowers individuals to embrace the powerful philosophy of Kingian Nonviolence and create a more just and compassionate world. Prepare for action by understanding the importance of education, research, and strategic planning in driving effective nonviolent campaigns. Gain insights into successful coalition building and advocacy efforts while embracing the values of ...

A comprehensive step-by-step guide to creating a hit show, So You Want to Start a Podcast covers everything from hosting and guest booking to editing and marketing - while offering plenty of encouragement and insider stories along the way.　

Looking to live a simpler life and be more self-sufficient? Look no further than "Harvesting Massachusetts," your ultimate guide to homesteading in the great state of Massachusetts. With 18 chapters packed full of helpful tips and tricks, this eBook is the essential resource for anyone looking to start their own homestead. Chapter 1 kicks things off with a beginner's guide to homesteading, covering the basics of what you need to know to get started. From there, we delve into choosing the right location for your homestead in Chapter 2, with tips for finding the perfect property in ...

Discover the ultimate guide to harmonizing beekeeping with local laws and community life with The Beekeeper's Guide to Law and Community. This comprehensive eBook is an essential resource for both novice and seasoned beekeepers who aim to integrate their passion into their local settings smoothly and responsibly. Dive into the complexities of local beekeeping regulations with in-depth chapters on understanding and navigating regional laws, licensing requirements, and zoning codes. Equip yourself with the knowledge to handle state and municipal ordinances confidently. Transitioning to ...

Immerse yourself in the thrilling world of strategic imagination with "DI Explorer's Handbook," your invaluable guide to navigating the enthralling labyrinth of Destination Imagination (DI). This reveal-all manual will seamlessly transport you into the stimulating realm of DI that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. Commence your captivating journey with an in-depth understanding of Destination Imagination - what it is, its benefits, challenges, and an eye-opening look into the DI Challenge Program. Traverse the intriguing terrain of team management in DI, learning about ...

A Bigger Table invites listeners to envision a church that is big enough for everyone, by holding up a mirror to the modern church and speaking clearly on issues at the heart of the Christian community: LGBT inclusion, gender equality, racial tensions, global concerns, and theological shifts. John Pavlovitz shares moving personal stories, his careful observations as a pastor, and his understanding of the ancient stories of Jesus to set the table for a new, positive, more loving conversation on these and other important matters of faith.

🔥 Engage and Thrive: Build a Raving Online Community That Loves Your Brand! 🌟💬 Are you ready to transform your audience into a loyal, engaged community that doesn’t just follow—you, but believes in you? 🚀 Engage and Thrive is your ultimate guide to creating a vibrant online presence that resonates, inspires, and builds a tribe of raving fans. 💡 Inside this transformative guide, you’ll discover: ✅ The Blueprint for True Engagement: Go beyond “likes” and spark meaningful conversations that build trust and loyalty. ✅ Content That Inspires: Learn how to create posts...

In Building Community Food Webs, Ken Meter shows how grassroots food and farming leaders across the US are tackling these challenges by constructing civic networks. Overturning extractive economic structures, these inspired leaders are engaging low-income residents, farmers, and local organizations in their quest to build stronger communities.

Looking for a way to live more sustainably and lead a simpler life? Look no further than Creating a Home on the Prairie, the ultimate guide to homesteading in South Dakota. With 19 comprehensive chapters covering everything from the history of homesteading in South Dakota to sustainable living practices, this guide has everything you need to get started on the path to a more self-sufficient life. Chapter 1 introduces readers to the concept of homesteading in South Dakota, highlighting the unique opportunities and challenges of this region. Chapter 2 delves into the rich history of ...

Nehemiah’s life story offers a profound example of how faith, resilience, and strategic action can bring hope and renewal to a community in need. The Nehemiah’s Principle delves into the key moments and choices that enabled Nehemiah to lead a successful restoration of Jerusalem’s walls, despite overwhelming odds. This book unpacks timeless lessons in leadership, prayer, and community building, revealing how one person’s obedience to a divine calling can inspire widespread transformation. Beginning with Nehemiah’s divine calling, each chapter explores a distinct aspect of his ...

Unlock the transformative power of kindness with "The Ripple Effect," a compelling journey into the heart of a force that can change lives. Explore how simple acts of kindness can create waves of positivity that extend far beyond their origins. In this illuminating guide, discover what kindness truly is, backed by scientific insights that reveal its impact on our brains and well-being. Delve into the fascinating chain reactions triggered by small gestures, and learn how empathy fuels these ever-expanding ripples. With evocative real-world examples, "The Ripple Effect" illustrates how ...