The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
For Immediate Release November 5, 2009
Contact: Bill Falvey, 917-373-8510, wfalvey@cpg.org
Church Publishing Incorporated, 445 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016
New Book Captures Legendary Core Values of CREDO
Blog with Chapter Excerpts Launching Nov. 9 and Open to All
(New York, NY) -- If you don't have time for a retreat, make time for this book!
Over the course of a dozen years, CREDO has entered the lexicon of the Episcopal Church as a synonym for wellness.
As a benefit of the Church Pension Plan, the eight-day conferences for clergy--and recently, for lay church employees, too--introduced a deeper understanding of wellness into both the discernment and the exercise of ministry across the church.
With a recent extension into the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), growing interest from other mainline denominations including the United Methodist Church, plus refinement and continuous enhancement of an online resource center for developing and reinforcing patterns of healthy behavior and change, CREDO has developed into a comprehensive foundation for mental, physical, spiritual, and vocational well-being.
Now, with contributions by numerous CREDO faculty members, researchers and participants, Managing Director William Craddock, Jr. (editor) has joined with Morehouse Publishing to define this unique wellness program through a collection of essays that focuses on the CREDO four-point model for transformation and change:
All Shall Be Well: An Approach to Wellness
William Craddock, Jr., Editor * Foreword by Katharine Jefferts Schori
ISBN: 978-0-8192-2374-6 $20.00 Paper 192 pages 5.5 x 8.5
**Review copies, interviews, and excerpts available on request.**
"No longer do we think of wellness as merely the absence of illness, but rather the presence of an enriched blessing of all that God would have us become," said Mr. Craddock. "This ‘retreat in a book' serves as a refresher course for the 5,500 people who have experienced CREDO, plus is a substantial introduction for anyone preparing for a CREDO conference, or any form of vocational discernment."
The essays address each person's capacity to fully engage in healthy behaviors and practices that enrich and strengthen existential, physical, emotional, vocational, and spiritual health. With models, perspectives, theories, and stories, chapters explore the theology of wellness, identity, core values, creativity and passion, renewal, emotional health, spiritual practices, balance, transformation, and fitness. The new book also features a foreword by the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.
Blog with Free Chapter Excerpts and Discussion to Launch This Month
Beginning on Monday, November 9, CREDO will introduce a new wellness portal and All Shall Be Well blog through its Web site http://episcopalcredo.org/. Highlighted over the initial two months will be each of the four themes on CREDO's cycle of change: Identity, Discernment, Practice, and Transformation. A two-week focus on each theme will include free chapter postings from the book, selected reflections, comments, questions, and commentary, moderated by the respective contributors to All Shall Be Well, as follows:
November 15-30 Identity
"Values to Live By" by Robert R. Hansel
"Toward a Theology of Wellness" by Jeffrey D. Lee
December 1-15 Discernment
"A Life of Discernment" by M. Renee Miller
(Second contributor to be added)
December 15-31 Practice
"Practicing a Life of Prayer" by Sam Portaro
"Emotional Well-Being: Finding Joy that Is Complete" by Joe Stewart-Sicking
"Permanent Wealth: You CAN take it with You!" by Phyllis T. Strupp
January 1-15, 2010 Transformation
"The Alchemy of Effort and Grace" by Brian C. Taylor
"Fitness for God's Mission" by Mark Hollingsworth, Jr.
During each designated discussion period, corresponding chapters from All Shall Be Well may be sampled freely by current and former conference participants, faculty, and visitors, who are all encouraged to read and join in the discussion. Outside participation from all church professionals is welcomed, regardless of CREDO experience or faith.
As part of the discussion, Morehouse Publishing is offering the book at 25% off by calling 800-242-1918 or by visiting Church Publishing's website. Or cut and paste the book's detail page in your browser: http://www.churchpublishing.org/products/index.cfm?fuseaction=productDetail&productID=7056. You must use Promo Code CREDO2009 to receive this special offer, valid now through December 31, 2009. The new book also can be ordered through any Episcopal, religious or secular bookstore, or online bookseller. Prices may vary.
More About CREDO: Initially formed in 2000, the mission of CREDO Institute, Inc. is to serve as a collaborative alliance providing resources and wellness programs for Episcopal leadership, primarily through CREDO conferences. The institute's broader purpose is to ensure the continued growth and vitality of God's people by promoting the welfare and leadership of clergy and congregations. CREDO has grown from a single conference in 1997 to 31 eight-day conferences. Its faculty is made up of 120 clergy and laity from across the country. For more information, visit http://www.episcopalcredo.org/.
Founded in 1918 and headquartered in New York City, Church Publishing Incorporated is the publisher of official worship materials, books, and music for the Episcopal Church, plus a multi-faceted publisher and supplier to the broader ecumenical marketplace. Publishing imprints include Church Publishing, Morehouse Publishing, and Seabury Books. Additional CPI divisions include Morehouse Church Supplies, a provider of church supplies, ecclesiastical furnishings, and vestments, located in Harrisburg, PA; and Morehouse Education Resources, which produces lectionary-based curriculum, faith formation programs, plus e-publishing resources and services, in Denver, CO.
Tear sheets and/or advance notice of publication is encouraged and appreciated.
