By Jane E. Vennard (Alban Institute, 2005; 145 pages; $17, paper)

Many congregations don't fully explore the good fruit of Christian spirituality because too few members and leaders feel confident about teaching prayer and spiritual practice. Vennard, a spiritual director and United Church of Christ pastor, is familiar with problems that arise because of a lack of confidence — and writes eloquently about how to overcome it. A one-time schoolteacher now known as an expert in Christian spirituality, Vennard brings all her expertise to this small book, which is packed with prayer practices (19 in number) and tips for using them in congregational and retreat settings.

One of the most important chapters, for reader and teacher alike, is titled, "What do you believe about prayer?" in which the author challenges the "prayer teacher" to confront his or her own beliefs about prayer and to be ready to encounter a variety of beliefs and practices in a congregation or other group. This chapter will keep such a teacher from being caught off-guard.

Of course, there are many good books about spiritual practice. What makes this one special is Vennard's light touch and her experience in bringing what some might consider "odd" practices into mainline and liberal congregations. Retreat leaders, religious educators, pastors and leaders of spirituality circles will treasure this gift.

—Teresa Blythe

Interactive is the key word at Faith Presbyterian, where all members participate in creeds, Communion, baptisms, music and sermons. Traditional liturgies, offerings, and Scriptures — and ministerial participation — are skillfully blended in a church where half the congregation is less than 12 years old. The shared leadership style in this "alive" worship community gives rise to its own acronyms — such as POW! (Preacher of the Week) and WAM! (Worship Activity Manager). Children call it Big Church, and refer to the alternative worship as Donut Church. For traditionalists, Faith also has a formal service that meets in a "stately worship space."

In this book, clearly a labor of love, Jeannette Steele McCall describes six Presbyterian mission schools in the so-called "Black Belt" in south Alabama— "oases for learning" for the black sons and daughters of former slaves and sharecroppers living in an area with virtually nothing to offer them in terms of education.

Hardcore Presbyterian-history buffs can delve into the details, learning about the heroic pastors and teachers who made the Mission School vision a reality. McCall, whose own education began at such a school, means to ensure that this important educational heritage is not forgotten.

—Christopher D. Drew, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary/St. John's Presbyterian Church, San Francisco