‘Connections’ wins 2018 Reference Book of the Year Award

Commentary published by Westminster John Knox Press helps congregations connect to Scripture

by Westminster John Knox Press | Special to Presbyterian News Service

Louisville — Westminster John Knox Press has announced that a lectionary commentary it published last year has been named the 2018 Reference Book of the Year.

“Connections: A Lectionary Commentary for Preaching and Worship” provides new resources to help preachers achieve the goal of connecting congregations to Scripture.

According to a news release from Westminster John Knox Press, the nine-volume series offers creative commentary on each reading in the three-year cycle of the Revised Common Lectionary. It does so first by viewing that reading through the lens of its connections to the rest of Scripture; and then seeing the reading through the lenses of culture, film, fiction, ethics, science, and other aspects of contemporary life.

Included as well are commentaries on the Psalm readings that connect them both to the other readings for the day and to the congregation’s experience of worship. Joel B. Green, Thomas G. Long, Luke A. Powery and Cynthia L. Rigby are the series editors. The series is published in partnership with Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

The Academy of Parish Clergy, which selected “Connections” as the year’s top reference work, is an international organization of clergy serving in faith communities of all sizes and settings. APC members value honest and affirming dialogue, collegiality, and enhancement of pastoral skills and competency, all directed toward identifying and addressing the spiritual needs and welfare of communities, both nearby and globally.

Members seek to give and receive support from their colleagues, both in personal gatherings and through meaningful connections made possible by today’s technological world. Along with regional colleague groups, the APC hosts an annual conference at various locations throughout the East and Midwest.

The Academy also publishes a quarterly journal, “Sharing the Practice,” which has articles and book reviews that support faith leaders in the practice of ministry.

Along with “Connections,” “Glimpsing Resurrection: Cancer, Trauma and Ministry” by Deanna A. Thompson made the top 10 list. Both titles are available for purchase through Westminster John Knox Press and other major retailers.