Archives: Spirit of Simplicity - MAIN
Media ReleaseSpirit of Simplicity
Quotes and Art for Simpler Living and Global Justice
Table of Contents
- General Instructions and Legal
- Foreword
- Preface
- Introduction
- How to Use This Collection
- Hints on Using This Collection
Each category contains an element of education and/or action. - QUOTES
- ART
- Appendices
- New Road Map Foundation: www.newroadmap.org
- Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Circle Pines, MN
- World Relief: American Baptist Churches USA
What Is ALTERNATIVES for Simple Living?
Alternatives, a non-profit organization that "equips people of faith to challenge consumerism, live justly, and celebrate responsibly," started in 1973 as a protest against the commercialization of Christmas, to encourage celebrations year-round that reflect conscientious ways of living.
Throughout its 35+ years, Alternatives has helped lead the movement to live more simply and faithfully. The many staff members and volunteers of Alternatives have developed a wide variety of resources, organized an annual Christmas Campaign, held the Best and Worst Christmas Gift Contest, led numerous workshops, and reached countless people with the message of simple, responsible living.
Alternatives emphasizes relationships and traditions over things... to avoid stress and debt and to promote alternative giving - helping needy people instead of spending so much on ourselves.
Alternatives is operated by a small staff which reports to a national Board of Directors. We are funded by memberships and donations, grants, and sales of resources.
Alternatives' provides resources for children and adults on simpler living and related topics (such as hunger, the environment, media literacy, etc.) for Advent and Christmas, for Lent and Easter, for weddings and for year-round use - some in Spanish.
Alternatives' extensive website -- now administered by Simple Living Works! -- includes hundreds of articles for personal inspiration and for editors to include in paper and electronic publications.
Simpler Living can be lonely. So, ASSIST, Alternatives' Support Service for Simpler Living helps like-minded folks connect.
Its SLOw Down Network provides volunteer Motivational Speakers, Workshop Leaders, Event Organizers and Discussion Group Consultants to help reach others person-to-person with the message of Simpler Living. This North American network has over 750 members.
Resources for Responsible Living & Celebrating Since 1973
Foreword
Speakers, writers, teachers, program planners, reformers, radicals, revolutionaries and contemplatives! Rejoice! Here is a resource that will help you experience your life and your work with renewed enthusiasm and zest. This collection of quotations and art work is for writers searching for the perfect words to communicate with power and intensity; for speakers trying to develop presentations that captivate and entrance; for teachers looking for ideas to inspire and provoke vital discussion; for program planners desiring ways to capture people's attention and lure them away from their televisions and the malls. These electrifying quotations and eye-catching drawings will be a tremendous help in spreading the word about Simplicity.
But using the quotations for personal contemplation is what excites me the most. Many of us try to begin our days in Silence and Spirit, and meditating on these words is a wonderful way to do it. As you read these passages -- words that come to us from throughout the ages -- you realize that wise people have always advocated living more simply.
We need to be reminded of this because much of the public , and many of the opinion makers, seem to think Simplicity is just a fad and will fade away. But these quotations helps us remember that Simplicity has always been at the root of a life of depth and Spirit. Those of us committed to the idea of Simplicity realize that we are a part of something much larger than we could ever imagine. In Simplicity you experience and understand a true connectedness with all of life. This work will help you experience a connectedness with the masters of living throughout history.
And as Madison Avenue continues to trivialize and demean the concept of Simplicity -- Simplify Your Life! Buy this Car! -- it's helpful to be reminded of the variety and breadth of the ideas involved in the concept of Simplicity. Simplicity touches all aspects of our lives -- our time, our relationships, our health, our financial security, our spirituality, our sense of justice, and our experience of a joyful participation in all of life. It tells us that less is often more and that balance and harmony bring joy and meaning.
But it's so easy to get off track -- blundering and blustering through our days, frenetically reeling through the years, bored and depressed with our lives. Our still small voice is drowned out by the screeching voice of the marketplace and the unfeeling commands of the workplace, hollow voices telling us to conform, compete, and consume. We know they're false voices, but it's so hard to ignore them.
Why are they so hard to ignore? Because the messages from our commercialized society are relentless. In a society devoted to the "bottom line," we're all affected. It's hard to hear that small voice that tells us that we are living for more sublime reasons than money and status.
But ultimately, people know they want a different path! People are looking for passion and aliveness, and the ideas you will find in this work will help you reconnect with that still, small voice to guide you.
I've come to think of Simplicity as "the examined life richly lived." It's asking ourselves what's important, what matters. And what we're discovering is that our culture of consumption, competition, commercialism, and careerism is deadening our lives and destroying the Earth, withering our spirit and wasting the planet. This resource helps you pursue the examined life in order to engage the essence of life.
We all think that someday we'll start living. But few of us feel fully alive and -- too often -- we have charted our course with no sense of vision, with no sense of the exuberant, transformative experience that life can be. This collection helps you realize that living simply is living joyfully. If you don't smile and laugh more, you're doing it wrong. If you don't feel more kindly, loving, and magnanimous toward the Earth and her people, you're doing it wrong. If you don't experience a sense of peace of mind and integrity, you're doing it wrong. Living in the Spirit of Simplicity means living fully and being fully alive.
This resource helps us transcend the forces that seek to trivialize and demean life. Our spirit is rekindled when we experience the thoughts of so many who have embraced Simplicity.
So, enjoy and rejoice!
--Cecile Andrews, author of "The Circle of Simplicity" and director of The Simplicity Circles Project with The Seeds of Simplicity. (www.simplicitycircles.com)
Preface
Alternatives for Simple Living is a pioneer in the modern voluntary simplicity movement. Founded in 1973 as a protest against the commercialization of Christmas, Alternatives is a nonprofit organization that urges and equips everyone to challenge consumerism, live justly and celebrate responsibly year-round. To this end, Alternatives offers a wide variety of services and resources, including books, videos, games, bulletin inserts, study/action guides, and music.
Alternatives has an extensive web site with hundreds of articles available for personal and public use.
Alternatives' "SLOw Down Network" offers hundreds of volunteers who are ready to speak, lead workshops, help organize alternative events and simplicity circles, and study/action groups.
Alternatives emphasizes relationships and traditions over things, thereby helping to reduce stress and debt. We promote alternative giving - giving of ourselves instead of mass-produced "stuff" and helping the needy instead of spending so much on ourselves. Our most widely read resource is the annual Christmas booklet "Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway?"
"Spirit of Simplicity: Alternative Quotes & Art" meets a need for more art and quotations for editors and for personal inspiration, especially for those who prefer not to read long pieces.
We raided Alternatives' files and invited C.I. Publishing, Seeds of Hope and others to contribute to the art. We invited customers, volunteers and members to submit their favorite quotes in the areas of social justice, especially as they relate to simpler living.
The collection is organized by ten categories (category three has three parts).
Thanks to all who submitted material and those who gave permission to use their work, to members of the Editorial Committee for doing what they do, and to the Project Committee of Dick Webster, Christine Leonard-Osterwalder, Lynn Rossiter, Darrel Fickbohm and Frank McAuley.
Peace. Gerald Iversen, National Coordinator
Introduction
The Spirit of Simplicity is alternative. It is countercultural. It is subversive, following Jesus, a subversive leader.
Much of the time people have to be grabbed to get them to think and then grabbed again to act, to change, to turn destructive behavior into Earth-friendly habits.
Many of Alternatives' resources take a gentle, gradual approach to discipleship through simpler living. Others grab comfortable people, not so much with reason as with passion. This collection can be used either way. Use these quotes and art to Send a Message! Like physical exercise, the most effective is that which is actually done.
This collection is Alternatives'* answer to our members' number one need -- a handy resource/collection of royalty-free art and quotes promoting simple living and social justice.
You'll find a mixture of the religious and secular, humorous and serious, gentle and discomforting, grouped together under ten categories. Some categories are bigger, some are smaller. We've filled some of the holes through a second volume called Worship Alternatives.
This collection is straining to be helpful. In addition to the quotes and art, you'll find bonus items at the bottom -- "Reaching Out Through the Media" and "Dr. Kraay's School of Layout." Practical, detailed, "nuts and bolts" methods for changing ourselves and our culture are in the archives, such as Simple Living 101..
We believe we have put together a useful resource. Now it is up to you, our companions in counterculture activism, to use it... and use it... and use it! God bless all of our efforts!
Peace.
Gerald Iversen, National Coordinator
Alternatives for Simple Living
*Alternatives for Simple Living, a nonprofit -- 501 (c) (3) -- educational organization for "equipping people of faith to challenge consumerism, live justly, and celebrate responsibly."
How to Use This Collection
1. Read it for personal inspiration. Since the collection contains no master index by authors' names, download it and highlight quotes that made the greatest impression on you on initial reading. As you read, keep asking, "How can I use this wisdom for myself and others?"
2. If you're looking for a particular author or key word, use the "find" function on your computer with the CD-ROM.
3. Share it with others. Photocopy items for bulletin boards. Enlarge them. LET YOUR IMAGINATION SOAR! Use the quotes and art together or separately.
4. "Cut and paste" items for newsletters and Sunday service bulletins.
5. Electronically "place" or "copy" items into publications -- paper, web sites, email, etc.
6. Use a few items at a time PERSISTENTLY. Use a couple in EVERY ISSUE, not just on Social Concerns Sunday! Covert action works. It prepares comfortable, privileged people for overt action. It plants ideas, then it nurtures the seeds.
7. Read the "Helpful Hints" below.
8. Most pieces of art in this collection could fit in more than one category. So we have added suggestions for other art that may work but that happens to be in a different category than you're looking. Find these cross references at the top of each category under "Also see..."
9. Pray.
Helpful Hints: Guidelines for using and formatting these materials
1. The text comes to you in basic fonts. Depending on your audience and publication format, you may want to change the font or the size.
2. The version on paper and CD-ROM are identical. The CD-ROM contains versions for both Mac and PC.
3. This art and the text are in separate files. If you want to use the two together, place the art into your document, then copy and paste the text where you want it.
4. All the text is arranged in numerical order within the ten categories, with helps and a Table of Contents at the top of each file.
The art is arranged in 12 folders (category three has three parts).
5. Please do not edit the quotes, except to eliminate entire sentences. Credit the authors for the quotes that you use. If you rewrite quotations, you can no longer attribute them to the original source. Or, if you make minor modifications, you should include a note, such as "revised" or "adapted" after the original author's name. Preferably, write your own captions.
6. You are not allowed to use any of the quotations or art in a spirit contrary to its obvious original intent... in the same spirit as this collection.
7. When items from this collection are used in an article or editorial, please save a copy.
8. Please make any copies on recycled paper.
9. Some of the art has captions/commentaries. Some pieces stand alone. You can use the art with other quotations or text.
10. If want to find more quotes by an author, use your computer's "find" function. Likewise, use "keywords" to find more text on a particular theme. This collection does not contain a thematic index other than the category names and the descriptors found in the Tables of Contents.
11. The primary use of this art is intended for paper-based publications or simple internet applications. So, most of the art is in black and white. Those few pieces of art that are in color have "COLOR" next to their ID number.
12. In most cases, the text is unformatted, such as plain dashes (--) and quotation marks (" ") that translate easily in email. You are free to format the text anyway you want.
13. You can shrink or enlarge a piece of art, but do not distort or edit without permission. Distort means making one dimension disproportionately larger than the other. Editing includes "cropping" or removing part of the art, or adding to it, especially if that significantly changes the meaning or content of the art. You may change the color.
14. See "How to Use This Collection" above.
Credits and Permissions
1. All of the ART in this collection (and commentary accompanying the art) is copyrighted, either by Alternatives or someone else. None of it is in the Public Domain.
Any/all of it may be used for non-commercial use by non-profit organizations, such as church newsletters or web sites, without further permission. That is, it is not included in a publication that is sold. It may also be included in a non-profit publication that is sold, as long as the purchaser of that publication is the intended end-user, such as a magazine.
However, permission is required to include it in a collection that is sold with the intent that the purchaser would further disseminate the work, such as a collection like this one.
None of the art may be used for commercial use by profit-making individuals or companies without permission -- whether the product is sold or not. For permission, send a copy of the piece for which it is intended to the publisher at least 30 days before your deadline. If it is to be sold, include the selling price and the number of pieces to be printed. A royalty may be required.
All uses of ART require proper credit. See examples below. You needn't give the commentaries accompanying the art an additional credit. List Alternatives' source for the art or quotes. The details are given in the "Sources" section.
All art from CIPublishing may be published on paper only in North America. It's use on the internet is restricted by intent, not by geography. (See #6 of Helpful Hints.)
2. The above also applies to the QUOTES with the following exception. Quotes in the public domain (PD) can be used by anyone for any use without permission or credit. Generally, any quote more than 50 years old is PD.
Examples of Credits:
Please use one of the following credits on each copy.
Credit Options:
1.) --author's name (from [source]) [Note: the author's name is given immediately before or after the quote.]
2.) Art by [artist's name; or "CIPublishing," if from CIPublishing] (from [source]) [Note: the artists' names are given in the "Sources" section. No names are listed for CIPublishing.]
If space allows, include: "Equipping people of faith to challenge consumerism, live justly and celebrate responsibly." Visit SimpleLivingWorks.org for many free ideas.
When you have questions or flashes of insight, email SimpleLivingWorks@yahoo.com. Visit SimpleLivingWorks.org.
Additional Resources
For More Quotes & Art
Books
"Seeds of Peace: A Catalogue of Quotations" compiled by Jeanne Larson & Madge Micheels-Cyrus, 1986, New Society Publishers
Calendars (annual)
"Housmans Peace Diary with World Peace Directory," New Society Publishers (800/567-6772). Visit www.newsociety.com. Available from Alternatives.
"Peace Calendar," Syracuse Cultural Workers: Tools for Change (315/474-1132) scw@SyrCulturalWorkers.org Visit www.SyrCulturalWorkers.org
"Peace Calendar," War Resisters League (212/228-0450) wrl@igc.aspc.org Visit www.nonviolence.org/wrl
"One World Calendar" (also available as an almanac), New Internationalist (800/661-8700). Visit www.newint.org
"Church World Service Calendar" (800/297-1516, ext. 222). Available from Alternatives.
"Ministry of the Arts Calendar," Sisters of St. Joseph at La Grange (800-354-3504)
"International Calendar," Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Wisconsin-Madison (602-829-2677). Available from Alternatives.
"Simple Lifestyle Calendar," Appalachia-Science in the Public Interest (606/256-0077) aspi@kih.net. Visit www.kih.net/aspi. Available from Alternatives.
Calendars (perpetual)
"Spirituality of Work: Purpose Beyond the Paycheck," 1999, Center for life Decisions (206/325-9093). Visit www.spiritualityofwork.com
"366 Ways to Peace: Perpetual Peace Calendar," 1999, Herald Press (800/245-7894) hp@mph.org. Visit www.mph.org
"More Thoughts for the Journey: Wisdom Shared Along the Way," Journey into Freedom, (503/244-4728) journey@teleport.com
"Simple Living Any Year Calendar," booklet of royalty-free bulletin masters. Available from Alternatives.
For More Motivation and Practical Ideas
(arranged by the ten categories)
All produced by Alternatives* are available for free on this site. Visit the archives.
All are books unless otherwise indicated. Prices are subject to change.
Each category contains an element of education and/or action.
1. Voluntary Simplicity
Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic. John de Graaf, David Wann, & Thomas H. Naylor; David Horsey, illus. 275 pp. $25 (cloth).
Affluenza & Escape from Affluenza. VIDEOS with Viewers' Guides. 60 minutes each. $30 each. Both, $55.
*Break Forth into Joy! Beyond a Consumer Lifestyle. VIDEO with study guide. 45 min.
*"Consumo" Kit includes a skit, post cards and other items. (See art 1-A501)
Escaping the Family Time Trap: A Practical Guide for Over-Busy Families. Barbara DeGrote-Sorensen & David Sorensen. 128 pages, $11.
The Joy of Simple Living: Over 1500 Simple Ways to Make Your Life Easy and Content -- at Home and at Work. Jeff Davidson. 480 pp. $16.
Living More with Less. Doris Janzen Longacre. 294 pp. $12.
Living More with Less: Study/Action Guide Updated. Delores Histand Friesen. 111 pp. $10.
The Simple Living Guide: Strategies, Stories, Resources, Inspiration, Home, Family, Work, Money, Lifestyle, Holidays: a Sourcebook for Less Stressful, More Joyful Living. Janet Luhrs. 444 pp. $22.
*The Simpler Living Alternatives Calendar for Any Year.
Simpler Living, Compassionate Life: a Christian Perspective. Henri Nouwen, Richard Foster, Cecile Andrews and others; foreword by Bill McKibben; Michael Schut, ed. 300 pp. $15.
Six Weeks to a Simpler Lifestyle. Barbara DeGrote-Sorensen & David Sorensen. 128 pp. $11.
'Tis a Gift to Be Simple: Embracing the Freedom of Living with Less. Barbara DeGrote-Sorensen & David Sorensen. 110 pp. $11.
Voluntary Simplicity (revised edition): Toward a Way of Life That Is Outwardly Simple, Inwardly Rich. Duane Elgin. A classic. 240 pp. $12.
2. Building Community
The Circle of Simplicity: Return to the Good Life. Cecile Andrews. 256 pp. $12.
Communities Directory: A Guide to Cooperative Living. 460 pp. $30.
Conversation Pieces: Parents, Kids & Other Animals. Game. $10.
A Country Far Away. Nigel Gray; Philippe Dupasquier, illustrator. (Ages 4-8) 26 pp. $7.
Everyone Wins: Cooperative Games and Activities. Sambhava & Josette Luvmour. 100 pp. $9.
Hands Around the World: 365 Ways to Build Cultural Awareness and Global Respect. Susan Milford. 158 pp. $13.
Let's Say Grace: Mealtime Prayers for Family Occasions Throughout the Year. Robert M. Hamma. 120 pp. $10.
Just Family Nights: 60 Activities to Keep Your Family Together in a World Falling Apart. Susan Vogt, editor. 230 pp. $16.
Lifestories. Wilfred Bockelman, Vivian Johnson, Truman Howell. Board game. $29.
Making a Living While Making a Difference: The Expanded Guide to Creating Careers with a Conscience. Melissa Everett. 230 pp. $18.
New Games for the Whole Family. Dale N. LeFevre. 175 pp. $10.
*Simple Living 101: A Toolbook for Sharing the Joy of a Simpler Lifestyle Through Speeches, Workshops, Events, Study/Action Groups & Simplicity Circles. For activists shy & bold! 80 pp.
Simplicity Study Circles: Step-by-Step Guide. Mark Burch. 64 pp. $15.
*Sing Justice! Do Justice! New Hymn & Song Texts to Familiar & New Tunes. $8. [from Hymn Society in the US and Canada]
Tell Me a Tale: A Book About Storytelling. Joseph Bruchac. 144 pp. $16.
365 TV Free Activities. Steve and Ruth Bennett. (Ages 2 and up.) 430 pp. $8.
365 Outdoor Activities. Steve and Ruth Bennett. 475 pp. $8.
The Ungame: World's Most Popular Self-Expression Game. Ages 5-adult, 2-6 players. $19.
3. Celebrating
*Stories & Songs of Simpler Living. Book $8. Cassette $10. CD $12.
*To Celebrate: Reshaping Holidays, Rites of Passage. (Alternate Celebrations Catalog, 6th edition). 224 pp. (See cover art, 1-A503-506)
*Treasury of Celebrations: Create Celebrations That Reflect Your Values and Don't Cost the Earth. 288 pp.
3A. Advent/Christmas
*Adviento. Spanish "Whose Birthday..." $2; 1997 to present.
*Carols with Justice.
*The Christmas Game. Noncompetitive, conversation game.
*Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas: 17 min. Video. $18. Audio cassette, $5.
*Simplify & Celebrate! Embracing the Soul of Christmas. 200 pp. $16. [from NorthStone publishing]
*Stories to Read Aloud/Alone: Christmas Reader, Christmas Collection, Christmas Sampler, 24 pp. each.
Unplug the Christmas Machine: A Guide to Putting Love and Joy Back into Your Holiday Celebrations. Jo Robinson & Jean Coppock Staeheli. 207 pp. $10. Workshop Leader's Guide, $10. Participant's Manual, $2.
*Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway? 32 pp. (annual)
*Discussion/Activity Guides
(Free at SimpleLivingWorks.org -> Archives)
* "Reclaiming Christmas" Guides.
What Makes a Perfect Christmas?
The Gift of Giving
What About Santa?
Christmas Traditions That Work for You
* Guidelines for Alternative Giving.
* Looking Behind the Cost of Christmas. 12 pp.
* Organize for Peace: How to Start a Peacemaking Group in Your Church. 10 pp.
* War Toys & Christmas: A Contradiction in Terms. 4 pp.
* Welcoming the Prince of Peace: Young Children (ages 5-8), Older Children (9-11), Youth (12-14), Senior High (15-18), Young Adults, Adults. 8 pp. each
* What Is a Gift? 8 pp.
* Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway? Past editions from 1994 forward. 32 pp. each.
* Gifts of Peace packet.
*Samplers for Advent/Christmas/Epiphany
(Free at SimpleLivingWorks.org -> Archives)
Bulletin inserts & covers.
Posters & calendars.
Worship, Plays.
Adult Discussion/Action Guides. 12 items
Child/Teen/Intergenerational Discussion & Activity Guides.
Event Organizer's Kit. 12 items
Spanish, 9 items
3B. Lent/Easter
The Seven Last Words. Michael H. Crosby. 128 pp. $13. ;
*Who's Risen from the Dead, Anyway? Easter & Lent collection. (See cover art, 3-A551)
3C. Other
*Sampler: Various Occasions (ML King, Valentine's Day, July 4th, etc.): Bulletin inserts, flyers, posters.
*Wedding Alternatives: Guide to Planning Out-of-the-Ordinary Celebrations. Also, Spanish (Nuestra Boda)
4. Peace & Justice
Doing Justice: Congregations and Community Organizing. Dennis A. Jacobsen. 140 pp. $14.
Families Creating a Circle of Peace: A Guide for Living the "Family Pledge of Nonviolence"
Jim McGinnis, Ken and Gretchen Lovingood, Jim Vogt. 40 pp. $5.
It's Not Fair: A Handbook on World Development for Youth Groups. Christian Aid. 120 pp. $11.
Kids Creating Circles of Peace. Anne Marie Witchger and Susan Vogt. 40 pages. $5.
*Sing Justice! Do Justice! New Hymn & Song Texts to Familiar & New Tunes. $8. [from Hymn Society of US and Canada]
Organize for Peace: How to Start a Peacemaking Group in Your Church. 10 pp. $2.
5. Earth Care
Earthscore: Your Personal Environmental Audit and Guide. Donald W. Lotter. $5.
A Prayer for the Earth: The Story of Naamah, Noah's Wife. Sandy Eisenberg Sasso; Bethanne Anderson, illus. 32 pp. $17 (cloth).
Rebirth of the Small Family Farm: A Handbook for Starting a Successful Organic Farm Based on the Community Supported Agriculture Concept. Bob and Bonnie Gregson. 64 pp. $9.
6. Alternative Giving
*Guidelines for Alternative Giving.
7. Economics
Beyond the News: MONEY. 55-minute version AND 23-minute condensed version, with study guide. $25.
Women's Book of Money & Spiritual Vision
Putting Your Financial Values into Spiritual Perspective. Rosemary Williams. Complete "workshop in a book." 220 pp. $16.
Your Money or Your Life: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence. Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin. Classic. 384 pp. $14.
Your Money or Your Life Workbook. New Road Map Foundation. 40 pp. $5.
8. Media
Beyond the News: TV Violence & Your Child. VIDEO with study guide. 33 min. $25.
Can't Buy My Love: How Advertising Changes the Way We Think and Feel. Jean Kilbourne. 366 pp. $14.
Culture Jam: The Uncooling of America(tm)
Kalle Lasn, editor of Adbusters Magazine. 260 pp. $15.
Marketing Madness: A Survival Guide for a Consumer Society. Michael F. Jacobson & Laurie Ann Mazur. 260 pp. $30.
9. Sustenance
Extending the Table: A World Community Cookbook. Joetta Handrich Schlabach. 336 pp. $19.
More-with-Less Cookbook (25th Anniversary Edition). Doris Janzen Longacre. 332 pp. $21.
10. Faith, Spirituality
St. Francis and the Foolishness of God. Marie Dennis; Joseph Nangle, O.F.M; Cynthia Moe-Lobeda; Stuart Taylor. 184 pp. $14.
Resources dealing with all ten categories are in the archives of this site.
The texts of most of Alternatives past resources are now available on our web site -- "Treasury of Celebrations," "Whose Birthday" booklets (also in Spanish), and congregational packets for Advent and Lent. Visit SimpleLivingWorks.org -> Archives
AppendicesSources/Credits of ART
This information is correct to the best of our knowledge. We welcome corrections. We apologize for any errors or omissions.
Art codes:
"#" prefix = category
"A" prefix = art and art related text (captions/commentaries)
"Q" prefix = quotes
[COLOR] = art also in color
General Sources (details follow)
A001 ff. = Individuals
A300 ff. = Seeds of Hope
A500 ff. = Alternatives for Simple Living
800's, 900's & 4 digit codes = C.I. Publishing (Initial zeroes are part of the code.)
Specific Sources
A001-299 = Individuals
A001 ff. = Dan Livdahl
3-A001--Special Effects
3-A002--McDonald's Coupons
3-A003--Global Warming
3-A004--Scrooge Credit
Dan Livdahl serves as a conservation agent for the US Dept. of Agriculture in Worthington, Minnesota.
A026 ff. = Steve Babbert
7-A026--Upgrade
4-A027--Littleton
5-A028--Affluent cats
5-A029--Recycled Missiles
5-A030--Aliens
5-A031--Ecological Counter
5-A032--Deformed frog
5-A033--Dingo Away
5-A034--Anti-MTBE
7-A035--Hyperpet
5-A036--Bus Stop
5-A037--Robots
5-A038--Wetland Mall
8-A039--HDTV Shopping
Most of Steve Babbert's cartoons were drawn for and first appeared in Simply News, the newsletter of Simply Living, a community organization in Columbus, Ohio. For more information about the organization, call 614/447-0296.
A076 ff. = Other Artists
3-A076--Tall Mean Santa was drawn by William C. Reynolds and came to us via Plough Publishing, Farmington, PA. For more information about Plough's Mission and the Bruderhof Community, call 800-521-8011.
3-A078 = Santa Stop Here (Doyle Burbank-Williams)
3-A079 = No Room for Us? [COLOR] (Doyle Burbank-Williams)
Doyle Burbank-Williams, once a United Methodist minister in Lincoln and Wayne, NE, served as Alternatives' designer and board member.
5-A090 = Earth Prayer (Ashley M. Calhoun)
10-A091 = Butterfly Cross [COLOR] (Ashley M. Calhoun)
Ashley M. Calhoun is a United Methodist pastor serving in Knoxville, TN. He works in large forms, like banners and hangings for conventions.
A300-A499 = Seeds of Hope
3-A301--Robert Darden (Fall 97 hunger packet: Bob's homeless holy family)
4-A302--Caritas of Waco (Fall 98 hunger calendar: Caritas soup & bread)
4-A303--John Richardson (Fall 97 hunger packet: John's WFD)
4-A304--Kim Harrison/Caritas of Waco (Fall 98 hunger packet: kim harrison's poor people)
3-A305--Peter Yuichi Clark (Pentecost 98: Peter's dancing person)
4-A306--Peter Yuichi Clark (Peter's Justice)
4-A307--clip art (Fall 98 hunger calendar: African boy)
4-A308--clip art (Fall 98 hunger calendar: bread slice)
9-A309--clip art (Fall 98 hunger calendar: carrots)
4-A310--clip art (Fall 98 hunger calendar: dumpster man)
4-A311--clip art (Fall 98 hunger calendar: groceries & communion)
3-A312--Erin Kennedy Mayer (Advent 98 packet: Erin's Bethlehem sketch)
3-A313-316-Erin Kennedy Mayer (Advent 98 packet: Erin's justice wreath, 1-4)
3-A317--Erin Kennedy Mayer (Advent 98 packet: Erin's urban Bethlehem)
3-A318--Rene' Boldt (Advent 98 packet: Rene's baby Jesus)
7-A319--Tom Peterson (Pentecost/Ordinary Time 99: tom's camel)
2-A320--clip art (Lent 99: sharing a meal)
4-A321--Sharon Rollins (Hunger Emphasis 99: bread of deliverance)
4-A322--Erin Kennedy Mayer (Hunger Emphasis 99: Erin's place setting)
3-A323--Rene' Boldt (Advent 99: Rene's holy family)
4-A324--Seeds Magazine (Hunger Emphasis 99: US Capitol tiff)
3-A325--clip art (Advent 99: circle of hands)
4-A326--clip art (Advent 99: mlk profile)
3-A327--clip art (Advent 99: Russian madonna)
3-A328--clip art from Susan Daily, IBVM, revised (Lent 2001: barbed crown & cross)
3-A329--Peter Yuichi Clark (Lent 2000: peter's crossroads)
3-A330--7th & James Baptist Church, Waco, TX, clip art (Lent 2000: brush-stroke cross pw*)
3-A331--7th & James Baptist Church, Waco, TX, clip art (Lent 2000: crosses on a hill pw*)
3-A332--7th & James Baptist Church, Waco, TX, clip art (Lent 2000: rough crucifix pw*)
5-A333--7th & James Baptist Church, Waco, TX, clip art (Lent 2000: sun/flower)
*(pw) = plastic-wrapped (Photoshop technique)
A500 ff. = Alternatives/Alternatives for Simple Living
[Note: BI = bulletin insert]
1-A501--Ezra Daniels (Consumo)
1-A502--Kathy Klein (Do Justice)
1-A503--Kathy Klein (Learn from World Community)
1-A504--Kathy Klein (Nurture People)
1-A505--Kathy Klein (Cherish Natural Order)
1-A506--Kathy Klein (Non-Confirm Freely)
1-A508--Doyle Burbank-Williams (Simple Living 101 cover, 2000)
1-A509--Tom Peterson (Gandhi)
3-A510--(Coming for the poor)
3-A511--Kathy Klein (Any Room? BI, 1986)
3-A512--Tom Peterson (Magi see Santa)
3-A513--Marty Vidrine (Latin American Cross BI, 1987)
3-A514--Tom Peterson (Light Shines BI, 1987)
3-A515--Tom Peterson (Where Find Him, 1982)
3-A516--Kathy Klein (Whose Birthday?-6 panel, 1983)
3-A517--Kathy Klein (Story of Jason)
3-A518--Kathy Klein (candy poster & "Whose Birthday" cover, 1994)
3-A519--Tom Peterson (Santa crasher)
3-A520--Kathy Klein (Glory to God BI, 1989)
3-A521--Kathy Klein (What Is a Gift? BI & poster)
3-A522--Kathy Klein (O Little Town, 1994)
3-A523--Kathy Klein (Whose Birthday-Remembering BI & 1990 cover [COLOR])
3-A524--Kathy Klein (Whose Birthday? cover, 1991)
3-A525--Kathy Klein (Whose Birthday? cover, 1993)
3-A526--Kathy Klein (Whose Birthday? cover, 1988)
3-A527--Kathy Klein (Whose Birthday? cover, 1995)
3-A528--Tom Peterson (Jesus & Presents, 1982)
3-A529--Alternatives' staff (Christmas Party)
3-A530--Kathy Klein (Credit card stocking, 1987)
3-A532--Tom Peterson (Santa holding baby)
3-A533--Tom Peterson (Santa and pigs, 1978)
3-A534--Norma Young, Baptist Peace Fellowship (I'm afraid of my toys)
3-A535--Tom Peterson (National Insecurity BI)
3-A536--Thanks-giving (WHD) BI: NEED ART!
3-A537--Tom Peterson (Death Penalty BI)
3-A538--Alternatives' staff (Swords to Plowshares BI)
3-A539--Tom Peterson (Human Rights BI, 1982)
4-A541--Kathy Klein (Is Time Running Out?, 1985)
3-A542--Tom Peterson (First Valentine BI, 1987)
3-A543--Tom Peterson (ML King BI, 197)
3-A544--Kathy Klein (Rose Blooming BI, 1987)
3-A545--Kathy Klein (Thanksgiving Table BI, 1987)
3-A546--Kathy Klein (Sleeping Child BI)
3-A547--Tom Peterson (Immigration BI)
4-A548--Alternatives' staff (Peace Crane BI)
3-A549--Kathy Klein (Prisoners of Conscience BI)
3-A551--Tom Peterson (Tomb bunny)
3-A552--Tom Peterson (Eggs at tomb BI)
3-A553--Kathy Klein (Follow me-adults BI)
3-A554--Kathy Klein (Follow me-kids BI)
3-A555--Kathy Klein (Search for Truth? BI, 1990)
3-A556--Norma Young, Baptist Peace Fellowship (How inconvenient BI)
3-A557--Alternatives' staff (Season for Prayer BI)
3-A558--Kathy Klein (On 3rd Day-offering BI, 1988)
3-A559--Tom Peterson (On 3rd Day-bunny BI , 1981, & "Easter Seder" available from Alternatives)
C. I. Publishing
PO Box 2225, Hickory NC 28603
(800/398-8541)
info@liturgicalimages.com
800's--Image America: The Image Book, 1993
900's--unpublished art
0100-0999--Image America,Vol. 1/1-2/2, Dec., 1993-Jan, 1995
1000-4305--Liturgical Images, May/June, 1995-Sept/Oct, 1999
Sources/Credits of QUOTES
This information is correct to the best of our knowledge. We welcome corrections. We apologize for any errors or omissions.
NOTES:
1. The credits below contain only the quote number, not the category and "Q" prefix.
2. "ff." means "and following," i.e. 501 ff. means "number 501 and numbers that immediate follow."
3. Most of the sources are in alphabetical order by name/title.
0100 ff.--Alternative Simpler Living Year Round Calendar
0200 ff.--"'Tis a Gift to be Simple: Embracing the Freedom of Living with Less" by Barbara DeGrote Sorensen and David Sorensen, (c)1992, Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN.
0300 ff.---"Six Weeks to a Simpler Lifestyle" by Barbara DeGrote Sorensen and David Sorensen, (c)1994, Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN.
0301--p.35; 0302--p.44; 0303--p.45; 0304--p.48
0400 ff.--"12 Secrets of Highly Creative Women, The" by Gail McMeekin, (c)2000, Conari Press, Berkeley, CA.
0401--p.4; 0402--p.4; 0403--p.5; 0404--p.5; 0405--p.6; 0406--p.7; 0407--p.12; 0408--p.23; 0409--p.27; 0410--p.29; 0411--p.30; 0412--p.39; 0413--p.43; 0414--p.56; 0415--p.58;
0416--p.60; 0417--p.62; 0418--p.62; 0419--p.64; 0420--p.70; 0421--p.78; 0422--p.81; 0423--p.86; 0424--p.90; 0425--p.9; 0426--p.98; 0427--p.102; 0428--p.111; 0429--p.114; 0430--p.121; 0431--p.121; 0432--p.127; 0433--p.131; 0434--p.141; 0435--p.142; 0436--p.143; 0437--p.145; 0438--p.162; 0439--p.165; 0440--p.169; 0441--p.170; 0442--p.170; 0443--p.179; 0444--p.181; 0445--p.181; 0446--p.186; 0447--p.189; 0448--p.190; 0449--p.193; 0450--p.193; 0451--p.195; 0452--p.197; 0453--p.207
0500 ff. "Believing Cassandra: An Optimist Looks at a Pessimist's World" (book and CD) by Alan AtKisson, (c)1999, Chelsea Green Publishing Co., White River Junction, VT.
0501--CD; 0502--CD; 0503--CD; 0504--p.ix; 0505--p.ix; 0506--p.3; 0507--p.3; 0509--p.27; 0510--p.43; 0511--p.43; 0512--p.54; 0513--p.56; 0514--p.69; 0515--p.69; 0516--p.89; 0517--p.103; 0518--p.103; 0519--p.133; 0520--p.133; 0521--p.150; 0522--p.153; 0523--p.153; 0524--p.160; 0525--p.173; 0526--p.175; 0527--p.175; 0528--p.193; 0529--p.194; 0530--p.198; 0531--p.198
0600 ff.--Bible: Quotations from New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV), copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission.
References to TREK, from "TREK: Venture into a World of Enough," Mennonite Central Committee.
For a list of Biblical Passages Related to Hunger and Justice, see Beyond Guilt and Powerlessness by George S. Johnson, Augsburg-Fortress, 1989, pp. 54-56. Out of print.
0604--Worth Reading: "How Much Is Enough?" by Alan Durning.
0700 ff.--"Breaking Bread" by Sara Covin Juengst, (c) 1992, Westminster/John Knox Press, Louisville, KY.
0701--p.15; 0702--p.61; 0703--p.71
0750 ff.--Center for a New American Dream. To read more from CNAD's listserv archives, go to www.newdream.org. Subscribe to CNAD's publication, Enough!
0750--CNAD324; 0751--CNAD477; 0752--CNAD222; 0754--CNAD 450: A List for Living (submitted by Ron Stone from Erich Fromm in To Have or To Be); 0755--CNAD450 (submitted by Mark Burch)
0800 ff. "Christian Acts of Kindness" by The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation(tm), (c)1999, Grace House, Walnut Creek, CA.
0801--p.1; 0802--p.3; 0803--p.4; 0804--p.8; 0805--p.9; 0806--p.14; 0807--p.15; 0808--p.17; 0809--p.18; 0810--p.20; 0811--p.22; 0812--p.24; 0813--p.25; 0814--p.29; 0815--p.31; 0816--p.34; 0817--p.45; 0818--p.51; 0819--p.53; 0820--p.55; 0821--p.59; 0822--p.60; 0823--p.71; 0824--p.72; 0825--p.74; 0826--p.78; 0827--p.79; 0828--p.80; 0829--p.84; 0830--p.86; 0831--p.90; 0832--p.92; 0833--p.96; 0834--p.108; 0835--p.110; 0836--p.111; 0837--p.113; 0838--p.125; 0839--p.128; 0840--p.132; 0841--p.138; 0842--p.139
0850 ff.--"Circle of Simplicity, The: Return to the Good Life" by Cecile Andrews, (c)1997, HarperCollins, New York, NY.
0850--p.1; 0851--p.10; 0852--p.25; 0853--p.34; 0854--p.69; 0855--p.78; 0856--p.85; 0857--p.99; 0859--p.109; 0860--p.111; 0861--p.111; 0862--p.124; 0863--p.133; 0864--p.147; 0865--p.161; 0866--p.163; 0867--p.169; 0868--p.171; 0869--p.173; 0870--p.180; 0871--p.193
0900 ff.--"Circles of Hope, Circles of Peace" by LaDoris Payne-Bell, (c)1998, Institute for Peace and Justice, Peaceful Parenting Network, St. Louis, MO.
0901--p.19; 0902--p.25; 0903--p.28
0950 ff.--"Communities Directory: A Guide to Cooperative Living" (c)1996, Fellowship for Intentional Community, Rutledge, MO.
0950--p.21; 0951--p.24; 0952--p.59; 0953--p.114; 0954--p.116; 0955--p.120; 0956--p.122; 0957--p.131
1000 ff.--"Community of Kindness, The" by the Editors of "Random Acts of Kindness," (c)1999, Conari Press, Berkeley, CA.
1001--p.1; 1002--p.11; 1003--p.16; 1004--p.18; 1005--p.21; 1006--p.23; 1007--p.31; 1008--p.37; 1009--p.39; 1010--p.53; 1011--p.65; 1012--p.84; 1013--p.101; 1014--p.125; 1015--p.137; 1016--p.145; 1017--p.152 (attributed here to Norman MacEswan); 1018--p.169;
1019--p.182; 1020--p.187; 1021--p.204; 1022--p.207; 1023--p.210; 1024--p.227; 1025--p.234; 1026--p.237; 1027--p.239; 1028--p.241; 1029--p.244; 1030--p.248; 1031--p.250; 1032--p.261; 1033--p.263; 1035--p.275; 1036--p.277; 1037--p.280; 1039--p.285; 1040--p.293; 1041--p.298; 1042--p.302; 1043--p.307; 1044--p.313
1100 ff.--"Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices: Practical Advice from The Union of Concerned Scientists" by Michael Brower and Warren Leon, (c)1999, Three Rivers Press, New York, NY.
1101--p.85; 1102--p.44; 1103--p.50; 1104--p.109; 1105--p.123; 1106--p.148
1150 ff.--"Culture Jam: The Uncooling of America(tm)" by Kalle Lasn, (c)1999, Quill: HarperCollins, New York, NY.
1150--p. 91; 1151--p.142; 1152--p.164; 1153--p.170; 1154-- p.177
1200 ff.--"Earth Child: Games, Stories, Activities, Experiments & Ideas About Living Lightly on planet Earth" by Kathryn Sheehan and Mary Waidner, (c)1994, Council Oak, Tulsa, OK.
1201--p.9; 1202--p.12; 1203--p.24; 1204--p.62; 1205--p.69; 1206--p.89; 1207--p.105; 1208--p.115; 1209--p.119; 1210--p.151; 1211--p.153; 1212--p.176; 1213--p.184; 1214--p.197; 1215--p.203; 1216--p.215; 1217--p.235; 1218--p.250; 1219--p.256; 1220--p.263; 1221--p.297; 1222--p.299; 1223--p.307
1300 ff.--Eco-Justice Ministries, Peter Sawtell, Executive Director, www.eco-justice.org/quotes.asp
4-1302--Thomas Berry, Dream of the Earth
10-1303--Thomas Berry, The Dream of the Earth
5-1304 --Thomas Berry, The Great Work: Our Way Into the Future, x-xi
5-1308--Charles Birch, Liberating Life: Contemporary Approaches to Ecological Theology
5-1312--Walter Brueggemann, Living Toward a Vision: Biblical Reflections on Shalom, pp. 15-16
3-1313--Walter Brueggemann, Living Toward a Vision: Biblical Reflections on Shalom, p. 24
5-1315--Living Toward a Vision: Biblical Reflections on Shalom, pp. 20-21
5-1316--Living Toward a Vision: Biblical Reflections on Shalom, pp. 20-21
5-1317--The Christian Doctrine of Creation and Redemption
2-1321--The Language of Action
10-1322--Einstein: The Life and Times
5-1328--Living in the Presence
5-1333--The Home Planet, p. 83
5-1335--Paul Gorman, founder, National Religious Partnership on the Environment
5-1338-40--Ecumenical Ethics for Earth Community
5-1359--To Care for the Earth: a call to a new theology, p. 5
5-1360--To Care for the Earth: a call to a new theology, p. 141
5-1361--To Care for the Earth: a call to a new theology, p. 126
5-1372--Earth Community, Earth Ethics, p. 17-18
5-1373--Earth Community, Earth Ethics, p. 15
7-1374--Ecological Footprints, p. 387
4-1375--Rosemary Radford Ruether, Gaia & God, 1992
5-1394--The Sacred Balance
5-1396--Respect for Nature: A Theory of Environmental Ethics
5-1399e--World Council of Churches, Now Is the Time: The Final Document and Other Texts from the World Convocation on Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation
5-1399f--World Council of Churches, Now Is the Time: The Final Document and Other Texts from the World Convocation on Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation
1400 ff.--"Extending the Table: A World Community Cookbook" by Joetta Handrich Schlabach, (c)1991, Herald Press, Scottdale, PA.
1401--p.42; 1402--p.52; 1403--p.68; 1404--p.68; 1405--p.78; 1406--p.85; 1407--p.88; 1408--p.100; 1409--p.109; 1410--p.111; 1411--p.142; 1412--p.161; 1413--p.193; 1414--p.195; 1415--p.231; 1416--p.251; 1417--p.261; 1418--p.269; 1419--p.273; 1420--p.299; 1421--p.318;
1500 ff.--"Families Creating a Circle of Peace: A Guide for Living the Family Pledge of Nonviolence" by Jim McGinnis, Ken and Gretchen Lovingood, and Jim Vogt, (c)1996, Institute for Peace and Justice, Peaceful Parenting Network, St. Louis, MO.
1501--p.7; 1502--p.21; 1503--p.28; 1504--p.30; 1505--p.29; 1506--inside front cover; 1507 (Kids Creating a Circle of Peace)--inside front cover
1510--The Shakertown Pledge
In April of 1973, a group of religious retreat center directors and their staffs gathered at the site of a restored Shaker village about 40 miles south of Lexington, Kentucky. When talk turned to statistics about the world's poor, the group began to examine their lifestyles and how their choices affect others. At a later meeting, some of the participants drafted this pledge and vowed to seek lifestyle examination and change. (from Treasury of Celebrations, p.85)
1550 ff.--"Food, Faith and Sustainability" (originally "Food for Life Handbook"), (c)1997, Earth Ministry, Seattle, WA.
1550--p.5; 1551--p.26; 1552--p.26; 1553--p.40; 1554--p.41; 1555--p.43; 1556--p.45; 1557--p.46; 1558--p.47; 1559--p.48; 1560--p.49
1700 ff.--"Grace at the Table: Ending Hunger in God's World" by David Beckmann & Arthur Simon, (c)1999, InterVaristy Press, Downers Grove, IL. Available from Bread for the World.
1702--p.75; 1703--p.81; 1704--p.109; 1705--p.156; 1706--p.156; 1707--p.173;
1800 ff. "Green Kitchen Handbook: Practical Advice, References, and Source for Transforming the Center of Your Home into a Healthful, Livable Place" by Annie Berthold-Bond, (c)1997, HarperCollins, New York, NY.
1801--p.4; 1802--p.5; 1803--p.8; 1804--p.103; 1805--p.111; 1806--p.116; 1807--p.204; 1808--p.230; 1809--p.235; 1810--p.235; 1811--p.3;
1900 ff.--"Guide to World Hunger Organizations, 2nd Ed., edited by Michael D. Williamson, (c)1994, Seeds of Hope, Waco, TX.
1901--p.15; 1902--p.15; 1903--p.15
1950 ff.--"Heart of a Family, The: Searching America for New Traditions That Fulfill Us" by Meg Cox, (c)1998, Random House, New York, NY. Available from Alternatives.
1950--p.3; 1951--p.162; 1952--p.310 (from "Marrying and Burying: Rites of Passage in a Man's Life")
2000-2199--Individuals
2001-2050--Darrel Fickbohm, a writer and performer living in Sioux Falls, SD.
2051-2100--Dan Robinson's list of 'inspirational' email tag lines. Ashleigh Brilliant quotes are from the book "I MAY NOT BE TOTALLY PERFECT, BUT PARTS OF ME ARE EXCELLENT and Other BRILLIANT THOUGHTS," which included line drawings.
2101-2125--KEY IDEAS FOR SIMPLER LIVING - Aphorisms, Maxims and Quotations, submitted by Richard S. Webster, PhD.; President, PRM Institute, Worthington, OH.
2105--Hans Von Miehaelis, "Wall Street Journal," 9/18/91, p.1.
2126-2150--Ashley Nedeau-Owen, Alternatives' former Business Manager and now active volunteer, Sioux City, IA
2126-2127--"Virtual Faith: The Irreverent Spiritual Quest of Generation X" by Tom Beaudoin.
2128-2143--Quotes on Simple Living from "Quotes" page of Alternatives' web site compiled by Ashley Nedeau-Owen in 1997
2128--Edward Abbey (via Betsy Barnum email); 2130--Michael Katakis, Sacred Trusts; 2131--Richard Louv, The Web of Life; 2143--from "Fool's Gold"
2151-2175--Gerald Iversen, Alternatives' National Coordinator, 1995-2007
2176-2185--Bruxy Cavey, Ontario, Canada (via email)
2186-2199--Anne Meyer Byler
2188--from Easter sermon (1999?), Episcopal All Saints Church, Pasadena, CA
2189--"I have no clue if this is the original spacing. I had written this down like this over 20 years ago..."
2195--Mothering magazine, Fall, 1990, p.33.
2200 ff.--Journey Into Freedom, Esther Armstrong and Dale Stitt. (journey@teleport.com)
2216--Issue 22; April, 2000. "It stopped me in my tracks. My heart, my spirit, the whole proverbial sha-bang. Heidi Clark"
2217--attributed to Winston Churchill in "More Thoughts for the Journey" perpetual calendar, available from Journey into Freedom
2300 ff.--"Joy of Not Working, The: A Book for the Retired, Unemployed and Overworked" by Ernie J. Zelinski, (c)1997, Ten Speed Press, Berkeley, CA.
2400 ff.--"Joy of Simple Living" by Jeff Davidson, (c)1999, Rodale Press, Emmaus, PA.
2401--p.56; 2402--p.79; 2403--p.97; 2404--p.118; 2405--p.128; 2406--p.132; 2407--p.143; 2408--p.154; 2409--p.167; 2410--p.219; 2411--p.225; 2412--p.256; 2413--p.307; 2414--p.336; 2415--p.341; 2416--p.342; 2417--p.359; 2418--p.381; 2420--p.403; 2421--p.404; 2422--p.420; 2424--p.437
2600 ff.--"Like a Garden: A Biblical Spirituality of Growth" by Sara Covin Juengst, (c)1996, Westminster John Know Press, Louisvile, KY.
2601--p.1; 2602--p.1; 2603--p.1; 2604--p.1; 2605--p.13; 2606--p.33; 2608--p.65
2700 ff.--"Living in Balance: A Dynamic Approach for Creating Harmony & Wholeness on a Chaotic World" by Joel Levey & Michelle Levey, (c)1998, Conari Press, Berkeley, CA.
2701--p.20; 2702--p.23; 2703--p.24; 2704--p.25; 2705--p.29; 2706--p.30; 2707--p.33; 2708--p.38; 2709--p.39; 2710--p.43; 2711--p.48; 2712--p.48; 2713--p.49; 2714--p.49; 2715--p.59; 2716--p.60; 2717--p.61; 2718--p.69; 2719--p.94; 2720--p.94; 2721--p.95; 2722--p.95; 2723--p.106; 2724--p.107; 2725--p.107; 2726--p.113; 2728--p.112; 2729--p.118; 2730--p.118; 2731--p.123; 2732--p.128; 2733--p.151; 2734--p.150; 2735--p.162; 2736--p.173; 2737--p.173; 2738--p.182; 2739--p.187; 2740--p.196; 2741--p.199; 2742--p.201; 2743--p.201; 2744--p.206; 2745--p.212; 2747--p.213; 2748--p.218; 2749--p.220; 2750--p.224; 2751--p.227; 2752--p.228; 2753--p.231; 2754--p.233; 2755--p.248; 2756--p.251; 2757--p.251; 2758--p.252; 2759--p.255; 2760--p.262; 2761--p.262; 2762--p.263; 2763--p.266; 2764--p.269; 2765--p.273; 2766--p.284; 2767--p.284; 2768--p.285; 2769--p.286; 2770--p.286; 2771--p.292; 2772--p.296; 2773--p.297; 2774--p.298
2800 ff.--"Living More with Less" by Doris Janzen Longacre, (c)1980, 2011 Herald Press, Scottsdale, PA.
2801--p.27; 2802--p.35; 2803--p.39; 2804--p.40; 2805--p.49; 2806--p.55; 2807--p.56; 2808--p.72; 2809--p.72; 2810--p.77; 2811--p.98; 2812--p.98; 2813--p.101; 2814--p.120; 2815--p.120; 2816--p.171; 2817--p.173; 2818--p.175; 2819--p.210; 2820--p.270; 2821--p.270
2900 ff.--"Making a Living While Making a Difference: The Expanded Guide to Creating Careers with a Conscience" by Melissa Everett, (c)1999, New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island, BC, Canada.
2901--p.161
3000 ff.--Martin Luther: "Creation Care" Magazine from EEN (Evangelical Environmental Network)
3100 ff.--Ministry of Money [now FaithAndMoneyNetwork.org]: Growth in discipleship, compassion for the poor, global stewardship. For information, call (800) 275-6585.
3101-3112--Ministry of Money: Issue 124, June, 2000
3104--Gustavo Gutierrez, "Practical Theology of Liberation"
3105--Sharif Abdullah, "Creating a World That Works For All"
3106--Richard John Heuhaus, "Doing Well and Doing Good"
3107--Macrina Wiederkehr, "A Tree Full of Angels: Seeing the Holy in the Ordinary"
3108--Joan Chittister, OSB, "Heart & Flesh: A Feminist Spirituality for Women & Men"
3109--Vicki Robin, "Your Money or Your Life"
3113-3116--Issue 127, February, 2201
3117-3118--September, 2000
3117--Foreword to Jim Wallis' "Faith Works," Random House, 2000
3150 ff.--"Marketing Madness: A Survival Guide for a Consumer Society" by Michael F. Jacobson and Laurie Ann Mazur, (c)1995, Westview Press, Boulder, CO.
3150--p.12; 3151--p.15; 3152--p.209; 3153--p.209
3300 ff.--"New Games for the Whole Family: More Playful Ideas" by Dale N. LeFevre, (c)1988, Perigee Books, New York, NY.
3301--p.52; 3302--p.52; 3303--p.148
3400 ff.--Parenting for Peace & Justice Network newsletter. Call (314) 533-4445 or visit www.ipj-ppj.org
3500--"Peacework" newsletter, #1, 2000, published by Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America (704) 521-6051, www.bpfna.org.
3575 ff.--Prism E-pistle. To subscribe to Prism magazine or the free email newsletter, call ESA, Evangelicals for Social Action (800) 650-6600.
3575--Abraham Lincoln, personal correspondence, 1864. (5/3/00 issue)
3576--Excerpted from THE BLACK CHRIST by Kelly Brown Douglas, 1994, Orbis Books, Maryknoll, NY. (5/17/00 issue)
3577--Keeping Hope Alive: Inspiration of the Month
3578-3579--8/16/00 issue
3600 ff.--"Promise Ahead: A Vision of Hope and Action for Humanity's Future" by Duane Elgin, (c)2000, William Morrow, New York, NY.
3601--p.1; 3602--p.15; 3603--p.15; 3604--p.71; 3605--p.77; 3606--p.77; 3607--p.77; 3609--p.77; 3610--p.77; 3611--p.77; 3612--p.77; 3613--p.78; 3614--p.113; 3615--p.113
3700 ff.--"Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: Moving from Affluence to Generosity" by Ronald J. Sider, (c)1997, Word Publishing, Nashville, TN.
3701--p.189; 3702--p.189
3800 ff.--"Sacred Balance, The" by Peter Suzuki
3801--p.9
3900 ff.--"Seeking Peace: Notes and Conversations Along the Way" by Johann Christoph Arnold, (c)1998, Plough Publishing, Bruderhof Foundation, Farmington, PA.
3901--p.7; 3902--p.25
4000 ff.--"Sharing the Harvest: A Guide to Community-Supported Agriculture" by Elizabeth Henderson with Robyn Van En, (c)1999, Chelsea Green Publishing Co., White River Junction, VT.
4001--p.xiii; 4002--p.3; 4003--p.10; 4004--p.17; 4005--p.44; 4006--p.47; 4007--p.61; 4009--p.89; 4010--p.103; 4011--p.112; 4012--p.131; 4013--p.161; 4014--p.192; 4015--p.224
4100 ff.--"Simple Fun for Busy People: 333 Free Ways to Enjoy Your Loved Ones More in the Time You Have" by Gary Krane, (c)1998, Conari Press, Berkeley, CA.
4101--p.12; 4102--p.16; 4103--p.18; 4105--p.18; 4106--p.18; 4107--p.29; 4108--p.30; 4109--p.31; 4110--p.33; 4111--p.40; 4112--p.93; 4113--p.99; 4114--p.117; 4115--p.143; 4116--p.145; 4117--p.157; 4118--p.192; 4119--p.225; 4120--p.228; 4121--p.232; 4122--p.232; 4123--p.234
4200 ff.--"Simple Living Guide: A Sourcebook for Less Stressful, More Joyful Living" by Janet Luhrs, (c)1997, Broadway Books, New York, NY.
4201--p.61; 4202--p.172; 4203--p.213; 4204--p.353; 4205--p.361; 4206--p.403
4300 ff.--"Simple Pleasures: Soothing Suggestions & Small Comforts for Living Well Year Round" by Robert Taylor, Susannah Seton, David Greer, (c)1996, Conari Press, Berkeley, CA.
4301--p.3; 4302--p.3; 4303--p.8; 4304--p.12; 4305--p.25; 4306--p.36; 4308--p.47; 4309--p.53; 4310--p.54; 4311--p.69; 4312--p.79; 4313--p.80; 4314--p.83; 4315--p.94; 4316--p.97; 4317--p.113; 4319--p.133; 4320--p.134; 4321--p.149; 4322--p.153; 4323--p.172; 4324--p.173; 4325--p.175; 4326--p.176; 4327--p.180; 4328--p.181; 4329--p.200; 4330--p.206; 4331--p.209
4400 ff.--"Simpler Living Compassionate Life: A Christian Perspective," ed. by Michael Schut, (c)1999, Earth Ministry, Seattle, WA; Living the Good News, Denver, CO.
4401--p.9; 4402--p.18; 44 03--p.18; 4404--p.29; 4405--p.32; 4406--p.32; 4407-- p.39; 4408--p.104; 4409--p.140; 4410--p.140; 4411--p.149; 4412--p.161; 4413--p.190; 4414--p.206; 4415--p.245; 4416--p.254; 4417--p.267; 4418--p.268
4450 ff. "Simply Organized: How to Simplify Your Complicated Life" by Connie Cox and Cris Evatt, (c)1986. Perigee/Berkeley, New York, NY. Out of print.
4450--p.22; 4453--p.119; 4455--p.122; 4456--p.22
4500 ff.--"Simplicity from a Monastery Kitchen: A Complete Menu Cookbook for All Occasions" by Brother Victor-Antoine d'Avila-Latourrette, (c)2001, Broadway Books, New York, NY.
4550 ff.--"Soul of a Citizen" by Paul Rogat Loeb, (c)1999, St. Martin's Griffin, New York, NY.
4551--p.34; 4552--p.58; 4553--p.58; 4554--p.98
4600 ff.--"Sustainable Communities from Vision to Action," Population Coalition: www.popco.org.
4601--p.7; 4602--p.6; 4603--p.11; 4604--p.11; 4605--p.15; 4606--p.16; 4607--p.17; 4608--p.21; 4609--p.22; 4610--p.22; 4611--p.23; 4612--p.backcover; 4613--p.3; 4614--p.3; 4615--p.4; 4616--p.4; 4617--p.4; 4618--p.4; 4620--p.11; 4621--p.15; 4622--p.17; 4623--p.33; 4624--p.33
4800 ff.--"To Celebrate: Reshaping Holidays & Rites of Passage" by Alternatives, (c)1987.
4801--p.21; 4802--p.24; 4803--p.41; 4804--p.51; 4805--p.79; 4806--p.91; 4807--p.94; 4808--p.134; 4809--p.174; 4810--p.181; 4811--p.213
4900 ff.--"Utne Reader Almanac: 123 Ideas, Innovations & Insights That Can Change Your Life, Your Community & Maybe the World, " ed. by Jay Walljasper, (c)1996, Lens Publishing, Minneapolis, MN.
4901--pp.29-30; 4902--p.36; 4904--p.5; 4905--p.95; 4906--p.39
5000 ff. "Yearning for Balance," Center for a New American Dream, Washington, DC, (877) 68-DREAM www.newdream.org
5001--p.5; 5002--p.10; 5003--p.24; 5004--p.28; 5005--p.32; 5006--p.35
5100 ff.--Miscellaneous
5101--Favorite Alternatives quote of Cathy Brechtelsbauer, Sioux Falls SD
5102 -- "Designer Kids," p.117, by David Walsh, (c)1990, Deaconess Press, Minneapolis, MN.
5103--"Consuming Passion, The: Christianity & the Consumer Culture" ed. by Rodney Clapp, p.51, (c)1998, InterVarsity Press.
5104-5106--"Call to Peace, A: 52 Meditations on the Family Pledge of Nonviolence"" by Jim McGinnis, (c)1998, Institute for Peace & Justice, St. Louis, MO.
5104--p.66; 5105--p.74; 5106--p.76
5107 -- "Being God's Partner: How to Find the Hidden Link Between Spirituality and Your Work" by Jeffrey K. Salkin, p. 125, (c)1994, Jewish Lights Publishing, Woodstock, VT.
5108-5110--"Feasting with God: Adventures in Table Spirituality" by Holly W. Whitcomb, (c)1996, United Church Press, Cleveland, OH.
5108--p.117; 5109--p.118; 5110--p.118
5111-5112--"Educating for Peace and Justice: Religious Dimensions, K-6," by James McGinnis, (c)1993, Institute for Peace and Justice, St. Louis, MO.
5111--p. 14; 5112--Prayers for Peace, pp. 7, 57.
5113--"A Home Like This: Seeking a Sacred Ethic of Community and Land" by John Pitney (541/345-8764) compost@cyberis.net, p. 53.
5114 -- "It's Not Fair: A Handbook on World Development for Youth Groups," Christian Aid, p. 84. Available from Alternatives. (also attributed to Dorothy Day)
5115--The Lutheran, 8/2000, p. 4
5116--'Tis a Gift to Be Simple, p.19 (SEE 0200 above.)
5117--Also editorial "The Ecological Arts" in "Melodious Accord Newsletter" and an 'answering' article from a reader who is married to a practicing ecologist. Interesting reading, available at alice@aliceparker.com
5118--submitted by Jay Feld
5119-5121--"Fellowship" magazine, 11-12/99, Fellowship of Reconciliation, www.forusa.org
5119--p.13; 5120--p.13; 5121-- p.21
5122-5124--Submitted by Sr. Mary Beth Kornely, Silver Lake College, Manitowoc, WI
5122--"Illuminated Life: Monastic Wisdom for Seekers of Light" by Joan Chittister, p. 29, (c)2000, Orbis Books, Maryknoll, NY
5123--"Always and Never Enough" by Kimberly Ridley, Hope Magazine, Summer 2000/No.23, p. 70, (207-359-4651) www.hopemag.com
5124--"Back in Touch" by Kimberly Ridley, Hope Magazine, No.23, p. 4
5126--Available free at SimpleLivingWorks.org -> archives -> 10tips
5127--"Unplug the Christmas Machine: A Complete Guide to Putting Love & Joy Back into the Season," by Jo Robinson and Jean Coppock Staeheli, (c)1991, William Morrow.
5128--submitted by Lou Lotz, Fairhaven Reformed Church, Jenison, MI
5129--from "Plain Song," Presbytery of South Dakota Newsletter
5130-5131--from Sophia Center 2000-2001 brochure (510/436-1046) www.wpe.com/~sophia
5132-5133--Dovetail, 6/2000, p. 14, Iowa Peace Network, Des Moines, IA (515/255-7114).
5134--Here's a great quotation on hunger that I will give by memory -- Loren
5135-5138--Some favorite items of Mike Nickerson, Sustainability Project-Inviting Debate, Ontario, Canada (613) 269-3500) www.cyberus.ca/choose.sustain
5136--"Life-Based Pursuits: A Key to Sustainability"
5140--www.planet-interkom.de/ghager/default.html
5141--Rich H. Meyer, Millersburg, IN, cptcsd@npcc.net
5142--J. H. Yoder, "Nevertheless: A Meditation on the Varieties and Shortcomings of Religious Pacifism," @1971, Herald Press, Scottdale, PA.
5145-5152--Some favorite quotes that I keep on my wall to keep me going. Molly Cole, Environmental Studies Program Coordinator, Environmental Institute, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, www.wmich.edu/environmental-studies
5147-5148--Hough H. Ilitis, Director, U of W Herbarium, Madison. From "BioDiversity"; 5150 --"Energy Ideas," May, 1993
5155--Positive Futures Network, 6/23/99, Robert Theobald, www.y2kcommunity.org. See also www.coopamerica.org/Business/B44million.htm
5156--"Break Forth into Joy" video, (c)1995, Alternatives for Simple Living, words of David Sorensen, adapted by Gerald Iversen. Available at Simp[leLivingWorks.org -> archives -> Audio/video
5157-5158--from "Peace Tax Fund" quarterly update, issue one, 2001, p. 3. (888-PEACE-TAX).
5159--quoted in "Target Earth: Serving the Earth, Serving the Poor," Winter, 2001. www.TargetEarth.org
5161-5169 -- Bumper stickers available from Alternatives.
5170--"Language of Gifts, The: The Essential Guide to Meaningful Gift Giving" by Deanna Washington, p. 1
5172--"Hunger Education Activities that Work," Church World Service (800-297-1516) www.churchworldservice.org
5174--"Live It Up!" by Thomas Sine, (c)1993, Herald Press, Scottdale, PA, p. 27
5175--Aldo Leopold, "Sand County Almanac," quoted in "Invested in the Common Good" by Susan Meeker-Lowry, (c)1995, New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island, BC, Canada, p. 158
5179-- "Just Family Nights: Activities to Keep Your Family Together in a World Falling Apart" ed. by Susan Vogt, p. 32, (c)1994, faithQuest/Brethren Press, Elgin, IL.
5180--"Good Earth Art: Environmental Art for Kids" by MaryAnn F. Kohl, p. 12, (c)1991, Bright Ring Publishing, Bellingham, WA.
5185-5187--TV Turnoff Network, sponsor of TV-Turnoff Week each year in April. (202/518-5556) www.tvturnoff.org
5190--New Road Map Foundation, www.NewRoadMap.org
5-Q5193--Working Assets phone bill, 5/4/01
5195--submitted by Lynn Rossiter, Circle Pines, MN
Reaching Out Through the Media
by Heidi K. Roy[Also see Social Media Supplement to 'Simple Living 101: ToolBook for Activists Shy or Bold.']
Holiday sale ads, stories about crowded shopping malls, and articles that offer Christmas gift suggestions clutter our mailboxes, fill the airwaves and invade our homes during the months preceding the celebration of the birth of Christ. Whether we want to believe it or not, television, radio and newspapers play a large role in commercializing our Christmas.
However, the media also can be used to tell the other side. Perhaps you have seen an article in your local newspaper about an alternative Christmas festival or have heard a radio talk show on the pros and cons of Santa Claus. While these stories sometimes seem overshadowed by the chaos of Christmas time, they too can have an impact.
By reaching out through the media, you can help to change the way others celebrate Christmas. By introducing people to the alternatives, you can teach others that Christmas and other holidays can be more meaningful and less commercialized.
In November and December, many newspapers, television stations and radio stations will be looking for interesting Christmas stories. Whether you are planning a community Christmas festival, an alternative Christmas workshop or another alternative Christmas celebration, let the media know. Media events such as rallies, demonstrations, street theater and press conferences that offer unusual photo opportunities can also get the media's attention. Local media will be especially interested in finding out what is happening within the community.
There are a number of ways to share your message with the public. Media releases, public service announcements, letters to the editor and advertisements are some of the ways to get your message heard.
Writing a Media Release
If an activity or project you're undertaking is news, a media release should be written and sent to all relevant media. Consider the following guidelines when preparing a media release:
- Always type your copy double-spaced on 8 1/2" x 11" paper, using only one side.
- Leave at least one-inch margins on both sides so that the copy may be edited.
- Include information about the contact person. Type your name, title, organization, address and telephone number.
- Make sure the first paragraph covers the who, what, where, when, why and how of your event.
- If your release runs more than one page, type "- more -" at the bottom of the page and number each page. Repeat contact person information at the top of each page.
- Type "###" or "30" at the end of your release.
- Mail, email, fax or hand-deliver the finished release to all newspapers and magazines and television and radio stations in your area. Also don't forget to include community, office and church newsletters on your mailing list.
- Look over the following sample media release as you prepare one of your own.
Sample Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mary Jones, Director
First Church Alternative Christmas Campaign
1000 Main Street, Mayville, CT 06000
(203) 555-0101
November 1, 2000
What Is Important About Christmas?
The congregation of First Church of Mayville is urging its members and community to consider what is really important about Christmas. On Saturday, November 25th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the First Church of Mayville will hold its 2nd annual Alternative Christmas Workshop.
Leaders of the workshop will discuss alternative Christmas giving, the role of Santa Claus and the focus of Christmas in the household. Free household Christmas booklets will be given to each participant.
Participation is open to the public at no charge. Reservations must be made by noon, November 20th, by calling 555-0101. ##
Preparing Public Service Announcements
Radio and television stations generally have free announcement times or space for community events or public service information. Take advantage of this free publicity by preparing public service announcements (PSAs) that inform the public of your alternative Christmas events. Consider these guidelines:
- Always type your announcements double-spaced on 8 1/2" x 11" paper. Leave at least one-inch side margins.
- Include information about the contact person at the top of the page.
- Write copy to fit 10-, 20-, 30-, 45- or 60-second spots. A 10-second announcement is about 25 words long; a 20-second is about 50 words; a 60-second is about 150 words. While the station determines how frequently to run a spot, shorter spots will generally be aired more often.
- Always identify sponsoring groups clearly.
- Write scripts that get attention. Show how the listener can benefit and ask for action - such as calling for more information.
- Remember that since radio and television stations air public service announcements free of charge to nonprofit groups, no commercial references can be included.
- Mail, email, fax or hand-deliver PSAs to stations at least two weeks before you want them aired.
Sample Public Service Announcement
John Smith, Director
Newtown Alternative Christmas Festival
2000 First Avenue
Newtown, WA 91234
(206) 555-0101
Christmas Festival Offers Alternatives
FOR USE THROUGH DECEMBER 8
November 1, 2000
20-Second: Join in celebrating Christmas at Newtown's fifth annual Alternative Christmas Festival. Puppet plays, live music, crafts and other activities are available for all ages. Celebrate with the community at the First Church of Newtown on Saturday, December 9th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Child care available.
30-Second: "Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway?" is the theme of Newtown's fifth annual Alternative Christmas Festival. This community birthday party for Jesus offers refreshments, live music, puppet plays, a self-help craft shop and other activities and displays. Join us in honoring the one whose birthday it is at the First Church of Newtown on Saturday, December 9th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information call John or Ellen Smith at 555-0101.
Other Publicity Tactics
Media releases and public service announcements are only two of the many ways to publicize special events and alternative opinions. Often radio and television stations have sound-off spots where people can air their views on various subjects. Radio phone-in shows are another forum.
You can share your views by writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Think about hanging posters on your community and office bulletin boards. One innovative church even placed an ad in their local newspaper inviting the community to join in simplifying Christmas. And don't forget one of the easiest and most effective forms of advertising - word of mouth! For examples, see the following letter to the editor and newspaper advertisement written and sent in by Alternatives' supporters.
Letter to the Editor
November 17, 2000
The Daily Reveille
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Christmas
Greetings, Editor:
Christmas is coming. Merchants are doing their best to help us prepare for this wonderful day. After all is said and done, we will have spent approximately $20 billion on extra purchases just for this event. Maybe we shouldn't be so quick to blame them for starting to push December 25th in October or September since it is going to take a bit more of our time in those checkout lanes to spend more money this year.
Christmas is a time of year when we are more generous and caring towards others. It is also a time when suicide and depression run rampant. "Tis the season" to say "I love you" or "I care about you," usually with some material gift. But do those gifts really bring us much satisfaction in life? We try so hard during the four or five week Christmas season to be so good and happy. But on the day after Christmas, most of us are a bit down if not down right depressed. Somehow the whole Christmas season seems to be phony on December 26th.
But Christmas can become a more meaningful celebration for you if you decide to try to do a few things differently this year. Drop Christmas activities that are not enjoyable or meaningful. Dream up new ways to celebrate what Christmas means to you whether that be the celebration of human love and caring for each other or the Christian celebration of Jesus who showed us the way to love and care for each other -- even unto death.
Give the gifts of yourself and your time to the people you really care about and want to love more. Give your best friend a gift certificate for an evening on the town together. You can celebrate both the gift and the relationship that is nurtured by the gift in the new year when time is less hectic. Give your little sister or brother a gift certificate for a free lesson in making something. Write Mom and Dad a letter about some special thing they taught you when you were growing up.
Seriously consider volunteering your services in the new year to a human service organization that helps people all year long. This way you can keep your Christmas spirit going throughout the coming year. The Big Buddy Program (phone #) and Operation Up-Grade (phone #) have been found to be rewarding by many students here at LSU.
For more ideas on gift giving and other ways to celebrate Christmas in more meaningful ways, come to hear me speak on Alternative Christmas Celebrations at 7:30 tonight at St. Alban's Episcopal Student Center.
Brenda Broussard
Sample Advertisement
Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway?
A sobering fact: Last year, Americans spent $30+ billion on Christmas gifts for family and friends, thus honoring the American economy more than the one whose birthday it is. We are supporting one another in simplifying Christmas this year. We provide quiet time for reflection in our worship. Join us! Sunday 10:30 AM.
Mt. Hollywood Congregational Church,
4607 Prospect Avenue, L.A., CA 90027
(213) 666-1222
Worship 10:30 A.M. [suggested art--3-A534]
* * * * * * * * * *
Heidi K. Roy was a staff member of Alternatives for seven years.
Dr. Kraay's School of Layout
"Dr. Kraay's School of Layout" appeared regularly in ImageAmerica**, with the intent of helping you lay out and produce your church newsletter as effectively as possible. Reproduced here is his complete course in church newsletter creation.
Dr. Robert Kraay has a Ph.D. in Communication and has taught public relations and journalism, but his real experience has come through actually producing newsletters and other church literature in his home church.
A. The Personal Touch
In order to give your newsletter that essential personal touch, please consider the following before you take up your pen, make that first cut with your scissors, sit down to the computer, or even begin selecting your materials. It is so easy to plunge in and begin composing what you want to say. But for an effective newsletter, a different perspective is necessary.
First, think about the people who will be opening and reading the newsletter. Try to picture them as they go through a normal working day. Try to understand what it is like in their homes. Try to hear the words which come out of their mouths.
Every little piece that makes up your newsletter should be directly targeted to the needs and interests of that group of people. Nothing (articles, pictures, layout, or anything) should be included just to fill up the space.
A cook's goal when baking is to create something pleasing to the palates of the eaters. She puts in only the appropriate ingredients in the right amount to end up with the right effect. Adding garlic to the cake, just because the cook likes garlic, won't help when that cake is bitten into at the birthday party. Just try to get somebody to eat a cake like that!
It is the same with a newsletter. Just like eating a delicious cake, reading the newsletter should be a special pleasure - not a chore. On receiving it, the reader should sense that this letter has been written especially for her or for him.
Church newsletter editors have a special challenge. Very often we are trying to express complicated theological concepts or we are talking about events familiar only to insiders. It may be a slight consolation to recognize that even professional writers and theologians also find it extremely difficult to express these kinds of things in simple language which everybody can understand.
The ability to think of the people reading the newsletter and to formulate what you are saying into word pictures which they immediately identify with, however, is the sign of a good writer and editor. It will take extra work, but when you see the message reaching the target, you will conclude that it is well worth your while.
B. Preparing Publicity Materials: Five Fundamental Rules
1. Less is More
Information inundates our lives. As a matter of survival, we all must filter the flood of data signals streaming our way. Readers extract useful data and find ways to ignore the rest.
* Use as few words as possible. Get to the point, and move on.
* Keep your page simple and clean. Violate this rule at the risk of having people ignore everything you say.
2. Consistency Counts
It is confusing when you are not consistent. If we keep shifting on the reader, they won't know which end is up. Therefore, I don't recommend paragraphs like this one.
* Establish a basic format for your publication. Stick with it.
* Limit yourself to one type and size for headlines and another for text.
* Establish one basic color to be used throughout your publication. Add other colors sparingly. Such consistency isn't boring. It helps people understand your message.
3. Write Well
People appreciate good composition.
* Organize with an outline.
* Come to the point quickly.
* Make each word count. Chose concrete nouns. Select only action packed, active verbs. Let your nouns and verbs carry the story. Do not rely on adjectives. Compare tile strength of these two examples:
-The very fast runner with an out-standing burst of speed went far down the field.
-John sprinted to the 19-yard-line.
* Use active verbs whenever possible.
* Write as you speak and involve the person. Generally use "you," "we," "our."
4. Lines and Space Talk.
Make sure that every line and space says or does something.
* Blank space is in important graphic element. Use it consciously.
* Use drawings and photographs to supplement your words.
* Written text forms lines and blocks. Consider the effect of them on the reader's attention.
* Lines interact with text. They underscore it, put boundaries around it, or bring attention to it.
5. Look Lots
Begin studying publicity materials that come into your hands. Don't read only for content. Ask yourself how and why the designer prepared it that way.
When you find materials which are either very successful or awful, collect them as sources of inspiration for your own work.
C. Preparing Publicity Materials: Rules of Writing
1. Understand the exact scope of your subject.
Your scope often will be determined by the amount of space available. If you have a subject which can't be properly covered in the space allotted, consider dividing it into a series. For example, if you want to write the history of your church, don't try to do it all in one article. Divide it into a series: the founders, the various locations, the membership statistics, profiles of leaders, and its interaction with the community.
2. Get the Facts.
You will be more convincing when people don't catch you guessing at details. If at all possible, gather complete information. You can delete later if you have too much.
Your writing becomes more and more solid as you go through the process of taking a larger mass of information and distilling it.
3. Know your audience.
Before you start, think about what kind of people will be reading your writing. Are they all church-going Christians who will know all the church "lingo?" Are they all adults or will young people be included? Are you writing to families only, or will you need to reach singles too? The American advertising business spends millions of dollars every year doing research which tells them who their exact audience will be, so they can target them with great efficiency.
4. Make an outline first.
You'll be surprised how quickly your writing will flow if you use this basic technique of organization. And your readers will be surprised how easy your article is to read.
5. Fill in the outline.
As you apply your research to your outline, pick only what is pertinent to the point. Then come to the point quickly. Don't go on and on about the same things, or you will lose your reader to boredom. Use action verbs, and strong nouns to carry your story. If you fluff out your writing with lots of adjectives, it becomes overkill. Involve your readers by using personal words, like "we" and "you."
6. Summarize.
When you finish your outline, summarize your idea in a sentence or two. This gives you the opportunity to leave the reader with a concise statement of the point of the article, wrapping things up and issuing a challenge to action.
A final word of advice, check your spelling and grammar, or have somebody else proof-read your final copy. Don't rely entirely on your computer spell-check. You could be pretty embarrassed.
D. Editing Materials Others Have Written
This topic brings to mind a situation I've experienced where the newsletter editor was a young man. As his staff was being formed, an elderly gentleman whose avocation was writing volunteered.
This combination proved to be explosive. Both people were volunteers. Neither one had to take flack from the other. The younger, less experienced, person had the final say in the publication. The older, published writer had difficulty accepting the judgments of a person whom he considered a neophyte. With his energy, the editor tried to help the congregation move in a direction which he thought it should go - from his youthful perspective. His elderly writer did not share that perspective. And sooner or later, misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and sparks began to fly.
This illustrates how sensitive an issue editing other church member's writing is. The task certainly requires a good dose of grace. As editor, recognize and acknowledge the contribution each of your writers makes. Encourage them with a gracious, appreciative attitude. At times this is difficult when poor quality materials are submitted. Just try to pass on to your writers some of the patience you have experienced in the way God deals with you.
However, do not equate graciousness on the part of the editor with weakness. You are responsible to make the publication not only readable, but also effective. In order to accomplish this, you as the editor must graciously throw out the garbage, strengthen the weak material, and try to set up procedures which improve the quality of materials you receive in the future.
4 Principles
1. Be gracious.
2. Keep the publication's purpose in mind.
As a church publication, the "grace" message should be driving all that is included.
Write your objectives and policies down and make them available to everyone on staff. If you can refer to written principles, people will know that you are not making decisions based on your own whims
3. Be strong.
You have been given authority. Don't be afraid to reject materials which don't belong.
4. Be proactive.
a. Make sure that the roles of your publication's staff are well-defined and understood by everyone. Have one person with final responsibility for the publication.
b. Don't just wait for articles that people might bring in. Assign writers to prepare stories relevant to your publication's goals.
c. Analyze your writers' strengths and assign appropriate articles.
d. Limit the size of the articles when you assign them.
E. Considerations for Placing Art & Photos
1. Consider how your reader looks at the page.
Before reading anything on a page, people will first glance over the page. Their eyes stop momentarily to consider each illustration. At each one, they make a quick decision as to whether or not to read the related text or move on. After art and photos, they look at headlines, then subheads.
All these say to the reader, "Here's something worth your effort. Give it a try."
2. Consider your purpose.
Why do you want to use the photo or graphic? To draw attention to something you've written? Is it to illustrate text? Is it instructional?
Then ask yourself, is this photo really going to do the job? How can you best position it to do what it is supposed to do? If it is being used to draw attention, it can't be small and down in a corner. If it is merely a matter of illustration, it shouldn't dominate the page.
3. Consider your priorities.
Look at the articles which are on the page. Which is your top priority article? It should get the visual aid which will draw attention to it. Each article should have something which jumps out and says, "Read me." Those articles on the top of your priority list, should have visual aids that shout!
4. Consider the quality.
If it is high quality art which gives a powerful message before any word is spoken, then please give it its rightful place and size. Allow enough empty space around it so that people can properly appreciate it.
However, you may have something of a quality where you say, "It's too bad that we have to put it in, but we do." Of course you have to do what you have to do. At least by putting it in, you say you care. But, please don't let it ruin your page. Make it appropriately small; and, if possible, try to make it look better than it is by cropping it or adding a nice frame.
5. Technical considerations.
* Look at your text as masses of text, not as individual words. Place your graphics so that the optical density of the various masses are balanced.
* Line up your margins carefully.
* Place art near where it applies.
* Look at the direction in which the art points. Don't have it running off the page, rather direct your reader's attention with it.
* Don't bunch your pictures together unless they are in a series.
* With photos, get in close to the subject and make sure the background isn't distracting. Don't be afraid to crop a photo (cutting off the top or bottom of the print) and/or to resize it to help bring the subject out.
* To reproduce well, photos should have good contrast, and line art should not have shading.
F. Tools of the Layout Trade
If you are not totally computerized, this session of School for Layout is for you. We will be dealing with computer layout later.
Basically, you need only a few tools for layout and paste-up, but they will greatly improve your efficiency when producing your church newsletter. A relatively small investment could save hours of work and make your final product very attractive. All of these products can be found at your local art supply store.
Graph Paper: use the paper with blue squares because they have special ink which will not reproduce when you print your job. You can buy graph paper in different standard sizes, but it's usually easier if it has 4 boxes per inch, and the inch lines are heavier than the others. You can even paste up your type and images right on the graph paper. Be sure to make corner marks where you want the edge of the page, and indicate the center when you are doing two pages at once. The graph boxes will help you line up everything straight.
Steel Ruler: steel rulers are more stable and accurate that plastic ones, and you can cut along their edges without nicking them. You might want to be sure you have both the American "inches" system and the metric indications on your ruler.
T-Square and Triangle: these two tools are invaluable for making your page "square" horizontally and vertically if you are not relying on graph paper. A T-square is a steel ruler with an attachment on one end which can be fit up against the edge of a table or drafting board. This gives you the horizontal rule. By placing a triangle (usually plastic, they can have a steel edge imbedded in them) with the bottom edge along the T-square, you will form accurate right angles and vertical rules. Be sure your layout paper is secured in place before you begin work. You can then slide the T-square up or down, and the triangle left and right to line up type and pictures.
Non-repro Blue Pen or Pencil: these special marking instruments have blue ink which will not reproduce. You can make guidance lines with them anywhere on your page to align both type and visuals.
Adhesive: if you are struggling with cellophane tape and getting bothersome shadows, try artist's adhesive. This is a spray glue which holds paper well, but allows you to reposition pieces after gluing. Rubber cement is also an excellent option.
X-Acto(r) Knife/Blades: you can cut out your type and visuals with scissors, but this artist's knife can cut very accurately in small places. You can get very close to the edge of your type or go around jagged edges with ease. A warning: be sure you have a supply of extra blades because dull blades will only tear the paper, causing you all kinds of trouble. There are many other handy tools if you are doing a large volume of work. Consider purchasing a drafting board, a mylar gridded cutting board, a back-lit table or ruling board. An art supply store can help you make wise selections for your particular needs.
G. Computers: For Better or for Worse
You've taken a deep breath, made the financial commitment, and joined the computer revolution. A computer can do wonderful things, but "garbage in, garbage out" remains an important principle in computer usage. Two common misperceptions often persist:
1. Computers will not make you a good designer, nor will it make your material worth reading. You still need to learn good design and good writing principles and apply them.
2. Computers will not save you time. Once you have a computer, don't expect to be less busy. However, do expect to be able to produce higher quality materials. Don't rest until you are seeing those results.
The following is a brief list of suggestions for those making the transition from typewriters to computers.
- Your computer isn't a typewriter, so certain typewriter conventions no longer apply. To get an extra space between paragraphs, don't use an extra carriage return. Control that by the "space between paragraph" controls which your program provides. In the same vein, avoid using the tab to indent the first line of a paragraph. It will work, but can later on cause a lot of aggravation. Instead, use your "first line indent" controls. Also, two hyphens no longer are needed to make a dash. Most font sets provide what is called an "em dash." Use it instead. One final point, although still an option, two spaces between sentences are no longer necessary. One space is standard.
* Make use of the grids, guides, and style sheets which your program provides to keep your publication straight, simple, and clean.
* Boxes are easy to make, but if you are not careful, your document can end up looking like a string of boxes.
* Still check for spelling after you run the spell checker. It doesn't catch mistakes which result in real words.
* Don't do your final proofing on the screen. Print out a copy and look at it on paper. You'll catch many things that you would otherwise miss.
* Even though you may have 100 fonts available to you, select two or three that you will use throughout your publication. Then use the other 97 for special boxed-off areas in your document or for occasional emphasis.
* A 300 dpi (dots per inch) laser printer will give you quality-looking output, and if it is a "post script" printer, it will handle graphics exceptionally well.
* If you need a better computer, don't wait for the prices to come down. Get the best you can now.
* Subscribe to a computer network (like Ecunet, or one of its branches for Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, Baptists, etc.) for materials to use in your newsletter. Significant world religious news and denominational news is sometimes hard to find if you don't have such a resource. Even bring this collection right into your computer whenever you need it!
H. Choosing the Right Paper
When you see the hundreds of different kinds of paper commonly available for use with newsletters and bulletins, it's enough to make your head swim. Here are a few guidelines to help you decide which paper to use. Basically there are either coated, or uncoated papers.
Coated papers are exactly that - a special coating has been added after the paper is manufactured to give it a particular finish (either gloss, dull or matte). Coated papers usually come only in white, and in general are more expensive than uncoated papers. These fine surfaces print very well, especially when multiple ink colors are used. They are used for material which needs to be reproduced by others because of their crisp printing capabilities. But many coated papers cannot be put through a copy machine or printed on certain presses. Because of their expense and printing limitations, most newsletter editors choose not to use coated papers.
Uncoated papers come in many finishes, surfaces, strengths and colors. For newsletter purposes, we'll discuss only two types here: text papers and bonds.
Text paper is a catch-all category for lots of different good-quality uncoated papers which are the proper weight for newsletter use. The "text" weight is almost always better for newsletters than its matching, but heavier, counterpart, "cover" weight because it folds more easily and weighs less for mailing. It also goes through a copier better. Text papers come in many surfaces such as linen, ridge, handmade, antique, laid, and felt, but the most common are vellum and smooth. The advantage with this category of paper is its variety of finishes and its huge variety of colors.
WARNING: some of the beautiful blue, purple, red and green text papers are too dark to print newsletters on, and your copy will become difficult to read. Also, if your paper surface is not smooth, toner from a photocopy machine or a laser printer may have difficulty adhering.
Bond papers are by far the most frequently selected by newsletter editors. They are readily available, come in a limited variety of colors (almost all pastels), and are the same type of paper which is commonly used for plain-paper copiers. Best of all, they are inexpensive. While these papers may not have quite the quality of text papers, they are convenient to use, and practical for the congregation whose newsletter is printed on its own copier. Bonds most commonly come in lighter weights than text papers, making them appropriate for multiple-page publications which require folding.
I. Choosing Recycled Paper
Recycled Papers
Recycled papers have existed about as long as anybody can remember; but when it wasn't a big ecological issue, nobody mentioned it. Paper mills often re-used pulp and other trimmings in their manufacture. However, only in the last decade or so have guidelines been established.
Basically, 50% of the content must be some kind of recycled material to qualify. That can be anything from excess pulp, to cotton trimmings, to shredded office paper, to printers' trimmings.
If ink or dyes have been applied to the paper, it is called "post-consumer waste. Paper with only 10% post-consumer waste also qualifies as recycled. If trimmings have not been printed or dyed, it is called "pre-consumer waste." Recycled papers may have either or both.
There are actually only a few papers which are 100% recycled. You might wonder why all recycled paper isn't 100%. The reasons are several:
First, when paper is re-used, it must be made into pulp again before it can become paper. Its fibers are broken down and broken fibers actually weaken the paper.
Second, post-consumer paper must be deinked before it is re-used. Unfortunately, the chemicals used for de-inking are toxic. New products coming on the market will help alleviate this problem, and more printers are using soy-based inks which don't require these chemicals.
Third, recycled material is not pure white, especially if it is made from post-consumer waste. It can be dirty-looking and inconsistent. The less the waste, the whiter the final product will look and the fewer dark specs will appear.
Recyclable Papers
One recycling fact which people overlook is whether or not the paper chosen can itself be recycled. Most papers can be recycled into something, such as corrugated board or chipboard. However, the most difficult recycling process is with coated papers which are impregnated with special coatings, and xerographic papers which are printed with a chemical infusion. Neither of these is used for recycling into the better papers. Fibers can only be broken down 2 or 3 times before they are useless.
What's an Editor to Do?
Since recycled papers are usually slightly higher in price, you must first consider the budget. If there are no problems there, consider what kind of paper you're presently using. Many copier (or bond) papers are partially recycled anyway - just check the label on the box. The official logo is three arrows in a circle. If you are buying paper from an office supply store or a paper merchant, ask to see samples of their recycled papers, and request price comparisons with your current paper. You may want to ask them if they have a copy of the recycled logo.
In order to get recycled paper, you might want to consider giving up "bright white" as an option. Chances are NOBODY will notice. If you are using colored paper, ask your store or vendor to see something comparable in recycled.
We urge you to consider recycled papers seriously. God has given us the stewardship of the Earth, and anything we can do to help maintain it is critical.
J. Reproducing Your Newsletter
As good stewards of your church's money, newsletter editors have a big responsibility to select the correct method for printing their newsletters. Sometimes the answer is very clear since certain equipment, such as a photocopier, is available in the church for their use.
But if you, as an editor, must make your own decision, here is a checklist to help you make that determination.
* What is the budget? Be sure you know your budget when you do cost estimates. You may be able to eliminate either high- or low-end pricing immediately.
* What is the schedule? If your newsletter is reproduced the night before it is mailed, a commercial printer is not an option.
* How many copies are being printed? When you are only printing 50 or 100 copies, you would be most efficient on an in-house copier. If one is not available, take advantage of copy offers from large office supply stores or "quick-printers." Thousands of copies might be better printed with a commercial printer. Some churches will have a 6-month or more quantity of "shells" printed commercially which show only material which is always exactly the same from week to week, and they use additional colors for this printing. They leave them unfolded, and just copy the weekly material in black.
* Are there photographs being reproduced? Photograph reproduction on some copiers is poor; on high quality copiers, it can be reasonable. Of course the commercial printer usually can get the best reproduction.
* How many colors are required? If you are using more than black, you have eliminated the majority of copiers.
* Is there a certain paper which is necessary to use? If your church has a certain paper on hand which they purchase in a large quantity at a good price, it may be best for you to take advantage of their purchasing power. This is often true of the bond paper used in copiers. If your paper is coated (slick) you will need a commercial printer.
* What level of quality is expected? Be sure you determine your desired level of quality. If you have no photos or material with tone in it, you do not need the best quality of printing. It may be apparent from the checklist which method is best for you. If not, don't hesitate to carefully write down all your specifications (quantity, paper, ink colors, size, number of photos, type of art supplied, schedule, and folding) and request two or three quotes.
K. Newsletter Mailing Considerations
Your newsletter is done and ready to go. Next stop, the U.S. Postal Service. Whether you are thinking of mailing first class or bulk mail, you may need some help getting through the regulations. There are many rates within each class, and your newsletter could qualify for the lowest postal rate there is.
First Class
Mailing first class assures priority sorting of your mail. To avoid surcharges, keep your newsletter under one ounce, and no larger than 8-1 /8" by 11-1 /2". There is no "non-profit" status in first class, but there are ways you can save by pre-sorting or by arranging for your labels to be bar-coded. Check with your local post office for these details.
Third Class Bulk
If you qualify within the following guidelines, you can save a lot of money by using 3rd class, non-profit bulk mail. You will have to pay an annual fee, but that will be easily made up by the savings of only a few mailings. And chances are quite good that it will be delivered within a day of first class mail.
1) Your church may already be on record as a non-profit organization. But don't take it for granted - check with your local post office. To obtain "nonprofit" status, you must go there and apply. Approval may take several weeks while your church's legal status is verified. You can mail at a higher rate while your application is pending, and if approved later, a credit will be issued. There is a one-time fee to obtain a nonprofit permit, and to maintain it, you must use your permit at least once each year.
2) To qualify for Bulk Mail, you must have at least 200 identical pieces, or at least 50 pounds of identical mail for each mailing.
3) Your labels must have accurate 5 digit zip codes. If you would like to obtain even further savings, your post office can help you convert them to 9 digit zip codes. Ask for the Automation Specialist.
4) Your labels (and newsletters) must be sorted in zip-code sequence.
5) Each piece cannot weigh over 3.3 ounces, be thicker than 1/4" or be larger than 6-1/8" high by 11-1/4" wide, or you will receive a surcharge.
6) Where you drop off your mailing can also affect your rate. Your local branch can identify the closest Bulk Mail Acceptance Unit in your area.
7) To get the best possible rate, all the above guidelines must be true, and you also need to bundle your mail. The post office has a 4-step written procedure and will supply you with rubber bands, stickers and trays to use. It isn't difficult if you follow directions.
Alternate Delivery
A number of cities have local delivery services aside from the Postal Service. While some of these may be good, check with your local Better Business Bureau, or ask for references. Be sure to get a quote in writing and determine exactly what preparation is required.
Mailing doesn't need to be a nightmare. A little planning will go a long way and could save as much as 20 cents each newsletter.
L. Managing Your List/Choosing The Right Labels
If you're like most newsletter editors, you can remember staying up half the night affixing labels to your newsletter. And you noticed names of people who had moved years ago - or even died.
Managing Your List
The big "list houses" update their lists every day. It would be reasonable for a church to update its list once a month, and to do a major housecleaning once a year.
First of all, ask your church secretary to provide you with a list of new and removed members whenever they are changed on the membership roster.
Second, if possible, check with members who are moving - they may want to continue to receive the newsletter for a year or so to keep up with old friends. Keep others on the list until you are informed that they have joined another church.
Third, once a year, publish a prominent notice in your newsletter to out-of-town recipients. Inform them that if you have not heard from them in 30 days, their names will be removed from the list. Be sure to give an address and phone number where you are best reached.
Fourth, keep any undeliverable returns until they can be updated. Set a monthly date by which you plan to collect all the information - preferably several days before you prepare your labels. If your labels are alphabetical, or alphabetical within zip codes, you should have no problems doing an update.
Choosing the Right Labels
You basically have three label options:
- gummed labels which need to be moistened, a slow process.
- pressure-sensitive labels which are faster and easier to apply, but a little more expensive; and
- 4-up Cheshire computer labels which are fast and inexpensive, but require use of a special machine for application and sealing. These labels need to be managed by a list broker who has the correct equipment. But a list of thousands could be worth turning over to list and mailing houses.
Most labels these days are printed by computer which assures consistency and lessens mistakes. If you are still typing newsletter labels, you may want to consider adding a word processor and label printer into your next church budget or maybe a member with equipment could help.
As with all church newsletter aspects, you need to check your budget and schedule when deciding which labels to use. If your list is only a few hundred names, you could save money by applying pressure sensitive labels, but it will take time.
If money is available in the budget, consider using a local mailing house. Be sure to get several different quotes, including start-up costs and a written schedule, before deciding.
M. Determining Your Newsletter's Effectiveness
Rev. Randolph Ferebee has written, "In the nearly two dozen years I have spent as a priest of the church, I have encountered the attempt of God's Church to deal with everything from its internal housekeeping matters to the proclamation of the saving power of Jesus Christ. Two notions flow out of my experience: brevity and gospel." He goes on to implore newsletter editors to keep the "housekeeping" details (such as announcements, schedules, etc.) brief, in order that there might be room "to proclaim a bit of the Gospel with each writing."
Every newsletter is different, but Rev. Ferebee has a point. Each editor should examine his/her newsletter regularly to see if it is doing the job it was designed to do. Many of us have never thought about its purpose.
Why not try some or all of the following to determine exactly what your parish or congregation needs.
Establish an Advisory Board.
Ask 6 or 8 people to meet with you once or twice a year. You can include your priest or pastor as one of these people, but be sure you get a good cross section of members: senior citizens, single people, family people, professionals, blue-collar, etc. Then together, formulate exactly what you want your newsletter or bulletin to do. Write it down, and refer to it as you develop each issue. Then hold a review with the board twice a year, preferably in person, but if necessary by telephone.
Hold Focus Groups.
This technique is used by big manufacturers and advertising agencies to find out exactly what their customers think of their product or advertising. But it works equally well in churches.
A list of discussion-type questions is prepared. Then a facilitator poses them to 10 or 12 typical readers of your publication, trying to get honest discussion started. You as editor will listen in the background, trying to gather as much information as possible. You then take back this information and apply it to your newsletter. For example, the facilitator might ask, "When you receive your newsletter, what part(s) do you turn to first?" One person might say, "I like the humor. That's all I read." Or, "I hang the schedule on my fridge," or "I never read the pastor's letter because it sounds like a sermon and takes up two pages." You might hear, "I wish it had a children's column I could share with my kids," or "news about mission efforts is important." A whole discussion would then ensue, guided by the facilitator.
Whatever method you try, it is important to know what your readers want to see in your newsletter, and as Rev. Ferebee concludes, "Gospel and brevity (are) two enduring hallmarks of effective parish communication."
N. Suggestions on Using Images in This Collection
Professional advertisers lead readers through a specific process with successful ads. The ad first gains a reader's attention. Then it awakens interest in and arouses a desire for the product. Then after establishing credibility, it moves the reader to action. Like advertisers, we want readers to take the glorious news we are offering and use it. Unlike most advertisements, the free offer isn't a lead-on gimmick - it's genuine. So with our message, we have all the more reason to want to make sure it succeeds!
First, look at your publication. Does any graphic or short phrase grab every reader's attention? It can be shocking, thought provoking, beautiful, unexpected - anything. It only needs to grab. I can almost bet that when you first looked at a page, your eye was drawn to the graphics. That's what I mean.
After drawing attention, you need to get their interest. Interest is possible when you connect with something that personally touches the reader. Here is where you may need to adapt what we provide. You know your readers personally. You know what they like, what they need, what they're looking for. Chose what fits, or tie in something local with which they have been personally involved.
The next stage, desire, comes about when they begin to see this as an offer which can make a change for the better in their life. It won't come if you are presenting nothing new or something which doesn't look like it could happen. It also needs to be worthwhile. We know that the Gospel is all three. So we need to say it!
In a local publication like yours, credibility is largely determined by how members of your congregation act. Are they trustworthy? Are they genuine? Are they finding it worthwhile to make use of the Gospel in their own lives? If so, your article may want to point to people or groups who are known for these qualities.
This leads to the final point, action. Include an invitation or challenge to do something about the message you have brought to their attention. As St. Paul says, it is only if people have a chance to hear that they can respond.
*****************
** ImageAmerica was published December, 1993-January, 1995. Copies are no longer available. For past issues (on paper and CD-ROM) of its successor, "Liturgical Images" (published May, 1995-September, 1999), contact C.I. Publishing, P.O. Box 2225, Hickory, NC 28603-2225 (800-353-2225) or info@liturgicalimages.com.
Praise for Spirit of Simplicity
An impressive resource! Striking images and many, many excellent quotes. - Doyle Burbank-Williams, Calvary United Methodist Church, Lincoln, NE
I have searched and searched for quick quotes and art than can capture succinctly and compel others to at least think of ways to be kinder to our Earth and our fellow human beings. This is it. Thanks. - Greg Rickel, St. James Episcopal Church, Austin, TX
I would buy the notebook for the quotes alone. - Louis Lotz, Fairhaven Reformed Church, Jenison, MI
I would love to have weeks to pour through the materials. I hope that this is a well-used resource and that we can look forward to many more - Dr. Frank McAuley, Judson Memorial Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, MI
An exhilarating read. - Darrell Fickbohm, Sioux Falls, SD
A generous collection, which, at its best, inspires, questions and points the way to positive, possible change. - Lynn Rossiter, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Circle Pines, MN
Thematic ART Index
Quick Tips to Find the ART You Want
NOTE: The first number in each item's ID is the category/chapter in which it's found.
All the ART is arranged in three Parts. Each part is one large file, so open the Part to find the chapter(s) you want rather than opening each chapter. Depending on your computer, that would take a lot of time to load. If you want access to the whole collection, open all three Parts. - Part I. Chapters 1, 2, 4
- Part II. Chapter 3
- Part III. Chapters 5-10
1. Scroll through the entire collection (and Worship Alternatives ART also). Make handwritten notes.
2. Notice that listed at the beginning of each chapter has additional art related to that topic but found in other chapters.
3. Scroll through this Thematic Index. Make notes of those that sound interesting. Each piece of art is listed only once.
4. Return to the chapter in which the item is found. Scroll down to it or use your computer's 'find' function.
Scripture References
1. Simple Living/Voluntary Simplicity
1-A501--Consumo
1-A508--Toolbook: Simple Living 101 cover, 2000
1-A509--Gandhi
1-A0236--clutter
1-A0299--clutter
1-A0721--Throwing Out Ballast
1-A0944--Break through walls of possessions
1-A1081--Shopping Addiction
1-A1291--gluttony
1-A1311--Follow the Spirit, not the crowd.
1-A1409--John the Advertiser
1-A1587--Day Dreaming
1-A1604--Square peg, round hole
1-A1822--Rolling Along
1-A2079--Question of Priorities
1-A2152--One voice
1-A2188--Rich farmer
1-A2223--Car baptism
1-A2243--barricade
1-A2264--Captive to Time
1-A2306-11--Tomorrow: 6 faces
1-A2748--Pack too much
1-A2750--burden of stuff
1-A3262--worship media & $
1-A3386--My Time, Your Time
1-A3743--Running Time
1-A3779--Gift psychology
1-A4005--Too much for kids
1-A4101--All Tied Up
1-A4359--escape crowd
5 Life Standards of Living More with Less
1-A502--Do Justice
1-A503--Learn from World Community
1-A504--Nurture People
1-A505--Cherish Natural Order
1-A506--Non-Confirm Freely
1-A858--Non-conform freely
2. Building Community
2-A320--Sharing a meal
2-A325--Circle of hands
2-A826--Reading to kids
2-A828--judging/dismissing others
2-A884--circle of support
2-A0222-friendship
2-A0256--cooperating
2-A0436--reading aloud
2-A0560--roots and wings
2-A0662--'Hearing and Speaking Impaired' Families
2-A0680--Divorce
2-A1335--Church around the World
2-A1588--Be with me
2-A1630--Free to Speak
2-A1989--Listening
2-A2033--A Place at the Table
2-A2046--Lay leader
2-A2109--Reading to kids
2-A2225--Family meal
2-A2226--Family Fun Time!
2-A2245--Africa, You Shall Live!
2-A2303--Shut Out
2-A2433-table talk
2-A2471--See, hear, speak
2-A2551--Continuing Education
2-A2757--Visiting
2-A2990--A Mother's Fate
2-A2993--Small study group
2-A3042--Simplicity Circle
2-A3051--Family
2-A3052--Religious Ed at home
2-A3053--Family acceptance
2-A3055--Family
2-A3056--Family Life Takes Time
2-A3236--You are there
2-A3496--Table talk
2-A3607--A World of Empty Hands
2-A3862--Worshiping Together
2-A3863--Praying Together
2-A3864--Table Prayer
2-A3865--Evening Prayer
2-A3867--Outdoor family fun
2-A4155--On Dad's shoulders
2-A4258--baptism
2-A4279--water fun
2-A4285--A Litany for Vacation
2-A4300--Handshake
3. Celebrating
A. Advent/Christmas
Christmas Cartoons
3-A001--Special Effects
3-A002--McDonald's Coupons
3-A003--Global Warming
3-A004--Scrooge Credit
Alternatives' Bulletin Inserts (BI) & Whose Birthday? covers
3-A510--Coming for the poor
3-A511--Any Room? BI
3-A512--Magi see Santa
3-A513--Latin American Cross BI
3-A514--Light Shines BI
3-A515--Where Find Him
3-A516--Whose Birthday?-6 panel
3-A517--Story of Jason
3-A518--candy poster & Whose Birthday? cover, 1994
3-A519--Santa crasher
3-A520--Glory to God BI
3-A521--What Is a Gift? BI & poster
3-A522--O Little Town
3-A523--Whose Birthday-Remembering BI & 1990 cover [COLOR])
3-A524--Whose Birthday? cover, 1991
3-A525--Whose Birthday? cover, 1993
3-A526--Whose Birthday? cover, 1988
3-A527--Whose Birthday? cover, 1995
3-A804--A Voice in the Wilderness: Whose Birthday? cover 199_
3-A0888-And lived among us... (Whose Birthday? cover 199_)
Bethlehem
3-A312--Bethlehem sketch
3-A317--urban Bethlehem
3-A318--baby Jesus
3-A863--manger
3-A878--clean-up
3-A879--urban nativity
3-A2171-Rejoice!
3-A2895-Becoming Human from Within
3-A3697-Movement toward Bethlehem
Four Sundays in Advent
3-A313-316-justice wreath, 1-4
3-A906-909--Opening doors
3-A910-913--Lighting candles
3-A914-917--Candle/evergreen
3-A918-921-Lighting candles
3-A1402-1405-Candle & growth
3-A2142-2145-roses
3-A2869-2872-Open up!
3-A3677-3680-Opening up
Shepherds; Three Kings/Magi/Wise Ones
3-A801-kneeling
3-A811-seeing star
3-A2165-Do not be afraid
3-A3026 -Led by star
3-A3782-Wise men still look
Flight to Egypt
3-A802-Immigrants
3-A803-Faceless
3-A876-Dark night
3-A0111-Not Easy
3-A0145-Good News
3-A0952-Oriental
3-A1445-Family warmth
Holy Family/Nativity
3-A301--Homeless holy family
3-A323--holy family
3-A327--Russian madonna
3-A0110-in star light
3-A0119-African
3-A0152-infant head in hands
3-A0156-vs. war toys
3-A0161-No Room in Inn
3-A0602-Magnificat Dance
3-A0861-Oriental Nativity
3-A1020-Indonesia
3-A1440-Mexico
3-A1442-Into the Hands of Our Longings
3-A2027-Mary at birth and death
3-A2179-crowd
3-A2771-Madonna and Child
3-A2894-kneeling Joseph
3-A3702-They found a child
3-A3736-Madonna & child
3-A3879-Madonna & child
Family Activities
3-A0139-Kids' Advent wreath
3-A2919-Pleasure of Anticipation
3-A3746/7-Announcement to the Shepherds (puzzle)
Consumer Culture
3-A530--Credit card stocking
3-A534--I'm afraid of my toys
3-A0147-What's the rush?
3-A0313-Money Worries
3-A0864-The Gospel According to US
3-A0896-Most People Celebrate
3-A2166-Deception?
3-A2200-Rush to church
3-A-bonus#2: Feeling Overwhelmed
Santa
3-A076--Tall Mean Santa
3-A078--Santa Stop Here
3-A079--No Room for Us? [COLOR]
3-A528--Jesus & Presents
3-A529--Christmas Party
3-A532--Santa holding baby
3-A533--Santa and pigs, 1978
St. Nicholas
3-A3737-The Real Christmas Present
3-A-bonus#1: Nicholas & Santa
3-A0813-??
3-A3873 -??
3-A812--Let Your Light Shine
3-A0878-All the Children of the World
B. Lent/Easter
10-A091--Butterfly Cross [COLOR]
3-A328--barbed crown & cross)
3-A329--peter's crossroads)
3-A330--brush-stroke cross
3-A331--crosses on a hill
3-A332--rough crucifix
5-A333--sun/flower
3-A551--Tomb bunny
3-A0333--False Moderation
3-A0342-Golgotha today
3-A1077-O Sacred Head
3-A2454-Protect ourselves
3-A2896-Manger/cross
3-A3036-Getting rid of excess
3-3950 --Ecco homo - Behold, the man.
3-A3954-Resurrection
Alternatives' Bulletin Inserts
3-A552--Eggs at tomb BI
3-A553--Follow me-adults BI
3-A554--Follow me-kids BI
3-A555--Search for Truth? BI
3-A556--How inconvenient BI
3-A557--Season for Prayer BI
3-A558--On 3rd Day-offering BI
3-A559--On 3rd Day-bunny BI & "Easter Seder"
C. Other Holidays
BI=bulletin inserts
Valentine's Day
3-A537--Death Penalty BI
3-A542--First Valentine BI
3-A549--Prisoners of Conscience BI
Patriotic Holidays: Memorial Day, 4th of july
3-A535--National Insecurity BI
3-A538--Swords to Plowshares BI
3-A544--Rose Blooming BI
3-A546--Sleeping Child BI
3-A547--Immigration BI
4-A548--Peace Crane BI
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
3-A543--ML King BI
4-A326--MLK profile
4-A0961--Martin Luther King, Jr, Prayer
4-A3882--Jan. 18: Dr. Martin Luther King Day
Thanksgiving
3-A536--Thanks-giving (WHD) BI: NEED ART!
3-A545--Thanksgiving Table BI
Hiroshima
4-A1223--Hiroshima, August 6, 1945
4-A3505--August 6, 1945: When the clocks stopped--HIROSHIMA and NAGASAKI
3-A539--Human Rights BI
Celebrating: Other
3-A2277--Show-off piety
3-A2455-Internet marriage
3-A2459-Defiance in death
3-A2857--Dec. 28--Day of the Holy Innocents
3-A2939--Everything Goes Better with Music...
3-A3392--Time's Up
3-A3610--African music
3-A4268--Till We Meet Again
3-A4270--Passing the Peace
3-A4278--Singing outside
4. Peace/Justice
Hunger/Food
4-A302--Caritas soup & bread)
4-A303--John's WFD
4-A304--poor people
3-A305--Pentecost: dancing person/dancing with Spirit
4-A306--Peter's Justice
4-A307--African boy
4-A308--bread slice
9-A309--carrots
4-A310--dumpster man
4-A311--groceries & communion
4-A321--bread of deliverance
4-A322--place setting
4-A324--US Capitol
3-A325--circle of hands
4-A541--Is Time Running Out?
4-A808--Street People
4-A809--North vs. South
4-A861--Shantytown
4-A862--Privilege vs. hunger
4-A877--Finger-pointing prophet
4-A0199--Soup kitchen lady
4-A0209--billboards: hunger vs. gluttony
4-A0295--black prophet
4-A0308--desk activist
4-A0366--Chief Joseph
4-A0432--rape
4-A0672--Military millstone
4-A0701--Feed... clothe...
4-A0755--Prayer for Peace
4-A0800--Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness
4-A0801--Unwelcome at the table
4-A0803--Jesus on park bench
4-A0852--What Then Should We Do?
4-A0875--Children and guns
4-A1002--Noise pollution
4-A1015--Broken Peace Treaties
4-A1016--Flowers vs. guns
4-A1248--Wealth in the Soup Kitchen
4-A1252--Upper Middle Class (cars)
4-A1279--Money or God
4-A1290--First & Second Act of Life
4-A1344-Charity vs. justice
4-A1347--Racial diversity
4-A1360--I cried out to you in my night...
4-A1405--swords into plowshares
4-A1544--Sharing bread, shelter
4-A1599--Handshake, MLK
4-A1605--Building bridges
4-A1661--Unheard cry for help
4-A1896--All were filled
4-A2051--See self in mirror
4-A2141--Head in sand
4-A2302--Child without prospects
4-A2317--Guns vs. immigrants
4-A2435--Looking Away
4-A2716--Giving Others a Voice
4-A2734-5--Poor children on TV
4-A2874--Advocating
4-A2979--Being Jesus' Hands
4-A3002--I'm Fine
4-A3541--Helping the beggar
4-A3606--Reconciliation
4-A3884--Dove of peace
4-A4003--Child dies every four minutes
4-A4008--gluttony or fasting
4-A4049--Jesus in soup line
4-A4056--Peace hands
4-A4226--Jesus and human needs
4-A4273--Homeless
4-A4344--love neighbor, love God
4-A4363--Peace garden
4-A4397--The Good Samaritan
5. Care of Creation
Cartoons
7-A026--Computer Upgrade
4-A027--Littleton
5-A028--Affluent cats
5-A029--Recycled Missiles
5-A030--Aliens
5-A031--Ecological Counter
5-A032--Deformed frog
5-A033--Dingo Away
5-A034--Anti-MTBE
7-A035--Hyperpet
5-A036--Bus Stop
5-A037--Robots
5-A038--Wetland Mall
8-A039--HDTV Shopping
5-A090--Earth Prayer 5-A806--song birds
5-A807--mountain stream
5-A851--World lemon squeezer
5-A0298a/5-A0298b--auto as god
5-A0347--fish
5-A0367--bridging humans & nature
5-A0516-creation
5-A0544--Hiking
5-A0823--Learning from Trees
5-A1214--child in nature
5-A1226--boat ride
5-A1349--storm
5-A1371--God loves all creation
5-A1399--Partying over the cliff
5-A1624--Water for Life
5-A2330--crucifying creation
5-A2678--Tree's Right-of-way
5-A2859--saving nature
5-A2917--Winter rest
5-A2944-Earth apple
5-A2962--All creation glorifies God
5-A2964--Sunrise
5-A3231--Trees not bombs
5-A3316--Planting
5-A3361 -Growth
5-A3462-crushed soda can
5-A3463--church and industry
5-A3464--Earth hourglass
5-A3465--Skeleton fish
5-A3466--Earth lemon
5-A3506--wild flowers
5-A4157--Polluters' prayer
6. Alternative Giving
6-A904--serving soup
6-A905--caring for sick
6-A2073--Balancing the handicap scale
6-A2101--sitting on wealth
6-A2203--can't afford charity
6-A2562--helping the handicapped/elderly
6-A2768--Go, sell, give, follow me
6-A2909--Share cloak, food
6-A2943--Giving thanks
6-A3375--Good Samaritan
6-A3376--Good Samaritan
6-A3426--Hot soup
6-A3428--Good Samaritan
6-A3543--Selfishness
6-A3598--Pen pals
6-A3599--Sharing basics
6-A3600--Cooking diversity
6-A3601--pray for each other
6-A3602--learn from our partners
6-A3603--sharing funds
6-A3701--manger full of gifts
6-A3824--Food temptation
6-A4115--cup of cold water
6-A4200--Sharing loaves and fishes
7. Economics
7-A319--Camel through eye of needle
7-A810--On the backs of others
7-A830--worshipping money
7-A856--sleeping with wealth
7-A859--chained to safe
7-A1280--watering $ tree
7-A2140--John the Baptist today
7-A2019--turn from wickedness
7-A2342--$ skull
7-A2880--profits over people
7-A3574--We cannot serve God and stuff.
8. Media
8-A852--TV Pied Piper
8-A853--Blindfolded followers
8-A860--Alienated by TV
8-A885--Movie violence
8-A0243--Respectable Temptation
8-A0268--Weekly TV schedule
8-A1337--TV Tips for Family Viewing
8-A1942--TV fright
8-A2081--Human TV evolution
8-A2280--Lenten media fast
8-A2882--Cardboard TV counselors
8-A2937--Check out a book
8-A3060--TV home altar
8-A3359--Ignoring TV violence
8-A3475--Church library
8-A3665--Apocalypse as entertainment
8-A3869--Turning TV off
8-A4190--Overstimulation
9. Sustenance
9-A854--Faceless on phone
9-A902--South carrying North
9-A903--Supermom syndrome
9-A0246--Looking for a Bit of Rest
9-A0257--Stress
9-A0562--Baggage
9-A0594--Bread in the Garbage?
9-A0760--Self-image
9-A0766--Seventh day rest
9-A0945--Create a space of quietness
9-A1118--Excessive passion for work
9-A1339--Emptiness
9-A1348--Harvest of life
9-A2235--Only the Best for My Child
9-A2406--A Modern Shepherd (medical)
9-A2559--Meals Together
9-A3567--Stains of guilt
9-A3597--World of The Satiated
9-A3640--Living faith at work
9-A3766--Stress
9-A4146--People Who Pray
9-A4409--Reading
9-A4417--Prayer for Labor Day
10. Faith
10-A091 - Resurrection (butterfly)
10-A1317--The Other Style (St. Francis)
10-A2096--Oil lamp
10-A2240--Well-Heeled Disciple
10-A2343--Christ figure
10-A2843--St. Francis of Assisi
10-A4040--Christ Commandments
ART Sources
Archives Index | Home | To Celebrate (excerpts)
Resources | Free Resources | Join Us!
Page updated 3/25/19Simple Living Works! * SimpleLivingWorks@Yahoo.com
BLOG: SimpleLivingWorks.WordPress.com | Blog INDEX
PODCAST | Podcast INDEX
VIDEOS: YouTube.com/SimpleLivingWorks
MISSION: Equipping people of faith to challenge consumerism, live justly and celebrate responsibly // An all volunteer educational organization.
This graphic, Dancing with Spirit is the cover art Alternatives' collection "Spirit of Simplicity: Quotes & Art for Simpler Living and Global Justice." |
Over 1000 Quotations!
Over 475 Illustrations!
For Personal Inspiration
For Electronic and Paper Publications
Royalty-Free for NonProfits
Categories
1. Voluntary Simplicity
Simple Living
Frugality
Enough, Needs vs. wants
Time
Stuff
Speed & Slowing down
Overconsumption
2. Building Community
Cultural Diversity
Parenting
Activities with Children
Children's Stories
Support
Study/Action/Accountability Groups, Simplicity Circles
General education/action
Spreading the word
Relationships
Leadership
Politics
Recreation, play
3. Celebrating
A. Advent/Christmas
B. Lent/Easter
C. Other Holidays
Music
Worship (communal)
Festivals, Rituals
Rites of Passage: Weddings, Graduations, Funerals
4. Peace & Justice
Hunger, Poverty
Homelessness
Peace & reconciliation
Violence, nonviolence
Justice
Advocacy, Boycotts
War, militarism
5. Earth Care
Environment
5 R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Restore, Respond
Transportation
Eco-tourism
Homes & Buildings
Sustainable Development
Sustainable Farming
Organic Gardening
CSA's (Community Supported Agriculture)
Population
Pollution
Sprawl
6. Alternative Giving
Contributions
Volunteerism
Alternative Christmas Events (Third World Crafts & Clothing)
Sharing
Charity
Service
Kindness
7. Economics
Money, Goods, Property
Green Business
Socially Responsible Investing (SRI)
Products
Personal Finance
Credit & Debt
Globalization
8. Media
Media Literacy
Advertising, Marketing
Public Relations
Alternative Entertainment
TV, Video Games, Movies
Internet
Gambling
Books, Magazines, Radio
9. Sustenance
Self-care
Food
Recipes (from Developing Countries)
Personal Choices
Change, Responsibility
Success, Happiness
Fulfillment
Work, Stress & Health
Exercise
Sabbath, Leisure
Gratitude
Risk, nonconformity
10. Faith, Spirituality
Theology
Personal prayer
Meditation
Scripture
Biblical characters & symbols
Collection compiled, edited and prepared by Gerald and Peter Iversen.
ALTERNATIVES for Simple Living, 1973-2011
Gerald Iversen, Alternatives' National Coordinator, 1995-2007
Founder, 2011, Simple Living Works!
"Equipping people of faith to challenge consumerism, live justly and celebrate responsibly"
SimpleLivingWorks.org
recycled paper
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
This file contains:
* General instructions about using Quotes & Art
* Everything except the actual quotations and art, such as Table of Contents, Foreword, Preface, Introduction, Additional Resources, Sources/Credits, etc.
This collection is divided into 10 categories (category 3 has three parts, A, B and C). Each quote and piece of art has a code number preceded by the category number.
* The art is in the ART file. Each piece of art has an "A" before its ID number. Commentary that is meant to accompany the piece of art has the same identical code in the ART file.
* All of the Quotes are in QUOTES file. Each quote has a "Q" before its ID number.
The quotes and art are in numerical order within categories.
Examples:
1-A842 = category one (Simple Living), Art #842
3-Q921 = category three (Celebrating), Quotation #921
[For cover art, see graphic 3A-305]
(c)2001 Alternatives for Simple Living
Publisher Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Alternatives for Simple Living
Spirit of Simplicity
26 x 30 cm. 100 pages
ISBN 0-914966-17-0
1. Alternatives for Simple Living. Spirit of Simplicity.
2. Simplicity - Non-Fiction
I. Alternatives for Simple Living. II. Title
Library of Congress Control Number 00-xxxxxx
Printed in USA
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission from the publisher, except as designated in the text. (See "Credits & Permission.")
This project is funded in part by grants from: