Carol Steam, Ill. (August 1, 2018) —This fall, Tyndale House Publishers is releasing seven new devotional products to grow readers’ faith daily. This varied collection features titles to instill spiritual confidence and provide encouragement. These practical needs-based devotionals are organized by topic for easy reference and include themed guides based on the One Year Bible^® reading plan. Through helping establish habits of worship, reflection, rest, and action, these titles encourage readers to invite the presence of God into their everyday lives. All titles are available through Tyndale.com.

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You’ve Got This (Because God’s Got You)
KariAnneWood | ISBN: 978-1-4964-3064-9 (hardcover) | September 4, 2018

Straight from the heart of popular Thistlewood Farms blogger KariAnne Wood comes this beautiful, pocket-sized, 52-day devotional. Full of warmth and encouragement, each reading holds Scriptural reflections, personal stories, and prayers to remind us that God is always by our side. He loves us when we feel unlovable. He lifts us up and gives us a peace that passes all understanding. And in the midnight of every dark moment, he is there.

The perfect gift for anyone who needs a little hope today, You’ve Got This (Because God’s Got You) will give you the inspiration you need to keep going—and to know you’re never alone.

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Good Morning, Lord . . . Can We Talk?
Charles R. Swindoll | ISBN: 978-1-4143-8068-1 (leatherlike) | October 8, 2018

Timeless Bible wisdom from renowned pastor and teacher Chuck Swindoll.
Do you long for daily encouragement and inspiration? Do you wish your quiet times were filled with power and purpose? Discover the joy and ease of meeting with God each day in a meaningful way with this year-long devotional by the world’s premiere Bible teacher. Filled with daily insights from Chuck Swindoll, Good Morning, Lord . . . Can We Talk? will give you a glimpse of the living power of God in your own life—and connect you to the restorative promises God speaks in his Scriptures.

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Always in God’s Hands
Owen Strachan | ISBN 978-1-4964-2485-3 (hardcover) | November 6, 2018

Jonathan Edwards is one of the most respected early American theologians. In Always in God’s Hands, Owen Strachan recovers the real Jonathan Edwards—the thinker, the compassionate father, the courageous reformer—as opposed to the caricature of him that is often presented. Edwards believed God was ever-present in each of our lives, caring and encouraging us in every moment. In a moving letter to his daughter, he reminds her of that comforting truth by describing her as “always in God’s hands.”

Through daily quotes from Edwards’s letters and sermons, this inspirational devotional reveals the soaring theology and comforting spirituality of one of history’s most faithful and gifted pastors. With each meditation, compiler Owen Strachan offers refreshing and relevant insights, encouraging you in your walk with God.

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THE ONE YEAR^®

The One Year Book of Amazing Stories
Robert Petterson | ISBN 978-1-4964-2401-3 (hardcover) | October 9, 2018

Life takes the strangest sharp turns—and sometimes, U-turns. Robert Petterson—popular speaker, storyteller, and author—has been a student for his entire life of what God is teaching us through those real-life U-turns. In this book, he compiles 365 amazing stories that teach lessons you won’t easily forget. Each entry is written in the rest-of-the-story style popularized by Paul Harvey. With The One Year Book of Amazing Stories, you’ll marvel at how God has used the lives of these ordinary people to change the course of human history.

The One Year Book of Best-Loved Bible Verses
Len Woods | ISBN: 978-1-4964-2300-9 (hardcover) | October 9, 2018

In a life full of joy and grief, faith and doubt, these beautiful Bible verses are the divine promises that have often served as eternal anchors and ropes of hope in a stormy and scary world. The One Year Book of Best-Loved Bible Verses is a treasury of holy reminders, things always true even on the darkest days. From the poetry of David and the wisdom of Solomon to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, these are the verses that hundreds of millions of Bible readers throughout the ages have found most inspiring, encouraging, comforting, and life-changing.

The One Year Devotions for Women with Jill Briscoe
Jill Briscoe | ISBN: 978-1-4964-3609-2  (softcover) | October 9, 2018

Let God’s Word change your perspective. In The One Year Devotions for Women with Jill Briscoe, you’ll discover a deeper understanding of how God’s Word can transform your life—written by a woman, for women. Designed to help you read the Scriptures regularly, this devotional by respected ministry leader and popular speaker Jill Briscoe helps make the truth of the Bible clear, its message understandable, and its points applicable. As you walk daily with God, you’ll find the peace and encouragement you’ve been yearning for.
(Previously released as The One Year Devotions for Women)

The One Year Inspirational Words of Jesus for Women
Robin Merrill | ISBN 978-1-4964-2304-7 (hardcover) | October 9, 2018

We, too, can encounter Jesus, as often as we want, through his recorded words in Scripture. They are every bit as powerful now as they were when he spoke them aloud. The Bible is timeless. Jesus’ sayings, promises, and grace are all still 100 percent relevant today. His words, through the power of the Holy Spirit, can speak to your soul. You can be transformed.

The One Year Inspirational Words of Jesus for Women has collected the inspirational sayings of Jesus for you in one beautiful, giftable book. Let these words comfort you, encourage you, and inspire you. 

Tyndale House Publishers, founded in 1962, is the world’s largest privately held Christian publisher of books, Bibles, and digital media. Tyndale has published many New York Times bestsellers. The largest portion of its profit goes to the nonprofit Tyndale House Foundation, which makes grants to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world. Tyndale was founded to publish Living Letters, which later comprised part of The Living Bible, a contemporary paraphrase of the Bible that became a global publishing phenomenon. Tyndale now publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), the translation of choice for millions of people.

Contact:  Maggie Rowe | Sr. Publicist |  Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. | (630) 784.5333

A publisher nimble enough to bring out both a new book on Martin Luther and the Catholic Worship Book II for the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has joined the Bible Society Australia publishing arm.

Morning Star Publishing’s Martin Luther: A Wild Boar in the Lord’s Vineyard by Lutheran scholar Mark Worthing is shortlisted for the 2018 Australian Christian Book of the Year. Catholic Worship Book II is an official update of the Australian Catholic Hymnal that has received wide acclaim across Australia’s Catholic dioceses and schools with its broad mixture of settings for liturgical worship. Morning Star is nimble in another way – it uses an innovative Print On Demand system that matches print quantities to demand and makes its titles available worldwide.

Morning Star is also the Australian distributor for Wipf and Stock, a US-based publisher famous for its broad range of Christian titles.

“Acquiring Morning Star is another step for Bible Society as it continues to build a sustainable publishing arm that serves the Australian Church and all interested in the Christian faith”, said Greg Clarke CEO of Bible Society.

John Healy, formerly Director of MSP, will continue in the role of Senior Manager for Morning Star.  John Healy said, “I am very pleased that MSP has found a home within the BSA publishing stable. This merging of capacities and interests will provide new opportunities for Australian Christian writers and readers.”

Morning Star’s list joins Acorn Press and the Centre for Public Christianity as imprints of Bible Society Australia Publishing.

Inquiries: John Sandeman  0433 411 990  John.sandeman@biblesociety.org.au  www.morningstarpublishing.net.au

Most Popular Online Bible Search Engine and Bible Reading Website

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (August 1, 2018) – Celebrating its 25^th anniversary, the world’s most visited Christian website, Bible Gateway (BibleGateway.com; @BibleGateway) has been viewed more than 14 billion times by people using more than one billion devices.

“Our mission statement is ‘To honor Christ by equipping people to read and understand the Bible, wherever they are,’” says Rachel Barach, general manager, Bible Gateway. “What an honor and privilege to be able to serve so many people around the world during the last quarter-century, doing just that.”

Bible Gateway was created in 1993—when the World Wide Web was just beginning—as an internal Bible research computer tool for students at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Today it ranks number one on global search engines, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., and is home to more than 200 Bible versions in more than 70 languages—a trusted resource for people in more than 200 countries who rely on it every day for all their desktop and mobile device Bible reading, listening, studying, searching, comparing, and sharing needs.

What people the world over search for in the Bible on Bible Gateway varies throughout the year, but generally remains constant from year to year. An interactive visualizing graph lets users explore how cyclical some queries are, often repeating every year around the same time each year (for example, the word “love” being searched in the Bible around Valentine’s Day in February).

Along with a new sweepstakes every month with high-value print Bibles as prizes, the website MyBibleGateway.com (#MyBibleGateway) is the hub of the 25^th anniversary celebration where enthusiasts tell what Bible Gateway means to them; such comments as:

“Encouragement. Bible Gateway is instant access to what my soul needs most – to hear from God through his Word.”

“Convenient access. Bible Gateway is not only easy to find the passage or verse you need, but to share it with social media, text, or email.”

“God has been faithful these last 25 years and we’re excited about how he will continue to use Bible Gateway to further his kingdom and help people know and share his Word,” says Barach.

Bible Gateway is device friendly, so that no matter what size device a person uses when visiting the site—desktop, tablet, smartphone—the screen is maximized for optimum viewing. And in the months to come, visitors to Bible Gateway will see a refreshed new design to the site.

The award-winning free Bible Gateway App for both Android and iOS allows people to read more than 90 Bible translations and listen to more than 20 audio Bibles, in addition to taking personal notes, highlighting text, starring favorite verses, follow Bible reading plans, enjoy night mode Bible reading, and much more.

The just-released free Bible Gateway Bible Audio App lets users listen to a variety of Bible translations, choosing from multiple audio narration styles; navigate quickly anywhere in the Bible; speed up or slow down playback to listen to the Bible at their own pace; and listen to the Bible while reading the very text that’s being narrated.

Among Bible Gateway’s many convenient features are the abilities to:

• create a free account to select personal preferences
• become a member of Bible Gateway Plus to benefit from additional acclaimed Bible study books
• receive the free Visual Verse of the Day
• access more than 200 Bible versions in more than 70 languages
• benefit from free Bible dictionaries, commentaries, and encyclopedia
• search for Bible verses using Emoji
• listen to audio readings and productions of the Bible
• comprehensively search the Bible using keywords, phrases, topics, and themes
• display & compare up to five Bible translations side-by-side at once
• read translator footnotes within the context of Bible verses
• highlight and favorite Bible passages
• write notes while reading Bible verses and save them to a personal account
• easily share Bible verses with friends using Twitter, Facebook, email, and print
• sign up for customizable Bible reading plans
• select from more than 60 email and online devotionals
• learn personal Scripture Engagement principles and techniques
• discover new books and read Bible-related articles and interviews on the Bible Gateway Blog, named the #1 best Bible study blog on the web by Feedspot.

The top-10 keyword searches on Bible Gateway are:

1. love
2. faith
3. peace
4. hope
5. joy
6. prayer
7. holy spirit
8. grace
9. healing
10. forgiveness

The top-5 Bible verses searched and shared by users of Bible Gateway are:

1. John3:16– For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
2. Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
3. Philippians4:13– I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
4. Psalm 23:4 – Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5. Romans8:28– And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

The top-10 countries searching Bible Gateway are:

1. United States
2. United Kingdom
3. Canada
4. Mexico
5. Philippines
6. Columbia
7. Australia
8. South Africa
9. Brazil
10. India

It appears tropical vacationers and resort tourists enjoy browsing Bible Gateway. Out of more than 200 countries and territories, the geographic location that spends the most time (on average) on Bible Gateway is Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten, part of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea, comprising two separate countries, divided between its northern French side (Saint-Martin), and its southern Dutch side (Sint Maarten). Sudan in northeast Africa is the country that statistically spends the least time on Bible Gateway.

About Bible Gateway:  As the Internet’s most visited Christian website, Bible Gateway (https://BibleGateway.com) seeks to equip people to read and understand the Bible wherever they are. Millions of visitors from more than 200 countries regularly come to set up personal accounts and freely read, hear, search, study, compare, & share the Bible in 200+ versions & 70+ languages; read our daily Blog; subscribe to 60+ devotional email newsletters, verse-of-the-day, & Bible reading plans; and download our free award-winning Bible app. Bible Gateway offers Bible study opportunities with its membership service Bible Gateway Plus – which begins with a 30-day free trial (https://www.biblegateway.com/plus/) – and Bible Gateway online learning video courses (https://zondervanacademic.com/bible-gateway/).

See Bible Gateway’s newsroom: https://www.biblegateway.com/newsroom.

(August 6, 2018) – After nearly five decades in Christian retailing and consumer marketing, Steve Potratz has selected a new leader for The Parable Group, the multi-service Christian marketing agency based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Effective August 1st, 2018, Greg Squires and Steve Potratz have entered into a definitive purchase agreement, where Squires will become the owner-operator for the business.

“I am thrilled to pass the torch to Greg,” said Potratz, founder and former president of The Parable Group. “When we began meeting over 5 years ago, I recognized he had the potential to be a leader in this industry.  God has providentially been preparing Greg with his vocational experience in independent retail, brand and digital marketing, software technology, and agency management. He loves the church, cares deeply about the local retailer, and has a breadth of understanding of the digital landscape.  He is undoubtedly the right person for this job.”

After earning an Industrial Engineering degree from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Greg Squires served in a variety of roles including digital agency leadership, executive account management, and executive marketing responsibilities in retail and distribution technology companies. Notably, he spent 10 years serving independent retailers by implementing local product search and retail-integrated ecommerce solutions for manufacturers and retailers.

“Steve Potratz has built a remarkable company,” Squires says, “with talented staff who do exceptional work for clients who value the services offered. Steve leaves a legacy of innovation, having pioneered data-driven marketing programs in this industry for decades. I plan to build upon this legacy, to continue to serve our stores, vendors, and ministry partners—and provide fresh and measurable ways to connect with Christian audiences through direct mail, data intelligence, digital marketing, email and social media.

Potratz will remain in a support role with The Parable Group for years to come, providing advice to Squires as he takes on leadership of the company. Squires added, “I am fortunate to have Steve as a business mentor and friend. His industry insights and innovative ideas, coupled with my energy to execute, will offer clients and partners more value as we move forward.”

“Greg has spent the last 15 years searching for a Kingdom impact company to serve with,” said Potratz, “and he has found what he is looking for. Following recent conversations with retailers, I believe the future is bright for Christian retail. I’m delighted that Greg and The Parable Group team are poised to serve the industry for years to come.”

The Parable Group is a privately-owned multi-service Christian marketing agency based in San Luis Obispo, CA. Since 1985, we’ve served over 1,000 Christian brands; including retailers, publishers, churches, non-profits, film studios and more. Today, we pair decades of Christian consumer data with proven business practices, cutting-edge digital technologies, and thoughtful design to drive measurable results for those we serve. For more information, contact sally.ross@parable.com or visit www.parablegroup.com.

Contact: Sally Ross (805) 329-4020  sally.ross@parable.com

 

YouVersion Bible Lens climbs to #2 of all free apps in the first weekend

Beloved worship leader shares God’s faithfulness in tragedy and the inspiration for his new book, ‘God Will Make a Way’, releasing Oct. 16

NASHVILLE, August 3, 2018 — Emanate Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, announced today the forthcoming publication of God Will Make a Way: Discovering His Hope in Your Story (October 16, 2018) by Don Moen, an internationally renowned, multi award-winning worship artist and writer whose albums have sold more than 5 million units.

Written with prominent biographer Robert Noland and featuring a foreword from World Champion Boxer Manny Pacquiao, God Will Make a Way shares the story behind the award-winning hallmark song of Moen’s career, and encourages readers to rest in the fact that God is always working, though often in ways we cannot see. Moen knows first-hand and wants others to know that no matter how dire the circumstances, God does not forget his children.

“As I’ve traveled around the world, I’ve seen God work in countless ways, bringing hope to people who have lost hope. I have seen Him make a way where there seemed to be no way, and I’m excited to share many of these stories in my new book,” said Moen.

“We are absolutely honored to partner with Don on his first, groundbreaking book God Will Make a Way,” said Joel Kneedler, publisher of Emanate Books. “His fans will immediately recognize Don’s heart in the pages of this book. He is the ultimate encourager and storyteller.”

Through personal stories and encouraging Scripture, Don provides comfort to those struggling with doubt. He reminds readers that the same God who parted the Red Sea, saving Moses and the children of Israel, is the same God we know and serve today.

“Don Moen is one of those iconic artists who never seems to age. I’m excited to see how this book will encourage his fans during these troubled times,” said Danny McGuffey of Iconic Media Brands.

Joel Kneedler of Emanate Books acquired the book from Danny McGuffey of Iconic Media Brands, who represented Don Moen.

Don Moen, a pioneer of the modern Praise and Worship movement, has spent his career as a worship leader, producer, songwriter, and music executive. While a student at Oral Roberts University in the early 70s, Moen began touring with the musical group Living Sound and evangelist Terry Law. By 1986, Moen had recorded “Give Thanks” for the Hosanna Music! praise and worship series at Integrity Music, where he would serve as creative director, executive producer, and eventually, president of the label. During his tenure there, he sold more than 5 million units and signed worship leaders and songwriters, such as Paul Baloche, Ron Kenoly, Darlene Zschech, and many more. Today, Moen lives in Nashville, Tenn., with his wife, Laura, where he is president of Don Moen Productions and oversees his international nonprofit ministry, Worship in Action.

Emanate Books is where the Spirit meets the word. This Thomas Nelson imprint publishes and promotes content for the ever-growing nondenominational, charismatic community. Authors at Emanate have a passion for Jesus, an abiding trust in the veracity of the Scriptures, and believe in the present-day work of the Holy Spirit.

Media Contact: Kelsey Hulgan, ICON Media Group  kelsey@iconmediagroup.com, 404-754-3474

When Emmy Award-winning journalist John Gray experienced the unexpected death of his six-month-old puppy, Samuel, he wanted to turn his pain into something positive. Together, John Gray and illustrator Shanna Brickell created God Needed a Puppy (Paraclete Press) – a story to help every child (and grownup) who has lost a pet. In the story, Edgar the Owl and Freddy the Fox show readers of all ages how saying goodbye to a beloved animal does not mean saying goodbye forever.

To make a great story even better, proceeds from the sales of the book are donated to animal shelters all over the country. John Gray sold 14,500 of the original self-published version of the book; the hardcover edition will keep the steady stream of donations coming to help animals everywhere. 

John Gray and Shanna Brickell will launch the book with a signing at Barnes & Noble in Albany on Saturday, August 18. Gracing the event will be John’s very special rescue dog, Keller – a local celebrity in his own right. For information call (518) 438-1728.

“We all need a little comfort sometimes. ‘God Needed a Puppy’ will satisfy some certain reader in your circle; maybe it’s yourself.” —Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked

“This is what to read when there is nothing you can say.” —Steve Hartman, CBS News

John Gray is a native of Troy, New York. He is currently a journalist at Fox 23 and writes for several publications. John won an Emmy Award in 2014 in the Historical/Cultural News Category for his production Gunny: I Have a Dream August 28, 2013. (WXXA-TV). John is a loving husband and father, and an avid dog-lover.

Shanna Brickell remembers as a child being in awe of what could be crated with a box of crayons and a few sheets of paper. The mystery and magic of creativity still inspires her today. She infuses her artwork with light and energy to connect with the hearts and minds of those who view it.

To request a review copy or an interview, contact:
Laura McKendree lauram@paracletepress.com or 800-451-5006 ext 316

WESTMONT, IL—IVP Academic is thrilled to announce the revision and expansion of one of its most prestigious volumes Dictionary of Paul and His Letters.

Originally published in 1993 and edited by Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin, and Daniel G. Reid, the dictionary received wide acclaim, including an ECPA Gold Medallion award for reference books. Upon its release, N.T. Wright wrote that the dictionary was “a mine of information for all students of Paul for many years to come.”

The new edition set to be published in 2022, will be similar in format to the original in terms of overall length and number of articles, but given the significant changes in Pauline studies over the last twenty-five years, approximately 80 percent of the articles will be entirely rewritten, with the remainder thoroughly revised and updated.

“The scholarship published in the first edition of the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters was groundbreaking for its time and has had an enduring impact on scholars, students, and the church since 1993,” said Jeff Crosby, publisher for IVP. “In the skillful hands of volume editors Dr. Scot McKnight, Dr. Lynn Cohick, and Dr. Nijay Gupta along with the careful editorial oversight of Anna Moseley Gissing, the second edition will bring the scholarship up-to-date and provide a valuable reference tool for years to come. I’m delighted to support the publication of this important volume.”

McKnight, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, will serve as general editor, and Cohick, provost and dean of Denver Seminary, and Gupta, associate professor of New Testament at Portland Seminary, will serve as associate editors on this new edition. Each expressed a desire to be a part of this new project, the original of which influenced their own work in the field of Pauline studies. Anna Gissing, associate editor for IVP Academic, is heading up the project for IVP and will work with the three editors to compile new articles and revisions.

“Since the appearance of the first IVP dictionary I have had each of them within arm’s reach of my studies,” said McKnight. “Rarely does a day go by that I don’t use one of them, and on many days I use more than one. These dictionaries have made information and scholarship immediately accessible. I consider the IVP dictionaries to be a deposit of the best scholarship in the last century. The privilege of being general editor for the second edition of Dictionary of Paul and His Letters is a highlight of my academic life.”

Added Cohick: “IVP’s Dictionary of Paul and His Letters helped shape Pauline studies over the last several decades with its exceptional articles written by leading scholars. I’m delighted and honored to be part of the editorial team that will produce the second edition. I look forward to updating the volume and adding articles to reflect the new contours of Pauline studies.”

“The first edition of Dictionary of Paul and His Letters was instrumental in my formation as a Pauline scholar when I was in seminary,” Gupta said. “And since then I have recommended it to countless students and friends. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of the editorial team for this second edition. In fact, it is a major highlight of my career to be invited to be a part of this important project with these distinguished editors.”

This project reflects a need, both in terms of updated research and study, and a market demand for a revised edition. Since 1993, Dictionary of Paul and His Letters has sold nearly 200,000 copies to scholars, bookstores, and academic institutions.

“Dictionary of Paul and His Letters and the others in the eight volume series have been a cornerstone of our reference offerings for nearly three decades,” said Justin Paul Lawrence, director of sales for IVP. “I’ve received orders from librarians for second and third copies because their shelf copies have been thumbed to dust. I am pleased that IVP has chosen to continue to revise and extend this incredibly useful tool for a new generation of pastors, scholars, and students.”

IVP’s Bible dictionaries have been the foundation of its academic publishing program since the release of Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels in 1992. Three other volumes followed in the New Testament and four in the Old Testament. Hundreds of specialists have contributed to these volumes, whether through serving on editorial boards or contributing specific articles. Additionally, the 1993 Dictionary of Paul and His Letters has been translated into five other languages: Chinese, Italian, Korean, Polish, and Portuguese.

The volumes themselves have won accolades each year, including ECPA awards, Preaching Magazine awards, Christianity Today Book of the Year awards, Logos awards, and more. Scholars such as Sandy Richter, Ben Witherington III, Craig Blomberg, and John Goldingay have all highly recommended them.

“I couldn’t be more delighted with the intellectual leadership we have on this project, both here at IVP and with our volume editors,” said Jon Boyd, editorial director for IVP Academic. “McKnight, Cohick, Gupta, and Gissing make a formidable lineup to cover Pauline studies and its related fields with integrity, vision, and creativity. I’ll be honest: I can’t wait to have this updated volume on my shelf just so I can use it myself.”

To learn more about the series of IVP Bible Dictionaries, please visit www.ivpress.com/the-ivp-bible-dictionary-series.

Founded in 1947 as an extension of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, InterVarsity Press serves those in the university, the church and the world by publishing thoughtful Christian books that equip and encourage people to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord in all of life. For more information, visit ivpress.com.

Contact: Alisse Wissman | 630.734.4059 | awissman@ivpress.com

It is with deep sadness that UMPH announces the passing of Mary Catherine Dean Monday afternoon. Many of you will have known her as the Managing Editor/Editor-in-Chief of Abingdon Press.

A member of the UMPH staff since 1983, Mary Catherine served as editor for scores of Abingdon authors, including Jim Moore, who wrote Yes, Lord, I Have Sinned, But I Have Several Excellent Excuses and other best sellers. Having served in a variety of editorial and leadership roles, including as an associate publisher, producing materials ranging from books to church curriculum, worship resources, and music products, she most recently oversaw publication of The Advance Daily Christian Advocate, The Daily Christian Advocate, The Book Discipline, and The Book of Resolutions.

We celebrated her 35 years at UMPH with a festive retirement party on January 26, 2018. Beyond retirement, she continued to provide expert part-time counsel and helped guide the complex new United Methodist Hymnal project. Though she has courageously and valiantly battled cancer for some time, she maintained an energetic and productive schedule right up until the last few weeks.

We celebrate Mary Catherine’s abiding love for her family, her deep faith in Christ through the Roman Catholic tradition, her expert command of the English language, her thorough knowledge of the theology, polity, and history of The United Methodist Church, and her extraordinary loyal service to and through UMPH.

President and Publisher Emeritus Neil Alexander notes: “Mary Catherine’s incisive humor, expansive intellect, uncommon competence, capacity for loyalty, and easy kindness were expressed in her outstanding professionalism, love for our ministry, respect for her colleagues, and full-hearted servant’s spirit.”

Mary Catherine blessed our community with her devotion to excellence and her contagious love of life.

The United Methodist Publishing House is a publisher and distributor to Christian clergy and laity, with primary responsibilities for the publishing and distribution for The United Methodist Church. The Publishing House is a fully self-supporting agency and receives no general church funds.

Abingdon Press is the primary publishing imprint for The United Methodist Publishing House and has a tradition of crossing denominational boundaries with thought-provoking and inspirational books. Abingdon Press titles include a wide array of quality Bibles, Bible studies, small group studies, Christian living, fiction, devotional, academic, professional, and reference titles published each year to enrich church communities across the globe. Visit AbingdonPress.com.

Contact: Amy Smith, Communications Phone: 615-749-6860 Email: asmith@umpublishing.org

From Palm Pilot to iPhone X, Olive Tree Bible Software has come a long way!

(Spokane, WA) July 30, 2018—With more than 6,500,000 user installs, the Olive Tree Bible App has experienced a phenomenal decade. Since the beginning, Olive Tree has been dedicated to its mission: inspiring people to connect with God and the Bible through technology. The past ten years are a testimony to Olive Tree’s dedication for creating a missional solution via mobile Bible study with their unique app development. When the company began just eight years, previous to the launch of its iOS app, the primary connecting point was desktop computers and Palm Pilots.

In 2008, Olive Tree released BibleReader for iPhones, an app made available through Apple’s latest iOS development, the App Store. Apple, allowing third-parties to develop and distribute apps for consumers within the iPhone platform, created a paradigm shift in communications. Olive Tree jumped on the opportunity, being one of the very first Bible apps.  Now, ten years later, Olive Tree Bible App users can read and study God’s Word anytime, anywhere.

“We are extremely excited, thankful, and humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve millions through our apps over these last ten years. We hope and pray for another ten years and beyond to continue inspiring people to read and study the Bible in digital form,” commented Steven Cummings, v-p of operations at Olive Tree Bible Software.

Olive Tree users have access to 100 free resources and 12,000 purchasable commentaries, study Bibles, dictionaries, cross-references, ebooks, and more. Resources are enhanced for quick-use inside the app. For example, study Bibles may have hyperlinked verses for quick reference and commentaries can automatically scroll with a user as he or she reads the Bible. Better yet, Bibles tagged with Strong’s numbers are one of the most powerful and easy-to-use Bible study tools, providing users with Hebrew and Greek word definitions with just a tap of a finger. All tools, once downloaded to your device (now available for iPhones, iPads, Androids, Kindles, PCs or Macs) can be used without Internet connection.

Celebrate 10 years of connecting to God and the Bible through technology with Olive Tree Bible App, available in iOS and Android app stores.  For more information please visit www.olivetree.com.

About Olive Tree: Olive Tree is a leading online and mobile Christian Bible resource and e-commerce company, owned by HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Its software, The Olive Tree Bible App, is accessible on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices across all major platforms and offers a wide range of products designed to help users take their Bible Study to the next level. Olive Tree’s offices are located in Spokane, WA. Please visit Olive Tree at www.olivetree.com.