about
Upper New York Authors
Many Upper New York clergy and laity have written books* over the years, and we wanted to bring these books and writers to your attention.
If you have written a book and would like it added to this list, contact us at news@unyumc.org with the UNY booklist subject line. Please include a brief description and information about where the book can be purchased.
The books are listed alphabetically by author:
Robert Dejaiffe, Seeking Christian Unity. (CreateSpace, ISBN-10: 1469911116) Read more about the book here. You can purchase it at Amazon here.
“This book proposes a bridge where all Christians could stand together to present a united front toward the increasing forces of opposition. The trend of the world, the country and individuals toward immorality is observed. It is suggested that love is the antidote to immorality. ... We only need to allow that other Christians may interpret parts of the Bible a little differently than what each of us might believe.” – Amazon
The Rev. Dr. Barbara Green, Calling God She? (CreateSpace, ISBN-10: 1495365891) You can purchase it at Barnes & Noble here. You can purchase it at Amazon here.
“We talk about God. We write about God. We use words. Letters, words, and language are all developed constructs. All language falls short of what we perceive as reality. What is the impact of continuing to use male language for God without using female language?” This brief book invites you to consider the present assumptions of the male nature of God and to consider fuller understandings of God. – Barnes & Noble
The Rev. Patrick Holder, The Shadow of Death: 90-Day Journal-Devotional from 9/11. (Booklocker.com, ISBN-13: 9781614344919) Read more about the book here. You can purchase it at Barnes & Noble here.
“A 9/11 book written as a club sandwich made from the variety of breads that make up the daily news for those wondering who want the facts. It is filled with choice meats of personal encounters, experiences, stories and illustrations that will gently stir memories, struggles and victories for those who were there. Finally it is topped off with words of comfort, adoration, recognition and encouragement for those still struggling with ‘The Shadow of Death.’” – Barnes & Noble
The Rev. Charles E. "Chuck" Johns, No Small Change: Glimpses of Grace in the Ordinary. (CrossLink Publishing, ISBN: 978-1-936746-21-7) Read more about the book here. You can purchase it at CrossLink Publishing here.
"We often act as if God hides so well that signs of the divine presence are reserved for Hallelujah moments: burning bushes, transcendent music, sunsets ... Here are tales of people, places and things that can either pass unnoticed or can become elemental moments to change the way we experience God. ... No Small Change is an invitation to pay attention to the grace that envelops us, God's persistent presence which longs to be embraced.” – CrossLink Publishing
The Rev. Horace B. King, Light From Darkness: The Preaching of St. John's Gospel. (Brentwood Christian Press, 2000) You can purchase it directly from Rev. King for $8.95 plus shipping by contacting him via email at hbkmnk@yahoo.com.
“My husband’s (first book was published in 1989) … called Together in Trust – a collection of wedding meditations. This, his second book, is a Bible study workbook called Light From Darkness: The Preaching of St. John's Gospel. It was published by Brentwood Christian Press and … is a soft cover, spiral bound workbook for the study of the Gospel of John. It consists of selected passages from the Gospel with brief anecdotes, comments, etc. that the author used in his ministry.” – Marie King
The Rev. Ralph Marino, The Enduring Flame. (Troy Conference Commission on Archives and History) Read more about the book, including how to purchase it, here.
This book is a comprehensive history of the former Troy Conference 1982-2010. It focuses on major decisions and ways the conference responded to societal forces during its last decades. The book recounts what happened and, through the reflections of individuals involved, what those actions meant to people. Also included is a history of the former conference's camping program (1806-2010), beginning with the camp meeting days.
The Rev. Dr. Roy L. Miller, My Gospel: The Adventure of Partnering with God to See His Kingdom Come. (Creation House, ISBN: 9781616381783) Read more about the book here. You can find it at Cokesbury here.
“In My Gospel, Miller begins with his unique telling of the ageless gospel message. Weaving together engaging personal stories, anecdotes, and examples of God's personal touch, he covers topics that are vital for living in partnership with God to see His kingdom come, including growing to know God better, living the adventure where you are, finding freedom in Christ, going to church versus being the church, (and) fighting evil with the primary weapon of prayer ...” – Cokesbury
Laurie Moulton, Let the Adventure Begin! Theme Nights for Families with Young Children. (CreateSpace, ISBN-10: 1461071127) Read more about the book here. You can purchase it at Amazon here.
“Fun, easy and inexpensive family entertainment – you’ll find it all (inside). Laurie Moulton – author, teacher and mom – provides fun and easy family night activities based around different themes. Each theme contains meal ideas, activities, online resources, and other readily available resources such as books and DVDs. A great alternative to family game night, family theme nights will soon become a new favorite in your home!” – Amazon
Linda Bonney Olin, Transformed: 5 Resurrection Dramas www.createspace.com/4562270 or www.amazon.com/dp/B00I4F5OXQ
Five one-act plays portraying the people closest to Jesus Christ, transformed by his resurrection.
Olin has been a lay speaker in The United Methodist Church since 1997. Her writing ministry has produced a wealth of dramas, songs, sermons, puppet plays, and church programs for special occasions. Her poems, devotions, and Bible study materials have appeared in literary and devotional magazines, anthologies, and online publications. Visit www.LindaBonneyOlin.com.
Also by Olin:
Songs for the Lord www.amazon.com/dp/B00796EZGS
Twenty-four original hymns and faith songs suitable for use in church worship services, inspirational music programs, and private devotions.
The Sacrifice Support Group: A Dramatic Comedy for Lent
www.createspace.com/4394732 orwww.amazon.com/dp/B00BE33Q76
A two-act dramatic comedy about a mixed bag of church characters challenged by their pastor to make their Lent sacrifices really count for the glory of God and the good of their families and community.
Giving It Up for Lent: Leader Guide: Bible Study, Drama, Discussion
Want to put more GIVING in the tradition of giving something up for Lent? How about a few chuckles in your church studies? Try this fun, life-changing, five-to-seven session Bible study.
www.createspace.com/4515338 or www.amazon.com/dp/0991186508
Giving It Up for Lent: Workbook: Bible Study, Drama, Discussion
www.createspace.com/4516774 or www.amazon.com/dp/0991186516
The Rev. Dr. B. Bianca Podesta, Scleroderma Coping Strategies. (Two Harbors Press, ISBN-10: 1936401185) Read more about the book here. You can purchase it at Amazon here.
“Systemic scleroderma (‘hard skin’) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease. An overproduction of collagen may cause hardness, or fibrosis, not only in the skin but in many of the body's tissues and organ systems. Scleroderma Coping Strategies carefully describes the disease mechanisms of scleroderma, reveals the psychological challenges sufferers face and explores the relationship between contemplative or spiritual reality and the healing process.” – Amazon
The Rev. Thomas Pullyblank, The Ghost of Billy Masterson & Other Thousand Islands Tales. (Square Circle Press, ISBN-10: 0-9856926-6-9) Read more about the book here. You can purchase it (and additional works by Rev. Pullyblank) directly from Square Circle Press here.
This collection of short stories, set in the Thousand Islands, picks up where the author's novel Napoleon’s Gold leaves off. According to the publisher:
“In reading these Thousand Islands Tales you’ll share a ghostly adventure through space and time that fulfills a River Rat’s deepest desire; an encounter with a shipwreck that will change a river matron’s life forever; some unique Thousand Islands history as understood by a thoughtful teen; a dangerous thrill-ride that strengthens the bond between two cousins; a Christmas morning birth in the most unlikely of circumstances; the end-of-life reminiscences of a wealthy Thousand Islands aristocrat; and a River Rat’s history-making journey home.”
Cynthia J. Eckert Saarie, Are You in the Will? (Outskirts Press, Inc., ASIN: B00G4LS51A) You can hear an audio sample of the book here. You can purchase it at Amazon here.
“If your life isn’t working out the way you’ve always dreamed it would be you can find the answer to ‘Why’ here. This is a book that shows how to bring your life into a compatible working relationship with God. His promises are in His will.” – Outskirts Press
The Rev. Dr. Stanley Tanner, retired, has published a new book titled First Personal: Imagination and Scripture under the name Br. Matthias, O.S.L. It is available here.
"I find that imagination opens a way into biblical stories that brings deeper understanding and appreciation for those who lived out their trust in God." – Br. Matthias, O.S.L.
Gregg L. Trask, lay supply pastor at Crown Point UMC, Learning the Lessons: 25 Messages for Remembering God in your Modern Life. It is available atAmazon and Kindle.
This collection of inspirational sermons is intended to communicate how God is still relevant in our daily lives. Using a touch of humor and a lesson from the Bible, each of the chapters addresses a single common experience that we each face on a regular basis in our lives.
The Rev. Dr. Richard Tulip, And I Shall Renew Their Wings like Eagles: Living beyond Exile. (Xulon Press, ASIN: B00AG30VRI) Read more about the bookhere. You can purchase it at Xulon Press here.
“During a sabbatical, Rev. Tulip explored the parallels between the Babylonian exile and the late 20th century exile of the church. His studies revealed that Judaism utilized the post-exilic period to reform, renew, revitalize and transform ancient Judaism into a modern major religion. This book is an exploration of how the transformation of Judaism may hold some valuable keys for the renewal of the Christian church in the 21st century.” – Xulon Press
Edited by Robert L. Walker, Speaking Out: Gifts of Ministering Undeterred by Disabilities. (CreateSpace, ISBN-10: 1475188447) Read more about the bookhere. You can purchase it at Amazon here.
In this book, sponsored by the United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities, Rev. Nancy Hale shares her experience with hearing loss and ministry. She joins Bishop Peggy A. Johnson of the Philadelphia Area and 23 other pastors from across the connection in sharing their stories.
*The viewpoints expressed in these works do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of the Upper New York Conference or The United Methodist Church.