creative faith formation resources for church and home.

the jesse tree

​The Jesse Tree helps us enter more fully into the church season of Advent, which anticipates the coming of Jesus and is a season of expectation. The Jesse Tree provides us with a tangible way to count down and look toward Jesus’ coming through the stories of the Old Testament. Written by Matt Timms and illustrated by Sam Gutierrez, the Jesse Tree is a great way to enter this beautiful and special season.

​Buy the book and find a link to download the symbols to cut out and hang on your tree!

"When God's ageless story is told in this way, it's beauty rings true for those who know it well and those hungry to learn it."  Aaron Antoon / Worship Leader
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THE JESUS QUESTIONS

Believe it or not, Jesus asked over 300 questions in the gospels.  In every situation, Jesus had a specific and thoughtful question to ask any potential disciple.  Questions such as: Why are you so afraid? (Mark 4:40) Who do you say I am? (Mark 8:29) What do you want? (John 1:38) Will you really lay down your life for me? (John 13:38) 

For this study, each person draws one question to reflect on and pray about for a week. Gather together and share thoughts, ideas, prayers, and questions.  Reflection questions are provided for each question to help deepen the engagement.

The Jesus Questions

A small group experiences that is highly engaging and participatory.  Pull a questions and let it guide your prayer. Gather with others and share your reflections.

"Will you really lay down your life for me?"  - Jesus
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A GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS FEASTING

For almost 1500 years, Christians have been celebrating and feasting during the 12 days of Christmas (also known as Christmastide).  In 567, the Council of Tours proclaimed the twelve days from Christmas Day to Epiphany (Jan 6) to be a sacred and festive season.  And so it began!
 
Most of us are unfamiliar with the practice of feasting.  We associate serious religion and earnest faith with somber practices like fasting.  But God’s people are encouraged to practice feasting too.  As the writer of Ecclesiastes 3:1 writes: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” And Christmas is a season of serious feasting and serious joy.

Christmas Feasting

There are different ways to mark the twelve days of Christmas.  This book with guide you to different practices that will enhance the season.

"The twelve days of Christmas invite us to take seriously the call to celebrate in a spirit of gratitude."  Matt Timms / Author
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HAIKU BIBLE STUDY / 2022 - 2023

Haiku Bible Study is a "practice" and a small group experience that explores the lectionary. The idea is simple: Start by summarizing each of the four scripture passages for a given Sunday. Then write a haiku based on the common theme. Gather together with others and share your creative insights.​  

​(September 2022 - August 2023)

Haiku Bible Study

A Haiku is a short little poem.  It is based on a syllable count of 5/7/5. However, the form is simply a structure in which to be playful and creative. See more of my attempts on my INSTAGRAM
"My hope is that Haiku Bible Study will be a practice that roots you deeply in the Scriptures" - Sam Gutierrez

THE REASON LOVE REACHES

Lent is a 40 day season in the church calendar that calls us to name all the ways we wander - some obvious, some subtle.  Then, to turn towards the God who loves us and has been eagerly waiting for our return. Not only does God patiently wait for us to turn toward home, God actively goes out and searches for us.

A collection of poems for the season of Lent.  Forty poems - one for each day. Poems to shed light on your path as you journey home.

"I grew up thinking that Jesus was a subject to be studied instead of a person to be encountered and enjoyed. These poems are an invitation into the deep aches and rich joy of divine presence."  Matt Postma / InterVarsity
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GODBIRTH

The things we put out during the holidays fill our homes with light, joy, remembrance and festivity.  When the time is right, they are carefully wrapped and lovingly put away until the next year.  My hope is that you'll read this book of poems during the weeks leading up to Christmas.  As you read, I hope they stir in you the rich joy and sweet hope that can be found during the holiday season.

Godbirth is a collection that began as a series of Christmas presents to friends and family.  A total of thirty-four poems written over a period of three years collected into a book of poetry to read on a quiet evening by the fire during the holiday season.

"If you want to push someone to do something against their will - propaganda is your tool. If you want to fill someone's mind with information - prose is your best bet. If you want to move someone's heart - poetry is your only choice." Tim Brown / President Emeritus WTS
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READ THESE POEMS ABOUT DAVID

Throughout the biblical narrative, we discover that David is focus of God's choosing and promises. David prays a beautiful prayer of response after receiving the news that his house (lineage) will last forever.  David is overwhelmed and knows that he has done nothing to deserve this.

This unmerited favor is what the Bible calls "Grace." Grace is heaven shining down on you.  Grace is the smile of God.  Grace has nothing to do with being a good person, being perfect, trying hard or even trying at all. David wasn't perfect, and his tragic flaws remind us that the blessings poured out on him are not because of his virtue, but because of God's overflowing goodness.  

ARTWORK

THE TABLE PRINT / $50 

This giclee print (frame not included) can only be purchased by sending me an email. Please allow 3 days to get your order together and shipped.  I accept PayPal, Venmo, check or cash.  I'm happy to answer any questions you might have. Thank you! 
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printandpoem@gmail.com

Archival Paper Size 5x8
Sam Gutierrez / Print and Poem