News

Discipleship Resources Is New Distributor for OSL Publications

(April 11, 2008, GBOD) — Discipleship Resources, a ministry of the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship, is the new distributor for OSL Publications, the publishing unit of the Order of Saint Luke.

An affiliate of GBOD, OSL primarily offers resources related to worship and the sacraments of the church.

"We are grateful that OSL has entrusted GBOD -- through Discipleship Resources -- with distributing their valuable content and materials that support and strengthen local churches," said the Rev. Karen Greenwaldt, top executive for GBOD.

In an agreement forged a few weeks ago, Discipleship Resources will begin distributing OSL resources immediately.

W. Brent Sturm, OSL's chancellor general, says that "OSL Publications has been able to do what few presses can: keep important theological texts in print that don't sell huge numbers of copies.

"Now, with the strength of Discipleship Resources' marketing and distribution network, more people will have access to those titles."

"This is a wonderful example of cooperative ministry, proving that one plus one can equal much more than two!" said Sturm.

OSL, which began in 1947, will continue editorial oversight and development of books in the areas of worship, liturgy, spiritual formation, and prayer.

"I am delighted to see Discipleship Resources welcome OSL Publications in this new relationship. It has been a valued partner of GBOD for many years in developing worship resources our congregations can use and deepening the understanding of what we do in worship and why. I look forward to a fruitful partnership in the years ahead," says Taylor Burton-Edwards, Director of Worship for the agency.

Burton-Edwards pointed out that two of OSL's newest titles include study guides for This Holy Mystery and By Water and the Spirit that can help children and younger youth experience and understand United Methodist theology and practice of the sacraments.

Customers may order OSL Publications through Discipleship Resources' customer service line (1-800-972-0433) and through www.upperroom.org/bookstore.

"Although the close relationship between the sacramental and liturgical life of the church and Christian discipleship has always been visible in the work of GBOD and the publications of Discipleship Resources, this new working relationship increases the visibility of that connection and emphasizes its importance," said the Rev. E. Byron Anderson, Styberg Associate Professor of Worship at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

OSL titles will be included in Discipleship Resources' catalogs and other marketing and promotions materials.

The General Board of Discipleship's mission is to support annual conference and local church leaders for their task of equipping world-changing disciples. An agency of The United Methodist Church, GBOD (www.gbod.org) is located at 1908 Grand Ave. in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, call the Media Relations Office toll free at 877-899-2780, ext. 7017.