New Book Available! Mockingbird at the Movies
Thrilled to announce our latest publication, Mockingbird at the Movies, just in time for a certain holiday. It's a collection of over 40 essays about some of our favorite films, from all over the cinematic map. Half the entries are brand-new, half appeared in some form on our website--and have been substantially rewritten/expanded. We're really proud of this one. Click here for the Table of Contents. The blurb from the back cover reads as follows:

Feel free to judge this one by its cover
A movie theater is a magical place. We laugh and cry, marvel and curse--occasionally we are even transported, the projector casting fresh light on both ourselves and the world around us.  Mockingbird at the Movies
collects essays from a wide range of contributors, exploring the films that have touched us most. Some are beautiful, some confrontational, some silly, some sad, some all of the above; taken together, they bear witness to the power of film to move the heart and lift the spirit. Grab your popcorn and press play.

MATM is available on both Createspace and Amazon , the latter of which will get it to you faster, but the former will benefit Mbird a bit more. Spread the word!

2015 Mockingbird Gift Guide
Last year's gift guide was so popular that we've decided to make it an annual tradition.

For the youth minister looking to inject their presentations with a bit more pizzaz, or the mid-level manager needing to spice up staff meeting:  Pyro Mini Fireshooter

For all the other parents in your toddler's playgroup who are barely treading water this season: Rain for Roots brand-new Advent album, Waiting Songs or Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets' The Quality Holiday Revue Live on vinyl

For the guy at your old church who always accused you of mis-reading Paul: Reformation Readings of Paul ed. by Jono Linebaugh and Michael Allen

For those of us who like the idea of a calendar more than the reality (i.e. whose 2015 one hasn't moved past September): Little Things Studio's 30 Day Perpetual Hymn Calendar 

For the budding Khaki Scout in your midst: Moonrise Kingdom on Criterion or special co-viewing of The Iron Giant (Signature Edition) rental - preferably over a serving of Milk Bar's Crack Pie 


For the guy/gal who married your cousin last summer and is only just beginning to realize what they're in for: The Breaking Bad Cookin' Up Some Color, Yo coloring book

For your high-church friend who you think might be ready to take it to the next level: Sack-cloth Hairshirt with Belt and Metal Buckle from Cilice (currently on sale for $69)

For the uncle who's still trying to piece together what he was doing in the late 70s:  Tusk super deluxe version (5CD/1DVD/2LP)

For the MFA-wielding romantic prospect whose religious life you're still trying to feel out: The Acolyte by Nancy Hightower or The Givenness of Things by Marilynne Robinson

For your foodie sister who pretends to thumb her nose at New South cuisine but you know better: Chef and The Farmer's Blueberry BBQ Finishing Sauce

For those looking to recapture some of the magic of Liberate 2015: Third Eye Cat T-shirt

For the preacher who everyone agrees needs to move past Shawshank as their go-to film illustration: Goes Without Saying 

For the grandparent who suddenly seems to be an expert on Christian-Muslim relations: From the Holy Mountain by William Dalrymple

For the son-in-law who you can't believe doesn't get your SNL references: Jack Handey's The Stench of Honolulu: A Tropical Adventure  

For those who never know what to get their mother and don't mind a little nepotism: Candy Shop Vintage's Charleston Rice Beads or one of these beauties

For everyone on your social media feeds who overdoes it (and those who judge them for it): Mary Karr's The Art of Memoir

For the Bo Giertz fan who reminds you a bit of Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy: Miller Cast Products' Solid Brass Claw Hammer

For those simply living for Dec 18th but too overwhelmed to sort through all the merchandising: R2-D2 Bento Lunch Box with Death Star sandwich press, Han and Leia Bath Towels, Ewok Knit Hooded Scarf and--duh--the Toilet Sarlacc

For the new dads out there finally inching their way past the freaked-out phase: Being Dad: Father as a Picture of God's Grace by Scott Keith

For your friend who's always asking you what they should read in their small group: Problem Solved

For the patristic-quoting member of your vestry whose favorite movie you're pretty sure was made by Ken Burns: Ancient Roads From Christ to Constantine DVD

For the young-at-heart spouse who lacks for nothing you can buy on Amazon: Tickets for Home Alone with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra on January 3rd or, of course, earlybird registration for The 2016 NYC Mockingbird Conference (now open!)

For your literary niece with the razor tongue who everyone is secretly ready for to go off to college: Texts from Jane Eyre: And Other Conversations with Your Favorite Literary Characters by Mallory Ortberg

For anyone you love very much: A gift subscription to The Mockingbird* (see below)

Buy One Gift Subscription, Give Another for Free!
*As a special offer for those on our mailing list, we're offering a  "Buy One Gift Subscription, Give Another for Free"  deal. During checkout on the magazine site , simply put both recipients addresses in the memo box, and we'll send their first issues out with a Christmas card from you. 


That's not all: During the month of December, you are entitled to  20% off all Mockingbird publications  (except MATM) when you buy them directly from us via Createspace. To take advantage, go to www.mbird.com/publications  and use code MS3E2X5H when checking out. Bulk discounts are also available. Email us at [email protected] for more info. 

Keep An Eye Open
Our big yearend update and appeal went out in the post this week. We'll be sending an e-version later this month with additional information about all that's happened this past year, what we've got in store for 2016, and how you can help. Stay tuned!

A Quick Reminder: Anyone who signs up for (any amount) of monthly giving , as well as anyone who gives a one-time donation of $500 or more, automatically receives a complimentary subscription to The Mockingbird. See our Support page for more details.

As always, we are so grateful for your continued interest and support. Thank you.  

 

Wishing you a joyous Advent, 

 


The Mockingbird Team
David Zahl, Ethan Richardson, and CJ Green  
Mockingbird Ministries
[email protected] 

2016 NYC Conf
Our 2015 Spring Conference happens
April 16-18 in New York City. Details are still coming together but earlybird pre-registration is now open!