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GRANTHAM, Pa. (Feb. 17, 2006) – On March 7, Messiah College will host a series of campus events to celebrate the recent release of “Gracious Christianity,” a new book that encourages graciousness in faith and life. The book, which was coauthored by Messiah College professor Douglas Jacobsen and the late Rodney J. Sawatsky, former president of Messiah College, was the last writing project undertaken by President Sawatsky before his death in November of 2004.

“Gracious Christianity” events scheduled for Tuesday, March 7 at Messiah College
“Gracious Christianity” Chapel Service: 9:45 a.m., Brubaker Auditorium, Eisenhower Campus Center
Messiah College President Kim S. Phipps will speak on the theme of “Gracious Christianity” as a vision for Christians’ life together as a community of God.

Literary Reception: 3:30-4:30 p.m., Howe Atrium, Boyer Hall
The Messiah College Community of Educators will host a reception honoring the book’s authors, Douglas Jacobsen, distinguished professor of church history and theology, and the late Rodney J. Sawatsky, who will be represented by his wife, Lorna Sawatsky. Messiah College President Kim S. Phipps will speak at 3:45 p.m.

Commemorative Service: 7:30 p.m., Larsen Student Union
The Messiah College Student Government Association will conduct a brief service commemorating the planting of a tree (which they will plant earlier that day) in honor of the decade of service, vision and leadership provided by former Messiah College President Rodney J. Sawatsky. Students will present former Messiah College First Lady Lorna Sawatsky with a dedication plaque marking the occasion and celebrating President Sawatsky’s legacy at Messiah College.

About “Gracious Christianity”
“Gracious Christianity,” published by Baker Academic, was released nationally on Feb. 1. A colloborative work of coauthors Douglas Jacobsen and the late Rodney J. Sawatsky, “Gracious Christianity” explores how core Christian beliefs support and encourage the love of God, the love of other people and the love of the world as a whole.

“In a time when religion is seen by many as meanspirited and even violent, this book champions a kinder and gentler understanding of faith, but one that is still deeply rooted in historic Christian faith,” said Jacobsen.

In “Gracious Christianity,” Jacobsen and Sawatsky remind readers that Christ’s core instruction to his followers was to love both God and others. Taking that instruction seriously, they suggest that graciousness is a nonnegotiable dimension of Christian faith. It goes to the very heart of the gospel. It is what makes the gospel good news. In this book, the authors explain how the central beliefs of Christianity, when they are properly understood, encourage graciousness in how we think about God and live alongside others. Well known writer Brian McLaren says it is “ a beautiful, intelligent and readable introduction to Christian faith.” The book’s broad-minded and ecumenical spirit will grant it a comfortable home in the academy and the church.

Messiah College has incorporated “Gracious Christianity” into its core curriculum for first-year students, which helps students develop a deeper understanding of the college’s mission and identity, including themes of forgiveness, compassion, non-violence, service, community and reconciliation. In conjunction with the publication of the book, a “Gracious Christianity” website (www.graciouschristianity.org) has also been launched which provides group/individual book study guides, resources of other published and online resources, and examples of other individuals and organizations who embody gracious Christianity.

About the Authors
Douglas Jacobsen is distinguished professor of church history and theology at Messiah College in Grantham, Pa. He has coauthored or authored such books as “Scholarship and Christian Faith,” and the award-winning “Thinking in the Spirit.” Jacobsen holds a doctorate from the University of Chicago.

The late Rodney J. Sawatsky was an administrator for church-related colleges for more than 20 years. Sawatsky, who earned his doctorate from Princeton University, served as president of Messiah College from 1994-2004. He was the author of numerous scholarly articles on religion, history, the contemporary church and higher education.

About Messiah College
Messiah College, a private Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences, enrolls more than 2,900 undergraduate students in 50 majors. Established in 1909, the primary campus is located in Grantham, Pa., near the state capital of Harrisburg. A satellite campus affiliated with Temple University is located in Philadelphia.

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