Churched Week Kick-Off
This week I will be celebrating the release of Matthew’s latest book (and first hardback), churched. Check in every day for special giveaways and all things related to churched.
The book’s official release date is tomorrow! To those of you who have pre-ordered it, thank you! We are soooo excited. Early feedback has been incredibly positive. The book is funny, thoughtful, faithful and just plain great. You don’t have to have grown up in the church to appreciate this book. Matthew’s writing has mass appeal, making it perfect for you and all your friends. 🙂
Okay, enough gushing from the proud wife.
Today I would like to bring you two things:
One- a giveaway! You know how I love a good giveaway. Simply leave a comment on this post and I will randomly select three people to receive autographed copies of churched. And, if there are more than 300 comments, I will probably give away more books (since I know the author.) One comment per person please.
Two – an excerpt. Just to give you a taste of Matthew’s writing.
prelude
The man’s shoulder was inked with a tattoo of Jesus breathing fire out of his mouth, which I concluded to mean one of two things: the man was going to offer me the opportunity to be born again in the hot fumes of a firebreathing Messiah or he planned to kill me and make it necessary for me to be born again.
Like any “good” American, I had already been born again–since childhood I’d pretty much been on shuffle and repeat–but I still feared either scenario. I couldn’t stop looking at the man’s shoulder. His Jesus was green and faded, and because of a small mole, it appeared as though my Lord and Savior had a foreign object dangling from one nostril. Then the man looked at me from the opposite end of the sauna, tightened the towel around his waist, and said, “How are you, man? My name is Jim.”
I didn’t say anything at first. His question sort of paralyzed me. Would he pull a small Gideons Bible from somewhere underneath that towel, look up a bunch of frightful verses in Romans, and then ask me to get down on my hands and knees and repeat after him? I wouldn’t do it. Not in a sauna. Not just wearing a towel. Besides, I had sworn off being born again again in this decade.
“Hello.” I spoke carefully, still not ready to trust a person who had a flaming-tongue Messiah on an appendage. “My name is Matthew.”
“Good to meet you, Matthew. Man, I don’t know about you, but I have had the craziest day.” Jim stared at me as he talked. I think he was making sure I paid attention. “I didn’t even work out today. I just came right to the sauna.” He stretched his arms and then massaged his left shoulder, pinching Jesus’s face with his fingers.
to read more, click here.
Excerpted from Churched by Matthew Paul Turner. Copyright© 2008 by Matthew Paul Turner. Excerpted by permission of WaterBrook Press, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photo-copying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Do I get one because I am family???
Okay, I’m not family, but would love a copy of the book:)
Kristi
guntergirl71@hotmail.com
I love your blog and would love to read the book. Thanks!
I too love reading your blog and would love to read Churched! Thank you!
The books sounds hilarious already. I would love to win a copy!
Have a great day!
lesliegbarton@gmail.com
Loved the exerpt!! Would love to read the whole book. I will see if I win, and if not, will have to order it!!
Thanks for the opportunity!
Wasn't sure when the release date was~thanks for the info. You would know, huh? :o) Hope kick off week is fabulous! Best wishes~& of course, I would lalalalove a copy too!
Jen P.
I know so many people who need to read this. Hope I get picked! Also, can’t wait to see pictures of Elias in the sweat pea costume! 🙂
~Amanda Strayer
Love the blog!! Hope you have a great week!!!
Oh, yay! I’m so excited about the book coming out. I meant to pre-order it, but I thought maybe, just maybe, I would try this first! I just got the bookmarks to pass out. I’m very exxxcited.
PS – Your son looks so adorable in the pictures with the pumpkins 🙂
i keep leaving comments hoping to win something…maybe this time 🙂
love the pics of your little guy!
The prelude is awesome!!! Would love love love to win a copy!!!
tbmroberts at gmail.com
It sounds like an awesome book!
Lynn in Oklahoma
AHHHHHHHH, after reading the excerpt, I HAVE to read the book!!
Seems as though Matt did a great job on the book from what I read!
Blessings to your day!
I love Mathews blog and your blog and would LOVE a copy of Churched!
I really enjoyed the excerpt. Being from middle Tennessee, I can totally relate. Hope I win!
–Andrea
I would love a copy of the book! I want to read more! It sounds great!
I’m intrigued…
I would love an autographed copy! 🙂
Love your blog and churched sounds like a great book. Would love a copy….Have a great week. Im a blog lurker from Texas. Found your blog from Angies blog.
I’d love a copy! I’m always looking for a good read.
It’s out! Sounds like a good book!
Would love to read the book… all I read is text books this time of year! 🙁 I absolutely love your blog, I check it several times a day hoping for new pics of the precious little man!!!
I would love a copy as I have quickly become addicted to his writings on his blog (and yours also).
Interesting sounding book. It is through provoking for sure. I’m wondering how the book will go after reading your post today.
I would love an autographed copy!
I just discovered your blog a few days ago through another one I read. Your husband’s book sounds funny, interesting, and something that several people will be able to relate to.
Laura Peters
Love reading yours and your husband’s blog! 🙂
Pick me! 🙂
I would love to win a copy!
How exciting for you guys!
Blessings 🙂
So far sounds great! I’d love to win a copy!
How exciting for your family!
Thanks,
De Anne B.
I would love to read this book. Sounds like a very good read.
Heather
melody806@yahoo.com
I loved the exerpt and would love to win my own personalized copy of the book!
Not family either but love your blog and would love to read the book as well! Have a great day!
=) I’d love a copy!
I would love a copy!! It sounds like a fantastic book.
Love the exerpt and looking forward to reading the rest of the book!
-Amy Starnes
Michigan
This blog is a blessing. I am an avid scrapbooker and love reading your tips. I would love to read a copy of your husbands book “Churched”
I would love to win a copy of the book!
I enjoy reading both of your blogs!
I’m SO excited to read Matthew’s book!!!
I am really looking foward to this book.
I love to read your blog and your husbands! Elias is SO cute!
I hope I get picked for a book!!!!!
Christi in Mississippi
christicave@comcast.net
im excited to read churched 🙂 looks like a great read.
i would love to read the book!! yea, how fun!!
blessings ~
My husband already pre-ordered the book but it would be great to have an autographed copy! Then we could both read it at the same time, and then give one away.
BTW, my husband was brought up in a Southern Baptist home, and I know he’s going to be able to really relate to Matthew’s experiences in Churched. And that it seems to be quite humurous will be perfect for my often sarcastic hubbie. 🙂
I am really looking forward to reading this book. I have enjoyed both yours and Matthews blog for the past few months.
This books sounds so awesome! Can’t wait to read it!
I can’t wait to read the book.
Count me in 🙂
Thanks Jessica, for your awesome blogging! I would love a copy of the book! It looks really awesome!
Thanks,
Erin
YAY. You won the prize from Coronado Island from my blog. Just send me an email with your address and I will send it to you…
hautemama@hauteartist.com
Charleen
I can’t wait to read this book — I’ve loved his other books:)
cjcrisostomo23@gmail.com
I just love reading you blog. God is truly amazing!
What an exciting week – I hope you guys find a way to celebrate before he leaves town!
Can’t wait to read the whole book!!!
I would love a copy! Thanks for doing this! 🙂
-Karin
It would be fantastic to receive a free copy of Churched but even if I don’t I will continue to pray that all goes well with the release and subsequent engagements. I enjoy reading both of your blogs and often times find a big grin or a belly laugh when I do. I admire your passion and peace.
I would love to win a copy. I am always looking for a good book to read.
I would love a copy! Matthew is so funny and talented! I love reading you guys’ blog!
Would love to read it!
I’ve just started reading your Blog and would LOVE to have a copy of your husband’s book. He sounds so incredibly funny. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to win an autographed copy:0)
i preordered it, but would love to win one. i’d do a give away on my blog to give one away. can’t wait for my preordered one to arrive. got the shipment notice this morning.
oh and how cute is that photo of elias in the pumpkins?!
I would L O V E a copy of the book!:)
I would LOVE to have a copy of Churched!!
kristiwallace2@gmail.com
Ohhh Sweet Jesus let me win :D, I live in Dominican Republic and is so hard to get a copy, I could order it online, but post office here shucks (and is difficult to order that way 🙁 anyways if I dont win, I plan on ordering to a PoBox in the States that will deliver it to the caribbean :p
Love Matthew’s writing (your son is beautiful too)!
Okay – let me try this again (I just left the anonymous comment – sorry =))
I love your blog and Elias is sooooo cute!! I would love to read the book as well.
Sounds like a very thought provoking book!!! Looks great!
I would love a copy,I love following your blog
I love reading your blog and would love a copy of the book!
I definitely need a good book to read! 🙂
Melissa
Cool! I know this would be a good read!
From all the reviews I’m reading, it sounds like it’s a great read.
I’d like a copy of the book.
Do you have a Banner or Button that we can copy and put on our blog that links back to Matthew’s blog or a message about the book?
Word of mouth (err, Word of Blog?)is a great promoter!
I would love a copy of this book. All the reviews and excerpts I’ve read are making it a must read for me!
Great exerpt! Can definitely relate due to having an SB background myself. :o) Enjoy your blog too! Leigh Anne
Your blog always makes me smile. Thanks 🙂
I would love to read this book! Thanks for the opportunity to win one!
Rebecca
Oh man, I’d love to win a copy, especially after reading that excerpt 🙂
Hey there, I was hooked, I had to go finish reading the other prelude you linked to.
I would love a copy 🙂
Well, since I went to Barns and Noble Thursday night and tried to buy the book only to find out it would not be out until Tuesday. They said they would give me a call when it came in maybe I wouldn’t have to go back if you gave me one!! 🙂 🙂
EJohn72746@aol.com
Good luck with the new release! My hubby and I would love to win a copy!
I would love to read your husbands new book!
Love your blog and hope I win a copy…it sounds like it’s gonna be a great read! Thanks Denise
I’ve enjoyed your blog for quite awhile – don’t know quite why either since I’m not into scrapbooking! But I’m a faithful reader and I’m a faithful reader that likes free stuff. 🙂
I love your blog and would love a book too!
both you and Matthew are great writers. I work in a Christian bookstore and stumbled on my first MPT book Provacative Faith and have been making my way down his list of books. I love following both of your blogs. Your son is adorable. I love following his story. My first nephew is just a month older than he is. Anyway, would love love love to win a copy of the new book! thanks
leslie
64colorsinthebox.blogspot.com
The excerpt definately left me wanting to find out what happens! I’ll read the book whether I win or have to buy it myself! hahaha
Your family is precious!
Liz from Tx.
I love you blog- check on it daily. Have a great week.
Hi Jessica
I would love to win a copy of Churched!
Iris
Got my book marks on Saturday and have been handing them out! I would love to win a copy of the book! Thanks!
Elizabeth
I read your blog all the time, but this is my first time to comment. I would love a copy of the book!
Love the blog..hope I get picked!! Good luck with the book.
Hi Jessica. I *almost* forgot I signed up for the churched group on facebook, but saw it the other day and found my way to your blog. I would love a chance to read Matthew’s book. Elias is absolutely adorable by the way! Congrats!
I’ve been meaning to pre-order, but never got around to it… maybe it was b/c i was going to win one instead:)
tashabuser@gmail.com
Love your blog and getting to know your precious family! Just reading the prelude has left me wanting to read more! I hope I win a copy, but if I don’t I will purchase one! 🙂
Anne
Pick me! 🙂 I’d love to be selected!
i love reading your blog and checking it daily and i would also love reading the book! -Jessica W.
I would love to read the book. Thanks!
Thank you for the comment. I was just scrolling through your site and you guys lead an amazing life.
Matthew is one of my favorite authors
I love your blog..it takes me back 20 years to when I had my children :^)
I love your blog and would love a copy of churched!
I received my Churched package in the mail. Great marketing!
Thank you for your “true side.” By that I mean that along with your blog and Angie’s, I have been able to find out who I really am and not who people think I should be! Thank you!!!
I am so excited for you both (I mean the three of you).
I enjoy reading your husband’s blog as well as yours 🙂 Based upon his musings on his blog, I’m sure I’d like his book!
I love to check your blog for new pics of Elias. He is so stinkin’ cute! I hope the book sells well. I would love to be in the contest too. Thanks.
I would LOVE a copy of his new book! WOOHOO!
I would love to read the book!
And a signed copy would be great, too!!
Looking forward to reading the book!
I’m so excited for the book to come out!!!
Jessica,
I am so excited to read Churched! I’ve read the reviews and it sounds just like something I would enjoy! I love keeping up with your adorable family–and getting scrapbooking tips to boot!
I would LOVE to get this book! You are both such a blessing….and you make cute babies 🙂
I found your blog through Angie’s (who I found through another friend who follows her blog) and you have inspired me to pick up scrapbooking again! And the book sounds great!
Congratulations to Matthew (and to you!) Can’t even imagine how excited you guys are! I enjoy your blog so much, and the book sounds great!
As a new blogger myself,I am in the learing phase and I LOVE reading your blog. Find it entertaining and fun. I do hope all goes well with the launch and I will definitely be looking out for a copy in SA!
I enjoyed the sample of his writing. The cover of the book is wonderful! Please enter my name in your generous giveaway drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
I would love to get one of those autographed copies of churched! I can’t wait to read it!!
congrats to you and mathew at this very exciting time!
My brother is a pastor and we were both brought up in The Church. My husband STILL can’t wrap his brain around why I never listened to “so and so”, because my mom wouldn’t let me listen to secular music! 😉
anyway… would love to read this book and pass it on to my brother.
I bet your house is buzzing with excitement this Tuesday morning!
Congratulations! I Love all your updates.
Susan
I read your blog all of the time and I would love to have a copy of Matthew’s book!
Have a blessed day!
Nicole
scrappymommy3@live.com
I would love to read the book! Thanks!
Congrats on the release – completely exciting!
I think this book will just be what we all need…I can’t wait to read it, it sounds like a great mix of the funny things in life, with a great message behind it…Also, I love the pumpkin picture…Too cute!
Can’t wait to read churched!
I would love a copy of the book!
Sabrina
I have been patiently waiting for the book to come out…even if I don’t win one, I’m going to buy one! Congratulations!
Laura
Can’t wait to read Churched. An autographed copy would be awesome.
Christy in Virginia
I got my bookmarks yesterday and a signed post card from Matthew, how exciting!
I would love to read the book. I hope I win one.
Hey Jessica,
I got the bookmarks yesterday. I am hoping to get to Borders today. I can’t wait to read it. But if someone happens to pull my name out of a hat that would be great to. My daughter took a bunch of bookmarks to church last night(it’s revival) she came home with some of the bookmarks, but some even more wonderful news… Last night she accepted Jesus into her heart. Yay. I am so excited. Anyway, I’m sorry, I just had to get that off my chest this morning. I am sure you guys will hit 1,000 today. Love the punkin pic. Have a great day.
Still in time to get in the drawing for a free copy. What an exciting day for you and family-thanks for sharing it with us!
I started reading Matthew's Books about 6 mos ago. So far I've read The Coffeehouse Gospel & Hokey Pokey. (2 books in 6 mos! I know kinda pathetic, but I have a 2 year old 🙂
I got my bookmarks Sat. and I've started distributing them across Dickson! I'm so excited. Churched – here I come!
I can’t wait to read the book. I am hoping to go get it this week.
Hey Jessica!
I wanted to enter the drawing… AND let you know that I got the bookmarks! Thanks!!!
~ Tami
I love your blog and would love to read the book! Thanks.
Kristi
kristidavies@att.net
i can’t wait until i am able to get my hands on this book!!
Can’t wait to read the book!
I loved the piece from the book! I am definitely getting Churched! I can’t wait to read it! Thanks for sharing!
Cindy
I’m planning to buy one today but would love an extra copy to lend out…starting with my sister!
Can’t wait to get my hands on the book!
Pamela in TX
I would love a copy of the book!! Plus… love your video blogging… you guys make an adorable family!!!!
Oh – pick me, pick me! I love books, especially those about Jesus that aren’t stuffy! Way to go Matthew!
Looks like a great, entertaining book… I’d love to check it out!
I would love to reach Churched!
Just read the excerpt from Churched, and could totally relate…having been “born again” every summer during my childhood while at summer camp. I would love to read Churched as I am sure my husband would also.
Found your blog through Angie’s. I find you and your husband both hilarious. Because of that, I HAD to order one of his earlier books–Provocative Faith. Love it. I would love to read Churched as well. Thanks for the great giveaway. The photo of Elias with the pumpkins turned out adorable by the way!
Jen B.
jrbuch@chartermi.net
I would LOVE a copy of this book…my sister and I have a long distance book club going on and i know we would both love to read Churched!!!
Good luck with the book sales, I will definitely be buying one from Amazon if I don’t win one here 😉
Okay I’ve never done this before (try to get a giveaway on a blog) but after reading part of the book on the blog I really want to read this book. Hmmm maybe I can get our churches book store to carry it. Hadn’t thought of that. Really like what I say of Matt’s writing.