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{"id":2439770177636,"title":"Lighted Windows: An Advent calendar for a world in waiting","handle":"lighted-windows-an-advent-calendar-for-a-world-in-waiting","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe world waits - sometimes holding its breath in fear of what tomorrow may bring, sometimes in a haze of busyness, or boredom, in which we hardly know what we are waiting for. Yet we still wait in hopefulness. The birth of a baby invariably stirs deep wells of hope in the human heart. Perhaps in this generation, things will get better. Perhaps this child will make a difference.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs we approach the Christmas season we prepare to celebrate the coming to earth of someone who really does make a difference. At this season the 'windows' of our human experience can change from rows of faceless panes, perhaps grimy with dirt, into lighted windows that open up new possibilities and coax us into a place where rejoicing might be possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe journey mapped out in this book is an invitation to look into some of these lighted windows, and discover a few reflections of what we wait for, and long for - reflections of God's guidance, his call to trust him and live by his wisdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEach window seeks to bring familiar scripture into focus with everyday living, encouraging us to enter right into the place where God is coming to birth, and to make the experience of Bethlehem our own. And finally, the windows become doors, through which we are sent back to a waiting world to share our personal experience of God-with-us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nMargaret Silf is an ecumenical Christian, committed to working across and beyond the denominational divides. For most of her working life she was employed in the computer industry and recently left paid employment to devote herself to writing and accompanying others on their spiritual journey. Her books include Landmarks - an Ignatian Journey, Taste and See - Adventuring into Prayer, Wayfaring - A Gospel Journey into Life (all published by DLT), and Sacred Spaces - Stations on a Celtic Way (Lion). \n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWoman Alive Book Club December 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMargaret Silf, is a trusted retreat leader and popular writer of books on Christian spirituality, wrote \u003cem\u003eLighted\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eWindows\u003c\/em\u003e in 2002 but it has been reissued this year. It invites us to focus not on the darkness, but on the light that comes through '''God-with-us'- Emmanuel, God incarnate in the world of everyday reality with all its shame and its glory'' (page 12). In the weeks leading up to Christmas she reveals glimpses of God's guidance in our lives, how we can become more trusting, and how to discern God's wisdom. Then, during the Christmas week she welcomes us to enter into the 'heart of the mystery of God's coming to earth' (page 13). \u003cem\u003eLighted Windows\u003c\/em\u003e is poetic, searching, and at times profound.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher Pye\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSarum College Bookshop: Book of the month November 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePerhaps I'm just nosy, but there is something fascinating about lighted windows. Whether you speed past them on your way elsewhere, or have time to stroll past and take a slightly longer look, even the briefest glimpse can offer an insight into other worlds or other ways of being. What you see can trigger memories or awaken possibilities; can comfort or disturb - especially if all you can see is your own self reflected in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDay by day, from the start of Advent to Epiphany, Silf's lovely book switches on the light behind all sorts of windows, offering us the freedom to do what we so often long to do but are too scared or too polite: press our noses up against the glass and look at what's inside. More than an Advent calendar, through readings, reflections, questions and prayer, Silf's insights help us understand what we are really seeing.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnd she's not afraid to challenge. The very first prayer turns the traditional cosy image of lighting a candle upside down and invites God to blow out 'the little candle of my own making' where it prevents us seeing 'the bright sunlight of God's leading'. Later, we are asked to reflect on our experiences of the use or abuse of power and whether it has been used to transform or control; and to consider whether the experience of suffering just might be 'a gateway of possibility' through which we may find God's healing love.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe idea of looking through windows rather than at paintings is powerful: it reminds us that what we are seeing is not static or flat, but something living and three dimensional (at least!) which can draw us in or point us forward. It will not be the same for everyone, but then we know that 'in my Father's house are many dwelling places', all of them with lighted windows, through which we will see the things we need or are meant to see. And the great mystery of God's grace is how often windows become doors for us to walk through.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMore than 25 years ago, I stood with my face pressed hard against a church window, watching a healing service, wanting to be a part of it but afraid to step inside, knowing that somehow to do so would change my life. I didn't then understand the difference between fear and awe: how one holds you back, while the other invites you forward.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eJust as the glimpses of light we encounter on our travels can stay with us long after the journey's end, I believe this is a book to turn and return to, because it will continue to comfort and inspire long after you close it on the final page.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd Norma Fergusson, Associate Vicar, Shrivenham \u0026amp; Ashbury Benefice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:49+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:50+00:00","vendor":"Margaret Silf","type":"Paperback","tags":["Advent","Sep-16"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769325969508,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464323","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436677775460,"product_id":2439770177636,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:50+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:59+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464323-l.jpg?v=1549043159","variant_ids":[21769325969508]},"available":false,"name":"Lighted Windows: An Advent calendar for a world in waiting - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464323","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238877298827,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464323-l.jpg?v=1549043159"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464323-l.jpg?v=1549043159"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464323-l.jpg?v=1549043159","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877298827,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464323-l.jpg?v=1549043159"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464323-l.jpg?v=1549043159","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe world waits - sometimes holding its breath in fear of what tomorrow may bring, sometimes in a haze of busyness, or boredom, in which we hardly know what we are waiting for. Yet we still wait in hopefulness. The birth of a baby invariably stirs deep wells of hope in the human heart. Perhaps in this generation, things will get better. Perhaps this child will make a difference.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs we approach the Christmas season we prepare to celebrate the coming to earth of someone who really does make a difference. At this season the 'windows' of our human experience can change from rows of faceless panes, perhaps grimy with dirt, into lighted windows that open up new possibilities and coax us into a place where rejoicing might be possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe journey mapped out in this book is an invitation to look into some of these lighted windows, and discover a few reflections of what we wait for, and long for - reflections of God's guidance, his call to trust him and live by his wisdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEach window seeks to bring familiar scripture into focus with everyday living, encouraging us to enter right into the place where God is coming to birth, and to make the experience of Bethlehem our own. And finally, the windows become doors, through which we are sent back to a waiting world to share our personal experience of God-with-us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nMargaret Silf is an ecumenical Christian, committed to working across and beyond the denominational divides. For most of her working life she was employed in the computer industry and recently left paid employment to devote herself to writing and accompanying others on their spiritual journey. Her books include Landmarks - an Ignatian Journey, Taste and See - Adventuring into Prayer, Wayfaring - A Gospel Journey into Life (all published by DLT), and Sacred Spaces - Stations on a Celtic Way (Lion). \n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWoman Alive Book Club December 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMargaret Silf, is a trusted retreat leader and popular writer of books on Christian spirituality, wrote \u003cem\u003eLighted\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eWindows\u003c\/em\u003e in 2002 but it has been reissued this year. It invites us to focus not on the darkness, but on the light that comes through '''God-with-us'- Emmanuel, God incarnate in the world of everyday reality with all its shame and its glory'' (page 12). In the weeks leading up to Christmas she reveals glimpses of God's guidance in our lives, how we can become more trusting, and how to discern God's wisdom. Then, during the Christmas week she welcomes us to enter into the 'heart of the mystery of God's coming to earth' (page 13). \u003cem\u003eLighted Windows\u003c\/em\u003e is poetic, searching, and at times profound.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher Pye\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSarum College Bookshop: Book of the month November 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePerhaps I'm just nosy, but there is something fascinating about lighted windows. Whether you speed past them on your way elsewhere, or have time to stroll past and take a slightly longer look, even the briefest glimpse can offer an insight into other worlds or other ways of being. What you see can trigger memories or awaken possibilities; can comfort or disturb - especially if all you can see is your own self reflected in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDay by day, from the start of Advent to Epiphany, Silf's lovely book switches on the light behind all sorts of windows, offering us the freedom to do what we so often long to do but are too scared or too polite: press our noses up against the glass and look at what's inside. More than an Advent calendar, through readings, reflections, questions and prayer, Silf's insights help us understand what we are really seeing.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnd she's not afraid to challenge. The very first prayer turns the traditional cosy image of lighting a candle upside down and invites God to blow out 'the little candle of my own making' where it prevents us seeing 'the bright sunlight of God's leading'. Later, we are asked to reflect on our experiences of the use or abuse of power and whether it has been used to transform or control; and to consider whether the experience of suffering just might be 'a gateway of possibility' through which we may find God's healing love.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe idea of looking through windows rather than at paintings is powerful: it reminds us that what we are seeing is not static or flat, but something living and three dimensional (at least!) which can draw us in or point us forward. It will not be the same for everyone, but then we know that 'in my Father's house are many dwelling places', all of them with lighted windows, through which we will see the things we need or are meant to see. And the great mystery of God's grace is how often windows become doors for us to walk through.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMore than 25 years ago, I stood with my face pressed hard against a church window, watching a healing service, wanting to be a part of it but afraid to step inside, knowing that somehow to do so would change my life. I didn't then understand the difference between fear and awe: how one holds you back, while the other invites you forward.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eJust as the glimpses of light we encounter on our travels can stay with us long after the journey's end, I believe this is a book to turn and return to, because it will continue to comfort and inspire long after you close it on the final page.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd Norma Fergusson, Associate Vicar, Shrivenham \u0026amp; Ashbury Benefice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e"}
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Lighted Windows: An Advent calendar for a world in waiting
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The world waits - sometimes holding its breath in fear of what tomorrow may bring, sometimes in a haze of...
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{"id":2439823786084,"title":"Living Differently to Make a Difference: The beatitudes and countercultural lifestyle","handle":"living-differently-to-make-a-difference-the-beatitudes-and-countercultural-lifestyle","description":"\u003cp\u003eFew would doubt that we live in a wounded and broken world. But God has sent a Saviour, Jesus Christ, who calls us, in the beatitudes, to live an authentic, countercultural lifestyle. By being different we can make a difference, becoming the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Through living the beatitudes, we could make the world a better place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/l-woNgQmdBA\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving been in parish ministry for 25 years, Will Donaldson is Chaplain and Senior Welfare Officer of St Edmund Hall, Oxford University. He is also Area Dean of Oxford and Director of Pastoral Care at St Aldates Church. He is the author of Word and Spirit (BRF, 2011).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulian Meetings Magazine, April 2019. Review by Felicity Bayne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn his foreword Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, writes that ‘There are signs that the beatitudes are coming back into focus in the life of the church as a text for the 21st century.’ Will Donaldson suggests that all our social, political and technological problems connect to the same root cause – chronic lifestyle dysfunction – and then explores a solution based on Jesus’ teaching in the beatitudes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter sets one of the beatitudes in its biblical context, particularly as it relates to Isaiah 61, the Old Testament passage that Jesus read in the synagogue at Nazareth to announce the arrival of the Messiah. In each chapter one beatitude is put alongside a current or historical character or context, before leading the reader into considering how that beatitude might apply in their own lives, to the benefit of the world. Chapters 8 and 9 lead us to reflect on Jesus’ words of encouragement to his followers to be salt and light in the world. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapters end with thoughtful, helpful questions, and suggestions for reflection alone, or within a small group. This would work well for a Lent group, taking two chapters each week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDonaldson’s writing is both informative and challenging: an opportunity for serious study and reflection. He provides a pithy guide to Christians who wish their faith in Jesus to make a difference, becoming the salt of the earth and the light of the world, a step at a time. It’s not always a comfortable read, but practising our faith in line with the beatitudes is always an uncomfortable, but hopefully creative, challenge towards building the church of the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Felicity Bayne \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Spring 2019. Review by Ben Brown\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beatitudes are the series of teachings by Jesus at the start of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew's gospel. They are sayings where the hierarchies of the world and the hierarchies of the heart are turned upside down. We are called to become people who are poor, meek (or gentle), merciful and pure in heart. Will Donaldson has written a passionate and engaging study of how we are called to live the beatitudes in a world where the idols of power and status are prevalent. The book has some probing questions to ask of aspects of our modern society and our modern selves. Why are we fixated on ideals of success? Why is so much modern culture obsessed with revenge? Donaldson shows how living out of the beatitudes, embracing vulnerability and spiritual poverty in our lives, embodies a joyful alternative to our cultural norms. Occasionally I found the presentation a little moralistic. His interpretation, for example that being pure in heart meant simply living with integrity struck me as reductive. Being pure can also mean being uncluttered and therefore able to see the divine more clearly. But this is a book which makes you ask transformative questions of yourself and your society and gives you, or a reading group, the opportunity to take Christi's teaching personally and embark on the daily adventure of following him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Ben Brown\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiocese of Oxford. Review by Kate Seagrave\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.oxford.anglican.org\/living-differently-to-make-a-difference\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.oxford.anglican.org\/living-differently-to-make-a-difference\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would appear to be a brave undertaking to write a book on such a famous passage as the beatitudes and on such topics that so many have tackled before, but Will does so with originality and confidence. This easy to read book follows the standard mixed format of so many of BRF's publications, being a combination of an individual devotional read, a small group Bible study, and an introductory guide to this famous passage of scripture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis extensive experience in pastoral care and discipleship shines through his approach and his challenge to the reader to a more distinctively and holistic Christian life. Topics covered challenge both our inner lives and 'secret' attitudes as well as our more outward and visible actions and service. The structure of each chapter stands alone, which makes dipping in and out as well as selecting chapters of particular interest entirely possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe format makes this a quick and easy read, with plenty of illustrations from history, politics, culture, sport and literature. The individual devotions and group discussion questions provide ample invitation and space for pausing and thinking, even when read outside of a more intentional devotional or group study setting. The group questions are particularly accessible and appropriate to a group which had never done a similar study before, with a range of suggested options catering to timings from 15 minutes to an hour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe strength of this book is in the pastoral experience of the writer. His intuitive understanding and deep conviction that the presence of inner faith must be accompanied by a transformational impact upon the world around us (however big or small that world may be) shapes the way that he guides the reader through the chapters. If you are looking for an approach to the beatitudes which is easy to read, yet challenges you to pause and think and examine the lifestyle choices we make day to day, then this is for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Revd Kate Seagrave, Mission Priest at the Community of St Frideswide in Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresbyterian Herald, October 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, Will Donaldson, a chaplain in Oxford University, explores the beatitudes taught by Jesus during his sermon on the mount, and suggests ways in which we can apply them today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat struck me about this book is that every chapter is so well researched and, as a result, Donaldson is able to explain each beatitude in the context of our history and the world in which we exist today. Scripture is woven throughout each chapter and the author draws heavily from Isaiah 61 throughout the book, as the Old Testament basis of the beatitudes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter concludes with prompts for personal reflection, prayerful response and discussion for small groups, including a starter (questions to be considered over a 15-minute period), a main course (allowing for a 60-minute discussion) and concluding with dessert (another 15 minutes of discussion). While I used this book to aid my own time of devotion, I believe it would be an excellent basis for a book group or discipleship group to study the beatitudes together and decipher what the application of them looks like in their daily lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found this to be a very challenging and beneficial read. It reinforced that as Christians, it is not for us to conform to the cultural narrative but rather to be 'set apart' for God, as has always been his desire for his people. This book is one of the most helpful books I have read for a long time.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:18+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:19+00:00","vendor":"Will Donaldson","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Group reading","Kindle","May-18","Mission"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21770140188772,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466716","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Living Differently to Make a Difference: The beatitudes and countercultural lifestyle - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":166,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466716","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466716-l.jpg?v=1549043120"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466716-l.jpg?v=1549043120","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238881558667,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466716-l.jpg?v=1549043120"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466716-l.jpg?v=1549043120","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eFew would doubt that we live in a wounded and broken world. But God has sent a Saviour, Jesus Christ, who calls us, in the beatitudes, to live an authentic, countercultural lifestyle. By being different we can make a difference, becoming the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Through living the beatitudes, we could make the world a better place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/l-woNgQmdBA\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving been in parish ministry for 25 years, Will Donaldson is Chaplain and Senior Welfare Officer of St Edmund Hall, Oxford University. He is also Area Dean of Oxford and Director of Pastoral Care at St Aldates Church. He is the author of Word and Spirit (BRF, 2011).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulian Meetings Magazine, April 2019. Review by Felicity Bayne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn his foreword Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, writes that ‘There are signs that the beatitudes are coming back into focus in the life of the church as a text for the 21st century.’ Will Donaldson suggests that all our social, political and technological problems connect to the same root cause – chronic lifestyle dysfunction – and then explores a solution based on Jesus’ teaching in the beatitudes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter sets one of the beatitudes in its biblical context, particularly as it relates to Isaiah 61, the Old Testament passage that Jesus read in the synagogue at Nazareth to announce the arrival of the Messiah. In each chapter one beatitude is put alongside a current or historical character or context, before leading the reader into considering how that beatitude might apply in their own lives, to the benefit of the world. Chapters 8 and 9 lead us to reflect on Jesus’ words of encouragement to his followers to be salt and light in the world. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapters end with thoughtful, helpful questions, and suggestions for reflection alone, or within a small group. This would work well for a Lent group, taking two chapters each week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDonaldson’s writing is both informative and challenging: an opportunity for serious study and reflection. He provides a pithy guide to Christians who wish their faith in Jesus to make a difference, becoming the salt of the earth and the light of the world, a step at a time. It’s not always a comfortable read, but practising our faith in line with the beatitudes is always an uncomfortable, but hopefully creative, challenge towards building the church of the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Felicity Bayne \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Spring 2019. Review by Ben Brown\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beatitudes are the series of teachings by Jesus at the start of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew's gospel. They are sayings where the hierarchies of the world and the hierarchies of the heart are turned upside down. We are called to become people who are poor, meek (or gentle), merciful and pure in heart. Will Donaldson has written a passionate and engaging study of how we are called to live the beatitudes in a world where the idols of power and status are prevalent. The book has some probing questions to ask of aspects of our modern society and our modern selves. Why are we fixated on ideals of success? Why is so much modern culture obsessed with revenge? Donaldson shows how living out of the beatitudes, embracing vulnerability and spiritual poverty in our lives, embodies a joyful alternative to our cultural norms. Occasionally I found the presentation a little moralistic. His interpretation, for example that being pure in heart meant simply living with integrity struck me as reductive. Being pure can also mean being uncluttered and therefore able to see the divine more clearly. But this is a book which makes you ask transformative questions of yourself and your society and gives you, or a reading group, the opportunity to take Christi's teaching personally and embark on the daily adventure of following him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Ben Brown\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiocese of Oxford. Review by Kate Seagrave\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.oxford.anglican.org\/living-differently-to-make-a-difference\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.oxford.anglican.org\/living-differently-to-make-a-difference\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would appear to be a brave undertaking to write a book on such a famous passage as the beatitudes and on such topics that so many have tackled before, but Will does so with originality and confidence. This easy to read book follows the standard mixed format of so many of BRF's publications, being a combination of an individual devotional read, a small group Bible study, and an introductory guide to this famous passage of scripture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis extensive experience in pastoral care and discipleship shines through his approach and his challenge to the reader to a more distinctively and holistic Christian life. Topics covered challenge both our inner lives and 'secret' attitudes as well as our more outward and visible actions and service. The structure of each chapter stands alone, which makes dipping in and out as well as selecting chapters of particular interest entirely possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe format makes this a quick and easy read, with plenty of illustrations from history, politics, culture, sport and literature. The individual devotions and group discussion questions provide ample invitation and space for pausing and thinking, even when read outside of a more intentional devotional or group study setting. The group questions are particularly accessible and appropriate to a group which had never done a similar study before, with a range of suggested options catering to timings from 15 minutes to an hour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe strength of this book is in the pastoral experience of the writer. His intuitive understanding and deep conviction that the presence of inner faith must be accompanied by a transformational impact upon the world around us (however big or small that world may be) shapes the way that he guides the reader through the chapters. If you are looking for an approach to the beatitudes which is easy to read, yet challenges you to pause and think and examine the lifestyle choices we make day to day, then this is for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Revd Kate Seagrave, Mission Priest at the Community of St Frideswide in Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresbyterian Herald, October 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, Will Donaldson, a chaplain in Oxford University, explores the beatitudes taught by Jesus during his sermon on the mount, and suggests ways in which we can apply them today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat struck me about this book is that every chapter is so well researched and, as a result, Donaldson is able to explain each beatitude in the context of our history and the world in which we exist today. Scripture is woven throughout each chapter and the author draws heavily from Isaiah 61 throughout the book, as the Old Testament basis of the beatitudes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter concludes with prompts for personal reflection, prayerful response and discussion for small groups, including a starter (questions to be considered over a 15-minute period), a main course (allowing for a 60-minute discussion) and concluding with dessert (another 15 minutes of discussion). While I used this book to aid my own time of devotion, I believe it would be an excellent basis for a book group or discipleship group to study the beatitudes together and decipher what the application of them looks like in their daily lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found this to be a very challenging and beneficial read. It reinforced that as Christians, it is not for us to conform to the cultural narrative but rather to be 'set apart' for God, as has always been his desire for his people. This book is one of the most helpful books I have read for a long time.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2439756054628,"title":"Living Liturgies: Transition time resources for services, prayer and conversation with older people","handle":"living-liturgies-transition-time-resources-for-services-prayer-and-conversation-with-older-people","description":"\u003cp\u003eA creative and original book of liturgies and reflections for use in worship and also pastoral ministry with older people, who are moving from the 'third age' to the more dependent 'fourth age' of life. Developed by the author after many years of working in church and community settings with older people, the book provides an invaluable resource for those embarking on this ministry as well as those wanting inspiration for their ongoing work. The book also includes wider reflections on ageing and spirituality.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaroline George writes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWorship resources to use with people in what we now know as the fourth stage of life, the period where independence begins to move to dependence, require a different approach to regular worship resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCaroline George introduces her new resource to help leaders meet this need.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\r\n\u003chave you ever had that sinking feeling after enthusiastically saying to something later feel not sure of\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt was just so when I agreed to lead worship for a group of older people who met at the St Peter's Women's Fellowship in Hall Green, Birmingham. I wrongly assumed resources would abound in local Christian bookshops and in desperation began rummaging around the corners of my mind and ruminating on words from secular and biblical contexts, familiar prayers, creative prayers and visual aids, and then weaving them together for worship. It was a process that began in desperation and ended with delight as thoughts developed in the quiet nooks and crannies of busy days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiving Liturgies evolved from my relationship with the Hall Green Fellowship where I had the privilege of leading their monthly devotional service for over ten years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it became apparent that the group would close, there was a need to create services that were not just for their closing meetings but had the potential to be a prompt for prayer in the weeks and months ahead as the group members worshipped alone or in other places. Familiar features and furniture found in homes, hospital and hospice offered the foundation for themes that might easily be recalled and could cross boundaries from independent to dependent living. The services captured the imagination of the group, conversation rolled, laughter and tears were shared and worship was relevant and reverent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nLike the best worship, these ideas help open our eyes, both to what is 'beyond' and what is right in our midst. Debbie Thrower, Team Leader of The Gift of Years and Anna Chaplain to Older People\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nCaroline George is a Non-Stipendiary Minister, working as Assistant Priest in Moseley, Birmingham. She previously spent four years as a chaplain to a city 'community hub', the base for organisations from the private, public and voluntary sector. During ten years as a Reader in a suburban parish, she worked extensively with older adults, women's fellowship, residential and nursing homes, and ran a home group for senior citizens.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry Way - May 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn her helpful introduction, Caroline George makes the point that since the majority of older people do not have dementia there is a real need for 'carefully prepared worship for those whose bodies are frail but who wish to engage and participate in worshipping God'(p10). This book then goes on to provide examples of such worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWe are reminded how the physical space can shape the worship and we are shown ways of using familiar traditional worship resources, as well as introducing new ideas. Each liturgy begins with something familiar and this is used to begin conversations, which then lead into and are part of worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is nothing simplistic or patronising about these liturgies; Caroline is not afraid to confront the difficult issues. People who are moving from the activity of the third age to the dependence of the fourth are grappling with difficult issues and need support as they do so. Older people have just as diverse and complex spiritual needs as any other group and if we want to minister to this group and we need to take that seriously.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe liturgies are well described with helpful additional notes for those leading worship. Anyone who regularly leads worship for groups of older people either in church or in a residential setting will find this book invaluable.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Clark\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/have\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eCaroline George has spent many years creating times of worship which provide the opportunity for people to befriend the elderly stranger within themselves, while making sense of the changes happening to them as they begin to move from independence to dependence. Living Liturgies (BRF) is a collection of resources for services, prayer and conversation, honed for use especially for older people who are no longer able to attend Sunday worship. Her services contain familiar elements, in terms of prayers, language and hymns, but also more tactile or visual elements to enable groups in residential homes and church contexts to use a multisensory or reminiscence-based approach, in order to give voice to past, present and future and help provide people with the tools to find grace in the complexity of lives which may be growing ever more isolated or fragmented.\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRichard Greatrex in Manna - Diocese of Bath and Wells Autumn 2015\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone in the Church who works with elderly people and leads their worship should have a copy of Caroline George's book on their shelves. Or rather, they should have it in their hands, to read, re-read and use. The Introduction contains much wisdom, and the liturgies that take up almost the whole of the rest of the book are excellent. They arose from Caroline's work with a particular women's fellowship over many years. She tells us she found the members an inspiring bunch, and that is clear from the book. There is nothing condescending or patronising about it. It is magnificently down-to-earth and full of God.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eShe speaks of 'bringing to God the ashes of our discomfort and pain, and the flames of our anxieties about ageing and dying,' and near the end of the book she poses an important question: 'I wonder how well we understand the dragons of fear for elderly people, and whether we create opportunities for them to name those fears.' Her little book suggests she herself understands those dragons pretty well, and her liturgies themselves offer plenty of examples where they are named. I was especially encouraged to see 'A service of lament; 'Anger and tears''. For years I have been quoting to anyone who will listen the devastating remark of the great Old Testament scholar, Walter Brueggemann, made in a paper published in 1986 called 'The Costly Loss of Lament', about how the church 'goes on singing 'happy songs' in the face of raw reality.' Despite what Caroline says about the church 'once again recognising the need to lament', I do not see many signs of it, but Living Liturgies is one of them. Alleluia!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOne small complaint . . . about complaint . . . or rather, the lack of it. 'The psalmists,' writes George, 'give a wonderful insight into the process of anger and lament worked out in submission to God.' I find the psalmists more often hurling their anger and lament into God's face (such is their profound trust in his mercy) - and just think for a moment of Job! George's 'conversation starters' in her service of lament include some highly pertinent questions about people's anger. But what about their anger with God? That too needs to be named, and opportunities given for its guilt-free expression. But that is only a small complaint. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCaroline George has written a fine book, and given the church a great gift.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Trevor Dennis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:00+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:01+00:00","vendor":"Caroline George","type":"Paperback","tags":["Anna Chaplaincy books","Jan-15","Pastoral care","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769144336484,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857463234","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436585271396,"product_id":2439756054628,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:01+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:08+00:00","alt":null,"width":518,"height":790,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463234-l.jpg?v=1549043168","variant_ids":[21769144336484]},"available":false,"name":"Living Liturgies: Transition time resources for services, prayer and conversation with older people - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":114,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857463234","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238875463819,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":790,"width":518,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463234-l.jpg?v=1549043168"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463234-l.jpg?v=1549043168"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463234-l.jpg?v=1549043168","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238875463819,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":790,"width":518,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463234-l.jpg?v=1549043168"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":790,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463234-l.jpg?v=1549043168","width":518}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eA creative and original book of liturgies and reflections for use in worship and also pastoral ministry with older people, who are moving from the 'third age' to the more dependent 'fourth age' of life. Developed by the author after many years of working in church and community settings with older people, the book provides an invaluable resource for those embarking on this ministry as well as those wanting inspiration for their ongoing work. The book also includes wider reflections on ageing and spirituality.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaroline George writes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWorship resources to use with people in what we now know as the fourth stage of life, the period where independence begins to move to dependence, require a different approach to regular worship resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCaroline George introduces her new resource to help leaders meet this need.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\r\n\u003chave you ever had that sinking feeling after enthusiastically saying to something later feel not sure of\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt was just so when I agreed to lead worship for a group of older people who met at the St Peter's Women's Fellowship in Hall Green, Birmingham. I wrongly assumed resources would abound in local Christian bookshops and in desperation began rummaging around the corners of my mind and ruminating on words from secular and biblical contexts, familiar prayers, creative prayers and visual aids, and then weaving them together for worship. It was a process that began in desperation and ended with delight as thoughts developed in the quiet nooks and crannies of busy days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiving Liturgies evolved from my relationship with the Hall Green Fellowship where I had the privilege of leading their monthly devotional service for over ten years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it became apparent that the group would close, there was a need to create services that were not just for their closing meetings but had the potential to be a prompt for prayer in the weeks and months ahead as the group members worshipped alone or in other places. Familiar features and furniture found in homes, hospital and hospice offered the foundation for themes that might easily be recalled and could cross boundaries from independent to dependent living. The services captured the imagination of the group, conversation rolled, laughter and tears were shared and worship was relevant and reverent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nLike the best worship, these ideas help open our eyes, both to what is 'beyond' and what is right in our midst. Debbie Thrower, Team Leader of The Gift of Years and Anna Chaplain to Older People\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nCaroline George is a Non-Stipendiary Minister, working as Assistant Priest in Moseley, Birmingham. She previously spent four years as a chaplain to a city 'community hub', the base for organisations from the private, public and voluntary sector. During ten years as a Reader in a suburban parish, she worked extensively with older adults, women's fellowship, residential and nursing homes, and ran a home group for senior citizens.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry Way - May 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn her helpful introduction, Caroline George makes the point that since the majority of older people do not have dementia there is a real need for 'carefully prepared worship for those whose bodies are frail but who wish to engage and participate in worshipping God'(p10). This book then goes on to provide examples of such worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWe are reminded how the physical space can shape the worship and we are shown ways of using familiar traditional worship resources, as well as introducing new ideas. Each liturgy begins with something familiar and this is used to begin conversations, which then lead into and are part of worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is nothing simplistic or patronising about these liturgies; Caroline is not afraid to confront the difficult issues. People who are moving from the activity of the third age to the dependence of the fourth are grappling with difficult issues and need support as they do so. Older people have just as diverse and complex spiritual needs as any other group and if we want to minister to this group and we need to take that seriously.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe liturgies are well described with helpful additional notes for those leading worship. Anyone who regularly leads worship for groups of older people either in church or in a residential setting will find this book invaluable.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Clark\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/have\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eCaroline George has spent many years creating times of worship which provide the opportunity for people to befriend the elderly stranger within themselves, while making sense of the changes happening to them as they begin to move from independence to dependence. Living Liturgies (BRF) is a collection of resources for services, prayer and conversation, honed for use especially for older people who are no longer able to attend Sunday worship. Her services contain familiar elements, in terms of prayers, language and hymns, but also more tactile or visual elements to enable groups in residential homes and church contexts to use a multisensory or reminiscence-based approach, in order to give voice to past, present and future and help provide people with the tools to find grace in the complexity of lives which may be growing ever more isolated or fragmented.\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRichard Greatrex in Manna - Diocese of Bath and Wells Autumn 2015\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone in the Church who works with elderly people and leads their worship should have a copy of Caroline George's book on their shelves. Or rather, they should have it in their hands, to read, re-read and use. The Introduction contains much wisdom, and the liturgies that take up almost the whole of the rest of the book are excellent. They arose from Caroline's work with a particular women's fellowship over many years. She tells us she found the members an inspiring bunch, and that is clear from the book. There is nothing condescending or patronising about it. It is magnificently down-to-earth and full of God.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eShe speaks of 'bringing to God the ashes of our discomfort and pain, and the flames of our anxieties about ageing and dying,' and near the end of the book she poses an important question: 'I wonder how well we understand the dragons of fear for elderly people, and whether we create opportunities for them to name those fears.' Her little book suggests she herself understands those dragons pretty well, and her liturgies themselves offer plenty of examples where they are named. I was especially encouraged to see 'A service of lament; 'Anger and tears''. For years I have been quoting to anyone who will listen the devastating remark of the great Old Testament scholar, Walter Brueggemann, made in a paper published in 1986 called 'The Costly Loss of Lament', about how the church 'goes on singing 'happy songs' in the face of raw reality.' Despite what Caroline says about the church 'once again recognising the need to lament', I do not see many signs of it, but Living Liturgies is one of them. Alleluia!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOne small complaint . . . about complaint . . . or rather, the lack of it. 'The psalmists,' writes George, 'give a wonderful insight into the process of anger and lament worked out in submission to God.' I find the psalmists more often hurling their anger and lament into God's face (such is their profound trust in his mercy) - and just think for a moment of Job! George's 'conversation starters' in her service of lament include some highly pertinent questions about people's anger. But what about their anger with God? That too needs to be named, and opportunities given for its guilt-free expression. But that is only a small complaint. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCaroline George has written a fine book, and given the church a great gift.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Trevor Dennis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Living Liturgies: Transition time resources for services, prayer and conversation with older people
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A creative and original book of liturgies and reflections for use in worship and also pastoral ministry with older people,...
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{"id":2439799341156,"title":"Living the Prayer: The Everyday Challenge of the Lord's Prayer","handle":"living-the-prayer-the-everyday-challenge-of-the-lords-prayer","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are we really saying when we say the Lord's Prayer?\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWhat are we expecting?\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eLiving the Prayer is a fresh perspective on the Lord's Prayer. Rooted in the Bible as well as in contemporary culture, it explores how this prayer can radically challenge and transform our daily lives. Contained in the prayer's seventy words is a fresh and innovative way of viewing, and acting in, the world that is as relevant now as it was 2000 years ago. The author shows that this revolutionary prayer demands that we don't remain on our knees, but, rather, that we work towards making God's topsy-turvy, downside-up kingdom an everyday reality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrologue\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOur Father, in heaven\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHallowed be your name\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour kingdom come, your wlil be done, on earth as in heaven\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGive us today our daliy bread\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEpliogue\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBibliography\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead the author's lockdown blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/trystan-owain-hughes-appreciating-the-natural-world\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother great contribution from an author always rooted in the practicalities and compassion. Offering a resource on the most famous prayer in the world is a huge challenge but Hughes offers us something genuinely fresh and new. A reminder of the radical power of some life-changing words.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Keith Hebden, author and activist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title of this book so aptly describes its contents. It is a not only a sensitive, thoughtful and painstaking exposition of the Lord's prayer, it is a call to put it in action in our lives and communities. In confronting us with the great gap which so often exists between what we pray and how we live, Trystan Hughes encourages us to face the challenges of living more fully before God. As each chapter carefully sifts the significance of every phrase of the Lord's prayer, we are offered wisdom from others and compelling insights from the author which take us into layers of new understanding. The result is a very fine contribution to a subject which can never be exhausted - and a contribution especially vital for today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDr Elaine Storkey, author and broadcaster\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTrystan Owain Hughes is Tutor in Applied Theology at St Padarn’s Institute, Cardiff and priest-in-charge of Christ Church, Roath Park, Cardiff. He is particularly interested in making theology and spirituality relevant and he has written, among other books, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eReal God in the Real World\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eLiving the Prayer\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for BRF. Trystan has also been a regular contributor to BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4, is an honorary senior lecturer at Cardiff University, and is Canon Theologian at Llandaff Cathedral.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview in The Church Times 19.1.18 by David Adam\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Living the Prayer' is a well-researched and thoughtful exposition of the Lord's Prayer. It offers new challenges and ideas for radical action in our use of the Lord's Prayer. There are within it some amazing suggestions of ways to transform our contemporary culture and our daily lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlacing the Lord's Prayer in its first-century context, the author shows us that the prayer is far more radical than being merely comforting words: it is a comprehensive call to action living out the words of this prayer. We are reminded that 'All prayer demands a vital relationship both with God and others,' and that 'The Lord's Prayer is communal at its core.' I felt that I wanted to extend the idea of 'vital relationships' to all of creation and not just humans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen, in noting that the plural form of the Greek word for 'heaven' is used, it is possible to say it as 'in the heavens, and, therefore, it may not be about God's distance from us, but in the atmosphere, in the very air that we breathe, implying God's closeness. I felt that if we read it this way, what a challenge it is to what we are doing to the air that we breathe by the emission of so much carbon dioxide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Lord's Prayer is not just a mystic's prayer but a doer's prayer, an activist's prayer. In a nutshell, prayer is a relationship with God which inspires us to act, 'as we witness to a wild, radical, subversive, dynamic, and life-changing faith'. The Lord's Prayer demands nothing less than a revolution, as we move to view the world through the eyes of the one who gave us words.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI would recommend this book as one to be on the reading list of all who are concerned with prayer and the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCanon David Adam is a former Vicar of Holy Island\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Presbyterian Herald\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by the Revd Dr Jim Campbell, Minister Emeritus Cooke Centenary Church, Belfast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 63 words of the Lord's Prayer have inspired thousands or books and millions of sermons through the centuries. It's a brave person who would offer yet another book on the topic. Consequently, I was rather sceptical when I was asked to review this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmazingly, Trystan Hughes, examining each of the seven phrases in the prayer in turn, manages through his deep biblical understanding and his knowledge of contemporary literature and film to produce a commentary that is well illustrated, fresh and interesting and one which engages with the main issues raised by the words of the prayer. Overall, his message is that this revolutionary prayer demands that we don't remain on our knees, but rather that we rise 'to work towards making God's topsy-turvy, downside-up kingdom, an everyday reality.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Lord's Prayer and also let it fully permeate your life this could be the book for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Revd Dr Jim Campbell, Minister Emeritus Cooke Centenary Church, Belfast\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by blogger Thomas Creedy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI read [Living the Prayer] in one sitting - with what I would mostly call breathless enjoyment... This is an excellent book in the tradition of powerful, prophetic, prayerful writing on the Lord's Prayer. I hope it receives a wide readership... Trystan paints a beautiful picture of the Kingdom of God, breaking in and just out of reach. He is particularly focused on the justice aspect of the Kingdom - the book is littered with calls to action and protest, against the way things are - but some of the most moving writing has to do with how we experience the Kingdom of God in brokenness and pain...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is one that would work well as a devotional to go deeper into the Lord's Prayer, or as a book to read about the Lord's Prayer and prayer in general, or as a very helpful bank of quotes and ideas to mine if preaching or writing about prayer...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn expert blend of what I would call a passion for the Lord's Prayer and an encouragement and celebration of prayer more generally. Throughout, as one might expect from someone who has both written about justice and marinated deeply in the Lord's Prayer, there is the throbbing beat of justice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ehttp:\/\/www.thomascreedy.com\/book-review-living-the-prayer\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:47+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:48+00:00","vendor":"Trystan Owain Hughes","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Festival of Prayer","For individuals","Holy Habits: Prayer","Kindle","Prayer","Spirituality"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769761456228,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466235","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Living the Prayer: The Everyday Challenge of the Lord's Prayer - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":151,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466235","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466235-l.jpg?v=1549043136"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466235-l.jpg?v=1549043136","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879854731,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466235-l.jpg?v=1549043136"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466235-l.jpg?v=1549043136","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are we really saying when we say the Lord's Prayer?\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWhat are we expecting?\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eLiving the Prayer is a fresh perspective on the Lord's Prayer. Rooted in the Bible as well as in contemporary culture, it explores how this prayer can radically challenge and transform our daily lives. Contained in the prayer's seventy words is a fresh and innovative way of viewing, and acting in, the world that is as relevant now as it was 2000 years ago. The author shows that this revolutionary prayer demands that we don't remain on our knees, but, rather, that we work towards making God's topsy-turvy, downside-up kingdom an everyday reality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrologue\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOur Father, in heaven\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHallowed be your name\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour kingdom come, your wlil be done, on earth as in heaven\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGive us today our daliy bread\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEpliogue\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBibliography\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead the author's lockdown blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/trystan-owain-hughes-appreciating-the-natural-world\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother great contribution from an author always rooted in the practicalities and compassion. Offering a resource on the most famous prayer in the world is a huge challenge but Hughes offers us something genuinely fresh and new. A reminder of the radical power of some life-changing words.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Keith Hebden, author and activist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title of this book so aptly describes its contents. It is a not only a sensitive, thoughtful and painstaking exposition of the Lord's prayer, it is a call to put it in action in our lives and communities. In confronting us with the great gap which so often exists between what we pray and how we live, Trystan Hughes encourages us to face the challenges of living more fully before God. As each chapter carefully sifts the significance of every phrase of the Lord's prayer, we are offered wisdom from others and compelling insights from the author which take us into layers of new understanding. The result is a very fine contribution to a subject which can never be exhausted - and a contribution especially vital for today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDr Elaine Storkey, author and broadcaster\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTrystan Owain Hughes is Tutor in Applied Theology at St Padarn’s Institute, Cardiff and priest-in-charge of Christ Church, Roath Park, Cardiff. He is particularly interested in making theology and spirituality relevant and he has written, among other books, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eReal God in the Real World\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eLiving the Prayer\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for BRF. Trystan has also been a regular contributor to BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4, is an honorary senior lecturer at Cardiff University, and is Canon Theologian at Llandaff Cathedral.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview in The Church Times 19.1.18 by David Adam\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Living the Prayer' is a well-researched and thoughtful exposition of the Lord's Prayer. It offers new challenges and ideas for radical action in our use of the Lord's Prayer. There are within it some amazing suggestions of ways to transform our contemporary culture and our daily lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlacing the Lord's Prayer in its first-century context, the author shows us that the prayer is far more radical than being merely comforting words: it is a comprehensive call to action living out the words of this prayer. We are reminded that 'All prayer demands a vital relationship both with God and others,' and that 'The Lord's Prayer is communal at its core.' I felt that I wanted to extend the idea of 'vital relationships' to all of creation and not just humans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen, in noting that the plural form of the Greek word for 'heaven' is used, it is possible to say it as 'in the heavens, and, therefore, it may not be about God's distance from us, but in the atmosphere, in the very air that we breathe, implying God's closeness. I felt that if we read it this way, what a challenge it is to what we are doing to the air that we breathe by the emission of so much carbon dioxide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Lord's Prayer is not just a mystic's prayer but a doer's prayer, an activist's prayer. In a nutshell, prayer is a relationship with God which inspires us to act, 'as we witness to a wild, radical, subversive, dynamic, and life-changing faith'. The Lord's Prayer demands nothing less than a revolution, as we move to view the world through the eyes of the one who gave us words.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI would recommend this book as one to be on the reading list of all who are concerned with prayer and the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCanon David Adam is a former Vicar of Holy Island\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Presbyterian Herald\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by the Revd Dr Jim Campbell, Minister Emeritus Cooke Centenary Church, Belfast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 63 words of the Lord's Prayer have inspired thousands or books and millions of sermons through the centuries. It's a brave person who would offer yet another book on the topic. Consequently, I was rather sceptical when I was asked to review this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmazingly, Trystan Hughes, examining each of the seven phrases in the prayer in turn, manages through his deep biblical understanding and his knowledge of contemporary literature and film to produce a commentary that is well illustrated, fresh and interesting and one which engages with the main issues raised by the words of the prayer. Overall, his message is that this revolutionary prayer demands that we don't remain on our knees, but rather that we rise 'to work towards making God's topsy-turvy, downside-up kingdom, an everyday reality.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Lord's Prayer and also let it fully permeate your life this could be the book for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Revd Dr Jim Campbell, Minister Emeritus Cooke Centenary Church, Belfast\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by blogger Thomas Creedy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI read [Living the Prayer] in one sitting - with what I would mostly call breathless enjoyment... This is an excellent book in the tradition of powerful, prophetic, prayerful writing on the Lord's Prayer. I hope it receives a wide readership... Trystan paints a beautiful picture of the Kingdom of God, breaking in and just out of reach. He is particularly focused on the justice aspect of the Kingdom - the book is littered with calls to action and protest, against the way things are - but some of the most moving writing has to do with how we experience the Kingdom of God in brokenness and pain...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is one that would work well as a devotional to go deeper into the Lord's Prayer, or as a book to read about the Lord's Prayer and prayer in general, or as a very helpful bank of quotes and ideas to mine if preaching or writing about prayer...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn expert blend of what I would call a passion for the Lord's Prayer and an encouragement and celebration of prayer more generally. Throughout, as one might expect from someone who has both written about justice and marinated deeply in the Lord's Prayer, there is the throbbing beat of justice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ehttp:\/\/www.thomascreedy.com\/book-review-living-the-prayer\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Living the Prayer: The Everyday Challenge of the Lord's Prayer
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What are we really saying when we say the Lord's Prayer? What are we expecting? Living the Prayer is a...
{"id":7537591713983,"title":"Loving My Neighbour: A Lenten Journey","handle":"loving-my-neighbour","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLenten readings and reflections consider how to love in truth, love the vulnerable and the suffering, embrace difference, care for our world, love ourselves, and love to the very end. It’s never been more important to understand how much God loves us and how much he wants us to love each other. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLoving My Neighbour\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e takes us on a journey through the challenging terrain of how we can truly love one another, individually and in our communities. Daily Bible readings and reflections from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day explore how we can love in truth, love the vulnerable and the suffering, embrace difference, care for our world, and love ourselves as God loves us. Holy Week brings us back to reflect on Christ on the cross, who loved us to the very end.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/t936eS2Q41Y?si=sWnhGUC1VFJX8ZIo\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/K_2ceGtotHU?si=_4xIaEAN0X_OZ8H7\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry online 19.02.24. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf all Christian books, one of the most difficult to write effectively is a Lent book, but this group project is a very helpful guide to the Lenten season and the personal reflection it should invoke. The book considers the topics of love: loving in truth, loving those who are vulnerable, loving those who are in suffering, loving oneself, loving those who are different, loving the world around us and finally loving to the end. It takes us on one of the most challenging of areas that we can truly love others who are not always lovable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a collection of daily Bible readings and reflections, it draws upon story and the experience of the writing team to develop its ideas. Despite having seven writers, it does cohere as a book, so credit goes to Olivia Warburton as the overall editor. It is important that we have little pen portraits of the writers so that we can understand a little of how they came to write and communicate in the way that they did. The use of Bible readings, reflections and prayers are useful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersonally, I would have included some questions which could be used by individuals and for home groups which could have made the text more directly influential on us as readers. The picture of the Palm Sunday entrance is not really a good summary of the wide-ranging nature of the text: if the focus had been more on Holy Week, then this might be appropriate. This will be a good guide to help you through Lent and could be a good resource for a group during the season. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times Lent book round up by Philip Welsh 19.01.24\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Loving My Neighbour, seven authors, from a range of Christian traditions, each take a week of daily Bible readings to immerse us in aspects of loving our neighbour, with Jonathan Swift’s sharp reminder that ‘We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSanjee Perera looks at loving in truth, in freewheeling theological meditations that are by turns challenging and overwrought. John Swinton writes outstandingly about loving the vulnerable. ‘When we reflect upon the upside-down kingdom, we come to realise that the broken . . . are more important than anything else. We also discover that ‘they’ are in fact ‘us’.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEsther Kuku strides into loving those who are suffering with the confidence of the saved. ‘We have been justified and we will be delivered out of every difficult circumstance we face.’ Sister Gemma Simmonds offers mature wisdom on the importance of loving oneself, and is sensitive to the ambivalence of love: ‘Knowing someone and being known by them at depth carries both grace and potential threat.’ She draws helpfully on Catholic tradition: for St Ignatius, ‘the heart of humility is not self-denigration but gratitude.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInderjit Bhogal writes powerfully about loving those who are different. The Old Testament tells us to love our neighbour as ourselves once, but to love the stranger 40 times. His exposition of Gospel stories is exemplary and thought-provoking, along with the way drawing on his own experience within white groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Gregory is a climate scientist and Baptist minister. He writes attractively about loving the world around us: ‘Next time you see a weather forecast, give thanks for the insights of scientists that enable us to understand some of how God has shaped creation.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring Holy Week — loving to the end — Joanna Collicutt takes a fresh approach to the last words from the Cross, as showing us how to die well, ‘to say our sad goodbyes to this precious and delicious earthly life, to the people we love, and to the grudges we bear and, like him, to entrust ourselves to our heavenly Father’. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA multi-author project is likely to be a mixed bag. Loving My Neighbour scores quite well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Revd Philip Welsh a retired priest in the \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003ediocese of London.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether magazine Jan-Feb 2024. Review by Fiona Lloyd\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoving My Neighbour – a Lenten Journey\u003c\/strong\u003e is BRF Ministries’ Lent book for 2024. Inspired by one of Jesus’ most famous parables, several well-known authors offer their perspectives on what loving our neighbour means in our modern world. Between them, they cover themes such as caring for our world, embracing difference and loving the vulnerable. I found it refreshing to have several different voices co-authoring this book, as it emphasised all the different ways we can find to love those around us. The book is set out in the form of a devotional, with a short Bible passage for each day along with a reflections and a prayer. These can easily be read in about five minutes, but still give plenty of food for thought, touching on other relevant scriptures and using personal anecdotes to paint images that linger in the mind. Warburton writes in the introduction that ‘it’s never been more important to understand how much God loves us and how much he wants us to love each other,’ and this is a book that will certainly help us in this endeavour.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-09-11T15:06:09+01:00","created_at":"2023-09-11T15:06:09+01:00","vendor":"Inderjit Bhogal, Joanna Collicutt, David Gregory, Esther Kuku, Sanjee Perera, Gemma Simmonds, John Swinton","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Devotional","Easter","Lent","seasonal"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":42483329106111,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392151","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Loving My Neighbour: A Lenten Journey","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":220,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392151","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/LovingMyNeighbour.jpg?v=1694441274"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/LovingMyNeighbour.jpg?v=1694441274","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27499683414207,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/LovingMyNeighbour.jpg?v=1694441274"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/LovingMyNeighbour.jpg?v=1694441274","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLenten readings and reflections consider how to love in truth, love the vulnerable and the suffering, embrace difference, care for our world, love ourselves, and love to the very end. It’s never been more important to understand how much God loves us and how much he wants us to love each other. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLoving My Neighbour\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e takes us on a journey through the challenging terrain of how we can truly love one another, individually and in our communities. Daily Bible readings and reflections from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day explore how we can love in truth, love the vulnerable and the suffering, embrace difference, care for our world, and love ourselves as God loves us. Holy Week brings us back to reflect on Christ on the cross, who loved us to the very end.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/t936eS2Q41Y?si=sWnhGUC1VFJX8ZIo\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/K_2ceGtotHU?si=_4xIaEAN0X_OZ8H7\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry online 19.02.24. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf all Christian books, one of the most difficult to write effectively is a Lent book, but this group project is a very helpful guide to the Lenten season and the personal reflection it should invoke. The book considers the topics of love: loving in truth, loving those who are vulnerable, loving those who are in suffering, loving oneself, loving those who are different, loving the world around us and finally loving to the end. It takes us on one of the most challenging of areas that we can truly love others who are not always lovable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a collection of daily Bible readings and reflections, it draws upon story and the experience of the writing team to develop its ideas. Despite having seven writers, it does cohere as a book, so credit goes to Olivia Warburton as the overall editor. It is important that we have little pen portraits of the writers so that we can understand a little of how they came to write and communicate in the way that they did. The use of Bible readings, reflections and prayers are useful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersonally, I would have included some questions which could be used by individuals and for home groups which could have made the text more directly influential on us as readers. The picture of the Palm Sunday entrance is not really a good summary of the wide-ranging nature of the text: if the focus had been more on Holy Week, then this might be appropriate. This will be a good guide to help you through Lent and could be a good resource for a group during the season. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times Lent book round up by Philip Welsh 19.01.24\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Loving My Neighbour, seven authors, from a range of Christian traditions, each take a week of daily Bible readings to immerse us in aspects of loving our neighbour, with Jonathan Swift’s sharp reminder that ‘We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSanjee Perera looks at loving in truth, in freewheeling theological meditations that are by turns challenging and overwrought. John Swinton writes outstandingly about loving the vulnerable. ‘When we reflect upon the upside-down kingdom, we come to realise that the broken . . . are more important than anything else. We also discover that ‘they’ are in fact ‘us’.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEsther Kuku strides into loving those who are suffering with the confidence of the saved. ‘We have been justified and we will be delivered out of every difficult circumstance we face.’ Sister Gemma Simmonds offers mature wisdom on the importance of loving oneself, and is sensitive to the ambivalence of love: ‘Knowing someone and being known by them at depth carries both grace and potential threat.’ She draws helpfully on Catholic tradition: for St Ignatius, ‘the heart of humility is not self-denigration but gratitude.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInderjit Bhogal writes powerfully about loving those who are different. The Old Testament tells us to love our neighbour as ourselves once, but to love the stranger 40 times. His exposition of Gospel stories is exemplary and thought-provoking, along with the way drawing on his own experience within white groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Gregory is a climate scientist and Baptist minister. He writes attractively about loving the world around us: ‘Next time you see a weather forecast, give thanks for the insights of scientists that enable us to understand some of how God has shaped creation.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring Holy Week — loving to the end — Joanna Collicutt takes a fresh approach to the last words from the Cross, as showing us how to die well, ‘to say our sad goodbyes to this precious and delicious earthly life, to the people we love, and to the grudges we bear and, like him, to entrust ourselves to our heavenly Father’. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA multi-author project is likely to be a mixed bag. Loving My Neighbour scores quite well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Revd Philip Welsh a retired priest in the \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003ediocese of London.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether magazine Jan-Feb 2024. Review by Fiona Lloyd\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoving My Neighbour – a Lenten Journey\u003c\/strong\u003e is BRF Ministries’ Lent book for 2024. Inspired by one of Jesus’ most famous parables, several well-known authors offer their perspectives on what loving our neighbour means in our modern world. Between them, they cover themes such as caring for our world, embracing difference and loving the vulnerable. I found it refreshing to have several different voices co-authoring this book, as it emphasised all the different ways we can find to love those around us. The book is set out in the form of a devotional, with a short Bible passage for each day along with a reflections and a prayer. These can easily be read in about five minutes, but still give plenty of food for thought, touching on other relevant scriptures and using personal anecdotes to paint images that linger in the mind. Warburton writes in the introduction that ‘it’s never been more important to understand how much God loves us and how much he wants us to love each other,’ and this is a book that will certainly help us in this endeavour.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Loving My Neighbour: A Lenten Journey
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Lenten readings and reflections consider how to love in truth, love the vulnerable and the suffering, embrace difference, care for...
{"id":3945398992990,"title":"Make the Most of Retirement","handle":"make-the-most-of-retirement","description":"\u003cp\u003e‘Retire’ means to ‘withdraw’, to ‘retreat’, to ‘give ground’, to ‘cease to compete’. In one sense that is true: retirement does involve a leaving of office or employment. Yet retirement is also about new beginnings and new opportunities. In this helpful book, grounded both in personal experience and in extensive research among retired ministers, and rich in quotations from an eclectic range of writers, Paul Beasley-Murray explores how retirement is part of God’s rhythm for our lives and provides encouragement and insights for this next stage of the journey. A must-read for lay and ordained Christians alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePaul Beasley-Murray is the chairman of the College of Baptist Ministers. Formerly Senior Minister of Central Baptist Church, Chelmsford and prior to that Principal of Spurgeon’s College, London, he is a prolific author and blogger. His most recent publications include his autobiography This Is My Story: A story of life, faith and ministry (Wipf \u0026amp; Stock, 2018).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe used to know what 'retirement' meant. These days it is a more elastic term, and particularly so for retired ministers whose calling recognises no distinction between drawing a stipend or a pension.Paul Beasley-Murray presents a practical and engaging guide to retirement. While written with the retiring minister in mind, much of what Paul offers will be of relevance to anyone asking the questions of who they are, and how they might live out their vocation, in the later summer and autumn of their years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Ball, Chief Executive, The Church of England Pensions Board\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Like all the writings of Paul Beasley-Murray, this refreshing book is thoroughly researched and generously illustrated from personal experience, and never shrinks from reflecting on the shadow side of this period of life.' \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDavid Coffey OBE, Global Ambassador for BMS World Mission and past President of the Baptist World Alliance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'An invaluable aid for ministers of religion, in particular, and other people, generally, as they prepare for retirement.' \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Richard Jackson, Methodist minister and pioneer (in retirement) of the Cliff College International Training Centre\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRural Theology. Review by Malcolm Grundy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsed with permission. Rural Theology, 19:1, 63-64, DOI: 10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo link to this article: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\"\u003ehttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is now a growing number of books which will help clergy and their spouses to prepare for and live in retirement. Among those recently published the subject is approached from many different angles. Where most guides and helps are produced using a variety of contributors, Paul Beasley-Murray is a sole author giving a very personal account to enrich this pool of resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author writes from a varied ministry in academic work as Principal of Spurgeon’s College, in national and ecumenical circles as Chair of the College of Baptist Ministers, as a missionary in Congo\/Zaire and for his final posting as minister at the Central Baptist Church in Chelmsford. His retirement responsibilities and activities would fill more than half a page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book, Beasley-Murray tells us, has its origins in a research project with both qualitative and quantitative content published in Retirement matters for ministers. He has already published an autobiography in 2018 and in a similar way this is quite a personal book. It has clear sections beginning with the need for personal and practical preparation for retirement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is followed by sections on the discernment of a new vocational purpose. The third section encourages wider thinking and activity and the fourth explores preparation for the ‘final journey’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is filled with practical advice, backed generously with biblical references and illustrations. Equally, each section, and the sub-sections within them point to considerable wide reading and make generous use of quotation and anecdote from others who have written about retirement. Mention of other writers is done with the eye of a critical scholar, ‘I confess that much of the author’s careful engagement with scripture left me cold – it just seemed totally irrelevant’ (p. 75).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is both strength and weakness in a single author attempting such a broad subject. Beasley-Murray writes in a very personal way in many sections and we learn much about a man who has contributed generously to the ministerial development of so many. He speaks stridently about the need for a retired minister active in a congregation to engage in a ‘ministry of encouragement’ especially being supportive to their own and the surrounding ministers. His own personal public activities are described with reflective enthusiasm. Most intriguing among so much is the description of why he and his wife have chosen to worship not in a local Baptist Church but at Chelmsford Cathedral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn honest book of this kind will have inevitable weaknesses. Among the helpful practicalities listed are the need to make sure someone had all your computer and bank account passwords and that it is essential to make both a Will and Power of Attorney provision, but do we really need to know what hymns and readings he has planned for his own funeral? For the less biblically focussed there might be a little hesitation within the important need to value and nurture grandchildren, that before opening their presents on Christmas Day, he insists on reading them Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis well-resourced, comprehensive, and individualistic book is a welcome addition to a growing library. It speaks in an assured way to all who need to know about retirement ministries. It will be useful across the denominations to clergy and their families whose lives are shaped and enriched by constant reference to their bibles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMalcolm Grundy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYork St John University\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e© 2020 Malcolm Grundy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo cite this article: Malcolm Grundy (2021) Make the most of retirement, Rural Theology, 19:1, 63-64, DOI: 10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry (winter 2020) Review by Laura Hillman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetirement brings opportunities as well as challenges. The author is a retired Baptist minister and former principal of Spurgeon’s college who now worships at Chelmsford Cathedral. He has written a helpful guide with full-time church leaders in mind although he has sound advice for the general reader too. He writes with sensitivity and understanding, drawing on a research project with retired ministers as well as his own experience and the work of a range of authors. While being aware that there are many different models of successful retirement he makes recommendations that are helpful to all. ‘Take time to settle down’, ‘Keep your mind fresh’, ‘Relax and play’ are typical chapter headings. Many will find a new calling in later life, not necessarily church based, although as lay ministers we often come into our own when free from paid employment. This would make a good present for a friend on the point of retirement; it is also a book to return to in the later stages of life with sound advice on preparing for a good death.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillman \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Minister’s Journal April 2020. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Michael Bochenski\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a really helpful book. All the more so because it is a rare Christian contribution to retirement studies from a UK perspective, rather than a North American one. Undergirding it are face to face interviews, a lengthy questionnaire, and the author’s characteristic commitment to theological reflection on personal experience. It is admirably practical, very readable, well researched and, yes, really helpful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMake the Most of Retirement \u003c\/em\u003eis a book brim full of quotes and references from a range of sources – Paul Tournier, David Adams’ wonderful greeting car reflection \u003cem\u003eThe Terminus\u003c\/em\u003e, CS Lewis, Eugene Peterson, David Winter, Henri Nouwen, Sr Margaret Magdalen, and John Bunyan – among many others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into four sections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eBeginning a New Journey \u003c\/em\u003eexplores issues such as resolving to continue to develop, settling down, maintaining a spiritual and life discipline, and ongoing relationships.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003col start=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFinding New Purpose \u003c\/em\u003efocuses on issues such as our ongoing call to minister, learning to let go of the past, continuing to ‘… keep our minds fresh with a book always on the go,’ and supporting our new minister\/s as ‘angels’ advocates’. Paul has little time for a solely functional understanding of ministry: ‘Ordination’, he affirms, ‘is for life, so God continues to have a call on my life.’\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003col start=\"3\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eLiving a Full Life \u003c\/em\u003econtains pleas to find new ways to relax, exercise, reconnect with some of those we have known over the years, cultivate time with grandchildren (if so blessed), and to share our testimony to God in Christ. This section is infused with something of the personal joy Paul has found, after retirement from pastoring a local church and discovering instead ‘…new and changing way of serving God and others.’\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003col start=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePreparing for the Final Journey \u003c\/em\u003edoes what it says on the tin! Intimations of mortality – not least in the back, hip or knees (!) – are part of this but so are things like alerting our executors in advance to important documents and funeral wishes, confronting past hurts, and looking forward to what lies beyond.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no weak sections in the book. Consider, for example, this powerful (Carl Jung) quote on the cruelty of death: ‘Death is indeed a piece of brutality. There is no sense in pretending otherwise. It is brutal not only as a physical event but far more so psychically: a human being is torn away from us, and what remains is the icy stillness of death.’ Or this magnificent quote from the Swiss physician and author Paul Tournier (one of the first pastoral theologians I ever read and still one of the best): ‘What is important for the aged is not what they are still able to do nor yet what they have accumulated and cannot take with them. It is what they are.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was especially good to be reminded of the wonderful Nun’s Prayer (Google it!): ‘Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not what to be a saint – some of them are hard to live with – but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil.’ I agree, however, with Paul’s observation on it (note 156): ‘This prayer, often said to be from the 17\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century, is more likely to be a 20\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century creation.’ It remains of course an excellent tool for tying to live well in old age, whatever its provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul’s various reflections on past, present and future ministry are also exceptionally helpful, such as this one: ‘I dare to believe that my ministry has eternal consequences. Precisely what those consequences are I do not know… for the most part we have little, if any, knowledge of what has been wrought in other people’s lives.’ To read someone so clearly continuing to love being a pastor in his seventh decade is so refreshing; it shows: ‘The privilege of having been a pastor… is undoubtedly the most wonderful calling in the world.’ Paul’s awareness of ‘the many different patterns of retirement’ is also welcome. This is, mercifully, not a one blueprint kind of a book; it is instead a very practical guidelines and options one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA quote from James Woodward takes us to this book’s heart: ‘There is a difference between living and being alive. Growing older is about adding life to years rather than just adding years to our lives.’ Chapter 13 is entitled \u003cem\u003eBecome a Sage. \u003c\/em\u003eOn the evidence of this book, Paul Beasley-Murray is clearly practising what he preaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Michael Bochenski\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRetired Clergy Association newsletter Summer 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Mike Parsons\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul is a retired Baptist minister and probably familiar to many as the Beasley Murray family (father \u0026amp; son) have been prominent in Baptist circles for many years. However, his non-Anglican background should not dissuade any reader as after retiring as senior minister of Central Baptist Church Chelmsford he decided to join the congregation of Chelmsford Cathedral. In fact, he has produced a paper on why retired Baptist ministers end up worshiping with the Church of England. I look forward to a similar one, from somebody, as to why so many retired Church of England priests become Quakers!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a slim book, easily read and with a light style. Divided into four sections (Beginning a new journey, Finding a new purpose, Living a full life, Preparing for the final journey) each of which has seven or eight sections, it reads rather like a set of notes to accompany a series of compline addresses or the like. Each one can be read in its own right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book takes issue with the idea that retirement is the waiting room for death, a final destination that all arrive at. Rather he sees retirement as the terminus from which you set off on a new journey, ‘it is the beginning of a new journey . . .it opens up new vista, it is the gateway to eternity.’ (quoting ‘Terminus’, a poem by David Adam.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book has its origins in a research project to discover how ministers (and he carefully uses this term throughout as the most inclusive) experience retirement; published in his book \u003cem\u003eRetirement Matters for Ministers\u003c\/em\u003e. Here he discovered that while many retired ministers were glad to be retired and were experiencing new opportunities, a significant proportion felt discarded, undervalued, and reduced in their opportunities in life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the former category this book will provide new idea and suggestions as to how to live an even fuller life. Each section is formed round a particular biblical text and is full of examples and illustrations. The book is, in itself, a resource of sermon illustrations! For the latter category there are many challenges. It is not a mere exercise in positive thinking for the retired, but wise godly advice and biblical insights to enable growth. It is also very well referenced so you can chase up his quotes if you wish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOld age used to be thought of as starting with retirement, 65 as it used to be for men, 60 for women. The government has changed all that (to many women’s disadvantage) to 66 for all. But that is not how we think. From October 2011 there is no mandatory retirement age and, except for the Church of England, retirement cannot be imposed by employers. It has been said that 70 is the new 60; most of us have many more expectations of active life post retirement. The Church of England is lagging behind here. I asked a question in General Synod in 2015 as to what progress there was in changing clergy retirement rules. The reply was that the house of bishops was unaware of any groundswell of opinion: they cannot be so unaware now. In terms of ministry, at least as an incumbent or senior cleric, there is good case for handing on a post by 70 and ministering in some other way. For most of us, that will involve PTO (Permission to Officiate). Progress is being made it terms of positive engagement with the retired, but there is a long way to go. It is demeaning and insulting to make assumptions on behalf of the retired ‘in their best interests’ without consultation. The largest number of active retired clergy in England are in their 80s, a large pool of voluntary ministry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetirement is something of a shock to many clergy, we are psychologically unprepared: you go suddenly from being in the centre of everything, consulted, listened to, kept in touch (and how much more so for senior clergy). Then the next day it can seem as if you have been pushed off a cliff and no longer exist. In one chapter he explores the issue of clerical identity; how so often it is centred in our functions rather than who we are in Christ. He quotes approvingly Archbishop Justin Welby, who discovered greatly to his surprise recently that his biological father was not the man he called father but another. This is a discovery which could easily strike to the roots of one’s sense of identity and worth, yet Justin Welby said ‘I know that I find who I am in Jesus Christ, not in genetics, and my identity in him never changes’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is much that can be done to prepare for retirement. Most dioceses offer some form of pre-retirement course, but it is often very sketchy and can sometimes do little more than cover the administrative bones of the various options on retirement housing and how will you be paid. This book, in itself, read through perhaps with a small group reaching retirement at similar points will provide a much richer fare. Involving others (and of course partners) will give added perspectives: not everyone’s retirement is the same. Beasley-Murray encourages using a mentor or soul friend. This could also be described as a work consultant for the retired. We may not realise it, but we are now on our own. We don’t automatically have to report to anyone, we can do our own thing. But we’ve not done this before and we know that in starting in ministry there were various people to help and advise: there were also groups where you could moan about how bad the vicar was – and discover fellow sufferers! I believe every diocese has a Retirement Officer, but how much of a voice they have varies widely and, in some cases, very little seems to be done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will not be long retired before friends and colleagues start dying (if they have not already) and thoughts of our own mortality become more common. How will we meet it, will we ‘die well’? In his penultimate chapter, ‘Letting go and holding on’, Beasley-Murray paints a picture of death as not only ‘going’ but also ‘arriving’; this is what the Christian should hope for, while acknowledging that the reality is not always like that. Many of us fear the process of dying, fear not just the pain and loss of bodily functions but also the loss of the mind and the personality changes that can come with dementia. There could – perhaps should – have been a reminder here to discuss an end of life plan with family members and how you can ensure that those caring for you at the end are aware of it. This could be part of a small portfolio of preparation. Not just ensuring a will is written, charitable gifts assigned, but also what sort of funeral you would like (always remembering the funeral is mainly for the benefit of those left behind!) as it will both make a statement about your deepest belief and also be a personal growth experience. Who do you most want to be with you as you die?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA H Clough’s famous doublet ‘Thou shalt not kill; but need'st not strive officiously to keep alive’ is not only a palliative care dictum; it is also a spiritual one. Beasley-Murray quotes cases of three experienced charismatic Christian leaders who were convinced they would be miraculously healed: in one case it ended badly, the other two ‘came to the reluctant and dislocating conclusion that’ somehow, they had got it wrong, but were able, peacefully, to let go into the hands of the God they didn’t now understand’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is, I have found, a book that repays reading – and then reading again (it’s very short!); there is much wisdom here. Beasley-Murray’s experience is summed up, he writes, in David Adam’s poem\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The Terminus’:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Terminus is not where we stay,\u003cbr\u003eIt is the beginning of a new journey.\u003cbr\u003eIt is where we reach out beyond,\u003cbr\u003eWhere we experience new adventures.\u003cbr\u003eIt is where we get off to enter new territory,\u003cbr\u003eTo explore new horizons, to extend our whole being.\u003cbr\u003eIt is a place touching the future.\u003cbr\u003eIt opens up new vistas.\u003cbr\u003eIt is the gateway to eternity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices June 2020 (PV33), Review by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a timely book. As in our lives generally, there are seasons of ministry, and Paul argues in this encouraging book that we should make the most of the season of retirement. Paul’s wise advice is optimistic and realistic (and nondenominational), and will find echoes for everyone in the church, not just ‘retired’ pastors and church leaders. Concise and logically organised, this guide sees retirement as ‘beginning a new journey’ and ‘finding new purpose’ and ‘living a full life’. He grounds these themes on firm foundations, intelligently avoiding any ‘goody two-shoes’ tone of voice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSensibly, too, and sensitively, he faces up to the challenge of ‘preparing for the final journey’. There are three firm foundations for this advice. First is his own life. Without any egotism, he describes how he has grown in retirement. It has been a period of self-discovery, of reflecting on key values and people that have shaped his life. The second draws on relevant studies and his own substantial research. Often evidence of how faith communities flourish, grow and change is based on unreliable anecdotes and subjective impressions. Having more reliable qualitative data is much needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third foundation is based on the Christian life, where in retirement the importance of discipleship and forgiveness is more central than ever. Retirement can be a time of resentful marginalisation, nourishing past hurts, fearing mortality and bereavement. Paul reminds us that, while it is a time to put things in order and even to ‘let go’, it is also a time to face ‘the challenge of being’, and to seek contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing honest to God and to yourself as you age and change is probably the most challenging part of the internal narrative we have with ourselves. Paul’s book is all about how a Christian pastor or minister can choose to retire, and, how older people still can do so too. A timely book for personal reflection and group exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, May 2020. Review by James Breslin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is aimed at retired ministers or, more usefully, at ministers about to retire. It seeks to address a gap in the market, for while there are many general books on retirement, and many books on ministry, there is very little on ministerial retirement. With considerable success, Beasley-Murray manages to blend three elements into one relatively short book. It contains much wisdom. Much of the book is a reflection on and retelling of his own experience of retirement, some is an evaluation of the limited amount of research in this field, and some is the repetition of somewhat anecdotal evidence. It is not a book that will appeal to every retired minister and Beasley-Murray fully recognises that. It is very personal, and, as such, may seem alien to some. All ministers are different, the retired as much as the active. Beasley-Murray says that ‘writing and research is one way in which I seek to live out my calling’. Committees and charitable trusteeships alongside preaching currently fill that role for me. He quotes with approval a comment from an Anglican source: ‘Priests never retire but vicars do.’ Although he himself has chosen to worship in a setting that does not offer regular opportunities for leading Sunday services, he notes that 85% of the retired Baptist ministers who took part in his survey regularly led worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeasley-Murray is not shy of disagreeing with others who have written on retirement, noting that where such writing appears as a part of a general study, the tone has often been negative. This book sees retirement as positive but recognises that this is not everyone’s experience. He is clear that his book should be considered alongside the pre-retirement courses run by many denominations. The author fully recognises the value of such courses but suggests that by their nature they focus mainly on the practical elements of retirement (housing, health, pensions etc) and less on the spiritual dimension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by James Breslin\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ea retired minister living in Nottingham\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e‘Plus’, quarterly magazine of Christians on Ageing Vol 36 issue 1, Spring 2020. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Rev Malcolm Smith (retired)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first sight, and declared specifically so by the author, this is a book for a niche market – Christian ministers (of all denominations) approaching or already arrived at retirement. Yet at the same time it speaks encouragingly, provokingly to all older Christians, lay or ordained. The author acknowledges that Christian ministers do have special needs at the time because their life's work has been a calling that never ceases until death, yet the normal opportunity to exercise that calling by leading a congregation or parish is taken from them. For some this can be a bereavement experience, for many its coupling with the requirement to move away from people who have become close friends is a major upheaval. Much has been written in recent years about various aspects of retirement; this book succeeds in gathering the whole range of issues together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is ordered in four main sections: Beginning a new journey, Finding new purpose, Living a full fife, Preparing for the final journey; plus a brief Preface and Introduction, and a Final word. This could sound like heavy going; rather, the author's touch is light because his words and personal experience are so lucid. Each main section is made up of seven or eight nutshell chapters of a mere three of four pages; the whole can be read in a couple of sessions, though like me you will want to go back to much of it again; familiar quotations jostle with arresting insights and practical suggestions such as ‘retirement is the last opportunity to rise to the challenge of being (rather than doing)’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no shrinking from the darker sides of life: ‘trials are to be welcomed, for the truth is that “all sunshine makes a desert” …’; profound issues are faced with depth: ‘dying well involves accepting the reality of our situation’. Above all, the whole focuses on living relationship with our Lord: ‘let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus’ – the use of the simple personal name, Jesus, shows that the accent is upon his humanity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Rev Malcolm Smith (ret).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 06.03.20. Review by John Lampard.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I 'sat down' 14 years ago I read a number of books about retirement, which offered guidance on how to live the following years. It was interesting therefore to read, in the light of experience, \u003cem\u003eMaking the Most of Retirement \u003c\/em\u003eby Paul Beasley-Murray, which is mainly written (although it is not in the title) for retired ministers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author is a Baptist minister, who now worships at Chelmsford Cathedral. He is fortunate to have had a healthy and fulfilling retirement which has involved writing and research, continuing leadership on Church committees, travel, church activities and family life. He divides the book, which consists of 31 short chapters, under four headings. First there is ‘Beginning a new journey’. In these chapters he encourages a new sense of adventure and adjusting to a new pace of life while maintaining spiritual disciplines which can weaken without the regular pattern of preparation and pastoral care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second heading is ‘Finding new purpose’. Here he writes of the need to discover a new identity now that you are no longer ‘the minister’, to do something worthwhile in the local church and, importantly, to be an encouragement to your minister. Something a retired minister can occasionally stumble over!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third section, entitled ‘Living a full life’, offers sound advice on enriching your life with exercise, making new friends, enjoying your grandchildren (if you have them) and sharing your faith story with others. The author has taken the risky step of publishing his own autobiography, which he refers to frequently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final section, ‘Preparing for the final journey’, reminds readers about making practical steps in terms of wills, powers of attorney, leaving your affairs in good and clear order, with spiritual reflections on the journey into death. Of value in this section is the important reminder to continue to be grateful to God, to let go of past hurts and be prepared to let go.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery part of the book is supported by the author’s wide reading on retirement issues, wise words from both secular and Christian writers and information on his own life journey. All these make the book an easy read. If I have any reservation, it is the fact that it is refracted through the lens of what he sees as a very successful ministry and a worthwhile, rich and diverse retirement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI wonder how it would appeal to a minister who arrives at retirement broken after a hard ministry, dispirited and in poor health – and some do. The author’s bright ‘can do’ approach might not be so encouraging to some.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by \u003c\/em\u003eT\u003cem\u003ehe Rev Dr John\u003c\/em\u003e Lampard, a\u003cem\u003e supernumerary minister in the City Road \u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eMethodist circuit.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing just over one year in to my own ‘retirement’, this was a book I had to read – and it did not disappoint. Paul Beasley-Murray is a retired but still very active Baptist minister and it is a delight to read about his very positive experience of and views on the post-employment, next stage of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong many other titles about retirement from both Christian and secular perspectives, this book is aimed specifically at those in or preparing for retirement from paid church ministry, something which the author claims is a first. All that said, the book does contain very helpful insights, suggestions and advice for those who, like myself, have moved on from non-Church based employment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Hopefully this book will help address the imbalance which is present on some retirement courses,’ he writes, ‘where much of the content seems to be devoted to practical matters such as pensions and housing, with little reference to all the other issues which are part of the ministerial retirement experience.’ An observation which is true of many moving on from non-ministerial occupations too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its short chapters and the author’s relaxed writing style, this book is easy to read. Developed from interviews and qualitative research carried out by the author among retired ministers – findings of which are published elsewhere – Paul Beasley-Murray uses this as a basis on which to build, complementing it with examples of his own personal experience. These provide helpful illustrations and although very autobiographical (something which the author acknowledges) they are practical and realistic. More examples drawn from the research would have strengthened the book even further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin its pages, the author covers preparing for the next stage of life and the importance of doing so, giving time for adjustment, finding new purposes, relaxing and doing ‘non-work’ things. He also tackles head-on the difficulties of ill health and facing death. Not everything in the retirement garden is rosy but there are ways of dealing with the aphids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I was preparing for my own ‘retirement’ I, like the author, avoided using the R word preferring instead to think of it as the ‘next stage of life’:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The word “retirement” has such negative connotations,’ writes Paul Beasley-Murray. ‘Perhaps not surprisingly, Ernest Hemingway said that “retirement is the filthiest word in the language.”… Retirement offers an opportunity to be more alive than ever.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith many people living longer and enjoying an active third age this book provides a very positive, encouraging and valuable resource and is to be recommended reading for anyone at this stage of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-08-13T11:07:07+01:00","created_at":"2019-08-13T11:08:39+01:00","vendor":"Paul Beasley-Murray","type":"Paperback","tags":["Anna Chaplaincy books","Feb-20","Kindle","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":29434856964190,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468642","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Make the Most of Retirement","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":600,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468642","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468642.jpg?v=1565690922"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468642.jpg?v=1565690922","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3308723470475,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468642.jpg?v=1565690922"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468642.jpg?v=1565690922","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e‘Retire’ means to ‘withdraw’, to ‘retreat’, to ‘give ground’, to ‘cease to compete’. In one sense that is true: retirement does involve a leaving of office or employment. Yet retirement is also about new beginnings and new opportunities. In this helpful book, grounded both in personal experience and in extensive research among retired ministers, and rich in quotations from an eclectic range of writers, Paul Beasley-Murray explores how retirement is part of God’s rhythm for our lives and provides encouragement and insights for this next stage of the journey. A must-read for lay and ordained Christians alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePaul Beasley-Murray is the chairman of the College of Baptist Ministers. Formerly Senior Minister of Central Baptist Church, Chelmsford and prior to that Principal of Spurgeon’s College, London, he is a prolific author and blogger. His most recent publications include his autobiography This Is My Story: A story of life, faith and ministry (Wipf \u0026amp; Stock, 2018).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe used to know what 'retirement' meant. These days it is a more elastic term, and particularly so for retired ministers whose calling recognises no distinction between drawing a stipend or a pension.Paul Beasley-Murray presents a practical and engaging guide to retirement. While written with the retiring minister in mind, much of what Paul offers will be of relevance to anyone asking the questions of who they are, and how they might live out their vocation, in the later summer and autumn of their years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Ball, Chief Executive, The Church of England Pensions Board\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Like all the writings of Paul Beasley-Murray, this refreshing book is thoroughly researched and generously illustrated from personal experience, and never shrinks from reflecting on the shadow side of this period of life.' \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDavid Coffey OBE, Global Ambassador for BMS World Mission and past President of the Baptist World Alliance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'An invaluable aid for ministers of religion, in particular, and other people, generally, as they prepare for retirement.' \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Richard Jackson, Methodist minister and pioneer (in retirement) of the Cliff College International Training Centre\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRural Theology. Review by Malcolm Grundy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsed with permission. Rural Theology, 19:1, 63-64, DOI: 10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo link to this article: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\"\u003ehttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is now a growing number of books which will help clergy and their spouses to prepare for and live in retirement. Among those recently published the subject is approached from many different angles. Where most guides and helps are produced using a variety of contributors, Paul Beasley-Murray is a sole author giving a very personal account to enrich this pool of resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author writes from a varied ministry in academic work as Principal of Spurgeon’s College, in national and ecumenical circles as Chair of the College of Baptist Ministers, as a missionary in Congo\/Zaire and for his final posting as minister at the Central Baptist Church in Chelmsford. His retirement responsibilities and activities would fill more than half a page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book, Beasley-Murray tells us, has its origins in a research project with both qualitative and quantitative content published in Retirement matters for ministers. He has already published an autobiography in 2018 and in a similar way this is quite a personal book. It has clear sections beginning with the need for personal and practical preparation for retirement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is followed by sections on the discernment of a new vocational purpose. The third section encourages wider thinking and activity and the fourth explores preparation for the ‘final journey’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is filled with practical advice, backed generously with biblical references and illustrations. Equally, each section, and the sub-sections within them point to considerable wide reading and make generous use of quotation and anecdote from others who have written about retirement. Mention of other writers is done with the eye of a critical scholar, ‘I confess that much of the author’s careful engagement with scripture left me cold – it just seemed totally irrelevant’ (p. 75).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is both strength and weakness in a single author attempting such a broad subject. Beasley-Murray writes in a very personal way in many sections and we learn much about a man who has contributed generously to the ministerial development of so many. He speaks stridently about the need for a retired minister active in a congregation to engage in a ‘ministry of encouragement’ especially being supportive to their own and the surrounding ministers. His own personal public activities are described with reflective enthusiasm. Most intriguing among so much is the description of why he and his wife have chosen to worship not in a local Baptist Church but at Chelmsford Cathedral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn honest book of this kind will have inevitable weaknesses. Among the helpful practicalities listed are the need to make sure someone had all your computer and bank account passwords and that it is essential to make both a Will and Power of Attorney provision, but do we really need to know what hymns and readings he has planned for his own funeral? For the less biblically focussed there might be a little hesitation within the important need to value and nurture grandchildren, that before opening their presents on Christmas Day, he insists on reading them Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis well-resourced, comprehensive, and individualistic book is a welcome addition to a growing library. It speaks in an assured way to all who need to know about retirement ministries. It will be useful across the denominations to clergy and their families whose lives are shaped and enriched by constant reference to their bibles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMalcolm Grundy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYork St John University\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e© 2020 Malcolm Grundy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo cite this article: Malcolm Grundy (2021) Make the most of retirement, Rural Theology, 19:1, 63-64, DOI: 10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry (winter 2020) Review by Laura Hillman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetirement brings opportunities as well as challenges. The author is a retired Baptist minister and former principal of Spurgeon’s college who now worships at Chelmsford Cathedral. He has written a helpful guide with full-time church leaders in mind although he has sound advice for the general reader too. He writes with sensitivity and understanding, drawing on a research project with retired ministers as well as his own experience and the work of a range of authors. While being aware that there are many different models of successful retirement he makes recommendations that are helpful to all. ‘Take time to settle down’, ‘Keep your mind fresh’, ‘Relax and play’ are typical chapter headings. Many will find a new calling in later life, not necessarily church based, although as lay ministers we often come into our own when free from paid employment. This would make a good present for a friend on the point of retirement; it is also a book to return to in the later stages of life with sound advice on preparing for a good death.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillman \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Minister’s Journal April 2020. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Michael Bochenski\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a really helpful book. All the more so because it is a rare Christian contribution to retirement studies from a UK perspective, rather than a North American one. Undergirding it are face to face interviews, a lengthy questionnaire, and the author’s characteristic commitment to theological reflection on personal experience. It is admirably practical, very readable, well researched and, yes, really helpful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMake the Most of Retirement \u003c\/em\u003eis a book brim full of quotes and references from a range of sources – Paul Tournier, David Adams’ wonderful greeting car reflection \u003cem\u003eThe Terminus\u003c\/em\u003e, CS Lewis, Eugene Peterson, David Winter, Henri Nouwen, Sr Margaret Magdalen, and John Bunyan – among many others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into four sections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eBeginning a New Journey \u003c\/em\u003eexplores issues such as resolving to continue to develop, settling down, maintaining a spiritual and life discipline, and ongoing relationships.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003col start=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFinding New Purpose \u003c\/em\u003efocuses on issues such as our ongoing call to minister, learning to let go of the past, continuing to ‘… keep our minds fresh with a book always on the go,’ and supporting our new minister\/s as ‘angels’ advocates’. Paul has little time for a solely functional understanding of ministry: ‘Ordination’, he affirms, ‘is for life, so God continues to have a call on my life.’\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003col start=\"3\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eLiving a Full Life \u003c\/em\u003econtains pleas to find new ways to relax, exercise, reconnect with some of those we have known over the years, cultivate time with grandchildren (if so blessed), and to share our testimony to God in Christ. This section is infused with something of the personal joy Paul has found, after retirement from pastoring a local church and discovering instead ‘…new and changing way of serving God and others.’\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003col start=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePreparing for the Final Journey \u003c\/em\u003edoes what it says on the tin! Intimations of mortality – not least in the back, hip or knees (!) – are part of this but so are things like alerting our executors in advance to important documents and funeral wishes, confronting past hurts, and looking forward to what lies beyond.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no weak sections in the book. Consider, for example, this powerful (Carl Jung) quote on the cruelty of death: ‘Death is indeed a piece of brutality. There is no sense in pretending otherwise. It is brutal not only as a physical event but far more so psychically: a human being is torn away from us, and what remains is the icy stillness of death.’ Or this magnificent quote from the Swiss physician and author Paul Tournier (one of the first pastoral theologians I ever read and still one of the best): ‘What is important for the aged is not what they are still able to do nor yet what they have accumulated and cannot take with them. It is what they are.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was especially good to be reminded of the wonderful Nun’s Prayer (Google it!): ‘Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not what to be a saint – some of them are hard to live with – but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil.’ I agree, however, with Paul’s observation on it (note 156): ‘This prayer, often said to be from the 17\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century, is more likely to be a 20\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century creation.’ It remains of course an excellent tool for tying to live well in old age, whatever its provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul’s various reflections on past, present and future ministry are also exceptionally helpful, such as this one: ‘I dare to believe that my ministry has eternal consequences. Precisely what those consequences are I do not know… for the most part we have little, if any, knowledge of what has been wrought in other people’s lives.’ To read someone so clearly continuing to love being a pastor in his seventh decade is so refreshing; it shows: ‘The privilege of having been a pastor… is undoubtedly the most wonderful calling in the world.’ Paul’s awareness of ‘the many different patterns of retirement’ is also welcome. This is, mercifully, not a one blueprint kind of a book; it is instead a very practical guidelines and options one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA quote from James Woodward takes us to this book’s heart: ‘There is a difference between living and being alive. Growing older is about adding life to years rather than just adding years to our lives.’ Chapter 13 is entitled \u003cem\u003eBecome a Sage. \u003c\/em\u003eOn the evidence of this book, Paul Beasley-Murray is clearly practising what he preaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Michael Bochenski\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRetired Clergy Association newsletter Summer 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Mike Parsons\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul is a retired Baptist minister and probably familiar to many as the Beasley Murray family (father \u0026amp; son) have been prominent in Baptist circles for many years. However, his non-Anglican background should not dissuade any reader as after retiring as senior minister of Central Baptist Church Chelmsford he decided to join the congregation of Chelmsford Cathedral. In fact, he has produced a paper on why retired Baptist ministers end up worshiping with the Church of England. I look forward to a similar one, from somebody, as to why so many retired Church of England priests become Quakers!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a slim book, easily read and with a light style. Divided into four sections (Beginning a new journey, Finding a new purpose, Living a full life, Preparing for the final journey) each of which has seven or eight sections, it reads rather like a set of notes to accompany a series of compline addresses or the like. Each one can be read in its own right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book takes issue with the idea that retirement is the waiting room for death, a final destination that all arrive at. Rather he sees retirement as the terminus from which you set off on a new journey, ‘it is the beginning of a new journey . . .it opens up new vista, it is the gateway to eternity.’ (quoting ‘Terminus’, a poem by David Adam.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book has its origins in a research project to discover how ministers (and he carefully uses this term throughout as the most inclusive) experience retirement; published in his book \u003cem\u003eRetirement Matters for Ministers\u003c\/em\u003e. Here he discovered that while many retired ministers were glad to be retired and were experiencing new opportunities, a significant proportion felt discarded, undervalued, and reduced in their opportunities in life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the former category this book will provide new idea and suggestions as to how to live an even fuller life. Each section is formed round a particular biblical text and is full of examples and illustrations. The book is, in itself, a resource of sermon illustrations! For the latter category there are many challenges. It is not a mere exercise in positive thinking for the retired, but wise godly advice and biblical insights to enable growth. It is also very well referenced so you can chase up his quotes if you wish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOld age used to be thought of as starting with retirement, 65 as it used to be for men, 60 for women. The government has changed all that (to many women’s disadvantage) to 66 for all. But that is not how we think. From October 2011 there is no mandatory retirement age and, except for the Church of England, retirement cannot be imposed by employers. It has been said that 70 is the new 60; most of us have many more expectations of active life post retirement. The Church of England is lagging behind here. I asked a question in General Synod in 2015 as to what progress there was in changing clergy retirement rules. The reply was that the house of bishops was unaware of any groundswell of opinion: they cannot be so unaware now. In terms of ministry, at least as an incumbent or senior cleric, there is good case for handing on a post by 70 and ministering in some other way. For most of us, that will involve PTO (Permission to Officiate). Progress is being made it terms of positive engagement with the retired, but there is a long way to go. It is demeaning and insulting to make assumptions on behalf of the retired ‘in their best interests’ without consultation. The largest number of active retired clergy in England are in their 80s, a large pool of voluntary ministry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetirement is something of a shock to many clergy, we are psychologically unprepared: you go suddenly from being in the centre of everything, consulted, listened to, kept in touch (and how much more so for senior clergy). Then the next day it can seem as if you have been pushed off a cliff and no longer exist. In one chapter he explores the issue of clerical identity; how so often it is centred in our functions rather than who we are in Christ. He quotes approvingly Archbishop Justin Welby, who discovered greatly to his surprise recently that his biological father was not the man he called father but another. This is a discovery which could easily strike to the roots of one’s sense of identity and worth, yet Justin Welby said ‘I know that I find who I am in Jesus Christ, not in genetics, and my identity in him never changes’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is much that can be done to prepare for retirement. Most dioceses offer some form of pre-retirement course, but it is often very sketchy and can sometimes do little more than cover the administrative bones of the various options on retirement housing and how will you be paid. This book, in itself, read through perhaps with a small group reaching retirement at similar points will provide a much richer fare. Involving others (and of course partners) will give added perspectives: not everyone’s retirement is the same. Beasley-Murray encourages using a mentor or soul friend. This could also be described as a work consultant for the retired. We may not realise it, but we are now on our own. We don’t automatically have to report to anyone, we can do our own thing. But we’ve not done this before and we know that in starting in ministry there were various people to help and advise: there were also groups where you could moan about how bad the vicar was – and discover fellow sufferers! I believe every diocese has a Retirement Officer, but how much of a voice they have varies widely and, in some cases, very little seems to be done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will not be long retired before friends and colleagues start dying (if they have not already) and thoughts of our own mortality become more common. How will we meet it, will we ‘die well’? In his penultimate chapter, ‘Letting go and holding on’, Beasley-Murray paints a picture of death as not only ‘going’ but also ‘arriving’; this is what the Christian should hope for, while acknowledging that the reality is not always like that. Many of us fear the process of dying, fear not just the pain and loss of bodily functions but also the loss of the mind and the personality changes that can come with dementia. There could – perhaps should – have been a reminder here to discuss an end of life plan with family members and how you can ensure that those caring for you at the end are aware of it. This could be part of a small portfolio of preparation. Not just ensuring a will is written, charitable gifts assigned, but also what sort of funeral you would like (always remembering the funeral is mainly for the benefit of those left behind!) as it will both make a statement about your deepest belief and also be a personal growth experience. Who do you most want to be with you as you die?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA H Clough’s famous doublet ‘Thou shalt not kill; but need'st not strive officiously to keep alive’ is not only a palliative care dictum; it is also a spiritual one. Beasley-Murray quotes cases of three experienced charismatic Christian leaders who were convinced they would be miraculously healed: in one case it ended badly, the other two ‘came to the reluctant and dislocating conclusion that’ somehow, they had got it wrong, but were able, peacefully, to let go into the hands of the God they didn’t now understand’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is, I have found, a book that repays reading – and then reading again (it’s very short!); there is much wisdom here. Beasley-Murray’s experience is summed up, he writes, in David Adam’s poem\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The Terminus’:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Terminus is not where we stay,\u003cbr\u003eIt is the beginning of a new journey.\u003cbr\u003eIt is where we reach out beyond,\u003cbr\u003eWhere we experience new adventures.\u003cbr\u003eIt is where we get off to enter new territory,\u003cbr\u003eTo explore new horizons, to extend our whole being.\u003cbr\u003eIt is a place touching the future.\u003cbr\u003eIt opens up new vistas.\u003cbr\u003eIt is the gateway to eternity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices June 2020 (PV33), Review by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a timely book. As in our lives generally, there are seasons of ministry, and Paul argues in this encouraging book that we should make the most of the season of retirement. Paul’s wise advice is optimistic and realistic (and nondenominational), and will find echoes for everyone in the church, not just ‘retired’ pastors and church leaders. Concise and logically organised, this guide sees retirement as ‘beginning a new journey’ and ‘finding new purpose’ and ‘living a full life’. He grounds these themes on firm foundations, intelligently avoiding any ‘goody two-shoes’ tone of voice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSensibly, too, and sensitively, he faces up to the challenge of ‘preparing for the final journey’. There are three firm foundations for this advice. First is his own life. Without any egotism, he describes how he has grown in retirement. It has been a period of self-discovery, of reflecting on key values and people that have shaped his life. The second draws on relevant studies and his own substantial research. Often evidence of how faith communities flourish, grow and change is based on unreliable anecdotes and subjective impressions. Having more reliable qualitative data is much needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third foundation is based on the Christian life, where in retirement the importance of discipleship and forgiveness is more central than ever. Retirement can be a time of resentful marginalisation, nourishing past hurts, fearing mortality and bereavement. Paul reminds us that, while it is a time to put things in order and even to ‘let go’, it is also a time to face ‘the challenge of being’, and to seek contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing honest to God and to yourself as you age and change is probably the most challenging part of the internal narrative we have with ourselves. Paul’s book is all about how a Christian pastor or minister can choose to retire, and, how older people still can do so too. A timely book for personal reflection and group exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, May 2020. Review by James Breslin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is aimed at retired ministers or, more usefully, at ministers about to retire. It seeks to address a gap in the market, for while there are many general books on retirement, and many books on ministry, there is very little on ministerial retirement. With considerable success, Beasley-Murray manages to blend three elements into one relatively short book. It contains much wisdom. Much of the book is a reflection on and retelling of his own experience of retirement, some is an evaluation of the limited amount of research in this field, and some is the repetition of somewhat anecdotal evidence. It is not a book that will appeal to every retired minister and Beasley-Murray fully recognises that. It is very personal, and, as such, may seem alien to some. All ministers are different, the retired as much as the active. Beasley-Murray says that ‘writing and research is one way in which I seek to live out my calling’. Committees and charitable trusteeships alongside preaching currently fill that role for me. He quotes with approval a comment from an Anglican source: ‘Priests never retire but vicars do.’ Although he himself has chosen to worship in a setting that does not offer regular opportunities for leading Sunday services, he notes that 85% of the retired Baptist ministers who took part in his survey regularly led worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeasley-Murray is not shy of disagreeing with others who have written on retirement, noting that where such writing appears as a part of a general study, the tone has often been negative. This book sees retirement as positive but recognises that this is not everyone’s experience. He is clear that his book should be considered alongside the pre-retirement courses run by many denominations. The author fully recognises the value of such courses but suggests that by their nature they focus mainly on the practical elements of retirement (housing, health, pensions etc) and less on the spiritual dimension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by James Breslin\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ea retired minister living in Nottingham\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e‘Plus’, quarterly magazine of Christians on Ageing Vol 36 issue 1, Spring 2020. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Rev Malcolm Smith (retired)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first sight, and declared specifically so by the author, this is a book for a niche market – Christian ministers (of all denominations) approaching or already arrived at retirement. Yet at the same time it speaks encouragingly, provokingly to all older Christians, lay or ordained. The author acknowledges that Christian ministers do have special needs at the time because their life's work has been a calling that never ceases until death, yet the normal opportunity to exercise that calling by leading a congregation or parish is taken from them. For some this can be a bereavement experience, for many its coupling with the requirement to move away from people who have become close friends is a major upheaval. Much has been written in recent years about various aspects of retirement; this book succeeds in gathering the whole range of issues together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is ordered in four main sections: Beginning a new journey, Finding new purpose, Living a full fife, Preparing for the final journey; plus a brief Preface and Introduction, and a Final word. This could sound like heavy going; rather, the author's touch is light because his words and personal experience are so lucid. Each main section is made up of seven or eight nutshell chapters of a mere three of four pages; the whole can be read in a couple of sessions, though like me you will want to go back to much of it again; familiar quotations jostle with arresting insights and practical suggestions such as ‘retirement is the last opportunity to rise to the challenge of being (rather than doing)’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no shrinking from the darker sides of life: ‘trials are to be welcomed, for the truth is that “all sunshine makes a desert” …’; profound issues are faced with depth: ‘dying well involves accepting the reality of our situation’. Above all, the whole focuses on living relationship with our Lord: ‘let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus’ – the use of the simple personal name, Jesus, shows that the accent is upon his humanity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Rev Malcolm Smith (ret).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 06.03.20. Review by John Lampard.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I 'sat down' 14 years ago I read a number of books about retirement, which offered guidance on how to live the following years. It was interesting therefore to read, in the light of experience, \u003cem\u003eMaking the Most of Retirement \u003c\/em\u003eby Paul Beasley-Murray, which is mainly written (although it is not in the title) for retired ministers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author is a Baptist minister, who now worships at Chelmsford Cathedral. He is fortunate to have had a healthy and fulfilling retirement which has involved writing and research, continuing leadership on Church committees, travel, church activities and family life. He divides the book, which consists of 31 short chapters, under four headings. First there is ‘Beginning a new journey’. In these chapters he encourages a new sense of adventure and adjusting to a new pace of life while maintaining spiritual disciplines which can weaken without the regular pattern of preparation and pastoral care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second heading is ‘Finding new purpose’. Here he writes of the need to discover a new identity now that you are no longer ‘the minister’, to do something worthwhile in the local church and, importantly, to be an encouragement to your minister. Something a retired minister can occasionally stumble over!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third section, entitled ‘Living a full life’, offers sound advice on enriching your life with exercise, making new friends, enjoying your grandchildren (if you have them) and sharing your faith story with others. The author has taken the risky step of publishing his own autobiography, which he refers to frequently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final section, ‘Preparing for the final journey’, reminds readers about making practical steps in terms of wills, powers of attorney, leaving your affairs in good and clear order, with spiritual reflections on the journey into death. Of value in this section is the important reminder to continue to be grateful to God, to let go of past hurts and be prepared to let go.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery part of the book is supported by the author’s wide reading on retirement issues, wise words from both secular and Christian writers and information on his own life journey. All these make the book an easy read. If I have any reservation, it is the fact that it is refracted through the lens of what he sees as a very successful ministry and a worthwhile, rich and diverse retirement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI wonder how it would appeal to a minister who arrives at retirement broken after a hard ministry, dispirited and in poor health – and some do. The author’s bright ‘can do’ approach might not be so encouraging to some.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by \u003c\/em\u003eT\u003cem\u003ehe Rev Dr John\u003c\/em\u003e Lampard, a\u003cem\u003e supernumerary minister in the City Road \u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eMethodist circuit.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing just over one year in to my own ‘retirement’, this was a book I had to read – and it did not disappoint. Paul Beasley-Murray is a retired but still very active Baptist minister and it is a delight to read about his very positive experience of and views on the post-employment, next stage of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong many other titles about retirement from both Christian and secular perspectives, this book is aimed specifically at those in or preparing for retirement from paid church ministry, something which the author claims is a first. All that said, the book does contain very helpful insights, suggestions and advice for those who, like myself, have moved on from non-Church based employment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Hopefully this book will help address the imbalance which is present on some retirement courses,’ he writes, ‘where much of the content seems to be devoted to practical matters such as pensions and housing, with little reference to all the other issues which are part of the ministerial retirement experience.’ An observation which is true of many moving on from non-ministerial occupations too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its short chapters and the author’s relaxed writing style, this book is easy to read. Developed from interviews and qualitative research carried out by the author among retired ministers – findings of which are published elsewhere – Paul Beasley-Murray uses this as a basis on which to build, complementing it with examples of his own personal experience. These provide helpful illustrations and although very autobiographical (something which the author acknowledges) they are practical and realistic. More examples drawn from the research would have strengthened the book even further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin its pages, the author covers preparing for the next stage of life and the importance of doing so, giving time for adjustment, finding new purposes, relaxing and doing ‘non-work’ things. He also tackles head-on the difficulties of ill health and facing death. Not everything in the retirement garden is rosy but there are ways of dealing with the aphids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I was preparing for my own ‘retirement’ I, like the author, avoided using the R word preferring instead to think of it as the ‘next stage of life’:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The word “retirement” has such negative connotations,’ writes Paul Beasley-Murray. ‘Perhaps not surprisingly, Ernest Hemingway said that “retirement is the filthiest word in the language.”… Retirement offers an opportunity to be more alive than ever.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith many people living longer and enjoying an active third age this book provides a very positive, encouraging and valuable resource and is to be recommended reading for anyone at this stage of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2439744979044,"title":"Making Disciples in Messy Church: Growing faith in an all-age community","handle":"making-disciples-in-messy-church-growing-faith-in-an-all-age-community","description":"\u003cp\u003eMessy Church has been widely and enthusiastically adopted as a proven and effective way of introducing families to an experience of Christian community and the good news of Jesus. Sceptics ask, 'Are people becoming Christians through Messy Church?' The evidence is clear that they are. But the next challenging question is, 'Can Messy Church also nurture their faith and make these converts into disciples?'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe aim of this book, by telling stories, analysing the journey to faith, and reflecting on what being a disciple means and the various methods of making disciples found in scripture and church tradition, is to encourage ministers and lay leaders to see how their Messy Church can be an intentional disciple-making community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Moore writes...\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was a Thursday afternoon back in 2004 when the first ever Messy Church took place at St Wilfrid's Church in Cowplain, near Portsmouth, where I am vicar. Our prayer was to introduce people to Jesus by providing a positive, fun-filled experience of Christian community for families who rarely, if ever, go to a traditional church service. Back then, we had no idea that Messy Church would develop and spread the way it has done from Shetland to Cornwall and from Alaska to Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut it's one thing to be able to draw a crowd; are people becoming Christians through Messy Church? Praise God, the answer is definitely, 'Yes'. The key challenging question is, 'Can Messy Church nurture the faith of these new believers and make them into disciples?'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn my new book \u003cem\u003eMaking Disciples in Messy Church\u003c\/em\u003e I aim to\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ehelp church leaders to grasp how Messy Church really can become a disciple-making community, provided we go about it in a deliberate way. To help us become more intentional, the book contains insightful stories and tips from the experience of Messy Churches in the UK and abroad. It provides some tools to enable us to chart what may be a long journey towards faith for families who have little or no Christian background, so that we can offer people the right support and encouragement at the various stages of their journey into discipleship. It also explores what becoming and growing as a disciple means today, looking at the different ways in which disciples were made in Old and New Testament times and later in the history of the church in various contexts. Out of this come recommendations for leaders and questions for further thought and creativity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt's amazing to see how God is using Messy Church to bless people and draw them to Jesus. I hope this book will be an encouragement to all who are involved in leading and helping in Messy Churches to reflect on the wonderful stuff God is doing\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003cstrong\u003ePaul Moore\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContents\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs Messy Church making disciples?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat are disciples and how are they made?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOld Testament discipleship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJesus and discipleship in the Gospels: kingdom community\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisciples in Acts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisciple - making in the Epistles and Revelation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA community discipleship curriculum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn alternative - catechesis then and now\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntergenerational discipleship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscipleship and faith at home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForeword\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Church is a gift from God, one of the Holy Spirit's wonderful surprises, where a step of faith by one very ordinary church has opened the way for more than a thousand others to engage with families who had no serious connection to a church. No one anticipated that the story publicised in the first Fresh Expressions DVD in 2006 would take on such a life of its own. Messy Church is now a movement in its own right, within the wider Fresh Expressions movement. This book, from Paul Moore, the vicar of that church, presents insights from the oldest member of this young family of churches. They are insights from which all who are committed to disciple-making can benefit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who have been unsure of Messy Church, who would like it to be less messy, and who wonder if it really is church, have frequently raised the question of discipleship. How can you possibly make disciples among all that mess, especially if you meet just once per month? On the contrary, I have always believed that Messy Church is as valid a fresh expression of church as any of the many other models and examples. Because of this, I have always been convinced that the secrets of making disciples through Messy Church lay within the gift itself, in the DNA of the original idea given by the Holy Spirit, and that they would emerge over time. The temptation to bolt on ideas from a different model in order to answer questions or solve apparent problems about disciple-making has always been misguided. It is also evidence of impatience. As the gift of Messy Church has been unwrapped during its early years, the secrets have begun to be revealed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Messy Church world is not closed to learning from other sources. Paul draws helpfully from Scripture, from ancient tradition, from other mission practitioners and researchers, from educational theory and from the worldwide Messy family. But, above all, he draws from the underlying values of Messy Church. He tells us not so much how to make disciples through Messy Church as how to create Messy Church as a disciple-making culture, which is much more important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe sets realistic expectations about the time it takes to journey from no church connection to active faith. He robustly defends intergenerational learning. He wants parents equipped to take responsibility for their children's spiritual development, and team members to see Messy Church as their church, not just the place where they volunteer once a month.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI suspect that there may be even more to be unpacked from this surprising gift over the coming years, but for now this will do very well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBishop Graham Cray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArchbishops' Missioner and Leader of the Fresh Expressions Team\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten with clarity and conviction, Making Disciples in Messy Church is a timely and helpful book for a movement that is deeply serious about discipleship. Drawing on biblical, monastic and catechetical approaches, the book contains much wisdom and inspiration for those seeking to make disciples in all forms of church, not just the phenomenon that is Messy Church. The affirmation of the places of family and community in discipleship formation is especially welcome. I warmly and wholeheartedly commend this book.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Andrew Roberts, Methodist Minister and Director of Training for Fresh Expressions \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscipleship is probably the biggest single issue the Church needs to grapple with in our present times. This book has some vital things to say on this central issue, not only to those interested in Messy Church but to all churches. My advice would be: read it, think about what you read and then apply it in your own situation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Male, Director of the Centre for Pioneer Learning, Cambridge \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Church is growing from a single fresh expression of church into a whole movement of mission. Making Disciples in Messy Church brings vital wisdom culled from scripture and from experience to all involved in making disciples. Its lessons are vital for all those engaged in Messy Church and for all those involved in making disciples.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Steven Croft, Bishop of Sheffield \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Messy Church movement is fantastic, helping connect people to Christ and his church through community and creativity. Paul has been on the journey with Messy Church since the start, and in this fascinating book shows how Messy Church is not only reaching people with the Gospel, it is raising up disciples across the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Canon Mark Russell, CEO Church Army \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA joy to read and a contemporary Epistle from a Paul of our time, Making Disciples in Messy Church is a timely and essential read for all who are serious about building upon the good connections to the local community made through Messy Church and seeking how to making disciples in our contemporary age.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Stephen Lindridge, Fresh Expressions Methodist Connexional Missioner \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Moore writes out of first-hand experience. To this he brings deeper and wider thought. The book brings disparate things together in one place: various frameworks to assess progress in discipleship, lively material from a wide range of Scripture, some ecumenical perspectives and sensible questions to ponder. It ends with solid practical suggestions and knocks on the head the critique that Messy Church has no answers to questions of discipleship. It deserves to be read and applied.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e George Lings, Director of the Sheffield Centre\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nPaul Moore is a member of the team that launched Messy Church in 2004. Paul is Archdeacon for Mission Development in Winchester Diocese.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinistry Today - July 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis interesting book delves further into the thorny issue of whether Messy Church really makes disciples. To do this, Paul Moore asks what disciples are and how they are really made, as well as showing how Messy Church moves people onto the discipleship journey. He then carries out a survey of discipleship in the Bible, applying the models he finds there to the practice of Messy Church. It's a good attempt to drill down into a difficult area in order to make sure that Messy Church is not only fun but fruitful. Once again, the connections for All Age Worship of every kind are obvious.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes the balance between describing discipleship patterns in the Bible and actually applying them to Messy Church is too heavily weighted in favour of the former. As a book simply on biblical patterns of discipleship, it is not really sufficient. The real value lies in the application to Messy Church, and I feel more space and depth of analysis could have been given to that application. Each chapter ends with questions for further reflection. 3.5\/5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Dormandy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Magnet Summer 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Moore was part of the team that launched the first Messy Church in 2004. Since then Messy Church has spread worldwide as an intergenerational movement. Bishop Graham Cray in his foreword says, 'As the gift of Messy Church has been unwrapped during its early years the secrets have begun to be revealed.' Moore reveals some of these 'secrets' and shows how Messy Church has become a disciple-making phenomenon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those sceptical about the worth of Messy Church, this book should be read. Paul convincingly explores the journey of discipleship through biblical, monastic and early church material and draws on various frameworks to assess progress in discipleship. After much thoughtful and clearly stated discussion on this important issue he concludes. 'I believe there are lots of good reasons why age-segregated discipleship groups is not necessarily the best way to go. I believe we should persevere with intentional intergenerational disciple-making in our Messy Churches and see how God makes us grow as disciples together'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Tania Brosnan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview from Simon Martin in Country Way - January 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an important book, not least because messy churches, and church leaders more widely, are increasingly asking questions like:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAre people coming to faith through Messy Church?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs it making disciples?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan it justify its claim to be a church?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOr is it just a form of pre - evangelism - a bridge to something deeper, perhaps an Alpha course, and then graduation to Sunday church attendance?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(Of course, these questions are just as urgent and relevant for traditional or inherited forms of church!)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the key things considered in Making Disciples in Messy Church is what discipleship looks like for people with messy lives, as Messy Churches are genuinely attracting large numbers of non - churchgoers. Not just children, but teenagers and adults - both the children's family members and others; not just fringe members - but people who have never been to a church. As Messy Church grows, collectively and individually those involved are having to face up to the need for nurture and discipleship for this disparate group of would - be believers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn terms of discipleship in the contemporary world, rural people and communities are not much different to those in this book. There are recognised issues to do with the nature of small, relatively close - knit communities that may affect the way rural churches engage in evangelism and mission; but most of the key elements of the process of Messy Discipleship outlined above are very important in rural circumstances: suspicion of traditional church, a need to identify and become involved, a desire to support something that is of clear benefit to their children, an appreciation of the holistic and communal elements of becoming part of a Messy Church 'family'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a great deal more to this book than just these things. It considers several potential models of discipleship that might be appropriate (community discipleship, a catechetical approach, intergenerational discipleship, and discipleship within the family); and it lays firm biblical foundations for discipleship from both Old and New Testaments. There is also some more theoretical background on how people come to faith and how their faith develops. Making Disciples in Messy Church is not the whole answer, but it is a vital and readable tool in helping all of us work out what is appropriate in our own places. Read it!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Childrenswork magazine - December 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMaking Disciples in Messy Church\u003c\/em\u003e provides wisdom and theological support for the successful movement of Messy Church. If those two words (Messy Church) don't mean anything to you then I'd encourage you to read the book and learn more about a God-given strategy for doing all-age church. For those of you, like myself, who are already involved in leading some form of Messy Church expression, then you might find this reasonably light read useful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCertainly, some of the questions posed at the end of every chapter are provocative and helpful. However, I often found myself asking, who is this book written for? Children's workers? Clergy? Or just those who work at Messy Church HQ? But for a quick read and a book that starts and finishes well, I'd recommend it. Certainly if you're asking the question, 'How do we pass our faith on from one generation to another?' - then it's for you. And if you're not asking that question, perhaps you should be!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Diocese of Gloucester Clergy Bulletin - July 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the questions often asked about 'Messy Church' are 'Is it really church?' 'Doesn't it just entertain people on the fringes of the church?' 'How can such a simple approach actually help people become disciples?' Paul Moore, who with his wife Lucy began Messy Church at St Wilfred's, Cowplain, seeks to address these questions in this book. It's very readable and straight-forward but has some very profound things to say about how people become disciples with lessons on making disciples whether or not you are doing 'Messy Church'. He presents a very helpful overview of how the Bible shows disciples being made in a variety of contexts. He also looks at ideas such as catechesis and inter-generational discipleship. Along the way there are helpful insights into the ways people come to faith, the importance of relationships and involvement in helping people learn and grow, how different learning styles need to be considered. He argues that the Messy Church approach addresses many of these challenges. This book will help those doing 'Messy Church' to think through what they are doing and how it can make disciples but it will help everyone think about how we are seeking to make disciples too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Revd Brian Parfitt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eChurch Times\u003c\/em\u003e - 2 August 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen a Christian community begins to form, requests for baptism and possibly holy communion often follow. Requests for support in growing disciples in an all-age community has resulted in \u003cem\u003eMaking Disciples in Messy Church\u003c\/em\u003e by Paul Moore. He responds to the claim that messy churches are not real church communities with examples of how families have come to faith through messy church, although some would unfairly question his definition of church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA significant number of those attending messy church have little or no church background. Moore offers a helpful beginners' guide to faith development, as participants move through stages of openness to, and spiritual awareness of, God. He makes a strong biblical case for the part played by the all-age community of the church in discipleship and formation, while recognising the substantial commitment of time and resources that effective discipleship demands. \u003cem\u003eMaking Disciples in Messy Church\u003c\/em\u003e would be an excellent resource for PCC members who are engaging with issues of mission and evangelism in general, as well as required reading for those who lead a messy church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Revd Dana Delap is Assistant Curate of St James and St Basil, Fenham, in the diocese of Newcastle.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Pobl Dewi - June 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book of 120 pages divides into three. The first section looks at what it means to be growing as disciples of Jesus and where this might be happening in Messy Church. The second considers discipleship in scripture and how that might affect Messy Church. The third offers recommendations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrototype disciples\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are familiar with models of discipleship, the first section will probably offer little that is new, and 'success' stories from elsewhere are not always encouraging. The central section gives much food for thought: Abraham and Sarah as prototype disciples and the messiness of their situations; how, in the Old Testament, growing in discipleship was done with others, as a people. Community is a recurring strand, and the 'doing together' element of Messy Church does help to build relationships.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow do we grow a community of disciples, rather than concentrating on the individual? Jesus and the apostles formed a community that teaches us to model discipleship where responsibility is given early, and where learning is, initially, largely through experience and doing. Similarly in Acts, it is argued, baptism comes early to the disciple, followed quickly by doing and serving; catechesis comes only later. Does Messy Church mirror that of the epistles in being more rooted in the everyday and less- focussed on 'the special'? It's not just about Sunday morning - there is a space for hospitality and serving and not just for worship services.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe conclusions are well drawn and they are valid for all work across generations. If you are not a fan of Messy Church, the book's subtitle, 'Growing faith in an all age community' is surely something we are all interested in. However good the recommendations, the temptation to jump straight to the end and miss out the central discussion is worth resisting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMelting pot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI admit to having been predisposed to recommend this book. I was already convinced that the principles of Messy Church are simple, achievable by most congregations, and that they can create the melting pot of church and community in which disciples might grow. I was hoping for ideas to add to my Messy Church to encourage that growing of disciples. (And the book did challenge me about the need to be 'intentional about faith building.') So, did I get some ideas? Yes. Very much so. The book assumes that there is a core team overseeing the Messy Church. I need to identify that core team. If we can study this book together, the accompanying thought, discussion and prayer might, God-willing, move on our Messy Church from being a melting pot into a crucible in which faith is forged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Revd Alan Chadwick\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:19+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:20+00:00","vendor":"Paul Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Discipleship","Mar-13","Messy Church books","PDF"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769014771812,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857462183","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436518588516,"product_id":2439744979044,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:20+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:16+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462183-l.jpg?v=1549043176","variant_ids":[21769014771812,33193177907339]},"available":true,"name":"Making Disciples in Messy Church: Growing faith in an all-age community - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":133,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857462183","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238874808459,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462183-l.jpg?v=1549043176"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":33193177907339,"title":"PDF","option1":"PDF","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390638","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436518588516,"product_id":2439744979044,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:20+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:16+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462183-l.jpg?v=1549043176","variant_ids":[21769014771812,33193177907339]},"available":true,"name":"Making Disciples in Messy Church: Growing faith in an all-age community - PDF","public_title":"PDF","options":["PDF"],"price":799,"weight":133,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390638","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238874808459,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462183-l.jpg?v=1549043176"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462183-l.jpg?v=1549043176"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462183-l.jpg?v=1549043176","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238874808459,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462183-l.jpg?v=1549043176"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462183-l.jpg?v=1549043176","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eMessy Church has been widely and enthusiastically adopted as a proven and effective way of introducing families to an experience of Christian community and the good news of Jesus. Sceptics ask, 'Are people becoming Christians through Messy Church?' The evidence is clear that they are. But the next challenging question is, 'Can Messy Church also nurture their faith and make these converts into disciples?'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe aim of this book, by telling stories, analysing the journey to faith, and reflecting on what being a disciple means and the various methods of making disciples found in scripture and church tradition, is to encourage ministers and lay leaders to see how their Messy Church can be an intentional disciple-making community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Moore writes...\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was a Thursday afternoon back in 2004 when the first ever Messy Church took place at St Wilfrid's Church in Cowplain, near Portsmouth, where I am vicar. Our prayer was to introduce people to Jesus by providing a positive, fun-filled experience of Christian community for families who rarely, if ever, go to a traditional church service. Back then, we had no idea that Messy Church would develop and spread the way it has done from Shetland to Cornwall and from Alaska to Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut it's one thing to be able to draw a crowd; are people becoming Christians through Messy Church? Praise God, the answer is definitely, 'Yes'. The key challenging question is, 'Can Messy Church nurture the faith of these new believers and make them into disciples?'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn my new book \u003cem\u003eMaking Disciples in Messy Church\u003c\/em\u003e I aim to\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ehelp church leaders to grasp how Messy Church really can become a disciple-making community, provided we go about it in a deliberate way. To help us become more intentional, the book contains insightful stories and tips from the experience of Messy Churches in the UK and abroad. It provides some tools to enable us to chart what may be a long journey towards faith for families who have little or no Christian background, so that we can offer people the right support and encouragement at the various stages of their journey into discipleship. It also explores what becoming and growing as a disciple means today, looking at the different ways in which disciples were made in Old and New Testament times and later in the history of the church in various contexts. Out of this come recommendations for leaders and questions for further thought and creativity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt's amazing to see how God is using Messy Church to bless people and draw them to Jesus. I hope this book will be an encouragement to all who are involved in leading and helping in Messy Churches to reflect on the wonderful stuff God is doing\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003cstrong\u003ePaul Moore\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContents\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs Messy Church making disciples?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat are disciples and how are they made?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOld Testament discipleship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJesus and discipleship in the Gospels: kingdom community\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisciples in Acts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisciple - making in the Epistles and Revelation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA community discipleship curriculum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn alternative - catechesis then and now\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntergenerational discipleship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscipleship and faith at home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForeword\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Church is a gift from God, one of the Holy Spirit's wonderful surprises, where a step of faith by one very ordinary church has opened the way for more than a thousand others to engage with families who had no serious connection to a church. No one anticipated that the story publicised in the first Fresh Expressions DVD in 2006 would take on such a life of its own. Messy Church is now a movement in its own right, within the wider Fresh Expressions movement. This book, from Paul Moore, the vicar of that church, presents insights from the oldest member of this young family of churches. They are insights from which all who are committed to disciple-making can benefit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who have been unsure of Messy Church, who would like it to be less messy, and who wonder if it really is church, have frequently raised the question of discipleship. How can you possibly make disciples among all that mess, especially if you meet just once per month? On the contrary, I have always believed that Messy Church is as valid a fresh expression of church as any of the many other models and examples. Because of this, I have always been convinced that the secrets of making disciples through Messy Church lay within the gift itself, in the DNA of the original idea given by the Holy Spirit, and that they would emerge over time. The temptation to bolt on ideas from a different model in order to answer questions or solve apparent problems about disciple-making has always been misguided. It is also evidence of impatience. As the gift of Messy Church has been unwrapped during its early years, the secrets have begun to be revealed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Messy Church world is not closed to learning from other sources. Paul draws helpfully from Scripture, from ancient tradition, from other mission practitioners and researchers, from educational theory and from the worldwide Messy family. But, above all, he draws from the underlying values of Messy Church. He tells us not so much how to make disciples through Messy Church as how to create Messy Church as a disciple-making culture, which is much more important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe sets realistic expectations about the time it takes to journey from no church connection to active faith. He robustly defends intergenerational learning. He wants parents equipped to take responsibility for their children's spiritual development, and team members to see Messy Church as their church, not just the place where they volunteer once a month.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI suspect that there may be even more to be unpacked from this surprising gift over the coming years, but for now this will do very well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBishop Graham Cray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArchbishops' Missioner and Leader of the Fresh Expressions Team\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten with clarity and conviction, Making Disciples in Messy Church is a timely and helpful book for a movement that is deeply serious about discipleship. Drawing on biblical, monastic and catechetical approaches, the book contains much wisdom and inspiration for those seeking to make disciples in all forms of church, not just the phenomenon that is Messy Church. The affirmation of the places of family and community in discipleship formation is especially welcome. I warmly and wholeheartedly commend this book.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Andrew Roberts, Methodist Minister and Director of Training for Fresh Expressions \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscipleship is probably the biggest single issue the Church needs to grapple with in our present times. This book has some vital things to say on this central issue, not only to those interested in Messy Church but to all churches. My advice would be: read it, think about what you read and then apply it in your own situation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Male, Director of the Centre for Pioneer Learning, Cambridge \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Church is growing from a single fresh expression of church into a whole movement of mission. Making Disciples in Messy Church brings vital wisdom culled from scripture and from experience to all involved in making disciples. Its lessons are vital for all those engaged in Messy Church and for all those involved in making disciples.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Steven Croft, Bishop of Sheffield \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Messy Church movement is fantastic, helping connect people to Christ and his church through community and creativity. Paul has been on the journey with Messy Church since the start, and in this fascinating book shows how Messy Church is not only reaching people with the Gospel, it is raising up disciples across the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Canon Mark Russell, CEO Church Army \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA joy to read and a contemporary Epistle from a Paul of our time, Making Disciples in Messy Church is a timely and essential read for all who are serious about building upon the good connections to the local community made through Messy Church and seeking how to making disciples in our contemporary age.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Stephen Lindridge, Fresh Expressions Methodist Connexional Missioner \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Moore writes out of first-hand experience. To this he brings deeper and wider thought. The book brings disparate things together in one place: various frameworks to assess progress in discipleship, lively material from a wide range of Scripture, some ecumenical perspectives and sensible questions to ponder. It ends with solid practical suggestions and knocks on the head the critique that Messy Church has no answers to questions of discipleship. It deserves to be read and applied.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e George Lings, Director of the Sheffield Centre\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nPaul Moore is a member of the team that launched Messy Church in 2004. Paul is Archdeacon for Mission Development in Winchester Diocese.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinistry Today - July 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis interesting book delves further into the thorny issue of whether Messy Church really makes disciples. To do this, Paul Moore asks what disciples are and how they are really made, as well as showing how Messy Church moves people onto the discipleship journey. He then carries out a survey of discipleship in the Bible, applying the models he finds there to the practice of Messy Church. It's a good attempt to drill down into a difficult area in order to make sure that Messy Church is not only fun but fruitful. Once again, the connections for All Age Worship of every kind are obvious.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes the balance between describing discipleship patterns in the Bible and actually applying them to Messy Church is too heavily weighted in favour of the former. As a book simply on biblical patterns of discipleship, it is not really sufficient. The real value lies in the application to Messy Church, and I feel more space and depth of analysis could have been given to that application. Each chapter ends with questions for further reflection. 3.5\/5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Dormandy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Magnet Summer 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Moore was part of the team that launched the first Messy Church in 2004. Since then Messy Church has spread worldwide as an intergenerational movement. Bishop Graham Cray in his foreword says, 'As the gift of Messy Church has been unwrapped during its early years the secrets have begun to be revealed.' Moore reveals some of these 'secrets' and shows how Messy Church has become a disciple-making phenomenon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those sceptical about the worth of Messy Church, this book should be read. Paul convincingly explores the journey of discipleship through biblical, monastic and early church material and draws on various frameworks to assess progress in discipleship. After much thoughtful and clearly stated discussion on this important issue he concludes. 'I believe there are lots of good reasons why age-segregated discipleship groups is not necessarily the best way to go. I believe we should persevere with intentional intergenerational disciple-making in our Messy Churches and see how God makes us grow as disciples together'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Tania Brosnan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview from Simon Martin in Country Way - January 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an important book, not least because messy churches, and church leaders more widely, are increasingly asking questions like:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAre people coming to faith through Messy Church?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs it making disciples?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan it justify its claim to be a church?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOr is it just a form of pre - evangelism - a bridge to something deeper, perhaps an Alpha course, and then graduation to Sunday church attendance?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(Of course, these questions are just as urgent and relevant for traditional or inherited forms of church!)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the key things considered in Making Disciples in Messy Church is what discipleship looks like for people with messy lives, as Messy Churches are genuinely attracting large numbers of non - churchgoers. Not just children, but teenagers and adults - both the children's family members and others; not just fringe members - but people who have never been to a church. As Messy Church grows, collectively and individually those involved are having to face up to the need for nurture and discipleship for this disparate group of would - be believers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn terms of discipleship in the contemporary world, rural people and communities are not much different to those in this book. There are recognised issues to do with the nature of small, relatively close - knit communities that may affect the way rural churches engage in evangelism and mission; but most of the key elements of the process of Messy Discipleship outlined above are very important in rural circumstances: suspicion of traditional church, a need to identify and become involved, a desire to support something that is of clear benefit to their children, an appreciation of the holistic and communal elements of becoming part of a Messy Church 'family'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a great deal more to this book than just these things. It considers several potential models of discipleship that might be appropriate (community discipleship, a catechetical approach, intergenerational discipleship, and discipleship within the family); and it lays firm biblical foundations for discipleship from both Old and New Testaments. There is also some more theoretical background on how people come to faith and how their faith develops. Making Disciples in Messy Church is not the whole answer, but it is a vital and readable tool in helping all of us work out what is appropriate in our own places. Read it!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Childrenswork magazine - December 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMaking Disciples in Messy Church\u003c\/em\u003e provides wisdom and theological support for the successful movement of Messy Church. If those two words (Messy Church) don't mean anything to you then I'd encourage you to read the book and learn more about a God-given strategy for doing all-age church. For those of you, like myself, who are already involved in leading some form of Messy Church expression, then you might find this reasonably light read useful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCertainly, some of the questions posed at the end of every chapter are provocative and helpful. However, I often found myself asking, who is this book written for? Children's workers? Clergy? Or just those who work at Messy Church HQ? But for a quick read and a book that starts and finishes well, I'd recommend it. Certainly if you're asking the question, 'How do we pass our faith on from one generation to another?' - then it's for you. And if you're not asking that question, perhaps you should be!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Diocese of Gloucester Clergy Bulletin - July 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the questions often asked about 'Messy Church' are 'Is it really church?' 'Doesn't it just entertain people on the fringes of the church?' 'How can such a simple approach actually help people become disciples?' Paul Moore, who with his wife Lucy began Messy Church at St Wilfred's, Cowplain, seeks to address these questions in this book. It's very readable and straight-forward but has some very profound things to say about how people become disciples with lessons on making disciples whether or not you are doing 'Messy Church'. He presents a very helpful overview of how the Bible shows disciples being made in a variety of contexts. He also looks at ideas such as catechesis and inter-generational discipleship. Along the way there are helpful insights into the ways people come to faith, the importance of relationships and involvement in helping people learn and grow, how different learning styles need to be considered. He argues that the Messy Church approach addresses many of these challenges. This book will help those doing 'Messy Church' to think through what they are doing and how it can make disciples but it will help everyone think about how we are seeking to make disciples too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Revd Brian Parfitt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eChurch Times\u003c\/em\u003e - 2 August 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen a Christian community begins to form, requests for baptism and possibly holy communion often follow. Requests for support in growing disciples in an all-age community has resulted in \u003cem\u003eMaking Disciples in Messy Church\u003c\/em\u003e by Paul Moore. He responds to the claim that messy churches are not real church communities with examples of how families have come to faith through messy church, although some would unfairly question his definition of church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA significant number of those attending messy church have little or no church background. Moore offers a helpful beginners' guide to faith development, as participants move through stages of openness to, and spiritual awareness of, God. He makes a strong biblical case for the part played by the all-age community of the church in discipleship and formation, while recognising the substantial commitment of time and resources that effective discipleship demands. \u003cem\u003eMaking Disciples in Messy Church\u003c\/em\u003e would be an excellent resource for PCC members who are engaging with issues of mission and evangelism in general, as well as required reading for those who lead a messy church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Revd Dana Delap is Assistant Curate of St James and St Basil, Fenham, in the diocese of Newcastle.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Pobl Dewi - June 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book of 120 pages divides into three. The first section looks at what it means to be growing as disciples of Jesus and where this might be happening in Messy Church. The second considers discipleship in scripture and how that might affect Messy Church. The third offers recommendations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrototype disciples\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are familiar with models of discipleship, the first section will probably offer little that is new, and 'success' stories from elsewhere are not always encouraging. The central section gives much food for thought: Abraham and Sarah as prototype disciples and the messiness of their situations; how, in the Old Testament, growing in discipleship was done with others, as a people. Community is a recurring strand, and the 'doing together' element of Messy Church does help to build relationships.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow do we grow a community of disciples, rather than concentrating on the individual? Jesus and the apostles formed a community that teaches us to model discipleship where responsibility is given early, and where learning is, initially, largely through experience and doing. Similarly in Acts, it is argued, baptism comes early to the disciple, followed quickly by doing and serving; catechesis comes only later. Does Messy Church mirror that of the epistles in being more rooted in the everyday and less- focussed on 'the special'? It's not just about Sunday morning - there is a space for hospitality and serving and not just for worship services.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe conclusions are well drawn and they are valid for all work across generations. If you are not a fan of Messy Church, the book's subtitle, 'Growing faith in an all age community' is surely something we are all interested in. However good the recommendations, the temptation to jump straight to the end and miss out the central discussion is worth resisting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMelting pot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI admit to having been predisposed to recommend this book. I was already convinced that the principles of Messy Church are simple, achievable by most congregations, and that they can create the melting pot of church and community in which disciples might grow. I was hoping for ideas to add to my Messy Church to encourage that growing of disciples. (And the book did challenge me about the need to be 'intentional about faith building.') So, did I get some ideas? Yes. Very much so. The book assumes that there is a core team overseeing the Messy Church. I need to identify that core team. If we can study this book together, the accompanying thought, discussion and prayer might, God-willing, move on our Messy Church from being a melting pot into a crucible in which faith is forged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Revd Alan Chadwick\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Making Disciples in Messy Church: Growing faith in an all-age community
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Messy Church has been widely and enthusiastically adopted as a proven and effective way of introducing families to an experience...
{"id":4853444214923,"title":"Mentoring Conversations: 30 key topics to explore together","handle":"mentoring-conversations-30-key-topics-to-explore-together","description":"\u003cp\u003eA core resource for anyone involved in spiritual mentoring, Mentoring Conversations provides a basis for spiritual conversation in a mentoring context through 30 short chapters structured around six key topic areas: Foundations; Steps to growth; Living out your faith; Going deeper; Staying strong; and Living with mystery. Each chapter begins with a Bible passage or text, followed by the author’s comment on the topic, questions for discussion, scriptures for further reflection and suggestions for further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SmhsuAecoyc\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall is a well-respected author and retreat leader with a lifetime’s experience in mentoring others, including church leaders and missionaries, in Britain as well as overseas. His book \u003cem\u003eMentoring for Spiritual Growth\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2016) has helped many to understand the importance of mentoring in today’s church, and to take their first steps in mentoring others. For the last ten years he has convened an annual Spiritual Mentoring Forum for those wishing to develop their interest in this vital area of disciple-making.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/212958208834\/user\/1649153580\/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUryqrtr80pGc7U2GStVjsrGkaOvlZfWoAccNy3bV7kSCAx9Oog8d4u6Zv0x0HyOktkJP-D-BlUH4gLgw-B9iWVDEdbw7y1gDbdUq-_rYBNTIfiD3PnrY1cIotx9H7AX3rUp7A2oxAs5gwu30z3ifFj-IbIYzGnnFifrtPMitFxxZrCOPZ8K1jC-bKdxiXgGGY\u0026amp;__tn__=-UC%2CP-R\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I want to thank Tony for this amazing resource. A lot of my time now is spent offering Spiritual Direction and in spite of excellent training both for ordination and later for Spiritual Direction, I often feel in need of help! And here it is - thoughtful and thought provoking, easy to use, a wonderful resource and a mine of helpful ideas and questions. Even if you don't mentor others, I can recommend this as a resource for your own spiritual journey and growth; each section has some excellent input based on Scripture and ideas and questions to help you to go deeper with God and think about transformation in your own life.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePenelope Swithinbank, Woman Alive Book Club\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'For anyone involved in spiritual mentoring, this book provides a basis for conversations through 30 short chapters around 6 key themes in the Christian life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter begins with a Bible passage, Tony’s comment, then questions to use with someone as starting points for conversation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany pastors\/clergy have been looking for a resource\/framework\/tool for ongoing discussion with church members to help them grow in faith, through mentoring. Well, Tony has given us all a huge gift in this book and, at just £9.99, I can see it being one of the most dipped into books on our shelves for many years to come.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Paul Eddy, Vicar of Stanford in the Vale, Oxfordshire and Researcher into Male Identity, Spirituality and Discipleship.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I thoroughly and wholeheartedly recommend this book by Tony Horsfall. It will be such a blessing for all engaged in such conversations. It is outstanding and will be such a help to all who walk with others in the making of disciples and growing in Christlikeness. Thank you Tony. CHOOSE IT AND USE IT!!!'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBishop Ken Clarke\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'A treasury of wisdom and practical help\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTony Horsfall has a gift for effortlessly combining the profound truths of Scripture with grounded, practical application for our everyday lives. His new book, Mentoring Conversations, is a treasury of wisdom and practical help for both the experienced mentor and those who are just beginning to accompany others on their journey of faith. Drawing from his many years of rich experience as a mentor, the thirty topics Tony presents cover the key areas which all of us need to engage with in order to grow more surely into a deeper relationship with God and into a transformed life. I found the section on ‘Staying Strong’ particularly helpful in these Covid riven days; the questions following the topics of ‘building resilience’ and ‘the importance of self-care’ were incisive and relevant ones for me, and I’m looking forward to exploring these topics even more with the women I’m currently mentoring. I so appreciate the real- world wisdom of this book and I have a feeling I’ll be drawing from the depths of resources this book provides for many years to come.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMags Duggan, author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/god-among-the-ruins-trust-and-transformation-in-difficult-times?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=8589002da\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eGod Among the Ruins\u003c\/a\u003e and\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/a-better-song-to-sing-finding-life-again-through-the-invitations-of-jesus?_pos=3\u0026amp;_sid=10b0ff8a8\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘There are many books about mentoring but few books for mentoring. Tony Horsfall, after 20 years of practice and reflection, now provides such a book. This is not a book about how mentoring should (or shouldn’t) be done, but a kind of atlas of potential conversation starters, charting the many personal and theological issues that may arise within a journey of faith. Each chapter is short and snappy, as well as being both biblically rooted and pastorally sensitive. The chapters also provide plenty of opportunities for going deeper into specific issues, with insightful discussion questions and recommended reading. This book will be a handy resource for mentors and mentees as they explore the great issues of Christian discipleship together.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAaron Edwards, lecturer and programme lead for the MA Mission and Christian Mentoring pathway at Cliff College, Derbyshire\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘In this insightful book, Tony Horsfall reminds us that conversation is at the heart of a spiritual mentoring relationship. Tony invites us to reflect upon the conversations we enter into with our mentoring practice, asking us to engage in “holy conversation”. Covering topics foundational to Christian formation with clarity, this book is an essential practical resource to draw upon and a must read for all those who are serving as a mentor today.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJennie Fytche, training provider and mentor, Christian Coach and Mentor Network\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This wonderful book will make an excellent tool, enabling both mentor and mentee to walk together with God. It will provoke conversation, reminding them of what God has already done in their lives, and offer practical teaching to increase a sense of his presence and purpose for the future. Rooted in scripture, it will help answer the heart cry of many for a deeper walk with Jesus. I am delighted to commend this volume to anyone who is serious about following Christ.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndy Lancaster, pastoral care leader, Bridge Community Church, Leeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Another gem of a book from Tony. It is written in a conversational style that is easy to read and yet has some deep thoughts on the area of mentoring. I loved the questions at the end of each chapter to help mentor and mentee alike move on in their spiritual journey. Definitely a must for my “holy conversations” in mentoring – I will definitely be using this book with all of my mentees.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSharon Prior, senior lecturer, Moorlands College\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘\u003cem\u003eMentoring Conversations\u003c\/em\u003e will be an invaluable resource for Christian mentors who want to engage their mentees in searching and transformative dialogue. The wide range of topics make it suitable for use with Christians at any stage of faith who have a desire to grow as disciples of Jesus. Although it is written primarily with a one-to-one mentoring relationship in mind, I can also see this book being useful for those engaged in peer mentoring or even small spiritual formation groups. Each topic has the potential to be a catalyst for transformation and growth. I am excited about adding this to my own mentoring resources.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMajor Jane Alton, Salvation Army officer, church leader and Christian mentor\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Tony Horsfall is recognised and respected as an elder statesman in the area of mentoring, and this book is a gift to those of us who have been inspired and encouraged by him. In its down-to-earth and biblically based focus on the growth of the individual, it mirrors Tony’s own approach to any conversation you have with him – you leave feeling encouraged, challenged and that you have had his undivided attention! I shall use this mentoring tool, which is riddled with insights and wisdom, widely in my own mentoring, both formally and informally.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Wilcox, The Christian Coach and Mentor Network and author of Intentional Mentoring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Another rich yet practical book from Tony Horsfall. As more churches and missions become aware of the value of mentoring relationships, this book is a timely gift with the comprehensive range of topics included. The conversation starters will assist experienced mentors to take interactions to a deeper level and will be a godsend to people new to mentoring.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChristine Perkins, Pioneers UK member care for single women\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Matters. Review by Paul Beasley-Murray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMentoring Conversations: 30 Key topics to explore together \u003c\/em\u003eis a great resource by an experienced mentor. The focus of the book is on producing mature disciples. Although it can be used in small groups, the primary intention is for the book to be used in a one-to-one setting where both mentor and mentoree each have a copy. Helpful quotations abound: e.g. 'For optimal spiritual health, conversations on spiritual matters matter. They speak to our desire to know and be known by God and one another, and to do so in community.' Each chapter has a series of ‘conversation starters’ as also a guide to further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Paul Beasley-Murray, author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/make-the-most-of-retirement?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=700927f23\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eMake the Most of Retirement \u003c\/a\u003eand editor of \u003ca href=\"www.paulbeasleymurray.com\"\u003eChurch Matters.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-05-01T16:32:57+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-01T17:28:28+01:00","vendor":"Tony Horsfall","type":"Paperback","tags":["Discipleship","For individuals","Group reading","Kindle","Oct-20","Pastoral care","Spirituality"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":33575301152907,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469250","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Mentoring Conversations: 30 key topics to explore together","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":241,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469250","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469250.jpg?v=1588350510"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469250.jpg?v=1588350510","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":7670340681867,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469250.jpg?v=1588350510"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469250.jpg?v=1588350510","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eA core resource for anyone involved in spiritual mentoring, Mentoring Conversations provides a basis for spiritual conversation in a mentoring context through 30 short chapters structured around six key topic areas: Foundations; Steps to growth; Living out your faith; Going deeper; Staying strong; and Living with mystery. Each chapter begins with a Bible passage or text, followed by the author’s comment on the topic, questions for discussion, scriptures for further reflection and suggestions for further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SmhsuAecoyc\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall is a well-respected author and retreat leader with a lifetime’s experience in mentoring others, including church leaders and missionaries, in Britain as well as overseas. His book \u003cem\u003eMentoring for Spiritual Growth\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2016) has helped many to understand the importance of mentoring in today’s church, and to take their first steps in mentoring others. For the last ten years he has convened an annual Spiritual Mentoring Forum for those wishing to develop their interest in this vital area of disciple-making.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/212958208834\/user\/1649153580\/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUryqrtr80pGc7U2GStVjsrGkaOvlZfWoAccNy3bV7kSCAx9Oog8d4u6Zv0x0HyOktkJP-D-BlUH4gLgw-B9iWVDEdbw7y1gDbdUq-_rYBNTIfiD3PnrY1cIotx9H7AX3rUp7A2oxAs5gwu30z3ifFj-IbIYzGnnFifrtPMitFxxZrCOPZ8K1jC-bKdxiXgGGY\u0026amp;__tn__=-UC%2CP-R\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I want to thank Tony for this amazing resource. A lot of my time now is spent offering Spiritual Direction and in spite of excellent training both for ordination and later for Spiritual Direction, I often feel in need of help! And here it is - thoughtful and thought provoking, easy to use, a wonderful resource and a mine of helpful ideas and questions. Even if you don't mentor others, I can recommend this as a resource for your own spiritual journey and growth; each section has some excellent input based on Scripture and ideas and questions to help you to go deeper with God and think about transformation in your own life.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePenelope Swithinbank, Woman Alive Book Club\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'For anyone involved in spiritual mentoring, this book provides a basis for conversations through 30 short chapters around 6 key themes in the Christian life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter begins with a Bible passage, Tony’s comment, then questions to use with someone as starting points for conversation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany pastors\/clergy have been looking for a resource\/framework\/tool for ongoing discussion with church members to help them grow in faith, through mentoring. Well, Tony has given us all a huge gift in this book and, at just £9.99, I can see it being one of the most dipped into books on our shelves for many years to come.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Paul Eddy, Vicar of Stanford in the Vale, Oxfordshire and Researcher into Male Identity, Spirituality and Discipleship.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I thoroughly and wholeheartedly recommend this book by Tony Horsfall. It will be such a blessing for all engaged in such conversations. It is outstanding and will be such a help to all who walk with others in the making of disciples and growing in Christlikeness. Thank you Tony. CHOOSE IT AND USE IT!!!'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBishop Ken Clarke\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'A treasury of wisdom and practical help\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTony Horsfall has a gift for effortlessly combining the profound truths of Scripture with grounded, practical application for our everyday lives. His new book, Mentoring Conversations, is a treasury of wisdom and practical help for both the experienced mentor and those who are just beginning to accompany others on their journey of faith. Drawing from his many years of rich experience as a mentor, the thirty topics Tony presents cover the key areas which all of us need to engage with in order to grow more surely into a deeper relationship with God and into a transformed life. I found the section on ‘Staying Strong’ particularly helpful in these Covid riven days; the questions following the topics of ‘building resilience’ and ‘the importance of self-care’ were incisive and relevant ones for me, and I’m looking forward to exploring these topics even more with the women I’m currently mentoring. I so appreciate the real- world wisdom of this book and I have a feeling I’ll be drawing from the depths of resources this book provides for many years to come.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMags Duggan, author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/god-among-the-ruins-trust-and-transformation-in-difficult-times?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=8589002da\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eGod Among the Ruins\u003c\/a\u003e and\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/a-better-song-to-sing-finding-life-again-through-the-invitations-of-jesus?_pos=3\u0026amp;_sid=10b0ff8a8\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘There are many books about mentoring but few books for mentoring. Tony Horsfall, after 20 years of practice and reflection, now provides such a book. This is not a book about how mentoring should (or shouldn’t) be done, but a kind of atlas of potential conversation starters, charting the many personal and theological issues that may arise within a journey of faith. Each chapter is short and snappy, as well as being both biblically rooted and pastorally sensitive. The chapters also provide plenty of opportunities for going deeper into specific issues, with insightful discussion questions and recommended reading. This book will be a handy resource for mentors and mentees as they explore the great issues of Christian discipleship together.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAaron Edwards, lecturer and programme lead for the MA Mission and Christian Mentoring pathway at Cliff College, Derbyshire\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘In this insightful book, Tony Horsfall reminds us that conversation is at the heart of a spiritual mentoring relationship. Tony invites us to reflect upon the conversations we enter into with our mentoring practice, asking us to engage in “holy conversation”. Covering topics foundational to Christian formation with clarity, this book is an essential practical resource to draw upon and a must read for all those who are serving as a mentor today.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJennie Fytche, training provider and mentor, Christian Coach and Mentor Network\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This wonderful book will make an excellent tool, enabling both mentor and mentee to walk together with God. It will provoke conversation, reminding them of what God has already done in their lives, and offer practical teaching to increase a sense of his presence and purpose for the future. Rooted in scripture, it will help answer the heart cry of many for a deeper walk with Jesus. I am delighted to commend this volume to anyone who is serious about following Christ.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndy Lancaster, pastoral care leader, Bridge Community Church, Leeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Another gem of a book from Tony. It is written in a conversational style that is easy to read and yet has some deep thoughts on the area of mentoring. I loved the questions at the end of each chapter to help mentor and mentee alike move on in their spiritual journey. Definitely a must for my “holy conversations” in mentoring – I will definitely be using this book with all of my mentees.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSharon Prior, senior lecturer, Moorlands College\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘\u003cem\u003eMentoring Conversations\u003c\/em\u003e will be an invaluable resource for Christian mentors who want to engage their mentees in searching and transformative dialogue. The wide range of topics make it suitable for use with Christians at any stage of faith who have a desire to grow as disciples of Jesus. Although it is written primarily with a one-to-one mentoring relationship in mind, I can also see this book being useful for those engaged in peer mentoring or even small spiritual formation groups. Each topic has the potential to be a catalyst for transformation and growth. I am excited about adding this to my own mentoring resources.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMajor Jane Alton, Salvation Army officer, church leader and Christian mentor\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Tony Horsfall is recognised and respected as an elder statesman in the area of mentoring, and this book is a gift to those of us who have been inspired and encouraged by him. In its down-to-earth and biblically based focus on the growth of the individual, it mirrors Tony’s own approach to any conversation you have with him – you leave feeling encouraged, challenged and that you have had his undivided attention! I shall use this mentoring tool, which is riddled with insights and wisdom, widely in my own mentoring, both formally and informally.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Wilcox, The Christian Coach and Mentor Network and author of Intentional Mentoring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Another rich yet practical book from Tony Horsfall. As more churches and missions become aware of the value of mentoring relationships, this book is a timely gift with the comprehensive range of topics included. The conversation starters will assist experienced mentors to take interactions to a deeper level and will be a godsend to people new to mentoring.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChristine Perkins, Pioneers UK member care for single women\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Matters. Review by Paul Beasley-Murray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMentoring Conversations: 30 Key topics to explore together \u003c\/em\u003eis a great resource by an experienced mentor. The focus of the book is on producing mature disciples. Although it can be used in small groups, the primary intention is for the book to be used in a one-to-one setting where both mentor and mentoree each have a copy. Helpful quotations abound: e.g. 'For optimal spiritual health, conversations on spiritual matters matter. They speak to our desire to know and be known by God and one another, and to do so in community.' Each chapter has a series of ‘conversation starters’ as also a guide to further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Paul Beasley-Murray, author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/make-the-most-of-retirement?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=700927f23\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eMake the Most of Retirement \u003c\/a\u003eand editor of \u003ca href=\"www.paulbeasleymurray.com\"\u003eChurch Matters.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Mentoring Conversations: 30 key topics to explore together
£9.99
A core resource for anyone involved in spiritual mentoring, Mentoring Conversations provides a basis for spiritual conversation in a mentoring...
{"id":7130725941439,"title":"Messy Adventures: Twelve outdoor sessions for Messy Churches","handle":"messy-adventures","description":"\u003cp\u003eTwelve sessions for Messy Churches to do outdoors, created by a Messy Church Goes Wild writer team, enhanced by additions from scientists, and piloted in urban and rural Messy Churches. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eSession titles\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild and wilderness!, Wet and wild!, Wild and rocky!, Wild and weedy!, Wild woods!, Wild weather!, Wild on the wing!, Wild and wiggly!, Wild safari!, Wild me!, Wild on the move!, Wild life!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church. She promotes Messy Church nationally and\u003cbr\u003einternationally through training and speaking events, and is the author of a number of\u003cbr\u003ebooks for BRF.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAdditional authors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDave Gregory, Cate Williams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 10.08.23. Review by Rona Orme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe concept of \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.churchtimes.co.uk\/articles\/2022\/9-september\/books-arts\/book-reviews\/messy-church-goes-wild-caring-for-the-world-we-live-in-by-lucy-moore\"\u003eMessy Church Goes Wild\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e is an outdoor, environmental development beyond the original Messy Church. The gospel here is communicated in response to nature. This may be a challenge for some inner-city parishes. At first glance, this new resource is slightly daunting and complex. We are offered a pick-and-mix of ideas for each of 12 sets of material for Messy adventures. We are encouraged to share videos via scanned QR codes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sessions have a strong scientific basis. There are many fun and challenging activities and experiments, but there were times when I felt that the good news of Jesus was in danger of being side-lined by the scientific excitement. I wondered how much prior Bible knowledge was needed to put some of the material into context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkilled and experienced leaders will be able to keep a good balance between the fascinating science and offering reflection on Bible stories. The session on “wilderness” not only focuses on Jesus’s forty-day experience, but also brings in both Elijah and the manna from heaven (depending on the sections chosen to follow). Will children and those new to faith remember those accounts, or will they be too caught up in making fire, discovering how a compass works, or learning about poustinias?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the strengths of Messy Church is the focus on building relationships, and there are plenty of opportunities here to do that. Valuing the environment is of great importance to many families, and it is good to have material that follows that interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have some concerns about the accessibility of some ideas. Safeguarding, health, and safety are carefully addressed, but I found no suggestions for adapting material for people with physical disabilities. Also, I am unsure that all the material will be suitable for families with neuro-diverse members. Our awareness of differently abled people has increased greatly in recent years; so it would be good to have some advice included where appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten with wry humour, this helps with some of the more complicated scientific explanations. To use this book well will require commitment, confidence, and creativity. If you long to explore science, faith, and the beautiful outdoors, this resource may be for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRona Orme is a licensed lay minister in the diocese of Salisbury, and a former Children’s Missioner for the diocese of Peterborough.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices Sept 23. Review by Denise Beckley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis gives a treasure chest of ideas which can relate to the twelve suggested themes. Anybody used to using a pick and mix method of planning will find inspiration. Each theme gives a section to be used ‘on the move’ and a section which may be used as ‘Adventure in one spot’. Each section is followed by activities to explore the theme, scientific information and explanation. Safety notes and risk assessment help are included as required alongside activities. Before delving into the theme activity session, both seasoned pick and mix users and those more used to a structured layout, would do well to read the How to use Messy Adventures chapter. Explanations as to how to fit into ‘Messy Church’ structure are also included as Celebrations and suggestions regarding menus to enable you to enjoy food together outdoors. The reader is then invited to go on an adventure planned to suit their group, and invited to activities and scripture to ‘think outside of the box’. However, should some of the ideas feel a little outside your comfort zone, other options can be found. This is a valuable and practical resource.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Denise Beckley \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2022-01-10T17:31:03+00:00","created_at":"2022-01-10T17:17:03+00:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore, Dave Gregory, Cate Williams and Jane Butler","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","Messy Church","Messy Church books"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":41214543986879,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391499","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34332098822335,"product_id":7130725941439,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-04-14T12:14:56+01:00","updated_at":"2023-04-14T12:14:58+01:00","alt":null,"width":2480,"height":3508,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MessyAdventures.jpg?v=1681470898","variant_ids":[41214543986879]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Adventures: Twelve outdoor sessions for Messy Churches - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1299,"weight":830,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391499","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":26947044933823,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"width":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MessyAdventures.jpg?v=1681470898"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MessyAdventures.jpg?v=1681470898"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MessyAdventures.jpg?v=1681470898","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":26947044933823,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"width":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MessyAdventures.jpg?v=1681470898"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MessyAdventures.jpg?v=1681470898","width":2480}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eTwelve sessions for Messy Churches to do outdoors, created by a Messy Church Goes Wild writer team, enhanced by additions from scientists, and piloted in urban and rural Messy Churches. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eSession titles\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild and wilderness!, Wet and wild!, Wild and rocky!, Wild and weedy!, Wild woods!, Wild weather!, Wild on the wing!, Wild and wiggly!, Wild safari!, Wild me!, Wild on the move!, Wild life!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church. She promotes Messy Church nationally and\u003cbr\u003einternationally through training and speaking events, and is the author of a number of\u003cbr\u003ebooks for BRF.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAdditional authors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDave Gregory, Cate Williams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 10.08.23. Review by Rona Orme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe concept of \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.churchtimes.co.uk\/articles\/2022\/9-september\/books-arts\/book-reviews\/messy-church-goes-wild-caring-for-the-world-we-live-in-by-lucy-moore\"\u003eMessy Church Goes Wild\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e is an outdoor, environmental development beyond the original Messy Church. The gospel here is communicated in response to nature. This may be a challenge for some inner-city parishes. At first glance, this new resource is slightly daunting and complex. We are offered a pick-and-mix of ideas for each of 12 sets of material for Messy adventures. We are encouraged to share videos via scanned QR codes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sessions have a strong scientific basis. There are many fun and challenging activities and experiments, but there were times when I felt that the good news of Jesus was in danger of being side-lined by the scientific excitement. I wondered how much prior Bible knowledge was needed to put some of the material into context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkilled and experienced leaders will be able to keep a good balance between the fascinating science and offering reflection on Bible stories. The session on “wilderness” not only focuses on Jesus’s forty-day experience, but also brings in both Elijah and the manna from heaven (depending on the sections chosen to follow). Will children and those new to faith remember those accounts, or will they be too caught up in making fire, discovering how a compass works, or learning about poustinias?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the strengths of Messy Church is the focus on building relationships, and there are plenty of opportunities here to do that. Valuing the environment is of great importance to many families, and it is good to have material that follows that interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have some concerns about the accessibility of some ideas. Safeguarding, health, and safety are carefully addressed, but I found no suggestions for adapting material for people with physical disabilities. Also, I am unsure that all the material will be suitable for families with neuro-diverse members. Our awareness of differently abled people has increased greatly in recent years; so it would be good to have some advice included where appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten with wry humour, this helps with some of the more complicated scientific explanations. To use this book well will require commitment, confidence, and creativity. If you long to explore science, faith, and the beautiful outdoors, this resource may be for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRona Orme is a licensed lay minister in the diocese of Salisbury, and a former Children’s Missioner for the diocese of Peterborough.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices Sept 23. Review by Denise Beckley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis gives a treasure chest of ideas which can relate to the twelve suggested themes. Anybody used to using a pick and mix method of planning will find inspiration. Each theme gives a section to be used ‘on the move’ and a section which may be used as ‘Adventure in one spot’. Each section is followed by activities to explore the theme, scientific information and explanation. Safety notes and risk assessment help are included as required alongside activities. Before delving into the theme activity session, both seasoned pick and mix users and those more used to a structured layout, would do well to read the How to use Messy Adventures chapter. Explanations as to how to fit into ‘Messy Church’ structure are also included as Celebrations and suggestions regarding menus to enable you to enjoy food together outdoors. The reader is then invited to go on an adventure planned to suit their group, and invited to activities and scripture to ‘think outside of the box’. However, should some of the ideas feel a little outside your comfort zone, other options can be found. This is a valuable and practical resource.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Denise Beckley \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Messy Adventures: Twelve outdoor sessions for Messy Churches
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Twelve sessions for Messy Churches to do outdoors, created by a Messy Church Goes Wild writer team, enhanced by additions from...
{"id":7820826083519,"title":"Messy Basics: Christian Basics Made Messy","handle":"messy-basics-christian-basics-made-messy","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMessy Basics is a discipleship course with Messy Church in mind. For groups young, old and anywhere in between, it comprises twelve sessions helping people to: explore who God is and what Christians believe God is like; dive into the life and claims of Jesus; consider the role and place of the Holy Spirit; and discover how God cares for us all and how faith impacts everyday life. It’s an ideal way to introduce people to the basics of Christian faith but also to ground believers (whether just out of the starting blocks or seasoned sages) in the truths of the gospel. It works well for baptism preparation, a family devotional time or any intergenerational group. Messy Basics complements the session material in Get Messy! Volume 2 so that the same topic can be explored between Messy Church gatherings but using different Bible passages, or it can be used on its own. \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable in PDF Digital Download only.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7S-CllEPkeI?si=nQI2uK9F8eHeaurD\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 20px; float: right;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Aike_Kennett-Brown.jpg?v=1677509845\" width=\"342\" height=\"342\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAike leads the BRF Ministries Messy Church team, supporting the Messy Church network both nationally and internationally, through writing, speaking, training, developing resources and projects. Aike’s Messy Church journey started in 2010, as a volunteer leader, then a paid Messy Church pioneer in her local church, before taking up a regional role for Southwark Diocese in 2017. Currently she’s involved with a Messy Church Goes Wild in Greenwich, London.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-05-10T15:20:44+01:00","created_at":"2024-05-10T12:12:56+01:00","vendor":"Messy Church","type":"Digital Download PDF","tags":["2024","Courses","Discipleship","For churches","Leadership","Messy Church","Messy Church books","Messy Church Courses","New Titles","PDF"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":43298246623423,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800393721","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Basics: Christian Basics Made Messy","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800393721","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Messybasicspdf.png?v=1717769579"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Messybasicspdf.png?v=1717769579","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":28995715104959,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":2000,"width":1414,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Messybasicspdf.png?v=1717769579"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Messybasicspdf.png?v=1717769579","width":1414}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMessy Basics is a discipleship course with Messy Church in mind. For groups young, old and anywhere in between, it comprises twelve sessions helping people to: explore who God is and what Christians believe God is like; dive into the life and claims of Jesus; consider the role and place of the Holy Spirit; and discover how God cares for us all and how faith impacts everyday life. It’s an ideal way to introduce people to the basics of Christian faith but also to ground believers (whether just out of the starting blocks or seasoned sages) in the truths of the gospel. It works well for baptism preparation, a family devotional time or any intergenerational group. Messy Basics complements the session material in Get Messy! Volume 2 so that the same topic can be explored between Messy Church gatherings but using different Bible passages, or it can be used on its own. \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable in PDF Digital Download only.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7S-CllEPkeI?si=nQI2uK9F8eHeaurD\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 20px; float: right;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Aike_Kennett-Brown.jpg?v=1677509845\" width=\"342\" height=\"342\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAike leads the BRF Ministries Messy Church team, supporting the Messy Church network both nationally and internationally, through writing, speaking, training, developing resources and projects. Aike’s Messy Church journey started in 2010, as a volunteer leader, then a paid Messy Church pioneer in her local church, before taking up a regional role for Southwark Diocese in 2017. Currently she’s involved with a Messy Church Goes Wild in Greenwich, London.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Volume 2 so that the same topic can be explored between Messy Church gatherings but using different Bible passages, or it can be used on its own. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable in PDF Digital Download only.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg height=\"342\" width=\"342\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Aike_Kennett-Brown.jpg?v=1677509845\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 20px; float: right;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAike leads the BRF Ministries Messy Church team, supporting the Messy Church network both nationally and internationally, through writing, speaking, training, developing resources and projects. 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It’s all about grace"],"price":199,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394131","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43418804256959,"title":"Messy Basics: 4. God enters the world","option1":"Messy Basics: 4. God enters the world","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394063","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Basics: Christian Basics Made Messy Individual Sessions - Messy Basics: 4. God enters the world","public_title":"Messy Basics: 4. God enters the world","options":["Messy Basics: 4. God enters the world"],"price":199,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394063","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43418804289727,"title":"Messy Basics: 5. Who is Jesus? It’s all about mercy","option1":"Messy Basics: 5. Who is Jesus? It’s all about mercy","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394087","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Basics: Christian Basics Made Messy Individual Sessions - Messy Basics: 5. Who is Jesus? It’s all about mercy","public_title":"Messy Basics: 5. Who is Jesus? It’s all about mercy","options":["Messy Basics: 5. Who is Jesus? It’s all about mercy"],"price":199,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394087","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43418804322495,"title":"Messy Basics: 6. What did Jesus say? ‘I forgive you’","option1":"Messy Basics: 6. What did Jesus say? ‘I forgive you’","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394070","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Basics: Christian Basics Made Messy Individual Sessions - Messy Basics: 6. What did Jesus say? ‘I forgive you’","public_title":"Messy Basics: 6. What did Jesus say? ‘I forgive you’","options":["Messy Basics: 6. What did Jesus say? ‘I forgive you’"],"price":199,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394070","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43418804355263,"title":"Messy Basics: 7. All can be saved","option1":"Messy Basics: 7. All can be saved","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394117","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Basics: Christian Basics Made Messy Individual Sessions - Messy Basics: 7. All can be saved","public_title":"Messy Basics: 7. All can be saved","options":["Messy Basics: 7. All can be saved"],"price":199,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394117","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43418804388031,"title":"Messy Basics: 8. Jesus cares for us: the cross","option1":"Messy Basics: 8. Jesus cares for us: the cross","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394049","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Basics: Christian Basics Made Messy Individual Sessions - Messy Basics: 8. Jesus cares for us: the cross","public_title":"Messy Basics: 8. Jesus cares for us: the cross","options":["Messy Basics: 8. Jesus cares for us: the cross"],"price":199,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394049","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43418804420799,"title":"Messy Basics: 9. Is God real? The resurrection","option1":"Messy Basics: 9. Is God real? The resurrection","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394124","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Basics: Christian Basics Made Messy Individual Sessions - Messy Basics: 9. Is God real? The resurrection","public_title":"Messy Basics: 9. Is God real? The resurrection","options":["Messy Basics: 9. Is God real? The resurrection"],"price":199,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394124","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43418804453567,"title":"Messy Basics: 10. Who is the Holy Spirit?","option1":"Messy Basics: 10. Who is the Holy Spirit?","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394100","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Basics: Christian Basics Made Messy Individual Sessions - Messy Basics: 10. Who is the Holy Spirit?","public_title":"Messy Basics: 10. Who is the Holy Spirit?","options":["Messy Basics: 10. Who is the Holy Spirit?"],"price":199,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394100","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43418804486335,"title":"Messy Basics: 11. Come follow me","option1":"Messy Basics: 11. Come follow me","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394094","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Basics: Christian Basics Made Messy Individual Sessions - Messy Basics: 11. Come follow me","public_title":"Messy Basics: 11. Come follow me","options":["Messy Basics: 11. Come follow me"],"price":199,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394094","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43418804519103,"title":"Messy Basics: 12. Can I trust God? A new direction","option1":"Messy Basics: 12. Can I trust God? A new direction","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394056","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Basics: Christian Basics Made Messy Individual Sessions - Messy Basics: 12. Can I trust God? A new direction","public_title":"Messy Basics: 12. Can I trust God? A new direction","options":["Messy Basics: 12. Can I trust God? A new direction"],"price":199,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394056","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MessyBasicsIndividualSessions.png?v=1717769653"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MessyBasicsIndividualSessions.png?v=1717769653","options":["Session Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":28995719889087,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":2000,"width":1414,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MessyBasicsIndividualSessions.png?v=1717769653"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MessyBasicsIndividualSessions.png?v=1717769653","width":1414}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMessy Basics is a discipleship course with Messy Church in mind. For groups young, old and anywhere in between, it comprises twelve sessions helping people to: explore who God is and what Christians believe God is like; dive into the life and claims of Jesus; consider the role and place of the Holy Spirit; and discover how God cares for us all and how faith impacts everyday life. It’s an ideal way to introduce people to the basics of Christian faith but also to ground believers (whether just out of the starting blocks or seasoned sages) in the truths of the gospel. It works well for baptism preparation, a family devotional time or any intergenerational group. Messy Basics complements the session material in Get Messy! Volume 2 so that the same topic can be explored between Messy Church gatherings but using different Bible passages, or it can be used on its own. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable in PDF Digital Download only.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg height=\"342\" width=\"342\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Aike_Kennett-Brown.jpg?v=1677509845\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 20px; float: right;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAike leads the BRF Ministries Messy Church team, supporting the Messy Church network both nationally and internationally, through writing, speaking, training, developing resources and projects. Aike’s Messy Church journey started in 2010, as a volunteer leader, then a paid Messy Church pioneer in her local church, before taking up a regional role for Southwark Diocese in 2017. Currently she’s involved with a Messy Church Goes Wild in Greenwich, London.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Messy Basics: Christian Basics Made Messy Individual Sessions
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Messy Basics is a discipleship course with Messy Church in mind. For groups young, old and anywhere in between, it...
{"id":4573881139339,"title":"Messy Christmas Pack","handle":"messy-christmas-pack","description":"\u003cp\u003eAre you ready for your Messy Christmas?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Messy Christmas Pack is here to support Messy Churches through Advent, over Christmas and towards Epiphany. In this pack you’ll find two resources to help Messy Church leaders run festive sessions with ease, along with a special gift to bring Messy Church families together this Christmas.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePack contains:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/messy-nativity-how-to-run-your-very-own-messy-nativity-advent-project-1\"\u003eMessy Nativity \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/messy-christmas-3-complete-sessions-and-a-treasure-trove-of-craft-ideas-for-advent-christmas-and-epiphany\"\u003eMessy Christmas\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/christmas-family-time\"\u003eChristmas Family Time\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou may be considering a Messy Christmas at home this year. If this is the case, don't forget to download the adaptations of Messy Christmas activities that you and your Messy Church families can do at home (available \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/LT_MC_at_Home_letter.pdf?v=1597940883\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-06-11T16:15:00+01:00","created_at":"2020-02-21T10:29:24+00:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Pack","tags":["Aug-20","Messy Church books"],"price":3328,"price_min":3328,"price_max":3328,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":32435014303883,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"MESSYXMAS","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Christmas Pack","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":3328,"weight":333,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MESSYXMAS.png?v=1589377193","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390188_8732c007-869a-4e8e-9dad-cd4c3c70a380.jpg?v=1589377193","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Christmas_Family_Time.jpg?v=1589377193","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Messy_Christmas.jpg?v=1589377193"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MESSYXMAS.png?v=1589377193","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":7839825002635,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":2048,"width":2048,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MESSYXMAS.png?v=1589377193"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":2048,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MESSYXMAS.png?v=1589377193","width":2048},{"alt":null,"id":7839750258827,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390188_8732c007-869a-4e8e-9dad-cd4c3c70a380.jpg?v=1589377193"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390188_8732c007-869a-4e8e-9dad-cd4c3c70a380.jpg?v=1589377193","width":1000},{"alt":null,"id":6561441742987,"position":3,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1418,"width":1418,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Christmas_Family_Time.jpg?v=1589377193"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1418,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Christmas_Family_Time.jpg?v=1589377193","width":1418},{"alt":null,"id":6561483686027,"position":4,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1000,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Messy_Christmas.jpg?v=1589377193"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Messy_Christmas.jpg?v=1589377193","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eAre you ready for your Messy Christmas?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Messy Christmas Pack is here to support Messy Churches through Advent, over Christmas and towards Epiphany. In this pack you’ll find two resources to help Messy Church leaders run festive sessions with ease, along with a special gift to bring Messy Church families together this Christmas.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePack contains:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/messy-nativity-how-to-run-your-very-own-messy-nativity-advent-project-1\"\u003eMessy Nativity \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/messy-christmas-3-complete-sessions-and-a-treasure-trove-of-craft-ideas-for-advent-christmas-and-epiphany\"\u003eMessy Christmas\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/christmas-family-time\"\u003eChristmas Family Time\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou may be considering a Messy Christmas at home this year. If this is the case, don't forget to download the adaptations of Messy Christmas activities that you and your Messy Church families can do at home (available \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/LT_MC_at_Home_letter.pdf?v=1597940883\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Messy Christmas Pack
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Are you ready for your Messy Christmas?The Messy Christmas Pack is here to support Messy Churches through Advent, over Christmas...
{"id":2439741407332,"title":"Messy Christmas: 3 complete sessions and a treasure trove of craft ideas for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany","handle":"messy-christmas-3-complete-sessions-and-a-treasure-trove-of-craft-ideas-for-advent-christmas-and-epiphany","description":"\u003cp\u003eThree complete Messy Church sessions for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, together with a wealth of creative activities and crafts to extend the range of excitingly messy activities for your Messy Church. Sections include creative Christmas prayers, global action suggestions, games and competitions, Christmas food crafts and many other ideas to take you on into the New Year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou may be considering a Messy Christmas at home this year. If this is the case, don't forget to download the adaptations of Messy Christmas activities that you and your Messy Church families can do at home (available \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/LT_MC_at_Home_letter.pdf?v=1597940883\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind additional resources \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/messy_christmas_extra_resources.pdf?18358327749088893721\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the Introduction:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough these three Messy Church sessions, a local church can help 21\u003csup\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003est century families own the eternal messages of Christmas for themselves so that seasonal tensions, sentimentality and material pleasures have a chance to fall into a better perspective. The three sessions are planned to run once a month on three consecutive months between November and January to encourage families to keep coming back for the next thrilling instalment and in order to have the chance to reinforce the learning and provide echoes that will deepen the worship experience over the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaking things together - even simply making a mess together - can be one way in which God's kingdom explodes into life in a church, a community, an individual or a family. We're not just gluing and sticking: we're reflecting the God who creates and recreates and gives us the chance to be more fully human as we mirror his actions. Just as God wasn't afraid to get his hands into the stuff of the earth, touch swaddling clothes, skin, straw, smell frankincense and myrrh, taste milk and bread, the act of making things gives people a chance to get their hands too into the stuff of the earth, to give their senses a feast, to savour what is good, to feel real things in a screen-based world. Craft time makes a space to give adults and children the chance to have time together, to enjoy being a family, to marvel at each others' skills, to help each other, and it gives a 'third place' a displacement activity around which conversations with friends as well as family can flourish. And alongside the sheer joy of learning new skills, difficult Biblical themes and stories can be explored in a non-confrontational way through drawing, splatting, building and experimenting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe hope your Messy Church will be a huge and happy gift to your community this Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nLucy Moore is BRF's Messy Church Team Leader, responsible for developing the work of Messy Church nationally and internationally. She also helps to lead Messy Church in her own church. Jane Leadbetter is part of the BRF Messy Church Team, has worked as a primary school teacher and was Children's Work Adviser in the Diocese of Liverpool for twelve years. She runs L19: Messy Church once a month.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by The Church Times - 2 November 2012\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Christmas has three sessions for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, and numerous craft activities. As usual, web-based resources, including work sheets and further ideas, support the books. There are more good ideas than any church might need for any one year; so choosing what fits this year and what might be saved for a future date will be important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause these Christmas stories are so familiar to us, however, it is easy to forget the harsh reality of life in another culture and at another time. The suggestion of a 'hide-and-seek from Herod' game in Messy Christmas seems inap pro priate. We need to remember, even in our work with children, that the incarnation is not all sweetness and light, and that Herod's hide-and-seek was in fact infanticide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Dana Delap\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:05+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:06+00:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Christmas","Messy Church books","Oct-12","PDF"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21768974106724,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857460912","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Christmas: 3 complete sessions and a treasure trove of craft ideas for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":221,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857460912","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24422702874724,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWN0912","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":17577530196120,"product_id":2439741407332,"position":2,"created_at":"2020-06-22T16:42:33+01:00","updated_at":"2020-06-22T16:42:33+01:00","alt":null,"width":650,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0912.jpg?v=1592840553","variant_ids":[24422702874724]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Christmas: 3 complete sessions and a treasure trove of craft ideas for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":799,"weight":221,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWNLOAD0912","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":9751643062424,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":650,"width":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0912.jpg?v=1592840553"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460912.jpg?v=1573217058","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0912.jpg?v=1592840553"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460912.jpg?v=1573217058","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":5674762371211,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1000,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460912.jpg?v=1573217058"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460912.jpg?v=1573217058","width":1000},{"alt":null,"id":9751643062424,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":650,"width":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0912.jpg?v=1592840553"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0912.jpg?v=1592840553","width":650}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThree complete Messy Church sessions for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, together with a wealth of creative activities and crafts to extend the range of excitingly messy activities for your Messy Church. Sections include creative Christmas prayers, global action suggestions, games and competitions, Christmas food crafts and many other ideas to take you on into the New Year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYou may be considering a Messy Christmas at home this year. If this is the case, don't forget to download the adaptations of Messy Christmas activities that you and your Messy Church families can do at home (available \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/LT_MC_at_Home_letter.pdf?v=1597940883\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind additional resources \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/messy_christmas_extra_resources.pdf?18358327749088893721\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the Introduction:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough these three Messy Church sessions, a local church can help 21\u003csup\u003e\u003c\/sup\u003est century families own the eternal messages of Christmas for themselves so that seasonal tensions, sentimentality and material pleasures have a chance to fall into a better perspective. The three sessions are planned to run once a month on three consecutive months between November and January to encourage families to keep coming back for the next thrilling instalment and in order to have the chance to reinforce the learning and provide echoes that will deepen the worship experience over the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaking things together - even simply making a mess together - can be one way in which God's kingdom explodes into life in a church, a community, an individual or a family. We're not just gluing and sticking: we're reflecting the God who creates and recreates and gives us the chance to be more fully human as we mirror his actions. Just as God wasn't afraid to get his hands into the stuff of the earth, touch swaddling clothes, skin, straw, smell frankincense and myrrh, taste milk and bread, the act of making things gives people a chance to get their hands too into the stuff of the earth, to give their senses a feast, to savour what is good, to feel real things in a screen-based world. Craft time makes a space to give adults and children the chance to have time together, to enjoy being a family, to marvel at each others' skills, to help each other, and it gives a 'third place' a displacement activity around which conversations with friends as well as family can flourish. And alongside the sheer joy of learning new skills, difficult Biblical themes and stories can be explored in a non-confrontational way through drawing, splatting, building and experimenting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe hope your Messy Church will be a huge and happy gift to your community this Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nLucy Moore is BRF's Messy Church Team Leader, responsible for developing the work of Messy Church nationally and internationally. She also helps to lead Messy Church in her own church. Jane Leadbetter is part of the BRF Messy Church Team, has worked as a primary school teacher and was Children's Work Adviser in the Diocese of Liverpool for twelve years. She runs L19: Messy Church once a month.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by The Church Times - 2 November 2012\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Christmas has three sessions for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, and numerous craft activities. As usual, web-based resources, including work sheets and further ideas, support the books. There are more good ideas than any church might need for any one year; so choosing what fits this year and what might be saved for a future date will be important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause these Christmas stories are so familiar to us, however, it is easy to forget the harsh reality of life in another culture and at another time. The suggestion of a 'hide-and-seek from Herod' game in Messy Christmas seems inap pro priate. We need to remember, even in our work with children, that the incarnation is not all sweetness and light, and that Herod's hide-and-seek was in fact infanticide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Dana Delap\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Messy Christmas: 3 complete sessions and a treasure trove of craft ideas for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany
£7.99
Three complete Messy Church sessions for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, together with a wealth of creative activities and crafts to...
{"id":2439746158692,"title":"Messy Church 2: Ideas for discipling a Christ-centred community","handle":"messy-church-2-ideas-for-discipling-a-christ-centred-community","description":"\u003cp\u003eAnother messy outing from Lucy Moore, this book follows on from the popular Messy Church, which has sold over 4500 copies since it was first published in 2006. Alongside the usual mix of creativity, fun, Christian hospitality and thanksgiving Messy Church 2 explores the importance of discipleship, faith development and training for leadership.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe material includes many ideas for practical ways to promote a sense of fellowship and community. The book contains a further fifteen units of fun, food, crafts and mess, with a year's worth of material that your Messy Church will love. There is also the guidance to enable those taking part to go deeper with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTopics include:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKey events in Jesus' life;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChristian basics;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBiblical stories of faith;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBaptism and Holy Communion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eMessy Church 2 is ideal for clergy, lay ministers and those responsible for all-age worship; it is also ideal for those involved with outreach to the wider community looking to build on the success of the Messy Church initiative. The book is written for an adult readership, but contains material designed to resource people of all ages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n... a wealth of well-judged, practical and supremely usable material. 'The Methodist Recorder'\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nLucy Moore is part of BRF's Barnabas team. She makes use of original performance poetry, mime, storytelling and a variety of drama workshop activites in her work. Lucy is author of many books including The Gospels Unplugged and Messy Church, all published by Barnabas.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Regent's Reviews - October 2010\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn recent years the Bible Reading Fellowship have been publishing some fantastic resources for churches to engage with children and families in worship. At the forefront of this has been Lucy Moore, who has spearheaded the phenomena that is 'Messy Church'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA previous book introduced Messy Church to a wider audience. Messy Church 2 continues with a new set of ideas for an all-age and creative way of being church for the unchurched, but also with a desire to explore what 'Messy Discipleship' might look like. (If you are wanting an introduction to Messy Church, it is best to get a copy of the first book, as Messy Church 2 is written to readers who know what Messy Church is and are already running events.)\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhat I found especially interesting about this sequel is a commitment to seeing how Messy Church might also encourage discipleship at home, recognising that a couple of hours a month is not enough to sustain discipleship (and neither is a couple of hours a week!). Messy Church is not the only future of the church, (and Moore in no way claims this), but it does seem to offer an excellent way of engaging with families, as a means of exploring the bible and the Christian life and left me wanting to give it a try.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Andy Goodliff, Belle Vue Baptist Church, Southend on Sea\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eCountry Way\u003c\/em\u003e Magazine Autumn 2009\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSequels can be problematic, especially when following something of real innovation and value. Less than a year after reviewing Messy Church (in Country Way 49), Lucy Moore's second book is on my desk. This is an indication of how significant Messy Church has been, especially as both books successfully negotiate the no man's land of all age... whether worship, church or community. And this is where Messy Church 2 develops from the initial resource, taking seriously the context of church as community and of discipleship within community.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe five-fold messy ethos is maintained and a broader range of themes is introduced; 15 in all, including fundamental discipleship issues (e.g. loving your neighbour), Christian seasons (e.g. Lent), biblical role models (e.g. Ruth), theological foundations (e.g. who is Jesus?) and means of grace (baptism and 'messy' communion).\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce again there is a simple, but subtle, theological introduction - this time concerning what discipleship means for people with messy lives in a messy world, and how this can be encouraged. There is helpful guidance on how teamwork lies behind this approach, and a substantial section on food and shared meals as a means of engagement, discipleship and growth. And some frequently-asked-questions are answered.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA thoroughly rewarding and important resource for any contemporary church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by Simon Martin\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eThe Good Bookstall\u003c\/em\u003e - June 2009\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Church 2\u003c\/em\u003e is a great follow on book - make sure you read \u003cem\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/em\u003e first! The concept of Messy Church is that families come together once a month to enjoy each other's company, eat together, make things together and worship together.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause the idea of Messy Church is that it is church in its own right and not means of increasing Sunday morning congregations, \u003cem\u003eMessy Church 2\u003c\/em\u003e sets out to address the issues that will arise once a Messy Church is up and running. Much of the book is focussed on how to disciple people and move them on in their Christian journey when Messy Church meets monthly and the worship session lasts only 15 minutes. The book suggests forming smaller groups to meet in between times, and also has lots of ideas for families to try at home which will help them to pray and learn about God together. It gives much to think about for a new Messy Church community and shares lessons already learnt (both successes and failures) by those that have been established for a while.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you are buying this book because you have already used all the craft ideas, meal suggestions and worship outlines in \u003cem\u003eMessy ChurchM\u003c\/em\u003e, then fear not! The back section of the book is loaded with ready to roll ideas and recipes and will take you through your second year and beyond. It even includes a Messy Church Communion and a Messy Church Baptism!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe beauty of these two books is that they really are packed with do-able crafts and worship suggestions. We have been running for a year and have found there have been more than enough ideas for each session in the book, meaning that busy people can do Messy Church without needing to do lots of planning! Well done to Lucy and her team for paving the way for the many Messy Church communities now springing up around the Country!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by Kathy Bland\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:24+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:25+00:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Christmas","Easter","Jun-12","Messy Church books"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769032794212,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857462305","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436527599716,"product_id":2439746158692,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:25+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:14+00:00","alt":null,"width":440,"height":669,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462305-l.jpg?v=1549043174","variant_ids":[21769032794212]},"available":false,"name":"Messy Church 2: Ideas for discipling a Christ-centred community - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":248,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857462305","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238874906763,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":669,"width":440,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462305-l.jpg?v=1549043174"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462305-l.jpg?v=1549043174"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462305-l.jpg?v=1549043174","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238874906763,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":669,"width":440,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462305-l.jpg?v=1549043174"},"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":669,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462305-l.jpg?v=1549043174","width":440}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eAnother messy outing from Lucy Moore, this book follows on from the popular Messy Church, which has sold over 4500 copies since it was first published in 2006. Alongside the usual mix of creativity, fun, Christian hospitality and thanksgiving Messy Church 2 explores the importance of discipleship, faith development and training for leadership.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe material includes many ideas for practical ways to promote a sense of fellowship and community. The book contains a further fifteen units of fun, food, crafts and mess, with a year's worth of material that your Messy Church will love. There is also the guidance to enable those taking part to go deeper with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTopics include:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKey events in Jesus' life;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChristian basics;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBiblical stories of faith;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBaptism and Holy Communion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eMessy Church 2 is ideal for clergy, lay ministers and those responsible for all-age worship; it is also ideal for those involved with outreach to the wider community looking to build on the success of the Messy Church initiative. The book is written for an adult readership, but contains material designed to resource people of all ages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n... a wealth of well-judged, practical and supremely usable material. 'The Methodist Recorder'\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nLucy Moore is part of BRF's Barnabas team. She makes use of original performance poetry, mime, storytelling and a variety of drama workshop activites in her work. Lucy is author of many books including The Gospels Unplugged and Messy Church, all published by Barnabas.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Regent's Reviews - October 2010\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn recent years the Bible Reading Fellowship have been publishing some fantastic resources for churches to engage with children and families in worship. At the forefront of this has been Lucy Moore, who has spearheaded the phenomena that is 'Messy Church'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA previous book introduced Messy Church to a wider audience. Messy Church 2 continues with a new set of ideas for an all-age and creative way of being church for the unchurched, but also with a desire to explore what 'Messy Discipleship' might look like. (If you are wanting an introduction to Messy Church, it is best to get a copy of the first book, as Messy Church 2 is written to readers who know what Messy Church is and are already running events.)\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhat I found especially interesting about this sequel is a commitment to seeing how Messy Church might also encourage discipleship at home, recognising that a couple of hours a month is not enough to sustain discipleship (and neither is a couple of hours a week!). Messy Church is not the only future of the church, (and Moore in no way claims this), but it does seem to offer an excellent way of engaging with families, as a means of exploring the bible and the Christian life and left me wanting to give it a try.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Andy Goodliff, Belle Vue Baptist Church, Southend on Sea\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eCountry Way\u003c\/em\u003e Magazine Autumn 2009\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSequels can be problematic, especially when following something of real innovation and value. Less than a year after reviewing Messy Church (in Country Way 49), Lucy Moore's second book is on my desk. This is an indication of how significant Messy Church has been, especially as both books successfully negotiate the no man's land of all age... whether worship, church or community. And this is where Messy Church 2 develops from the initial resource, taking seriously the context of church as community and of discipleship within community.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe five-fold messy ethos is maintained and a broader range of themes is introduced; 15 in all, including fundamental discipleship issues (e.g. loving your neighbour), Christian seasons (e.g. Lent), biblical role models (e.g. Ruth), theological foundations (e.g. who is Jesus?) and means of grace (baptism and 'messy' communion).\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce again there is a simple, but subtle, theological introduction - this time concerning what discipleship means for people with messy lives in a messy world, and how this can be encouraged. There is helpful guidance on how teamwork lies behind this approach, and a substantial section on food and shared meals as a means of engagement, discipleship and growth. And some frequently-asked-questions are answered.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA thoroughly rewarding and important resource for any contemporary church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by Simon Martin\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eThe Good Bookstall\u003c\/em\u003e - June 2009\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Church 2\u003c\/em\u003e is a great follow on book - make sure you read \u003cem\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/em\u003e first! The concept of Messy Church is that families come together once a month to enjoy each other's company, eat together, make things together and worship together.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause the idea of Messy Church is that it is church in its own right and not means of increasing Sunday morning congregations, \u003cem\u003eMessy Church 2\u003c\/em\u003e sets out to address the issues that will arise once a Messy Church is up and running. Much of the book is focussed on how to disciple people and move them on in their Christian journey when Messy Church meets monthly and the worship session lasts only 15 minutes. The book suggests forming smaller groups to meet in between times, and also has lots of ideas for families to try at home which will help them to pray and learn about God together. It gives much to think about for a new Messy Church community and shares lessons already learnt (both successes and failures) by those that have been established for a while.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you are buying this book because you have already used all the craft ideas, meal suggestions and worship outlines in \u003cem\u003eMessy ChurchM\u003c\/em\u003e, then fear not! The back section of the book is loaded with ready to roll ideas and recipes and will take you through your second year and beyond. It even includes a Messy Church Communion and a Messy Church Baptism!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe beauty of these two books is that they really are packed with do-able crafts and worship suggestions. We have been running for a year and have found there have been more than enough ideas for each session in the book, meaning that busy people can do Messy Church without needing to do lots of planning! Well done to Lucy and her team for paving the way for the many Messy Church communities now springing up around the Country!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by Kathy Bland\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n"}
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Messy Church 2: Ideas for discipling a Christ-centred community
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Another messy outing from Lucy Moore, this book follows on from the popular Messy Church, which has sold over 4500...
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{"id":7875685286079,"title":"Messy Church Conference 2025","handle":"messy-church-international-conference-2025","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJoin us for the Messy Church Conference, \u003cstrong\u003e20–22 June 2025 at High Leigh in Hertfordshire\u003c\/strong\u003e. This is a conference like no other – a weekend of inspiring keynote speakers, informative workshops, two Messy Church sessions and fun together with the global Messy Church family. Our theme, \u003cstrong\u003e‘All together’\u003c\/strong\u003e, will explore how we welcome people of all ages, abilities and from all backgrounds to Messy Church. We welcome young leaders, however under-18s must be accompanied by an adult. \u003cb\u003eAll meals and accommodation are included in the cost of your conference ticket: you just need to get yourself there.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDATES: \u003c\/strong\u003e20 JUNE 2025 - 22 JUNE 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003eEARLY BIRD - \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e20 June - 18 September 2024 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSTANDARD Tickets from 19 September 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult \u003c\/strong\u003eStandard ticket =\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e£335 \u003cstrong\u003eEarly Bird = £295.00\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnder16\u003c\/strong\u003e Standard ticket = £200\u003cstrong\u003e Early Bird = £176\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnder16 Early bird saver: £176.00 | To purchase Under16 ticket select adult ticket and use this\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e code at check out \u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eMCIC25Child\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFrom 6 January 2025, there may be a very limited number of Saturday day tickets (no guarantee): Under-16s – £76, Adults – £95\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVenue:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHigh Leigh, Hertfordshire\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll rooms are en-suite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnquiries: messychurch@brf.org.uk\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAttendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-06-20T10:30:41+01:00","created_at":"2024-06-13T16:05:33+01:00","vendor":"BRFonline","type":"Event","tags":["Events","in person event","Messy Church events","residential event by room"],"price":29500,"price_min":29500,"price_max":88500,"available":true,"price_varies":true,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":43436168183999,"title":"Single (1 person)","option1":"Single (1 person)","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"MCIC25S","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":36282097008831,"product_id":7875685286079,"position":2,"created_at":"2024-06-20T09:40:15+01:00","updated_at":"2024-06-20T09:40:17+01:00","alt":null,"width":1080,"height":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MCC_holding_image_2.png?v=1718872817","variant_ids":[43436168183999,43436168249535]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Church Conference 2025 - Single (1 person)","public_title":"Single (1 person)","options":["Single (1 person)"],"price":29500,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"MCIC25S","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":29069153763519,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"width":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MCC_holding_image_2.png?v=1718872817"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43436168216767,"title":"Twin (2 people, 2 beds)","option1":"Twin (2 people, 2 beds)","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"MCIC25T","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":36282096976063,"product_id":7875685286079,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-06-20T09:40:15+01:00","updated_at":"2024-06-20T09:40:17+01:00","alt":null,"width":1080,"height":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MCC_holding_image_2_1.png?v=1718872817","variant_ids":[43436168216767,43436168282303]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Church Conference 2025 - Twin (2 people, 2 beds)","public_title":"Twin (2 people, 2 beds)","options":["Twin (2 people, 2 beds)"],"price":59000,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"MCIC25T","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":29069153730751,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"width":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MCC_holding_image_2_1.png?v=1718872817"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43436168249535,"title":"Double (2 people, 1 bed)","option1":"Double (2 people, 1 bed)","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"MCIC25D","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":36282097008831,"product_id":7875685286079,"position":2,"created_at":"2024-06-20T09:40:15+01:00","updated_at":"2024-06-20T09:40:17+01:00","alt":null,"width":1080,"height":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MCC_holding_image_2.png?v=1718872817","variant_ids":[43436168183999,43436168249535]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Church Conference 2025 - Double (2 people, 1 bed)","public_title":"Double (2 people, 1 bed)","options":["Double (2 people, 1 bed)"],"price":59000,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"MCIC25D","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":29069153763519,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"width":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MCC_holding_image_2.png?v=1718872817"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43436168282303,"title":"Family room (3 people, 2 beds)","option1":"Family room (3 people, 2 beds)","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"MCIC25F","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":36282096976063,"product_id":7875685286079,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-06-20T09:40:15+01:00","updated_at":"2024-06-20T09:40:17+01:00","alt":null,"width":1080,"height":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MCC_holding_image_2_1.png?v=1718872817","variant_ids":[43436168216767,43436168282303]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Church Conference 2025 - Family room (3 people, 2 beds)","public_title":"Family room (3 people, 2 beds)","options":["Family room (3 people, 2 beds)"],"price":88500,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"MCIC25F","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":29069153730751,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"width":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MCC_holding_image_2_1.png?v=1718872817"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MCC_holding_image_2_1.png?v=1718872817","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MCC_holding_image_2.png?v=1718872817"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MCC_holding_image_2_1.png?v=1718872817","options":["Room type"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":29069153730751,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"width":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MCC_holding_image_2_1.png?v=1718872817"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MCC_holding_image_2_1.png?v=1718872817","width":1080},{"alt":null,"id":29069153763519,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"width":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MCC_holding_image_2.png?v=1718872817"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MCC_holding_image_2.png?v=1718872817","width":1080}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJoin us for the Messy Church Conference, \u003cstrong\u003e20–22 June 2025 at High Leigh in Hertfordshire\u003c\/strong\u003e. This is a conference like no other – a weekend of inspiring keynote speakers, informative workshops, two Messy Church sessions and fun together with the global Messy Church family. Our theme, \u003cstrong\u003e‘All together’\u003c\/strong\u003e, will explore how we welcome people of all ages, abilities and from all backgrounds to Messy Church. We welcome young leaders, however under-18s must be accompanied by an adult. \u003cb\u003eAll meals and accommodation are included in the cost of your conference ticket: you just need to get yourself there.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDATES: \u003c\/strong\u003e20 JUNE 2025 - 22 JUNE 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003eEARLY BIRD - \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e20 June - 18 September 2024 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSTANDARD Tickets from 19 September 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult \u003c\/strong\u003eStandard ticket =\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e£335 \u003cstrong\u003eEarly Bird = £295.00\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnder16\u003c\/strong\u003e Standard ticket = £200\u003cstrong\u003e Early Bird = £176\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnder16 Early bird saver: £176.00 | To purchase Under16 ticket select adult ticket and use this\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e code at check out \u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"ui-provider a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z ab ac ae af ag ah ai aj ak\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003eMCIC25Child\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFrom 6 January 2025, there may be a very limited number of Saturday day tickets (no guarantee): Under-16s – £76, Adults – £95\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eVenue:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHigh Leigh, Hertfordshire\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll rooms are en-suite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnquiries: messychurch@brf.org.uk\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAttendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Messy Church Conference 2025
£295.00
Join us for the Messy Church Conference, 20–22 June 2025 at High Leigh in Hertfordshire. This is a conference like no...
{"id":4861364699275,"title":"Messy Church Does Science After-School Club","handle":"messy-church-does-science-after-school-club","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis pack is for churches who want a tried-and-tested way of contributing to the life of their local school, or for schools who would like to hold an after-school event with the values of Messy Church. Based on \u003cem\u003eMessy Church Does Science\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2017), these ten sessions will help you run an after-school club for families to explore faith questions through science. Each session focuses on two or three science activities, with further ideas for a Bible-based celebration and, if appropriate, a prayer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sessions cover the following themes: water; earth, stars and space; air; light and colour; the human body; plants; animals; power and energy; transformations and reactions; time and measurement.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-09-22T18:30:00+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-04T12:30:31+01:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"PDF Download","tags":["Messy Church books","Oct-20","PDF"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":34890065379480,"title":"PDF","option1":"PDF","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390089","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Church Does Science After-School Club - PDF","public_title":"PDF","options":["PDF"],"price":999,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390089","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390089.jpg?v=1601915759"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390089.jpg?v=1601915759","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":12465430233240,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390089.jpg?v=1601915759"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390089.jpg?v=1601915759","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThis pack is for churches who want a tried-and-tested way of contributing to the life of their local school, or for schools who would like to hold an after-school event with the values of Messy Church. Based on \u003cem\u003eMessy Church Does Science\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2017), these ten sessions will help you run an after-school club for families to explore faith questions through science. Each session focuses on two or three science activities, with further ideas for a Bible-based celebration and, if appropriate, a prayer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sessions cover the following themes: water; earth, stars and space; air; light and colour; the human body; plants; animals; power and energy; transformations and reactions; time and measurement.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Messy Church Does Science After-School Club
£9.99
This pack is for churches who want a tried-and-tested way of contributing to the life of their local school, or...
{"id":2439795900516,"title":"Messy Church Does Science: 100 sizzling science-based ideas for Messy Churches","handle":"messy-church-does-science-100-sizzling-science-based-ideas-for-messy-churches","description":"\u003ch3\u003eHelping Messy Church leaders use science to explore aspects of the Christian faith\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn popular culture there is a perceived conflict between science and faith, yet in many ways scientific understanding can enhance faith. This resource offers Messy Churches the tools to use science to explore aspects of the Christian faith; demonstrate that science and faith are complementary; and enable children and adults alike to appreciate the wonder of creation. 100 sizzling ideas from a range of contributors provide inspiration for the Bible-based activities element of Messy Church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction - \u003cem\u003eDavid Gregory\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 \u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eKate Toogood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eAlister McGrath\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 \u003cstrong\u003eEarth, stars and space\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eMavis Crispin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eTim Middleton\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 \u003cstrong\u003eAir\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eChris Hudson\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eNaomi Brehm\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 \u003cstrong\u003eLight and colour\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eNeil Hunt\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eAnna Pearson\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 \u003cstrong\u003eHuman body\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eAlex Bunn\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eAmy Johnson\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 \u003cstrong\u003ePlants\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eGraham Hartland\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eJennifer Brown\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 \u003cstrong\u003eAnimals\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eAndy Gosler\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eLesley Gray\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 \u003cstrong\u003ePower and energy\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003ePaul Osborne\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eHannah Earnshaw\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 \u003cstrong\u003eTransformations and reactions\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eMarie Beale\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eNick Higgs\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 \u003cstrong\u003eTime and measurement\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eDavid Gregory\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eJoanna Collicutt\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRevd Dr David Gregory is Senior Minister of Croxley Green Baptist Church and as 'Dr Dave' leads a Messy Church Science Lab as part of a monthly Messy Church. He has a background in physics, astronomy, meteorology and climate, and continues to take an interest in science, offering talks on connections between science and faith, as well as weather and climate change, to schools, churches and community groups. He is the 2017-18 Vice-President of the Baptist Union.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader (Spring 2018). Review by Rosie Medhurst\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am going to buy several copies of this book for friends active in Messy Church or any children's work. It is a resource with 100 science-based activities with much potential for all children, but particularly for engaging the 7-11 age group and boys. These are groups commonly relishing a richer diet than paper-based sitting-down activities, and for them this book will be invaluable. An additional feature is that the activities are interspersed with 10 short articles by Christian scientists - forming a compelling antidote to the lingering misconception that science and faith do not mix. They offer examples of science enriching the wonders of faith to inspire the leaders embarking on these 'wow' activities with children. I will be interested to see in practice how the links suggested with Bible and faith topics work - I wonder if some are somewhat contrived. God's work and God's word both speak to us, sometimes separately and sometimes together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Rosie Medhurst\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvangelicals Now. Review by 'JEB'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love a home-grown science experiment for a children's talk in church with fascinates both adults and children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis resource from the Bible Reading Fellowship is full of ideas for pastors, youth leaders and whoever, whether you do 'Messy Church' or not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are experiments and illustrative demonstrations concerning water, space, air, light, the human body, plants, animals, energy and more. Some of the experiments take just a couple of minutes, others are spread over weeks, with easy-to-follow instructions and all are followed by a suggested spiritual application. Dispersed throughout the book are short testimonies from practising scientists and lecturers (like Alister McGrath), mainly aimed at overcoming the idea that science and faith are enemies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e... a very helpful resource for those who like to do a little 'hands-on' science in church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by 'JEB'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:33+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:34+00:00","vendor":"David Gregory","type":"Paperback","tags":["Jun-17","Messy Church","Messy Church books","PDF"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769704407140,"title":"Spiral bound","option1":"Spiral bound","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465795","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436837912676,"product_id":2439795900516,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:34+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:38+00:00","alt":null,"width":458,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465795-l.jpg?v=1549043138","variant_ids":[21769704407140]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Church Does Science: 100 sizzling science-based ideas for Messy Churches - Spiral bound","public_title":"Spiral bound","options":["Spiral bound"],"price":999,"weight":453,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465795","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238879592587,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465795-l.jpg?v=1549043138"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24427567448164,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWNLOAD5795","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8942899986532,"product_id":2439795900516,"position":2,"created_at":"2019-02-20T14:00:27+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-20T14:00:27+00:00","alt":null,"width":458,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Download5795-l.jpg?v=1550671227","variant_ids":[24427567448164]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Church Does Science: 100 sizzling science-based ideas for Messy Churches - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":999,"weight":453,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWNLOAD5795","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3259455701131,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Download5795-l.jpg?v=1550671227"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465795-l.jpg?v=1549043138","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Download5795-l.jpg?v=1550671227"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465795-l.jpg?v=1549043138","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879592587,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465795-l.jpg?v=1549043138"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465795-l.jpg?v=1549043138","width":458},{"alt":null,"id":3259455701131,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Download5795-l.jpg?v=1550671227"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Download5795-l.jpg?v=1550671227","width":458}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003ch3\u003eHelping Messy Church leaders use science to explore aspects of the Christian faith\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn popular culture there is a perceived conflict between science and faith, yet in many ways scientific understanding can enhance faith. This resource offers Messy Churches the tools to use science to explore aspects of the Christian faith; demonstrate that science and faith are complementary; and enable children and adults alike to appreciate the wonder of creation. 100 sizzling ideas from a range of contributors provide inspiration for the Bible-based activities element of Messy Church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction - \u003cem\u003eDavid Gregory\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 \u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eKate Toogood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eAlister McGrath\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 \u003cstrong\u003eEarth, stars and space\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eMavis Crispin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eTim Middleton\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 \u003cstrong\u003eAir\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eChris Hudson\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eNaomi Brehm\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 \u003cstrong\u003eLight and colour\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eNeil Hunt\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eAnna Pearson\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 \u003cstrong\u003eHuman body\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eAlex Bunn\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eAmy Johnson\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 \u003cstrong\u003ePlants\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eGraham Hartland\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eJennifer Brown\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 \u003cstrong\u003eAnimals\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eAndy Gosler\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eLesley Gray\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 \u003cstrong\u003ePower and energy\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003ePaul Osborne\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eHannah Earnshaw\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 \u003cstrong\u003eTransformations and reactions\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eMarie Beale\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eNick Higgs\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 \u003cstrong\u003eTime and measurement\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eDavid Gregory\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eJoanna Collicutt\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRevd Dr David Gregory is Senior Minister of Croxley Green Baptist Church and as 'Dr Dave' leads a Messy Church Science Lab as part of a monthly Messy Church. He has a background in physics, astronomy, meteorology and climate, and continues to take an interest in science, offering talks on connections between science and faith, as well as weather and climate change, to schools, churches and community groups. He is the 2017-18 Vice-President of the Baptist Union.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader (Spring 2018). Review by Rosie Medhurst\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am going to buy several copies of this book for friends active in Messy Church or any children's work. It is a resource with 100 science-based activities with much potential for all children, but particularly for engaging the 7-11 age group and boys. These are groups commonly relishing a richer diet than paper-based sitting-down activities, and for them this book will be invaluable. An additional feature is that the activities are interspersed with 10 short articles by Christian scientists - forming a compelling antidote to the lingering misconception that science and faith do not mix. They offer examples of science enriching the wonders of faith to inspire the leaders embarking on these 'wow' activities with children. I will be interested to see in practice how the links suggested with Bible and faith topics work - I wonder if some are somewhat contrived. God's work and God's word both speak to us, sometimes separately and sometimes together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Rosie Medhurst\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvangelicals Now. Review by 'JEB'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love a home-grown science experiment for a children's talk in church with fascinates both adults and children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis resource from the Bible Reading Fellowship is full of ideas for pastors, youth leaders and whoever, whether you do 'Messy Church' or not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are experiments and illustrative demonstrations concerning water, space, air, light, the human body, plants, animals, energy and more. Some of the experiments take just a couple of minutes, others are spread over weeks, with easy-to-follow instructions and all are followed by a suggested spiritual application. Dispersed throughout the book are short testimonies from practising scientists and lecturers (like Alister McGrath), mainly aimed at overcoming the idea that science and faith are enemies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e... a very helpful resource for those who like to do a little 'hands-on' science in church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by 'JEB'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Messy Church Does Science: 100 sizzling science-based ideas for Messy Churches
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Helping Messy Church leaders use science to explore aspects of the Christian faith In popular culture there is a perceived...
{"id":7854134591679,"title":"Messy Church Goes Wild Roadshow","handle":"messy-church-goes-wild-roadshow","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFREE - Sunday 29 September| 14:00 - 16:00\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCome along and get hands on with the new Messy Adventures sessions designed to help Messy Churches meet God outdoors.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThis roadshow is intended for Messy Church team members of all ages to come along and get hands on with the new Messy Adventures sessions designed to help Messy Churches meet God outdoors. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003eProgram:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e13.45 Welcome and refreshments\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e14.00 Introduction to Messy Church Goes Wild\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e14.30 Experience a Messy Adventures session\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e15.30 Messy Church Goes Wild celebration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e16.00 Close\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003eMessy Church leaders are welcome to bring their families. Please bring appropriate clothing – we will be outside whatever the weather!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e*All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif; 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line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e13.45 Welcome and refreshments\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e14.00 Introduction to Messy Church Goes Wild\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e14.30 Experience a Messy Adventures session\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e15.30 Messy Church Goes Wild celebration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003e16.00 Close\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif;\"\u003eMessy Church leaders are welcome to bring their families. Please bring appropriate clothing – we will be outside whatever the weather!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e*All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eAll Saints' Church, Church Street, Marcham, OX13 6NP\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\" data-mce-style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'MS Mincho'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Messy Church Goes Wild Roadshow
£0.00
FREE - Sunday 29 September| 14:00 - 16:00 Come along and get hands on with the new Messy Adventures sessions...
{"id":7061867626687,"title":"Messy Church Goes Wild: Caring for the world we live in","handle":"messy-church-goes-wild-caring-for-the-world-we-live-in","description":"\u003cp\u003eMessy Church Goes Wild is the movement within Messy Church which aims to encourage Messy Churches to meet God outdoors, love the natural world, experience a sense of awe and wonder there and be more eco-aware in all we do, both inside and out, as gathered and dispersed church, for the good of the planet. Edited by Messy Church founder Lucy Moore, this unique collection of wisdom and practical materials covers a range of topics from caring for animals and birds through living as an eco-friendly household to greening up your Messy Church activities and running an online session on Jesus in the wilderness. With chapters by Dave Bookless, Crystal Goetz, Dave Gregory, Graham Hartland, Jane Leadbetter, George Lings, Martyn Payne and Rachel Summers, and case studies from international contributors of all ages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church. Most recently responsible for developing the work of Messy Church nationally and internationally at BRF, she is now head of the Church of England's Growing Faith Foundation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Summer 2023. Review by Joanna Haywood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Messy’ conjures up many images. This book takes its lead, not from a slipshod approach or a ‘what’s left after a session with children and creativity’ point of view, but from humility which emerges when we recognise the messiness of our lives. The five core values of Messy Church are: Christ-centred, all-age, hospitality, creativity and celebration. They encourage us to look at what happens when, as messy people, we allow ourselves to ‘go wild’, to interact with our complex world unfettered by preconception, when we come as children ourselves. This truly accessible book is peppered with ideas, scriptural references and thought-provoking ideas from dedicated and passionate experts, as well as case studies from around the world and two fully worked up sessions. We know from our time during the pandemic the importance of noticing the beauty of creation, of being in nature. This book is a gift for those who wish to develop that idea into spiritual acts of worship which will draw in the local community and invigorate their congregations. I am really looking forward to putting these ideas into practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Joanna Haywood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 09.09.22. Review by Rona Orme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is gloriously Messy! From theological reflection and scientific explanation to principles of waste reduction and everyday living, via craft, celebration, and pilgrimage, this volume covers a huge amount.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe hear the voices of all ages from around the globe, and we are challenged. How can we live more lightly as part of God’s creation? All this material will benefit every church, not just the Messy ones. Cherishing Creation (or protection of the planet for those who have yet to come to faith) is a crucial, contemporary rallying point for many. Caring for the environment may make more missional sense than offering the love of Jesus to some people in the first instance. How can we offer a greener version of Messy Church? The early chapters consider the value of caring for animals and plants, and all God’s people, while emphasising the importance of caring about plastics, climate, and wildness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe middle section features the experiences of Messy Churches around the world and how they are responding to their various ecological concerns. There are suggestions for Messy Church sessions and for families at home. Messy Church has developed a rich tradition of warm welcome, extravagant hospitality, and wonderfully inventive crafts. Glitter, glue, and shepherd’s pie quickly became key features of a flourishing Messy Church. Sustainability was not part of the vision. But times change, and the Messy Church movement is being challenged to look at its carbon footprint, selection of foods for the essential meal, and its use of plastics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a huge shift of emphasis for the movement, as it should be for all of us, and one wonders how many Messy Churches will refresh their resourcing and offering. Should the ecological impact of any planned activity be assessed first? Of course the ‘brand’ of Messy Church is lightly held, and each gathering develops its own strengths and preferences. Some may become distinctively and completely ‘green’, while others will make adjustments and improvements. I hope that none avoids the challenge altogether.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe suggestions of using plastic-free glitter, biodegradable balloons, and paper-based crafts are timely, if more costly. This book reflects the Messy Church ethos. The contributions are slightly uneven, but enthusiasm emanates from every page. Some ideas are simple, and others look impossible or exhausting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRona Orme is a licensed lay minister in the diocese of Salisbury, and a former Children’s Missioner for the diocese of Peterborough.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Paul Beasley-Murray\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/us12.campaign-archive.com\/?e=3cc647e01f\u0026amp;u=a45b3e6fc109e00f067477a28\u0026amp;id=5664bb31b8\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/us12.campaign-archive.com\/?e=3cc647e01f\u0026amp;u=a45b3e6fc109e00f067477a28\u0026amp;id=5664bb31b8\"\u003eBooks for Today\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF of Abingdon continues to provide a range of superb resources for those engaged in children’s work. One such \u003cem\u003eCaring for the world we live in: Messy Church goes wild,\u003c\/em\u003e edited by Lucy Moore, founder of Messy Church. Topics addressed include caring for animals and birds; caring for trees and plants; caring about plastics; caring out climate and plastics; and caring for all God’s Messy people!\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2021-12-09T08:49:55+00:00","created_at":"2021-11-11T12:07:43+00:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Apr-22","Caring for creation","Environmental issues","Messy Church books"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":41565598548159,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390096","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":30845874110655,"product_id":7061867626687,"position":1,"created_at":"2021-11-11T12:08:47+00:00","updated_at":"2021-11-11T12:08:48+00:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1524,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390096.jpg?v=1636632528","variant_ids":[41565597204671,41565598548159]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Church Goes Wild: Caring for the world we live in - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1299,"weight":185,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390096","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":23287569907903,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390096.jpg?v=1636632528"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":41565597204671,"title":"PDF","option1":"PDF","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390102","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":30845874110655,"product_id":7061867626687,"position":1,"created_at":"2021-11-11T12:08:47+00:00","updated_at":"2021-11-11T12:08:48+00:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1524,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390096.jpg?v=1636632528","variant_ids":[41565597204671,41565598548159]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Church Goes Wild: Caring for the world we live in - PDF","public_title":"PDF","options":["PDF"],"price":1299,"weight":185,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390102","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":23287569907903,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390096.jpg?v=1636632528"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390096.jpg?v=1636632528"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390096.jpg?v=1636632528","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":23287569907903,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390096.jpg?v=1636632528"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390096.jpg?v=1636632528","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eMessy Church Goes Wild is the movement within Messy Church which aims to encourage Messy Churches to meet God outdoors, love the natural world, experience a sense of awe and wonder there and be more eco-aware in all we do, both inside and out, as gathered and dispersed church, for the good of the planet. Edited by Messy Church founder Lucy Moore, this unique collection of wisdom and practical materials covers a range of topics from caring for animals and birds through living as an eco-friendly household to greening up your Messy Church activities and running an online session on Jesus in the wilderness. With chapters by Dave Bookless, Crystal Goetz, Dave Gregory, Graham Hartland, Jane Leadbetter, George Lings, Martyn Payne and Rachel Summers, and case studies from international contributors of all ages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church. Most recently responsible for developing the work of Messy Church nationally and internationally at BRF, she is now head of the Church of England's Growing Faith Foundation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Summer 2023. Review by Joanna Haywood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Messy’ conjures up many images. This book takes its lead, not from a slipshod approach or a ‘what’s left after a session with children and creativity’ point of view, but from humility which emerges when we recognise the messiness of our lives. The five core values of Messy Church are: Christ-centred, all-age, hospitality, creativity and celebration. They encourage us to look at what happens when, as messy people, we allow ourselves to ‘go wild’, to interact with our complex world unfettered by preconception, when we come as children ourselves. This truly accessible book is peppered with ideas, scriptural references and thought-provoking ideas from dedicated and passionate experts, as well as case studies from around the world and two fully worked up sessions. We know from our time during the pandemic the importance of noticing the beauty of creation, of being in nature. This book is a gift for those who wish to develop that idea into spiritual acts of worship which will draw in the local community and invigorate their congregations. I am really looking forward to putting these ideas into practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Joanna Haywood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 09.09.22. Review by Rona Orme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is gloriously Messy! From theological reflection and scientific explanation to principles of waste reduction and everyday living, via craft, celebration, and pilgrimage, this volume covers a huge amount.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe hear the voices of all ages from around the globe, and we are challenged. How can we live more lightly as part of God’s creation? All this material will benefit every church, not just the Messy ones. Cherishing Creation (or protection of the planet for those who have yet to come to faith) is a crucial, contemporary rallying point for many. Caring for the environment may make more missional sense than offering the love of Jesus to some people in the first instance. How can we offer a greener version of Messy Church? The early chapters consider the value of caring for animals and plants, and all God’s people, while emphasising the importance of caring about plastics, climate, and wildness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe middle section features the experiences of Messy Churches around the world and how they are responding to their various ecological concerns. There are suggestions for Messy Church sessions and for families at home. Messy Church has developed a rich tradition of warm welcome, extravagant hospitality, and wonderfully inventive crafts. Glitter, glue, and shepherd’s pie quickly became key features of a flourishing Messy Church. Sustainability was not part of the vision. But times change, and the Messy Church movement is being challenged to look at its carbon footprint, selection of foods for the essential meal, and its use of plastics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a huge shift of emphasis for the movement, as it should be for all of us, and one wonders how many Messy Churches will refresh their resourcing and offering. Should the ecological impact of any planned activity be assessed first? Of course the ‘brand’ of Messy Church is lightly held, and each gathering develops its own strengths and preferences. Some may become distinctively and completely ‘green’, while others will make adjustments and improvements. I hope that none avoids the challenge altogether.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe suggestions of using plastic-free glitter, biodegradable balloons, and paper-based crafts are timely, if more costly. This book reflects the Messy Church ethos. The contributions are slightly uneven, but enthusiasm emanates from every page. Some ideas are simple, and others look impossible or exhausting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRona Orme is a licensed lay minister in the diocese of Salisbury, and a former Children’s Missioner for the diocese of Peterborough.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Paul Beasley-Murray\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/us12.campaign-archive.com\/?e=3cc647e01f\u0026amp;u=a45b3e6fc109e00f067477a28\u0026amp;id=5664bb31b8\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/us12.campaign-archive.com\/?e=3cc647e01f\u0026amp;u=a45b3e6fc109e00f067477a28\u0026amp;id=5664bb31b8\"\u003eBooks for Today\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF of Abingdon continues to provide a range of superb resources for those engaged in children’s work. One such \u003cem\u003eCaring for the world we live in: Messy Church goes wild,\u003c\/em\u003e edited by Lucy Moore, founder of Messy Church. Topics addressed include caring for animals and birds; caring for trees and plants; caring about plastics; caring out climate and plastics; and caring for all God’s Messy people!\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Messy Church Goes Wild: Caring for the world we live in
£12.99
Messy Church Goes Wild is the movement within Messy Church which aims to encourage Messy Churches to meet God outdoors,...
{"id":2439744585828,"title":"Messy Church Theology: Exploring the significance of Messy Church for the wider church","handle":"messy-church-theology-exploring-the-significance-of-messy-church-for-the-wider-church","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Church Theology\u003c\/em\u003e is the first title to encapsulate the theology of Messy Church. Through essays by contributors from a variety of church and academic backgrounds and case studies by Messy Church practitioners, it gathers together some of the discussions around Messy Church and assesses the impact of this ministry, placing it in the context of wider developments within the church community.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSection 1: Messy questions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e1 When is Messy Church 'church'?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eClaire Dalpra\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e2 When is Messy Church 'not church'?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eSteve Hollinghurst\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCase study: Messy Church Special Educational Needs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTrish Hahn\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e3 How does Messy Church travel?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eLucy Moore\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e4 Does Messy Church make disciples?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJudy Paulsen\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCase study: Messy Church at St Christopher's\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eAlison Paginton\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSection 2: Messy foundations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e5 Messy theology\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePaul Bayes\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e6 Messy disciples\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Drane\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCase study: Messy Church Fiesta\u003cbr\u003eChristine Barton\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e7 From Sunday school to Messy Church: a new movement for our age?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eBob Jackson\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e8 What is the DNA of Messy Church?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eGeorge Lings\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCase study: Messy Church @ Christ Church Primacy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eKevin Metcalfe\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSection 3: Messy practicalities\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e9 Messy maturity: paradox, contradiction or perfect match?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eBeth Barnett\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e10 Messy Church: how far can you go before reaching the limit?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTim G. Waghorn\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCase study: the story of the 'Messy angels'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eSharon Pritchard\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e11 Some frameworks to explore Messy Church and discipleship\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eBob Hopkins\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e12 Growing, maturing, ripening: what might an older Messy Church look like?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePaul Moore\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCase study: St Andrew's Church, Bebington: the journey of an older Messy Church\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMarie Beale\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e13 Why we might expect mess, not merely tolerate it\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eGeorge Lings\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAfterword\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eLucy Moore\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nGeorge Lings heads up Church Army's research unit, The Sheffield Centre, which for over a decade has been at work discerning the evolving mission of the church and the resultant fresh expressions of church.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinistry Today - July 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a fairly substantial assessment of where Messy Church is up to and how it might sit within the wider church, and because Messy Church is inter-generational, there is much in these 13 chapters that could apply to All Age Worship of any kind.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eKey recurring issues are: 'Is Messy Church really church, or is it just a part of church?'; 'Does Messy Church really disciple people adequately?'; 'How adaptable is Messy Church?'; 'What is the future of Messy Church?' Obviously the book is a forthright apologia for Messy Church. Most, but not all, contributors firmly claim that Messy Church is (or should be viewed as) a full expression of church in its own right. Certainly, it's pointed out, if the Vicar thinks it is merely a strategy to get people into 'real' church and the Messy Church Leaders feel it's a full expression of church in its own right, you are heading for trouble!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is much here for All Age practitioners to reflect upon, especially in the area of discipleship. However, stronger answers still need to be developed. What's really good is that the Messy Church movement has asked searching questions of itself, and offered some answers with case-studies. 3.5\/5.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Dormandy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview from Ecclesial Practices 2:1 (2015), 121-123] - Australia May 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMessy Church is a creative, all-age, hospitable, celebrating expression of church whose time seems to have come. A decade on from its pioneering by Lucy and Paul Moore and team in Portsmouth, there are now 1400 registered messy churches in the UK alone, and Messy Church coordinators estimate 4000 Messy-style churches with 360,000 participants in the UK. It is the single most common and most rapidly multiplying expression model of the Fresh expressions movement, and is connecting with un-churched, de-churched and marginally churched people. Its reach has spread across denominations and continents; the Messy Church website directory shows me there are 20 in my home city of Melbourne, including 3 within 3 kilometres of my house - Anglican, Uniting and Baptist! There are more than a dozen books on how to start and run a messy church with its crafts, cooking and conversations. What Messy Church Theology uniquely explores is where Messy Church fits theologically as 'church', where it is growing (or wants to grow) in disciple-making, and what other streams of the church and missional movement could learn from Messy Church. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e19 writers contribute case studies or chapters in three sections. Firstly there are 'messy questions' exploring when fresh expressions are fresh, when they are church, and when they are messy church? What is the DNA of messy church, how transferable is it, and how does Bible Reading Fellowship as its sponsor ensure quality but not expect control? The most recurring questions are how can Messy Church foster discipleship, and how can it 'be church' for all-of-life beyond certain life stages. It is appropriate to bring an evaluative grid to innovative new expressions about how they are doing as church in making healthy disciples and being missional, but these are questions for all churches not just messy new experiments.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe second section digs into 'messy foundations' - urging a theology and discipleship that is messy and curious. That is helped as we listen to and not just condescend children, and celebrate and imitate their relentless and playful questioning. Messy Church, like Alpha, allows space for questions and expressing mystery and doubt; elements that are essential for evangelism in a post-modern context, but natural in an all-age setting of Messy Church. The ethos of creativity that Messy Church fosters is intriguing and something all churches could learn from, as George Lings articulates: \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e'Turning church back into a creative, participatory, communal hive of spiritual life is a worthy goal that critiques much existing church practice. \r\nThrough true hospitality and creativity, those who come to us move from being clients, for whom we provide pre-cooked liturgical dishes, to being guests for whom we care. They also become co-creators with whom we are fellow artists, and co-workers with whom we are partners. In the end, even the distinction between host and guest dissolves, and so all-age, Christ-centred community emerges' (pp.160-161).\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe third and final section unpacks 'messy practicalities'; not trying to tidy up all loose ends but actually celebrating the mess of life and the adventure of experimenting with church. For example, Beth Barnett offers critique of Western Enlightenment-inspired 'maturity' language, pointing more importantly to Jesus' invitation to become like a child in openness, collaboration and curiosity (rather than aspiring to power, bigness and conservatism). Barnett subversively suggests multi-sensory interactive learning and engaging together with Scripture is potentially a richer and more promising path to growth than a three point monological sermon; and that engaging with Scripture and worship with children ought to be as natural as children around the dinner table. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a rich collection of case studies scattered through the book, but I especially appreciated Tim Waghorn's Melbourne innovation of offering weekly (rather than the usual monthly) Messy Church as a way of breaking down barriers and offering church accessibly for families, complete with media-guided worship (using common technology people are used to) and sensory engaging learning. Waghorn celebrates how Messy Church involves a wide range of lay leaders and does not rely on the hired holy person, but he also challenges Ministers to engage in Messy Church leadership, as a fast-track way of connecting and being accessible. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eConvinced as I am that we desperately need more innovative and colourful expressions of church that are shaped around mission, there are important lessons to learn from Messy Church. We can continue to develop and multiply Messy Churches, but also boldly reinvent church in other surprising directions and reshapings. We need the kind of courage and creativity that characterizes Messy Church, but also the permission and resourcing that existing churches and sponsors have generously given. We need to unleash the creativity of all of God's people, and not be preoccupied with a particular inherited worship format or bound by reliance on hired holy people. As we experiment, messy does not mean sloppy as George Lings warns, and churches need to be careful about focusing on and evaluating discipleship and mission and our foundational values, as the Messy Church Theology authors have done.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eI have my own unanswered curious question to ask of these Messy Church Theology writers. Their concern about discipleship seems to largely settle on utilizing and the 10 minute celebration teaching time, or increasing the frequency of gathering or adding extra programs or resources. But I would love to hear more about how Messy Church practitioners utilize their craft and hospitality times for disciple-making. What can we learn - or what do we need to learn better - about coming alongside people in the midst of activity and relationships, and as spiritual companions urging one another on as disciples? In what ways can we best be open to 'God moments' that Paul Moore urges us to be attentive to (p.243) in the midst of the 'create, chill, chomp and celebrate' (p.259) of Messy Church, or even everyday life?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe rich theological reflection, practical suggestions and inspiring case studies of Messy Church Theology is excellent reading for Messy Church practitioners, anyone having a go at all-age worship or outreach, or missional church leaders ready to learn from this growing movement. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDarren Cronshaw, pastor of AuburnLife and Mission Catalyst - Researcher with the Baptist Union of Victoria. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is another well-presented, easy to read book from the Messy Church team.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral themes recur in the book. It inevitably considers the wider debate of Fresh Expressions of which Messy Church can be considered one aspect. Claire Dalpra and Steve Hollinghurst debate whether Messy Church is or is not 'church', with the theme reiterated throughout the book that Messy Church is not just another activity club, Sunday school or outreach project. To be 'church' it needs to demonstrate the four creedal marks of church: one, holy, catholic and apostolic.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe debate around Fresh Expressions inevitably raises the issue of how adults can grow as disciples within Messy Church. Judy Paulsen uses data from her doctoral research study to look into this in some depth. Tim G. Waghorn suggests that although the teaching context should be robust and relevant to connect with families, adults are likely to be kept in a 'holding pattern' until there is something else for them to feed into. Bob Hopkins discusses a framework to make discipleship more intentional, while Beth Barnett proposes that it might not be necessary to consciously strive for maturity if the congregation enjoys a constant engagement with the Bible and the Holy Spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eGeorge Lings suggests that Messy Churches should be measured against the core values identified by Lucy Moore: hospitality, creativity, celebration and all-age, adding a fifth: Christ-centred.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is punctuated with case studies of individual Messy Church experiences, from the Messy Church Fiesta in Scotland, the 'Messy Angels' in Northern Ireland to the Messy Church in Hemel Hempstead for children with special needs and the Messy Church in the north-west of England with some useful ideas for reaching dads and engaging the boys. These all provide a useful snapshot of recent Messy Church developments.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs with all books of this style, there are some articles that are more useful than others. But each of the varied selection of authors has written passionately about their different areas of expertise, providing some thought-provoking material. They look back on the story so far, celebrating what God has been doing, and looking ahead to debate what might make Messy Church even more effective for the future. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGillian Roberts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom STAR News late September 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'...the people group who have been theologically marginalised and ignored the longest and most consistently to the present day are children. Week by week in our churches we continue to patronise them, silence them and ignore their attempts at reframing our faith. If they are asked to share their thinking at the end of our Sunday worship, we applaud their insights into the holy scriptures rather than learning from them. And yet, if we will look and listen, the drawings and sculptures and ideas and thinking of children in every church can enormously enrich what we know about God.'\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis explosive paragraph, by Bishop Paul Bayes, is in line with the thought-provoking material written by all of the varied authors featured in this first-rate book. Read it if you are involved in the leadership of a Messy Church or if you want to deepen your understanding of how anyone can be helped to grow as a disciple of Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI will be referring to it often!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRona Orme - Peterborough Diocese Children's Missioner.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Salvationist, 7th June 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI AM naturally more at home preparing and doing Messy Church than I am 'theologising' about it! That being said, reading Messy Church Theology has given me insight into what has made Messy Church the phenomenon it has become over the past ten years.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\r\nWhile the heart of Messy Church itself is all about introducing families to Christ, the various contributors to this book seek to answer questions such as, 'When is Messy Church, church?' and 'Does Messy Church make disciples?' Some of the questions raised and concerns highlighted are very much rooted in its Anglican heritage and their use of liturgy and the sacraments. However, while these may not pose the same issues for The Salvation Army, most of us would be challenged that it should not be seen as just a bridge to our Sunday meeting congregations but as a church in its own right. I particularly enjoyed Paul Moore's analogy of likening church to the variety of Cheddar cheeses available in a supermarket: 'The mild looks like soap and probably tastes bland. The vintage looks cracked and crusty and may prove dangerously pungent but the point is that it is all sold as Cheddar cheese and it is all maturing. Similarly, in a healthy maturing church we can expect to have a range of Christian commitment and maturity, from new Christians through to vintage disciples, and even if there are more mild than mature members, it still constitutes real church if the members are working together to build one another up in Christ.'\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\r\nAlthough tough at points, the overall read is worthwhile and will prove beneficial to anyone involved in leading Messy Church. Case studies give inspirational examples of good practice and tie the book together in showing how Messy Church successfully reaches people with the love of God.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Rachel Gotobed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Mission Network News\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter nearly 10 years Messy Church has grown considerably, with over 2000 churches registered worldwide. Such growth has generated much response and debate. A collection of essays from a range of contributors has been gathered in order to provide theological reflection that will explore the significance of Messy Church for individual discipleship and for the wider church. Any who wish to engage in a broader awareness of this, or who are questioning the long-term sustainability and impact of Messy Church, will find that the essays provide a framework for thought and debate.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:17+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:18+00:00","vendor":"George Lings","type":"Paperback","tags":["Messy Church books"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769010151524,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857461711","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436517671012,"product_id":2439744585828,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:19+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:16+00:00","alt":null,"width":426,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461711-l.jpg?v=1549043176","variant_ids":[21769010151524]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Church Theology: Exploring the significance of Messy Church for the wider church - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":317,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857461711","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238874775691,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461711-l.jpg?v=1549043176"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461711-l.jpg?v=1549043176"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461711-l.jpg?v=1549043176","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238874775691,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461711-l.jpg?v=1549043176"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461711-l.jpg?v=1549043176","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Church Theology\u003c\/em\u003e is the first title to encapsulate the theology of Messy Church. Through essays by contributors from a variety of church and academic backgrounds and case studies by Messy Church practitioners, it gathers together some of the discussions around Messy Church and assesses the impact of this ministry, placing it in the context of wider developments within the church community.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSection 1: Messy questions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e1 When is Messy Church 'church'?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eClaire Dalpra\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e2 When is Messy Church 'not church'?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eSteve Hollinghurst\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCase study: Messy Church Special Educational Needs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTrish Hahn\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e3 How does Messy Church travel?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eLucy Moore\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e4 Does Messy Church make disciples?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJudy Paulsen\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCase study: Messy Church at St Christopher's\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eAlison Paginton\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSection 2: Messy foundations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e5 Messy theology\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePaul Bayes\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e6 Messy disciples\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Drane\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCase study: Messy Church Fiesta\u003cbr\u003eChristine Barton\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e7 From Sunday school to Messy Church: a new movement for our age?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eBob Jackson\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e8 What is the DNA of Messy Church?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eGeorge Lings\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCase study: Messy Church @ Christ Church Primacy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eKevin Metcalfe\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSection 3: Messy practicalities\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e9 Messy maturity: paradox, contradiction or perfect match?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eBeth Barnett\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e10 Messy Church: how far can you go before reaching the limit?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTim G. Waghorn\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCase study: the story of the 'Messy angels'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eSharon Pritchard\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e11 Some frameworks to explore Messy Church and discipleship\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eBob Hopkins\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e12 Growing, maturing, ripening: what might an older Messy Church look like?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePaul Moore\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCase study: St Andrew's Church, Bebington: the journey of an older Messy Church\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMarie Beale\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e13 Why we might expect mess, not merely tolerate it\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eGeorge Lings\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAfterword\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eLucy Moore\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nGeorge Lings heads up Church Army's research unit, The Sheffield Centre, which for over a decade has been at work discerning the evolving mission of the church and the resultant fresh expressions of church.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinistry Today - July 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a fairly substantial assessment of where Messy Church is up to and how it might sit within the wider church, and because Messy Church is inter-generational, there is much in these 13 chapters that could apply to All Age Worship of any kind.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eKey recurring issues are: 'Is Messy Church really church, or is it just a part of church?'; 'Does Messy Church really disciple people adequately?'; 'How adaptable is Messy Church?'; 'What is the future of Messy Church?' Obviously the book is a forthright apologia for Messy Church. Most, but not all, contributors firmly claim that Messy Church is (or should be viewed as) a full expression of church in its own right. Certainly, it's pointed out, if the Vicar thinks it is merely a strategy to get people into 'real' church and the Messy Church Leaders feel it's a full expression of church in its own right, you are heading for trouble!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is much here for All Age practitioners to reflect upon, especially in the area of discipleship. However, stronger answers still need to be developed. What's really good is that the Messy Church movement has asked searching questions of itself, and offered some answers with case-studies. 3.5\/5.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Dormandy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview from Ecclesial Practices 2:1 (2015), 121-123] - Australia May 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMessy Church is a creative, all-age, hospitable, celebrating expression of church whose time seems to have come. A decade on from its pioneering by Lucy and Paul Moore and team in Portsmouth, there are now 1400 registered messy churches in the UK alone, and Messy Church coordinators estimate 4000 Messy-style churches with 360,000 participants in the UK. It is the single most common and most rapidly multiplying expression model of the Fresh expressions movement, and is connecting with un-churched, de-churched and marginally churched people. Its reach has spread across denominations and continents; the Messy Church website directory shows me there are 20 in my home city of Melbourne, including 3 within 3 kilometres of my house - Anglican, Uniting and Baptist! There are more than a dozen books on how to start and run a messy church with its crafts, cooking and conversations. What Messy Church Theology uniquely explores is where Messy Church fits theologically as 'church', where it is growing (or wants to grow) in disciple-making, and what other streams of the church and missional movement could learn from Messy Church. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e19 writers contribute case studies or chapters in three sections. Firstly there are 'messy questions' exploring when fresh expressions are fresh, when they are church, and when they are messy church? What is the DNA of messy church, how transferable is it, and how does Bible Reading Fellowship as its sponsor ensure quality but not expect control? The most recurring questions are how can Messy Church foster discipleship, and how can it 'be church' for all-of-life beyond certain life stages. It is appropriate to bring an evaluative grid to innovative new expressions about how they are doing as church in making healthy disciples and being missional, but these are questions for all churches not just messy new experiments.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe second section digs into 'messy foundations' - urging a theology and discipleship that is messy and curious. That is helped as we listen to and not just condescend children, and celebrate and imitate their relentless and playful questioning. Messy Church, like Alpha, allows space for questions and expressing mystery and doubt; elements that are essential for evangelism in a post-modern context, but natural in an all-age setting of Messy Church. The ethos of creativity that Messy Church fosters is intriguing and something all churches could learn from, as George Lings articulates: \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e'Turning church back into a creative, participatory, communal hive of spiritual life is a worthy goal that critiques much existing church practice. \r\nThrough true hospitality and creativity, those who come to us move from being clients, for whom we provide pre-cooked liturgical dishes, to being guests for whom we care. They also become co-creators with whom we are fellow artists, and co-workers with whom we are partners. In the end, even the distinction between host and guest dissolves, and so all-age, Christ-centred community emerges' (pp.160-161).\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe third and final section unpacks 'messy practicalities'; not trying to tidy up all loose ends but actually celebrating the mess of life and the adventure of experimenting with church. For example, Beth Barnett offers critique of Western Enlightenment-inspired 'maturity' language, pointing more importantly to Jesus' invitation to become like a child in openness, collaboration and curiosity (rather than aspiring to power, bigness and conservatism). Barnett subversively suggests multi-sensory interactive learning and engaging together with Scripture is potentially a richer and more promising path to growth than a three point monological sermon; and that engaging with Scripture and worship with children ought to be as natural as children around the dinner table. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a rich collection of case studies scattered through the book, but I especially appreciated Tim Waghorn's Melbourne innovation of offering weekly (rather than the usual monthly) Messy Church as a way of breaking down barriers and offering church accessibly for families, complete with media-guided worship (using common technology people are used to) and sensory engaging learning. Waghorn celebrates how Messy Church involves a wide range of lay leaders and does not rely on the hired holy person, but he also challenges Ministers to engage in Messy Church leadership, as a fast-track way of connecting and being accessible. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eConvinced as I am that we desperately need more innovative and colourful expressions of church that are shaped around mission, there are important lessons to learn from Messy Church. We can continue to develop and multiply Messy Churches, but also boldly reinvent church in other surprising directions and reshapings. We need the kind of courage and creativity that characterizes Messy Church, but also the permission and resourcing that existing churches and sponsors have generously given. We need to unleash the creativity of all of God's people, and not be preoccupied with a particular inherited worship format or bound by reliance on hired holy people. As we experiment, messy does not mean sloppy as George Lings warns, and churches need to be careful about focusing on and evaluating discipleship and mission and our foundational values, as the Messy Church Theology authors have done.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eI have my own unanswered curious question to ask of these Messy Church Theology writers. Their concern about discipleship seems to largely settle on utilizing and the 10 minute celebration teaching time, or increasing the frequency of gathering or adding extra programs or resources. But I would love to hear more about how Messy Church practitioners utilize their craft and hospitality times for disciple-making. What can we learn - or what do we need to learn better - about coming alongside people in the midst of activity and relationships, and as spiritual companions urging one another on as disciples? In what ways can we best be open to 'God moments' that Paul Moore urges us to be attentive to (p.243) in the midst of the 'create, chill, chomp and celebrate' (p.259) of Messy Church, or even everyday life?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe rich theological reflection, practical suggestions and inspiring case studies of Messy Church Theology is excellent reading for Messy Church practitioners, anyone having a go at all-age worship or outreach, or missional church leaders ready to learn from this growing movement. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDarren Cronshaw, pastor of AuburnLife and Mission Catalyst - Researcher with the Baptist Union of Victoria. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is another well-presented, easy to read book from the Messy Church team.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral themes recur in the book. It inevitably considers the wider debate of Fresh Expressions of which Messy Church can be considered one aspect. Claire Dalpra and Steve Hollinghurst debate whether Messy Church is or is not 'church', with the theme reiterated throughout the book that Messy Church is not just another activity club, Sunday school or outreach project. To be 'church' it needs to demonstrate the four creedal marks of church: one, holy, catholic and apostolic.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe debate around Fresh Expressions inevitably raises the issue of how adults can grow as disciples within Messy Church. Judy Paulsen uses data from her doctoral research study to look into this in some depth. Tim G. Waghorn suggests that although the teaching context should be robust and relevant to connect with families, adults are likely to be kept in a 'holding pattern' until there is something else for them to feed into. Bob Hopkins discusses a framework to make discipleship more intentional, while Beth Barnett proposes that it might not be necessary to consciously strive for maturity if the congregation enjoys a constant engagement with the Bible and the Holy Spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eGeorge Lings suggests that Messy Churches should be measured against the core values identified by Lucy Moore: hospitality, creativity, celebration and all-age, adding a fifth: Christ-centred.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is punctuated with case studies of individual Messy Church experiences, from the Messy Church Fiesta in Scotland, the 'Messy Angels' in Northern Ireland to the Messy Church in Hemel Hempstead for children with special needs and the Messy Church in the north-west of England with some useful ideas for reaching dads and engaging the boys. These all provide a useful snapshot of recent Messy Church developments.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs with all books of this style, there are some articles that are more useful than others. But each of the varied selection of authors has written passionately about their different areas of expertise, providing some thought-provoking material. They look back on the story so far, celebrating what God has been doing, and looking ahead to debate what might make Messy Church even more effective for the future. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGillian Roberts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom STAR News late September 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e'...the people group who have been theologically marginalised and ignored the longest and most consistently to the present day are children. Week by week in our churches we continue to patronise them, silence them and ignore their attempts at reframing our faith. If they are asked to share their thinking at the end of our Sunday worship, we applaud their insights into the holy scriptures rather than learning from them. And yet, if we will look and listen, the drawings and sculptures and ideas and thinking of children in every church can enormously enrich what we know about God.'\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis explosive paragraph, by Bishop Paul Bayes, is in line with the thought-provoking material written by all of the varied authors featured in this first-rate book. Read it if you are involved in the leadership of a Messy Church or if you want to deepen your understanding of how anyone can be helped to grow as a disciple of Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI will be referring to it often!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRona Orme - Peterborough Diocese Children's Missioner.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Salvationist, 7th June 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eI AM naturally more at home preparing and doing Messy Church than I am 'theologising' about it! That being said, reading Messy Church Theology has given me insight into what has made Messy Church the phenomenon it has become over the past ten years.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\r\nWhile the heart of Messy Church itself is all about introducing families to Christ, the various contributors to this book seek to answer questions such as, 'When is Messy Church, church?' and 'Does Messy Church make disciples?' Some of the questions raised and concerns highlighted are very much rooted in its Anglican heritage and their use of liturgy and the sacraments. However, while these may not pose the same issues for The Salvation Army, most of us would be challenged that it should not be seen as just a bridge to our Sunday meeting congregations but as a church in its own right. I particularly enjoyed Paul Moore's analogy of likening church to the variety of Cheddar cheeses available in a supermarket: 'The mild looks like soap and probably tastes bland. The vintage looks cracked and crusty and may prove dangerously pungent but the point is that it is all sold as Cheddar cheese and it is all maturing. Similarly, in a healthy maturing church we can expect to have a range of Christian commitment and maturity, from new Christians through to vintage disciples, and even if there are more mild than mature members, it still constitutes real church if the members are working together to build one another up in Christ.'\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\r\nAlthough tough at points, the overall read is worthwhile and will prove beneficial to anyone involved in leading Messy Church. Case studies give inspirational examples of good practice and tie the book together in showing how Messy Church successfully reaches people with the love of God.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Rachel Gotobed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Mission Network News\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAfter nearly 10 years Messy Church has grown considerably, with over 2000 churches registered worldwide. Such growth has generated much response and debate. A collection of essays from a range of contributors has been gathered in order to provide theological reflection that will explore the significance of Messy Church for individual discipleship and for the wider church. Any who wish to engage in a broader awareness of this, or who are questioning the long-term sustainability and impact of Messy Church, will find that the essays provide a framework for thought and debate.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Messy Church Theology: Exploring the significance of Messy Church for the wider church
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Messy Church Theology is the first title to encapsulate the theology of Messy Church. Through essays by contributors from a...
{"id":2439743766628,"title":"Messy Church: Fresh ideas for building a Christ-centred community","handle":"messy-church-fresh-ideas-for-building-a-christ-centred-community","description":"\u003cp\u003eOverflowing with creative ideas to draw the community together for fun, food, fellowship and worship, this resource book contains 15 themed programme outlines. Each outline has ideas for creative art and craft activities, meal plans and recipes for eating together and family-friendly worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/i\u003e grew out of one church's desire to reach out to those on the fringes of the church community and experience the love of Christ through creativity, fellowship and worship together. There is also a dedicated website at www.messychurch.org.uk which explains what Messy Church is, why it got started and who is doing it now.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n...crammed with good things... delights on every page... full of good fun, deep wisdom and practical know-how. Steven Croft, Bishop of Sheffield\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nLucy Moore is BRF's Messy Church Team Leader, an international speaker and an Associate Missioner for Fresh Expressions. Her books include The Gospels Unplugged, The Lord's Prayer Unplugged, All-Age Worship, Messy Church, Messy Church 2, Messy Crafts and Colourful Creation. She also presents the Messy Church DVD. \n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by The Sign - April 2011\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOffering 'fresh ideas for building a Christ-centred community', Lucy Moore's book is an engaging, lively and humbly thoughtful account of a church's experiment with community worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'Messy Church' began as a way to listen to what local people might want in the way of services. The result has taken off into a worldwide movement for all-age worship which meets the needs of people who are used to the old patterns of churchgoing.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, you'll find out what she and her husband, a vicar in Hampshire, did with a committed team of church members, and you're offered ideas for how to make Messy Church in your own place.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf the idea of 'mess' and 'church' seem mutually exclusive, Lucy Moore challenges that. They found, if a church is going to welcome people as Christ did, it has to accept that they come in a 'mess' - not perfect, conforming, educated and easy-to-manage adult worshippers, but people struggling with many demands imposed by work, children, illness, disability, divorce, emotional baggage and aspirations.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe 'mess' is also - internal emotion, theological and spiritual. It's also about accepting that tidy boundaries around faith and churchgoing are not necessarily the way to experience the Holy Spirit. And in Lucy's church, 'mess' was also about creative play and artistic impression - though to enable that mess to happen, there has to be allot of careful planning.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you don't see anything spiritual in paint blots and angels with paper doily wings, the cover of this book may deter you - but inside there is a potent the theological understanding of what parish worship can embrace, without losing other traditional ways of worshipping. It deserves to be read carefully and discussed by PCCs and church members, and anyone who wonders why lots of people don't come to church any more.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eCountry Life Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e - Autumn 2008\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/em\u003e describes what happened to one suburban church that realised 'we simply weren't connecting' - especially with children and families - despite suitable premises, leaders and volunteers, and some good ideas. But very importantly, neither church nor author consider this experience to be a model to be copied; rather it is an example to be learnt from.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe word messy might be off-putting, but part of it might be spelt risk. This experiment was about moving to, and beyond, the edges of the church, and - to a degree - away from the formal or the familiar. The people the church wanted to reach and serve were 'messy'. Their lives were not easily circumscribed by what normally went on in church. It was successful, particularly in how it brought all ages together in one worshipping community.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book starts by describing the background, with brief but pragmatic theologies of messiness and the church. The key to messy church is a five-fold ethos: creative, hospitable (i.e. food!), all-age, Christ-centred and worshipping. There are very practical sections on safety, recipes and preparing for a messy church experience. The second and longer part is devoted to details of thematic programmes taking messy church through one year.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMany \u003cem\u003eCountry Wide\u003c\/em\u003e readers will be from rural churches with fewer resources than the original messy church. But, like much all-age and children's material from the bible Reading Fellowship, this resource lends itself to picking, choosing and adapting. I believe that, if we are serious about reaching people beyond the comfortable fringes of normal church, this may be of a great help whatever community we represent and whatever the size of your church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Simon Martin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\r\n\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom: \u003cem\u003eThe Methodist Recorder\u003c\/em\u003e - 10 January 2008\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor a taste of a realistic appraisal of the needs of the wider Church today, coupled with a wealth of well-judged, practical and supremely usable material, look no further than \u003cem\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAuthor Lucy Moore has drawn on the skills she has employed in youth work, drama, training programmes and creative presentations in order to produce a book so replete with wisdom that it is difficult to know which quote to choose as illustration. One such is:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'... This journey to faith involves bits of belonging, a little believing, a certain amount of ownership all swilling around together in a life-changing primeval soup while the Spirit works in us to bring us nearer to Jesus in our many different ways.'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHence: \u003cem\u003e'If you juggle with this idea, you soon arrive at a church that not only is a joyful mess but which makes a mess joyfully.'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe first 64 pages examine the concept and considerations of messiness while the remaining 130-odd contain programmes for the summer, autumn and spring terms, with three more for use throughout the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA summary of a messy church midweek session, as practised at the Anglican St Wilfrid's church in Portsmouth, begins at 3.30pm with half an hour of board games, drink and biscuit, followed by an hour's craft time, a 15-minute church celebration service and a last half-hour devoted to a hot meal.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Church is also featured among a series of short stories on the Fresh Expressions DVD.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrom: \u003cem\u003eThe Church Times\u003c\/em\u003e - 26 Oct 07\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an accessible, honest and highly practical book about a self-consciously fresh expression of church in Portsmouth. Its title is a reminder of the messiness of our individual and corporate journeys of faith, and it also reflects Lucy Moore's conviction that the Church 'should not only be a joyful mess but one which should make a mess joyfully.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Church at St Wilfrid's meets together once a month after school on Thursdays, when 60-90 people of all ages come together to do crafts, worship and share food. The stated aim of Messy Church is to be 'a worshipping community of all ages, centred on Christ, showing Christian hospitality, and giving people a chance to express their creativity, to sit down together to eat a meal, and have fun within a church context.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMoore is clear that Messy Church is to be regarded as a church in its own right, not merely a parachurch group that serves to introduce people to the real thing on Sundays.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is designed to be both a stimulus and a resource for other churches. Its first section summarises familiar arguments about the necessity to experiment with different forms of church, before describing, in concrete terms, how Messy Church started and has evolved. It is generally a well-thought-through model, resourced by an enviable array of talented, committed and available people; and Moore is honest about some of the limitations, and the areas in which further work is required - for instance, the relationship between Messy Church and the regular Sunday congregation of St Wilfrid's.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe second section provides 12 units of high-quality thematic material (enough for a year), including details of numerous craft activities, and suggestions for worship. The book also contains recipes and hints for catering for large numbers.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe theological reflection in this book is sometimes a bit thin. I also found it puzzling that, despite the enormous amount of importance which Messy Church (rightly) attaches to food and eating together, there is no mention of this church's celebration of the eucharist. This is, however, undoubtedly a valuable resource for churches engaged in all-age activities and worship, and has much to commend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Revd Dr Grenfell, Team Rector of Sheffield Manor and Course Director at Ripon College, Cuddesdon.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\r\n\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom: The Lincoln and Grimsby Methodist Church website\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEveryone in the church seems to be talking about 'Fresh expressions of church'! So, what about Glentham?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWell, I have come across a wonderful concept called 'Messy Church' And so I found myself trawling the Internet for inspiration for our 'Interactive Easter Family Worship' and I came across a book called 'Messy Church' by Lucy Moore As I read the blurb about it I felt excited, it seemed to be just what we were looking for (and more!)\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is Messy Church?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'Messy Church is a once-monthly time when families come together to enjoy being together, making things together, eating together and celebrating God together through his work, through music and through prayer. It's different from a children's activity day because it's an event for children and their carers or parents together, and it's more than a local authority fun day because of the element of worship that underpins it all.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnd that's just the beginning. The book is very easy to read and wonderfully inspirational with loads of practical ideas.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrom: \u003cem\u003eChristian Marketplace\u003c\/em\u003e - August 2007\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFresh Expressions of church are designed for those on the outside or edge of the Christian community. Messy church is a 'must have' for anyone - clergy, children's workers, creative people - serious about reaching people on the edges.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a brilliant little paperback jam packed with ideas. It is easy to read, laying out the theology and aims of messy church as well as giving 15 plans for all age sessions. Messy church is interactive church, including lots of easy to do craft, worship, Bible story and response, prayers and meals together. There are even recipes for meal suggestions!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Church is designed for weekdays because of the fall in numbers of families coming to church on a Sunday. However, I have tried ideas from it at an All Age on a Sunday too, with positive response. Any book that suggeets that people are asked to 'sit down' rather than 'be seated' usually meets with my approval!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Ann Eyre.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrom: \u003cem\u003eReform\u003c\/em\u003e - March 2007\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book's main intention is 'to kick start some thinking about what particular form of fresh expression church might take.' The experience behind the book is of an Anglican church - St Wilfrid's. But I knew immediately who would love this book, someone who is part of a URC 'fresh expression' church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Moore is part of the Messy Church team. This book places adults and children together in the context of fun, food, fellowship and worship. Messy Church is a monthly experience for families, children and carers, which runs from 3.30pm to 5.45pm on Thursdays. It is structured, but fun! After a welcome slot, there are craft activities, worship and food.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe aim of Messy Church is 'to be a worshipping community of all ages, centred on Christ, showing Christian hospitality - giving people a chance to express their creativity, to sit down together to eat a meal and have fun within a church context.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe first part offers the story and concept of Messy Church, with a simple and superb section on messy theology. The point is to reach those for whom traditional church does not make much sense.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe second part offers four units of ready worked out programmes for three terms - summer, autumn and spring. There are also three unites on biblical landscapes - mountains, roads and seasides. Each unit has an aim, biblical background, food recipe, ten activities and an outline for celebration worship. The songs suggested are usually from either the \u003cem\u003eHumungous Song Book\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eKidsource\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eShout to the Lord Kids\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003eGreat Big God\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Pompey Chimes, the Diocese of Portsmouth's newspaper - February 2007\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is both inspiring and challenging. It's not one on how to keep your church clean, but about a concept started in St Wilfrid's Church, Cowplain, where parents, carers and children can express their creativity, eat a meal together, experiences worship and have fun within a church context.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt's a book that starts to explore a particular 'Fresh Expression' of church, a joint Church of England and Methodist initiative which encourages churches to find different ways of being Church for different people and situations.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is for church leaders, children's and youth workers and anyone looking at ways of reaching out to their community. The book starts with an overview of Messy Church then moves on to what it is and its aims.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you want to imitate Messy Church or not, it gets you thinking about what your church situation is and what Fresh Expressions of church are happening (or not) in yours.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eShe gives guidance as to how to create a Fresh Expression of church. It then moves of to 15 themed programmes: each programme consists of a meal idea, 10 crafts, a talk and worship outline with a suggestion of appropriate songs to use (all songs that I am familiar with!).\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI found the ideas very simple and easy t follow and will definitely be looking at trying some out.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe crafts are fun and could be used for any midweek group, holiday club or Sunday programme. The talks are short and very user-friendly and again are suitable for other events.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI love Lucy's style and humour and found the book very easy to read. A lot has been packed into this book. I think it is a must for all children's workers - an excellent resource.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eStart the Week\u003c\/em\u003e - 18 November 2006\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFresh Expressions of church is a topic hot for debate and exploration. By recognising the need for our churches to 'be church' in new ways for different people and situations, fresh and exciting projects are springing up around the country. One such 'fresh expression' is Messy Church that enjoys the gifts of food and creativity to help people come closer to God and each other.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn her book \u003cem\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/em\u003e Lucy Moore describes the monthly Thursday afternoon church where Mums, children, carers, grandparents can meet to enjoy craft activities, a meal and a short celebration of God's love for us. The book describes the concept and theology behind such a church. 15 themed programmes are provided with Bible references, craft and art activities, easy to prepare recipes for the meal and family-friendly worship outlines. A complete programme for creative activities, a nutritious meal and a short celebration allow for the community to have fun, be fed and experience worship in a church context.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'\u003cem\u003eMessy Church is one of those learning places. It's crammed with good things and there are delights on every page.\u003c\/em\u003e' From the foreword by Steven Croft.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Moore is part of BRF's \u003cem\u003eBarnabas\u003c\/em\u003e team. She is a published writer, gifted performer and creative arts director. At \u003cem\u003eBarnabas\u003c\/em\u003e ministry and training events she shares the Bible through lively original poetry and drama, mime and storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReproduced from \u003cem\u003eStart the Week\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:14+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:15+00:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Christmas","Easter","Messy Church books","Oct-11"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769004056676,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857461452","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436511936612,"product_id":2439743766628,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:15+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:17+00:00","alt":null,"width":426,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461452-l.jpg?v=1549043177","variant_ids":[21769004056676]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Church: Fresh ideas for building a Christ-centred community - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":235,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857461452","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238874710155,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461452-l.jpg?v=1549043177"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461452-l.jpg?v=1549043177"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461452-l.jpg?v=1549043177","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238874710155,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461452-l.jpg?v=1549043177"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461452-l.jpg?v=1549043177","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eOverflowing with creative ideas to draw the community together for fun, food, fellowship and worship, this resource book contains 15 themed programme outlines. Each outline has ideas for creative art and craft activities, meal plans and recipes for eating together and family-friendly worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/i\u003e grew out of one church's desire to reach out to those on the fringes of the church community and experience the love of Christ through creativity, fellowship and worship together. There is also a dedicated website at www.messychurch.org.uk which explains what Messy Church is, why it got started and who is doing it now.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n...crammed with good things... delights on every page... full of good fun, deep wisdom and practical know-how. Steven Croft, Bishop of Sheffield\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nLucy Moore is BRF's Messy Church Team Leader, an international speaker and an Associate Missioner for Fresh Expressions. Her books include The Gospels Unplugged, The Lord's Prayer Unplugged, All-Age Worship, Messy Church, Messy Church 2, Messy Crafts and Colourful Creation. She also presents the Messy Church DVD. \n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by The Sign - April 2011\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOffering 'fresh ideas for building a Christ-centred community', Lucy Moore's book is an engaging, lively and humbly thoughtful account of a church's experiment with community worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'Messy Church' began as a way to listen to what local people might want in the way of services. The result has taken off into a worldwide movement for all-age worship which meets the needs of people who are used to the old patterns of churchgoing.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, you'll find out what she and her husband, a vicar in Hampshire, did with a committed team of church members, and you're offered ideas for how to make Messy Church in your own place.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf the idea of 'mess' and 'church' seem mutually exclusive, Lucy Moore challenges that. They found, if a church is going to welcome people as Christ did, it has to accept that they come in a 'mess' - not perfect, conforming, educated and easy-to-manage adult worshippers, but people struggling with many demands imposed by work, children, illness, disability, divorce, emotional baggage and aspirations.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe 'mess' is also - internal emotion, theological and spiritual. It's also about accepting that tidy boundaries around faith and churchgoing are not necessarily the way to experience the Holy Spirit. And in Lucy's church, 'mess' was also about creative play and artistic impression - though to enable that mess to happen, there has to be allot of careful planning.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you don't see anything spiritual in paint blots and angels with paper doily wings, the cover of this book may deter you - but inside there is a potent the theological understanding of what parish worship can embrace, without losing other traditional ways of worshipping. It deserves to be read carefully and discussed by PCCs and church members, and anyone who wonders why lots of people don't come to church any more.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eCountry Life Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e - Autumn 2008\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/em\u003e describes what happened to one suburban church that realised 'we simply weren't connecting' - especially with children and families - despite suitable premises, leaders and volunteers, and some good ideas. But very importantly, neither church nor author consider this experience to be a model to be copied; rather it is an example to be learnt from.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe word messy might be off-putting, but part of it might be spelt risk. This experiment was about moving to, and beyond, the edges of the church, and - to a degree - away from the formal or the familiar. The people the church wanted to reach and serve were 'messy'. Their lives were not easily circumscribed by what normally went on in church. It was successful, particularly in how it brought all ages together in one worshipping community.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book starts by describing the background, with brief but pragmatic theologies of messiness and the church. The key to messy church is a five-fold ethos: creative, hospitable (i.e. food!), all-age, Christ-centred and worshipping. There are very practical sections on safety, recipes and preparing for a messy church experience. The second and longer part is devoted to details of thematic programmes taking messy church through one year.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMany \u003cem\u003eCountry Wide\u003c\/em\u003e readers will be from rural churches with fewer resources than the original messy church. But, like much all-age and children's material from the bible Reading Fellowship, this resource lends itself to picking, choosing and adapting. I believe that, if we are serious about reaching people beyond the comfortable fringes of normal church, this may be of a great help whatever community we represent and whatever the size of your church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Simon Martin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\r\n\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom: \u003cem\u003eThe Methodist Recorder\u003c\/em\u003e - 10 January 2008\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor a taste of a realistic appraisal of the needs of the wider Church today, coupled with a wealth of well-judged, practical and supremely usable material, look no further than \u003cem\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAuthor Lucy Moore has drawn on the skills she has employed in youth work, drama, training programmes and creative presentations in order to produce a book so replete with wisdom that it is difficult to know which quote to choose as illustration. One such is:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'... This journey to faith involves bits of belonging, a little believing, a certain amount of ownership all swilling around together in a life-changing primeval soup while the Spirit works in us to bring us nearer to Jesus in our many different ways.'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHence: \u003cem\u003e'If you juggle with this idea, you soon arrive at a church that not only is a joyful mess but which makes a mess joyfully.'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe first 64 pages examine the concept and considerations of messiness while the remaining 130-odd contain programmes for the summer, autumn and spring terms, with three more for use throughout the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA summary of a messy church midweek session, as practised at the Anglican St Wilfrid's church in Portsmouth, begins at 3.30pm with half an hour of board games, drink and biscuit, followed by an hour's craft time, a 15-minute church celebration service and a last half-hour devoted to a hot meal.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Church is also featured among a series of short stories on the Fresh Expressions DVD.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrom: \u003cem\u003eThe Church Times\u003c\/em\u003e - 26 Oct 07\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an accessible, honest and highly practical book about a self-consciously fresh expression of church in Portsmouth. Its title is a reminder of the messiness of our individual and corporate journeys of faith, and it also reflects Lucy Moore's conviction that the Church 'should not only be a joyful mess but one which should make a mess joyfully.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Church at St Wilfrid's meets together once a month after school on Thursdays, when 60-90 people of all ages come together to do crafts, worship and share food. The stated aim of Messy Church is to be 'a worshipping community of all ages, centred on Christ, showing Christian hospitality, and giving people a chance to express their creativity, to sit down together to eat a meal, and have fun within a church context.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMoore is clear that Messy Church is to be regarded as a church in its own right, not merely a parachurch group that serves to introduce people to the real thing on Sundays.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is designed to be both a stimulus and a resource for other churches. Its first section summarises familiar arguments about the necessity to experiment with different forms of church, before describing, in concrete terms, how Messy Church started and has evolved. It is generally a well-thought-through model, resourced by an enviable array of talented, committed and available people; and Moore is honest about some of the limitations, and the areas in which further work is required - for instance, the relationship between Messy Church and the regular Sunday congregation of St Wilfrid's.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe second section provides 12 units of high-quality thematic material (enough for a year), including details of numerous craft activities, and suggestions for worship. The book also contains recipes and hints for catering for large numbers.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe theological reflection in this book is sometimes a bit thin. I also found it puzzling that, despite the enormous amount of importance which Messy Church (rightly) attaches to food and eating together, there is no mention of this church's celebration of the eucharist. This is, however, undoubtedly a valuable resource for churches engaged in all-age activities and worship, and has much to commend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Revd Dr Grenfell, Team Rector of Sheffield Manor and Course Director at Ripon College, Cuddesdon.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\r\n\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom: The Lincoln and Grimsby Methodist Church website\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEveryone in the church seems to be talking about 'Fresh expressions of church'! So, what about Glentham?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWell, I have come across a wonderful concept called 'Messy Church' And so I found myself trawling the Internet for inspiration for our 'Interactive Easter Family Worship' and I came across a book called 'Messy Church' by Lucy Moore As I read the blurb about it I felt excited, it seemed to be just what we were looking for (and more!)\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is Messy Church?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'Messy Church is a once-monthly time when families come together to enjoy being together, making things together, eating together and celebrating God together through his work, through music and through prayer. It's different from a children's activity day because it's an event for children and their carers or parents together, and it's more than a local authority fun day because of the element of worship that underpins it all.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnd that's just the beginning. The book is very easy to read and wonderfully inspirational with loads of practical ideas.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrom: \u003cem\u003eChristian Marketplace\u003c\/em\u003e - August 2007\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFresh Expressions of church are designed for those on the outside or edge of the Christian community. Messy church is a 'must have' for anyone - clergy, children's workers, creative people - serious about reaching people on the edges.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a brilliant little paperback jam packed with ideas. It is easy to read, laying out the theology and aims of messy church as well as giving 15 plans for all age sessions. Messy church is interactive church, including lots of easy to do craft, worship, Bible story and response, prayers and meals together. There are even recipes for meal suggestions!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Church is designed for weekdays because of the fall in numbers of families coming to church on a Sunday. However, I have tried ideas from it at an All Age on a Sunday too, with positive response. Any book that suggeets that people are asked to 'sit down' rather than 'be seated' usually meets with my approval!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Ann Eyre.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrom: \u003cem\u003eReform\u003c\/em\u003e - March 2007\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book's main intention is 'to kick start some thinking about what particular form of fresh expression church might take.' The experience behind the book is of an Anglican church - St Wilfrid's. But I knew immediately who would love this book, someone who is part of a URC 'fresh expression' church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Moore is part of the Messy Church team. This book places adults and children together in the context of fun, food, fellowship and worship. Messy Church is a monthly experience for families, children and carers, which runs from 3.30pm to 5.45pm on Thursdays. It is structured, but fun! After a welcome slot, there are craft activities, worship and food.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe aim of Messy Church is 'to be a worshipping community of all ages, centred on Christ, showing Christian hospitality - giving people a chance to express their creativity, to sit down together to eat a meal and have fun within a church context.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe first part offers the story and concept of Messy Church, with a simple and superb section on messy theology. The point is to reach those for whom traditional church does not make much sense.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe second part offers four units of ready worked out programmes for three terms - summer, autumn and spring. There are also three unites on biblical landscapes - mountains, roads and seasides. Each unit has an aim, biblical background, food recipe, ten activities and an outline for celebration worship. The songs suggested are usually from either the \u003cem\u003eHumungous Song Book\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eKidsource\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eShout to the Lord Kids\u003c\/em\u003e or \u003cem\u003eGreat Big God\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Pompey Chimes, the Diocese of Portsmouth's newspaper - February 2007\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is both inspiring and challenging. It's not one on how to keep your church clean, but about a concept started in St Wilfrid's Church, Cowplain, where parents, carers and children can express their creativity, eat a meal together, experiences worship and have fun within a church context.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt's a book that starts to explore a particular 'Fresh Expression' of church, a joint Church of England and Methodist initiative which encourages churches to find different ways of being Church for different people and situations.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is for church leaders, children's and youth workers and anyone looking at ways of reaching out to their community. The book starts with an overview of Messy Church then moves on to what it is and its aims.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you want to imitate Messy Church or not, it gets you thinking about what your church situation is and what Fresh Expressions of church are happening (or not) in yours.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eShe gives guidance as to how to create a Fresh Expression of church. It then moves of to 15 themed programmes: each programme consists of a meal idea, 10 crafts, a talk and worship outline with a suggestion of appropriate songs to use (all songs that I am familiar with!).\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI found the ideas very simple and easy t follow and will definitely be looking at trying some out.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe crafts are fun and could be used for any midweek group, holiday club or Sunday programme. The talks are short and very user-friendly and again are suitable for other events.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI love Lucy's style and humour and found the book very easy to read. A lot has been packed into this book. I think it is a must for all children's workers - an excellent resource.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eStart the Week\u003c\/em\u003e - 18 November 2006\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFresh Expressions of church is a topic hot for debate and exploration. By recognising the need for our churches to 'be church' in new ways for different people and situations, fresh and exciting projects are springing up around the country. One such 'fresh expression' is Messy Church that enjoys the gifts of food and creativity to help people come closer to God and each other.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn her book \u003cem\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/em\u003e Lucy Moore describes the monthly Thursday afternoon church where Mums, children, carers, grandparents can meet to enjoy craft activities, a meal and a short celebration of God's love for us. The book describes the concept and theology behind such a church. 15 themed programmes are provided with Bible references, craft and art activities, easy to prepare recipes for the meal and family-friendly worship outlines. A complete programme for creative activities, a nutritious meal and a short celebration allow for the community to have fun, be fed and experience worship in a church context.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'\u003cem\u003eMessy Church is one of those learning places. It's crammed with good things and there are delights on every page.\u003c\/em\u003e' From the foreword by Steven Croft.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Moore is part of BRF's \u003cem\u003eBarnabas\u003c\/em\u003e team. She is a published writer, gifted performer and creative arts director. At \u003cem\u003eBarnabas\u003c\/em\u003e ministry and training events she shares the Bible through lively original poetry and drama, mime and storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReproduced from \u003cem\u003eStart the Week\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Messy Church: Fresh ideas for building a Christ-centred community
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Overflowing with creative ideas to draw the community together for fun, food, fellowship and worship, this resource book contains 15...
{"id":2854536904804,"title":"Messy Cooks: A handbook for Messy Church catering teams","handle":"messy-cooks-a-handbook-for-messy-church-catering-teams","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Cooks\u003c\/em\u003e is a handbook for everyone involved in Messy Church catering teams! As well as being a useful treasure store of practical and easy-to-prepare recipes for all your Messy Church events, it also provides tips on quantities, basic cooking skills, essential equipment and ideas for relating food to a Bible story, theme or festival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are 36 recipes in total - two delicious main courses and a scrummy dessert for every month of the year. Each recipe includes at least one helpful hint, suggested variations to ring the changes or provide a vegetarian option, and space for you to jot down your own personal reflections, comments and notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll the recipes have been used in real Messy Churches, tried and tested in real Messy Church kitchens by real Messy cooks, and enjoyed by real Messy Church families. One Messy cook summed it up by saying, 'We love seeing the children's faces when they come in and ask us \"What's for dinner?\"'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncludes 36 easy-to-prepare recipe ideas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJane Butcher was born in Denver, USA, but grew up and was educated in the UK. She trained as a secondary school teacher and taught PE and RE in a city secondary school. Having also trained as a youth worker, she moved into full-time, church-based children's and youth work in 1993. Jane has worked as a Children's Worker at St John's Church, Harborne, Birmingham. Jane joined the Barnabas children's ministry team in September 2007.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-20T14:50:25+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-20T14:51:13+00:00","vendor":"Jane Butcher","type":"Paperback","tags":["Messy Church books","PDF"],"price":599,"price_min":599,"price_max":599,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24429197361252,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857460691","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"Messy Cooks: A handbook for Messy Church catering teams - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":599,"weight":250,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857460691","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24429218988132,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"Down0691","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8944071835748,"product_id":2854536904804,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-20T14:54:32+00:00","updated_at":"2020-05-20T17:17:03+01:00","alt":null,"width":677,"height":676,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0691.jpg?v=1589991423","variant_ids":[24429218988132]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Cooks: A handbook for Messy Church catering teams - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":599,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"Down0691","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3259460157579,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.001,"height":676,"width":677,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0691.jpg?v=1589991423"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0691.jpg?v=1589991423","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460691-l.jpg?v=1589991423"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0691.jpg?v=1589991423","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3259460157579,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.001,"height":676,"width":677,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0691.jpg?v=1589991423"},"aspect_ratio":1.001,"height":676,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD0691.jpg?v=1589991423","width":677},{"alt":null,"id":3259460092043,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.001,"height":676,"width":677,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460691-l.jpg?v=1589991423"},"aspect_ratio":1.001,"height":676,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460691-l.jpg?v=1589991423","width":677}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Cooks\u003c\/em\u003e is a handbook for everyone involved in Messy Church catering teams! As well as being a useful treasure store of practical and easy-to-prepare recipes for all your Messy Church events, it also provides tips on quantities, basic cooking skills, essential equipment and ideas for relating food to a Bible story, theme or festival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are 36 recipes in total - two delicious main courses and a scrummy dessert for every month of the year. Each recipe includes at least one helpful hint, suggested variations to ring the changes or provide a vegetarian option, and space for you to jot down your own personal reflections, comments and notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll the recipes have been used in real Messy Churches, tried and tested in real Messy Church kitchens by real Messy cooks, and enjoyed by real Messy Church families. One Messy cook summed it up by saying, 'We love seeing the children's faces when they come in and ask us \"What's for dinner?\"'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncludes 36 easy-to-prepare recipe ideas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJane Butcher was born in Denver, USA, but grew up and was educated in the UK. She trained as a secondary school teacher and taught PE and RE in a city secondary school. Having also trained as a youth worker, she moved into full-time, church-based children's and youth work in 1993. Jane has worked as a Children's Worker at St John's Church, Harborne, Birmingham. Jane joined the Barnabas children's ministry team in September 2007.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2439739375716,"title":"Messy Crafts: A craft-based journal for Messy Church members","handle":"messy-crafts-a-craft-based-journal-for-messy-church-members","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Crafts\u003c\/em\u003e is a craft book with a difference! As well as bulging with craft ideas to inspire your creativity at Messy Church, it is also a journal to scribble in, doodle on and generally make your own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe intention is that it will become a scrapbook of conversations, messy moments and prayers - a part of everyday life at home where you can sketch in your own ideas, list useful websites, make notes, reflect on spiritual moments, and journal your Messy Church journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nLucy Moore is Messy Church Team Leader for BRF and an Associate Missioner for Fresh Expressions, and she is author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/the-gospels-unplugged-52-poems-and-stories-for-creative-writing-re-drama-and-collective-worship\"\u003eThe Gospels Unplugged\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/the-lords-prayer-unplugged-a-wealth-of-ideas-opening-up-the-prayer-in-ten-sessions\"\u003eThe Lord's Prayer Unplugged\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003cem\u003eTopsy Turvy Christmas\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/messy-church-fresh-ideas-for-building-a-christ-centred-community\"\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/messy-church-2-ideas-for-discipling-a-christ-centred-community\"\u003eMessy Church 2\u003c\/a\u003e.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom The Good Bookstall - April 2011\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSales of this book help fund BRF's Messy Church Ministry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead of bringing out Messy Church 3, the team have produced a craft manual and a food manual. This is a helpful move, meaning that the right book can be put into the hands of the right person on your team!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book has been written for those who have already been doing Messy Church. It has plenty of pointers and creative ideas but does not give the complete Messy Church sessions that you would find in books 1 and 2. If you are starting out, the first two books are really worth having.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Moore describes this book as 'More-and less- than a craft book.' It doesn't give detailed instructions, but if what you need is inspiration or a starting point for planning your next session, then hopefully you will find it here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeas include primeval swamp, gloop, cheesy chariots, marbling, candle holders, rainbow prayers, edible gardens and blob painting. The ideas are linked in with Bible themes, prayers or ways to encourage discussion. There is also a handy recipe for playdough!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are plenty of pages for making notes - the idea being that this book can be scribbled in, added to and made your own. Another book that includes complete sessions would be really handy, but meanwhile this is a useful stop-gap!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Kathy Bland\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:19:58+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:19:59+00:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Apr-11","Messy Church books","PDF"],"price":699,"price_min":699,"price_max":699,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21768944910436,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857460684","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Crafts: A craft-based journal for Messy Church members - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":699,"weight":289,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857460684","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24428854181988,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"Down0684","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8943777153124,"product_id":2439739375716,"position":2,"created_at":"2019-02-20T14:39:38+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-20T14:39:38+00:00","alt":null,"width":676,"height":676,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2684.jpg?v=1550673578","variant_ids":[24428854181988]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Crafts: A craft-based journal for Messy Church members - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":699,"weight":289,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"Down0684","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3259459240075,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":676,"width":676,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2684.jpg?v=1550673578"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460684-l.jpg?v=1549043180","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2684.jpg?v=1550673578"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460684-l.jpg?v=1549043180","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238874415243,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":676,"width":676,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460684-l.jpg?v=1549043180"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":676,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460684-l.jpg?v=1549043180","width":676},{"alt":null,"id":3259459240075,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":676,"width":676,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2684.jpg?v=1550673578"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":676,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD2684.jpg?v=1550673578","width":676}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Crafts\u003c\/em\u003e is a craft book with a difference! As well as bulging with craft ideas to inspire your creativity at Messy Church, it is also a journal to scribble in, doodle on and generally make your own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe intention is that it will become a scrapbook of conversations, messy moments and prayers - a part of everyday life at home where you can sketch in your own ideas, list useful websites, make notes, reflect on spiritual moments, and journal your Messy Church journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nLucy Moore is Messy Church Team Leader for BRF and an Associate Missioner for Fresh Expressions, and she is author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/the-gospels-unplugged-52-poems-and-stories-for-creative-writing-re-drama-and-collective-worship\"\u003eThe Gospels Unplugged\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/the-lords-prayer-unplugged-a-wealth-of-ideas-opening-up-the-prayer-in-ten-sessions\"\u003eThe Lord's Prayer Unplugged\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003cem\u003eTopsy Turvy Christmas\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/messy-church-fresh-ideas-for-building-a-christ-centred-community\"\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/messy-church-2-ideas-for-discipling-a-christ-centred-community\"\u003eMessy Church 2\u003c\/a\u003e.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom The Good Bookstall - April 2011\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSales of this book help fund BRF's Messy Church Ministry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead of bringing out Messy Church 3, the team have produced a craft manual and a food manual. This is a helpful move, meaning that the right book can be put into the hands of the right person on your team!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book has been written for those who have already been doing Messy Church. It has plenty of pointers and creative ideas but does not give the complete Messy Church sessions that you would find in books 1 and 2. If you are starting out, the first two books are really worth having.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Moore describes this book as 'More-and less- than a craft book.' It doesn't give detailed instructions, but if what you need is inspiration or a starting point for planning your next session, then hopefully you will find it here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeas include primeval swamp, gloop, cheesy chariots, marbling, candle holders, rainbow prayers, edible gardens and blob painting. The ideas are linked in with Bible themes, prayers or ways to encourage discussion. There is also a handy recipe for playdough!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are plenty of pages for making notes - the idea being that this book can be scribbled in, added to and made your own. Another book that includes complete sessions would be really handy, but meanwhile this is a useful stop-gap!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Kathy Bland\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Messy Crafts: A craft-based journal for Messy Church members
£6.99
Messy Crafts is a craft book with a difference! As well as bulging with craft ideas to inspire your creativity...
{"id":5785353191576,"title":"Messy Discipleship: Messy Church perspectives on growing faith","handle":"messy-discipleship-messy-church-perspectives-on-growing-faith","description":"\u003cp\u003eDescribed as being ‘deeply serious about discipleship’, Messy Church has much to share, as well as much still to learn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the fastest-growing fresh expression of church in the UK, Messy Church has learnt a thing or two about discipleship since its beginnings in 2004. This collection of perspectives, edited by Messy Church founder Lucy Moore, brings academic analysis and practitioner wisdom to bear on a key question for today’s church, capturing the latest thinking and learning from the Messy Church context. Individual chapters examine each of the core Messy Church values and how these work in practice to promote discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church. She promotes Messy Church nationally and internationally through training and speaking events, and is the author of a number of books for BRF.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContributors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClaire Dalpra\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClaire Dalpra has worked for Church Army’s Research Unit since 1999, where she also trains new evangelists and leads the internal review process. Alongside this, she undertakes external research work for clients, including Playfully Serious and the Deepening Discipleship in Messy Church project. Claire lives in Sheffield with her husband and teenage daughter, helping to lead children and families work in an inner-city parish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTom Donoghue\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTom Donoghue is the evangelist at Cliff College, helping to equip the church for evangelism and mission. He leads the Cliff Year (gap year) and is a member of the Methodist Church Evangelism and Growth Team, where his work is focused on young evangelists. He loves Messy Church and is a member of the national support teams.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChris Barnett\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChris Barnett is based at the Centre for Theology and Ministry (Melbourne, Australia) in a role that encompasses responsibility for intergenerational ministry (children and their families) across the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania. This role includes a strong emphasis on intergenerational engagement, with a focus on consultancy, advocacy, resourcing and training. Chris is a keen participator and resourcer across a variety of networks, including the Australian Intergenerational Roundtable and the Australian Messy Church Roundtable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSandy Brodine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSandy Brodine is a minister of the word in the Banyule Network of Uniting Church, Australia. She is responsible for four emerging faith communities, including two Messy Churches. She has a passion for creative worship and for helping new disciples grow imaginatively and strongly in faith. She lives with her husband, daughter and two dogs in Mitcham, Victoria.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJocelyn Czerwonka\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJocelyn Czerwonka is the Messy Church Coordinator for the Diocese of Waiapu in New Zealand, which covers Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay and Eastland in the North Island. She is a member of the New Zealand National Messy Church team which hosted two National Messy Church Conferences in the North and South Islands in February 2020.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMartyn Payne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFormerly part of BRF’s Messy Church team, Martyn Payne has a background in Bible storytelling and leading all-age worship, and is passionate about the blessing that comes when generations explore faith together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, Winter 2021. Review by Rosie Medhurst\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘It’s a good sign if a church has a bit of glitter still stuck to the floor’ said a friend of\u003cbr\u003emine. I have been privileged to take part in Messy Churches. I am also pleased to see that the Church Army Research Unit has been evaluating their progress. This short book comprises a commentary by the lead researcher, and articles by practitioners. It is partly more interesting, and partly more complicated, to read a commentary than to download the actual research, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.churcharmy.org.uk\/Groups\/319979\/Church_Army\/web\/What_we_do\/Research_Unit\/Playfully_Serious\/Playfully_Serious.aspx\"\u003e‘Playfully Serious’\u003c\/a\u003e. A comment that struck me forcibly questioned why 2800 Messy Churches have to defend themselves on their record of discipleship in a way that many inherited churches do not. Though it may falter at secondary school stage, intergenerational contact with Christianity for families with\u003cbr\u003epre-schoolers and primary-schoolers is thriving. Most encouragingly this is across the\u003cbr\u003eeconomic and social spectrum. The articles by practitioners revisiting the core values –\u003cbr\u003eChrist-centred, creative, hospitable, intergenerational and celebratory –\u003cbr\u003eunsurprisingly overlap. The vision for hospitality after lockdown is new and important. Messy Church teams could use the discussion points at the end of most chapters as they and all churches wonder where God will lead post-pandemic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRosie Medhurst\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times online 02 July 2021. Review by Sandra Crawford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere we have yet another book about Messy Church – but I have no problem with that. Messy church is the fastest-growing fresh expression of church in the UK, and from the earliest days Messy Church has been serious about researching and evaluating what they are about.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book focuses on discipleship and is a collection of academic analysis and practitioner wisdom. The book asks the question ‘does messy church create an environment that is likely to sustain lifelong intentional Jesus centred living for all ages?’. The working definition of discipleship used is ‘an intentional following and learning from Jesus that is accompanied by specific actions that embody and encourage living in a Jesus way’.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI wholeheartedly agree with Lucy Moore’s frustration that Messy Church is still not viewed as proper church and the Biblical principle of all-age church is still only valued by the few. For so many their view of a perfect service is still the nostalgic dream of sending the kids out to Sunday School while we get on with proper church. Messy Church is not an activity we do to children and families occasionally as a feeder for the Sunday congregation, but it aims to be truly relational and intergenerational, where all benefit, all are equally valued and all give and receive. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHow open are we as adults to growing, learning, and changing as a consequence of our relationships with children? Following five years of leading a Messy Church congregation, this book asks the questions I was asking, ‘if Messy Church is a congregation or church in its own right is there a challenge here for leaders to wholly commit to this and not be spread thinly across other church activities as well?’ If the team could focus just on Messy Church there would be more time for the team to disciple one another, learning and living the Biblical stories, and understanding how to communicate the story to those without any faith background.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs with many of the Messy Church books, each chapter leaves you with questions which can be considered by your team, and each book is a great resource to help you reflect, evaluate and plan. I wonder, do we ask the same questions of other areas of church life such as Sunday worship, midweek gatherings? As many of us are in the process of a post-pandemic re-think about church, many of the points raised in this book are worth considering. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSandra Crawford is a pioneer minister in Jaywick\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e","published_at":"2020-09-17T14:54:45+01:00","created_at":"2020-09-17T14:54:43+01:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Discipleship","Mar-21","Messy Church books"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":36353792934040,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469533","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Discipleship: Messy Church perspectives on growing faith","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":163,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469533","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469533.jpg?v=1600350885"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469533.jpg?v=1600350885","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":11679781322904,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469533.jpg?v=1600350885"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469533.jpg?v=1600350885","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eDescribed as being ‘deeply serious about discipleship’, Messy Church has much to share, as well as much still to learn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the fastest-growing fresh expression of church in the UK, Messy Church has learnt a thing or two about discipleship since its beginnings in 2004. This collection of perspectives, edited by Messy Church founder Lucy Moore, brings academic analysis and practitioner wisdom to bear on a key question for today’s church, capturing the latest thinking and learning from the Messy Church context. Individual chapters examine each of the core Messy Church values and how these work in practice to promote discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church. She promotes Messy Church nationally and internationally through training and speaking events, and is the author of a number of books for BRF.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContributors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClaire Dalpra\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClaire Dalpra has worked for Church Army’s Research Unit since 1999, where she also trains new evangelists and leads the internal review process. Alongside this, she undertakes external research work for clients, including Playfully Serious and the Deepening Discipleship in Messy Church project. Claire lives in Sheffield with her husband and teenage daughter, helping to lead children and families work in an inner-city parish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTom Donoghue\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTom Donoghue is the evangelist at Cliff College, helping to equip the church for evangelism and mission. He leads the Cliff Year (gap year) and is a member of the Methodist Church Evangelism and Growth Team, where his work is focused on young evangelists. He loves Messy Church and is a member of the national support teams.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChris Barnett\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eChris Barnett is based at the Centre for Theology and Ministry (Melbourne, Australia) in a role that encompasses responsibility for intergenerational ministry (children and their families) across the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania. This role includes a strong emphasis on intergenerational engagement, with a focus on consultancy, advocacy, resourcing and training. Chris is a keen participator and resourcer across a variety of networks, including the Australian Intergenerational Roundtable and the Australian Messy Church Roundtable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSandy Brodine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSandy Brodine is a minister of the word in the Banyule Network of Uniting Church, Australia. She is responsible for four emerging faith communities, including two Messy Churches. She has a passion for creative worship and for helping new disciples grow imaginatively and strongly in faith. She lives with her husband, daughter and two dogs in Mitcham, Victoria.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJocelyn Czerwonka\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJocelyn Czerwonka is the Messy Church Coordinator for the Diocese of Waiapu in New Zealand, which covers Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay and Eastland in the North Island. She is a member of the New Zealand National Messy Church team which hosted two National Messy Church Conferences in the North and South Islands in February 2020.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMartyn Payne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFormerly part of BRF’s Messy Church team, Martyn Payne has a background in Bible storytelling and leading all-age worship, and is passionate about the blessing that comes when generations explore faith together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, Winter 2021. Review by Rosie Medhurst\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘It’s a good sign if a church has a bit of glitter still stuck to the floor’ said a friend of\u003cbr\u003emine. I have been privileged to take part in Messy Churches. I am also pleased to see that the Church Army Research Unit has been evaluating their progress. This short book comprises a commentary by the lead researcher, and articles by practitioners. It is partly more interesting, and partly more complicated, to read a commentary than to download the actual research, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.churcharmy.org.uk\/Groups\/319979\/Church_Army\/web\/What_we_do\/Research_Unit\/Playfully_Serious\/Playfully_Serious.aspx\"\u003e‘Playfully Serious’\u003c\/a\u003e. A comment that struck me forcibly questioned why 2800 Messy Churches have to defend themselves on their record of discipleship in a way that many inherited churches do not. Though it may falter at secondary school stage, intergenerational contact with Christianity for families with\u003cbr\u003epre-schoolers and primary-schoolers is thriving. Most encouragingly this is across the\u003cbr\u003eeconomic and social spectrum. The articles by practitioners revisiting the core values –\u003cbr\u003eChrist-centred, creative, hospitable, intergenerational and celebratory –\u003cbr\u003eunsurprisingly overlap. The vision for hospitality after lockdown is new and important. Messy Church teams could use the discussion points at the end of most chapters as they and all churches wonder where God will lead post-pandemic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRosie Medhurst\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times online 02 July 2021. Review by Sandra Crawford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere we have yet another book about Messy Church – but I have no problem with that. Messy church is the fastest-growing fresh expression of church in the UK, and from the earliest days Messy Church has been serious about researching and evaluating what they are about.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book focuses on discipleship and is a collection of academic analysis and practitioner wisdom. The book asks the question ‘does messy church create an environment that is likely to sustain lifelong intentional Jesus centred living for all ages?’. The working definition of discipleship used is ‘an intentional following and learning from Jesus that is accompanied by specific actions that embody and encourage living in a Jesus way’.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI wholeheartedly agree with Lucy Moore’s frustration that Messy Church is still not viewed as proper church and the Biblical principle of all-age church is still only valued by the few. For so many their view of a perfect service is still the nostalgic dream of sending the kids out to Sunday School while we get on with proper church. Messy Church is not an activity we do to children and families occasionally as a feeder for the Sunday congregation, but it aims to be truly relational and intergenerational, where all benefit, all are equally valued and all give and receive. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHow open are we as adults to growing, learning, and changing as a consequence of our relationships with children? Following five years of leading a Messy Church congregation, this book asks the questions I was asking, ‘if Messy Church is a congregation or church in its own right is there a challenge here for leaders to wholly commit to this and not be spread thinly across other church activities as well?’ If the team could focus just on Messy Church there would be more time for the team to disciple one another, learning and living the Biblical stories, and understanding how to communicate the story to those without any faith background.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs with many of the Messy Church books, each chapter leaves you with questions which can be considered by your team, and each book is a great resource to help you reflect, evaluate and plan. I wonder, do we ask the same questions of other areas of church life such as Sunday worship, midweek gatherings? As many of us are in the process of a post-pandemic re-think about church, many of the points raised in this book are worth considering. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSandra Crawford is a pioneer minister in Jaywick\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e"}
You may also like:
Messy Discipleship: Messy Church perspectives on growing faith
£8.99
Described as being ‘deeply serious about discipleship’, Messy Church has much to share, as well as much still to learn....
{"id":7353371885759,"title":"Messy Easter: Three complete sessions and a treasure trove of ideas for Lent, Holy Week and Easter","handle":"messy-easter-three-complete-sessions-and-a-treasure-trove-of-ideas-for-lent-holy-week-and-easter","description":"\u003cp\u003eThree complete sessions for Lent, Holy Week and Easter, together with a wealth of activities to extend the range of excitingly messy activities for your Messy Church – creative prayers, games, food crafts, and ideas for organising an Easter trail. Craft templates and a session planning grid are included.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMessy Church is a way of being church, for families and others. It is Christ-centred, for all ages, and based on creativity, hospitality and celebration. It is primarily designed for people who don’t already belong to another form of church – no matter how ‘messy’ they feel their lives are. Research has shown that 40% of Messy Church families have had little or no prior contact with church and 61% of Messy Church families wouldn’t otherwise be at church. BRF supports a global network of around 4,000 Messy Churches in six continents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost recently part of the BRF Messy Church team, Jane Leadbetter has worked as a primary school teacher and was Children’s Work Adviser in the Diocese of Liverpool for twelve years. She runs L19: Messy Church once a month.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTransforming Ministry online February 2023. Review by Rosie Medhurst\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you don’t already do ‘Messy Church’, read the Page 1 summary of it is about. It is succinct and persuasive. If you do already do Messy Church, this re-issue of Messy Easter will add to the collection of resource books you probably have for planning your sessions. The ideas are arranged for the Messy Church elements: Bible-related crafts and activities; gathering for celebration and story; meal with conversation; and take-home suggestions. As the introduction says, this is a ‘pick n’ mix’ collection: you choose. You decide what will engage the interest of a very diverse potential group, and what might enable all to engage with Jesus in the Easter sequence of events. Would they be engaged by a version of Man the Lifeboats with Easter commands, or a Palm Sunday food activity making palm trees out of fruit? Would a simple Kim’s game version with objects to remember relating to the Easter story provoke reflection on the world-changing Easter events? The ideas for meal conversation prompt cards are particularly good: ‘Have you ever been tempted and found it hard to resist?’ or ‘Where is your favourite praying place?’. Also not to be neglected are the take-home ideas – encountering Jesus extends so much beyond any session in church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Rosy Medhurst\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2022-09-23T14:43:53+01:00","created_at":"2022-09-23T12:23:46+01:00","vendor":"Jane Leadbetter","type":"Paperback","tags":["Easter","Families Easter","Messy Church","Messy Church books","seasonal"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":41960656175295,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391703","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":33321740894399,"product_id":7353371885759,"position":1,"created_at":"2022-09-23T12:56:29+01:00","updated_at":"2022-09-23T12:56:30+01:00","alt":null,"width":2480,"height":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MessyEasterNEW.jpg?v=1663934190","variant_ids":[41960656175295,42289287299263]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Easter: Three complete sessions and a treasure trove of ideas for Lent, Holy Week and Easter - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":221,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391703","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":25909428519103,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":2480,"width":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MessyEasterNEW.jpg?v=1663934190"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":42289287299263,"title":"PDF","option1":"PDF","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391710","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":33321740894399,"product_id":7353371885759,"position":1,"created_at":"2022-09-23T12:56:29+01:00","updated_at":"2022-09-23T12:56:30+01:00","alt":null,"width":2480,"height":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MessyEasterNEW.jpg?v=1663934190","variant_ids":[41960656175295,42289287299263]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Easter: Three complete sessions and a treasure trove of ideas for Lent, Holy Week and Easter - PDF","public_title":"PDF","options":["PDF"],"price":899,"weight":221,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391710","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":25909428519103,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":2480,"width":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MessyEasterNEW.jpg?v=1663934190"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MessyEasterNEW.jpg?v=1663934190"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MessyEasterNEW.jpg?v=1663934190","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":25909428519103,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":2480,"width":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MessyEasterNEW.jpg?v=1663934190"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":2480,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MessyEasterNEW.jpg?v=1663934190","width":2480}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThree complete sessions for Lent, Holy Week and Easter, together with a wealth of activities to extend the range of excitingly messy activities for your Messy Church – creative prayers, games, food crafts, and ideas for organising an Easter trail. Craft templates and a session planning grid are included.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMessy Church is a way of being church, for families and others. It is Christ-centred, for all ages, and based on creativity, hospitality and celebration. It is primarily designed for people who don’t already belong to another form of church – no matter how ‘messy’ they feel their lives are. Research has shown that 40% of Messy Church families have had little or no prior contact with church and 61% of Messy Church families wouldn’t otherwise be at church. BRF supports a global network of around 4,000 Messy Churches in six continents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost recently part of the BRF Messy Church team, Jane Leadbetter has worked as a primary school teacher and was Children’s Work Adviser in the Diocese of Liverpool for twelve years. She runs L19: Messy Church once a month.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTransforming Ministry online February 2023. Review by Rosie Medhurst\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you don’t already do ‘Messy Church’, read the Page 1 summary of it is about. It is succinct and persuasive. If you do already do Messy Church, this re-issue of Messy Easter will add to the collection of resource books you probably have for planning your sessions. The ideas are arranged for the Messy Church elements: Bible-related crafts and activities; gathering for celebration and story; meal with conversation; and take-home suggestions. As the introduction says, this is a ‘pick n’ mix’ collection: you choose. You decide what will engage the interest of a very diverse potential group, and what might enable all to engage with Jesus in the Easter sequence of events. Would they be engaged by a version of Man the Lifeboats with Easter commands, or a Palm Sunday food activity making palm trees out of fruit? Would a simple Kim’s game version with objects to remember relating to the Easter story provoke reflection on the world-changing Easter events? The ideas for meal conversation prompt cards are particularly good: ‘Have you ever been tempted and found it hard to resist?’ or ‘Where is your favourite praying place?’. Also not to be neglected are the take-home ideas – encountering Jesus extends so much beyond any session in church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Rosy Medhurst\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Messy Easter: Three complete sessions and a treasure trove of ideas for Lent, Holy Week and Easter
£8.99
Three complete sessions for Lent, Holy Week and Easter, together with a wealth of activities to extend the range of...
{"id":2854610698340,"title":"Messy Family Fun: A holiday club for all the family","handle":"messy-family-fun-a-holiday-club-for-all-the-family","description":"\u003cp\u003e'Nothing else we've tried has had anything like the same impact'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFun, low-cost holiday time for your Messy Church families that strengthens their relationships with each other - and yours with them!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Family Fun\u003c\/em\u003e gives you everything you need to run a holiday club programme for children and adults together. It includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMessy Family Fun Club: five three-hour session plans (including meal time) designed to be run on consecutive days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMessy Church Fun Day: outline for a one-day taster or community event to attract new families\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackground, rationale and principles for the five-day model, plus stories of similar initiatives and follow-up ideas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComprehensive downloadable support material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-20T15:01:10+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-20T15:01:35+00:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","Messy Church books","PDF"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24429521043556,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857463050","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Family Fun: A holiday club for all the family - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":305,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857463050","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24429548372068,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWNLOAD3050","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":17411713007768,"product_id":2854610698340,"position":2,"created_at":"2020-06-12T17:28:57+01:00","updated_at":"2020-06-12T17:28:57+01:00","alt":null,"width":454,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD3050.jpg?v=1591979337","variant_ids":[24429548372068]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Family Fun: A holiday club for all the family - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":999,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWNLOAD3050","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":9585736351896,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.698,"height":650,"width":454,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD3050.jpg?v=1591979337"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463050-l_603bfdce-46dc-445d-9402-0979667f1503.jpg?v=1550674964","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD3050.jpg?v=1591979337"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463050-l_603bfdce-46dc-445d-9402-0979667f1503.jpg?v=1550674964","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3259460714635,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.699,"height":698,"width":488,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463050-l_603bfdce-46dc-445d-9402-0979667f1503.jpg?v=1550674964"},"aspect_ratio":0.699,"height":698,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463050-l_603bfdce-46dc-445d-9402-0979667f1503.jpg?v=1550674964","width":488},{"alt":null,"id":9585736351896,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.698,"height":650,"width":454,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD3050.jpg?v=1591979337"},"aspect_ratio":0.698,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD3050.jpg?v=1591979337","width":454}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e'Nothing else we've tried has had anything like the same impact'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFun, low-cost holiday time for your Messy Church families that strengthens their relationships with each other - and yours with them!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Family Fun\u003c\/em\u003e gives you everything you need to run a holiday club programme for children and adults together. It includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMessy Family Fun Club: five three-hour session plans (including meal time) designed to be run on consecutive days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMessy Church Fun Day: outline for a one-day taster or community event to attract new families\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackground, rationale and principles for the five-day model, plus stories of similar initiatives and follow-up ideas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComprehensive downloadable support material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e"}
You may also like:
Messy Family Fun: A holiday club for all the family
£9.99
'Nothing else we've tried has had anything like the same impact' Fun, low-cost holiday time for your Messy Church families...
{"id":2439769129060,"title":"Messy Hospitality: Changing communities through fun, food, friendship and faith","handle":"messy-hospitality-changing-communities-through-fun-food-friendship-and-faith","description":"\u003cp\u003eA practical exploration of the Christian principle of hospitality from the founder of Messy Church\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eMessy Hospitality\u003c\/em\u003e Lucy Moore demonstrates how hospitality can be practised in Messy Church and other church contexts to promote mission and faith formation, addressing the theology of hospitality and how it can be expressed at the welcome table, the activity table, the Lord's Table, the meal table, and in the home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso included are insights from the secular hospitality industry, how to train Messy Church teams in hospitality, audit - style questions for the reader to apply in their own context, and five complete session outlines for Messy Churches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church, a rapidly-growing ministry that is now in over 20 countries worldwide. She is responsible for developing the work of Messy Church nationally and internationally - writing, speaking, reflecting and developing Messy projects. Before working full-time with Messy Church, Lucy was a member of BRF's Barnabas children's ministry team, offering training for those wanting to bring the Bible to life for children in churches and schools across the UK, and using drama and storytelling to explore the Bible with children herself. Her books include titles in the Messy Church series, as well as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/all-age-worship\"\u003eAll-Age Worship\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003cem\u003eColourful Creation\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/bethlehem-carols-unpacked-creative-ideas-for-christmas-carol-services\"\u003eBethlehem Carols Unpacked\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/the-lords-prayer-unplugged-a-wealth-of-ideas-opening-up-the-prayer-in-ten-sessions\"\u003eThe Lord's Prayer Unplugged\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/the-gospels-unplugged-52-poems-and-stories-for-creative-writing-re-drama-and-collective-worship\"\u003eThe Gospels Unplugged\u003c\/a\u003e. She also presents Messy Church: the DVD. A secondary-school teacher by training, she enjoys acting, walking Minnie the dog, marvelling at the alien world of her two teenage children and guiltily watching unimproving television programmes. She is a Lay Canon of Portsmouth Cathedral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 23 September 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLUCY MOORE, author of \u003cem\u003eMessy Hospitality\u003c\/em\u003e , is the founder of the Messy Church movement. Not all churches do Messy Church or even like its concept (I write as an impartial bystander, knowing about it, but never having partaken); but all practise hospitality in their own context. This book is as much about the how and why of hospitality as it is about Messy Church itself, and in places is very challenging about the status quo, rightly so.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheology sits alongside practical suggestions and personal observations with an initial focus on the biblical basis for hospitality: 'We as individuals or as church should\u003cbr\u003ealways be the crossover place, being great hosts and great guests in our dealings with each other and with the world around us. We see this interplay in the overarching mission of Jesus that Paul describes in Philippians 2.6-11. . .'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author reflects that in churches often the longstanding congregation see themselves as the host, with everything to give and nothing to take. Yet she points to Jesus as the ultimate host: being so sure of who he was, he could let go of everything. We read the familiar tale of the 'welcoming' church, where the congregation are so concerned about preparing for the service and laying out the right books that the arrival of a newcomer is completely overlooked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book does focus in parts on how hospitality fits into the four pillars of Messy Church - the welcome, the activities, the celebration, and the meal, with a chapter about hospitality in the home, and a focus on how to train and nurture teams finishing with five complete session outlines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut the most pertinent points are those that affect us all, and not just the Messy-Church initiated. The welcome at the church door may seem like 'the trivial froth of hospitality', but the attitude that it symbolises is far harder to change, writes the author. At the end of this section is a practical check list with questions to consider right down to 'What type of biscuits do you offer?' This may sound silly, but in fact makes a fair point; what do your refreshments say about your church? After all, no one enjoys a soft rich tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are also examples from the world of business, and a management consultant is quoted on how a good host makes the best leader. His observations are insightful. He concludes that a host wants to give everyone the best experience, but, knowing that he or she will not make everyone happy, always acts with both maturity and passion. There is also a well-written chapter on learning from the hospitality industry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLooking at hospitality in the home, the author points out that the traits of hospitality which a church should demonstrate can and should be replicated on a personal level.\u003cbr\u003eThere are challenging examples from those who have opened up their homes with far more than the odd offer of Sunday lunch; but also the healthy perspective of personal\u003cbr\u003eexperience that we must know our own tipping-points.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Church is not everyone's thing. My only criticism of the book is the title, as it may put readers off before they have started; but every church could benefit from a Messy Hospitality health check.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRachel Harden\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTAR News - Diocese of Peterborough - late June 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'True hospitality means risk.' This slightly provocative statement from the introduction sets out Lucy's view. Welcoming people who do not look the 'us' of the existing congregation is a challenge. The rest of the book explains why we need to face the risk - whether we lead Messy or any other kind of church. She points out that the role of guest and host is blurred in the Gospels and that Christians and churches must 'waltz happily' between the two roles. There is helpful checklist (on p43) for the key features of a good welcome.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThis book should be read by leaders in every parish - not just those who run a Messy Church. You will be challenged to re-think how you welcome people to church and how you share Jesus' hospitality with your community. A good read!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRona Orme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChild in the Midst - Church of England June 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon't read \u003cem\u003eMessy Hospitality\u003c\/em\u003e unless you are prepared to be challenged! Lucy Moore doesn't pull her punches about the way we often limit the welcome we offer, and urges us to reconsider God's outrageous generosity as we reach out to our communities. Practical help, rooted in reality, offers churches a way to move towards becoming more hospitable spaces for all. Whether you are part of a Messy Church or not, this is well worth reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMary Hawes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTAR News - Diocese of Peterborough April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is hospitality? It is not just about the refreshments we serve nor the way we welcome people at the door. It is about being generously open-hearted - as God is with us. Whilst written primarily for the Messy Church movement (it includes 5 Messy Church sessions), this book has much to say to traditional Sunday and mid-week congregations. This is not an 'add-on' for what we think church is about but something that should permeate our congregations, our planning, what we offer and how we view what we are about. Don't read this book unless you are willing to be challenged in your thinking and your practice! A fabulous book that forces us to consider the outrageous hospitality of God - and then to join in! You have been warned...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRona Orme - Diocesan Children's Missioner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt's like church, but for everyone. Fr Richard Peers on his blog: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/educationpriest.wordpress.com\"\u003eQuodcumque \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'What's Messy Church?' I asked one of my pupil guides, 'It's like church, but for everyone.' Was the telling response. I didn't get the opportunity to ask more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Church, a brand run through the Bible Reading Fellowship is creating quite a library of books. I reviewed one \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/educationpriest.wordpress.com\/2017\/04\/22\/being-messy-being-church-editor-ian-paul-a-resource-for-schools-and-catholic-anglicans\/\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e. The latest that I have read is \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Hospitality \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eby Lucy Moore the founder of Messy Church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucy writes in an engaging style which is never dull. She uses rich, poetic language and imagery, this is a deceptive book. It needs mulling over, perhaps a bit like Messy Church itself which can appear deceptively simple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI loved Lucy's opening lines:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Hospitality is where it's at. Hospitality is where God's at. It's a key that opens the door to the kingdom.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor full review click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/educationpriest.wordpress.com\/2017\/05\/21\/its-like-church-but-for-everyone-schools-messy-hospitality-and-the-eglise-naissant\/\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:45+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:47+00:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Messy Church","Messy Church books","PDF"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769313943652,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464156","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436672303204,"product_id":2439769129060,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:47+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:00+00:00","alt":null,"width":426,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464156-l.jpg?v=1549043160","variant_ids":[21769313943652]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Hospitality: Changing communities through fun, food, friendship and faith - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":216,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464156","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238877233291,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464156-l.jpg?v=1549043160"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24431307325540,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWNLOAD4156","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8945440653412,"product_id":2439769129060,"position":2,"created_at":"2019-02-20T15:57:00+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-20T15:57:00+00:00","alt":null,"width":431,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD4156.jpg?v=1550678220","variant_ids":[24431307325540]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Hospitality: Changing communities through fun, food, friendship and faith - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":999,"weight":216,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWNLOAD4156","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3259464843403,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.663,"height":650,"width":431,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD4156.jpg?v=1550678220"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464156-l.jpg?v=1549043160","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD4156.jpg?v=1550678220"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464156-l.jpg?v=1549043160","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877233291,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464156-l.jpg?v=1549043160"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464156-l.jpg?v=1549043160","width":426},{"alt":null,"id":3259464843403,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.663,"height":650,"width":431,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD4156.jpg?v=1550678220"},"aspect_ratio":0.663,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD4156.jpg?v=1550678220","width":431}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eA practical exploration of the Christian principle of hospitality from the founder of Messy Church\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eMessy Hospitality\u003c\/em\u003e Lucy Moore demonstrates how hospitality can be practised in Messy Church and other church contexts to promote mission and faith formation, addressing the theology of hospitality and how it can be expressed at the welcome table, the activity table, the Lord's Table, the meal table, and in the home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso included are insights from the secular hospitality industry, how to train Messy Church teams in hospitality, audit - style questions for the reader to apply in their own context, and five complete session outlines for Messy Churches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church, a rapidly-growing ministry that is now in over 20 countries worldwide. She is responsible for developing the work of Messy Church nationally and internationally - writing, speaking, reflecting and developing Messy projects. Before working full-time with Messy Church, Lucy was a member of BRF's Barnabas children's ministry team, offering training for those wanting to bring the Bible to life for children in churches and schools across the UK, and using drama and storytelling to explore the Bible with children herself. Her books include titles in the Messy Church series, as well as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/all-age-worship\"\u003eAll-Age Worship\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003cem\u003eColourful Creation\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/bethlehem-carols-unpacked-creative-ideas-for-christmas-carol-services\"\u003eBethlehem Carols Unpacked\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/the-lords-prayer-unplugged-a-wealth-of-ideas-opening-up-the-prayer-in-ten-sessions\"\u003eThe Lord's Prayer Unplugged\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/the-gospels-unplugged-52-poems-and-stories-for-creative-writing-re-drama-and-collective-worship\"\u003eThe Gospels Unplugged\u003c\/a\u003e. She also presents Messy Church: the DVD. A secondary-school teacher by training, she enjoys acting, walking Minnie the dog, marvelling at the alien world of her two teenage children and guiltily watching unimproving television programmes. She is a Lay Canon of Portsmouth Cathedral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 23 September 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLUCY MOORE, author of \u003cem\u003eMessy Hospitality\u003c\/em\u003e , is the founder of the Messy Church movement. Not all churches do Messy Church or even like its concept (I write as an impartial bystander, knowing about it, but never having partaken); but all practise hospitality in their own context. This book is as much about the how and why of hospitality as it is about Messy Church itself, and in places is very challenging about the status quo, rightly so.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheology sits alongside practical suggestions and personal observations with an initial focus on the biblical basis for hospitality: 'We as individuals or as church should\u003cbr\u003ealways be the crossover place, being great hosts and great guests in our dealings with each other and with the world around us. We see this interplay in the overarching mission of Jesus that Paul describes in Philippians 2.6-11. . .'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author reflects that in churches often the longstanding congregation see themselves as the host, with everything to give and nothing to take. Yet she points to Jesus as the ultimate host: being so sure of who he was, he could let go of everything. We read the familiar tale of the 'welcoming' church, where the congregation are so concerned about preparing for the service and laying out the right books that the arrival of a newcomer is completely overlooked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book does focus in parts on how hospitality fits into the four pillars of Messy Church - the welcome, the activities, the celebration, and the meal, with a chapter about hospitality in the home, and a focus on how to train and nurture teams finishing with five complete session outlines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut the most pertinent points are those that affect us all, and not just the Messy-Church initiated. The welcome at the church door may seem like 'the trivial froth of hospitality', but the attitude that it symbolises is far harder to change, writes the author. At the end of this section is a practical check list with questions to consider right down to 'What type of biscuits do you offer?' This may sound silly, but in fact makes a fair point; what do your refreshments say about your church? After all, no one enjoys a soft rich tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are also examples from the world of business, and a management consultant is quoted on how a good host makes the best leader. His observations are insightful. He concludes that a host wants to give everyone the best experience, but, knowing that he or she will not make everyone happy, always acts with both maturity and passion. There is also a well-written chapter on learning from the hospitality industry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLooking at hospitality in the home, the author points out that the traits of hospitality which a church should demonstrate can and should be replicated on a personal level.\u003cbr\u003eThere are challenging examples from those who have opened up their homes with far more than the odd offer of Sunday lunch; but also the healthy perspective of personal\u003cbr\u003eexperience that we must know our own tipping-points.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Church is not everyone's thing. My only criticism of the book is the title, as it may put readers off before they have started; but every church could benefit from a Messy Hospitality health check.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRachel Harden\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTAR News - Diocese of Peterborough - late June 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'True hospitality means risk.' This slightly provocative statement from the introduction sets out Lucy's view. Welcoming people who do not look the 'us' of the existing congregation is a challenge. The rest of the book explains why we need to face the risk - whether we lead Messy or any other kind of church. She points out that the role of guest and host is blurred in the Gospels and that Christians and churches must 'waltz happily' between the two roles. There is helpful checklist (on p43) for the key features of a good welcome.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThis book should be read by leaders in every parish - not just those who run a Messy Church. You will be challenged to re-think how you welcome people to church and how you share Jesus' hospitality with your community. A good read!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRona Orme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChild in the Midst - Church of England June 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon't read \u003cem\u003eMessy Hospitality\u003c\/em\u003e unless you are prepared to be challenged! Lucy Moore doesn't pull her punches about the way we often limit the welcome we offer, and urges us to reconsider God's outrageous generosity as we reach out to our communities. Practical help, rooted in reality, offers churches a way to move towards becoming more hospitable spaces for all. Whether you are part of a Messy Church or not, this is well worth reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMary Hawes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSTAR News - Diocese of Peterborough April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is hospitality? It is not just about the refreshments we serve nor the way we welcome people at the door. It is about being generously open-hearted - as God is with us. Whilst written primarily for the Messy Church movement (it includes 5 Messy Church sessions), this book has much to say to traditional Sunday and mid-week congregations. This is not an 'add-on' for what we think church is about but something that should permeate our congregations, our planning, what we offer and how we view what we are about. Don't read this book unless you are willing to be challenged in your thinking and your practice! A fabulous book that forces us to consider the outrageous hospitality of God - and then to join in! You have been warned...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRona Orme - Diocesan Children's Missioner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt's like church, but for everyone. Fr Richard Peers on his blog: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/educationpriest.wordpress.com\"\u003eQuodcumque \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'What's Messy Church?' I asked one of my pupil guides, 'It's like church, but for everyone.' Was the telling response. I didn't get the opportunity to ask more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Church, a brand run through the Bible Reading Fellowship is creating quite a library of books. I reviewed one \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/educationpriest.wordpress.com\/2017\/04\/22\/being-messy-being-church-editor-ian-paul-a-resource-for-schools-and-catholic-anglicans\/\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e. The latest that I have read is \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Hospitality \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eby Lucy Moore the founder of Messy Church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucy writes in an engaging style which is never dull. She uses rich, poetic language and imagery, this is a deceptive book. It needs mulling over, perhaps a bit like Messy Church itself which can appear deceptively simple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI loved Lucy's opening lines:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Hospitality is where it's at. Hospitality is where God's at. It's a key that opens the door to the kingdom.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor full review click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/educationpriest.wordpress.com\/2017\/05\/21\/its-like-church-but-for-everyone-schools-messy-hospitality-and-the-eglise-naissant\/\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Messy Hospitality: Changing communities through fun, food, friendship and faith
£9.99
A practical exploration of the Christian principle of hospitality from the founder of Messy Church In Messy Hospitality Lucy Moore...
{"id":2439759396964,"title":"Messy lyfe: Living life with Jesus","handle":"messy-lyfe-living-life-with-jesus","description":"\u003cp\u003eUsing a family-friendly approach the Messy lyfe material draws all ages into a closer understanding of God's love. Through activities, thoughts to reflect upon and short suggested Bible readings, the whole family is given something to think about, be thankful for, to consider in their own lives. By stripping faith down to the essentials for everyday lives, each member of the family can allow Jesus to be there with them throughout the day. Thought provokers and suggested comments will help even the youngest feel that faith makes a difference to ordinary lives. Space to scribble or jot down thoughts gives the material a living feel that brings it into everyday focus. Six weeks of material is provided to launch your family into a new relationship with Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nLucy Moore is Messy Church Team Leader for BRF and an Associate Missioner for Fresh Expressions, and she is author of The Gospels Unplugged, The Lord's Prayer Unplugged, Topsy Turvy Christmas, Messy Church and Messy Church 2. \r\nRob Hare is from the Bible Society.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Country Way June-September 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf I had only one word to describe this book it would be 'excellent', however, I have a few more so I will tell you why. This 48 page publication describes itself as, 'A beginners guide for those who want to learn how to live closer to Jesus every day'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt is an excellent and accessible tool helping people that are just starting out as disciples of Jesus. Aimed at young families, the book could just as easily be used by adults or young people. It is comprehensive and attractively laid out with scope for interaction. If I wanted to be picky I could express disappointment that the book does not include a section on the importance of Christian fellowship (i.e. church), but overall it meets a real need and meets it beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Review by Barry Osborne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:11+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:12+00:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Messy Church books","Oct-14"],"price":499,"price_min":499,"price_max":499,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769182117988,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857463821","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy lyfe: Living life with Jesus - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":499,"weight":87,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857463821","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463821-l.jpg?v=1549043166"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463821-l.jpg?v=1549043166","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238876643467,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.704,"height":794,"width":559,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463821-l.jpg?v=1549043166"},"aspect_ratio":0.704,"height":794,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463821-l.jpg?v=1549043166","width":559}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eUsing a family-friendly approach the Messy lyfe material draws all ages into a closer understanding of God's love. Through activities, thoughts to reflect upon and short suggested Bible readings, the whole family is given something to think about, be thankful for, to consider in their own lives. By stripping faith down to the essentials for everyday lives, each member of the family can allow Jesus to be there with them throughout the day. Thought provokers and suggested comments will help even the youngest feel that faith makes a difference to ordinary lives. Space to scribble or jot down thoughts gives the material a living feel that brings it into everyday focus. Six weeks of material is provided to launch your family into a new relationship with Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nLucy Moore is Messy Church Team Leader for BRF and an Associate Missioner for Fresh Expressions, and she is author of The Gospels Unplugged, The Lord's Prayer Unplugged, Topsy Turvy Christmas, Messy Church and Messy Church 2. \r\nRob Hare is from the Bible Society.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Country Way June-September 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf I had only one word to describe this book it would be 'excellent', however, I have a few more so I will tell you why. This 48 page publication describes itself as, 'A beginners guide for those who want to learn how to live closer to Jesus every day'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt is an excellent and accessible tool helping people that are just starting out as disciples of Jesus. Aimed at young families, the book could just as easily be used by adults or young people. It is comprehensive and attractively laid out with scope for interaction. If I wanted to be picky I could express disappointment that the book does not include a section on the importance of Christian fellowship (i.e. church), but overall it meets a real need and meets it beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Review by Barry Osborne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Messy lyfe: Living life with Jesus
£4.99
Using a family-friendly approach the Messy lyfe material draws all ages into a closer understanding of God's love. Through activities,...
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