Christian life
A selection of titles for your Living Faith.
{"id":2439790723172,"title":"Come, Let Us Age!: An invitation to grow old boldly","handle":"come-let-us-age-an-invitation-to-grow-old-boldly","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this unique book, Wanda Nash, a well-established writer on spirituality in her late seventies, reflects on growing old with faith and a positive spirit. This compelling invitation to grow old boldly - full of her own experiences and insights - includes Wanda's reflection on her encounter later in life with terminal cancer, and her thoughts on coping with the daily challenges of living a Christian life in her illness and in ageing. Demonstrating a profound sense of the value and purposefulness of 'old age', the author's indomitable spirit is matched only by her fresh vision of the love of God in Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCome, let us age! An invitation to grow old boldly\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 The preliminary scene\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 What is old age for?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 Would God like an empty space which only he can refill?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 How on earth can we do this?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Some of the consequences of being old\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 Some conclusions about being very old\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCome, let us play!\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 God laughing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 The magnitude of God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 Alongside the pain and the hurt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 Feeling awful and playing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11 Jesus and optimism\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 Jesus and his needs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e13 Being pierced, but still being welcoming\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtracts from Wanda Nash's journals\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e14 Being old and ill: where is God?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e15 Awareness of God's presence in illness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e16 Using illness: ministry through illness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e17 Coping with illness in order to use it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18 The best is yet to come\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e19 Finale\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nUntil her death in June 2015, Wanda Nash was an author and speaker on a range of subjects including stress and spirituality. Having been the UK Chair of the International Stress Management Association, she authored a number of significant books, including, Christ, Stress and Glory (1997), At Ease with Stress (1998), Come, Let us Play! (1999), Simple Tools for Stillness (2005) and Silence as a Meeting Place (2010).\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArthur Rank Centre Resources. Review by Revd Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a small book - less than 100 pages - but the subject matter is huge: how to approach ageing and dying gracefully and with joy. Wanda Nash, a well-known writer on stillness and contemplation, began this book in her late 70s. While she was writing it she was diagnosed with terminal cancer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book meets the subjects of ageing and death head on; both are to be embraced. Wanda doesn't duck the problems of getting old but looks at them differently, suggesting that if we can no longer rush about filling our days with doing then we must make the most of being. That being takes place in the presence of a God who helps us to not only make sense of what is happening but to use it to minister to others. Ageing is to be embraced and celebrated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA book like this could be very worthy and dull but instead it is suffused with a sense of fun and enjoyment of life. Even at the worst moments she sees an opportunity to play. Wanda is convinced of the reality of life after death and is 'looking forward to the other side', believing, like Julian of Norwich, that: 'All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an inspiring, challenging but comforting book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Revd Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:15+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:17+00:00","vendor":"Wanda Nash","type":"Paperback","tags":["Kindle","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired"],"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":21769629335652,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465580","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436808323172,"product_id":2439790723172,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:17+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:42+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465580-l.jpg?v=1549043142","variant_ids":[21769629335652]},"available":true,"name":"Come, Let Us Age!: An invitation to grow old boldly - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":699,"weight":112,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465580","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238879264907,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465580-l.jpg?v=1549043142"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465580-l.jpg?v=1549043142","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/51_d05e23d0-a3f8-44a9-9dea-171823b7cb32.png?v=1734095697"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465580-l.jpg?v=1549043142","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879264907,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465580-l.jpg?v=1549043142"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465580-l.jpg?v=1549043142","width":427},{"alt":null,"id":63560966963580,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/51_d05e23d0-a3f8-44a9-9dea-171823b7cb32.png?v=1734095697"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/51_d05e23d0-a3f8-44a9-9dea-171823b7cb32.png?v=1734095697","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eIn this unique book, Wanda Nash, a well-established writer on spirituality in her late seventies, reflects on growing old with faith and a positive spirit. This compelling invitation to grow old boldly - full of her own experiences and insights - includes Wanda's reflection on her encounter later in life with terminal cancer, and her thoughts on coping with the daily challenges of living a Christian life in her illness and in ageing. Demonstrating a profound sense of the value and purposefulness of 'old age', the author's indomitable spirit is matched only by her fresh vision of the love of God in Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCome, let us age! An invitation to grow old boldly\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 The preliminary scene\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 What is old age for?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 Would God like an empty space which only he can refill?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 How on earth can we do this?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Some of the consequences of being old\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 Some conclusions about being very old\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCome, let us play!\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 God laughing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 The magnitude of God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 Alongside the pain and the hurt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 Feeling awful and playing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11 Jesus and optimism\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 Jesus and his needs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e13 Being pierced, but still being welcoming\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtracts from Wanda Nash's journals\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e14 Being old and ill: where is God?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e15 Awareness of God's presence in illness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e16 Using illness: ministry through illness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e17 Coping with illness in order to use it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18 The best is yet to come\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e19 Finale\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nUntil her death in June 2015, Wanda Nash was an author and speaker on a range of subjects including stress and spirituality. Having been the UK Chair of the International Stress Management Association, she authored a number of significant books, including, Christ, Stress and Glory (1997), At Ease with Stress (1998), Come, Let us Play! (1999), Simple Tools for Stillness (2005) and Silence as a Meeting Place (2010).\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArthur Rank Centre Resources. Review by Revd Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a small book - less than 100 pages - but the subject matter is huge: how to approach ageing and dying gracefully and with joy. Wanda Nash, a well-known writer on stillness and contemplation, began this book in her late 70s. While she was writing it she was diagnosed with terminal cancer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book meets the subjects of ageing and death head on; both are to be embraced. Wanda doesn't duck the problems of getting old but looks at them differently, suggesting that if we can no longer rush about filling our days with doing then we must make the most of being. That being takes place in the presence of a God who helps us to not only make sense of what is happening but to use it to minister to others. Ageing is to be embraced and celebrated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA book like this could be very worthy and dull but instead it is suffused with a sense of fun and enjoyment of life. Even at the worst moments she sees an opportunity to play. Wanda is convinced of the reality of life after death and is 'looking forward to the other side', believing, like Julian of Norwich, that: 'All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an inspiring, challenging but comforting book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Revd Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Come, Let Us Age!: An invitation to grow old boldly
£6.99
In this unique book, Wanda Nash, a well-established writer on spirituality in her late seventies, reflects on growing old with...
{"id":2439788134500,"title":"Jesus Through the Old Testament: Transform your Bible understanding","handle":"jesus-through-the-old-testament-transform-your-bible-understanding","description":"\u003cp\u003eConfident in the Old Testament? Enjoying reading it? Happy to preach from it?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this engaging book, Graeme Goldsworthy reflects with clarity and practical insight on reading and using the Old Testament, showing us how Jesus is central to the Old Testament's message and encouraging us to reinstate it as essential and transformative to our lives, churches and mission in today's world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author asks essential questions: Where is Jesus in the whole biblical story-line? How does the kingdom of God relate to him? In what way is he central to the divine revelation?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a must-read for those who wish to transform their biblical understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForeword\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 1 Where's Jesus?\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs the Old Testament a Christian book?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGetting started: looking for the big picture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe storyline of the Bible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe kingdom of God as a unifying theme\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe shape of progressive revelation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 2 Working with the texts\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome key events in biblical revelation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinding Christ in Genesis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinding Christ in Israel's history\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinding Christ in wisdom and psalms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinding Christ in the prophetic books\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJesus Christ the fulfiller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eD.I.Y.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Old Testament can be confusing or problematic for many readers. But in this book, Graeme Goldsworthy helps the Christian reader join the dots, and so make sense of the Old Testament's big picture. He shows how understanding the Old Testament comes from seeing it as a witness to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Goldsworthy traces the developing idea of the kingdom of God through the Old Testament, neatly summarised by his maxim, 'God's people in God's place under God's rule'. Readers will appreciate his explanation of fulfilment and typology, supporting ideas, his explanation of example texts, and the sense of movement towards Jesus. Rather than focus on details that might overwhelm the beginner, Goldsworthy provides a basic roadmap for how the Old Testament's big ideas, from Genesis to Malachi, find their ultimate meaning in Jesus Christ.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e George Athas, Director of Postgraduate Studies, Moore Theological College, Sydney \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo one has done more in the past 50 years to contribute to the recovery of Biblical Theology for the church than Graeme Goldsworthy. Now in this crystal-clear, deeply practical and enormously helpful book, Graeme has condensed years of reflection on and teaching of the Bible for the benefit of the church. I can think of no more helpful place to start for anyone who wants to find out how to read, understand and apply the message of the Bible. I pray that this book gets the attention and widespread use that it deserves for the sake of Christ and his kingdom.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Gary Millar, Principal, Queensland Theological College \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Phil Heaps, full-time elder, Grace Church Yate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you rarely venture outside the New Testament (NT) then this little book may be just what you need. In a clear, enthusiastic way, Goldsworthy takes us on a tour through the Old Testament (OT) showing us how it points forward to Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe starts with the importance of the OT to the NT and alerts us to several wrong approaches to the OT. The following chapters then provide a helpful overview of the OT, its storyline, and various key themes. 'The Kingdom of God' is seen as the Bible's overarching theme, without insisting that this is the only way to organise its message.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe shows how OT history initially reveals the kingdom and how, as that history takes a turn for the worse, the prophets point forward to the glorious reality foreshadowed there. Later chapters look in detail at key events, Genesis, the historical books, wisdom literature, and prophets, leading to a chapter on 'Jesus Christ the fulfiller'. The final chapter is very practical and strikes an excellent balance in various ways: start with prayer but study hard; read for the big picture but also examine texts closely; remember that Scripture is firstly 'God's Word about God's deed in bringing in his kingdom', but also make personal and practical applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoldsworthy covers a lot of helpful ground - including many Scripture passages - in a brisk, straightforward manner, with plenty of tips and diagrams. His nine-page summary of the OT storyline is particularly helpful, as well as his treatment of 'the day of the Lord', and the way in which the NT must control our understanding of OT fulfilment. The book reads simply, though its approach is not simplistic but carefully nuanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a few points I found myself disagreeing with Goldsworthy's approach or emphasis (eg there was little sense of Paul's Galatians 3 tension between the Promise and the Law) but it was often on questions of where exactly to get the balance. As an introduction to the Old Testament it is an excellent book, and highly recommended for young Christians, or those who feel they have not yet 'got their arms around' the first two-thirds of God's glorious word.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Phil Heaps, full-time elder, Grace Church Yate\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:05+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:06+00:00","vendor":"Graeme Goldsworthy","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Kindle"],"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":21769598828644,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465672","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436794593380,"product_id":2439788134500,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:06+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:44+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465672-l.jpg?v=1549043144","variant_ids":[21769598828644]},"available":false,"name":"Jesus Through the Old Testament: Transform your Bible understanding - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":165,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465672","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238879068299,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465672-l.jpg?v=1549043144"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465672-l.jpg?v=1549043144"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465672-l.jpg?v=1549043144","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879068299,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465672-l.jpg?v=1549043144"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465672-l.jpg?v=1549043144","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eConfident in the Old Testament? Enjoying reading it? Happy to preach from it?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this engaging book, Graeme Goldsworthy reflects with clarity and practical insight on reading and using the Old Testament, showing us how Jesus is central to the Old Testament's message and encouraging us to reinstate it as essential and transformative to our lives, churches and mission in today's world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author asks essential questions: Where is Jesus in the whole biblical story-line? How does the kingdom of God relate to him? In what way is he central to the divine revelation?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a must-read for those who wish to transform their biblical understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForeword\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 1 Where's Jesus?\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs the Old Testament a Christian book?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGetting started: looking for the big picture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe storyline of the Bible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe kingdom of God as a unifying theme\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe shape of progressive revelation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 2 Working with the texts\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome key events in biblical revelation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinding Christ in Genesis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinding Christ in Israel's history\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinding Christ in wisdom and psalms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinding Christ in the prophetic books\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJesus Christ the fulfiller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eD.I.Y.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Old Testament can be confusing or problematic for many readers. But in this book, Graeme Goldsworthy helps the Christian reader join the dots, and so make sense of the Old Testament's big picture. He shows how understanding the Old Testament comes from seeing it as a witness to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Goldsworthy traces the developing idea of the kingdom of God through the Old Testament, neatly summarised by his maxim, 'God's people in God's place under God's rule'. Readers will appreciate his explanation of fulfilment and typology, supporting ideas, his explanation of example texts, and the sense of movement towards Jesus. Rather than focus on details that might overwhelm the beginner, Goldsworthy provides a basic roadmap for how the Old Testament's big ideas, from Genesis to Malachi, find their ultimate meaning in Jesus Christ.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e George Athas, Director of Postgraduate Studies, Moore Theological College, Sydney \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo one has done more in the past 50 years to contribute to the recovery of Biblical Theology for the church than Graeme Goldsworthy. Now in this crystal-clear, deeply practical and enormously helpful book, Graeme has condensed years of reflection on and teaching of the Bible for the benefit of the church. I can think of no more helpful place to start for anyone who wants to find out how to read, understand and apply the message of the Bible. I pray that this book gets the attention and widespread use that it deserves for the sake of Christ and his kingdom.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Gary Millar, Principal, Queensland Theological College \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Phil Heaps, full-time elder, Grace Church Yate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you rarely venture outside the New Testament (NT) then this little book may be just what you need. In a clear, enthusiastic way, Goldsworthy takes us on a tour through the Old Testament (OT) showing us how it points forward to Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe starts with the importance of the OT to the NT and alerts us to several wrong approaches to the OT. The following chapters then provide a helpful overview of the OT, its storyline, and various key themes. 'The Kingdom of God' is seen as the Bible's overarching theme, without insisting that this is the only way to organise its message.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe shows how OT history initially reveals the kingdom and how, as that history takes a turn for the worse, the prophets point forward to the glorious reality foreshadowed there. Later chapters look in detail at key events, Genesis, the historical books, wisdom literature, and prophets, leading to a chapter on 'Jesus Christ the fulfiller'. The final chapter is very practical and strikes an excellent balance in various ways: start with prayer but study hard; read for the big picture but also examine texts closely; remember that Scripture is firstly 'God's Word about God's deed in bringing in his kingdom', but also make personal and practical applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoldsworthy covers a lot of helpful ground - including many Scripture passages - in a brisk, straightforward manner, with plenty of tips and diagrams. His nine-page summary of the OT storyline is particularly helpful, as well as his treatment of 'the day of the Lord', and the way in which the NT must control our understanding of OT fulfilment. The book reads simply, though its approach is not simplistic but carefully nuanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn a few points I found myself disagreeing with Goldsworthy's approach or emphasis (eg there was little sense of Paul's Galatians 3 tension between the Promise and the Law) but it was often on questions of where exactly to get the balance. As an introduction to the Old Testament it is an excellent book, and highly recommended for young Christians, or those who feel they have not yet 'got their arms around' the first two-thirds of God's glorious word.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Phil Heaps, full-time elder, Grace Church Yate\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Jesus Through the Old Testament: Transform your Bible understanding
Out of Stock
Confident in the Old Testament? Enjoying reading it? Happy to preach from it? In this engaging book, Graeme Goldsworthy reflects...
Out of Stock
{"id":2439787642980,"title":"Faith in the Making: Praying it, talking it, living it","handle":"faith-in-the-making-praying-it-talking-it-living-it","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf faith is 'being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see', what does that look like in practice today? In a world that is largely unsure and uncertain, how do we gain our confidence?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFaith in the Making recognises the problem and seeks the answer in the list of faithful heroes found in Hebrews 11. This accessible devotional resource will inspire individuals and groups to live more confidently for God in today's world. Heroic faith is far more attainable than we often think!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead Lyndall's Lockdown blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/lyndall-bywater-author-of-prayer-in-the-making-and-faith-in-the-making-learn-a-lot-from-her-least-favourite-bible-verse-in-her-lockdown-reflection\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that will inspire, deepen and challenge your understanding of Christian faith. Lyndall provides a roadmap which connects the story of faith heroes to our story through an excellent combination of theology, practice and application for our everyday lives. I would highly recommend this as a resource for a small group study or for any individual searching for ways to help them grow stronger in their faith.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJani Rubery, Organisational psychologist and Spiritual Mentor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/LyndallBywater_480x480.jpg?v=1676496804\" width=\"150\" height=\"220\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyndall Bywater is a freelance speaker and writer, specialising in the subject of prayer. Having worked for ten years as The Salvation Army's UK prayer coordinator, she is now part of Connecting the Isles and works with 24-7 Prayer on its Europe team. She heads up Canterbury Boiler Room, an interdenominational prayer community, and contributes to BRF's Day by Day with God Bible reading notes. She is married to Phil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader website, January 2019. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled 'praying it, talking it, living it', this book considers Hebrews 11's great chapter of the people of faith. Bywater writes with passion about her topic and helps us to see the possible ways we can learn from biblical stories and people. There are some terrific ideas for prayer and worship, very stimulating and challenging questions in the 'talking it' section, and some suggestions in 'living it.' This is a book for the individual and the small group, and perhaps even the basis of a preaching series. What is very impressive is the honesty of the author who is keen to show us that she struggles with life every bit as much as the great heroes of the faith. I warmly recommend it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e____________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReform\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes it is hard to hold onto what we have received in worship - to carry it with us into the coming week and use it to make a real difference in the world (or even with those alongside whom we work and live). Sometimes we cannot make the Bible study group. We long for something that can inspire and energise us to respond in action as well as words. This book ticks all the boxes in giving us something to read that is Bible-based, challenging, interesting, personal, realistic and practical. It is easy to read but also honest. It acknowledges the vulnerabilities and weaknesses we all struggle with and uses the author's own life experiences to expand on texts and bring the characters to life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBywater bases the whole book on Hebrews 11 and the characters from the Old Testament who are mentioned in it. She feels each one of these were heroes in their own right, and that we can learn from both their ability to hold onto hope wherever they found themselves and from the stories of their friendship with God which fuelled their faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter has the same structure: a Bible text from Hebrews 11, a reflection on the character(s) that also includes the author's personal narrative, then ideas for praying, talking and living out faith (this section focuses on the 'hope' of each character.) A passage from the Old Testament follows, relating to the character(s) and the 'friendship' aspect of their story, which then leads to more ideas for praying, talking and living out faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found it unsettling that God was always addressed using a male pronoun and I was unable to identify with some of the words Bywater used to portray God and how God relates to humankind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, that did not stop the book from being useful. It was practical, interesting and encouraged us to step out in faith, to be heroes - just like the ones we read about in the Bible - despite our human failings and shortcomings. To carry hope and friendship with God as travelling aids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJenny Mills is Minister of Newport Pagnell United Reformed Church and West End United Church, Wolverton, Milton Keynes\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyndall is already known for her creativity, writings and teaching on prayer, and this is her first book. It is an honest reflection of faith in a challenging culture yet with the possibilities of how God can bring about real change. Her style is relaxed and humorous with lots of practical application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin the book the writer is heart-breakingly honest about the fragility of faith when faced with tragedy and atrocity in our world. She acknowledges how the word faith conjures up feelings of excitement and guilt at the same time, but ultimately faith is the call for Christians to look beyond what they can immediately see to a different reality, what the writer of Hebrews calls living by faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyndall takes the heroes of Hebrews 11, in easy to read chapters. She encourages the reader to think about the people of faith mentioned there, recognising ordinariness within great acts of faith. Describing them as people who 'soared their way to impossible things because they lost sight of their own limitations and got caught up in the bigness of God,' Lyndall opens up the possibility that all Christians can be like those in Hebrews 11. Whether taking a leap with God results in crash-landing or truly flying, faith is less about rules and observances and more about trust in God's presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Christians bored with the mediocre and wanting to change the world, this book will inspire them to put more faith in what God can do where they live. Each chapter ends with opportunity for reflection, putting what has been explored into practice, and developing personal rhythms of prayer for daily life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the writer physically is unable to see, this book is full of enlightening stories, spiritual insight, and the reality of how God makes his vision clear to those who dare to live by faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAndrea Still\u003c\/strong\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:03+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:05+00:00","vendor":"Lyndall Bywater","type":"Paperback","tags":["Feb-18","For individuals","Kindle","Prayer","Torch Trust"],"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":21769596698724,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465559","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Faith in the Making: Praying it, talking it, living it - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":163,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465559","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465559-l.jpg?v=1549043144","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/53_04978193-e54b-449d-8ce8-e21adf09ae82.png?v=1734095699"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465559-l.jpg?v=1549043144","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879035531,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465559-l.jpg?v=1549043144"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465559-l.jpg?v=1549043144","width":427},{"alt":null,"id":63560967225724,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/53_04978193-e54b-449d-8ce8-e21adf09ae82.png?v=1734095699"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/53_04978193-e54b-449d-8ce8-e21adf09ae82.png?v=1734095699","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eIf faith is 'being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see', what does that look like in practice today? In a world that is largely unsure and uncertain, how do we gain our confidence?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFaith in the Making recognises the problem and seeks the answer in the list of faithful heroes found in Hebrews 11. This accessible devotional resource will inspire individuals and groups to live more confidently for God in today's world. Heroic faith is far more attainable than we often think!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead Lyndall's Lockdown blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/lyndall-bywater-author-of-prayer-in-the-making-and-faith-in-the-making-learn-a-lot-from-her-least-favourite-bible-verse-in-her-lockdown-reflection\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that will inspire, deepen and challenge your understanding of Christian faith. Lyndall provides a roadmap which connects the story of faith heroes to our story through an excellent combination of theology, practice and application for our everyday lives. I would highly recommend this as a resource for a small group study or for any individual searching for ways to help them grow stronger in their faith.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJani Rubery, Organisational psychologist and Spiritual Mentor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/LyndallBywater_480x480.jpg?v=1676496804\" width=\"150\" height=\"220\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyndall Bywater is a freelance speaker and writer, specialising in the subject of prayer. Having worked for ten years as The Salvation Army's UK prayer coordinator, she is now part of Connecting the Isles and works with 24-7 Prayer on its Europe team. She heads up Canterbury Boiler Room, an interdenominational prayer community, and contributes to BRF's Day by Day with God Bible reading notes. She is married to Phil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader website, January 2019. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled 'praying it, talking it, living it', this book considers Hebrews 11's great chapter of the people of faith. Bywater writes with passion about her topic and helps us to see the possible ways we can learn from biblical stories and people. There are some terrific ideas for prayer and worship, very stimulating and challenging questions in the 'talking it' section, and some suggestions in 'living it.' This is a book for the individual and the small group, and perhaps even the basis of a preaching series. What is very impressive is the honesty of the author who is keen to show us that she struggles with life every bit as much as the great heroes of the faith. I warmly recommend it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e____________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReform\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes it is hard to hold onto what we have received in worship - to carry it with us into the coming week and use it to make a real difference in the world (or even with those alongside whom we work and live). Sometimes we cannot make the Bible study group. We long for something that can inspire and energise us to respond in action as well as words. This book ticks all the boxes in giving us something to read that is Bible-based, challenging, interesting, personal, realistic and practical. It is easy to read but also honest. It acknowledges the vulnerabilities and weaknesses we all struggle with and uses the author's own life experiences to expand on texts and bring the characters to life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBywater bases the whole book on Hebrews 11 and the characters from the Old Testament who are mentioned in it. She feels each one of these were heroes in their own right, and that we can learn from both their ability to hold onto hope wherever they found themselves and from the stories of their friendship with God which fuelled their faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter has the same structure: a Bible text from Hebrews 11, a reflection on the character(s) that also includes the author's personal narrative, then ideas for praying, talking and living out faith (this section focuses on the 'hope' of each character.) A passage from the Old Testament follows, relating to the character(s) and the 'friendship' aspect of their story, which then leads to more ideas for praying, talking and living out faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found it unsettling that God was always addressed using a male pronoun and I was unable to identify with some of the words Bywater used to portray God and how God relates to humankind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, that did not stop the book from being useful. It was practical, interesting and encouraged us to step out in faith, to be heroes - just like the ones we read about in the Bible - despite our human failings and shortcomings. To carry hope and friendship with God as travelling aids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJenny Mills is Minister of Newport Pagnell United Reformed Church and West End United Church, Wolverton, Milton Keynes\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyndall is already known for her creativity, writings and teaching on prayer, and this is her first book. It is an honest reflection of faith in a challenging culture yet with the possibilities of how God can bring about real change. Her style is relaxed and humorous with lots of practical application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin the book the writer is heart-breakingly honest about the fragility of faith when faced with tragedy and atrocity in our world. She acknowledges how the word faith conjures up feelings of excitement and guilt at the same time, but ultimately faith is the call for Christians to look beyond what they can immediately see to a different reality, what the writer of Hebrews calls living by faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyndall takes the heroes of Hebrews 11, in easy to read chapters. She encourages the reader to think about the people of faith mentioned there, recognising ordinariness within great acts of faith. Describing them as people who 'soared their way to impossible things because they lost sight of their own limitations and got caught up in the bigness of God,' Lyndall opens up the possibility that all Christians can be like those in Hebrews 11. Whether taking a leap with God results in crash-landing or truly flying, faith is less about rules and observances and more about trust in God's presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Christians bored with the mediocre and wanting to change the world, this book will inspire them to put more faith in what God can do where they live. Each chapter ends with opportunity for reflection, putting what has been explored into practice, and developing personal rhythms of prayer for daily life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the writer physically is unable to see, this book is full of enlightening stories, spiritual insight, and the reality of how God makes his vision clear to those who dare to live by faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAndrea Still\u003c\/strong\u003e"}
You may also like:
Faith in the Making: Praying it, talking it, living it
£7.99
If faith is 'being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see', what does...
{"id":2439786266724,"title":"Musings of a Clergy Child: Growing into a faith of my own","handle":"musings-of-a-clergy-child-growing-into-a-faith-of-my-own","description":"\u003cp\u003eVicarage life can be exciting, hilarious, scary, surreal and delightful... and that's just one day! Nell Goddard writes honestly and openly about the ins and outs of growing up in a Christian home, from her experience as the daughter of two vicars. With hilarious anecdotes, tough lessons and spiritual reflections from wrestling with faith, this book charts what it's like to live in the goldfish bowl of a vicarage, grow up in the shadow of your parents, lose your faith and find it again. With both rewritten blog posts and brand new material, this collection of tips, letters and musings will appeal not just to clergy children and their parents, but also to teenagers growing up in Christian homes, and to those who want to know what it's like to live a life of ministry you never really asked for.\u003c\/p\u003e\nContents\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClergy child's lament\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTips for clergy children\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBring-and-share lunches are highly unpredictable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSometimes the smallest offerings have the biggest impact\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeople will come in and randomly start dismantling your house\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not give out your address over the phone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoundaries are excellent things\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't feel obliged to invite the entire congregation to your birthday party\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou will never realise how important your hospitality is until you're on the receiving end of someone else's\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlways lock the toilet door. A surprising number of people will just barge through closed ones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTeach your parent to turn off their phone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMake sure you check out the parish profile before your parent applies for a job\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn to accept strange gifts with grace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou are, to all intents and purposes, the vicarage social secretary\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf someone's coming to stay, make sure you're informed well in advance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt's OK to grieve\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't bother waiting for your parents before leaving church. It's a waste of everyone's time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThere are certain things you should never tell a caller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlways carry ID. You never know when you might need to prove yourself\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour love life will be a continual source of parish speculation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSometimes it's just awful, but God is still good\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForgive; it changes lives\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLetters\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for the new clergy child\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for clergy parents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for when the church has hurt you\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for when you feel as if the church has stolen your parents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for when a friend leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for when you feel inadequate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMusings\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDancing in the grey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfessions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChains\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWalking the forgiveness path\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterrupted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrust and obey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHide-and-seek\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBe still\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBarefoot\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBattling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFingertip faith\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrayer for a friend\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHere is love\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn being human\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNaked\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOut of the ashes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAt the feet of Jesus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeaven has a climbing frame\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWithout words\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePassionate and poignant by turns, very funny one minute and deeply moving the next, Nell Goddard's account of being a 'vicarage child' is above all truthful. Truthful to what it's really like being at the sharp end of clergy life; truthful, especially, to the gospel itself.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Rt Revd Prof N T Wright, University of St Andrews \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor me, this is what is really enchanting about Musings of a Clergy Child. In 154 pages, Nell, you have given us a living example of how to be simultaneously completely grown up - realistic, candid, hard-hitting - and utterly child-like for God - unfussy, honest, and attentive to the small truths that normally pass us by. As the father of a clergy child, it is a beautiful example for my own little girl; but it's also a beautiful example for me - and for all of us here. Because there is not one of us who is not called to be at once grown up, mature in the faith, and also childlike, transparent before God as a child is in the presence of a parent he or she trusts completely. And Musings of a Clergy Child is brilliant at a practical level - for reminding clergy families up and down the country that they aren't alone in the fact that 'God has not called them to normality', as you so elegantly put it. It's also extremely valuable in that it offers what so little Christian literature bothers to - a vocabulary for lamenting in the face of God's goodness. This book, Anne Atkins says, is 'wonderful and precious'; and Simon Ponsonby tells us it 'will do good to your soul'. They are both right.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Patrick Gilday, Rector of Benson and Ewelme \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNell Goddard takes the lid off vicarage life and reveals the life of a clergy child to be anything but a sheltered one. With tenderness and insight she describes the rich and rare mix of holy, human experience which shaped her growing-up. Her faith journey so far has been remarkable, painful, joyful, very much her own and shot through with instances of how God and life, in her words, 'intersect in the most beautiful of ways.' ... Everyone should read 'Musings of a Clergy Child' : beautiful.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Rosemary Lain-Priestley, Archdeacon for the Two Cities \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNell Goddard studied Theology at Durham University and is now Culture Projects Leader at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. Both her parents began training for ordination when she was just six months old. Since then her family have lived all around the country and been part of a spectrum of different ministries, from Oxford college chaplain to academic theologian to vicar of a central London parish. She has an older brother and a chocolate labrador, Bramble. You can find Nell's blog at musingsofaclergychild.com.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Imogen Bell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the end of a good book I often feel that I know its author. This is particularly true for a book which explores the life of an individual with all its hilarity, brokenness and restoration. With each turn of the page the reader learns more of the writer, so that by the final turn they are well and truly known, even perhaps a friend\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat Nell Goddard achieves remarkably throughout the course of her first book,\u003cem\u003e Musings of a Clergy Child: growing into a faith of my own, \u003c\/em\u003eis the humble skill of knowing the reader. Getting to the end of Goddard's book left me feeling known. Though I am neither a clergy child nor a clergy parent, from the first page I was welcomed as a friend. Through stories, tips, letters and reflections she scripted much of what I too have experienced as a young Christian growing up in a 'Christian family'. I was left encouraged and amazed at Goddard's ability to express these experiences and to share repeated moments of vulnerability with her readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMusings of a Clergy Child \u003c\/em\u003eis split into (a classically Anglican) three sections. Firstly: Goddard's 'Tips for clergy children'. As an ordinand about to embark on Church of England training, reading the insights of a childhood in a 'gold fish bowl' was a timely warning of the challenges of Christian ministry (whatever that might look like). Especially the challenges placed upon one's own family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecondly: Goddard's 'Letters'. Six letters, one to a new clergy child, one to clergy parents and four letters to those with specific situations, hurts and fears. For me, the last was the most important, 'A letter for when you feel inadequate'. Not only for my life, but for many lives of loved ones around me, this letter acknowledges the feeling that 'I am not enough'. It challenges the inadequacy and declares that our Father loves us. This letter is worthy of printing and posting around schools, universities, churches, workplaces, even on street corners. It speaks the gospel into the darkest of doubts. A wonderful declaration of one made 'enough' through Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinally: Her 'Musings', the 'most obviously theological part' but not out of kilter with the rest. Twenty musings covering multiple questions, barriers and truths in the twisted and winding journey of faith. This section is a resource to be used repeatedly, reflections to be reminded of and situations almost universally experienced. Goddard's willingness to embrace and witness to the big issues of a life with Christ opens spaces for her readers to grow, to be acknowledged and to reflect on their own faith, feelings and struggles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have (a similarly Anglican) three reflections on Goddard's work: Vulnerability, Redemption and Transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoddard's book is vulnerable. It speaks of human life, in all its fullness and messiness. It is truthful and open about the doubts, questions and anxieties that the author faced throughout her life. I was struck by Goddard's honesty in her writing, her willingness to be vulnerable with her readers so that she might be known but also so that her readers might feel known, acknowledged, valued and understood. From inadequacy to doubts and deep hurts, Goddard reflects the brokenness of human life in a broken world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut her vulnerability never leaves her readers in a place of despair. Redemption always follows. In each story of challenge, each letter of loss and each musing on a difficult day, joy comes in the morning, light emerges from the darkness, a crown of beauty replaces ashes. God consistently ministers to us in our vulnerabilities and Goddard reminds her readers that He will always meet us, love us and redeem us in our darkest times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd then there is transformation. Something changes, a challenge and a call to a distinctive life. A life that welcomes, a home that is open, a hand that accepts bizarre presents or an offering plate that appreciates hard boiled sweets. Again and again Goddard exemplifies the transformed life with Christ. She forgives, appreciates, mourns and reminds her readers that our broken lives matter, that we all have the opportunity to reach the unreachable, the occasionally dysfunctional, the overlooked and underrepresented. Not without struggle, but with grace and humility a life is transformed and that transformed life in turn leads to further transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an incredibly honest and profound book, exploring both the comedies and challenging realities of growing up in a vicarage. It is worth reading wherever you grew up as it provides insights into the twists and turns that emerge as one walks the path of faith.\u003cem\u003e Musings of a Clergy Child \u003c\/em\u003egives particular insight to all those considering, training for and living Christian ministry and should be on all kinds of vocational reading lists! Goddard admirably reflects the vulnerability, redemption and transformation that unite humanity and describe the gospel. You will be welcomed from the start and known by the end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThank you Nell, I wait in anticipation for book number two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImogen Bell, Theos\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-14T16:15:21+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:56+00:00","vendor":"Nell Goddard","type":"Paperback","tags":["Kindle","Leadership","Parenting","Women"],"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":21769579790436,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465467","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436783059044,"product_id":2439786266724,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:56+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:46+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465467-l.jpg?v=1549043146","variant_ids":[21769579790436]},"available":false,"name":"Musings of a Clergy Child: Growing into a faith of my own - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":183,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465467","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238878806155,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465467-l.jpg?v=1549043146"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465467-l.jpg?v=1549043146"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465467-l.jpg?v=1549043146","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238878806155,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465467-l.jpg?v=1549043146"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465467-l.jpg?v=1549043146","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eVicarage life can be exciting, hilarious, scary, surreal and delightful... and that's just one day! Nell Goddard writes honestly and openly about the ins and outs of growing up in a Christian home, from her experience as the daughter of two vicars. With hilarious anecdotes, tough lessons and spiritual reflections from wrestling with faith, this book charts what it's like to live in the goldfish bowl of a vicarage, grow up in the shadow of your parents, lose your faith and find it again. With both rewritten blog posts and brand new material, this collection of tips, letters and musings will appeal not just to clergy children and their parents, but also to teenagers growing up in Christian homes, and to those who want to know what it's like to live a life of ministry you never really asked for.\u003c\/p\u003e\nContents\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClergy child's lament\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTips for clergy children\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBring-and-share lunches are highly unpredictable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSometimes the smallest offerings have the biggest impact\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeople will come in and randomly start dismantling your house\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not give out your address over the phone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoundaries are excellent things\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't feel obliged to invite the entire congregation to your birthday party\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou will never realise how important your hospitality is until you're on the receiving end of someone else's\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlways lock the toilet door. A surprising number of people will just barge through closed ones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTeach your parent to turn off their phone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMake sure you check out the parish profile before your parent applies for a job\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn to accept strange gifts with grace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou are, to all intents and purposes, the vicarage social secretary\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf someone's coming to stay, make sure you're informed well in advance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt's OK to grieve\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't bother waiting for your parents before leaving church. It's a waste of everyone's time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThere are certain things you should never tell a caller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlways carry ID. You never know when you might need to prove yourself\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour love life will be a continual source of parish speculation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSometimes it's just awful, but God is still good\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForgive; it changes lives\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLetters\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for the new clergy child\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for clergy parents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for when the church has hurt you\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for when you feel as if the church has stolen your parents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for when a friend leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for when you feel inadequate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMusings\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDancing in the grey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfessions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChains\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWalking the forgiveness path\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterrupted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrust and obey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHide-and-seek\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBe still\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBarefoot\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBattling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFingertip faith\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrayer for a friend\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHere is love\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn being human\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNaked\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOut of the ashes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAt the feet of Jesus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeaven has a climbing frame\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWithout words\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePassionate and poignant by turns, very funny one minute and deeply moving the next, Nell Goddard's account of being a 'vicarage child' is above all truthful. Truthful to what it's really like being at the sharp end of clergy life; truthful, especially, to the gospel itself.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Rt Revd Prof N T Wright, University of St Andrews \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor me, this is what is really enchanting about Musings of a Clergy Child. In 154 pages, Nell, you have given us a living example of how to be simultaneously completely grown up - realistic, candid, hard-hitting - and utterly child-like for God - unfussy, honest, and attentive to the small truths that normally pass us by. As the father of a clergy child, it is a beautiful example for my own little girl; but it's also a beautiful example for me - and for all of us here. Because there is not one of us who is not called to be at once grown up, mature in the faith, and also childlike, transparent before God as a child is in the presence of a parent he or she trusts completely. And Musings of a Clergy Child is brilliant at a practical level - for reminding clergy families up and down the country that they aren't alone in the fact that 'God has not called them to normality', as you so elegantly put it. It's also extremely valuable in that it offers what so little Christian literature bothers to - a vocabulary for lamenting in the face of God's goodness. This book, Anne Atkins says, is 'wonderful and precious'; and Simon Ponsonby tells us it 'will do good to your soul'. They are both right.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Patrick Gilday, Rector of Benson and Ewelme \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNell Goddard takes the lid off vicarage life and reveals the life of a clergy child to be anything but a sheltered one. With tenderness and insight she describes the rich and rare mix of holy, human experience which shaped her growing-up. Her faith journey so far has been remarkable, painful, joyful, very much her own and shot through with instances of how God and life, in her words, 'intersect in the most beautiful of ways.' ... Everyone should read 'Musings of a Clergy Child' : beautiful.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Rosemary Lain-Priestley, Archdeacon for the Two Cities \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNell Goddard studied Theology at Durham University and is now Culture Projects Leader at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. Both her parents began training for ordination when she was just six months old. Since then her family have lived all around the country and been part of a spectrum of different ministries, from Oxford college chaplain to academic theologian to vicar of a central London parish. She has an older brother and a chocolate labrador, Bramble. You can find Nell's blog at musingsofaclergychild.com.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Imogen Bell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the end of a good book I often feel that I know its author. This is particularly true for a book which explores the life of an individual with all its hilarity, brokenness and restoration. With each turn of the page the reader learns more of the writer, so that by the final turn they are well and truly known, even perhaps a friend\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat Nell Goddard achieves remarkably throughout the course of her first book,\u003cem\u003e Musings of a Clergy Child: growing into a faith of my own, \u003c\/em\u003eis the humble skill of knowing the reader. Getting to the end of Goddard's book left me feeling known. Though I am neither a clergy child nor a clergy parent, from the first page I was welcomed as a friend. Through stories, tips, letters and reflections she scripted much of what I too have experienced as a young Christian growing up in a 'Christian family'. I was left encouraged and amazed at Goddard's ability to express these experiences and to share repeated moments of vulnerability with her readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMusings of a Clergy Child \u003c\/em\u003eis split into (a classically Anglican) three sections. Firstly: Goddard's 'Tips for clergy children'. As an ordinand about to embark on Church of England training, reading the insights of a childhood in a 'gold fish bowl' was a timely warning of the challenges of Christian ministry (whatever that might look like). Especially the challenges placed upon one's own family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecondly: Goddard's 'Letters'. Six letters, one to a new clergy child, one to clergy parents and four letters to those with specific situations, hurts and fears. For me, the last was the most important, 'A letter for when you feel inadequate'. Not only for my life, but for many lives of loved ones around me, this letter acknowledges the feeling that 'I am not enough'. It challenges the inadequacy and declares that our Father loves us. This letter is worthy of printing and posting around schools, universities, churches, workplaces, even on street corners. It speaks the gospel into the darkest of doubts. A wonderful declaration of one made 'enough' through Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinally: Her 'Musings', the 'most obviously theological part' but not out of kilter with the rest. Twenty musings covering multiple questions, barriers and truths in the twisted and winding journey of faith. This section is a resource to be used repeatedly, reflections to be reminded of and situations almost universally experienced. Goddard's willingness to embrace and witness to the big issues of a life with Christ opens spaces for her readers to grow, to be acknowledged and to reflect on their own faith, feelings and struggles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have (a similarly Anglican) three reflections on Goddard's work: Vulnerability, Redemption and Transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoddard's book is vulnerable. It speaks of human life, in all its fullness and messiness. It is truthful and open about the doubts, questions and anxieties that the author faced throughout her life. I was struck by Goddard's honesty in her writing, her willingness to be vulnerable with her readers so that she might be known but also so that her readers might feel known, acknowledged, valued and understood. From inadequacy to doubts and deep hurts, Goddard reflects the brokenness of human life in a broken world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut her vulnerability never leaves her readers in a place of despair. Redemption always follows. In each story of challenge, each letter of loss and each musing on a difficult day, joy comes in the morning, light emerges from the darkness, a crown of beauty replaces ashes. God consistently ministers to us in our vulnerabilities and Goddard reminds her readers that He will always meet us, love us and redeem us in our darkest times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd then there is transformation. Something changes, a challenge and a call to a distinctive life. A life that welcomes, a home that is open, a hand that accepts bizarre presents or an offering plate that appreciates hard boiled sweets. Again and again Goddard exemplifies the transformed life with Christ. She forgives, appreciates, mourns and reminds her readers that our broken lives matter, that we all have the opportunity to reach the unreachable, the occasionally dysfunctional, the overlooked and underrepresented. Not without struggle, but with grace and humility a life is transformed and that transformed life in turn leads to further transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an incredibly honest and profound book, exploring both the comedies and challenging realities of growing up in a vicarage. It is worth reading wherever you grew up as it provides insights into the twists and turns that emerge as one walks the path of faith.\u003cem\u003e Musings of a Clergy Child \u003c\/em\u003egives particular insight to all those considering, training for and living Christian ministry and should be on all kinds of vocational reading lists! Goddard admirably reflects the vulnerability, redemption and transformation that unite humanity and describe the gospel. You will be welcomed from the start and known by the end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThank you Nell, I wait in anticipation for book number two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImogen Bell, Theos\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Musings of a Clergy Child: Growing into a faith of my own
Out of Stock
Vicarage life can be exciting, hilarious, scary, surreal and delightful... and that's just one day! Nell Goddard writes honestly and...
Out of Stock
{"id":2439784267876,"title":"Seasoned by Seasons: Flourishing in life's experiences","handle":"seasoned-by-seasons-flourishing-in-lifes-experiences","description":"\u003cp\u003eLike the seasons themselves, our lives are variable and can change in a moment. In Seasoned by Seasons, Michael Mitton acknowledges this and offers Bible reflections for the variety of life's seasons: spring, the season of emerging new life; summer, the season of fruitfulness; autumn, the season of letting go; winter, the season of discovering light in the dark. What can we learn, and how can we be encouraged in each season of our lives? This book will empower you to discover for yourself the truths and messages of scripture, and might well transform the way you view life's changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAutumn: the season of making space\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFear - space for new confidence (Andrew)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInfirmity - space for wholeness (Mephibosheth)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRejection - space for true value (Hagar)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVulnerability - space for true safety (Woman in the crowd)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChange -space for new vision (Joseph)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHumbling - space for growth (Naaman)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisturbance - space for a new calling (Nehemiah)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter: the season of discovery\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeath - the discovery of prevailing love (Naomi and Ruth)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuilt - the discovery of wisdom (David)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDespair - the discovery of hope (Isaiah)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFailure - the discovery of being (Samaritan Woman)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfusion - the discovery of light (Nicodemus)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDepression - the discovery of insight (Elijah)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrisis - the discovery of presence (Daniel)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring: the season of birthing\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInfant - birthing new life (Hannah)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreation - birthing wonder (Earth)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdventure - birthing vision (Abraham)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLove - birthing romance (Jacob and Rachel)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreativity - birthing imagination (Bezalel)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHealing - birthing new wellbeing (Crippled woman)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAwakening - birthing faith (Ethiopian Eunuch)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer: the season of flourishing\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHoliday - the flourishing of rest (Mary and Martha)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBirthday - the flourishing of you (Ecclesiastes)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRousing - the flourishing of justice (John the Baptist)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRelease - the flourishing of freedom (Slave girl)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbundance - the flourishing of wealth (Solomon)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSalvation - the flourishing of gratitude (Zacchaeus)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCelebration - the flourishing of community (Bride at Cana)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was captivated by Michael's wonderfully colourful and imaginative storytelling. The Bible characters are us as we journey with them through the hopes, heartaches, difficulties and dreams that, in God's hands, add that special je ne sais quoi to the seasons of our lives. Each reflection was so vivid I couldn't wait to read the next.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Michele Guinness, writer and speaker \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book comes as a welcome reminder that there really is more than one season. The unpredictability of life may mean that we find ourselves in seasons in which the focus of activity is internal rather than external, or preparatory rather than productive. This very practical book serves as a wise and gracious toolkit for anyone in any season. Like the seasons themselves, it is a gift for our souls.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Roger Morris, Bishop of Colchester \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Mitton is a freelance writer, speaker and spiritual director. He has worked for the Diocese of Derby as the Fresh Expressions Adviser. Before that, he was Deputy Director of the Acorn Christian Healing Foundation, heading up Acorn's Christian Listeners, and prior to that was Director of Anglican Renewal Ministries. He has also written Travellers of the Heart and Seasoned by Seasons for BRF and is a regular contributor to New Daylight. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Summer 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Laura Hillman\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book would make a good introduction for someone not accustomed to regular Bible reading as the author leads the reader gently through well-known stories and passages drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. His illustrations are from a variety of sources as diverse as the early Celts and Doctor Who. The book is divided into four sections, one for each season, beginning with autumn. Each section consists of seven chapters with an introduction reflecting the seasonal flavour: summer is the season of flourishing whereas winter is the season of discovery. The author uses the method of Ignatian spirituality to add his own imaginative detail to the text. Each chapter is completed by a question for reflection and a short prayer making it suitable for use with a home group. But it is also a book to dip into as the author deals with the ups and downs of human existence with sensitivity and compassion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArlesford Parish Magazine. Review by the Rector, the Revd Graham Bowkett\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wise, compassionate reflection on the vicissitudes of life. Using the framework of the Celtic year and borrowing his title from Shakespeare's Portia, musing on 'How many things by season season'ed are\/To their right praise and true perfection!', Mitton takes the reader deep into the heart of a series of moving biblical stories and characters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDefined by daylight rather than weather, the Celtic season of Lammas (autumn) begins on 1 August, followed by Samhain (winter) on 1 November, Imbolc (spring) on 1 February and Beltaine (summer) on 1 May. For Mitton, autumn is the season for creating space for new confidence, vision and growth; winter is the season for discovering love, wisdom and hope; spring is when wonder, imagination and faith are born; and summer is the time of flourishing: the flourishing of justice, freedom and gratitude.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Revd Graham Bowkett\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:46+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:47+00:00","vendor":"Michael Mitton","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","Kindle","Oct-17","Pastoral care"],"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":21769550692452,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465405","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Seasoned by Seasons: Flourishing in life's experiences - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":182,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465405","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465405-l.jpg?v=1549043148"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465405-l.jpg?v=1549043148","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238878609547,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465405-l.jpg?v=1549043148"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465405-l.jpg?v=1549043148","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eLike the seasons themselves, our lives are variable and can change in a moment. In Seasoned by Seasons, Michael Mitton acknowledges this and offers Bible reflections for the variety of life's seasons: spring, the season of emerging new life; summer, the season of fruitfulness; autumn, the season of letting go; winter, the season of discovering light in the dark. What can we learn, and how can we be encouraged in each season of our lives? This book will empower you to discover for yourself the truths and messages of scripture, and might well transform the way you view life's changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAutumn: the season of making space\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFear - space for new confidence (Andrew)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInfirmity - space for wholeness (Mephibosheth)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRejection - space for true value (Hagar)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVulnerability - space for true safety (Woman in the crowd)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChange -space for new vision (Joseph)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHumbling - space for growth (Naaman)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisturbance - space for a new calling (Nehemiah)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter: the season of discovery\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeath - the discovery of prevailing love (Naomi and Ruth)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuilt - the discovery of wisdom (David)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDespair - the discovery of hope (Isaiah)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFailure - the discovery of being (Samaritan Woman)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfusion - the discovery of light (Nicodemus)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDepression - the discovery of insight (Elijah)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrisis - the discovery of presence (Daniel)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring: the season of birthing\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInfant - birthing new life (Hannah)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreation - birthing wonder (Earth)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdventure - birthing vision (Abraham)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLove - birthing romance (Jacob and Rachel)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreativity - birthing imagination (Bezalel)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHealing - birthing new wellbeing (Crippled woman)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAwakening - birthing faith (Ethiopian Eunuch)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer: the season of flourishing\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHoliday - the flourishing of rest (Mary and Martha)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBirthday - the flourishing of you (Ecclesiastes)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRousing - the flourishing of justice (John the Baptist)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRelease - the flourishing of freedom (Slave girl)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAbundance - the flourishing of wealth (Solomon)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSalvation - the flourishing of gratitude (Zacchaeus)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCelebration - the flourishing of community (Bride at Cana)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was captivated by Michael's wonderfully colourful and imaginative storytelling. The Bible characters are us as we journey with them through the hopes, heartaches, difficulties and dreams that, in God's hands, add that special je ne sais quoi to the seasons of our lives. Each reflection was so vivid I couldn't wait to read the next.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Michele Guinness, writer and speaker \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book comes as a welcome reminder that there really is more than one season. The unpredictability of life may mean that we find ourselves in seasons in which the focus of activity is internal rather than external, or preparatory rather than productive. This very practical book serves as a wise and gracious toolkit for anyone in any season. Like the seasons themselves, it is a gift for our souls.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Roger Morris, Bishop of Colchester \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Mitton is a freelance writer, speaker and spiritual director. He has worked for the Diocese of Derby as the Fresh Expressions Adviser. Before that, he was Deputy Director of the Acorn Christian Healing Foundation, heading up Acorn's Christian Listeners, and prior to that was Director of Anglican Renewal Ministries. He has also written Travellers of the Heart and Seasoned by Seasons for BRF and is a regular contributor to New Daylight. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Summer 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Laura Hillman\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book would make a good introduction for someone not accustomed to regular Bible reading as the author leads the reader gently through well-known stories and passages drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. His illustrations are from a variety of sources as diverse as the early Celts and Doctor Who. The book is divided into four sections, one for each season, beginning with autumn. Each section consists of seven chapters with an introduction reflecting the seasonal flavour: summer is the season of flourishing whereas winter is the season of discovery. The author uses the method of Ignatian spirituality to add his own imaginative detail to the text. Each chapter is completed by a question for reflection and a short prayer making it suitable for use with a home group. But it is also a book to dip into as the author deals with the ups and downs of human existence with sensitivity and compassion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArlesford Parish Magazine. Review by the Rector, the Revd Graham Bowkett\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wise, compassionate reflection on the vicissitudes of life. Using the framework of the Celtic year and borrowing his title from Shakespeare's Portia, musing on 'How many things by season season'ed are\/To their right praise and true perfection!', Mitton takes the reader deep into the heart of a series of moving biblical stories and characters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDefined by daylight rather than weather, the Celtic season of Lammas (autumn) begins on 1 August, followed by Samhain (winter) on 1 November, Imbolc (spring) on 1 February and Beltaine (summer) on 1 May. For Mitton, autumn is the season for creating space for new confidence, vision and growth; winter is the season for discovering love, wisdom and hope; spring is when wonder, imagination and faith are born; and summer is the time of flourishing: the flourishing of justice, freedom and gratitude.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Revd Graham Bowkett\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Seasoned by Seasons: Flourishing in life's experiences
£7.99
Like the seasons themselves, our lives are variable and can change in a moment. In Seasoned by Seasons, Michael Mitton...
{"id":2439782826084,"title":"Walking with Biblical Women of Courage: Imaginative studies for Bible meditation","handle":"walking-with-biblical-women-of-courage-imaginative-studies-for-bible-meditation","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe're all called to everyday courage: the ability to persevere in suffering, resilience in the face of disappointment and loss, strength to take on difficult roles. Walking with Biblical Women of Courage is an encouraging and empowering collection of meditative monologues told from the perspectives of women from both the Old and New Testaments. The monologues are followed by questions designed for either individual or group exploration and reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHagar (Part 1)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eHagar (Part 2)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eShiphrah, Puah and Jochebed\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eDeborah\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eJael\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eJephthah's daughter\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eMichal (Part 1)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eMichal (Part 2)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAbigail (Part 1)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAbigail (Part 2)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe queen of Sheba\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe widow with two sons\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe woman of Shunem (Part 1)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe woman of Shunem (Part 2)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe young Jewish maid\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eTabitha or Dorcas\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eMary of Jerusalem\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eLydia\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePriscilla\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePhoebe\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eEunice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nFiona Stratta is a qualified speech and language therapist and speech and drama teacher working with children and adults. Her books first emerged when she endured a prolonged period of ill-health which led her to engage with meditative approaches to Bible reading. She is the author of two warmly received books for BRF, Walking with Old Testament Women (2015) and Walking with Gospel Women (2012). One reviewer speaks of them as 'a stirring read', encouraging us to reflect on our own faith journey, pointing us to the God who doesn't change.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader (Spring 2018).Review by Susanne Mitchell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled 'Imaginative Studies for bible Meditation', this book is really lectio divina for those who might be put off by the term. For each of seventeen characters (or in one case a group) there are biblical passages to read followed by a reflection in the first person as if written by the character herself. Some of these are more convincing than others, and the author admits to a certain amount of licence with facts. A series of questions then prompt further reflection or conversation if used with a group. Footnotes in each chapter helpfully tell you 'what happens in the end' or clarify points of cultural context. It is not a feminist critique, although it might provoke some wrestling with difficult contemporary issues and the courage required in our own age. Selecting a handful of characters could make up a study course. This is a useful tool to encourage us to engage with scripture in a less familiar way, and for personal study in a lighter vein.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Susanne Mitchell\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-14T16:43:07+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:40+00:00","vendor":"Fiona Stratta","type":"Paperback","tags":["Kindle","Women"],"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":21769513893988,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465337","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436762775652,"product_id":2439782826084,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:40+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:49+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465337-l.jpg?v=1549043149","variant_ids":[21769513893988]},"available":false,"name":"Walking with Biblical Women of Courage: Imaginative studies for Bible meditation - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":186,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465337","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238878478475,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465337-l.jpg?v=1549043149"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465337-l.jpg?v=1549043149"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465337-l.jpg?v=1549043149","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238878478475,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465337-l.jpg?v=1549043149"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465337-l.jpg?v=1549043149","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eWe're all called to everyday courage: the ability to persevere in suffering, resilience in the face of disappointment and loss, strength to take on difficult roles. Walking with Biblical Women of Courage is an encouraging and empowering collection of meditative monologues told from the perspectives of women from both the Old and New Testaments. The monologues are followed by questions designed for either individual or group exploration and reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHagar (Part 1)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eHagar (Part 2)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eShiphrah, Puah and Jochebed\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eDeborah\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eJael\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eJephthah's daughter\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eMichal (Part 1)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eMichal (Part 2)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAbigail (Part 1)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAbigail (Part 2)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe queen of Sheba\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe widow with two sons\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe woman of Shunem (Part 1)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe woman of Shunem (Part 2)\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe young Jewish maid\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eTabitha or Dorcas\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eMary of Jerusalem\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eLydia\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePriscilla\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePhoebe\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eEunice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nFiona Stratta is a qualified speech and language therapist and speech and drama teacher working with children and adults. Her books first emerged when she endured a prolonged period of ill-health which led her to engage with meditative approaches to Bible reading. She is the author of two warmly received books for BRF, Walking with Old Testament Women (2015) and Walking with Gospel Women (2012). One reviewer speaks of them as 'a stirring read', encouraging us to reflect on our own faith journey, pointing us to the God who doesn't change.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader (Spring 2018).Review by Susanne Mitchell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled 'Imaginative Studies for bible Meditation', this book is really lectio divina for those who might be put off by the term. For each of seventeen characters (or in one case a group) there are biblical passages to read followed by a reflection in the first person as if written by the character herself. Some of these are more convincing than others, and the author admits to a certain amount of licence with facts. A series of questions then prompt further reflection or conversation if used with a group. Footnotes in each chapter helpfully tell you 'what happens in the end' or clarify points of cultural context. It is not a feminist critique, although it might provoke some wrestling with difficult contemporary issues and the courage required in our own age. Selecting a handful of characters could make up a study course. This is a useful tool to encourage us to engage with scripture in a less familiar way, and for personal study in a lighter vein.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Susanne Mitchell\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Walking with Biblical Women of Courage: Imaginative studies for Bible meditation
Out of Stock
We're all called to everyday courage: the ability to persevere in suffering, resilience in the face of disappointment and loss,...
Out of Stock
{"id":2439782498404,"title":"Called by God: exploring our identity in Christ","handle":"called-by-god-exploring-our-identity-in-christ","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe book will examine twelve key NT texts which speak of the Christian's calling. In days when much is spoken about vocation, this draws us back to see how the Bible speaks about the nature of Christian vocation. Each chapter will end with reflections and discussion material.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Called... loved... kept Jude 1\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e2 Called out of darkness 1 Peter 2:9\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e3 Called into fellowship 1 Corinthians 1:9\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e4 Called to belong Romans 1:6\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e5 Called to be free Galatians 5:13\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e6 Called to holiness 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Peter 1:15\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e7 Called to peace 1 Corinthians 7:15; Colossians 3:15\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e8 Called to suffering 1 Peter 2:21\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e9 Called to hope Ephesians 1:18; 4:4\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e10 Called heavenwards Philippians 3:14\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e11 Called according to his purpose Romans 8:28\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e12 Called to glory 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:14; 1 Peter 5:10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nThe Revd Dr Derek Tidball has been Principal of the London School of Theology (formerly London Bible College) since 1995. He was previously Head of the Mission Department at the Baptist Union of Great Britain, following six years as Senior Minister at Mutley Baptist Church, Plymouth. He was founder chairman of the British Church Growth Association (and President 1995-200), President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain 1990-1991, and he currently chairs the Evangelical Alliance Council. He is also the editor for The Bible Speaks Today - Themes series.\r\n\r\nHe has written and contributed to many books including most recently: The Message of Leviticus (BST), IVP, 2005; Wisdom from Heaven: The Message of the Letter of James for Today, Christian Focus Books, 2003; Thinking Clearly about the Bible, Monarch, 2003; Discerning the Spirit of the Age, Kingsway, 2002; The Message of the Cross (BST), IVP, 2001. He has written Bible readings for SU's Encounter with God notes, as well as contributing to Methodist Recorder, Christian Herald, Christianity, CEN, Third Way, Ministry Today, Anvil and the Spring Harvest Study Guide (1999)\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n","published_at":"2024-12-13T17:38:25+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:39+00:00","vendor":"Derek Tidball","type":"Paperback","tags":["For churches","For individuals","Group reading","Jan-17","Kindle","Spirituality"],"price":0,"price_min":0,"price_max":0,"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":21769509863524,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465306","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436759531620,"product_id":2439782498404,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:39+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:49+00:00","alt":null,"width":425,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465306-l.jpg?v=1549043149","variant_ids":[21769509863524]},"available":true,"name":"Called by God: exploring our identity in Christ - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":0,"weight":183,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465306","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238878445707,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.654,"height":650,"width":425,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465306-l.jpg?v=1549043149"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465306-l.jpg?v=1549043149"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465306-l.jpg?v=1549043149","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238878445707,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.654,"height":650,"width":425,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465306-l.jpg?v=1549043149"},"aspect_ratio":0.654,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465306-l.jpg?v=1549043149","width":425}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe book will examine twelve key NT texts which speak of the Christian's calling. In days when much is spoken about vocation, this draws us back to see how the Bible speaks about the nature of Christian vocation. Each chapter will end with reflections and discussion material.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Called... loved... kept Jude 1\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e2 Called out of darkness 1 Peter 2:9\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e3 Called into fellowship 1 Corinthians 1:9\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e4 Called to belong Romans 1:6\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e5 Called to be free Galatians 5:13\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e6 Called to holiness 2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Peter 1:15\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e7 Called to peace 1 Corinthians 7:15; Colossians 3:15\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e8 Called to suffering 1 Peter 2:21\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e9 Called to hope Ephesians 1:18; 4:4\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e10 Called heavenwards Philippians 3:14\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e11 Called according to his purpose Romans 8:28\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e12 Called to glory 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:14; 1 Peter 5:10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nThe Revd Dr Derek Tidball has been Principal of the London School of Theology (formerly London Bible College) since 1995. He was previously Head of the Mission Department at the Baptist Union of Great Britain, following six years as Senior Minister at Mutley Baptist Church, Plymouth. He was founder chairman of the British Church Growth Association (and President 1995-200), President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain 1990-1991, and he currently chairs the Evangelical Alliance Council. He is also the editor for The Bible Speaks Today - Themes series.\r\n\r\nHe has written and contributed to many books including most recently: The Message of Leviticus (BST), IVP, 2005; Wisdom from Heaven: The Message of the Letter of James for Today, Christian Focus Books, 2003; Thinking Clearly about the Bible, Monarch, 2003; Discerning the Spirit of the Age, Kingsway, 2002; The Message of the Cross (BST), IVP, 2001. He has written Bible readings for SU's Encounter with God notes, as well as contributing to Methodist Recorder, Christian Herald, Christianity, CEN, Third Way, Ministry Today, Anvil and the Spring Harvest Study Guide (1999)\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n"}
You may also like:
Called by God: exploring our identity in Christ
£0.00
The book will examine twelve key NT texts which speak of the Christian's calling. In days when much is spoken...
{"id":2439781122148,"title":"Pilgrim Journeys: Pilgrimage for walkers and armchair travellers","handle":"pilgrim-journeys-pilgrimage-for-walkers-and-armchair-travellers","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhy do pilgrims walk so much?\u003cbr\u003eWhat do they learn?\u003cbr\u003eWhat lasting good does it do?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn \u003cem\u003ePilgrim Journeys\u003c\/em\u003e, experienced pilgrim and writer Sally Welch explores the less-travelled pilgrim routes of the UK and beyond, through the eyes of the pilgrims who walk them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter explores a different aspect of pilgrimage, offering reflections and indicating some of the spiritual lessons to be learned that may be practised at home. This absorbing book shows how insights gained on the journey can be incorporated into the spiritual life of every day, bringing new ways of relationship with God and with our fellow Christians, offering support and encouragement as we face the joys and challenges of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA brief history of pilgrimage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Routes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 \u003cstrong\u003eBe true to your journey:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St Columba's Way - Iona to St Andrews\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 \u003cstrong\u003eCarry only what is necessary:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Via Ingles - Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 \u003cstrong\u003eBe open to Go:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Via Limovigensis - V lay to Limoges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 \u003cstrong\u003eRejoice in your companions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Pilgrim's Way - Winchester to Canterbury\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 \u003cstrong\u003eInhabit the moment:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St David's Way - Holywell to Bardsey Island\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 \u003cstrong\u003eTread lightly upon the earth:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sentiero Francescano della Pace - Assisi to Gubbio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 \u003cstrong\u003eRelease your burdens:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Jesus Trail - Tabgha to Capernaum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 \u003cstrong\u003eTrust yourself:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St James Way - Worcester to Bristol\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 \u003cstrong\u003eRespect the community:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Thames Pilgrim Way - Oxford to Binsey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 \u003cstrong\u003eRejoice in the journey:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St Olav's Way - Stiklestad to Trondheim\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA practical guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInformation for pilgrims\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nSally Welch is the Vicar of Charlbury and Area Dean of Chipping Norton. An active pilgrim for over 20 years, she has lectured and led workshops on the nature and spirituality of pilgrimage and labyrinth throughout the UK. She is the editor of New Daylight and author of several books on pilgrimage. She worked with Bishop John Pritchard on the establishment of the Thames Pilgrim Way and is currently working on a Cotswold Pilgrimage Network.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Summer 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Jeremy Harvey\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWelch takes the reader on an unexpected journey with this slim but thought-provoking companion to ten pilgrim routes in Europe and the Holy Land. Avoiding such practical details as can be found on the internet, she instead offers a themed meditation on the spiritual steps that lead on a walk towards holiness. The opening description of St Columba's Way, from Iona to St Andrew's, becomes an extended discussion of what it means to be called, including a heartfelt appraisal of her own sense of mission. Driven by a self-confessed feeling of restlessness, her attachment to pilgrimage has an authentic ring to it: the word pilgrim was first used to describe a type of perpetual wanderer, a self-imposed exile whose journey was far removed from the later understanding of a return trip to a holy site and back. She concludes by describing a talk about an expedition planned with almost military precision along a Norwegian pilgrimage route to Trondheim, which left the audience impressed but unmoved by its spiritual content. Instead her book offers a more reflective and profitable meander along pilgrim ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine (April 2018) Review by Anne Stamper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch, Vicar of Charlbury and Area Dean of Chipping Norton, defines pilgrimage as 'a spiritual journey to a sacred place. For hundreds of years men and women have made these journeys, hoping for healing, revelation or spiritual insight. They go to places where it is felt the gap between heaven and earth is smaller, where the action of saints may break into the lives of ordinary people, transforming them.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn active pilgrim for over 20 years, in this book she draws on those experiences of pilgrimages at home and abroad, for distances long and short, and travelling with others or by herself. This is not a travel book but at the end she gives readers practical hints and sources of information should they wish to undertake a pilgrimage themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn each section Sally takes one pilgrim route and describes an episode from her experience of it; this then leads into a reflection. In some reflections she gives the reader, as an armchair traveller, a practical task (possibly using pencil and paper) that encourages thought about their own path in life and God's call 'to be a pilgrim'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of her pilgrim routes are well known, such as the Via Ingles, to Santiago de Compostela, or the Pilgrims Way from Winchester to Canterbury. Others were new to me: St James Way, from Worcester to Bristol and The Thames Pilgrim Way, from Oxford to Binsey - one Sally helped to set out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn excellent synopsis of the book is given by the chapter headings: Be true to your journey; Carry only what is necessary; Be open to God; Rejoice in your companions; Inhabit the moment; Tread lightly upon the earth; Release your burdens; Trust yourself; Respect the community; Rejoice in the journey. They are also not a bad pattern for life!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Anne Stamper\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-14T16:22:29+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:34+00:00","vendor":"Sally Welch","type":"Paperback","tags":["For individuals","Kindle","Spirituality"],"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":21769499246692,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465139","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436749144164,"product_id":2439781122148,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:34+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:50+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465139-l.jpg?v=1549043150","variant_ids":[21769499246692]},"available":false,"name":"Pilgrim Journeys: Pilgrimage for walkers and armchair travellers - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":166,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465139","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238878314635,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465139-l.jpg?v=1549043150"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465139-l.jpg?v=1549043150"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465139-l.jpg?v=1549043150","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238878314635,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465139-l.jpg?v=1549043150"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465139-l.jpg?v=1549043150","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eWhy do pilgrims walk so much?\u003cbr\u003eWhat do they learn?\u003cbr\u003eWhat lasting good does it do?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn \u003cem\u003ePilgrim Journeys\u003c\/em\u003e, experienced pilgrim and writer Sally Welch explores the less-travelled pilgrim routes of the UK and beyond, through the eyes of the pilgrims who walk them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter explores a different aspect of pilgrimage, offering reflections and indicating some of the spiritual lessons to be learned that may be practised at home. This absorbing book shows how insights gained on the journey can be incorporated into the spiritual life of every day, bringing new ways of relationship with God and with our fellow Christians, offering support and encouragement as we face the joys and challenges of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA brief history of pilgrimage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Routes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 \u003cstrong\u003eBe true to your journey:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St Columba's Way - Iona to St Andrews\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 \u003cstrong\u003eCarry only what is necessary:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Via Ingles - Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 \u003cstrong\u003eBe open to Go:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Via Limovigensis - V lay to Limoges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 \u003cstrong\u003eRejoice in your companions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Pilgrim's Way - Winchester to Canterbury\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 \u003cstrong\u003eInhabit the moment:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St David's Way - Holywell to Bardsey Island\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 \u003cstrong\u003eTread lightly upon the earth:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sentiero Francescano della Pace - Assisi to Gubbio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 \u003cstrong\u003eRelease your burdens:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Jesus Trail - Tabgha to Capernaum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 \u003cstrong\u003eTrust yourself:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St James Way - Worcester to Bristol\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 \u003cstrong\u003eRespect the community:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Thames Pilgrim Way - Oxford to Binsey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 \u003cstrong\u003eRejoice in the journey:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St Olav's Way - Stiklestad to Trondheim\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA practical guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInformation for pilgrims\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nSally Welch is the Vicar of Charlbury and Area Dean of Chipping Norton. An active pilgrim for over 20 years, she has lectured and led workshops on the nature and spirituality of pilgrimage and labyrinth throughout the UK. She is the editor of New Daylight and author of several books on pilgrimage. She worked with Bishop John Pritchard on the establishment of the Thames Pilgrim Way and is currently working on a Cotswold Pilgrimage Network.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Summer 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Jeremy Harvey\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWelch takes the reader on an unexpected journey with this slim but thought-provoking companion to ten pilgrim routes in Europe and the Holy Land. Avoiding such practical details as can be found on the internet, she instead offers a themed meditation on the spiritual steps that lead on a walk towards holiness. The opening description of St Columba's Way, from Iona to St Andrew's, becomes an extended discussion of what it means to be called, including a heartfelt appraisal of her own sense of mission. Driven by a self-confessed feeling of restlessness, her attachment to pilgrimage has an authentic ring to it: the word pilgrim was first used to describe a type of perpetual wanderer, a self-imposed exile whose journey was far removed from the later understanding of a return trip to a holy site and back. She concludes by describing a talk about an expedition planned with almost military precision along a Norwegian pilgrimage route to Trondheim, which left the audience impressed but unmoved by its spiritual content. Instead her book offers a more reflective and profitable meander along pilgrim ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine (April 2018) Review by Anne Stamper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch, Vicar of Charlbury and Area Dean of Chipping Norton, defines pilgrimage as 'a spiritual journey to a sacred place. For hundreds of years men and women have made these journeys, hoping for healing, revelation or spiritual insight. They go to places where it is felt the gap between heaven and earth is smaller, where the action of saints may break into the lives of ordinary people, transforming them.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn active pilgrim for over 20 years, in this book she draws on those experiences of pilgrimages at home and abroad, for distances long and short, and travelling with others or by herself. This is not a travel book but at the end she gives readers practical hints and sources of information should they wish to undertake a pilgrimage themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn each section Sally takes one pilgrim route and describes an episode from her experience of it; this then leads into a reflection. In some reflections she gives the reader, as an armchair traveller, a practical task (possibly using pencil and paper) that encourages thought about their own path in life and God's call 'to be a pilgrim'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of her pilgrim routes are well known, such as the Via Ingles, to Santiago de Compostela, or the Pilgrims Way from Winchester to Canterbury. Others were new to me: St James Way, from Worcester to Bristol and The Thames Pilgrim Way, from Oxford to Binsey - one Sally helped to set out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn excellent synopsis of the book is given by the chapter headings: Be true to your journey; Carry only what is necessary; Be open to God; Rejoice in your companions; Inhabit the moment; Tread lightly upon the earth; Release your burdens; Trust yourself; Respect the community; Rejoice in the journey. They are also not a bad pattern for life!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Anne Stamper\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Pilgrim Journeys: Pilgrimage for walkers and armchair travellers
Out of Stock
Why do pilgrims walk so much?What do they learn?What lasting good does it do?In Pilgrim Journeys, experienced pilgrim and writer...
Out of Stock
{"id":2439780597860,"title":"Stepping into Grace: Moving beyond ambition to contemplative mission","handle":"stepping-into-grace-moving-beyond-ambition-to-contemplative-mission","description":"\u003cp\u003eJourney with the prophet Jonah...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten by someone with experience of pioneering mission, reflecting on the Jonah story in the light of his experience, Stepping into Grace finds powerful connections between the call and mission of Jonah and the mission context of our own time. Using the narrative thread of the biblical story to explore themes of ambition, vocation, spirituality, mission, leadership and personal growth, it argues for a ministry rooted in grace, where who we are becoming in Christ provides a foundation for our participation in the mission of God. This unique journey takes us to a place of grace where the work of God, in shaping who we are, finds space alongside what we feel called to do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the people of the Bible needed to work out their choices and challenges of God and faith they told a story. Paul Bradbury has done the same. He has listened, wrestled and travelled with Jonah's story through his own calling. The result is honest, creative and transforming.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Runcorn, author of Dust and Glory (BRF, 2015) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo quote the paraphrase: \"God's strength shows up best in weak people.\" This book unpacks that truth in a refreshingly humble, inspiring and personal way. A must read for aspiring pioneer leaders.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Phil Potter, Leader of Fresh Expressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased in Poole Paul is a pioneer minister in the Church of England leading a missional community with a vision to connect with unchurched people. Writer, birdwatcher, runner, cricketer. Married to Emily with 2 children. Paul has written a book for SPCK in the past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Church Time 31 March 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProphet to pioneers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteven Croft finds a study of Jonah to be required reading\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Book of Jonah is bigger than it looks. Four short chapters of parable, drama, and psalm hide uneasily among the minor prophets. The story delights children and defies the literalists. Jonah's story, read well, draws us into an ever deepening reflection on our calling and life and service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Bradbury's short guide to Jonah is also somewhat bigger than it looks. There are seven short chapters on themes that arise jointly from the text and from Paul's experience of pioneer ministry in Poole. The chapters explore big themes: ambition, fear, chaos, darkness, limits, grace and the contemplative life. For me, the most helpful chapters were the first and the last.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book owes an acknowledged debt to Eugene Peterson's profound reflection on Jonah (Under the Unpredictable Plant: A study in vocational holiness, Eerdmans, 1992), which I have read at almost every vocational junction. The insights from text and context here are fresh. Peterson's book is shaped to be a call to a long obedience in the same direction. Bradbury is wrestling with the call to pioneer in new forms and places and styles. He challenges some emerging myths about new forms of ministry and wrestles with some classic temptations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scholarship is excellent. I enjoyed most the careful attention to the Hebrew texts. Bradbury quotes Rowan Williams, Richard Rohr, Pope Benedict, Brene Brown, and many others. The writing is in parts very clear and in other parts very dense and concentrated. The author has almost too much to say in some of the chapters for the space available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePioneer ministry is still a relatively recent development in the Church of England's long experience of ministry. The literature remains small, and I am not aware of many books that offer biblical and theological reflection in this depth. I hope that Stepping into Grace will find a place on reading lists for those considering ordination and those being formed for pioneer ministry. It would be a good Lenten companion for anyone wanting to reflect on ministry and discipleship in any context. The reader should be prepared for challenge as well as fresh insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-14T16:30:49+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:32+00:00","vendor":"Paul Bradbury","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","For individuals","Kindle","Mission","Nov-16","Spirituality"],"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":21769492496484,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465238","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436746326116,"product_id":2439780597860,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:32+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:51+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465238-l.jpg?v=1549043151","variant_ids":[21769492496484]},"available":false,"name":"Stepping into Grace: Moving beyond ambition to contemplative mission - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":164,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465238","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238878085259,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465238-l.jpg?v=1549043151"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465238-l.jpg?v=1549043151"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465238-l.jpg?v=1549043151","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238878085259,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465238-l.jpg?v=1549043151"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465238-l.jpg?v=1549043151","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eJourney with the prophet Jonah...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten by someone with experience of pioneering mission, reflecting on the Jonah story in the light of his experience, Stepping into Grace finds powerful connections between the call and mission of Jonah and the mission context of our own time. Using the narrative thread of the biblical story to explore themes of ambition, vocation, spirituality, mission, leadership and personal growth, it argues for a ministry rooted in grace, where who we are becoming in Christ provides a foundation for our participation in the mission of God. This unique journey takes us to a place of grace where the work of God, in shaping who we are, finds space alongside what we feel called to do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the people of the Bible needed to work out their choices and challenges of God and faith they told a story. Paul Bradbury has done the same. He has listened, wrestled and travelled with Jonah's story through his own calling. The result is honest, creative and transforming.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Runcorn, author of Dust and Glory (BRF, 2015) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo quote the paraphrase: \"God's strength shows up best in weak people.\" This book unpacks that truth in a refreshingly humble, inspiring and personal way. A must read for aspiring pioneer leaders.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Phil Potter, Leader of Fresh Expressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased in Poole Paul is a pioneer minister in the Church of England leading a missional community with a vision to connect with unchurched people. Writer, birdwatcher, runner, cricketer. Married to Emily with 2 children. Paul has written a book for SPCK in the past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Church Time 31 March 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProphet to pioneers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteven Croft finds a study of Jonah to be required reading\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Book of Jonah is bigger than it looks. Four short chapters of parable, drama, and psalm hide uneasily among the minor prophets. The story delights children and defies the literalists. Jonah's story, read well, draws us into an ever deepening reflection on our calling and life and service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Bradbury's short guide to Jonah is also somewhat bigger than it looks. There are seven short chapters on themes that arise jointly from the text and from Paul's experience of pioneer ministry in Poole. The chapters explore big themes: ambition, fear, chaos, darkness, limits, grace and the contemplative life. For me, the most helpful chapters were the first and the last.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book owes an acknowledged debt to Eugene Peterson's profound reflection on Jonah (Under the Unpredictable Plant: A study in vocational holiness, Eerdmans, 1992), which I have read at almost every vocational junction. The insights from text and context here are fresh. Peterson's book is shaped to be a call to a long obedience in the same direction. Bradbury is wrestling with the call to pioneer in new forms and places and styles. He challenges some emerging myths about new forms of ministry and wrestles with some classic temptations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scholarship is excellent. I enjoyed most the careful attention to the Hebrew texts. Bradbury quotes Rowan Williams, Richard Rohr, Pope Benedict, Brene Brown, and many others. The writing is in parts very clear and in other parts very dense and concentrated. The author has almost too much to say in some of the chapters for the space available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePioneer ministry is still a relatively recent development in the Church of England's long experience of ministry. The literature remains small, and I am not aware of many books that offer biblical and theological reflection in this depth. I hope that Stepping into Grace will find a place on reading lists for those considering ordination and those being formed for pioneer ministry. It would be a good Lenten companion for anyone wanting to reflect on ministry and discipleship in any context. The reader should be prepared for challenge as well as fresh insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Stepping into Grace: Moving beyond ambition to contemplative mission
Out of Stock
Journey with the prophet Jonah... Written by someone with experience of pioneering mission, reflecting on the Jonah story in the...
Out of Stock
{"id":2439780237412,"title":"The Recovery of Joy: finding the path from rootlessness to returning home","handle":"the-recovery-of-joy-finding-the-path-from-rootlessness-to-returning-home","description":"\u003cp\u003e'Recovering joy involves more than following our social codes and conventions. It involves walking with God at our right hand, step by step in the radiant light of his presence. It involves remembering that we have already arrived at our destination - the safety of our Father's house - even as we continue on the pilgrim road that takes us through life.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Recovery of Joy weaves imaginative story and profound biblical reflections on several of the Psalms to trace a journey that many of us will relate to. The narrative begins in rootlessness and despair and takes a wanderer across the sea to a series of islands. These are the setting for a series of events and encounters through which emerges a progression from that initial rootlessness, through healing, to a rediscovery of the joy of feeling at the centre of God's loving purpose for our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 1. Rootlessness\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn the road\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eDead end\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe pathless way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 2. Respite\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreen pastures\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe blessing of sleep\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eNo place like home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 3. Ruins\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInto the depths\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA desert place\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA time to mend\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 4. Release\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStuck\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eFreed\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCleansed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 5. Return\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn the rock\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCrossing the bay\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe recovery of joy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nNaomi Starkey is a priest in the Church in Wales, living and working on the Llyn Peninsula. She was previously a commissioning editor for BRF, and edited and contributed to New Daylight and Quiet Spaces. Her other books include The Recovery of Hope (BRF2016), The Recovery of Love (BRF, 2012), Pilgrims to the Manger (BRF, 2010) and Good Enough Mother(BRF, 2009).\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvangelicals Now, May 2018, Review by Lindsay Benn\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe blurb on the back cover claims that this book 'weaves imaginative story and profound reflections on a selection of Psalms to trace a journey that many of us will relate to'. This is a good summary of the contents.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI'm not a big fan of fictional Christian writing, but Naomi writes with endearing charm and describes the eventful journey of a troubled pilgrim trying to find meaning and purpose in life. Each chapter tracks the path of this pilgrim through traumas, dilemmas and moments of respite, with the reader becoming acutely aware that problems will ultimately have to be faced head on.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe oases of the Psalms\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are struggling with the baggage that life throws at you, with unresolved relationship issues, or just exhausted with the 'what ifs' of life - you may find this book helpful. It is an easy read, and for me the oases were the reflections on the Psalms. I was moved once again by their astonishing relevance and the soothing balm that they offer as we cope with the pressures of 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e-century living. Realising that we can have God's help and that he will be with us every step on the untidy journey of life, brings healing and hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLindsay Benn, church member, Northamptonshire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 22-29 December 2017: Review by Jenny Francis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOccasionally we can lose our way in life. The comfortable set of values which we have cultivated seems less relevant, and our overall strategy is no longer fit for purpose.Too easily, we may fall into a slough of despond. What was initially an insidious threat to mind and body becomes a desolate sense of rootlessness and alienation.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi Starkey is an experienced author and a priest. This small book has been written to help with just these times in our lives. It is the third in her series of 'recovery of' titles, the others being of hope and of love, and as such, it offers a valuable, reflective companion to help us out of the cul-de-sac that threatens to trap the lost and rootless.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere are five Parts: Rootlessness, Respite, Ruins, Release, and Return. Each has three identically structured chapters. It is written using the pronoun 'we', and the reader becomes one of a small group embarking on a journey with no clear destination. As they travel together, appreciating that they had each almost come to a halt, their 'story of exile and rootless wandering eventually becomes one of purpose, maybe even pilgrimage.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a long tradition of spiritual wanderers setting out in faith in Christianity, as well as in other faiths. Some viewed this as an abandonment of self to God's purposes. Others viewed it as a kind of exile, leaving behind all that was familiar while having no purpose for the future. In this book, the author tells a story about travellers crossing the sea in a small boat. Somehow, guided by divine mercy through wind and waves, they sail from one island to another, and on each they find welcome and a learning experience. As the sailors learn more of themselves and of God, they also grow through the challenges set to test and guide them. We journey with them and, by taking time to meditate on each psalm, specially selected to aid our private prayer, we, too, find ourselves led from darkness to light, to greater self-awareness and insight. This journey goes from exhaustion to acceptance, and hence to the gift of God's healing as we all rediscover the wonder of what God has done.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis slim volume is a useful tool for our own personal devotion. A chapter a day provides just over a fortnight of thoughtful reflection on how to find our way back to the God of our creation. As the author concludes, 'no matter the pain we may yet have to face, no matter what the next part of our journey may hold, we have hope for tomorrow.' I am writing on Advent Sunday: we know that it is that hope that heralds the advent of joy.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Jenny Francis is a retired psychotherapist and a priest in the Diocese of Exeter\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-14T16:38:13+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:30+00:00","vendor":"Naomi Starkey","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","For individuals","Kindle","Pastoral care","Sep-17","Spirituality"],"price":699,"price_min":699,"price_max":699,"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":21769482600548,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465184","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436743639140,"product_id":2439780237412,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:30+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:51+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465184-l.jpg?v=1549043151","variant_ids":[21769482600548]},"available":false,"name":"The Recovery of Joy: finding the path from rootlessness to returning home - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":699,"weight":147,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465184","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238878052491,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465184-l.jpg?v=1549043151"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465184-l.jpg?v=1549043151"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465184-l.jpg?v=1549043151","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238878052491,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465184-l.jpg?v=1549043151"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465184-l.jpg?v=1549043151","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e'Recovering joy involves more than following our social codes and conventions. It involves walking with God at our right hand, step by step in the radiant light of his presence. It involves remembering that we have already arrived at our destination - the safety of our Father's house - even as we continue on the pilgrim road that takes us through life.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Recovery of Joy weaves imaginative story and profound biblical reflections on several of the Psalms to trace a journey that many of us will relate to. The narrative begins in rootlessness and despair and takes a wanderer across the sea to a series of islands. These are the setting for a series of events and encounters through which emerges a progression from that initial rootlessness, through healing, to a rediscovery of the joy of feeling at the centre of God's loving purpose for our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 1. Rootlessness\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn the road\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eDead end\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe pathless way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 2. Respite\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreen pastures\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe blessing of sleep\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eNo place like home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 3. Ruins\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInto the depths\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA desert place\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA time to mend\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 4. Release\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStuck\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eFreed\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCleansed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 5. Return\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn the rock\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCrossing the bay\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe recovery of joy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nNaomi Starkey is a priest in the Church in Wales, living and working on the Llyn Peninsula. She was previously a commissioning editor for BRF, and edited and contributed to New Daylight and Quiet Spaces. Her other books include The Recovery of Hope (BRF2016), The Recovery of Love (BRF, 2012), Pilgrims to the Manger (BRF, 2010) and Good Enough Mother(BRF, 2009).\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvangelicals Now, May 2018, Review by Lindsay Benn\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe blurb on the back cover claims that this book 'weaves imaginative story and profound reflections on a selection of Psalms to trace a journey that many of us will relate to'. This is a good summary of the contents.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI'm not a big fan of fictional Christian writing, but Naomi writes with endearing charm and describes the eventful journey of a troubled pilgrim trying to find meaning and purpose in life. Each chapter tracks the path of this pilgrim through traumas, dilemmas and moments of respite, with the reader becoming acutely aware that problems will ultimately have to be faced head on.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe oases of the Psalms\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are struggling with the baggage that life throws at you, with unresolved relationship issues, or just exhausted with the 'what ifs' of life - you may find this book helpful. It is an easy read, and for me the oases were the reflections on the Psalms. I was moved once again by their astonishing relevance and the soothing balm that they offer as we cope with the pressures of 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e-century living. Realising that we can have God's help and that he will be with us every step on the untidy journey of life, brings healing and hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLindsay Benn, church member, Northamptonshire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 22-29 December 2017: Review by Jenny Francis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOccasionally we can lose our way in life. The comfortable set of values which we have cultivated seems less relevant, and our overall strategy is no longer fit for purpose.Too easily, we may fall into a slough of despond. What was initially an insidious threat to mind and body becomes a desolate sense of rootlessness and alienation.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi Starkey is an experienced author and a priest. This small book has been written to help with just these times in our lives. It is the third in her series of 'recovery of' titles, the others being of hope and of love, and as such, it offers a valuable, reflective companion to help us out of the cul-de-sac that threatens to trap the lost and rootless.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere are five Parts: Rootlessness, Respite, Ruins, Release, and Return. Each has three identically structured chapters. It is written using the pronoun 'we', and the reader becomes one of a small group embarking on a journey with no clear destination. As they travel together, appreciating that they had each almost come to a halt, their 'story of exile and rootless wandering eventually becomes one of purpose, maybe even pilgrimage.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a long tradition of spiritual wanderers setting out in faith in Christianity, as well as in other faiths. Some viewed this as an abandonment of self to God's purposes. Others viewed it as a kind of exile, leaving behind all that was familiar while having no purpose for the future. In this book, the author tells a story about travellers crossing the sea in a small boat. Somehow, guided by divine mercy through wind and waves, they sail from one island to another, and on each they find welcome and a learning experience. As the sailors learn more of themselves and of God, they also grow through the challenges set to test and guide them. We journey with them and, by taking time to meditate on each psalm, specially selected to aid our private prayer, we, too, find ourselves led from darkness to light, to greater self-awareness and insight. This journey goes from exhaustion to acceptance, and hence to the gift of God's healing as we all rediscover the wonder of what God has done.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis slim volume is a useful tool for our own personal devotion. A chapter a day provides just over a fortnight of thoughtful reflection on how to find our way back to the God of our creation. As the author concludes, 'no matter the pain we may yet have to face, no matter what the next part of our journey may hold, we have hope for tomorrow.' I am writing on Advent Sunday: we know that it is that hope that heralds the advent of joy.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Jenny Francis is a retired psychotherapist and a priest in the Diocese of Exeter\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
The Recovery of Joy: finding the path from rootlessness to returning home
Out of Stock
'Recovering joy involves more than following our social codes and conventions. It involves walking with God at our right hand,...
Out of Stock
{"id":2439779450980,"title":"The Freedom of Years: Ageing in perspective","handle":"the-freedom-of-years-ageing-in-perspective","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis positive, affirming book explores and reviews the meaning and purpose of our lives. As Christians, ageing gives us the opportunity to deepen and even transform our spiritual lives. The Freedom of Years helps those who want to undertake the journey by examining the ageing task, the inevitable changes and the possibilities of joy along the way. Read this book, see the potential and seek to age in the light of your Christian faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWe are all ageing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat is ageing for?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuccessful ageing: the story so far\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe spiritual journey: making meaning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttitudes to ageing: implications for spiritual care and support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe context in which we age\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe discontents of ageing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e'Clouds of glory': the second half of life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRetirement: doing things differently\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractising ageing: choosing, believing, trusting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a triumph. It explores life and the ageing process in an honest and straightforward way. It is a book for 'everyman' - carer or cared-for, professional or layperson, of faith or secular. The Mowats make sense of some important concepts and ideas from various disciplines and do so in a very accessible style. Readers seeking more in-depth knowledge can make use of their extensive bibliography. This book should be essential reading for anyone curious about their own life process and its meaning. Readers will be enriched and left a little bit less afraid of their own ageing and mortality.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Dr Janice Whittick, Retired Clinical Psychologist \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gift of this book is the simple understanding that we are all ageing. It is a shared journey, whether we are younger or older, and we must therefore face the issues raised for our communities together. Those involved in spiritual care, with families or care staff, exploring questions of meaning and purpose, will find it a real resource in looking at the question of what is valued in the kind of communities we want to build.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Lynda Wright, Health Care Chaplain, NHS NES Scotland \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI really like this book: it is informative and deals with the spiritual in a way that is not intrusive or evangelistic! I particularly warm to the authors' use of psychological frameworks: all that resonates very positively with me. It is a wise book, relevant to older people in 2018.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e The Revd Dr Anne Townsend \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis engaging book for adults of all ages will make a difference to how readers approach their own ageing process and those for whom they care. There will be value in returning often to the dense thoroughness of ten chapters which hold a wealth of information and wisdom. As the fictional stories of Angus and Josephine unfold, they draw the reader into spiritual and practical challenges 'to live with each other in a state of mutual recognition of our common humanity'. This book is a gem of opportunity to face the ageing process with hope.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Elizabeth Baxter, Holyrood Retreat Centre \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarriet Mowat has spent her working career researching the social impact of ageing and was influential in the development of Scottish health care chaplaincy. She has been a key adviser to BRF in developing its programme The Gift of Years, which resources the spiritual journey of older people. Donald Mowat is a retired psychiatrist, specialising in old age. He is an honorary staff member in the School of Divinity at the University of Aberdeen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Winter 2018. Review by Liz Pacey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a society we are living longer, and this leads to many questions and concerns about our ability to age well, not least in the area of spirituality. This book subtitled 'Ageing in perspective', does a very good job of considering how all aspects of life come together, with thought-provoking references from the fields of psychology and literature. It examines the day-to-day lives, needs and anxieties of the elderly in our churches, including those who may now be noticeable by their absence. Two fictitious but very well researched case studies run through the book, enhancing the readability. The overall message is positive: old age in not a waiting room but a time when spirituality and awareness of God can grow. There is much material here to stimulate our thought processes, enhance our own view of ageing, and help us to understand and hopefully enrich the lives of those around us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Liz Pacey\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Baptist Times, August 2018. Review by John Rackley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe greatest moral question facing us in the 21st century is: what is ageing for? Harriet and Donald Mowat agree with this statement of James Woodward. They write from a lifetime in medical life and social science focussing on ageing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey write: we are trying to see beyond the idea that ageing is just about decline and painful joints. Nor is it about the time of life when those whom we love get ill and sometimes die. Rather whatever else it is about, ageing must be about changing and deepening our understanding of our place, in and outside time, which as we all know can be a struggle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo all of life is an ageing process. It is also a spiritual journey; spiritual in the sense of the need to seek purpose and meaning. So their book includes chapters on human development theory, attitudes toward and the discontents of ageing, midlife and beyond, retirement and the disciplines and virtues that accompany the practice of spiritual ageing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we read about research, ideas and theory we also journey with Angus and Josephine; two imaginary characters that live their own ageing for us. They sound a ring of truth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether or not the purpose of ageing is the greatest moral question of the 21st century, it is certainly a neglected one both in our society and sadly in churches; which have an enervating ambiguity toward 'people of a certain age'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF is to be commended in publishing a number of books on ageing in later years from such authors as David Winter and Wanda Nash, as well as setting up a programme of resources for the spiritual journey of older people including the ministry of Anna Chaplains. This book bears the name of this programme and provides background reading for this study.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA minister or pastoral worker who is wishing to reflect on the witness of their church to those no longer young would be well served by this book. Its theology is implicit but it longs for people to know their God in all places and at all times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Rackley is a Baptist minister living in Leicestershire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Maggie Greaves, leader of Journeying into Age, Milton Keynes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found myself a bit resistant to it before I even started it ... partly because I didn't like the canoe photo on the front ...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, when I began it, I liked it more. The theories of Melanie Klein, Jung and the attachment work of Bowlby and later Winnicott, and then the life stage theories of Erikson were all familiar to me from my own working background and they were clearly - if briefly - sketched at the beginning of the book. ...They do refer back to these early developmental theories from time to time in the following chapters and I was impressed with that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI wasn't sure, either, about the case histories they chose when they were first described, but they won me over and they used them so creatively to illustrate various dilemmas that I decided in the end that they were a really helpful narrative device.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy favourite chapter was 7, the Discontents of Ageing, the whole of which I thought was excellent. It challenges the mental\/physical separation of health issues - which I found very helpful, but it raised questions of the social construction of disability in old age and was prepared to look at sociological and political questions which many writing on ageing don't tackle very helpfully. I particularly liked page 119 and the description of 'cumulative trivia' and 'mild cognitive impairment' which left me thinking in quite new ways about some of the assumptions I have made about friends who have had difficulties lately. When you think there's nothing new left to say about getting old, it's a treat to read something so fresh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy only other comment would be to say that I'm not sure they quite had a handle on their proposed readership. From time to time it was as if they 'remembered' that they were supposed to be addressing caring staff and family carers with their advice, as well as speaking to an already elderly readership? It slid about a bit in that respect for me, perhaps a slightly tighter edit would have picked that up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm really grateful to have read it and I shall certainly pass it around our Journeying group as I'm sure others will find it helpful too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Maggie Greaves, leader of Journeying into Age, Milton Keynes\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:25+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:27+00:00","vendor":"Harriet and Donald Mowat","type":"Paperback","tags":["Feb-18","Kindle","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired"],"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":21769468936292,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465061","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The Freedom of Years: Ageing in perspective - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":214,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465061","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465061-l.jpg?v=1549043152"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465061-l.jpg?v=1549043152","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877986955,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465061-l.jpg?v=1549043152"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465061-l.jpg?v=1549043152","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThis positive, affirming book explores and reviews the meaning and purpose of our lives. As Christians, ageing gives us the opportunity to deepen and even transform our spiritual lives. The Freedom of Years helps those who want to undertake the journey by examining the ageing task, the inevitable changes and the possibilities of joy along the way. Read this book, see the potential and seek to age in the light of your Christian faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWe are all ageing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat is ageing for?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuccessful ageing: the story so far\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe spiritual journey: making meaning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttitudes to ageing: implications for spiritual care and support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe context in which we age\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe discontents of ageing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e'Clouds of glory': the second half of life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRetirement: doing things differently\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractising ageing: choosing, believing, trusting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a triumph. It explores life and the ageing process in an honest and straightforward way. It is a book for 'everyman' - carer or cared-for, professional or layperson, of faith or secular. The Mowats make sense of some important concepts and ideas from various disciplines and do so in a very accessible style. Readers seeking more in-depth knowledge can make use of their extensive bibliography. This book should be essential reading for anyone curious about their own life process and its meaning. Readers will be enriched and left a little bit less afraid of their own ageing and mortality.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Dr Janice Whittick, Retired Clinical Psychologist \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gift of this book is the simple understanding that we are all ageing. It is a shared journey, whether we are younger or older, and we must therefore face the issues raised for our communities together. Those involved in spiritual care, with families or care staff, exploring questions of meaning and purpose, will find it a real resource in looking at the question of what is valued in the kind of communities we want to build.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Lynda Wright, Health Care Chaplain, NHS NES Scotland \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI really like this book: it is informative and deals with the spiritual in a way that is not intrusive or evangelistic! I particularly warm to the authors' use of psychological frameworks: all that resonates very positively with me. It is a wise book, relevant to older people in 2018.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e The Revd Dr Anne Townsend \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis engaging book for adults of all ages will make a difference to how readers approach their own ageing process and those for whom they care. There will be value in returning often to the dense thoroughness of ten chapters which hold a wealth of information and wisdom. As the fictional stories of Angus and Josephine unfold, they draw the reader into spiritual and practical challenges 'to live with each other in a state of mutual recognition of our common humanity'. This book is a gem of opportunity to face the ageing process with hope.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Elizabeth Baxter, Holyrood Retreat Centre \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarriet Mowat has spent her working career researching the social impact of ageing and was influential in the development of Scottish health care chaplaincy. She has been a key adviser to BRF in developing its programme The Gift of Years, which resources the spiritual journey of older people. Donald Mowat is a retired psychiatrist, specialising in old age. He is an honorary staff member in the School of Divinity at the University of Aberdeen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Winter 2018. Review by Liz Pacey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a society we are living longer, and this leads to many questions and concerns about our ability to age well, not least in the area of spirituality. This book subtitled 'Ageing in perspective', does a very good job of considering how all aspects of life come together, with thought-provoking references from the fields of psychology and literature. It examines the day-to-day lives, needs and anxieties of the elderly in our churches, including those who may now be noticeable by their absence. Two fictitious but very well researched case studies run through the book, enhancing the readability. The overall message is positive: old age in not a waiting room but a time when spirituality and awareness of God can grow. There is much material here to stimulate our thought processes, enhance our own view of ageing, and help us to understand and hopefully enrich the lives of those around us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Liz Pacey\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Baptist Times, August 2018. Review by John Rackley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe greatest moral question facing us in the 21st century is: what is ageing for? Harriet and Donald Mowat agree with this statement of James Woodward. They write from a lifetime in medical life and social science focussing on ageing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey write: we are trying to see beyond the idea that ageing is just about decline and painful joints. Nor is it about the time of life when those whom we love get ill and sometimes die. Rather whatever else it is about, ageing must be about changing and deepening our understanding of our place, in and outside time, which as we all know can be a struggle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo all of life is an ageing process. It is also a spiritual journey; spiritual in the sense of the need to seek purpose and meaning. So their book includes chapters on human development theory, attitudes toward and the discontents of ageing, midlife and beyond, retirement and the disciplines and virtues that accompany the practice of spiritual ageing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we read about research, ideas and theory we also journey with Angus and Josephine; two imaginary characters that live their own ageing for us. They sound a ring of truth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether or not the purpose of ageing is the greatest moral question of the 21st century, it is certainly a neglected one both in our society and sadly in churches; which have an enervating ambiguity toward 'people of a certain age'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF is to be commended in publishing a number of books on ageing in later years from such authors as David Winter and Wanda Nash, as well as setting up a programme of resources for the spiritual journey of older people including the ministry of Anna Chaplains. This book bears the name of this programme and provides background reading for this study.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA minister or pastoral worker who is wishing to reflect on the witness of their church to those no longer young would be well served by this book. Its theology is implicit but it longs for people to know their God in all places and at all times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Rackley is a Baptist minister living in Leicestershire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Maggie Greaves, leader of Journeying into Age, Milton Keynes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found myself a bit resistant to it before I even started it ... partly because I didn't like the canoe photo on the front ...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, when I began it, I liked it more. The theories of Melanie Klein, Jung and the attachment work of Bowlby and later Winnicott, and then the life stage theories of Erikson were all familiar to me from my own working background and they were clearly - if briefly - sketched at the beginning of the book. ...They do refer back to these early developmental theories from time to time in the following chapters and I was impressed with that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI wasn't sure, either, about the case histories they chose when they were first described, but they won me over and they used them so creatively to illustrate various dilemmas that I decided in the end that they were a really helpful narrative device.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy favourite chapter was 7, the Discontents of Ageing, the whole of which I thought was excellent. It challenges the mental\/physical separation of health issues - which I found very helpful, but it raised questions of the social construction of disability in old age and was prepared to look at sociological and political questions which many writing on ageing don't tackle very helpfully. I particularly liked page 119 and the description of 'cumulative trivia' and 'mild cognitive impairment' which left me thinking in quite new ways about some of the assumptions I have made about friends who have had difficulties lately. When you think there's nothing new left to say about getting old, it's a treat to read something so fresh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy only other comment would be to say that I'm not sure they quite had a handle on their proposed readership. From time to time it was as if they 'remembered' that they were supposed to be addressing caring staff and family carers with their advice, as well as speaking to an already elderly readership? It slid about a bit in that respect for me, perhaps a slightly tighter edit would have picked that up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm really grateful to have read it and I shall certainly pass it around our Journeying group as I'm sure others will find it helpful too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Maggie Greaves, leader of Journeying into Age, Milton Keynes\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
The Freedom of Years: Ageing in perspective
Out of Stock
This positive, affirming book explores and reviews the meaning and purpose of our lives. As Christians, ageing gives us the...
Out of Stock
{"id":2439778926692,"title":"Experiencing Christ's Love: Establishing a life of worship, prayer, study, service and reflection","handle":"experiencing-christs-love-establishing-a-life-of-worship-prayer-study-service-and-reflection","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn Experiencing Christ's Love, well-known writer John Twisleton reminds us of Jesus' gracious challenge to love God with heart, soul and mind, and to love our neighbour and ourselves. Against the backdrop of the message of God's unconditional love in Jesus Christ, the author delivers a wake-up call to the basic Christian patterns of worship, prayer, study, service and reflection. These, he claims, serve to take God's hand in ours, leading us into his divine possibilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 First love: worship\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou shall love the Lord your God with all your heart\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Second love: prayer\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou shall love the Lord your God with all your soul\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 Third love: study\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou shall love the Lord your God with all your mind\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 Fourth love: service\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou shall love your neighbour\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Fifth love: reflection\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou shall love... yourself\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Twisleton is based in Sussex and the former parish priest of Horsted Keynes in Chichester Diocese, where he also led the diocesan mission and renewal team for eight years. He has also worked as an Area Missioner in London Diocese and as Principal of an ordination training centre in Guyana. He has written on issues including baptism, confession, priesthood, prayer and healing, and he broadcasts regularly on Premier Radio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read John's lockdown blog click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/john-twistleton-writes-about-experiencing-christs-love-in-a-pandemic\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLove is a word that our culture has grossly misunderstood, often described as mere romantic feeling. Yet in the scriptures love is always active. God's love always issues in action. In this very helpful book John fleshes out what an active expression of loving God and loving neighbour looks like. Using the picture of a hand, five fingers reaching out to God, he places worship, prayer, study, service and reflection in the framework of the great commandment. This helpful metaphorical treatment is both a challenge and an encouragement to deeper Christian living. John brings together his catholic and charismatic spirituality into a gem of a book that richly rewards prayerful study.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Rt Rev Richard Jackson - Bishop of Lewes \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe five chapters of John Twisleton's book lay before us a comprehensive structure for reviewing our rule of life of worship, prayer, study, service and reflection, to encourage the reader to experience more deeply the love of Christ. He draws at length from his own spiritual journal and pastoral work to demonstrate how he has experienced and grown his spiritual discipleship. There are also riches here from past and present spiritual writers, to encourage the reader to explore further. The Summary of the Law is presented in sections at the start of each of the five chapters of the book. Throughout, we are given a prayerful reading of the scriptures. Each chapter is worth reflecting on at some length. There is distilled wisdom here worth pondering on. This is a timely book for us in Chichester Diocese as we mark the Year of the Bible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Canon Andrew Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe five chapters of John Twisleton's book lay before us a comprehensive structure for reviewing our rule of life of worship, prayer, study, service and reflection to encourage the reader to experience more deeply the love of Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe draws on his own spiritual journey and pastoral work to demonstrate how he has experienced and grown his spiritual discipleship. There are also riches here from past and present spiritual writers to encourage the reader to explore further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Summary of the Law is presented in sections at the start of each chapter. Throughout we are given a prayerful reading of the scriptures. Each chapter is worth reflecting on at some length. There is a distilled wisdom here worth pondering on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a timely book for the diocese in this Year of the Bible and has been commended by the Bishop of Lewes, The Right Revd Richard Jackson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe said: 'Love is a word that our culture has grossly misunderstood, often described as mere romantic feeling. Yet in the scriptures love is always active. God's love always issues in action.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'In this very helpful book John fleshes out what an active expression of loving God and loving neighbour looks like. Using the picture of a hand, five fingers reaching out to God, he places worship, prayer, study, service and reflection in the framework of the great commandment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'This helpful metaphorical treatment is a both a challenge and an encouragement to deeper Christian living. John brings together his catholic and charismatic spirituality into a gem of a book that richly rewards prayerful study.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed in Faith in Sussex, Summer 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-13T17:56:29+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:25+00:00","vendor":"John Twisleton","type":"Paperback","tags":["Apr-17","For individuals","Kindle","Prayer","Spirituality"],"price":699,"price_min":699,"price_max":699,"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":21769462710372,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465177","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436733579364,"product_id":2439778926692,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:25+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:52+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465177-l.jpg?v=1549043152","variant_ids":[21769462710372]},"available":false,"name":"Experiencing Christ's Love: Establishing a life of worship, prayer, study, service and reflection - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":699,"weight":114,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465177","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238877954187,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465177-l.jpg?v=1549043152"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465177-l.jpg?v=1549043152"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465177-l.jpg?v=1549043152","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877954187,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465177-l.jpg?v=1549043152"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465177-l.jpg?v=1549043152","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eIn Experiencing Christ's Love, well-known writer John Twisleton reminds us of Jesus' gracious challenge to love God with heart, soul and mind, and to love our neighbour and ourselves. Against the backdrop of the message of God's unconditional love in Jesus Christ, the author delivers a wake-up call to the basic Christian patterns of worship, prayer, study, service and reflection. These, he claims, serve to take God's hand in ours, leading us into his divine possibilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 First love: worship\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou shall love the Lord your God with all your heart\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Second love: prayer\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou shall love the Lord your God with all your soul\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 Third love: study\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou shall love the Lord your God with all your mind\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 Fourth love: service\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou shall love your neighbour\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Fifth love: reflection\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou shall love... yourself\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Twisleton is based in Sussex and the former parish priest of Horsted Keynes in Chichester Diocese, where he also led the diocesan mission and renewal team for eight years. He has also worked as an Area Missioner in London Diocese and as Principal of an ordination training centre in Guyana. He has written on issues including baptism, confession, priesthood, prayer and healing, and he broadcasts regularly on Premier Radio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read John's lockdown blog click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/john-twistleton-writes-about-experiencing-christs-love-in-a-pandemic\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLove is a word that our culture has grossly misunderstood, often described as mere romantic feeling. Yet in the scriptures love is always active. God's love always issues in action. In this very helpful book John fleshes out what an active expression of loving God and loving neighbour looks like. Using the picture of a hand, five fingers reaching out to God, he places worship, prayer, study, service and reflection in the framework of the great commandment. This helpful metaphorical treatment is both a challenge and an encouragement to deeper Christian living. John brings together his catholic and charismatic spirituality into a gem of a book that richly rewards prayerful study.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Rt Rev Richard Jackson - Bishop of Lewes \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe five chapters of John Twisleton's book lay before us a comprehensive structure for reviewing our rule of life of worship, prayer, study, service and reflection, to encourage the reader to experience more deeply the love of Christ. He draws at length from his own spiritual journal and pastoral work to demonstrate how he has experienced and grown his spiritual discipleship. There are also riches here from past and present spiritual writers, to encourage the reader to explore further. The Summary of the Law is presented in sections at the start of each of the five chapters of the book. Throughout, we are given a prayerful reading of the scriptures. Each chapter is worth reflecting on at some length. There is distilled wisdom here worth pondering on. This is a timely book for us in Chichester Diocese as we mark the Year of the Bible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Canon Andrew Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe five chapters of John Twisleton's book lay before us a comprehensive structure for reviewing our rule of life of worship, prayer, study, service and reflection to encourage the reader to experience more deeply the love of Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe draws on his own spiritual journey and pastoral work to demonstrate how he has experienced and grown his spiritual discipleship. There are also riches here from past and present spiritual writers to encourage the reader to explore further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Summary of the Law is presented in sections at the start of each chapter. Throughout we are given a prayerful reading of the scriptures. Each chapter is worth reflecting on at some length. There is a distilled wisdom here worth pondering on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a timely book for the diocese in this Year of the Bible and has been commended by the Bishop of Lewes, The Right Revd Richard Jackson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe said: 'Love is a word that our culture has grossly misunderstood, often described as mere romantic feeling. Yet in the scriptures love is always active. God's love always issues in action.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'In this very helpful book John fleshes out what an active expression of loving God and loving neighbour looks like. Using the picture of a hand, five fingers reaching out to God, he places worship, prayer, study, service and reflection in the framework of the great commandment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'This helpful metaphorical treatment is a both a challenge and an encouragement to deeper Christian living. John brings together his catholic and charismatic spirituality into a gem of a book that richly rewards prayerful study.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed in Faith in Sussex, Summer 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e"}
You may also like:
Experiencing Christ's Love: Establishing a life of worship, prayer, study, service and reflection
Out of Stock
In Experiencing Christ's Love, well-known writer John Twisleton reminds us of Jesus' gracious challenge to love God with heart, soul...
Out of Stock
{"id":2439778107492,"title":"Praying the Bible with Luther: A simple approach to everyday prayer","handle":"praying-the-bible-with-luther-a-simple-approach-to-everyday-prayer","description":"\u003cp\u003ePraying biblically and with intent. There is a need in today's church to relate scripture and prayer in such a way as to enable us to speak God's words after him. This book takes a simple lectio divina approach developed in the sixteenth century by Martin Luther and offers practical guidance to pray in this way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginning each time of prayer with a Bible passage, Luther would meditate on it with four 'strands' in mind: teaching, thanksgiving, repentance and supplication. Then he would pray, having his thoughts shaped by his reading, praying God's words after him, confident of God's grace. Praying the Bible with Luther explains this method, demonstrates it and encourages readers to follow his example, helping us to turn scripture into prayer and to pray it into our own lives today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 1\u003c\/strong\u003e - Praying with Luther today\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 2\u003c\/strong\u003e - A simple way to pray\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 3\u003c\/strong\u003e - Praying the Bible today\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 4\u003c\/strong\u003e - Following Luther's example: starting out\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExodus 19:3 - 8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Chronicles 30:23 - 27\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePsalm 51:1 - 4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIsaiah 6:1 - 8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLamentations 3:19 - 26, 31 - 32\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEzekiel 37:1 - 10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMark 4:35 - 41\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLuke 15:11 - 24\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActs 4:23 - 31\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGalatians 5:1 - 13\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColossians 3:4 - 10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 John 3:1 - 3\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 5\u003c\/strong\u003e - Following Luther's example: going solo\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNumbers 6:22 - 27\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Kings 19:9 - 13\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePsalm 36:5 - 9\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePsalm 42:1 - 5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIsaiah 43:10 - 12\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatthew 13:44 - 46\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJohn 1:14\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGalatians 3:1 - 5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEphesians 1:13 - 14\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 24\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 6\u003c\/strong\u003e - Following Luther's example: taking it further\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 7\u003c\/strong\u003e - Final thoughts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is brilliant! It may well be the best book on Luther to appear during these 500-year celebrations - biographical, theological, pastoral and practical. Mike Parsons has done an amazing job of mining and distilling the great Reformer's teaching on prayer to help us walk closer with the Lord.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Simon Ponsonby, Pastor of Theology, St Aldates, Oxford \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is more than a simple approach to everyday prayer; it's a deep book for those who desire to be serious about prayer. The author is well versed in the life and writings of Martin Luther and he proves an immensely able teacher in introducing the reader to Luther's imaginative pattern of praying the Bible. The fact that Luther first introduced his pattern of praying to his hairdresser underlines the down-to-earth practical teaching in Luther's writings on prayer. The \"business end\" of this book, with the examples of how to use the Bible in praying, is brilliant and highly commended for use personally and with small groups.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Coffey OBE, Global Ambassador BMS World Mission \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Parsons proves a wise and gentle guide to reading the word of God not only with our head but with our hearts. His passion for the Bible and Luther is infectious.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Amy Boucher Pye, author of The Living Cross (BRF, 2016) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis superb book offers practical advice for individuals and groups to experience prayer afresh as a place of encounter with God. Three excellent chapters outline Luther's scripture-centred approach, followed by an imaginative series of steps where the author first allows us to \"overhear\" how this works for him before we are nudged to have a go ourselves. This book could change your life!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Kerrigan, General Director of BMS World Mission \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMike Parsons rightly understands that the general dissatisfaction most Christians feel about the state of their prayer lives often stems from a tendency to dissociate prayer from Bible reading. Of course, the two belong together. In this wonderful book, peppered with fascinating anecdotes and insights from the life of Martin Luther, the author leads us - via worked examples in scripture - to life-giving prayer habits. The tone is relaxed and conversational, the content is theologically rich and the ideas are eminently practical. So I urge you: take, read, confess, worship and pray!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Paul Hedley Jones, Trinity College, Queensland, Australia \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten in a warm and accessible tone, but with a real sense of purpose, this book brings the prayer life of Martin Luther alive for a new generation. I have no doubt that it will change the prayers of all those who read it, as it inspires us to dig deeper into scripture and press further into prayer with warm encouragement and practical examples. A much needed book which effortlessly combines Reformation wisdom with 21st-century warmth, I am excited to see what difference it makes to the prayer life of the Church today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Nell Goddard, author of Musings of a Clergy Child (BRF, 2017) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis excellent resource takes important Reformation insights, makes them accessible and then applies them to prayer today. There are many healthy biblical insights here and, if acted upon, they have the potential to enrich our prayer lives greatly. I wish this book a wide readership. Peter J.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Morden, Vice Principal and Director of the Spurgeon's Centre for Spirituality, Spurgeon's College, London\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nCurrently commissioning editor for The Bible Reading Fellowship, Michael Parsons is the author of several books on the Reformation and an Associate Research Fellow at Spurgeon's College.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Amy Boucher-Pye\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Parsons is a gentle teacher who introduces Luther's love of the Bible and how we can pray with the reformer using God's Word as our text and guide. Parsons says that praying with the Bible will become an instinctive and living experience, in which we grow in our faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI find it interesting to note that the way of praying with the Bible highlighted here is \u003cem\u003electio divina \u003c\/em\u003e - the ancient four-part practice that began in the (Catholic) monasteries. That Luther would pray according to this form reveals the influence of his decade as a monk - he didn't leave all of those practices behind. Parsons' book is practical and encouraging, giving a hands-on means to introduce another way of praying into our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur world would be very different without the influence of men such as Luther, Calvin, Huldrych Zwingli and William Tyndale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher-Pye, Woman Alive Book Club\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-14T16:23:39+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:21+00:00","vendor":"Michael Parsons","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","For individuals","Prayer"],"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":21769451274340,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465030","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436728991844,"product_id":2439778107492,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:21+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:53+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465030-l.jpg?v=1549043153","variant_ids":[21769451274340]},"available":true,"name":"Praying the Bible with Luther: A simple approach to everyday prayer - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":164,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465030","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238877888651,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465030-l.jpg?v=1549043153"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465030-l.jpg?v=1549043153"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465030-l.jpg?v=1549043153","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877888651,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465030-l.jpg?v=1549043153"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465030-l.jpg?v=1549043153","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003ePraying biblically and with intent. There is a need in today's church to relate scripture and prayer in such a way as to enable us to speak God's words after him. This book takes a simple lectio divina approach developed in the sixteenth century by Martin Luther and offers practical guidance to pray in this way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginning each time of prayer with a Bible passage, Luther would meditate on it with four 'strands' in mind: teaching, thanksgiving, repentance and supplication. Then he would pray, having his thoughts shaped by his reading, praying God's words after him, confident of God's grace. Praying the Bible with Luther explains this method, demonstrates it and encourages readers to follow his example, helping us to turn scripture into prayer and to pray it into our own lives today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 1\u003c\/strong\u003e - Praying with Luther today\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 2\u003c\/strong\u003e - A simple way to pray\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 3\u003c\/strong\u003e - Praying the Bible today\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 4\u003c\/strong\u003e - Following Luther's example: starting out\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExodus 19:3 - 8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Chronicles 30:23 - 27\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePsalm 51:1 - 4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIsaiah 6:1 - 8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLamentations 3:19 - 26, 31 - 32\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEzekiel 37:1 - 10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMark 4:35 - 41\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLuke 15:11 - 24\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActs 4:23 - 31\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGalatians 5:1 - 13\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColossians 3:4 - 10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 John 3:1 - 3\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 5\u003c\/strong\u003e - Following Luther's example: going solo\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNumbers 6:22 - 27\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Kings 19:9 - 13\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePsalm 36:5 - 9\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePsalm 42:1 - 5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIsaiah 43:10 - 12\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatthew 13:44 - 46\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJohn 1:14\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGalatians 3:1 - 5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEphesians 1:13 - 14\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 24\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 6\u003c\/strong\u003e - Following Luther's example: taking it further\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 7\u003c\/strong\u003e - Final thoughts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is brilliant! It may well be the best book on Luther to appear during these 500-year celebrations - biographical, theological, pastoral and practical. Mike Parsons has done an amazing job of mining and distilling the great Reformer's teaching on prayer to help us walk closer with the Lord.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Simon Ponsonby, Pastor of Theology, St Aldates, Oxford \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is more than a simple approach to everyday prayer; it's a deep book for those who desire to be serious about prayer. The author is well versed in the life and writings of Martin Luther and he proves an immensely able teacher in introducing the reader to Luther's imaginative pattern of praying the Bible. The fact that Luther first introduced his pattern of praying to his hairdresser underlines the down-to-earth practical teaching in Luther's writings on prayer. The \"business end\" of this book, with the examples of how to use the Bible in praying, is brilliant and highly commended for use personally and with small groups.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Coffey OBE, Global Ambassador BMS World Mission \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Parsons proves a wise and gentle guide to reading the word of God not only with our head but with our hearts. His passion for the Bible and Luther is infectious.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Amy Boucher Pye, author of The Living Cross (BRF, 2016) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis superb book offers practical advice for individuals and groups to experience prayer afresh as a place of encounter with God. Three excellent chapters outline Luther's scripture-centred approach, followed by an imaginative series of steps where the author first allows us to \"overhear\" how this works for him before we are nudged to have a go ourselves. This book could change your life!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Kerrigan, General Director of BMS World Mission \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMike Parsons rightly understands that the general dissatisfaction most Christians feel about the state of their prayer lives often stems from a tendency to dissociate prayer from Bible reading. Of course, the two belong together. In this wonderful book, peppered with fascinating anecdotes and insights from the life of Martin Luther, the author leads us - via worked examples in scripture - to life-giving prayer habits. The tone is relaxed and conversational, the content is theologically rich and the ideas are eminently practical. So I urge you: take, read, confess, worship and pray!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Paul Hedley Jones, Trinity College, Queensland, Australia \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten in a warm and accessible tone, but with a real sense of purpose, this book brings the prayer life of Martin Luther alive for a new generation. I have no doubt that it will change the prayers of all those who read it, as it inspires us to dig deeper into scripture and press further into prayer with warm encouragement and practical examples. A much needed book which effortlessly combines Reformation wisdom with 21st-century warmth, I am excited to see what difference it makes to the prayer life of the Church today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Nell Goddard, author of Musings of a Clergy Child (BRF, 2017) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis excellent resource takes important Reformation insights, makes them accessible and then applies them to prayer today. There are many healthy biblical insights here and, if acted upon, they have the potential to enrich our prayer lives greatly. I wish this book a wide readership. Peter J.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Morden, Vice Principal and Director of the Spurgeon's Centre for Spirituality, Spurgeon's College, London\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nCurrently commissioning editor for The Bible Reading Fellowship, Michael Parsons is the author of several books on the Reformation and an Associate Research Fellow at Spurgeon's College.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Amy Boucher-Pye\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Parsons is a gentle teacher who introduces Luther's love of the Bible and how we can pray with the reformer using God's Word as our text and guide. Parsons says that praying with the Bible will become an instinctive and living experience, in which we grow in our faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI find it interesting to note that the way of praying with the Bible highlighted here is \u003cem\u003electio divina \u003c\/em\u003e - the ancient four-part practice that began in the (Catholic) monasteries. That Luther would pray according to this form reveals the influence of his decade as a monk - he didn't leave all of those practices behind. Parsons' book is practical and encouraging, giving a hands-on means to introduce another way of praying into our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur world would be very different without the influence of men such as Luther, Calvin, Huldrych Zwingli and William Tyndale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher-Pye, Woman Alive Book Club\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Praying the Bible with Luther: A simple approach to everyday prayer
£7.99
Praying biblically and with intent. There is a need in today's church to relate scripture and prayer in such a...
{"id":2439775223908,"title":"St Aidan's Way of Mission: Celtic insights for a post-Christian world","handle":"st-aidans-way-of-mission-celtic-insights-for-a-post-christian-world","description":"\u003cp\u003eSurveying the life and times of Aidan of Lindisfarne, this book draws insights into missional approaches to inspire both outreach and discipleship for today's Church. As in his previous BRF book, Hilda of Whitby, Ray Simpson shows that such figures from past centuries can provide models for Christian life and witness today. An author and speaker on Celtic spirituality with a worldwide reputation, he combines historical fact with spiritual lessons in a highly accessible style, with an appeal to a wide audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nRay Simpson is a founder of the international new monastic movement known as The Community of Aidan and Hilda and is principal tutor of its Celtic Christian Studies programmes. He has written some thirty books on spirituality and lives on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, where many Christian leaders come to the Community's Retreat House and Library and for consultation. He tweets a daily prayer @whitehouseviews and writes a weekly blog on www.raysimpson.org\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 25 November 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eRay Simpson is the Lindisfarne-based founder of a new monastic movement, the Community of Aidan and Hilda. His Australian co-author, Brent Lyons-Lee, is an expert in indigenous mission initiatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAt one point, the authors commend the practice of lectio divina. It means 'godly reading', and is based around the four Rs of reading, reflection, response, and relaxing. It serves them well. Often, all there is to go on is fleeting insights into Aidan's life from Bede. But, in the spiritual realm, a little goes a long way. The Irish saint's very name means 'little flame'. From the book's first chapter - 'Incarnational and indigenous mission' - we are carried straight to religious flashpoints of contemporary importance.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBorn at about the time that St Columba died, at the end of the sixth century, Aidan was commissioned from Iona to evangelise the brutally warring Anglo-Saxon settlers of Northumbria. Not for him the later Romanised colonial model of mission, a model replic ated from Australia to the Americas, where 'the gospel was preached, but abuse was modelled.' Instead, the Lindisfarne mission seeded 'little colonies of heaven' that helped to grow 'an indigenous, English-speaking church'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI loved the chapter on 'Soul friends and lifelong learning'. Here we are reminded that, when universities were separated from a spiritual grounding in the Beatitudes, and Christ's relationship to nature, they lost 'a holistic understanding of godly learning that embraces head, heart and hands'. Other chapters explore pilgrimage, women as spiritual foster-mothers, social justice, and religious rule and rhythm.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere are those who would see 'Celtic Christianity' dead and buried. There are those who believe the future to be post-Christian. This little gem is a lectio divina of the signs of resurrection.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eDr McIntosh is an Honorary Fellow in divinity at Edinburgh University\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices September 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis small book is an attempt to draw on the principles underpinning St Aidan's involvement in Celtic Christianity at its height, and apply them to our day. Although sometimes there's a slight element of 'St Aidan can do no wrong', it's important to say that the author is very clear about the mistakes of the representatives of both Roman and Celtic Christianity in Saxon Britain.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe chapters tackle topics ranging from church and state to the environment, the need for spiritual soul mates and the way the church continues to inflict inequality on women.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI think the heart of the book is in chapter 5. The author is sceptical of current models of doing Church and instead expounds the notion of the local expression of Christianity as a village of God. The following has become a bit of a mantra for the author:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 24-hour society calls for seven-days-a-week faith communities.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA cafe society calls for churches that are eating places.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA travelling society calls for churches that provide accommodation.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA stressed society calls for churches that nurture retreats and meditation.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA multi-choice society calls for churches that have a choice of styles and facilities.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA fragmented society calls for holistic models and whole-life discipling.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAn eco-threatened society calls for more locally sustainable communities that have roots in the soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere are other pithy sayings of this sort, particularly in the chapter on church and state which develops into a brief summary of the author's thoughts on social justice issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe essential message of the book is that we have reached a point where Christianity needs re-rooting in British (and European) soil, that this will be a long process requiring patience and a long-term approach as exemplified by St Aidan's dealings with the ordinary person and nobility of his day.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eGuy Whitehouse\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eJournal of Contemporary Ministry No 2 (2016)\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAidan is an inspiring saint whose Irish mission to the English is an instructive model for mission in the post-Christendom Western world today, suggest Ray Simpson with Brent Lyons-Lee.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eRay Simpson is the founding Guardian and chief liturgist of the International New Monastic Community of Aidan and Hilda and author of over thirty books on spirituality and mission. Brent Lyons-Lee is Mission Catalyst for Community Engagement with the Baptist Union of Victoria and a social justice activist. This is his third book he has co-written with Ray Simpson connecting Celtic insights with spirituality that can be at home in Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe story began when Aidan was posted to the Iona monastery. When a previous mission effort to Northumbria failed, Aidan was sent from Iona to Northumbria in 635. He learned English, built trust with King Oswald and his court, and walked around the region seeking to incarnate the gospel and create indigenous 'colonies of heaven.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI loved the invitation of the book to reflect on Aidan's example of the Christian life as a pilgrimage, not a possession. Irish pilgrims or peregrine allowed God's Spirit to blow them where it wished and let mission take as long as it needed. As reflected in vows of the Community of Aidan and Hilda, it is about setting sail and letting the 'Wild Goose' or untameable Spirit of God lead into wild or windy places, and then make them places of welcome and wonder. To find your calling, Simpson often says, 'Let your feet follow your heart until you find your place of resurrection' (p. 29). The place of resurrection is about not only where you will literally die, but also where you can experience shalom and harmony between yourself and your place and neighbours (and so where you may as well stay until you die). It is where 'fruit comes as a gift because we are the right person in the right place at the right time. Creativity flows. Connections take place. Synchronicity occurs. Jesus is revealed' (p. 29). That is sufficient vision to invite us to let go of what we hold (and what holds us) and step out on a Spirit-led journey, and keep walking till we find a place where the bells ring for us.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe second inspiring lesson I got from this book is that, rather than viewing the church as institutional and attractional, do-it-yourself or even focused on mission only, Aidan's vision of church was as 'God-shaped hub communities that have a heart for God, others and society' (p. 87). Starting in Lindisfarne, Aidan planted a network of monastic communities that included schools, libraries and guest quarters, and space for productive farming as well as celebratory feasting. Simpson suggests today's global village still needs churches as 'villages of God':\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 24-hour society calls for seven-days-a-week faith communities.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA cafe society calls for churches that are eating places.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA travelling society calls for churches that provide accommodation.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA stressed society calls for churches that nurture retreats and meditation.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA multi-choice society calls for churches that have a choice of styles and facilities.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA fragmented society calls for holistic models and whole-life discipling.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAn eco-threatened society calls for more locally sustainable communities that have roots in the soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a model of church functioning in ways that are responsive to one's adopted city and seeking to foster shalom.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAidan also celebrated the image and gifts of God in women as well as men. Aidan prioritised practices and rhythms, and I appreciated the writer's urging to identify practices worth commending to people in my community. Moreover, Aidan had a grounded vision of an earthy faith that cares for Creation. The book is practical about how to do this, but also beautifully weaves together Celtic and Australian indigenous stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFinally, Simpson and Lyons-Lee stressed the importance that Aidan taught of having soul friends who help us cultivate balanced and prayerful living and a lifelong love for learning wisdom. Aidan's spirituality and teaching were not focused only on book learning but also on cultivating a deep devotion, as this prayer urged:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDivine Mentor,\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTeach us the habits of holy learning,\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo know your ways\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo explore your world\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo learn from experience\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo understand people\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo manage time and talents\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo draw on wellsprings of wisdom\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eUntil we become a people of saints and scholars (p. 47).\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Church in the West does not need another one-size-fits-all off-the-shelf program. However, we do need stories of saints who have walked journeys of courageous faith and adventurous mission - not to imitate closely but to suggest principles and ways of engaging our neighbourhoods in fresh and humble ways. St Aidan's Way of Mission is a delightful read, weaving together the story of this inspiring saint and implications for contemporary ministry.[p\u0026gt;]\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eDr Darren Cronshaw\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eRay Simpson's writing is readable and thought-provoking. The subtitle for this book is 'Celtic insights for a post-Christian world', and is a helpful reminder how valuable the insights of the Celtic saints are for the challenges we face today. The authors reflect on life as a Christian in a world that has lost touch with a deeply-rooted spirituality, returning to the mission of St Aidan and his deep desire to bring the relevance of Christianity to day to day life. They explain the relevance of Aidan in the globally dangerous world we find ourselves in and remind us of the call to live the eternal values of Christianity, but also the need to ensure we are culturally relevant. Lyons-Lee brings an Australian cross-cultural mission perspective and contributes an interesting angle to the spirituality of place and how this relates to the Celtic church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAidan was a man of his time (seventh century), yet in the great missions of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, many missionaries dispersed from Britain and Ireland, and clearly could not have done this had it not been for the work of their forefathers and mothers. Simpson and Lee remind us for the need for a 'bottom up' rather than a 'top down' culture of mission. They argue that the question of whether we are post-Christian relates closely to our post-colonial heritage, taking in the strands of evangelism and the prosperity gospel, and other negative forms of Christianity which favour the few. They demonstrate the model of mission where networks and communities have justice integrated within them.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eCeltic women feature strongly, and certainly I was left wanting more of the great women who are considered the key Celtic saints- Hilda Brigid and Bega. They are women who could offer a lot to our churches and different models of leadership and ministry. When the writers state that in the history of Christianity, only three countries have routinely dignified them by appointing them to lead large monasteries of women and men, I would have liked to know more of these women within the German, French and English traditions. I can imagine some of the names that would be included here, but found myself wondering about these founders about whom little is known, women who were known for leadership and soul friendship and would have been the early spiritual directors. This book raises important questions and the chapter focussing particularly on women would be a creative study for our 'Catholic Women's Ordination' groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eKatharine Salmon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:08+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:09+00:00","vendor":"Ray Simpson","type":"Paperback","tags":["For individuals","Jul-16","Kindle","Mission","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":21769401073764,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464859","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"St Aidan's Way of Mission: Celtic insights for a post-Christian world - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":188,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464859","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464859-l.jpg?v=1549043156"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464859-l.jpg?v=1549043156","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877659275,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464859-l.jpg?v=1549043156"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464859-l.jpg?v=1549043156","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eSurveying the life and times of Aidan of Lindisfarne, this book draws insights into missional approaches to inspire both outreach and discipleship for today's Church. As in his previous BRF book, Hilda of Whitby, Ray Simpson shows that such figures from past centuries can provide models for Christian life and witness today. An author and speaker on Celtic spirituality with a worldwide reputation, he combines historical fact with spiritual lessons in a highly accessible style, with an appeal to a wide audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nRay Simpson is a founder of the international new monastic movement known as The Community of Aidan and Hilda and is principal tutor of its Celtic Christian Studies programmes. He has written some thirty books on spirituality and lives on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, where many Christian leaders come to the Community's Retreat House and Library and for consultation. He tweets a daily prayer @whitehouseviews and writes a weekly blog on www.raysimpson.org\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 25 November 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eRay Simpson is the Lindisfarne-based founder of a new monastic movement, the Community of Aidan and Hilda. His Australian co-author, Brent Lyons-Lee, is an expert in indigenous mission initiatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAt one point, the authors commend the practice of lectio divina. It means 'godly reading', and is based around the four Rs of reading, reflection, response, and relaxing. It serves them well. Often, all there is to go on is fleeting insights into Aidan's life from Bede. But, in the spiritual realm, a little goes a long way. The Irish saint's very name means 'little flame'. From the book's first chapter - 'Incarnational and indigenous mission' - we are carried straight to religious flashpoints of contemporary importance.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBorn at about the time that St Columba died, at the end of the sixth century, Aidan was commissioned from Iona to evangelise the brutally warring Anglo-Saxon settlers of Northumbria. Not for him the later Romanised colonial model of mission, a model replic ated from Australia to the Americas, where 'the gospel was preached, but abuse was modelled.' Instead, the Lindisfarne mission seeded 'little colonies of heaven' that helped to grow 'an indigenous, English-speaking church'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI loved the chapter on 'Soul friends and lifelong learning'. Here we are reminded that, when universities were separated from a spiritual grounding in the Beatitudes, and Christ's relationship to nature, they lost 'a holistic understanding of godly learning that embraces head, heart and hands'. Other chapters explore pilgrimage, women as spiritual foster-mothers, social justice, and religious rule and rhythm.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere are those who would see 'Celtic Christianity' dead and buried. There are those who believe the future to be post-Christian. This little gem is a lectio divina of the signs of resurrection.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eDr McIntosh is an Honorary Fellow in divinity at Edinburgh University\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices September 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis small book is an attempt to draw on the principles underpinning St Aidan's involvement in Celtic Christianity at its height, and apply them to our day. Although sometimes there's a slight element of 'St Aidan can do no wrong', it's important to say that the author is very clear about the mistakes of the representatives of both Roman and Celtic Christianity in Saxon Britain.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe chapters tackle topics ranging from church and state to the environment, the need for spiritual soul mates and the way the church continues to inflict inequality on women.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI think the heart of the book is in chapter 5. The author is sceptical of current models of doing Church and instead expounds the notion of the local expression of Christianity as a village of God. The following has become a bit of a mantra for the author:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 24-hour society calls for seven-days-a-week faith communities.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA cafe society calls for churches that are eating places.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA travelling society calls for churches that provide accommodation.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA stressed society calls for churches that nurture retreats and meditation.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA multi-choice society calls for churches that have a choice of styles and facilities.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA fragmented society calls for holistic models and whole-life discipling.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAn eco-threatened society calls for more locally sustainable communities that have roots in the soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere are other pithy sayings of this sort, particularly in the chapter on church and state which develops into a brief summary of the author's thoughts on social justice issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe essential message of the book is that we have reached a point where Christianity needs re-rooting in British (and European) soil, that this will be a long process requiring patience and a long-term approach as exemplified by St Aidan's dealings with the ordinary person and nobility of his day.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eGuy Whitehouse\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eJournal of Contemporary Ministry No 2 (2016)\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAidan is an inspiring saint whose Irish mission to the English is an instructive model for mission in the post-Christendom Western world today, suggest Ray Simpson with Brent Lyons-Lee.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eRay Simpson is the founding Guardian and chief liturgist of the International New Monastic Community of Aidan and Hilda and author of over thirty books on spirituality and mission. Brent Lyons-Lee is Mission Catalyst for Community Engagement with the Baptist Union of Victoria and a social justice activist. This is his third book he has co-written with Ray Simpson connecting Celtic insights with spirituality that can be at home in Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe story began when Aidan was posted to the Iona monastery. When a previous mission effort to Northumbria failed, Aidan was sent from Iona to Northumbria in 635. He learned English, built trust with King Oswald and his court, and walked around the region seeking to incarnate the gospel and create indigenous 'colonies of heaven.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI loved the invitation of the book to reflect on Aidan's example of the Christian life as a pilgrimage, not a possession. Irish pilgrims or peregrine allowed God's Spirit to blow them where it wished and let mission take as long as it needed. As reflected in vows of the Community of Aidan and Hilda, it is about setting sail and letting the 'Wild Goose' or untameable Spirit of God lead into wild or windy places, and then make them places of welcome and wonder. To find your calling, Simpson often says, 'Let your feet follow your heart until you find your place of resurrection' (p. 29). The place of resurrection is about not only where you will literally die, but also where you can experience shalom and harmony between yourself and your place and neighbours (and so where you may as well stay until you die). It is where 'fruit comes as a gift because we are the right person in the right place at the right time. Creativity flows. Connections take place. Synchronicity occurs. Jesus is revealed' (p. 29). That is sufficient vision to invite us to let go of what we hold (and what holds us) and step out on a Spirit-led journey, and keep walking till we find a place where the bells ring for us.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe second inspiring lesson I got from this book is that, rather than viewing the church as institutional and attractional, do-it-yourself or even focused on mission only, Aidan's vision of church was as 'God-shaped hub communities that have a heart for God, others and society' (p. 87). Starting in Lindisfarne, Aidan planted a network of monastic communities that included schools, libraries and guest quarters, and space for productive farming as well as celebratory feasting. Simpson suggests today's global village still needs churches as 'villages of God':\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 24-hour society calls for seven-days-a-week faith communities.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA cafe society calls for churches that are eating places.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA travelling society calls for churches that provide accommodation.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA stressed society calls for churches that nurture retreats and meditation.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA multi-choice society calls for churches that have a choice of styles and facilities.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA fragmented society calls for holistic models and whole-life discipling.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAn eco-threatened society calls for more locally sustainable communities that have roots in the soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a model of church functioning in ways that are responsive to one's adopted city and seeking to foster shalom.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAidan also celebrated the image and gifts of God in women as well as men. Aidan prioritised practices and rhythms, and I appreciated the writer's urging to identify practices worth commending to people in my community. Moreover, Aidan had a grounded vision of an earthy faith that cares for Creation. The book is practical about how to do this, but also beautifully weaves together Celtic and Australian indigenous stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFinally, Simpson and Lyons-Lee stressed the importance that Aidan taught of having soul friends who help us cultivate balanced and prayerful living and a lifelong love for learning wisdom. Aidan's spirituality and teaching were not focused only on book learning but also on cultivating a deep devotion, as this prayer urged:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDivine Mentor,\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTeach us the habits of holy learning,\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo know your ways\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo explore your world\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo learn from experience\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo understand people\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo manage time and talents\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo draw on wellsprings of wisdom\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eUntil we become a people of saints and scholars (p. 47).\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Church in the West does not need another one-size-fits-all off-the-shelf program. However, we do need stories of saints who have walked journeys of courageous faith and adventurous mission - not to imitate closely but to suggest principles and ways of engaging our neighbourhoods in fresh and humble ways. St Aidan's Way of Mission is a delightful read, weaving together the story of this inspiring saint and implications for contemporary ministry.[p\u0026gt;]\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eDr Darren Cronshaw\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eRay Simpson's writing is readable and thought-provoking. The subtitle for this book is 'Celtic insights for a post-Christian world', and is a helpful reminder how valuable the insights of the Celtic saints are for the challenges we face today. The authors reflect on life as a Christian in a world that has lost touch with a deeply-rooted spirituality, returning to the mission of St Aidan and his deep desire to bring the relevance of Christianity to day to day life. They explain the relevance of Aidan in the globally dangerous world we find ourselves in and remind us of the call to live the eternal values of Christianity, but also the need to ensure we are culturally relevant. Lyons-Lee brings an Australian cross-cultural mission perspective and contributes an interesting angle to the spirituality of place and how this relates to the Celtic church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAidan was a man of his time (seventh century), yet in the great missions of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, many missionaries dispersed from Britain and Ireland, and clearly could not have done this had it not been for the work of their forefathers and mothers. Simpson and Lee remind us for the need for a 'bottom up' rather than a 'top down' culture of mission. They argue that the question of whether we are post-Christian relates closely to our post-colonial heritage, taking in the strands of evangelism and the prosperity gospel, and other negative forms of Christianity which favour the few. They demonstrate the model of mission where networks and communities have justice integrated within them.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eCeltic women feature strongly, and certainly I was left wanting more of the great women who are considered the key Celtic saints- Hilda Brigid and Bega. They are women who could offer a lot to our churches and different models of leadership and ministry. When the writers state that in the history of Christianity, only three countries have routinely dignified them by appointing them to lead large monasteries of women and men, I would have liked to know more of these women within the German, French and English traditions. I can imagine some of the names that would be included here, but found myself wondering about these founders about whom little is known, women who were known for leadership and soul friendship and would have been the early spiritual directors. This book raises important questions and the chapter focussing particularly on women would be a creative study for our 'Catholic Women's Ordination' groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eKatharine Salmon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
St Aidan's Way of Mission: Celtic insights for a post-Christian world
£7.99
Surveying the life and times of Aidan of Lindisfarne, this book draws insights into missional approaches to inspire both outreach...
{"id":2439774928996,"title":"Confidence in the Living God: David and Goliath Revisited","handle":"confidence-in-the-living-god-david-and-goliath-revisited","description":"\u003cp\u003eConfidence lies at the heart of society, determining the success or failure of the economy, the government, companies, schools, churches and, of course, individuals. As Christians, we are called to proclaim our faith in God, but how can we build and maintain this confidence in an increasingly secularised culture where such faith is often seen as marginal, embarrassing or even downright dangerous?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsing the story of David and Goliath, Andrew Watson takes a narrative theology approach to show how the Lord can indeed be our confidence, whatever the odds. He explores how God can develop a proper self-confidence within individuals and his Church, revealing the gospel through transforming words and transformed lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHe considers, too, how we can confidently tackle the challenges of day-to-day living, whether a difficult work situation or family relationship, or simply anxiety about the future. The book includes a study guide and is ideal as a whole church course on the subject of confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'If there is a quality that needs restoring to the church right now it is a faith-filled confidence in God. This timely and inspiring book is a prophetic call to rise up with a Davidic new boldness in the person and power of the living God. I highly recommend it'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e - Mark Stibbe\u003c\/b\u003e, Leader of The Father's House Trust\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eContents include:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction: The call to confidence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding confident foundations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfidence, faith and wishful thinking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfidence within God's Church\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfidence in the providence of God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResponding to godly confidence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA right self-confidence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfidence in sharing the gospel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfidence-imparting leadership\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfidence at the coal face\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConclusion: The confident Christian\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscussion guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nAndrew Watson is Bishop of Aston and is involved in promoting church growth and leadership across the diocese of Birmingham. He was previously vicar of St Stephen's, East Twickenham, where he helped pioneer three church plants. He has also written The Fourfold Leadership of Jesus (BRF, 2008).\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eThe Good Bookstall\u003c\/em\u003e - April 2010\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA thoughtful exploration of the David and Goliath story, portraying the church as David against its modern-day 'Goliath' - a combination of secularism, militant atheism and indifference. Andrew Watson draws many parallels between the Israel of David's time, who had demanded a king to fight their battles for them, and the church's abandonment of the priesthood of believers in exchange for a clergy\/laity hierarchy, in both cases leading to a damping down of faith and a distancing of themselves from God. The chapters dealing with 'the Eliab reaction' to faith-filled enthusiasts in the congregation will, I'm sure, strike a chord with many of us, and the Biblical evidence that Jesus was all in favour of those with fire in the belly, however imperfect, is food for thought. An interesting read, difficult to put aside and forget, since it is in many ways a call to arms, evoking the spirit of Revelation 2 and 3 for the modern day. Highly recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by Dianne Morrison\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eChristianity Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs the title suggests, this is a book about confidence (from the Latin meaning 'with faith'), drawing insights from the epic confrontation of David and Goliath. Andrew Watson, Bishop of Aston, explores Goliath's misplaced overconfidence, Saul's tortured self-doubt, Eliab's patronising superiority and David's modest, inspirational trust in God. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThough the battle in 1 Samuel 17 is between two men, Watson applies the story to the whole Church as well as to individuals, showing how our nerve can be tested both by personal troubles and through public assaults on faith, especially the recent attacks in the media from humanists and atheists. Exploring in detail the narrative of the battle, the author brilliantly probes important themes like values in Christian leadership, effectiveness in evangelism, our suspicion of success and our acceptance of decline. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWatson's searching biblical investigation, revealing character portraits, lively anecdotes, relevant application and readable style make this an outstanding expository book which is anchored in the real world. The discussion guide at the back will be a great resource for preachers and small groups too.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by John Lambert\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eChristian Marketplace\u003c\/em\u003e - June 2009\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOf course leadership models are not just confined to the New Testament. The first part of the Bible is full of inspiring (yet flawed) leaders; great men and women of faith who led God's people through good times and bad. In \u003cem\u003eConfidence in the Living God\u003c\/em\u003e by Andrew Watson, Watson turns from the leadership model of Jesus as explored in his last book (\u003cem\u003eThe Fourfold Leadership of Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e, BRF, 2008) to one of the heroes of the Old Testament, David. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsing the story of David and Goliath, he looks at a key characteristic of leadership, that of confidence (in God). The book has some interesting chapter titles including 'Confidence within God's Church', 'A Right Self-Confidence' and 'Confidence-Imparting Leadership'. Due out in July, I have only seen the first part of the book where he points out the importance in leadership of not ignoring the history of the situation you find yourself leading. A good friend of mine has just taken over a new parish and one of his challenges as a leader is to instil confidence in his 'flock' that he is leading them onward yet is mindful of their history too. Perhaps I should give him a copy.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n","published_at":"2024-12-13T17:49:14+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:07+00:00","vendor":"Andrew Watson","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","For churches","Kindle","Spirituality"],"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":21769398747236,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464828","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436705431652,"product_id":2439774928996,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:07+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:56+00:00","alt":null,"width":426,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464828-l.jpg?v=1549043156","variant_ids":[21769398747236]},"available":false,"name":"Confidence in the Living God: David and Goliath Revisited - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":233,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464828","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238877626507,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464828-l.jpg?v=1549043156"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464828-l.jpg?v=1549043156"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464828-l.jpg?v=1549043156","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877626507,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464828-l.jpg?v=1549043156"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464828-l.jpg?v=1549043156","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eConfidence lies at the heart of society, determining the success or failure of the economy, the government, companies, schools, churches and, of course, individuals. As Christians, we are called to proclaim our faith in God, but how can we build and maintain this confidence in an increasingly secularised culture where such faith is often seen as marginal, embarrassing or even downright dangerous?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsing the story of David and Goliath, Andrew Watson takes a narrative theology approach to show how the Lord can indeed be our confidence, whatever the odds. He explores how God can develop a proper self-confidence within individuals and his Church, revealing the gospel through transforming words and transformed lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHe considers, too, how we can confidently tackle the challenges of day-to-day living, whether a difficult work situation or family relationship, or simply anxiety about the future. The book includes a study guide and is ideal as a whole church course on the subject of confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'If there is a quality that needs restoring to the church right now it is a faith-filled confidence in God. This timely and inspiring book is a prophetic call to rise up with a Davidic new boldness in the person and power of the living God. I highly recommend it'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e - Mark Stibbe\u003c\/b\u003e, Leader of The Father's House Trust\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eContents include:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction: The call to confidence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding confident foundations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfidence, faith and wishful thinking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfidence within God's Church\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfidence in the providence of God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eResponding to godly confidence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA right self-confidence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfidence in sharing the gospel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfidence-imparting leadership\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfidence at the coal face\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConclusion: The confident Christian\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscussion guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nAndrew Watson is Bishop of Aston and is involved in promoting church growth and leadership across the diocese of Birmingham. He was previously vicar of St Stephen's, East Twickenham, where he helped pioneer three church plants. He has also written The Fourfold Leadership of Jesus (BRF, 2008).\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eThe Good Bookstall\u003c\/em\u003e - April 2010\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA thoughtful exploration of the David and Goliath story, portraying the church as David against its modern-day 'Goliath' - a combination of secularism, militant atheism and indifference. Andrew Watson draws many parallels between the Israel of David's time, who had demanded a king to fight their battles for them, and the church's abandonment of the priesthood of believers in exchange for a clergy\/laity hierarchy, in both cases leading to a damping down of faith and a distancing of themselves from God. The chapters dealing with 'the Eliab reaction' to faith-filled enthusiasts in the congregation will, I'm sure, strike a chord with many of us, and the Biblical evidence that Jesus was all in favour of those with fire in the belly, however imperfect, is food for thought. An interesting read, difficult to put aside and forget, since it is in many ways a call to arms, evoking the spirit of Revelation 2 and 3 for the modern day. Highly recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by Dianne Morrison\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eChristianity Magazine\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs the title suggests, this is a book about confidence (from the Latin meaning 'with faith'), drawing insights from the epic confrontation of David and Goliath. Andrew Watson, Bishop of Aston, explores Goliath's misplaced overconfidence, Saul's tortured self-doubt, Eliab's patronising superiority and David's modest, inspirational trust in God. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThough the battle in 1 Samuel 17 is between two men, Watson applies the story to the whole Church as well as to individuals, showing how our nerve can be tested both by personal troubles and through public assaults on faith, especially the recent attacks in the media from humanists and atheists. Exploring in detail the narrative of the battle, the author brilliantly probes important themes like values in Christian leadership, effectiveness in evangelism, our suspicion of success and our acceptance of decline. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eWatson's searching biblical investigation, revealing character portraits, lively anecdotes, relevant application and readable style make this an outstanding expository book which is anchored in the real world. The discussion guide at the back will be a great resource for preachers and small groups too.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by John Lambert\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eChristian Marketplace\u003c\/em\u003e - June 2009\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOf course leadership models are not just confined to the New Testament. The first part of the Bible is full of inspiring (yet flawed) leaders; great men and women of faith who led God's people through good times and bad. In \u003cem\u003eConfidence in the Living God\u003c\/em\u003e by Andrew Watson, Watson turns from the leadership model of Jesus as explored in his last book (\u003cem\u003eThe Fourfold Leadership of Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e, BRF, 2008) to one of the heroes of the Old Testament, David. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsing the story of David and Goliath, he looks at a key characteristic of leadership, that of confidence (in God). The book has some interesting chapter titles including 'Confidence within God's Church', 'A Right Self-Confidence' and 'Confidence-Imparting Leadership'. Due out in July, I have only seen the first part of the book where he points out the importance in leadership of not ignoring the history of the situation you find yourself leading. A good friend of mine has just taken over a new parish and one of his challenges as a leader is to instil confidence in his 'flock' that he is leading them onward yet is mindful of their history too. Perhaps I should give him a copy.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n"}
You may also like:
Confidence in the Living God: David and Goliath Revisited
Out of Stock
Confidence lies at the heart of society, determining the success or failure of the economy, the government, companies, schools, churches...
Out of Stock
{"id":2439773913188,"title":"Heaven's Morning: Rethinking the destination","handle":"heavens-morning-rethinking-the-destination","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Bible - especially the New Testament - has plenty to say about resurrection and heaven, but many Christians struggle to make sense of what it actually means in practice. David Winter's accessible book explores the biblical teaching on what happens after death and considers what difference this can make to our lives here and now. He also shows how we can present what we believe about eternity as a source of hope to our sceptical, anxious world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nDavid Winter is one of the UK's most popular and long-established Christian writers and broadcasters. He has written many books over the last sixty years, including Facing the Darkness and Finding the Light, Pilgrim's Way, Journey to Jerusalem and With Jesus in the Upper Room for BRF. He also writes for New Daylight and was a regular contributor to Radio 4's Thought for the Day from 1989 to 2012.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePobl Dewi, December 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter has written a helpful and accessible book about what happens to human beings when we die. He declares his purpose early in the script: having assessed the spirit of the age as one 'which finds the whole business of death a painful reminder that no matter how clever we may be technologically and medically, this is how it inevitably ends', he goes on to say that the book is 'an attempt to address the issues raised by that situation'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn setting out his stall in that way, Winter gives his readers the opportunity to evaluate how well he is able to respond. About halfway through, he tells his readers that the book is essentially about 'an eventual destiny for human beings, a place we have called heaven' and that is the nature of the movement which the author develops. The book is well written, positive in its approach and seeks to engage with our life experiences and common questions about issues of destiny by a review of the biblical materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eReaders are introduced to biblical writers' use of metaphor and vision 'which are at the heart of biblical language about heaven'\u003cem\u003e. \u003c\/em\u003eWinter brings the discussion of heaven as our destiny down to earth in an interesting review of the accounts of bereaved people, indicating the continuity of life (at least in some way or other) of those whom they have lost. In a helpful chapter he considers this issue through the lens of the resurrection accounts of Jesus in the four Gospels. He also includes an interesting discussion of Paul's writing about the nature of the resurrection body in the later part of chapter 15 of his first letter to the Corinthians. This is timely, especially in the light of the current discussion following the contribution of Bishop NT Wright on the subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is much good stuff in the book. Although he cannot tie all the loose ends together (as he candidly admits), Winter has written a book which definitely repays the commitment of reading it. It will be of interest to many readers, whether regular worshippers in church or not, and particularly those who could be described as being of advancing years.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter is clearly a man of faith. However, I do not know how much importance he ascribes to faith in the heavenly destiny. While there is much helpful teaching in the book, I was left with the impression that the writer is of the school which holds that faith is caught, not taught. Read the book and come to your own conclusion!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Patrick Mansel Lewis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 28 October 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe destination: death and then the end of everything, or heaven and the realisation of the human aspiration to live forever?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter is an experienced pastor, and his book \u003cem\u003eHeaven's Morning\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e: Rethinking the destination\u003c\/em\u003e has the principal merit of being essentially pastoral in its delicate and insightful commentary on the moment of death and unfurling of destiny.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHis own experience stands him in good stead: he knows that, all too often, people's concerns about the afterlife are framed in simplistic questions: 'Will my cat\/dog be there?', 'What about playing golf?' or, as he has come to hear more recently, 'Will there be shopping?'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHis claim that, 'We believe in eternal life, not everlasting existence', immediately locates the discussion in a new place. A post-space-age theology can no longer comfortably see heaven in physical terms as being 'up there': the old metaphors no longer work but, rather than be driven to despair, Winter returns to the scriptures for a new reading of what the Bible actually has to say on our ultimate fate. He is determined to 'rebuild a credible doctrine of life after death', and, to do that, he has to 'do a demolition job on ideas which try to lock eternity into the language of earth'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis means examining where the notions of the resurrection of the dead and 'Kingdom of God' were first laid down and how they were later used by Jesus. It means 'moving from the physical world of atoms and molecules into the spiritual world of God' and acknowledging that 'heaven is where God is'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWinter is fearless: he examines the resurrection of Jesus, notions of hell, eternal life, judgement and heaven, leaving nothing out and always confidently explaining what it means to be 'gloriously, powerfully, spiritual'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a short book, an unassuming book, but it deserves to do incredibly well and to be read both by people who mourn and by those who minister to them.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLavinia Byrne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Together Magazine January - February 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAt only 109 pages of comfortable print this is an excellent book for looking at the biblical teaching of death and what happens after it. It is a blend of good Bible Study and topical modern research set out in what is, as you'd expect from David Winter, an easy-to-read style of short paragraphs and chapters that clearly spell out in absorbed sections what we can perhaps best expect as Christians for all the materials and ideas out there cluttering up our world and theology. This would be a good book for using as a study with an interested group (although there are no questions included in it). It is also a handy book perhaps to pass on to someone who has suffered a bereavement or worried about the nature of death and dying - gentle and insightful as it is.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Melanie Carroll\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Door - Diocese of Oxford, May 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou will have heard David Winter on the radio so know that what he says is sensible, personal and wise. His writing is just the same. Certainly, in \u003cem\u003eHeaven's Morning\u003c\/em\u003e, he writes simply and well; accessible stuff that covers not only whether there are cats in heaven (he thinks not: boo!), but also the whole story contained in the Old and New Testaments (fascinating).\r\nTo write about what happens to us after death is, of course, impossible for no-one knows. David Winter is as honest about that as he is about understanding the raising of Lazarus. And it is because he is so open that this book is comforting and useful; it avoids being abstruse and academic, instead preferring to offer possibilities and hopes. '...a fleeting experience but... a foretaste of the glories to come.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA key theme is a gentle analysis of the difference between 'everlasting' and 'eternal'. Too often we use the two interchangeably, however here we are urged to remember that 'everlasting' is a word based in time. Since time does not exist in heaven, there can be no such thing as 'everlasting life'. Life in heaven is 'eternal'. To explain just what he means, the author uses one of his own experiences, but one which will surely resonate with his readers: time stood still for him, there was no time, when, as a teenager, he first heard the slow movement of Beethoven's Seventh Symphony: a fleeting experience but, as he writes, a foretaste of the glories to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough much of what Winter writes is comforting and positive, he has his fiercer moments too. There will be judgement, so, scarily, he lists the five 'Things that will not be in heaven' and the ten 'Things that will be in heaven'. They are intriguing and perhaps controversial lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo support his own case, he uses the book of \u003cem\u003eRevelation\u003c\/em\u003e. Indeed, throughout \u003cem\u003eHeaven's Morning\u003c\/em\u003e, Winter frequently refers to the Bible. Not obscure passages, but ones that are familiar: all part of his engaging style that affirms, rather than baffles, the reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eInevitably, he is at a loss to define precisely life after death, heaven. Yet he confirms that, as we have a gracious God, there will be resurrection, the resurrection that God, throughout the Bible, offers each one of us. What is that really like? God knows! Hallelujah!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by the Revd Tony Lynn\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:03+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:04+00:00","vendor":"David Winter","type":"Paperback","tags":["Jul-16","Kindle","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired","Torch Trust"],"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":21769385869412,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464767","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436700319844,"product_id":2439773913188,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:04+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:57+00:00","alt":null,"width":424,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464767-l.jpg?v=1549043157","variant_ids":[21769385869412]},"available":false,"name":"Heaven's Morning: Rethinking the destination - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":137,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464767","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238877560971,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":650,"width":424,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464767-l.jpg?v=1549043157"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464767-l.jpg?v=1549043157","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/58_7e2591c6-583c-40cf-b3c1-25ea21a20d02.png?v=1734095653"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464767-l.jpg?v=1549043157","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877560971,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":650,"width":424,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464767-l.jpg?v=1549043157"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464767-l.jpg?v=1549043157","width":424},{"alt":null,"id":63560962113916,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/58_7e2591c6-583c-40cf-b3c1-25ea21a20d02.png?v=1734095653"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/58_7e2591c6-583c-40cf-b3c1-25ea21a20d02.png?v=1734095653","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe Bible - especially the New Testament - has plenty to say about resurrection and heaven, but many Christians struggle to make sense of what it actually means in practice. David Winter's accessible book explores the biblical teaching on what happens after death and considers what difference this can make to our lives here and now. He also shows how we can present what we believe about eternity as a source of hope to our sceptical, anxious world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nDavid Winter is one of the UK's most popular and long-established Christian writers and broadcasters. He has written many books over the last sixty years, including Facing the Darkness and Finding the Light, Pilgrim's Way, Journey to Jerusalem and With Jesus in the Upper Room for BRF. He also writes for New Daylight and was a regular contributor to Radio 4's Thought for the Day from 1989 to 2012.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePobl Dewi, December 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter has written a helpful and accessible book about what happens to human beings when we die. He declares his purpose early in the script: having assessed the spirit of the age as one 'which finds the whole business of death a painful reminder that no matter how clever we may be technologically and medically, this is how it inevitably ends', he goes on to say that the book is 'an attempt to address the issues raised by that situation'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn setting out his stall in that way, Winter gives his readers the opportunity to evaluate how well he is able to respond. About halfway through, he tells his readers that the book is essentially about 'an eventual destiny for human beings, a place we have called heaven' and that is the nature of the movement which the author develops. The book is well written, positive in its approach and seeks to engage with our life experiences and common questions about issues of destiny by a review of the biblical materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eReaders are introduced to biblical writers' use of metaphor and vision 'which are at the heart of biblical language about heaven'\u003cem\u003e. \u003c\/em\u003eWinter brings the discussion of heaven as our destiny down to earth in an interesting review of the accounts of bereaved people, indicating the continuity of life (at least in some way or other) of those whom they have lost. In a helpful chapter he considers this issue through the lens of the resurrection accounts of Jesus in the four Gospels. He also includes an interesting discussion of Paul's writing about the nature of the resurrection body in the later part of chapter 15 of his first letter to the Corinthians. This is timely, especially in the light of the current discussion following the contribution of Bishop NT Wright on the subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is much good stuff in the book. Although he cannot tie all the loose ends together (as he candidly admits), Winter has written a book which definitely repays the commitment of reading it. It will be of interest to many readers, whether regular worshippers in church or not, and particularly those who could be described as being of advancing years.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter is clearly a man of faith. However, I do not know how much importance he ascribes to faith in the heavenly destiny. While there is much helpful teaching in the book, I was left with the impression that the writer is of the school which holds that faith is caught, not taught. Read the book and come to your own conclusion!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Patrick Mansel Lewis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 28 October 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe destination: death and then the end of everything, or heaven and the realisation of the human aspiration to live forever?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter is an experienced pastor, and his book \u003cem\u003eHeaven's Morning\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e: Rethinking the destination\u003c\/em\u003e has the principal merit of being essentially pastoral in its delicate and insightful commentary on the moment of death and unfurling of destiny.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHis own experience stands him in good stead: he knows that, all too often, people's concerns about the afterlife are framed in simplistic questions: 'Will my cat\/dog be there?', 'What about playing golf?' or, as he has come to hear more recently, 'Will there be shopping?'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHis claim that, 'We believe in eternal life, not everlasting existence', immediately locates the discussion in a new place. A post-space-age theology can no longer comfortably see heaven in physical terms as being 'up there': the old metaphors no longer work but, rather than be driven to despair, Winter returns to the scriptures for a new reading of what the Bible actually has to say on our ultimate fate. He is determined to 'rebuild a credible doctrine of life after death', and, to do that, he has to 'do a demolition job on ideas which try to lock eternity into the language of earth'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis means examining where the notions of the resurrection of the dead and 'Kingdom of God' were first laid down and how they were later used by Jesus. It means 'moving from the physical world of atoms and molecules into the spiritual world of God' and acknowledging that 'heaven is where God is'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWinter is fearless: he examines the resurrection of Jesus, notions of hell, eternal life, judgement and heaven, leaving nothing out and always confidently explaining what it means to be 'gloriously, powerfully, spiritual'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a short book, an unassuming book, but it deserves to do incredibly well and to be read both by people who mourn and by those who minister to them.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLavinia Byrne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Together Magazine January - February 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAt only 109 pages of comfortable print this is an excellent book for looking at the biblical teaching of death and what happens after it. It is a blend of good Bible Study and topical modern research set out in what is, as you'd expect from David Winter, an easy-to-read style of short paragraphs and chapters that clearly spell out in absorbed sections what we can perhaps best expect as Christians for all the materials and ideas out there cluttering up our world and theology. This would be a good book for using as a study with an interested group (although there are no questions included in it). It is also a handy book perhaps to pass on to someone who has suffered a bereavement or worried about the nature of death and dying - gentle and insightful as it is.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Melanie Carroll\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Door - Diocese of Oxford, May 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou will have heard David Winter on the radio so know that what he says is sensible, personal and wise. His writing is just the same. Certainly, in \u003cem\u003eHeaven's Morning\u003c\/em\u003e, he writes simply and well; accessible stuff that covers not only whether there are cats in heaven (he thinks not: boo!), but also the whole story contained in the Old and New Testaments (fascinating).\r\nTo write about what happens to us after death is, of course, impossible for no-one knows. David Winter is as honest about that as he is about understanding the raising of Lazarus. And it is because he is so open that this book is comforting and useful; it avoids being abstruse and academic, instead preferring to offer possibilities and hopes. '...a fleeting experience but... a foretaste of the glories to come.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA key theme is a gentle analysis of the difference between 'everlasting' and 'eternal'. Too often we use the two interchangeably, however here we are urged to remember that 'everlasting' is a word based in time. Since time does not exist in heaven, there can be no such thing as 'everlasting life'. Life in heaven is 'eternal'. To explain just what he means, the author uses one of his own experiences, but one which will surely resonate with his readers: time stood still for him, there was no time, when, as a teenager, he first heard the slow movement of Beethoven's Seventh Symphony: a fleeting experience but, as he writes, a foretaste of the glories to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough much of what Winter writes is comforting and positive, he has his fiercer moments too. There will be judgement, so, scarily, he lists the five 'Things that will not be in heaven' and the ten 'Things that will be in heaven'. They are intriguing and perhaps controversial lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo support his own case, he uses the book of \u003cem\u003eRevelation\u003c\/em\u003e. Indeed, throughout \u003cem\u003eHeaven's Morning\u003c\/em\u003e, Winter frequently refers to the Bible. Not obscure passages, but ones that are familiar: all part of his engaging style that affirms, rather than baffles, the reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eInevitably, he is at a loss to define precisely life after death, heaven. Yet he confirms that, as we have a gracious God, there will be resurrection, the resurrection that God, throughout the Bible, offers each one of us. What is that really like? God knows! Hallelujah!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by the Revd Tony Lynn\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Heaven's Morning: Rethinking the destination
Out of Stock
The Bible - especially the New Testament - has plenty to say about resurrection and heaven, but many Christians struggle...
Out of Stock
{"id":2439768408164,"title":"Believe in Miracles: A spiritual journey of positive change","handle":"believe-in-miracles-a-spiritual-journey-of-positive-change","description":"\u003cp\u003e'If you've picked up this book I'm guessing you've got a heart for God, but sometimes life can get in the way of your best intentions. We all want to experience love, wonder, beauty, joy, and creativity, yet our reality is often something very different. We would like to feel more connected to ourselves, to God and to other people, but often we can't see how this could be possible. Wherever you are in your spiritual journey right now, it's OK. God meets us where we are; all he asks is that we show up for our part. The miracle of the day is already yours; the adventure begins when you're open to experience it fully.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book takes you on a 40 day journey into a world of possibility. Focusing on small practical steps, it offers a series of short exercises to promote lasting changes, leading to a more prayerful, contented and connected life. By looking for the good and focusing on actions to take now, you will learn to view differently your daily circumstances, your relationship with God, and your relationships with others, bringing something of the ways of heaven to Earth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarmel Thomason is an author, journalist and speaker whose writing explores how we can live out the Gospel by focusing on the extraordinary to be found in the every day. She has also written Against the Odds and Every Moment Counts and has collaborated with the Archbishop of York on Faith Stories and Hope Stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/carmelthomason\/\" title=\"Carmel Thomason\"\u003eRead about what motivates Carmel as a writer\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a skilled journalist's ear for compelling human stories and an engaging faith grounded in scripture and the goodness of God, Carmel Thomason proves in these pages a reliable spiritual guide in perplexing times. She brings intelligence, kindness and wit to her chosen themes and without preaching or condescension persuades us that life can be different and better. Canon Dr Rod Garner, Anglican priest, writer and theologian\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/CarmelThomason_480x480.jpg?v=1676494723\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" width=\"203\" height=\"184\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/CarmelThomason_480x480.jpg?v=1676494723\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarmel Thomason is an author, journalist and speaker whose writing explores how we can live out the Gospel by focusing on the extraordinary to be found in the every day. She has also written Against the Odds and Every Moment Counts and has collaborated with the Archbishop of York on Faith Stories and Hope Stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times - 4 November 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe miracles in which the title of this book exhorts us to believe are everyday miracles, rooted and grown in ordinary lives. Through the use of inspiring and challenging stories, using her own and others' experience, the author invites readers to consider how they can make changes in their relationship with God and in the practice of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThomason presents her material in the form of short reflections for each of 40 days, dividing them into six 'weeks', each with a separate theme. The two main foundations for the life-changes that readers are encouraged to make on their journey are the practice of stillness in the presence of God, and the development of an attitude of thanks giving for God's gifts. Each of these is suggested as a discipline for each day at the end of the reflection, together with another idea for a response specific to the material for the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, this is an accessible book that offers practical steps for the development of a lively and positive faith. It is fuelled by the author's passionate belief that the extra ordinary and the miraculous can be found in the everyday.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe primary appeal of this book probably lies in its directness and simplicity. But for some this may also be its main vice. For example, in a number of reflections there is a tendency to imply that complex and difficult emotions can be easily over come through faith. As we know, however, not all problems can be solved just through indi viduals trying harder. Moreover, the main focus of the book is highly individualistic and does not con sider the corporate dimensions of faith as they are expressed in the shared lives of church communities. At best, such communities can share burdens, exhort, listen and challenge. In these communities, individuals can know the miracle of living faith being made perfect in weakness and need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a useful and sincere book that needs to be read with critical caution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd Christine Worsley is a priest in the diocese of Worcester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder - 27 May 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBelieve in Miracles: A spiritual journey of positive change\u003c\/em\u003e is a devotional book by Carmel Thomason, which encourages a 40-day journey to view your circumstances, relationship with God, relationships with others and enable heaven to touch the earth. The daily devotions follow the format of a verse of Scripture, comment and daily practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe daily practice centres on three spiritual disciplines. Two activities are introduced at the start of the journey and remain as items one and three throughout the journey. The first is 15 minutes of contemplative prayer and the last is five minutes of maintaining a journal of the good things that have happened to you during the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second practice enables you to interact with the content of the devotion in a practical way. I have used this format at various times and settled easily into the pattern and found it very helpful. The book arrived during my sabbatical and gave a pattern for my daily reflections. The process opens your eyes to the daily blessings of God's grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Wilson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGoodbookreviews April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a lovely 40 day introduction to the spiritual exercise best known as 'quiet time'. Each chapter is a one day session with a reading that reflects on modern life and sets the piece for the 'Todays practice' section that closes each chapter. These involve 3 practices, the first being a 15 minute contemplation\/meditation time. Close your eyes, breath deeply and be still in the presence of God...\u003cbr\u003eThe second activity is the examen section and so changes each day and is usually related to the contemplation piece that starts the chapter, so we may consider our worries and write them away, we may look at what we can do rather than what we can't and do one small thing , and so they go on...each one gentle and simple but actually quite transformative, and finally the third practice is to spend 5 minutes at the end of the day thinking about the good things in your day and choosing one to be thankful for.\u003cbr\u003eExcellent beginners guide to quiet time, but also a wonderful tool for anyone that wants to focus on the positive and build that into their lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelanie Carroll\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-13T17:35:04+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:43+00:00","vendor":"Carmel Thomason","type":"Paperback","tags":["Feb-16","For individuals","Kindle","Spirituality"],"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":21769299460196,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464200","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436666568804,"product_id":2439768408164,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:43+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:01+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464200-l.jpg?v=1549043161","variant_ids":[21769299460196]},"available":false,"name":"Believe in Miracles: A spiritual journey of positive change - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":236,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464200","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238877167755,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464200-l.jpg?v=1549043161"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464200-l.jpg?v=1549043161"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464200-l.jpg?v=1549043161","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877167755,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464200-l.jpg?v=1549043161"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464200-l.jpg?v=1549043161","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e'If you've picked up this book I'm guessing you've got a heart for God, but sometimes life can get in the way of your best intentions. We all want to experience love, wonder, beauty, joy, and creativity, yet our reality is often something very different. We would like to feel more connected to ourselves, to God and to other people, but often we can't see how this could be possible. Wherever you are in your spiritual journey right now, it's OK. God meets us where we are; all he asks is that we show up for our part. The miracle of the day is already yours; the adventure begins when you're open to experience it fully.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book takes you on a 40 day journey into a world of possibility. Focusing on small practical steps, it offers a series of short exercises to promote lasting changes, leading to a more prayerful, contented and connected life. By looking for the good and focusing on actions to take now, you will learn to view differently your daily circumstances, your relationship with God, and your relationships with others, bringing something of the ways of heaven to Earth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarmel Thomason is an author, journalist and speaker whose writing explores how we can live out the Gospel by focusing on the extraordinary to be found in the every day. She has also written Against the Odds and Every Moment Counts and has collaborated with the Archbishop of York on Faith Stories and Hope Stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/carmelthomason\/\" title=\"Carmel Thomason\"\u003eRead about what motivates Carmel as a writer\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a skilled journalist's ear for compelling human stories and an engaging faith grounded in scripture and the goodness of God, Carmel Thomason proves in these pages a reliable spiritual guide in perplexing times. She brings intelligence, kindness and wit to her chosen themes and without preaching or condescension persuades us that life can be different and better. Canon Dr Rod Garner, Anglican priest, writer and theologian\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/CarmelThomason_480x480.jpg?v=1676494723\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" width=\"203\" height=\"184\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/CarmelThomason_480x480.jpg?v=1676494723\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarmel Thomason is an author, journalist and speaker whose writing explores how we can live out the Gospel by focusing on the extraordinary to be found in the every day. She has also written Against the Odds and Every Moment Counts and has collaborated with the Archbishop of York on Faith Stories and Hope Stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times - 4 November 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe miracles in which the title of this book exhorts us to believe are everyday miracles, rooted and grown in ordinary lives. Through the use of inspiring and challenging stories, using her own and others' experience, the author invites readers to consider how they can make changes in their relationship with God and in the practice of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThomason presents her material in the form of short reflections for each of 40 days, dividing them into six 'weeks', each with a separate theme. The two main foundations for the life-changes that readers are encouraged to make on their journey are the practice of stillness in the presence of God, and the development of an attitude of thanks giving for God's gifts. Each of these is suggested as a discipline for each day at the end of the reflection, together with another idea for a response specific to the material for the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, this is an accessible book that offers practical steps for the development of a lively and positive faith. It is fuelled by the author's passionate belief that the extra ordinary and the miraculous can be found in the everyday.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe primary appeal of this book probably lies in its directness and simplicity. But for some this may also be its main vice. For example, in a number of reflections there is a tendency to imply that complex and difficult emotions can be easily over come through faith. As we know, however, not all problems can be solved just through indi viduals trying harder. Moreover, the main focus of the book is highly individualistic and does not con sider the corporate dimensions of faith as they are expressed in the shared lives of church communities. At best, such communities can share burdens, exhort, listen and challenge. In these communities, individuals can know the miracle of living faith being made perfect in weakness and need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a useful and sincere book that needs to be read with critical caution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd Christine Worsley is a priest in the diocese of Worcester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder - 27 May 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBelieve in Miracles: A spiritual journey of positive change\u003c\/em\u003e is a devotional book by Carmel Thomason, which encourages a 40-day journey to view your circumstances, relationship with God, relationships with others and enable heaven to touch the earth. The daily devotions follow the format of a verse of Scripture, comment and daily practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe daily practice centres on three spiritual disciplines. Two activities are introduced at the start of the journey and remain as items one and three throughout the journey. The first is 15 minutes of contemplative prayer and the last is five minutes of maintaining a journal of the good things that have happened to you during the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second practice enables you to interact with the content of the devotion in a practical way. I have used this format at various times and settled easily into the pattern and found it very helpful. The book arrived during my sabbatical and gave a pattern for my daily reflections. The process opens your eyes to the daily blessings of God's grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Wilson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGoodbookreviews April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a lovely 40 day introduction to the spiritual exercise best known as 'quiet time'. Each chapter is a one day session with a reading that reflects on modern life and sets the piece for the 'Todays practice' section that closes each chapter. These involve 3 practices, the first being a 15 minute contemplation\/meditation time. Close your eyes, breath deeply and be still in the presence of God...\u003cbr\u003eThe second activity is the examen section and so changes each day and is usually related to the contemplation piece that starts the chapter, so we may consider our worries and write them away, we may look at what we can do rather than what we can't and do one small thing , and so they go on...each one gentle and simple but actually quite transformative, and finally the third practice is to spend 5 minutes at the end of the day thinking about the good things in your day and choosing one to be thankful for.\u003cbr\u003eExcellent beginners guide to quiet time, but also a wonderful tool for anyone that wants to focus on the positive and build that into their lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelanie Carroll\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e"}
You may also like:
Believe in Miracles: A spiritual journey of positive change
Out of Stock
'If you've picked up this book I'm guessing you've got a heart for God, but sometimes life can get in...
Out of Stock
{"id":2439767851108,"title":"The Recovery of Hope: Bible reflections for sensing God's presence and hearing God's call","handle":"the-recovery-of-hope-bible-reflections-for-sensing-gods-presence-and-hearing-gods-call","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe live in the hope of experiencing first-hand the all-sufficient grace, love and forgiveness which is God's alone, a hope that we may know with our heads long before we feel it in our hearts. This book is centred on a hope that means encountering God not only as consoling presence in the darkness but as one who challenges us to respond to his call. That call may prove to be costly, but as we respond, we will find ourselves transformed as we discover and rediscover not only that we are known exactly as we are, but loved beyond understanding as God's precious children.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n \r\n\u003cp\u003eIn a series of Bible reflections - and some poems - the theme of this hope is explored in different ways, from the yearning of the Psalmist to walking the gentle journey of the Good Shepherd's leading. \r\n\u003c\/p\u003e \n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nNaomi Starkey is a full-time ordained minister in the Church in Wales, living on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales. From 1997 - 2015 she was a commissioning editor for BRF as well as editing New Daylight and Quiet Spaces over a number of years. She has also written The Recovery of Love, Pilgrims to the Manger and Good Enough Mother for BRF.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 24 March 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNAOMI STARKEY's \u003cem\u003eThe Recovery of Hope\u003c\/em\u003e cobbles together 103 wide ranging Bible reading notes, all with hope in common, originally published in sundry editions of BRF's New Daylight . A mature writer with a sure touch, her soign commentary on any biblical text never exceeds 300 words, and her balanced hermeneutic is well resourced and sparky.\u003cbr\u003eHer book includes four beautifully crafted poems, with all her writing having the high quality of a prose poem. She is never afraid to be hard-hitting, with comments such as 'Unlimited power carries with it unlimited responsibility rather than unlimited veniality,'and 'Leaders should care for their flock rather than simply grandstand on issues.' I will try to grandstand less and care more!\u003cbr\u003eThe three sub-themes, 'Coping with Darkness', 'Challenged to Journey', and 'In Resurrection Light', boldly take us into some unusual territory. There are 14 studies on 2 Kings 13-17, 14 on Stephen's speech in Acts, and 12 on the latter chapters of Mark (including the shorter and longer endings); a further seven studies are offered on Psalm 37, Jonah, and Ezekiel. Themes on 'The Absence of God', 'Gardens and God', and 'Holy Fire' draw material from across the scriptures. Starkey is the most pleasant of fellow travellers throughout, a sheer joy to be with. She draws examples from her ministerial context in glorious North Wales, seasoning the text with the occasional Welsh word - can it get any better than this?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd David Wilbourne; Assistant Bishop of Llandaff.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003eDiocese of Bangor News February 2016\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the psalms and prophets of the Old Testament to the gospels and epistles of the New Testament, chapters are opened up to draw us to read more deeply. Naomi presents each section with an introduction and then taking a few verses at a time explores at greater depth the meaning behind the words. This is not offered as a commentary but in a way that draws the reader into the passage being read, and how that may be 'read' within our own lives. Hope is important for every person, and here, through the ups and downs of the biblical stories, we can find again the hope that is given to us in God. Naomi writes very simply, but is not simplistic. She encourages further reading and offers plenty of thought provoking questions.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone who enjoys an Advent or Lent book and feels bereft through the rest of the year, will find much in this book to help fill that gap.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI enjoyed reading Naomi's book, and found plenty within its pages which made me stop, think and pray.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJanet Fletcher \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiocese of Bangor Spirituality Officer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCambrian News; 11 February 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eJULIE MCNICHOLLS VALE follows cleric-in-training Naomi Starkey's journey from the Channel Islands to the Llyn Peninsula and her beliefs through her book...\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor the last eight months, cleric-in-training Naomi Starkey has made Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula her home.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA full-time ordained minister in the Church in Wales, Naomi works in the Bro Enlli Ministry area, which covers the south-west coast of the Llyn Peninsula and takes in six churches, including St Hywyn, Aberdaron;St Pedrog, Llanbedrog and St Cian, Llangian.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAberdaron is undoubtedly beautiful, but far from her previous home, near Llanidloes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnd becoming a full-time member of the ministry also seems far removed from her previous work in publishing, but the 50-year-old mother-of-three knew the time was right to make the move to Gwynedd, and to the church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'I had a strong sense that it was time to move from publishing - a field I had worked in for 21 years - to full-time church work and there was a job in Aberdaron that I felt was right for me.The area of publishing I worked in was related in a way, as I had been editor of the BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship) for many years, but that's not the same as leading services and getting out there meeting people.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi started working for the church as a part-time cleric in Machnylleth and the surrounding villages. Then a cleric-in-training post came up in Gwynedd and Naomi made the move in June 2015. Also that month, Naomi was ordained as a priest in Bangor. She was previously ordained as a deacon in June 2014.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi says it wasn't her childhood dream to become a priest - indeed, it wasn't possible for women to do so at the time - but there had always been a leaning towards the church, as she explained. 'According to me mother I used to line up my teddies and give church services to them like my father, who was a vicar.But I never thought of becoming a vicar myself. I didn't think I could as a woman because women couldn't be ordained at the time. But my mother reminded me that I used to do this when I was about five years old, so I guess there's always been something there.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi was raised on the Channel Islands, and believes growing up there has helped her to fall in love with Aberdaron. 'My father was a vicar on the Channel Islands, on Jersey, and there are so many similarities to the Llyn,' Naomi said. 'It's almost like being on an island here in Aberdaron and there is some bilingualism, as there is on Jersey. There is also a lot of farming, tourism and of course, beautiful beaches.' As a cleric in training, Naomi says she is happy to be learning more about the church, and about the Llyn, and would like to stay in the area if possible. 'It depends if work is available but I have been learning Welsh for six years and I lead services and preach in Welsh, so I would definitely like to be able to use the language in a future post. And Aberdaron is lovely, as is the Llyn. I love the beaches on the Llyn in particular, and the mountains. It feels such a privilege to live somewhere that people want to go to on their holidays.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as working for the Bro Enlli Ministry and exploring the Llyn, Naomi has also just released her fourth book. \u003cem\u003eThe Recovery of Hope\u003c\/em\u003e contains a series of Bible passages, along with reflections on them and some poems written by Naomi. The theme of hope is explored throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'Even if people are not fully paid-up members of the church, there is a lot in the Bible that can give comfort, especially in dark times,' said Naomi. 'In the book there are readings and words to encourage, and to help, even if you don't believe what those words imply. Even if you are not a Christian, the Bible is still full of wisdom and that can be helpful.' She went on: 'In the 1960s there was a sense that science would prove everything and religion was for the elderly or the weak. Now I think people are more spiritual. There's mindfulness and gratitude, and faith. There's a lot in the Bible that's hard to understand and to wrestle with and that needs reflection and interpretation. Through the book, and my work, I share what I know. I won't tell you what to believe in, but I will start a conversation. I hope that, for those who already read the Bible and go to church, this book might give them access to lesser-known parts they may not have read before. For others, I think, and I hope, that this book is a gentle way in.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-14T16:37:29+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:42+00:00","vendor":"Naomi Starkey","type":"Paperback","tags":["For individuals","Kindle","Pastoral care","Spirituality"],"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":21769287663716,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464170","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436664242276,"product_id":2439767851108,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:42+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:01+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161","variant_ids":[21769287663716]},"available":false,"name":"The Recovery of Hope: Bible reflections for sensing God's presence and hearing God's call - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":280,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464170","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238877134987,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877134987,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eWe live in the hope of experiencing first-hand the all-sufficient grace, love and forgiveness which is God's alone, a hope that we may know with our heads long before we feel it in our hearts. This book is centred on a hope that means encountering God not only as consoling presence in the darkness but as one who challenges us to respond to his call. That call may prove to be costly, but as we respond, we will find ourselves transformed as we discover and rediscover not only that we are known exactly as we are, but loved beyond understanding as God's precious children.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n \r\n\u003cp\u003eIn a series of Bible reflections - and some poems - the theme of this hope is explored in different ways, from the yearning of the Psalmist to walking the gentle journey of the Good Shepherd's leading. \r\n\u003c\/p\u003e \n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nNaomi Starkey is a full-time ordained minister in the Church in Wales, living on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales. From 1997 - 2015 she was a commissioning editor for BRF as well as editing New Daylight and Quiet Spaces over a number of years. She has also written The Recovery of Love, Pilgrims to the Manger and Good Enough Mother for BRF.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 24 March 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNAOMI STARKEY's \u003cem\u003eThe Recovery of Hope\u003c\/em\u003e cobbles together 103 wide ranging Bible reading notes, all with hope in common, originally published in sundry editions of BRF's New Daylight . A mature writer with a sure touch, her soign commentary on any biblical text never exceeds 300 words, and her balanced hermeneutic is well resourced and sparky.\u003cbr\u003eHer book includes four beautifully crafted poems, with all her writing having the high quality of a prose poem. She is never afraid to be hard-hitting, with comments such as 'Unlimited power carries with it unlimited responsibility rather than unlimited veniality,'and 'Leaders should care for their flock rather than simply grandstand on issues.' I will try to grandstand less and care more!\u003cbr\u003eThe three sub-themes, 'Coping with Darkness', 'Challenged to Journey', and 'In Resurrection Light', boldly take us into some unusual territory. There are 14 studies on 2 Kings 13-17, 14 on Stephen's speech in Acts, and 12 on the latter chapters of Mark (including the shorter and longer endings); a further seven studies are offered on Psalm 37, Jonah, and Ezekiel. Themes on 'The Absence of God', 'Gardens and God', and 'Holy Fire' draw material from across the scriptures. Starkey is the most pleasant of fellow travellers throughout, a sheer joy to be with. She draws examples from her ministerial context in glorious North Wales, seasoning the text with the occasional Welsh word - can it get any better than this?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd David Wilbourne; Assistant Bishop of Llandaff.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003eDiocese of Bangor News February 2016\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the psalms and prophets of the Old Testament to the gospels and epistles of the New Testament, chapters are opened up to draw us to read more deeply. Naomi presents each section with an introduction and then taking a few verses at a time explores at greater depth the meaning behind the words. This is not offered as a commentary but in a way that draws the reader into the passage being read, and how that may be 'read' within our own lives. Hope is important for every person, and here, through the ups and downs of the biblical stories, we can find again the hope that is given to us in God. Naomi writes very simply, but is not simplistic. She encourages further reading and offers plenty of thought provoking questions.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone who enjoys an Advent or Lent book and feels bereft through the rest of the year, will find much in this book to help fill that gap.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI enjoyed reading Naomi's book, and found plenty within its pages which made me stop, think and pray.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJanet Fletcher \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiocese of Bangor Spirituality Officer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCambrian News; 11 February 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eJULIE MCNICHOLLS VALE follows cleric-in-training Naomi Starkey's journey from the Channel Islands to the Llyn Peninsula and her beliefs through her book...\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor the last eight months, cleric-in-training Naomi Starkey has made Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula her home.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA full-time ordained minister in the Church in Wales, Naomi works in the Bro Enlli Ministry area, which covers the south-west coast of the Llyn Peninsula and takes in six churches, including St Hywyn, Aberdaron;St Pedrog, Llanbedrog and St Cian, Llangian.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAberdaron is undoubtedly beautiful, but far from her previous home, near Llanidloes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnd becoming a full-time member of the ministry also seems far removed from her previous work in publishing, but the 50-year-old mother-of-three knew the time was right to make the move to Gwynedd, and to the church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'I had a strong sense that it was time to move from publishing - a field I had worked in for 21 years - to full-time church work and there was a job in Aberdaron that I felt was right for me.The area of publishing I worked in was related in a way, as I had been editor of the BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship) for many years, but that's not the same as leading services and getting out there meeting people.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi started working for the church as a part-time cleric in Machnylleth and the surrounding villages. Then a cleric-in-training post came up in Gwynedd and Naomi made the move in June 2015. Also that month, Naomi was ordained as a priest in Bangor. She was previously ordained as a deacon in June 2014.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi says it wasn't her childhood dream to become a priest - indeed, it wasn't possible for women to do so at the time - but there had always been a leaning towards the church, as she explained. 'According to me mother I used to line up my teddies and give church services to them like my father, who was a vicar.But I never thought of becoming a vicar myself. I didn't think I could as a woman because women couldn't be ordained at the time. But my mother reminded me that I used to do this when I was about five years old, so I guess there's always been something there.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi was raised on the Channel Islands, and believes growing up there has helped her to fall in love with Aberdaron. 'My father was a vicar on the Channel Islands, on Jersey, and there are so many similarities to the Llyn,' Naomi said. 'It's almost like being on an island here in Aberdaron and there is some bilingualism, as there is on Jersey. There is also a lot of farming, tourism and of course, beautiful beaches.' As a cleric in training, Naomi says she is happy to be learning more about the church, and about the Llyn, and would like to stay in the area if possible. 'It depends if work is available but I have been learning Welsh for six years and I lead services and preach in Welsh, so I would definitely like to be able to use the language in a future post. And Aberdaron is lovely, as is the Llyn. I love the beaches on the Llyn in particular, and the mountains. It feels such a privilege to live somewhere that people want to go to on their holidays.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as working for the Bro Enlli Ministry and exploring the Llyn, Naomi has also just released her fourth book. \u003cem\u003eThe Recovery of Hope\u003c\/em\u003e contains a series of Bible passages, along with reflections on them and some poems written by Naomi. The theme of hope is explored throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'Even if people are not fully paid-up members of the church, there is a lot in the Bible that can give comfort, especially in dark times,' said Naomi. 'In the book there are readings and words to encourage, and to help, even if you don't believe what those words imply. Even if you are not a Christian, the Bible is still full of wisdom and that can be helpful.' She went on: 'In the 1960s there was a sense that science would prove everything and religion was for the elderly or the weak. Now I think people are more spiritual. There's mindfulness and gratitude, and faith. There's a lot in the Bible that's hard to understand and to wrestle with and that needs reflection and interpretation. Through the book, and my work, I share what I know. I won't tell you what to believe in, but I will start a conversation. I hope that, for those who already read the Bible and go to church, this book might give them access to lesser-known parts they may not have read before. For others, I think, and I hope, that this book is a gentle way in.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003chr\u003e"}
You may also like:
The Recovery of Hope: Bible reflections for sensing God's presence and hearing God's call
Out of Stock
We live in the hope of experiencing first-hand the all-sufficient grace, love and forgiveness which is God's alone, a hope...
Out of Stock
{"id":2439766966372,"title":"God's Daughters: Loved, held, accepted, enough","handle":"gods-daughters-loved-held-accepted-enough","description":"\u003cp\u003eDo you ever feel under so much pressure to be prettier, cleverer or holier that you feel you just might break? Do you ever feel like you're not good enough for other people, and they will never love or accept you? Do you feel like you're the one who has to change, to solve the problems and get it all right?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI definitely feel like that sometimes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book I have taken six issues, each of which come with its own pressures: school, image, friends, family, church and our personal relationships with God. In each case we may feel that our teachers, family, friends or even God expects us to be better than we feel inside. We may feel that if we don't meet these expectations we need to work harder in order to be loved and accepted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut this is not true!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy prayer for you - and me - is that we realise we have had enough of trying to be 'good enough'. We need to let God strengthen us to keep walking. We need to listen to his gentle voice - and be encouraged to lift our eyes to him and dwell in his amazing grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHannah Fytche is in her first year of studying theology at university. Over the past four years she has been mentored by Sharon Prior of the Sophia Network, which 'exists to empower and equip women in leadership, and to champion the full equality of women and men in the church.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/HannahFytche5_RootedinGod_sGrace_480x480.jpg?v=1676497624\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" width=\"256\" height=\"256\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/HannahFytche5_RootedinGod_sGrace_480x480.jpg?v=1676497624\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\nHannah Fytche is in her first year of studying theology at university. Over the past four years she has been mentored by Sharon Prior of the Sophia Network, which 'exists to empower and equip women in leadership, and to champion the full equality of women and men in the church.'\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHand in Hand E-Newsletter July 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHannah's aim is for teenage girls to realise that there is nothing that we can do to be 'good enough' and that we need to put our faith and trust in God, to strengthen, encourage and guide us through our lives, despite the pressures around us. It is encouraging to know that she has recently been through the things we are going through - she is relevant and easy to relate to and this is reflected in the easy going and conversational nature of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book contains a wide range of examples, some of which are not easy to make directly personal to oneself, but this encourages the reader to empathise with others and to better understand what they are going through. It is useful getting Hannah's perspective on the issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall I think that \u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e provides a necessary and encouraging perspective, serving as a continual reminder of God's love and grace to his children: a book that I'm sure will be helpful to revisit throughout my teenage years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy - aged 16\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Girls Brigade - April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e is a book written by a hugely talented young woman called Hannah Fytche, who is currently in her first year of studying theology at university. She hopes for girls to realise that they are 'loved, held, accepted, enough' and has written this book for those who are fed up of trying to be good enough, and feel under pressure to be prettier, cleverer, or holier in order to be accepted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHannah has divided the book up into chapters, each addressing a different issue or situation that teenagers may be experiencing. These include coping with conflict within friendship groups, revealing the real you to your family, and feeling loved enough in the school environment, among others. Each chapter contains an in depth discussion of its topic, giving examples of situations that young girls may find themselves in, and this is followed up by advice on how to deal with these issues and what the Bible has to say about them. At the end of each chapter there is a section called 'headphones time', which contains questions for the reader to consider that help to focus in on the topics and encourage the reader to think about how they can act to tackle certain issues and make life better for themselves and for others. Hannah also includes recommendations of music to listen to, often with lyrics that relate to the chapter content and that girls may find helpful when contemplating the issues that they are facing in their own lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e is incredibly engaging and easy to read, and is broken down into chapters that can be read individually if you live a busy life! Hannah writes as if she is speaking to a friend, and the book is refreshingly down to earth and relevant, in contrast to many books that are written for teenagers today. The descriptions of situations that teenagers may encounter not only exemplify Hannah's understanding of young women, but also get you thinking about the topics covered in the book and how they relate to your life. In some cases there were situations portrayed that I had not come across myself, and I found these extremely useful in learning to empathise with other people and how they may be feeling. The advice given is practical and can easily be applied to the real-world, and Hannah has formed this guidance based on a wide variety of literature and experience, particularly the Bible and her encounters with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e is a book full of the much needed wisdom and experience of a girl not long out of her teenage years herself, yet firmly rooted in the word of God, reassuring and encouraging to any young woman that may read it. I would highly recommend this book to any young woman wanting relevant advice on real life situations, reassurance and empowerment in a world where this is so often needed, or simply desiring to get closer to God-give it a read!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull article can be seen here \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/gbworldwide.org\/book-review-gods-daughters-hannah-fytche\/\"\u003eClick here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZoe Davis\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:36+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:38+00:00","vendor":"Hannah Fytche","type":"Paperback","tags":["Apr-16","Children and family ministry","Kindle","Pastoral care","Women"],"price":699,"price_min":699,"price_max":699,"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":21769268953188,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464095","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436657786980,"product_id":2439766966372,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:38+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:02+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464095-l.jpg?v=1549043162","variant_ids":[21769268953188]},"available":false,"name":"God's Daughters: Loved, held, accepted, enough - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":699,"weight":150,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464095","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238877069451,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464095-l.jpg?v=1549043162"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464095-l.jpg?v=1549043162","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/60_bd942d59-2040-417e-85a6-c7f6ec4776f1.png?v=1734095670"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464095-l.jpg?v=1549043162","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877069451,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464095-l.jpg?v=1549043162"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464095-l.jpg?v=1549043162","width":427},{"alt":null,"id":63560963719548,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/60_bd942d59-2040-417e-85a6-c7f6ec4776f1.png?v=1734095670"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/60_bd942d59-2040-417e-85a6-c7f6ec4776f1.png?v=1734095670","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eDo you ever feel under so much pressure to be prettier, cleverer or holier that you feel you just might break? Do you ever feel like you're not good enough for other people, and they will never love or accept you? Do you feel like you're the one who has to change, to solve the problems and get it all right?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI definitely feel like that sometimes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book I have taken six issues, each of which come with its own pressures: school, image, friends, family, church and our personal relationships with God. In each case we may feel that our teachers, family, friends or even God expects us to be better than we feel inside. We may feel that if we don't meet these expectations we need to work harder in order to be loved and accepted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut this is not true!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy prayer for you - and me - is that we realise we have had enough of trying to be 'good enough'. We need to let God strengthen us to keep walking. We need to listen to his gentle voice - and be encouraged to lift our eyes to him and dwell in his amazing grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHannah Fytche is in her first year of studying theology at university. Over the past four years she has been mentored by Sharon Prior of the Sophia Network, which 'exists to empower and equip women in leadership, and to champion the full equality of women and men in the church.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/HannahFytche5_RootedinGod_sGrace_480x480.jpg?v=1676497624\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" width=\"256\" height=\"256\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/HannahFytche5_RootedinGod_sGrace_480x480.jpg?v=1676497624\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\nHannah Fytche is in her first year of studying theology at university. Over the past four years she has been mentored by Sharon Prior of the Sophia Network, which 'exists to empower and equip women in leadership, and to champion the full equality of women and men in the church.'\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHand in Hand E-Newsletter July 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHannah's aim is for teenage girls to realise that there is nothing that we can do to be 'good enough' and that we need to put our faith and trust in God, to strengthen, encourage and guide us through our lives, despite the pressures around us. It is encouraging to know that she has recently been through the things we are going through - she is relevant and easy to relate to and this is reflected in the easy going and conversational nature of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book contains a wide range of examples, some of which are not easy to make directly personal to oneself, but this encourages the reader to empathise with others and to better understand what they are going through. It is useful getting Hannah's perspective on the issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall I think that \u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e provides a necessary and encouraging perspective, serving as a continual reminder of God's love and grace to his children: a book that I'm sure will be helpful to revisit throughout my teenage years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy - aged 16\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Girls Brigade - April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e is a book written by a hugely talented young woman called Hannah Fytche, who is currently in her first year of studying theology at university. She hopes for girls to realise that they are 'loved, held, accepted, enough' and has written this book for those who are fed up of trying to be good enough, and feel under pressure to be prettier, cleverer, or holier in order to be accepted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHannah has divided the book up into chapters, each addressing a different issue or situation that teenagers may be experiencing. These include coping with conflict within friendship groups, revealing the real you to your family, and feeling loved enough in the school environment, among others. Each chapter contains an in depth discussion of its topic, giving examples of situations that young girls may find themselves in, and this is followed up by advice on how to deal with these issues and what the Bible has to say about them. At the end of each chapter there is a section called 'headphones time', which contains questions for the reader to consider that help to focus in on the topics and encourage the reader to think about how they can act to tackle certain issues and make life better for themselves and for others. Hannah also includes recommendations of music to listen to, often with lyrics that relate to the chapter content and that girls may find helpful when contemplating the issues that they are facing in their own lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e is incredibly engaging and easy to read, and is broken down into chapters that can be read individually if you live a busy life! Hannah writes as if she is speaking to a friend, and the book is refreshingly down to earth and relevant, in contrast to many books that are written for teenagers today. The descriptions of situations that teenagers may encounter not only exemplify Hannah's understanding of young women, but also get you thinking about the topics covered in the book and how they relate to your life. In some cases there were situations portrayed that I had not come across myself, and I found these extremely useful in learning to empathise with other people and how they may be feeling. The advice given is practical and can easily be applied to the real-world, and Hannah has formed this guidance based on a wide variety of literature and experience, particularly the Bible and her encounters with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod's Daughters\u003c\/em\u003e is a book full of the much needed wisdom and experience of a girl not long out of her teenage years herself, yet firmly rooted in the word of God, reassuring and encouraging to any young woman that may read it. I would highly recommend this book to any young woman wanting relevant advice on real life situations, reassurance and empowerment in a world where this is so often needed, or simply desiring to get closer to God-give it a read!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull article can be seen here \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/gbworldwide.org\/book-review-gods-daughters-hannah-fytche\/\"\u003eClick here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZoe Davis\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e"}
You may also like:
God's Daughters: Loved, held, accepted, enough
Out of Stock
Do you ever feel under so much pressure to be prettier, cleverer or holier that you feel you just might...
Out of Stock
{"id":2439766540388,"title":"The Twelve Degrees of Silence","handle":"the-twelve-degrees-of-silence","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe stresses and strains of contemporary life leave so many of us thirsting for peace and clarity of mind and heart. While we may sense that constant distraction hinders spiritual growth, we may find it hard to cultivate attitudes of peace and stillness. We may long to experience closer communion with God, yet feel overwhelmed by the many demands on our attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n \r\n\u003cp\u003eThis book invites us to nurture a spirituality of silence through the words and wisdom of the 19th-century Carmelite and mystic, Sister Marie-Aimee de Jesus. Through a combination of her measured insights and exercises for personal application by author and spiritual teacher Lucinda M. Vardey, the reader is invited on a twelve-movement journey into a silent and intimate union with God. An introduction and biography of Marie-Aimee de Jesus explores her influence on other well-known Carmelites such as the saint and martyr Edith Stein. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nSr Marie-Aimee (1839-1874) was a discalced carmelite in Paris.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulian Meetings Magazine April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis small book has an enticing cover of a beautiful candlelit labyrinth in a large, probably French, cathedral. It reads like an old, quite academic history book, having been translated from French by editor Lucinda M. Vardey and a colleague, who are both described as living quiet secluded lives of contemplation and study of the sacred. I would suggest that this book is for the serious contemplative, as the 12 degrees of silence were written by Marie to guide and teach novices about the interior life for their lives as a religious.\u003cbr\u003eIt begins with a 25 page biography about the natural young mystic Marie-Aimee de Jesus (1839-1874), presented to us by Lucinda from the original, written by Edith Stein around 1939. Edith herself was a successful philosopher, feminist thinker and lecturer. She was called to a Carmelite Vocation after reading Saint Teresa of Avila's autobiography, and died in Auschwitz in 1942. Edith suggested that Marie-Aim e's depth of wisdom and disciplined mental attitudes on the path of perfection of the soul were where her own convictions found fellowship.\u003cbr\u003eThe following 45 pages cover The Twelve Degrees of Silence, which are: Silence....in words; in actions; with one's imagination; memories; others; one's heart; to self interest; of the mind; to judgements; to the will; towards oneself and lastly Silence with God. \u003cbr\u003eMost of Marie-Aimee's silences are described in less than half a page, written in the language of the last century. Lucinda, a writer on Catholicism and contemporary spirituality, adds her own Guided Reflections in a similar style. These consist of bullet points, mainly deep searching questions and exercises to do, framed with a bible verse and prayer.\u003cbr\u003eSo this is not a book for the faint-hearted, but may be a useful resource for your own silent retreat. A small book with a big deep punch!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFiona Elliot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:35+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:36+00:00","vendor":"Sister Marie-Aimee de Jesus","type":"Paperback","tags":["Apr-15","For individuals","Spirituality"],"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":21769264922724,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464071","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436653887588,"product_id":2439766540388,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:36+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:02+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464071-l.jpg?v=1549043162","variant_ids":[21769264922724]},"available":true,"name":"The Twelve Degrees of Silence - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":599,"weight":76,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464071","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238877036683,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464071-l.jpg?v=1549043162"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464071-l.jpg?v=1549043162"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464071-l.jpg?v=1549043162","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877036683,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464071-l.jpg?v=1549043162"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464071-l.jpg?v=1549043162","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe stresses and strains of contemporary life leave so many of us thirsting for peace and clarity of mind and heart. While we may sense that constant distraction hinders spiritual growth, we may find it hard to cultivate attitudes of peace and stillness. We may long to experience closer communion with God, yet feel overwhelmed by the many demands on our attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n \r\n\u003cp\u003eThis book invites us to nurture a spirituality of silence through the words and wisdom of the 19th-century Carmelite and mystic, Sister Marie-Aimee de Jesus. Through a combination of her measured insights and exercises for personal application by author and spiritual teacher Lucinda M. Vardey, the reader is invited on a twelve-movement journey into a silent and intimate union with God. An introduction and biography of Marie-Aimee de Jesus explores her influence on other well-known Carmelites such as the saint and martyr Edith Stein. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nSr Marie-Aimee (1839-1874) was a discalced carmelite in Paris.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulian Meetings Magazine April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis small book has an enticing cover of a beautiful candlelit labyrinth in a large, probably French, cathedral. It reads like an old, quite academic history book, having been translated from French by editor Lucinda M. Vardey and a colleague, who are both described as living quiet secluded lives of contemplation and study of the sacred. I would suggest that this book is for the serious contemplative, as the 12 degrees of silence were written by Marie to guide and teach novices about the interior life for their lives as a religious.\u003cbr\u003eIt begins with a 25 page biography about the natural young mystic Marie-Aimee de Jesus (1839-1874), presented to us by Lucinda from the original, written by Edith Stein around 1939. Edith herself was a successful philosopher, feminist thinker and lecturer. She was called to a Carmelite Vocation after reading Saint Teresa of Avila's autobiography, and died in Auschwitz in 1942. Edith suggested that Marie-Aim e's depth of wisdom and disciplined mental attitudes on the path of perfection of the soul were where her own convictions found fellowship.\u003cbr\u003eThe following 45 pages cover The Twelve Degrees of Silence, which are: Silence....in words; in actions; with one's imagination; memories; others; one's heart; to self interest; of the mind; to judgements; to the will; towards oneself and lastly Silence with God. \u003cbr\u003eMost of Marie-Aimee's silences are described in less than half a page, written in the language of the last century. Lucinda, a writer on Catholicism and contemporary spirituality, adds her own Guided Reflections in a similar style. These consist of bullet points, mainly deep searching questions and exercises to do, framed with a bible verse and prayer.\u003cbr\u003eSo this is not a book for the faint-hearted, but may be a useful resource for your own silent retreat. A small book with a big deep punch!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFiona Elliot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e"}
You may also like:
The Twelve Degrees of Silence
£5.99
The stresses and strains of contemporary life leave so many of us thirsting for peace and clarity of mind and...
{"id":2439765360740,"title":"The Barnabas Page a Day Bible","handle":"the-barnabas-page-a-day-bible","description":"\u003cp\u003eContains 365 illustrated stories from the Bible, a page for every day of the year. Every main event in the Bible is included, retold as a continuous narrative to make the Bible accessible to all readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nRhona Davies is a trained teacher actively involved in her local church and writes for children. She is married with teenage sons and is passionate about reading, gardening and genealogy. Rhona lives in England with her roots in south Wales. Marcin Piwowarski worked as a freelance illustrator for more than ten years before managing a graphic studio. He is a successful illustrator with more than 100 children's books published worldwide. Marcin lives with his wife and two young children in the centre of Poland\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:31+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:33+00:00","vendor":"Rhona Davies","type":"Paperback","tags":["Bibles","For children","Sep-15"],"price":1099,"price_min":1099,"price_max":1099,"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":21769253617764,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464125","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Barnabas Page a Day Bible - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1099,"weight":644,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464125","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464125-l.jpg?v=1549043163"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464125-l.jpg?v=1549043163","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238876971147,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.752,"height":650,"width":489,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464125-l.jpg?v=1549043163"},"aspect_ratio":0.752,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464125-l.jpg?v=1549043163","width":489}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eContains 365 illustrated stories from the Bible, a page for every day of the year. Every main event in the Bible is included, retold as a continuous narrative to make the Bible accessible to all readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nRhona Davies is a trained teacher actively involved in her local church and writes for children. She is married with teenage sons and is passionate about reading, gardening and genealogy. Rhona lives in England with her roots in south Wales. Marcin Piwowarski worked as a freelance illustrator for more than ten years before managing a graphic studio. He is a successful illustrator with more than 100 children's books published worldwide. Marcin lives with his wife and two young children in the centre of Poland\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
You may also like:
The Barnabas Page a Day Bible
£10.99
Contains 365 illustrated stories from the Bible, a page for every day of the year. Every main event in the...
{"id":2439764377700,"title":"Comfort in the Darkness: Helping children draw close to God through biblical stories of night-time and sleep","handle":"comfort-in-the-darkness-helping-children-draw-close-to-god-through-biblical-stories-of-night-time-and-sleep","description":"\u003cp\u003eSleep, dreams and the night can be mysterious and sometimes troubling. Children can be afraid of the dark, have nightmares and night terrors, sleepwalk, or have insomnia. How do we deal with their concerns and fears and help them to draw close to God at night? This collection of Bible story retellings exploring God's character and promises will enable parents to help children grow in peace, confidence and understanding of who God is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/33kqpzo5X-E\" 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\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/RachelTurner_480x480.jpg?v=1676495221\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" width=\"245\" height=\"245\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/RachelTurner_480x480.jpg?v=1676495221\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\nRachel Turner has been a full-time children's and families worker and the National Children's Work Coordinator for New Wine, and continues to consult, speak at conferences and run training days for parents, children and youth workers around the UK and Europe. She is the author of the Parenting Children for a Life of Faith series.\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Resource - September 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book aims to help children draw close to God through biblical stories of night time and sleep.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is not to love about this book?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA helpful introduction from Rachel sets the scene - encouraging us to make the book our own. This is not a 'how to' manual of navigating the night time if our children struggle to sleep or are going through that traumatic stage of night terrors - rather, it gives tools for parents to engage, reflect and ask questions with their children - to journey with them through the night and, most importantly, for them to know that God is present there - just as much as in the day time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e16 stories from the Bible are skilfully retold with just the right amount of drama, suspense and awe - perfect for a shared story!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParents can use the additional sections after each story to take things further . . . but, just simply sharing these stories and creating a rhythm and pattern of reading together creates a calming atmosphere - build a routine around story telling and sharing a night that becomes as familiar as brushing teeth and having a bath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGet hold of this wonderful book and find comfort in the darkness - not just for your children, but maybe for you as parents too .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/theresource.org.uk\/comfort-in-the-darkness-by-rachel-turner\/\"\u003eThe Resource\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAli Campbell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003egodventure - November 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a book on sleep training, but one which will create a positive relationship with God at night-time - for you and your children! Rachel vividly retells 16 Bible stories, each where someone, usually a child, experiences something of God at night-time. It's simple, it's clever and it's profound. I found my own perspective on night-time changing along with my children's, as they quoted to me things we had discovered of God at night-time. I particularly loved the story of Herman, based on Psalm 88, who discovers that God gives us songs in the night to draw close to Him. We had a fab time asking God to give us songs and singing them together. Great book for any parent - especially, but definitely not exclusively, any with children who struggle at night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVictoria Beech\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times - 19 May 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA very useful aid for helping parents draw their children closer to God, and a must for the bedroom bookshelf\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery Saturday our six and seven year old granddaughters have a sleepover with us because they love to come to church on Sunday mornings.They like to sleep with the bedside light on low but neither of them have nocturnal problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are a vivacious pair. The trouble with bedtime is switching off Peppa Pig, or getting them off their tab, and calming them down. When they are finally between the sheets, reading a bedtime story is a great relaxer.\u003c\/p\u003e\nThese 16 Bible stories are all simply written in a manner that allows the reader to add timely pauses and thoughtful expression. They are all set in a night time context through which God's presence and purpose are revealed whether life is easy, perplexing or fraught with trouble and danger. In order to get the most out of the stories the 'Extras for Parents' should be read well before involving the children. A good friend of mine describes it as finding and providing emotional intelligence.\n\u003cp\u003eHowever this is neither a D.I.Y. Sunday School manual nor a lesson book. The Discussion Points are useful if it's appropriate to prolong bedtime a little, but should not be imposed if the conversation is going to erase sleepiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prayers that come after each story, sensitively link the thoughts and feelings from the characters with how the children may have reacted and brings them into the love and care of the Lord. Their aim is to develop a sense of prayerfulness in the closeness of God as they snuggle down. It's a far cry from the old kneel by your bed and say your prayers routine. That may have been fine for God to bless mummy and daddy, the cat the dog and the goldfish, tell me about it, but it did hardly anything to develop prayerfulness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Frequently Asked Questions found at the end of the book are required reading prior to the book being used. They can be very useful in helping parents settle children's anxieties, understand the world around them and how best to relate to it. Comfort in the Darkness is a very useful aid for helping parents draw their children closer to God and a must for the bedroom bookshelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by The Revd Dr Martin M'Caw\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:28+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:29+00:00","vendor":"Rachel Turner","type":"Paperback","tags":["Parenting","Parenting for Faith books","Sep-16","Torch Trust"],"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":21769237430372,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464231","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436642386020,"product_id":2439764377700,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:29+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:03+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464231-l.jpg?v=1549043163","variant_ids":[21769237430372]},"available":true,"name":"Comfort in the Darkness: Helping children draw close to God through biblical stories of night-time and sleep - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":167,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464231","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238876905611,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464231-l.jpg?v=1549043163"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464231-l.jpg?v=1549043163"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464231-l.jpg?v=1549043163","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238876905611,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464231-l.jpg?v=1549043163"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464231-l.jpg?v=1549043163","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eSleep, dreams and the night can be mysterious and sometimes troubling. Children can be afraid of the dark, have nightmares and night terrors, sleepwalk, or have insomnia. How do we deal with their concerns and fears and help them to draw close to God at night? This collection of Bible story retellings exploring God's character and promises will enable parents to help children grow in peace, confidence and understanding of who God is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/33kqpzo5X-E\" 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\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/RachelTurner_480x480.jpg?v=1676495221\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" width=\"245\" height=\"245\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/RachelTurner_480x480.jpg?v=1676495221\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\nRachel Turner has been a full-time children's and families worker and the National Children's Work Coordinator for New Wine, and continues to consult, speak at conferences and run training days for parents, children and youth workers around the UK and Europe. She is the author of the Parenting Children for a Life of Faith series.\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Resource - September 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book aims to help children draw close to God through biblical stories of night time and sleep.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is not to love about this book?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA helpful introduction from Rachel sets the scene - encouraging us to make the book our own. This is not a 'how to' manual of navigating the night time if our children struggle to sleep or are going through that traumatic stage of night terrors - rather, it gives tools for parents to engage, reflect and ask questions with their children - to journey with them through the night and, most importantly, for them to know that God is present there - just as much as in the day time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e16 stories from the Bible are skilfully retold with just the right amount of drama, suspense and awe - perfect for a shared story!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParents can use the additional sections after each story to take things further . . . but, just simply sharing these stories and creating a rhythm and pattern of reading together creates a calming atmosphere - build a routine around story telling and sharing a night that becomes as familiar as brushing teeth and having a bath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGet hold of this wonderful book and find comfort in the darkness - not just for your children, but maybe for you as parents too .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/theresource.org.uk\/comfort-in-the-darkness-by-rachel-turner\/\"\u003eThe Resource\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAli Campbell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003egodventure - November 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a book on sleep training, but one which will create a positive relationship with God at night-time - for you and your children! Rachel vividly retells 16 Bible stories, each where someone, usually a child, experiences something of God at night-time. It's simple, it's clever and it's profound. I found my own perspective on night-time changing along with my children's, as they quoted to me things we had discovered of God at night-time. I particularly loved the story of Herman, based on Psalm 88, who discovers that God gives us songs in the night to draw close to Him. We had a fab time asking God to give us songs and singing them together. Great book for any parent - especially, but definitely not exclusively, any with children who struggle at night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVictoria Beech\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times - 19 May 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eA very useful aid for helping parents draw their children closer to God, and a must for the bedroom bookshelf\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery Saturday our six and seven year old granddaughters have a sleepover with us because they love to come to church on Sunday mornings.They like to sleep with the bedside light on low but neither of them have nocturnal problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are a vivacious pair. The trouble with bedtime is switching off Peppa Pig, or getting them off their tab, and calming them down. When they are finally between the sheets, reading a bedtime story is a great relaxer.\u003c\/p\u003e\nThese 16 Bible stories are all simply written in a manner that allows the reader to add timely pauses and thoughtful expression. They are all set in a night time context through which God's presence and purpose are revealed whether life is easy, perplexing or fraught with trouble and danger. In order to get the most out of the stories the 'Extras for Parents' should be read well before involving the children. A good friend of mine describes it as finding and providing emotional intelligence.\n\u003cp\u003eHowever this is neither a D.I.Y. Sunday School manual nor a lesson book. The Discussion Points are useful if it's appropriate to prolong bedtime a little, but should not be imposed if the conversation is going to erase sleepiness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prayers that come after each story, sensitively link the thoughts and feelings from the characters with how the children may have reacted and brings them into the love and care of the Lord. Their aim is to develop a sense of prayerfulness in the closeness of God as they snuggle down. It's a far cry from the old kneel by your bed and say your prayers routine. That may have been fine for God to bless mummy and daddy, the cat the dog and the goldfish, tell me about it, but it did hardly anything to develop prayerfulness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Frequently Asked Questions found at the end of the book are required reading prior to the book being used. They can be very useful in helping parents settle children's anxieties, understand the world around them and how best to relate to it. Comfort in the Darkness is a very useful aid for helping parents draw their children closer to God and a must for the bedroom bookshelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by The Revd Dr Martin M'Caw\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e"}
You may also like:
Comfort in the Darkness: Helping children draw close to God through biblical stories of night-time and sleep
£7.99
Sleep, dreams and the night can be mysterious and sometimes troubling. Children can be afraid of the dark, have nightmares...
{"id":2439763492964,"title":"Messy Prayer: Developing the prayer life of your Messy Church","handle":"messy-prayer-developing-the-prayer-life-of-your-messy-church","description":"\u003cp\u003eEquipping your Messy team to pray and encourage others to do so, both within and outside the Messy Church context.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCommunicating prayer as a concept\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePraying as a team in advance and on the day\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePrayer ideas for the activity time, celebration time, and at home as a family\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWays of praying the Lord's Prayer \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWays to reimagine other traditional prayers\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCreating a prayer space\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA Messy Quiet Day outline\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nJane 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 \r\nyears. She runs L19: Messy Church once a month.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinistry Today - Summer 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is excellent, packed with simple, practical ideas that can be used or adapted for many an All Age service. Aimed specifically at Messy Church, the book is structured around the particular elements of that format (the celebration time, the meal time, the home), but these are easily adaptable. Of particular interest for some is a very substantial chapter by Lucy Moore on 'Liturgical Prayers'. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThere is also a useful chapter on 'Creating a Prayer Space', which doesn't have to be a permanent installation. It could be created and themed for a particular service. Of course, this might be limited by the size of the user-group or congregation. In some contexts, it might be necessary to adapt the ideas here into multiple stations. At our last holiday club, we made a huge igloo from milk bottles, which could take up to fifteen children with adults, but it would be tricky to use on a Sunday morning when the congregation can be up to 150.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book ends with three chapters on a Messy Church session on prayer, a Quiet Day for your team, and a Messy Retreat. Even if you never hold these precise events, they might be adapted for your next church weekend. This book is handy, practical, and great value. 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\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 17 June 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Prayer\u003c\/em\u003e by Jane Leadbetter offers practical and creative ways to introduce messy congregations to prayer. In her introduction, she points out that for many of us in childhood, collective prayer was passive: someone else prayed on our behalf, and we said 'Amen.'As an alternative, she suggests hands-on ways of engaging in 'prayerful chatter' with God, so that prayer begins to come naturally as part of a real relationship. I have been involved in running messy churches for several years, and have noticed that seasoned practitioners tend to have a check list for deciding whether to choose a particular activity. A. Can the children we have do it, or will we mainly end up doing it for them? B. Do we have the materials, or can we scavenge them without asking the congregation to collect used bottle tops for weeks on end? C. Do the children have a fighting chance of making the connection between the activity and message? As a former primary-school teacher and messy-church practitioner, Leadbetter is clearly on the same page. Her ideas are simple to execute, and use everyday materials, and she is excellent at making the message integral to the task. She also suggests developments for messy-church teams looking for new ideas, like a Quiet Day for leaders and a messy retreat. I am going to take this book to our messy-church planning sessions, and I can imagine using it with my own children, too, as a way of helping us to pray together as a family.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Catherine Pickford - Team Rector in the Benwell Team Ministry, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis book explains the importance of spirituality in the life of a Messy Church and the importance of prayer in the life of families. It is filled with practical ideas for creating a prayer space and for using prayer in the celebration time of a Messy Church. There are ideas for liturgical prayers and for meal-time graces, and for a whole Messy Church session on prayer. Obviously many of these ideas could be used in other settings such as schools, Sunday clubs and activity sessions. It is a useful addition to the children's leader's bookshelf - and their practice!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom STAR - Diocese of Peterborough December 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:25+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:26+00:00","vendor":"Jane Leadbetter","type":"Paperback","tags":["For churches","Messy Church books","Nov-15","PDF","Prayer"],"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":21769224945764,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857463791","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":10536023556196,"product_id":2439763492964,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-05-16T13:05:38+01:00","updated_at":"2019-05-16T13:05:48+01:00","alt":null,"width":426,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463791-l.jpg?v=1558008348","variant_ids":[21769224945764,24431590015076]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Prayer: Developing the prayer life of your Messy Church - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":134,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857463791","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3266369716363,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463791-l.jpg?v=1558008348"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24431590015076,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"DOWNLOAD3791","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":10536023556196,"product_id":2439763492964,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-05-16T13:05:38+01:00","updated_at":"2019-05-16T13:05:48+01:00","alt":null,"width":426,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463791-l.jpg?v=1558008348","variant_ids":[21769224945764,24431590015076]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Prayer: Developing the prayer life of your Messy Church - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":799,"weight":147,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWNLOAD3791","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3266369716363,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463791-l.jpg?v=1558008348"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463791-l.jpg?v=1558008348"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463791-l.jpg?v=1558008348","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3266369716363,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463791-l.jpg?v=1558008348"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463791-l.jpg?v=1558008348","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eEquipping your Messy team to pray and encourage others to do so, both within and outside the Messy Church context.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCommunicating prayer as a concept\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePraying as a team in advance and on the day\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePrayer ideas for the activity time, celebration time, and at home as a family\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWays of praying the Lord's Prayer \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWays to reimagine other traditional prayers\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCreating a prayer space\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA Messy Quiet Day outline\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nJane 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 \r\nyears. She runs L19: Messy Church once a month.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinistry Today - Summer 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is excellent, packed with simple, practical ideas that can be used or adapted for many an All Age service. Aimed specifically at Messy Church, the book is structured around the particular elements of that format (the celebration time, the meal time, the home), but these are easily adaptable. Of particular interest for some is a very substantial chapter by Lucy Moore on 'Liturgical Prayers'. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThere is also a useful chapter on 'Creating a Prayer Space', which doesn't have to be a permanent installation. It could be created and themed for a particular service. Of course, this might be limited by the size of the user-group or congregation. In some contexts, it might be necessary to adapt the ideas here into multiple stations. At our last holiday club, we made a huge igloo from milk bottles, which could take up to fifteen children with adults, but it would be tricky to use on a Sunday morning when the congregation can be up to 150.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book ends with three chapters on a Messy Church session on prayer, a Quiet Day for your team, and a Messy Retreat. Even if you never hold these precise events, they might be adapted for your next church weekend. This book is handy, practical, and great value. 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\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 17 June 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Prayer\u003c\/em\u003e by Jane Leadbetter offers practical and creative ways to introduce messy congregations to prayer. In her introduction, she points out that for many of us in childhood, collective prayer was passive: someone else prayed on our behalf, and we said 'Amen.'As an alternative, she suggests hands-on ways of engaging in 'prayerful chatter' with God, so that prayer begins to come naturally as part of a real relationship. I have been involved in running messy churches for several years, and have noticed that seasoned practitioners tend to have a check list for deciding whether to choose a particular activity. A. Can the children we have do it, or will we mainly end up doing it for them? B. Do we have the materials, or can we scavenge them without asking the congregation to collect used bottle tops for weeks on end? C. Do the children have a fighting chance of making the connection between the activity and message? As a former primary-school teacher and messy-church practitioner, Leadbetter is clearly on the same page. Her ideas are simple to execute, and use everyday materials, and she is excellent at making the message integral to the task. She also suggests developments for messy-church teams looking for new ideas, like a Quiet Day for leaders and a messy retreat. I am going to take this book to our messy-church planning sessions, and I can imagine using it with my own children, too, as a way of helping us to pray together as a family.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Catherine Pickford - Team Rector in the Benwell Team Ministry, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis book explains the importance of spirituality in the life of a Messy Church and the importance of prayer in the life of families. It is filled with practical ideas for creating a prayer space and for using prayer in the celebration time of a Messy Church. There are ideas for liturgical prayers and for meal-time graces, and for a whole Messy Church session on prayer. Obviously many of these ideas could be used in other settings such as schools, Sunday clubs and activity sessions. It is a useful addition to the children's leader's bookshelf - and their practice!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom STAR - Diocese of Peterborough December 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n"}
You may also like:
Messy Prayer: Developing the prayer life of your Messy Church
£7.99
Equipping your Messy team to pray and encourage others to do so, both within and outside the Messy Church context....
{"id":2439756513380,"title":"Peter's Preaching: The message of Mark's Gospel","handle":"peters-preaching-the-message-of-marks-gospel","description":"\u003cp\u003eDo you know who wrote Mark's Gospel?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first glance, it may seem a ridiculous question. 'Mark, of course!' I hear you shout? But who was Mark?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark's name doesn't appear on the list of disciples, as Matthew's does. His Gospel doesn't start with a clear statement of investigation, as does Luke's, offering credibility. Yet, remarkably, large chunks of Mark's Gospel appear in both Matthew's and Luke's work. What's going on?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJeremy Duff provides insightful answers in his new book Peter's Preaching, revealing how an ancient source describes Mark as Peter's translator to a Greek-speaking world. Intriguingly, though, this source also tells us that while Mark recorded Peter's preaching 'accurately', he did not record it 'in order'. Mark devised his own order of the stories, for his own purpose, using a structure and format that were as radical in the first century as ebooks are today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut that is only the start of Jeremy's detective work in this stimulating book, which moves on to uncover Peter's thought on the key themes of the Christian message, found distributed throughout the Gospel. Jeremy pieces these themes together like a jigsaw to reveal how Peter understood them, and how that understanding helps us to appreciate the radical nature of first-century Christian faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany people have found Mark's gospel to be the most gripping of the four gospels - a real page-turner - and here Jeremy Duff helps us to understand why. This analysis will deepen your appreciation of Mark's gospel, whether you have read it just once or you are a seasoned student. I commend it to all who long to respond to Jesus with the same conviction and passion as Peter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJeremy's fresh insights and creative commentary on Mark's trend-setting Gospel not only widen our understanding of Jesus, but also pin point the way the record of Jesus' encounters with people encourage us to follow Him, be changed by Him and share Him with others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Mark Bailey, Leader, Trinity Cheltenham \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJeremy Duff is an excellent teacher, who combines first-rate scholarship with rich experience of people and church life. This makes him an ideal guide to Mark's Gospel. This book is full of fascinating insights, presented in a thoughtful, accessible and enticing way.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Graham Tomlin, Principal, St Mellitus College \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is just sort of book which BRF should be producing. It is clearly written by a scholar who has also pastoral concerns and experience, who is concerned about people and knows how ordinary people think and react. It is designed to help people get to know Mark and his message about Jesus and the significance of Jesus for us all. Every chapter is written with a gentle warmth and even gentler humour, often starting with a gripping story or scene from ordinary life. The book opens with a persuasive section, arguing that Mark is the basic gospel and that he could have won this position only because he was the 'interpreter' of Peter. It was this that gave Mark the authority which led Matthew and Luke to follow his pattern. The book also argues that Mark may be held responsible for those other two interesting Christian initiatives (quite distinct from other contemporary literature) of using book-style rather than scrolls to be rolled and unrolled, and the distinctive Christian form of abbreviating sacred names.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe basic impression which one receives throughout is that Mark was a gospel written for real people, with our concerns, worries, efforts and timidity. It constantly gives the reader pause for reflection on the concepts of friendship, loyalty, discipleship. Jesus personally chose the Twelve primarily to be with him, creating a new society, a new Israel. This made their hardness of heart, their failure to understand, their desertion all the more bitter for him; the book helps a disciple to see the depths of betrayal - theirs and ours. Their half-sight so vividly mirrors our own experience and lack of commitment (p. 49). The book is full of striking insights: if you want to understand the parables, look for the twist, where the parable diverges from normal life (p. 208). The meaning of Jesus progress to his inevitable death is sensitively painted against its biblical background; the physical horror and especially the shame of the final hours of Jesus are portrayed delicately but with devastating awareness (p. 288).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is especially helpful that long excerpts of the gospel text are given before discussion of their importance. One learns from the text!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Henry Wansbrough, Ampleforth Abbey \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Professor Jeremy Duff is the Principal of St Padarn's Institute, responsible for discipleship and ministry training and ongoing development in the Church in Wales. Over the last 20 years, he has combined a teaching ministry including major universities in the UK, as well as within the church, with church leadership, most recently in a deprived urban community near Liverpool (where Peter's Preaching was written). For ten years, he was one of the commissioning editors for BRF's Guidelines Bible reading notes, and his book The Elements of New Testament Greek (2005) is one of Cambridge University Press's bestselling religion titles. He is also the coauthor, with the Revd Dr Joanna Collicutt McGrath, of Meeting Jesus: Human responses to a yearning God (SPCK, 2006).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach - Spring 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConfession time. I didn't enjoy lectures at theological college wrestling over which Gospel was written first and who used whose material to produce their Gospel. Up to that point, I had enjoyed reading each Gospel as it was presented, and to be honest I still do. However, reading Jeremy Duff's highly scholarly but refreshingly accessible work has been a real tonic.\u003cbr\u003eThe starting point for the book is a piece of detective work examining the evidence that Mark drew heavily on Peter's sermons to construct his Gospel. Duff presents Papias' views that support this in a compelling and convincing way.\u003cbr\u003eThe heart of the book is a treatment of eight themes that are central to Mark's Gospel, each of which are rewarding and enriching to explore. In addition, Duff helpfully provides his own translation of Mark's Greek, which was often rougher than the smoother versions we read today.\u003cbr\u003eParticularly helpful is the explanation of what it means to be 'following on the way'. The picture of the disciple as one who follows Jesus and is ready to take up his cross is a vital corrective to our comfortable Christianity. As the crucifixion approaches, the disciples desert Jesus and flee, but surprising new followers come to anoint Jesus and carry his cross. The book ends, as does Mark's Gospel, with a challenge to go and meet with the risen Jesus.\u003cbr\u003eFor preachers who are in a hurry with a sermon deadline approaching, this book won't be the best source of last-minute help. However, for all who want to understand Mark's Gospel more fully, whether preaching or not, this is a deeply rewarding read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Birchall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader Spring 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a latecomer to the Markan library, and is not a commentary but a guide to reading Mark's gospel. It is based on the idea that what we have in Mark's text is a kind of compendium of Peter's preaching, written down by Mark- who incidentally seems not to have been the young man who ran off naked after Jesus' arrest. The author presents us with a different way to read Mark's gospel, taking a thematic approach - miracles, the identity of Jesus, parables - and shows how carefully the original text was structured to make particular points. Duff writes accessibly and intermingles biblical exposition with some telling contemporary illustrations. There is a wealth of preaching material here and many helpful insights. The author also includes some interesting historical and contextual comments, such as that Mark was perhaps responsible for encouraging the use of the new codex format in preference to the more traditional scrolls. This highlights the one failing of Duff's book - the lack of references to any other literature. But this book is not offered as an academic text and his credentials are attested by his time as a New Testament tutor at Oxford - so we can take his word on trust. In the same way he encourages us to receive Mark's gospel as Peter's word to the early church - and to us - about the good news that is Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarion Gray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 8 January 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003ePeter's Preaching\u003c\/em\u003e: \u003cem\u003eThe Message of Mark's Gospel\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, GBP9.99), Jeremy Duff takes what is arguably the foundational document of Christianity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is argued that Mark has written down and edited some of what Peter has remembered from all that he heard of Jesus' public and private teaching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 10 chapters cover Peter's preaching thematically in a style which combines in-depth analysis and Bible reading notes. To this end, the book can be taken as a devotional, taking one section each day. The encouraging conclusion is that, despite our faults and failures, like Peter, we can pick ourselves up and meet Jesus again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rev Paul Wilson is development worker for Methodist Evangelicals Together.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-14T16:21:45+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:03+00:00","vendor":"Jeremy Duff","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Kindle"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"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":21769146859620,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857463500","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436587532388,"product_id":2439756513380,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:03+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:08+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463500-l.jpg?v=1549043168","variant_ids":[21769146859620]},"available":false,"name":"Peter's Preaching: The message of Mark's Gospel - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":211,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857463500","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238875496587,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463500-l.jpg?v=1549043168"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463500-l.jpg?v=1549043168"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463500-l.jpg?v=1549043168","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238875496587,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463500-l.jpg?v=1549043168"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463500-l.jpg?v=1549043168","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eDo you know who wrote Mark's Gospel?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first glance, it may seem a ridiculous question. 'Mark, of course!' I hear you shout? But who was Mark?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark's name doesn't appear on the list of disciples, as Matthew's does. His Gospel doesn't start with a clear statement of investigation, as does Luke's, offering credibility. Yet, remarkably, large chunks of Mark's Gospel appear in both Matthew's and Luke's work. What's going on?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJeremy Duff provides insightful answers in his new book Peter's Preaching, revealing how an ancient source describes Mark as Peter's translator to a Greek-speaking world. Intriguingly, though, this source also tells us that while Mark recorded Peter's preaching 'accurately', he did not record it 'in order'. Mark devised his own order of the stories, for his own purpose, using a structure and format that were as radical in the first century as ebooks are today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut that is only the start of Jeremy's detective work in this stimulating book, which moves on to uncover Peter's thought on the key themes of the Christian message, found distributed throughout the Gospel. Jeremy pieces these themes together like a jigsaw to reveal how Peter understood them, and how that understanding helps us to appreciate the radical nature of first-century Christian faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany people have found Mark's gospel to be the most gripping of the four gospels - a real page-turner - and here Jeremy Duff helps us to understand why. This analysis will deepen your appreciation of Mark's gospel, whether you have read it just once or you are a seasoned student. I commend it to all who long to respond to Jesus with the same conviction and passion as Peter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJeremy's fresh insights and creative commentary on Mark's trend-setting Gospel not only widen our understanding of Jesus, but also pin point the way the record of Jesus' encounters with people encourage us to follow Him, be changed by Him and share Him with others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Mark Bailey, Leader, Trinity Cheltenham \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJeremy Duff is an excellent teacher, who combines first-rate scholarship with rich experience of people and church life. This makes him an ideal guide to Mark's Gospel. This book is full of fascinating insights, presented in a thoughtful, accessible and enticing way.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Graham Tomlin, Principal, St Mellitus College \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is just sort of book which BRF should be producing. It is clearly written by a scholar who has also pastoral concerns and experience, who is concerned about people and knows how ordinary people think and react. It is designed to help people get to know Mark and his message about Jesus and the significance of Jesus for us all. Every chapter is written with a gentle warmth and even gentler humour, often starting with a gripping story or scene from ordinary life. The book opens with a persuasive section, arguing that Mark is the basic gospel and that he could have won this position only because he was the 'interpreter' of Peter. It was this that gave Mark the authority which led Matthew and Luke to follow his pattern. The book also argues that Mark may be held responsible for those other two interesting Christian initiatives (quite distinct from other contemporary literature) of using book-style rather than scrolls to be rolled and unrolled, and the distinctive Christian form of abbreviating sacred names.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe basic impression which one receives throughout is that Mark was a gospel written for real people, with our concerns, worries, efforts and timidity. It constantly gives the reader pause for reflection on the concepts of friendship, loyalty, discipleship. Jesus personally chose the Twelve primarily to be with him, creating a new society, a new Israel. This made their hardness of heart, their failure to understand, their desertion all the more bitter for him; the book helps a disciple to see the depths of betrayal - theirs and ours. Their half-sight so vividly mirrors our own experience and lack of commitment (p. 49). The book is full of striking insights: if you want to understand the parables, look for the twist, where the parable diverges from normal life (p. 208). The meaning of Jesus progress to his inevitable death is sensitively painted against its biblical background; the physical horror and especially the shame of the final hours of Jesus are portrayed delicately but with devastating awareness (p. 288).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is especially helpful that long excerpts of the gospel text are given before discussion of their importance. One learns from the text!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Henry Wansbrough, Ampleforth Abbey \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Professor Jeremy Duff is the Principal of St Padarn's Institute, responsible for discipleship and ministry training and ongoing development in the Church in Wales. Over the last 20 years, he has combined a teaching ministry including major universities in the UK, as well as within the church, with church leadership, most recently in a deprived urban community near Liverpool (where Peter's Preaching was written). For ten years, he was one of the commissioning editors for BRF's Guidelines Bible reading notes, and his book The Elements of New Testament Greek (2005) is one of Cambridge University Press's bestselling religion titles. He is also the coauthor, with the Revd Dr Joanna Collicutt McGrath, of Meeting Jesus: Human responses to a yearning God (SPCK, 2006).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach - Spring 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConfession time. I didn't enjoy lectures at theological college wrestling over which Gospel was written first and who used whose material to produce their Gospel. Up to that point, I had enjoyed reading each Gospel as it was presented, and to be honest I still do. However, reading Jeremy Duff's highly scholarly but refreshingly accessible work has been a real tonic.\u003cbr\u003eThe starting point for the book is a piece of detective work examining the evidence that Mark drew heavily on Peter's sermons to construct his Gospel. Duff presents Papias' views that support this in a compelling and convincing way.\u003cbr\u003eThe heart of the book is a treatment of eight themes that are central to Mark's Gospel, each of which are rewarding and enriching to explore. In addition, Duff helpfully provides his own translation of Mark's Greek, which was often rougher than the smoother versions we read today.\u003cbr\u003eParticularly helpful is the explanation of what it means to be 'following on the way'. The picture of the disciple as one who follows Jesus and is ready to take up his cross is a vital corrective to our comfortable Christianity. As the crucifixion approaches, the disciples desert Jesus and flee, but surprising new followers come to anoint Jesus and carry his cross. The book ends, as does Mark's Gospel, with a challenge to go and meet with the risen Jesus.\u003cbr\u003eFor preachers who are in a hurry with a sermon deadline approaching, this book won't be the best source of last-minute help. However, for all who want to understand Mark's Gospel more fully, whether preaching or not, this is a deeply rewarding read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Birchall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader Spring 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a latecomer to the Markan library, and is not a commentary but a guide to reading Mark's gospel. It is based on the idea that what we have in Mark's text is a kind of compendium of Peter's preaching, written down by Mark- who incidentally seems not to have been the young man who ran off naked after Jesus' arrest. The author presents us with a different way to read Mark's gospel, taking a thematic approach - miracles, the identity of Jesus, parables - and shows how carefully the original text was structured to make particular points. Duff writes accessibly and intermingles biblical exposition with some telling contemporary illustrations. There is a wealth of preaching material here and many helpful insights. The author also includes some interesting historical and contextual comments, such as that Mark was perhaps responsible for encouraging the use of the new codex format in preference to the more traditional scrolls. This highlights the one failing of Duff's book - the lack of references to any other literature. But this book is not offered as an academic text and his credentials are attested by his time as a New Testament tutor at Oxford - so we can take his word on trust. In the same way he encourages us to receive Mark's gospel as Peter's word to the early church - and to us - about the good news that is Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarion Gray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 8 January 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003ePeter's Preaching\u003c\/em\u003e: \u003cem\u003eThe Message of Mark's Gospel\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, GBP9.99), Jeremy Duff takes what is arguably the foundational document of Christianity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is argued that Mark has written down and edited some of what Peter has remembered from all that he heard of Jesus' public and private teaching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 10 chapters cover Peter's preaching thematically in a style which combines in-depth analysis and Bible reading notes. To this end, the book can be taken as a devotional, taking one section each day. The encouraging conclusion is that, despite our faults and failures, like Peter, we can pick ourselves up and meet Jesus again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rev Paul Wilson is development worker for Methodist Evangelicals Together.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e"}
You may also like:
Peter's Preaching: The message of Mark's Gospel
Out of Stock
Do you know who wrote Mark's Gospel? At first glance, it may seem a ridiculous question. 'Mark, of course!' I...
Out of Stock
{"id":2439751204964,"title":"Hilda of Whitby: A spirituality for now","handle":"hilda-of-whitby-a-spirituality-for-now","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the dark and turbulent centuries after the Roman occupation of Britain and during the Anglo-Saxon colonisation, the light of heaven still shone through the work and witness of the monastic communities, ‘villages of God’, which dotted the land. One of the most remarkable figures of those times was Hilda of Whitby. Born and reared among warring pagan tribes, through the influence of Celtic saints and scholars she became a dominant figure in the development of the British Church, above all at the famous Synod where Celtic and Roman Churches came together. This book not only explores the drama of Hilda’s life and ministry but shows what spiritual lessons we can draw for Christian life and leadership today.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished to coincide with the 1400th anniversary of the birth of Hilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForeword by the Archbishop of York\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have much to be thankful for in God's own county, but of all the bright stars of Yorkshire's rich heritage of Christian witness, for me St Hilda of Whitby shines out as one of the brightest. I am thankful to Ray Simpson for retelling her story in a way that connects so directly with our contemporary world, inspiring prayer and reflection which I trust will bear fruit as it did so abundantly, graciously, and quietly in her own life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI enjoy my visits to Whitby, not just for the fantastic kippers I often come away with, but also because Hilda's memory lives on in the faith, hope, and love of today's Christian community in that town. I thank God also that the Sisters of the Order of the Holy Paraclete continue the monastic tradition in that town, with their Mother House, St Hilda's Priory, Sneaton Castle, looking across the bay to the ruins of the Abbey where Hilda's church once stood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHilda's example of self-sacrificial leadership, and of courageous acceptance of what the gathered church discerned as the will of God, is a particular challenge to us today. At the Synod of Whitby over which she presided, although she was a firm believer in the Celtic way, she accepted fundamental changes to the time-honoured ecclesiastical polity of the Celtic Church. She was willing to embrace the new ways of the Roman mission for the sake of the unity of the Church's witness in this land.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHilda was baptised on Easter Day, April 12th 627 on the site where York Minster stands today, along with King Edwin, by Paulinus, first Bishop of York. In recent years I have baptised new believers on the same spot outside the Minster, along with other local church leaders. I visited Hinderwell a few months after becoming Archbishop of York. I baptised a baby at Hilda's well and drank water from the well too!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy prayer is that those baptised today, and all of us who seek to follow Jesus in the North of England, will follow Hilda's example. With her I hope we shall live wholeheartedly for Jesus, carrying the light of God into the communities to which we belong, and seeing the love of God transform both church and nation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book will help us along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e+Sentamu Eboracencis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca id=\"introduction\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorn into a pagan, Anglo Saxon family in the province of Deira (land to the north of the Humber) in 614, Hilda's early life was to witness much of the brutality and darkness for which that period has become most famous. Her own father was poisoned in the continuing battle for power between ruling claimants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer first encounter with Christianity happened after her uncle Edwin won power, encountering a vision of Christ which led to the family's baptism. But victory was short term and Hilda was forced into exile in the Christian kingdom of the East Angles, holding on to her newfound faith while others cast it aside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHilda returned north after power passed to the Christian ruler Oswald who set out to reconvert the people of the area, inviting Aidan of Ireland to lead the work. Hilda had only known Christianity with Roman roots. She now came into direct contact with Celtic Christianity for the first time and discovered a stark difference in terms of lifestyle, approaches to mission, models of church and the requirements of soul friends to assist personal faith development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHilda planned to become a nun and depart overseas, but Aidan convinced Hilda to stay and set her on the path of her life's work of pioneering monasteries and establishing learning for men and women. The Celtic church had no qualms over women leadership, unlike the Roman church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving set the scene, Ray Simpson goes on to unfold the story of Hilda's work at Hartlepool and Whitby, drawing out key lessons for our own age from her life, work and legacy and through questions for reflection, encourages personal application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust before her birth, Hilda's mother had a vision of light cast across Britain from a necklace - a vision that St Bede, writing in his Ecclesiastical History of the English People (completed 731AD), regarded as being fulfilled through Hilda, and a light Ray Simpson now projects into our own age. Published to coincide with the 1400th anniversary of the birth of Hilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nThere have been times and places where the wise woman or wise man was central to the community. These people were not pandered celebrities, but those open to the depths of God, and a way of love. Hilda was such a woman. 'Hilda of Whitby' reveals Hilda's secret as well as her history and perhaps may challenge us to seek new styles of leadership for today. Penny Warren, Members' Guardian, Community of Aidan and Hilda\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nRay Simpson is a founder of the international new monastic movement known as The Community of Aidan and Hilda and is principal tutor of its Celtic Christian Studies programmes. He has written some thirty books on spirituality and lives on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, where many Christian leaders come to the Community's Retreat House and Library and for consultation. He tweets a daily prayer @whitehouseviews and writes a weekly blog on www.raysimpson.org\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis enthusiastic and well-informed book is the work of an author who knows his topic well from within, and is delighted by it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\nHe first tells the story of Christianity in Britain - especially northern Britain - in the days when the Romans had just left and the early Anglo-Saxon Christians were beginning to form a new kind of society. So the word 'spirituality' heads the first three chapters and deals in turn with factors that did, over those early centuries, form just that. We read that it was uphill work, but work that paid off - and out of which we are still, today, reaping benefit.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\nOf the people who played an important part in establishing Christianity in north Britain, some names live on. In this book, Simpson is most interested in St Hilda, who, as he makes clear, was responsible for much of the dedicated and enthusiastic work that rooted Christianity. For her, the gospel was the beginning, middle, and end of things.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n(There were, of course, many other saints. Aidan's is the other name that crops up frequently, and he, Simpson says, profoundly impressed Hilda. Those two names are today linked in the name of the Community of Aidan and Hilda, a community that Simpson founded, and which is centred on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.)\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n'Wholeness is the realisation of our humanity,' Simpson writes as he describes spiritual formation at Whitby 14 centuries ago. In his recounting of his own experience, one senses that the claim may well be authenticated.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\nThe story told in this book is, indeed, a powerful one. Reading it may well bring to the attention of more people the value (to both Church and society) of religious communities. Currently, many of these are getting smaller and smaller. I sense, however, that here is an authentic reaching out of the past to find a way of living the Christian life, both in everyday society and in a dedicated community. Such a relationship is one that may well 'bear fruit, fruit that shall last'.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Armson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCanon Armson is a former Precentor of Rochester Cathedral\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:43+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:45+00:00","vendor":"Ray Simpson","type":"Paperback","tags":["Celtic Christianity","For individuals","Glassboxx","Kindle","Mar-14","Spirituality","Women"],"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":21769092857956,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841017280","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436560793700,"product_id":2439751204964,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:45+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:11+00:00","alt":null,"width":369,"height":561,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017280-l.jpg?v=1549043171","variant_ids":[21769092857956]},"available":true,"name":"Hilda of Whitby: A spirituality for now - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":107,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841017280","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238875201675,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"width":369,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017280-l.jpg?v=1549043171"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017280-l.jpg?v=1549043171"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017280-l.jpg?v=1549043171","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238875201675,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"width":369,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017280-l.jpg?v=1549043171"},"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017280-l.jpg?v=1549043171","width":369}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the dark and turbulent centuries after the Roman occupation of Britain and during the Anglo-Saxon colonisation, the light of heaven still shone through the work and witness of the monastic communities, ‘villages of God’, which dotted the land. One of the most remarkable figures of those times was Hilda of Whitby. Born and reared among warring pagan tribes, through the influence of Celtic saints and scholars she became a dominant figure in the development of the British Church, above all at the famous Synod where Celtic and Roman Churches came together. This book not only explores the drama of Hilda’s life and ministry but shows what spiritual lessons we can draw for Christian life and leadership today.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished to coincide with the 1400th anniversary of the birth of Hilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForeword by the Archbishop of York\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have much to be thankful for in God's own county, but of all the bright stars of Yorkshire's rich heritage of Christian witness, for me St Hilda of Whitby shines out as one of the brightest. I am thankful to Ray Simpson for retelling her story in a way that connects so directly with our contemporary world, inspiring prayer and reflection which I trust will bear fruit as it did so abundantly, graciously, and quietly in her own life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI enjoy my visits to Whitby, not just for the fantastic kippers I often come away with, but also because Hilda's memory lives on in the faith, hope, and love of today's Christian community in that town. I thank God also that the Sisters of the Order of the Holy Paraclete continue the monastic tradition in that town, with their Mother House, St Hilda's Priory, Sneaton Castle, looking across the bay to the ruins of the Abbey where Hilda's church once stood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHilda's example of self-sacrificial leadership, and of courageous acceptance of what the gathered church discerned as the will of God, is a particular challenge to us today. At the Synod of Whitby over which she presided, although she was a firm believer in the Celtic way, she accepted fundamental changes to the time-honoured ecclesiastical polity of the Celtic Church. She was willing to embrace the new ways of the Roman mission for the sake of the unity of the Church's witness in this land.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHilda was baptised on Easter Day, April 12th 627 on the site where York Minster stands today, along with King Edwin, by Paulinus, first Bishop of York. In recent years I have baptised new believers on the same spot outside the Minster, along with other local church leaders. I visited Hinderwell a few months after becoming Archbishop of York. I baptised a baby at Hilda's well and drank water from the well too!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy prayer is that those baptised today, and all of us who seek to follow Jesus in the North of England, will follow Hilda's example. With her I hope we shall live wholeheartedly for Jesus, carrying the light of God into the communities to which we belong, and seeing the love of God transform both church and nation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book will help us along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e+Sentamu Eboracencis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca id=\"introduction\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorn into a pagan, Anglo Saxon family in the province of Deira (land to the north of the Humber) in 614, Hilda's early life was to witness much of the brutality and darkness for which that period has become most famous. Her own father was poisoned in the continuing battle for power between ruling claimants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer first encounter with Christianity happened after her uncle Edwin won power, encountering a vision of Christ which led to the family's baptism. But victory was short term and Hilda was forced into exile in the Christian kingdom of the East Angles, holding on to her newfound faith while others cast it aside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHilda returned north after power passed to the Christian ruler Oswald who set out to reconvert the people of the area, inviting Aidan of Ireland to lead the work. Hilda had only known Christianity with Roman roots. She now came into direct contact with Celtic Christianity for the first time and discovered a stark difference in terms of lifestyle, approaches to mission, models of church and the requirements of soul friends to assist personal faith development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHilda planned to become a nun and depart overseas, but Aidan convinced Hilda to stay and set her on the path of her life's work of pioneering monasteries and establishing learning for men and women. The Celtic church had no qualms over women leadership, unlike the Roman church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving set the scene, Ray Simpson goes on to unfold the story of Hilda's work at Hartlepool and Whitby, drawing out key lessons for our own age from her life, work and legacy and through questions for reflection, encourages personal application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust before her birth, Hilda's mother had a vision of light cast across Britain from a necklace - a vision that St Bede, writing in his Ecclesiastical History of the English People (completed 731AD), regarded as being fulfilled through Hilda, and a light Ray Simpson now projects into our own age. Published to coincide with the 1400th anniversary of the birth of Hilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nThere have been times and places where the wise woman or wise man was central to the community. These people were not pandered celebrities, but those open to the depths of God, and a way of love. Hilda was such a woman. 'Hilda of Whitby' reveals Hilda's secret as well as her history and perhaps may challenge us to seek new styles of leadership for today. Penny Warren, Members' Guardian, Community of Aidan and Hilda\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nRay Simpson is a founder of the international new monastic movement known as The Community of Aidan and Hilda and is principal tutor of its Celtic Christian Studies programmes. He has written some thirty books on spirituality and lives on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, where many Christian leaders come to the Community's Retreat House and Library and for consultation. He tweets a daily prayer @whitehouseviews and writes a weekly blog on www.raysimpson.org\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis enthusiastic and well-informed book is the work of an author who knows his topic well from within, and is delighted by it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\nHe first tells the story of Christianity in Britain - especially northern Britain - in the days when the Romans had just left and the early Anglo-Saxon Christians were beginning to form a new kind of society. So the word 'spirituality' heads the first three chapters and deals in turn with factors that did, over those early centuries, form just that. We read that it was uphill work, but work that paid off - and out of which we are still, today, reaping benefit.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\nOf the people who played an important part in establishing Christianity in north Britain, some names live on. In this book, Simpson is most interested in St Hilda, who, as he makes clear, was responsible for much of the dedicated and enthusiastic work that rooted Christianity. For her, the gospel was the beginning, middle, and end of things.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n(There were, of course, many other saints. Aidan's is the other name that crops up frequently, and he, Simpson says, profoundly impressed Hilda. Those two names are today linked in the name of the Community of Aidan and Hilda, a community that Simpson founded, and which is centred on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.)\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n'Wholeness is the realisation of our humanity,' Simpson writes as he describes spiritual formation at Whitby 14 centuries ago. In his recounting of his own experience, one senses that the claim may well be authenticated.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\nThe story told in this book is, indeed, a powerful one. Reading it may well bring to the attention of more people the value (to both Church and society) of religious communities. Currently, many of these are getting smaller and smaller. I sense, however, that here is an authentic reaching out of the past to find a way of living the Christian life, both in everyday society and in a dedicated community. Such a relationship is one that may well 'bear fruit, fruit that shall last'.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Armson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCanon Armson is a former Precentor of Rochester Cathedral\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Hilda of Whitby: A spirituality for now
£8.99
In the dark and turbulent centuries after the Roman occupation of Britain and during the Anglo-Saxon colonisation, the light of...
{"id":2439750189156,"title":"80 Creative Prayer Ideas: A resource for church and group use","handle":"80-creative-prayer-ideas-a-resource-for-church-and-group-use","description":"\u003cp\u003ePrayer is a vital part of the Christian life but people often struggle with actually getting on and doing it. This book offers 80 imaginative and creative ideas for setting up 'prayer stations', practical ways of praying that involve the senses - touching, tasting, smelling, seeing, and hearing, rather than simply reflecting, as we bring our hopes, fears, dreams and doubts to God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeveloped from material tried and tested with small groups, the ideas here provide activities ranging from bubble prayers to clay pot prayers (via just about everything else in between), and have been designed to be used with grown-ups - of all ages!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eForeword\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that is so needed in our word filled world! It is wonderfully creative, helping us to engage with all of our being in the whole business of listening to, walking with, waiting for and talking with God. It provides biblically based ideas to make prayer accessible to an individual, small group or church congregation in ways that are engaging, stimulating and fun!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo many people find getting down to pray and praying hard, whether they try on their own or with others in a small group or in a church setting. Often this is because we rely solely on using verbal tools to 'pray'. And while that does work for some of us, others need to engage more actively in the doing and so be able to connect with the Bible passage, themes or issues in more interactive ways which enable our praying to flow for ourselves and for others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI hope this book will spur on leaders who want to include creative praying in church services and home groups as well as individuals who want to explore new ways of encountering God in the place of prayer. Jesus clearly showed us what our responsibilities are as his followers: to pray for his kingdom to come and for his will to be done in and for our families and our neighbours; in our communities , our nation and our world. Let's use these creative methods of prayer and see where God leads us as we sense our own prayer journey developing and reaching up to God and out to those he puts on our heart to pray for and about.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJane Holloway, World Prayer Centre, Birmingham\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire Daniels' book not only offers us a wide variety of ways to engage with God, but opens up experiences that ignite our senses and help us step right into an enhanced understanding of God and of our journey with him. This is a book that is so needed in our word filled world!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJane Holloway, World Prayer Centre, Birmingham \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/ClaireDaniel2_480x480.jpg?v=1676493596\" width=\"133\" height=\"127\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eClaire Daniel has led creative prayer sessions for a variety of age groups at Aldridge Parish Church, near Birmingham and also for The Hothouse, a fresh expression of church and growing worshipping community in the West Midlands. She is passionate about encouraging others to explore different ways of praying and supporting groups and churches to use creative prayer ideas in ministry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the Diocese of Lichfield Magazine July\/August 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreative Prayer 'it enables you to respond to God in practical and very personal ways. When the words won't come - because you feel inadequate or don't know what to say, you can do something and physically give it to God.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire Daniel wrote her new book, 80 Creative Prayer Ideas, either side of the birth of her son. The book features prayer ideas and approaches that involve all the senses. Each prayer idea is built around a bible reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'The thing with creative prayer is it gives the chance to spend time with God. It is not just about a list of requests, thanks or things you've done wrong, it is listening to God.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'People can develop through creative prayer because it gives you the time and space to listen and let God work. There is a place for liturgical prayer, but also something significant in doing things a different way.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire leads prayer sessions at Aldridge Parish Church and also at The Hothouse, a fresh expression of church and growing worship community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'We do creative prayer as part of the Hothouse services once a fortnight. Prayer stations are firmly something for adults, not just children. When I personally started creative prayer, I found it brilliant, and powerful - especially where you can take something away as a keep sake of faith and return to it again.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'People are really excited, and raring to use it. Our youth fellowship can't wait to get their hands on it. I would love to speak or lead workshops for churches that are passionate about different ways of praying, bringing alive their prayer life.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a youth and children's worker I am always looking out for ideas for creative ways to encourage people to pray, so I have seen many resource books on how to engage people in prayer. I came to this book wondering what could be said that has not already been said and what new ideas might be included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. The book is divided into various sections looking at different areas of walking with God - walking with the Bible, walking in our world, walking as a church, walking together with God and our personal walk with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder each of these headings are a series of chapters looking at prayer for different people and different seasons. Each idea is then divided into a prayer focus, Bible reflection and personal reflection. There is also a section highlighting what materials you would need to have ready in order to make your prayer session interactive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout the book are ideas using all our senses and having already used several of the ideas I can testify to the fact that they work well with different age groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo I would highly recommend this book for people who lead prayers in their church, house groups, schools or in youth and children's ministry. There is a wealth of different ideas here and for GBP8.99 it is excellent value for money.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Sharon Prior. Co-founder and Chair of the Sophia Network.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:39+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:41+00:00","vendor":"Claire Daniel","type":"Paperback","tags":["For churches","Group reading","Jun-14","Kindle","Prayer"],"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":21769083355236,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841016887","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":72465225679228,"product_id":2439750189156,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-12-13T13:45:12+00:00","updated_at":"2024-12-13T13:45:25+00:00","alt":null,"width":1303,"height":2000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/kindlebookswithlogo.png?v=1734097525","variant_ids":[21769083355236]},"available":true,"name":"80 Creative Prayer Ideas: A resource for church and group use - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":254,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841016887","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":63561186410876,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/kindlebookswithlogo.png?v=1734097525"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/kindlebookswithlogo.png?v=1734097525","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/40_09f3be0c-e893-4532-a5ea-4e12e36e8d04.png?v=1734097525"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/kindlebookswithlogo.png?v=1734097525","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63561186410876,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/kindlebookswithlogo.png?v=1734097525"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/kindlebookswithlogo.png?v=1734097525","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":63560967487868,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/40_09f3be0c-e893-4532-a5ea-4e12e36e8d04.png?v=1734097525"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/40_09f3be0c-e893-4532-a5ea-4e12e36e8d04.png?v=1734097525","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003ePrayer is a vital part of the Christian life but people often struggle with actually getting on and doing it. This book offers 80 imaginative and creative ideas for setting up 'prayer stations', practical ways of praying that involve the senses - touching, tasting, smelling, seeing, and hearing, rather than simply reflecting, as we bring our hopes, fears, dreams and doubts to God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeveloped from material tried and tested with small groups, the ideas here provide activities ranging from bubble prayers to clay pot prayers (via just about everything else in between), and have been designed to be used with grown-ups - of all ages!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eForeword\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that is so needed in our word filled world! It is wonderfully creative, helping us to engage with all of our being in the whole business of listening to, walking with, waiting for and talking with God. It provides biblically based ideas to make prayer accessible to an individual, small group or church congregation in ways that are engaging, stimulating and fun!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo many people find getting down to pray and praying hard, whether they try on their own or with others in a small group or in a church setting. Often this is because we rely solely on using verbal tools to 'pray'. And while that does work for some of us, others need to engage more actively in the doing and so be able to connect with the Bible passage, themes or issues in more interactive ways which enable our praying to flow for ourselves and for others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI hope this book will spur on leaders who want to include creative praying in church services and home groups as well as individuals who want to explore new ways of encountering God in the place of prayer. Jesus clearly showed us what our responsibilities are as his followers: to pray for his kingdom to come and for his will to be done in and for our families and our neighbours; in our communities , our nation and our world. Let's use these creative methods of prayer and see where God leads us as we sense our own prayer journey developing and reaching up to God and out to those he puts on our heart to pray for and about.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJane Holloway, World Prayer Centre, Birmingham\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire Daniels' book not only offers us a wide variety of ways to engage with God, but opens up experiences that ignite our senses and help us step right into an enhanced understanding of God and of our journey with him. This is a book that is so needed in our word filled world!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJane Holloway, World Prayer Centre, Birmingham \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/ClaireDaniel2_480x480.jpg?v=1676493596\" width=\"133\" height=\"127\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eClaire Daniel has led creative prayer sessions for a variety of age groups at Aldridge Parish Church, near Birmingham and also for The Hothouse, a fresh expression of church and growing worshipping community in the West Midlands. She is passionate about encouraging others to explore different ways of praying and supporting groups and churches to use creative prayer ideas in ministry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the Diocese of Lichfield Magazine July\/August 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreative Prayer 'it enables you to respond to God in practical and very personal ways. When the words won't come - because you feel inadequate or don't know what to say, you can do something and physically give it to God.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire Daniel wrote her new book, 80 Creative Prayer Ideas, either side of the birth of her son. The book features prayer ideas and approaches that involve all the senses. Each prayer idea is built around a bible reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'The thing with creative prayer is it gives the chance to spend time with God. It is not just about a list of requests, thanks or things you've done wrong, it is listening to God.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'People can develop through creative prayer because it gives you the time and space to listen and let God work. There is a place for liturgical prayer, but also something significant in doing things a different way.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire leads prayer sessions at Aldridge Parish Church and also at The Hothouse, a fresh expression of church and growing worship community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'We do creative prayer as part of the Hothouse services once a fortnight. Prayer stations are firmly something for adults, not just children. When I personally started creative prayer, I found it brilliant, and powerful - especially where you can take something away as a keep sake of faith and return to it again.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'People are really excited, and raring to use it. Our youth fellowship can't wait to get their hands on it. I would love to speak or lead workshops for churches that are passionate about different ways of praying, bringing alive their prayer life.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a youth and children's worker I am always looking out for ideas for creative ways to encourage people to pray, so I have seen many resource books on how to engage people in prayer. I came to this book wondering what could be said that has not already been said and what new ideas might be included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. The book is divided into various sections looking at different areas of walking with God - walking with the Bible, walking in our world, walking as a church, walking together with God and our personal walk with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder each of these headings are a series of chapters looking at prayer for different people and different seasons. Each idea is then divided into a prayer focus, Bible reflection and personal reflection. There is also a section highlighting what materials you would need to have ready in order to make your prayer session interactive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout the book are ideas using all our senses and having already used several of the ideas I can testify to the fact that they work well with different age groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo I would highly recommend this book for people who lead prayers in their church, house groups, schools or in youth and children's ministry. There is a wealth of different ideas here and for GBP8.99 it is excellent value for money.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Sharon Prior. Co-founder and Chair of the Sophia Network.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
80 Creative Prayer Ideas: A resource for church and group use
£8.99
Prayer is a vital part of the Christian life but people often struggle with actually getting on and doing it....
{"id":2439748321380,"title":"The Barnabas Family Bible","handle":"the-barnabas-family-bible","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn essential resource for families to share together\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Barnabas Family Bible is designed to equip parents and carers to look at key Bible passages with their children in a structured way. Differing from a children's Bible in that it is written to promote an interactive family study time, it contains 110 key extracts, using the Contemporary English Version of the Bible text and spanning the whole Bible narrative. Each section includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommentary on the passage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuestions to discuss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisual aid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActivity idea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrayer idea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKey verse\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOld or New Testament story link\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso included:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuidance and support for sharing faith as a family\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA family-friendly overview of the Bible story\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA selection of best-loved Bible passages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFurther resources to support families and family Bible study\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ca id=\"interview\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJane and Martyn introduce the Barnabas Family Bible\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI wonder how the Christian faith was passed on to you. Did you read Bible stories together at home? How did your parents encourage you to pray? Was God ever mentioned in everyday life?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll current research on faith development affirms that if faith isn't passed on, lived out and nurtured in the home, we can't then reasonably expect children and grandchildren to catch that faith. For too long, particularly in the Protestant Church, we have over-relied on our Sunday worship as the key way to pass on the good news to the next generation. But how on earth can 40 minutes of Sunday school once a week and the occasional family service ever be expected to nurture a deep and real encounter with God for our children? Unless we experience God's presence in the everyday of our weekday lives, faith is highly likely to remain sheltered, shallow and vulnerable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF has been building on these insights for some years now and, in partnership with others, has sought to put faith nurture back in the hands of parents and carers. The publication this autumn of The Barnabas Family Bible will be a huge help in this respect. For each of its 110 key Bible stories there is a wealth of support material designed to equip parents and carers to explore those stories creatively with children in the home environment. There are suggestions for family activities and ideas for prayer and visual aids, as well as a short commentary on each passage that applies its teaching to the cut and thrust of family life today. As such it will be an invaluable resource to those parents and carers who long to help their children enjoy the Bible and who also, along with their children, want to hear how God can speak to them and be with them seven days a week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis publication from BRF also contains helpful guidelines for parents and carers about passing on our faith within the family, on topics such as prayer, reading the Bible together and handling difficult questions. It will also, we believe, prove to be a really useful tool for leaders of all-age worship who are looking for inspiration to bring Bible stories to life when children are present in services.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoses advised all the people of God to talk about his laws together and 'to tell them to your children over and over again. Talk about them all the time, whether you're at home or walking on the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning' (Deuteronomy 6:7, CEV). This is the way to pass on our Christian faith - not necessarily needing to find more hours in an already overstretched schedule but to find God in your existing life pattern; to find God in the everyday. \u003cstrong\u003eThe Barnabas Family Bible\u003c\/strong\u003e offers to help parents and children today to do just that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nBible Society believes that every child has the right to experience the Bible for themselves and that's why we're excited to be partnering with BRF in the publication of The Barnabas Family Bible. This book encourages families to sit and explore the riches of the Bible together, reading the Bible text of 110 popular stories while delving deeper through activities, questions and prayers. Millions of people around the world have grown up with the Bible stories. It is our hope that The Barnabas Family Bible will enable families to keep the Bible alive for another generation. James Catford, Group Chief Executive, Bible Society\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview from April\/May 2015 Childrenswork magazine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Barnabas Family Bible is for parents, grandparents, carers and anyone of a similar nature, but this resource would still work in a small group setting. The book provides 100 stories with an activity idea, a visual aid, key verse and questions for each story. It's a refreshing change to see a few stories in here that other resources haven't explored such as sill-sleeping Eutychus, Rahab and the spies and Revelation. The bright cover is unfortunately where the bold colours stop as each story is displayed using only black and white text. The activities and visual aid section for each story gives you detailed ideas of what to use to fill this gap but requires a little more preparation time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI used this resource with my own children who are four, seven and ten. With that wide an age range it was clear that there was something for each of them in each story but that some elements are a bit advanced for younger children. The visual aids and activities however do provide a chance for them to all do something together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere isn't a suggested time for each story which is fine because some stories needed more time to unpack and some needed to be picked up again at another time. The commentaries for each story are great if you need to better summarise the story but can't do so in your own words. There is a helpful section at the back if you are trying something like this for the first time, with tips on how to pray as a family and ideas on how to establish a time for these activities. This is a solid resource, making these stories relatable and easier to understand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLloyd Kinsley, Premier Childrenswork\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Pobl Dewi, Diocese of St David's March 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a fantastic gem to have in your homes, churches, Sunday schools and children's clubs - it's a book to be used and not left on the shelf. The Barnabas Family Bible is an excellent resource and contains 110 essential Bible stories for families - grandparents, parents, carers or anyone who has the privilege and responsibility of caring for children - which they can share together. It contains a superb range of stories from the book of Genesis to the book of Revelation. Each story is presented on a double page with the reading on one side and, on the other, a variety of different ways to engage with the biblical passage which includes a short commentary and questions that can be used around the food table or in a group. Other suggestions are also included under the headings 'visual aid', 'activity idea' and 'prayer idea', with an Old or New Testament story link. There doesn't seem to be a suggested time limit on the activities or how many days you spend on a particular story and this would have been beneficial, especially for different age ranges. This vibrant, colourful cover catches the eye immediately and gives the impression that the book contains a fluidity of colour. Unfortunately, when you open it up the vibrant colour disappears and you are left with grayscale throughout; for toddlers there do not seem to be any pictures that could captivate their imagination and engage with the story. What I found encouraging was, at the back of the book, there is a section called 'Guidance and Support'. It is written for adults to be inspired and to play an active role in sharing and exploring their faith with their children, and the way in which faith is lived out. The guidance and support engages with reading the Bible together, handling difficult questions, praying as a family and more. There is also a section that covers best-loved Bible passages and a page with further resources for you to explore. This is a simple, fun and engaging resource that can be used to nurture families in the faith. Although it lacks in presentation I recommend this book and encourage you to share it with others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Revd Victoria Jon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the STAR News - Diocese of Peterborough November 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wonderful Bible for the whole family to enjoy together. The stories are easy to read and have a commentary alongside them, and a number of reflective questions to consider. These are all really useful, as they help to put the story into context, allowing children to understand why it was written and how it may be relevant to us today. There is also a suggestion for a visual aid, an activity related to the story, and a prayer idea. The Bible is written for adults to read with their children, as it has no pictures and may be hard for younger children to read themselves. Having read and enjoyed some of the activities with my children, my 8 year old daughter, Molly, said that this Bible is 'Outstanding, because it has lots of really fun activities to do. Can we keep it?' It would also be useful for Children's and Families workers to use when planning services and Sunday school lessons. Well worth investing in!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eby Evie McNally (and Molly, aged 8)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Well - Autumn 2014 Methodist Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe introduction says, 'Family is a big idea... Wherever children are being nurtured in love by significant adults in their lives, there is family.' And this book of Bible stories, commentary and activities gives a brilliant opportunity for families of all kinds to explore God's word together in an interesting, accessible and interactive way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStories span the whole Bible narrative, taken from the Old and New Testament, from the flood in Genesis to the battle of Jericho, through the story of Nehemiah to the life of Jesus and the early Church. Alongside each one a brief commentary is offered as well as some questions to reflect on, prayer and activity suggestions and a visual aid. It gives a helpful and creative selection of ways to engage with the story meaningfully, allowing you to 'pick and mix' ideas depending on time available, ages of family members and how deep everyone wants to explore the story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTowards the end there's also a valuable section that offers guidance and support in\u003cbr\u003eusing the book, suggesting ways to set time aside, engaging with the stories as part of a regular family routine and reminding adults that we don't have to know all the answers! There's much on these pages that parents, carers, grandparents or readers of any kind will find hugely beneficial when engaging with the Bible and its stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's worth mentioning that whilst it covers a significant number of stories there are no\u003cbr\u003ereferences to Psalms or Paul's letters, but despite this it takes families on a superb\u003cbr\u003ejourney through God's big story. This is a fantastic addition to any family's library\u003cbr\u003eand comes highly recommended for those working with them too!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGail Adcock - Family Ministries Development Officer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:33+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:34+00:00","vendor":"Martyn Payne","type":"Paperback","tags":["Bibles","For children","Sep-14"],"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":21769055338596,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841017136","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436544016484,"product_id":2439748321380,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:34+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:13+00:00","alt":null,"width":650,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017136-l.jpg?v=1549043173","variant_ids":[21769055338596]},"available":true,"name":"The Barnabas Family Bible - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":477,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841017136","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238875037835,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":650,"width":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017136-l.jpg?v=1549043173"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017136-l.jpg?v=1549043173"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017136-l.jpg?v=1549043173","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238875037835,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":650,"width":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017136-l.jpg?v=1549043173"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017136-l.jpg?v=1549043173","width":650}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eAn essential resource for families to share together\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Barnabas Family Bible is designed to equip parents and carers to look at key Bible passages with their children in a structured way. Differing from a children's Bible in that it is written to promote an interactive family study time, it contains 110 key extracts, using the Contemporary English Version of the Bible text and spanning the whole Bible narrative. Each section includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommentary on the passage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuestions to discuss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisual aid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActivity idea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrayer idea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKey verse\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOld or New Testament story link\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso included:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuidance and support for sharing faith as a family\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA family-friendly overview of the Bible story\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA selection of best-loved Bible passages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFurther resources to support families and family Bible study\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ca id=\"interview\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJane and Martyn introduce the Barnabas Family Bible\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI wonder how the Christian faith was passed on to you. Did you read Bible stories together at home? How did your parents encourage you to pray? Was God ever mentioned in everyday life?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll current research on faith development affirms that if faith isn't passed on, lived out and nurtured in the home, we can't then reasonably expect children and grandchildren to catch that faith. For too long, particularly in the Protestant Church, we have over-relied on our Sunday worship as the key way to pass on the good news to the next generation. But how on earth can 40 minutes of Sunday school once a week and the occasional family service ever be expected to nurture a deep and real encounter with God for our children? Unless we experience God's presence in the everyday of our weekday lives, faith is highly likely to remain sheltered, shallow and vulnerable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF has been building on these insights for some years now and, in partnership with others, has sought to put faith nurture back in the hands of parents and carers. The publication this autumn of The Barnabas Family Bible will be a huge help in this respect. For each of its 110 key Bible stories there is a wealth of support material designed to equip parents and carers to explore those stories creatively with children in the home environment. There are suggestions for family activities and ideas for prayer and visual aids, as well as a short commentary on each passage that applies its teaching to the cut and thrust of family life today. As such it will be an invaluable resource to those parents and carers who long to help their children enjoy the Bible and who also, along with their children, want to hear how God can speak to them and be with them seven days a week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis publication from BRF also contains helpful guidelines for parents and carers about passing on our faith within the family, on topics such as prayer, reading the Bible together and handling difficult questions. It will also, we believe, prove to be a really useful tool for leaders of all-age worship who are looking for inspiration to bring Bible stories to life when children are present in services.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoses advised all the people of God to talk about his laws together and 'to tell them to your children over and over again. Talk about them all the time, whether you're at home or walking on the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning' (Deuteronomy 6:7, CEV). This is the way to pass on our Christian faith - not necessarily needing to find more hours in an already overstretched schedule but to find God in your existing life pattern; to find God in the everyday. \u003cstrong\u003eThe Barnabas Family Bible\u003c\/strong\u003e offers to help parents and children today to do just that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nBible Society believes that every child has the right to experience the Bible for themselves and that's why we're excited to be partnering with BRF in the publication of The Barnabas Family Bible. This book encourages families to sit and explore the riches of the Bible together, reading the Bible text of 110 popular stories while delving deeper through activities, questions and prayers. Millions of people around the world have grown up with the Bible stories. It is our hope that The Barnabas Family Bible will enable families to keep the Bible alive for another generation. James Catford, Group Chief Executive, Bible Society\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview from April\/May 2015 Childrenswork magazine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Barnabas Family Bible is for parents, grandparents, carers and anyone of a similar nature, but this resource would still work in a small group setting. The book provides 100 stories with an activity idea, a visual aid, key verse and questions for each story. It's a refreshing change to see a few stories in here that other resources haven't explored such as sill-sleeping Eutychus, Rahab and the spies and Revelation. The bright cover is unfortunately where the bold colours stop as each story is displayed using only black and white text. The activities and visual aid section for each story gives you detailed ideas of what to use to fill this gap but requires a little more preparation time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI used this resource with my own children who are four, seven and ten. With that wide an age range it was clear that there was something for each of them in each story but that some elements are a bit advanced for younger children. The visual aids and activities however do provide a chance for them to all do something together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere isn't a suggested time for each story which is fine because some stories needed more time to unpack and some needed to be picked up again at another time. The commentaries for each story are great if you need to better summarise the story but can't do so in your own words. There is a helpful section at the back if you are trying something like this for the first time, with tips on how to pray as a family and ideas on how to establish a time for these activities. This is a solid resource, making these stories relatable and easier to understand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLloyd Kinsley, Premier Childrenswork\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Pobl Dewi, Diocese of St David's March 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a fantastic gem to have in your homes, churches, Sunday schools and children's clubs - it's a book to be used and not left on the shelf. The Barnabas Family Bible is an excellent resource and contains 110 essential Bible stories for families - grandparents, parents, carers or anyone who has the privilege and responsibility of caring for children - which they can share together. It contains a superb range of stories from the book of Genesis to the book of Revelation. Each story is presented on a double page with the reading on one side and, on the other, a variety of different ways to engage with the biblical passage which includes a short commentary and questions that can be used around the food table or in a group. Other suggestions are also included under the headings 'visual aid', 'activity idea' and 'prayer idea', with an Old or New Testament story link. There doesn't seem to be a suggested time limit on the activities or how many days you spend on a particular story and this would have been beneficial, especially for different age ranges. This vibrant, colourful cover catches the eye immediately and gives the impression that the book contains a fluidity of colour. Unfortunately, when you open it up the vibrant colour disappears and you are left with grayscale throughout; for toddlers there do not seem to be any pictures that could captivate their imagination and engage with the story. What I found encouraging was, at the back of the book, there is a section called 'Guidance and Support'. It is written for adults to be inspired and to play an active role in sharing and exploring their faith with their children, and the way in which faith is lived out. The guidance and support engages with reading the Bible together, handling difficult questions, praying as a family and more. There is also a section that covers best-loved Bible passages and a page with further resources for you to explore. This is a simple, fun and engaging resource that can be used to nurture families in the faith. Although it lacks in presentation I recommend this book and encourage you to share it with others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Revd Victoria Jon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the STAR News - Diocese of Peterborough November 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wonderful Bible for the whole family to enjoy together. The stories are easy to read and have a commentary alongside them, and a number of reflective questions to consider. These are all really useful, as they help to put the story into context, allowing children to understand why it was written and how it may be relevant to us today. There is also a suggestion for a visual aid, an activity related to the story, and a prayer idea. The Bible is written for adults to read with their children, as it has no pictures and may be hard for younger children to read themselves. Having read and enjoyed some of the activities with my children, my 8 year old daughter, Molly, said that this Bible is 'Outstanding, because it has lots of really fun activities to do. Can we keep it?' It would also be useful for Children's and Families workers to use when planning services and Sunday school lessons. Well worth investing in!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eby Evie McNally (and Molly, aged 8)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Well - Autumn 2014 Methodist Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe introduction says, 'Family is a big idea... Wherever children are being nurtured in love by significant adults in their lives, there is family.' And this book of Bible stories, commentary and activities gives a brilliant opportunity for families of all kinds to explore God's word together in an interesting, accessible and interactive way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStories span the whole Bible narrative, taken from the Old and New Testament, from the flood in Genesis to the battle of Jericho, through the story of Nehemiah to the life of Jesus and the early Church. Alongside each one a brief commentary is offered as well as some questions to reflect on, prayer and activity suggestions and a visual aid. It gives a helpful and creative selection of ways to engage with the story meaningfully, allowing you to 'pick and mix' ideas depending on time available, ages of family members and how deep everyone wants to explore the story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTowards the end there's also a valuable section that offers guidance and support in\u003cbr\u003eusing the book, suggesting ways to set time aside, engaging with the stories as part of a regular family routine and reminding adults that we don't have to know all the answers! There's much on these pages that parents, carers, grandparents or readers of any kind will find hugely beneficial when engaging with the Bible and its stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's worth mentioning that whilst it covers a significant number of stories there are no\u003cbr\u003ereferences to Psalms or Paul's letters, but despite this it takes families on a superb\u003cbr\u003ejourney through God's big story. This is a fantastic addition to any family's library\u003cbr\u003eand comes highly recommended for those working with them too!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGail Adcock - Family Ministries Development Officer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e"}
You may also like:
The Barnabas Family Bible
£9.99
An essential resource for families to share together The Barnabas Family Bible is designed to equip parents and carers to...
{"id":2439747600484,"title":"At the End of the Day: Enjoying life in the departure lounge","handle":"at-the-end-of-the-day-enjoying-life-in-the-departure-lounge","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn octogenarian takes a wryly humorous look at what it's like to be old in an era of the relentlessly new. Turning to the Bible, he explores its store of timeless wisdom, encouragement and reassurance about what it has always meant to grow old and be old. The book is structured around a series of fascinating biblical pictures, from the legendary Methuselah to the feisty Sarah and the great leader Moses, from the picture of inevitable decline as the Preacher saw it in Ecclesiastes to the glorious Nunc Dimittis of old Simeon in the temple.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e'At the end of the day' is a well-worn phrase - yet seeing life as a single day, with dawn, noon, sunny afternoon, twilight and then darkness and sleep, provides a sort of contracted chronology of a journey we are all taking. Those who are at, or beyond, tea-time - as well as their friends and family - may find this book offers an essentially optimistic, positive and attractive picture of both the present and the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDavid Winter introduces \u003cem\u003eAt the End of the Day\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI wrote \u003cem\u003eAt the End of the Day\u003c\/em\u003e because I wanted to address this situation not as a problem (which is how sociologists, politicians and media commentators seem to see it) but simply as yet another life experience. All through life we move more or less seamlessly from one stage to another, from childhood to adolescence, from that to young adulthood, from that to middle age, and from that to the retirement years. This book is an attempt to record what it is like finally to move into the departure lounge of life, awaiting the call to board our flight from this life to whatever it is that God has planned for us at its end.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe departure lounge is not as bad as it may look in prospect. Believe it or not, being old can be fun. Of course there are problems - aches and pains, sluggish memory and so on. But there are also enormous compensations in old age, including the freedom to be ourselves without any pressure to achieve or justify our existence. I was surprised to discover (when I got there myself) that the elderly don't endlessly discuss death. Compared with teenagers, young adults and even the middle-aged, they are not living with plans for the future but with the richness of the here and now.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAt the End of the Day \u003c\/em\u003etakes a quizzical look at some of the wonderful old men and women whose stories are part of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. Surprisingly, perhaps, their experiences seem to match many of ours. We look at them, of course, through the long perspective of time and also through the prism of our modern experiences, but there is wisdom, fulfilment and encouragement in those biblical records.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a 'heavy' book. How could it be when the elderly spend so much time laughing at themselves and at the whole business of being old! Nor is it depressing - again, how could it be, when we are seated in that departure lounge awaiting the final great adventure.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI wrote it not just for those who are already old, although I hope they'll find it both amusing and encouraging, but also for all those who want to know what it's going to be like to join our ranks. They may be surprised to find that the poet Robert Browning got it right when he said, 'The best is yet to be.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/kP4wFKmvMmg\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nDavid Winter is one of the UK's most popular and long-established Christian writers and broadcasters. He has written many books over the last sixty years, including Facing the Darkness and Finding the Light, Pilgrim's Way, Journey to Jerusalem and With Jesus in the Upper Room for BRF. He also writes for New Daylight and was a regular contributor to Radio 4's Thought for the Day from 1989 to 2012.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter has written a book for the elderly; those in their twilight years. With 1.4 million people in the U.K now over 85, this partly auto-biographical book is humorous and down to earth, taking a practical look at the benefits and pit-falls of old age. He looks at a number of Bible characters who are in or approaching old age, linking these with his own experiences and those of others known to him. With some delightful insights into the positive aspects of old age, and 'that (I love this line!) nothing is beyond redemption and no situation irretrievably hopeless' It can speak to those who feel their lives are worthless and aimless.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHe looks honestly at the downsides of old age, its fears, doubts and regrets and the problem of loneliness and physical limitations. With its useful headings, the reader can `dip back` as and when needed. The book might have benefited from more detail of how to enjoy a deeper relationship with Jesus, and for non church goers, a simple explanation of the basic Gospel message would have been useful.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI would give a recommendation to buy this well researched, topical book as it is easy to read, has plenty of humour and no Christian Jargon. As a person approaching `the departure lounge` I found this little book very interesting and full of hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Gill Mason for Preach Magazine September 28, 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter, now in his 80s, will be well known to many as a Christian writer, retreat leader and broadcaster. Readers should not be put off by the sub - title of his book, 'Enjoying life in the departure lounge', which is illustrative of the wry humour evident throughout. In fact, I have never laughed so much while reading a book on ageing. In his very personal introduction he declares that he no longer attempts a geriatric and breathtaking sprint when trying to catch a bus: 'After all, there will be another one in 30 minutes, and what's that in the eyes of eternity?' \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the early chapters Winter confronts the prevailing culture of what he terms 'geraphobia', against which he pitches the enormous value of life experience which provides the sap for a fruitful old age. The remainder of the book is structured around a succession of biblical characters, from Methusaleh via (among others) Sarah and Abraham, Moses and the Psalmists to Simeon and Anna, the Holy Family and St Paul in the New Testament. What I expected might be old - hat turned out to be truly enlightening and to have real contemporary relevance. En route, he raises a number of issues that tend to be overlooked or played down: the tension between a desirable serenity and 'the tantrums of the terrible 80s'; waiting as expectancy rather than passivity; the need for wisdom to be tinged with humility. He is particularly helpful on the mood swings of old age which can cloud our vision of God and on loneliness. He acknowledges the value for older people of modern technology, such as emails and Skype, but captures the bewilderment of many when asked for 'passwords you've forgotten, customer numbers you never knew you had, overdraft facility figures you've never used - and all before you get to speak to a human being'. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe final two chapters touch upon ultimate issues. He is perhaps right in suggesting that older people, living in the shadow of morality, do not in fact have death constantly in their thoughts nor are they over - concerned with the details of heaven. His concept of 'resurrection' and the after - life is movingly illustrated by the death of his wife which left him with the strong sense that she had not ceased to exist. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI found this short book personally helpful and pastorally valuable. It is an honest testimony of the author's life and faith journey. Any older person will read it with profit and younger people with a greater understanding of their elders. And, yes, he does quote from Browning's 'Rabbi ben Ezra'. We can be encouraged that the best is indeed yet to be. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rev Albert Jewell for The Methodist Recorded 21 Feb 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:28+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:31+00:00","vendor":"David Winter","type":"Paperback","tags":["Nov-13","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired","Torch Trust"],"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":21769047572580,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857460578","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"At the End of the Day: Enjoying life in the departure lounge - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":151,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857460578","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/347.png?v=1730713212","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/348.png?v=1730713212"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/347.png?v=1730713212","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62986091037052,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/347.png?v=1730713212"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/347.png?v=1730713212","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62986091004284,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/348.png?v=1730713212"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/348.png?v=1730713212","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eAn octogenarian takes a wryly humorous look at what it's like to be old in an era of the relentlessly new. Turning to the Bible, he explores its store of timeless wisdom, encouragement and reassurance about what it has always meant to grow old and be old. The book is structured around a series of fascinating biblical pictures, from the legendary Methuselah to the feisty Sarah and the great leader Moses, from the picture of inevitable decline as the Preacher saw it in Ecclesiastes to the glorious Nunc Dimittis of old Simeon in the temple.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e'At the end of the day' is a well-worn phrase - yet seeing life as a single day, with dawn, noon, sunny afternoon, twilight and then darkness and sleep, provides a sort of contracted chronology of a journey we are all taking. Those who are at, or beyond, tea-time - as well as their friends and family - may find this book offers an essentially optimistic, positive and attractive picture of both the present and the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDavid Winter introduces \u003cem\u003eAt the End of the Day\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI wrote \u003cem\u003eAt the End of the Day\u003c\/em\u003e because I wanted to address this situation not as a problem (which is how sociologists, politicians and media commentators seem to see it) but simply as yet another life experience. All through life we move more or less seamlessly from one stage to another, from childhood to adolescence, from that to young adulthood, from that to middle age, and from that to the retirement years. This book is an attempt to record what it is like finally to move into the departure lounge of life, awaiting the call to board our flight from this life to whatever it is that God has planned for us at its end.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe departure lounge is not as bad as it may look in prospect. Believe it or not, being old can be fun. Of course there are problems - aches and pains, sluggish memory and so on. But there are also enormous compensations in old age, including the freedom to be ourselves without any pressure to achieve or justify our existence. I was surprised to discover (when I got there myself) that the elderly don't endlessly discuss death. Compared with teenagers, young adults and even the middle-aged, they are not living with plans for the future but with the richness of the here and now.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAt the End of the Day \u003c\/em\u003etakes a quizzical look at some of the wonderful old men and women whose stories are part of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. Surprisingly, perhaps, their experiences seem to match many of ours. We look at them, of course, through the long perspective of time and also through the prism of our modern experiences, but there is wisdom, fulfilment and encouragement in those biblical records.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a 'heavy' book. How could it be when the elderly spend so much time laughing at themselves and at the whole business of being old! Nor is it depressing - again, how could it be, when we are seated in that departure lounge awaiting the final great adventure.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI wrote it not just for those who are already old, although I hope they'll find it both amusing and encouraging, but also for all those who want to know what it's going to be like to join our ranks. They may be surprised to find that the poet Robert Browning got it right when he said, 'The best is yet to be.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/kP4wFKmvMmg\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nDavid Winter is one of the UK's most popular and long-established Christian writers and broadcasters. He has written many books over the last sixty years, including Facing the Darkness and Finding the Light, Pilgrim's Way, Journey to Jerusalem and With Jesus in the Upper Room for BRF. He also writes for New Daylight and was a regular contributor to Radio 4's Thought for the Day from 1989 to 2012.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter has written a book for the elderly; those in their twilight years. With 1.4 million people in the U.K now over 85, this partly auto-biographical book is humorous and down to earth, taking a practical look at the benefits and pit-falls of old age. He looks at a number of Bible characters who are in or approaching old age, linking these with his own experiences and those of others known to him. With some delightful insights into the positive aspects of old age, and 'that (I love this line!) nothing is beyond redemption and no situation irretrievably hopeless' It can speak to those who feel their lives are worthless and aimless.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHe looks honestly at the downsides of old age, its fears, doubts and regrets and the problem of loneliness and physical limitations. With its useful headings, the reader can `dip back` as and when needed. The book might have benefited from more detail of how to enjoy a deeper relationship with Jesus, and for non church goers, a simple explanation of the basic Gospel message would have been useful.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI would give a recommendation to buy this well researched, topical book as it is easy to read, has plenty of humour and no Christian Jargon. As a person approaching `the departure lounge` I found this little book very interesting and full of hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Gill Mason for Preach Magazine September 28, 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter, now in his 80s, will be well known to many as a Christian writer, retreat leader and broadcaster. Readers should not be put off by the sub - title of his book, 'Enjoying life in the departure lounge', which is illustrative of the wry humour evident throughout. In fact, I have never laughed so much while reading a book on ageing. In his very personal introduction he declares that he no longer attempts a geriatric and breathtaking sprint when trying to catch a bus: 'After all, there will be another one in 30 minutes, and what's that in the eyes of eternity?' \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the early chapters Winter confronts the prevailing culture of what he terms 'geraphobia', against which he pitches the enormous value of life experience which provides the sap for a fruitful old age. The remainder of the book is structured around a succession of biblical characters, from Methusaleh via (among others) Sarah and Abraham, Moses and the Psalmists to Simeon and Anna, the Holy Family and St Paul in the New Testament. What I expected might be old - hat turned out to be truly enlightening and to have real contemporary relevance. En route, he raises a number of issues that tend to be overlooked or played down: the tension between a desirable serenity and 'the tantrums of the terrible 80s'; waiting as expectancy rather than passivity; the need for wisdom to be tinged with humility. He is particularly helpful on the mood swings of old age which can cloud our vision of God and on loneliness. He acknowledges the value for older people of modern technology, such as emails and Skype, but captures the bewilderment of many when asked for 'passwords you've forgotten, customer numbers you never knew you had, overdraft facility figures you've never used - and all before you get to speak to a human being'. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe final two chapters touch upon ultimate issues. He is perhaps right in suggesting that older people, living in the shadow of morality, do not in fact have death constantly in their thoughts nor are they over - concerned with the details of heaven. His concept of 'resurrection' and the after - life is movingly illustrated by the death of his wife which left him with the strong sense that she had not ceased to exist. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI found this short book personally helpful and pastorally valuable. It is an honest testimony of the author's life and faith journey. Any older person will read it with profit and younger people with a greater understanding of their elders. And, yes, he does quote from Browning's 'Rabbi ben Ezra'. We can be encouraged that the best is indeed yet to be. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rev Albert Jewell for The Methodist Recorded 21 Feb 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
At the End of the Day: Enjoying life in the departure lounge
Out of Stock
An octogenarian takes a wryly humorous look at what it's like to be old in an era of the relentlessly...
Out of Stock
{"id":2439745798244,"title":"Travellers of the Heart: Exploring new pathways on our spiritual journey","handle":"travellers-of-the-heart-exploring-new-pathways-on-our-spiritual-journey","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this book one of the UK's leading authors on Christian spirituality and personal renewal shares his own faith journey, in the context of exploring some of the different spiritual traditions that have influenced Christian witness over the past 40 or so years.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBuilding on themes in his previous book, Dreaming of Home, Michael Mitton explores how encompassing something of the breadth of Christian spirituality, from Charismatic to Catholic, via Celtic, can not only enrich our faith but strengthen the mission of the Church: 'I have chosen to start with my own experience, not because I am any kind of expert but because the best tutors to me over the years have been those prepared to share with me their stories, their ups and downs of life, their struggles and discoveries. Often their experiences have been very different to my own, but as I listen to them, they help me reflect on what is taking place in me.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRead more\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt is perhaps true for all of us who have drawn from several traditions and spiritualities, that no one direction will seem fully like home to us, and this can make us feel disturbed and possibly lonely, but such disturbance can be very healthy... it seems to me that if we try to conform ourselves to fit exactly with one particular tradition we may be missing some very important pathways in our souls, pathways that are known to God.\u003c\/em\u003e (p. 27)\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Mitton's new book is for anyone who is looking for confirmation that seeking out and exploring different Christian spiritualities to discover more of God is not only right but essential for spiritual growth and development. Travellers of the Heart is Michael's own journey of exploration, told not to offer a blueprint for how others may proceed but to share how God revealed himself to Michael through different Christian spiritualities and the benefits and dangers he discovered.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhen I first came to put all this down in the form of a book, I saw my exploration as a journey through different physical terrains that somehow matched my experience of particular spiritualities. My experience of Anglican spirituality felt like firm plains that provided security; I saw evangelical spirituality as the Home Counties, because when I encountered evangelical spirituality I lived in that part of the country, but also I think we all have a spirituality that is the home county where our faith was initially nurtured. I saw my charismatic experience as a delightful rushing stream, but also with that unpredictable flow that could make it a bit dangerous! Catholic spirituality felt a bit risky and took me to places that seemed more like borderlands, but full of interest and adventure. Celtic spirituality felt like high mountains, ancient and rugged - in climbing them you get fascinating views. Liberal spirituality was the one I was told to avoid as an evangelical, so it felt like marshlands - full of threat - but, as I discovered, also full of life and beauty. Finally, missional spirituality was the one that took me to the coastlands and became the one with most adventure and promise.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMichael discusses the loneliness that such a journey can create because new discoveries may not be easily accepted by your traditional church home. He also acknowledges that in every Christian tradition there is a kind of shadow side. The spirituality we discover is initially full of light and we feel very positive about it, but then, as we explore it more fully, we can discover aspects of it that are disturbing, requiring us to ask: is it the heart and soul of the tradition that creates the shadow or the way people have misused that heart and soul?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMichael finishes by reflecting on the missional coastlands. Before the church lies an ocean of 21st-century people with whom it has little or no contact. Christian spirituality needs adjustment in language and forms to reach out to them. This journey is just beginning!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nThe blend of Michael's own journey and story woven with the different streams of spirituality makes for a lovely gentle way of opening up the gifts of the tradition. His posture of openness and generosity is one I aspire to and I particularly like the way the book concludes in the coastlands of mission which seems to me to be the most natural way to unite. Jonny Baker, pioneer mission leadership team, CMS\r\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n Michael Mitton is a freelance writer, consultant, Greenbelt speaker, trainer and spiritual director based in Derby.He is also the Bishop of Derby's Adviser for Fresh Expressions and is Priest in Charge of St Paul's, Derby. He has previously worked for the Acorn Christian Healing Foundation and Anglican Renewal Ministries. He has also written The Rainbow of Renewal (2005, Lent), A Handful of Light (2008, Advent) and A Heart to Listen (2004, new ed 2010) for BRF and contributes to New Daylight. \n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Sheila Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor anyone on a spiritual journey, this is a fascinating and encouraging read, as the author shares his own personal story and describes the people who have led him on from one spirituality to another. I often identified with Michael Mitton's account of his feelings and discoveries, and found his honesty and his psychological insight very uplifting. At the end of each chapter the author gives questions for reflection which are quite challenging, and help the reader to question his or her own choices and feelings from the past. At the end, among other questions, we are invited to consider what our feelings are about the first spirituality that was life-giving for us. For me, very early in my life, I think it may well have been pantheism. Michael Mitton also considers the dangers of tribalism in our attitude to what we and other people believe, which has a toxic effect upon our ability to come alongside those who are different. We need to seek to be true to our convictions without behaving tribally. An excellent book which I recommend to anyone who identifies as being on a spiritual journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Ann Gray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA thought provoking book. Clarifying the various traditions and enabling a reflection of my own spiritual journey which has embraced some of the territories in the book and a desire to explore further the next stage of my personal journey\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Andrew Dotchin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have a friend who is considering stepping out on the journey of formal ministry buy them this book now!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBased on Michael's journey of life he reminds us that the church also has its own road map with different Highlands and Coastlands, Borders and Marshlands, Plains and Home Counties.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTaking the various spiritualities found in Churches in England (but also drawing on experience elsewhere in the world) he encourages readers to refuse to simply travel the physical journey of faith but also to reach out to other parts of Christian experience beyond the comfort zone of their church practice and piety.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHe demonstrates how Conservative Evangelical need 'woolly' Liberals, Catholics need Charismatics, and Celtic and Fresh Expressions of the faith help the whole church grow together.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor the individual on a journey into following and serving Christ this is a very helpful road map which will encourage reflection on their own tradition, help them perceive the light which the experience of others bring to the journey, and is an antidote to the tribalism which so easily pervades the church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBe careful to take good note of the 'Questions for Reflection' at the end of each chapter as they provide fruitful food for the journey for anyone who truly desires to be a pilgrim of the faith whichever road they find themselves upon.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOn reading the book I felt myself itching to read more of Michael's writings and longing for a second edition of this one. Which revision would include for each chapter a simple reading list explaining more about the different kinds of Christian Spirituality it explores.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow which person newly embarking on the 'Heart Journey' of formal ministry are you going to give this book to?\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-14T16:41:33+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:24+00:00","vendor":"Michael Mitton","type":"Paperback","tags":["For individuals","Kindle","Spirituality"],"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":21769026568292,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857462213","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436526420068,"product_id":2439745798244,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:24+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:15+00:00","alt":null,"width":369,"height":561,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462213-l.jpg?v=1549043175","variant_ids":[21769026568292]},"available":false,"name":"Travellers of the Heart: Exploring new pathways on our spiritual journey - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":187,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857462213","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238874873995,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"width":369,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462213-l.jpg?v=1549043175"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462213-l.jpg?v=1549043175"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462213-l.jpg?v=1549043175","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238874873995,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"width":369,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462213-l.jpg?v=1549043175"},"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462213-l.jpg?v=1549043175","width":369}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eIn this book one of the UK's leading authors on Christian spirituality and personal renewal shares his own faith journey, in the context of exploring some of the different spiritual traditions that have influenced Christian witness over the past 40 or so years.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBuilding on themes in his previous book, Dreaming of Home, Michael Mitton explores how encompassing something of the breadth of Christian spirituality, from Charismatic to Catholic, via Celtic, can not only enrich our faith but strengthen the mission of the Church: 'I have chosen to start with my own experience, not because I am any kind of expert but because the best tutors to me over the years have been those prepared to share with me their stories, their ups and downs of life, their struggles and discoveries. Often their experiences have been very different to my own, but as I listen to them, they help me reflect on what is taking place in me.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRead more\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt is perhaps true for all of us who have drawn from several traditions and spiritualities, that no one direction will seem fully like home to us, and this can make us feel disturbed and possibly lonely, but such disturbance can be very healthy... it seems to me that if we try to conform ourselves to fit exactly with one particular tradition we may be missing some very important pathways in our souls, pathways that are known to God.\u003c\/em\u003e (p. 27)\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Mitton's new book is for anyone who is looking for confirmation that seeking out and exploring different Christian spiritualities to discover more of God is not only right but essential for spiritual growth and development. Travellers of the Heart is Michael's own journey of exploration, told not to offer a blueprint for how others may proceed but to share how God revealed himself to Michael through different Christian spiritualities and the benefits and dangers he discovered.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhen I first came to put all this down in the form of a book, I saw my exploration as a journey through different physical terrains that somehow matched my experience of particular spiritualities. My experience of Anglican spirituality felt like firm plains that provided security; I saw evangelical spirituality as the Home Counties, because when I encountered evangelical spirituality I lived in that part of the country, but also I think we all have a spirituality that is the home county where our faith was initially nurtured. I saw my charismatic experience as a delightful rushing stream, but also with that unpredictable flow that could make it a bit dangerous! Catholic spirituality felt a bit risky and took me to places that seemed more like borderlands, but full of interest and adventure. Celtic spirituality felt like high mountains, ancient and rugged - in climbing them you get fascinating views. Liberal spirituality was the one I was told to avoid as an evangelical, so it felt like marshlands - full of threat - but, as I discovered, also full of life and beauty. Finally, missional spirituality was the one that took me to the coastlands and became the one with most adventure and promise.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMichael discusses the loneliness that such a journey can create because new discoveries may not be easily accepted by your traditional church home. He also acknowledges that in every Christian tradition there is a kind of shadow side. The spirituality we discover is initially full of light and we feel very positive about it, but then, as we explore it more fully, we can discover aspects of it that are disturbing, requiring us to ask: is it the heart and soul of the tradition that creates the shadow or the way people have misused that heart and soul?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMichael finishes by reflecting on the missional coastlands. Before the church lies an ocean of 21st-century people with whom it has little or no contact. Christian spirituality needs adjustment in language and forms to reach out to them. This journey is just beginning!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nThe blend of Michael's own journey and story woven with the different streams of spirituality makes for a lovely gentle way of opening up the gifts of the tradition. His posture of openness and generosity is one I aspire to and I particularly like the way the book concludes in the coastlands of mission which seems to me to be the most natural way to unite. Jonny Baker, pioneer mission leadership team, CMS\r\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n Michael Mitton is a freelance writer, consultant, Greenbelt speaker, trainer and spiritual director based in Derby.He is also the Bishop of Derby's Adviser for Fresh Expressions and is Priest in Charge of St Paul's, Derby. He has previously worked for the Acorn Christian Healing Foundation and Anglican Renewal Ministries. He has also written The Rainbow of Renewal (2005, Lent), A Handful of Light (2008, Advent) and A Heart to Listen (2004, new ed 2010) for BRF and contributes to New Daylight. \n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Sheila Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor anyone on a spiritual journey, this is a fascinating and encouraging read, as the author shares his own personal story and describes the people who have led him on from one spirituality to another. I often identified with Michael Mitton's account of his feelings and discoveries, and found his honesty and his psychological insight very uplifting. At the end of each chapter the author gives questions for reflection which are quite challenging, and help the reader to question his or her own choices and feelings from the past. At the end, among other questions, we are invited to consider what our feelings are about the first spirituality that was life-giving for us. For me, very early in my life, I think it may well have been pantheism. Michael Mitton also considers the dangers of tribalism in our attitude to what we and other people believe, which has a toxic effect upon our ability to come alongside those who are different. We need to seek to be true to our convictions without behaving tribally. An excellent book which I recommend to anyone who identifies as being on a spiritual journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Ann Gray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA thought provoking book. Clarifying the various traditions and enabling a reflection of my own spiritual journey which has embraced some of the territories in the book and a desire to explore further the next stage of my personal journey\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Andrew Dotchin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have a friend who is considering stepping out on the journey of formal ministry buy them this book now!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBased on Michael's journey of life he reminds us that the church also has its own road map with different Highlands and Coastlands, Borders and Marshlands, Plains and Home Counties.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTaking the various spiritualities found in Churches in England (but also drawing on experience elsewhere in the world) he encourages readers to refuse to simply travel the physical journey of faith but also to reach out to other parts of Christian experience beyond the comfort zone of their church practice and piety.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHe demonstrates how Conservative Evangelical need 'woolly' Liberals, Catholics need Charismatics, and Celtic and Fresh Expressions of the faith help the whole church grow together.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor the individual on a journey into following and serving Christ this is a very helpful road map which will encourage reflection on their own tradition, help them perceive the light which the experience of others bring to the journey, and is an antidote to the tribalism which so easily pervades the church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBe careful to take good note of the 'Questions for Reflection' at the end of each chapter as they provide fruitful food for the journey for anyone who truly desires to be a pilgrim of the faith whichever road they find themselves upon.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOn reading the book I felt myself itching to read more of Michael's writings and longing for a second edition of this one. Which revision would include for each chapter a simple reading list explaining more about the different kinds of Christian Spirituality it explores.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow which person newly embarking on the 'Heart Journey' of formal ministry are you going to give this book to?\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Travellers of the Heart: Exploring new pathways on our spiritual journey
Out of Stock
In this book one of the UK's leading authors on Christian spirituality and personal renewal shares his own faith journey,...
Out of Stock
{"id":2439740391524,"title":"Creating Community: Ancient ways for modern churches","handle":"creating-community-ancient-ways-for-modern-churches","description":"\u003cp\u003eThere is much talk today of 'new ways of being church' and 'new monastic spirituality'. As Simon Reed explored the Celtic roots of the Christian faith, in community with others who drew inspiration from our spiritual ancestors in the British Isles, he came to realise that the third millennium church has much in common with the first millennium church, and more importantly, much to learn from it.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn Creating Community, he introduces us to a new but at the same time very old way of being church which is based upon three core elements: a Way of Life, a network of Soul Friends, and a rhythm of prayer. The book shows how the rediscovery of these elements by Christians today offers a vital key that opens up an ancient way for modern churches, one which not only helps to bring believers to lasting maturity but creates genuine and much-needed community in an increasingly fragmented world.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForeword\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis book could be titled From the Ordinary Church: a Way of Life. Its author share the vision that the local church is the hope of the world and that each church can find its distinctive vocation. He observes that whereas many contemporary churches try to attract a crowd and then turn it into a community, the early churches in Celtic lands started as small communities and then gathered wider numbers.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBut can our long-established small churches become living communities? From his own experience Simon argues that they can if they adopt three practices - a way of life, a network of soul friends and a rhythm of prayer. He establishes that a way of life coheres with New Testament practice and explores how to develop these.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI know Simon as a friend and colleague in The Community of Aidan and Hilda, which has Catholic, Orthodox and Evangelical members. He tells his personal story from within his own tradition. Always - and this is so refreshing - he is more concerned with the product than with the label.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is timely for, as the author points out, the moral disintegration which underlies the unravelling of community and society could herald a new dark age. Winston Churchill, when his country had its back to the wall in World War Two, famously said 'Give us the tools and we will finish the job'. Simon gives us some tools. Let us, the readers, help to finish the job.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRay Simpson\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eHoly Island of Lindisfarne | \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.raysimpson.org\" target=\"blank\"\u003ewww.raysimpson.org\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nSimon Reed is an Anglican minister with two churches in Ealing, West London. He is also one of the three Guardians of the Community of Aidan and Hilda, an international and cross-denominational network of Christians who draw inspiration from the Celtic saints for the renewal of today's church. He has written regularly for Scripture Union's Closer to God Bible Notes for over ten years. Recently he contributed a chapter to Ray Simpson's book High Street Monasteries, giving a biblical perspective on this insightful introduction to contemporary 'new monasticism'. He has been a seminar speaker at Spring Harvest and been involved in leading their reflective worship stream.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLet me pay tribute to Simon's \u003cem\u003eCreating Community\u003c\/em\u003e. I think a great deal of contemporary Celtic Christian interest has reduced Celtic Christianity to an individual interest and those individuals come together to form communities, but that is a long way from what we might think about authentic Celtic community. What attracted me to Simon's book (and its one of a small number I point all Celtic mission students to) is the attempt to make Celtic Christian insights work for an existing community.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRev Dr Stephen Skuce, Research Programme Leader (Director of Scholarship, Research and Innovation for the British Methodist Church), Cliff College\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhat the world (and the church) needs now more than anything else is a sense of community. Starting with the author's excellent summary of Aladair Mcintyre's After Virtue at the end of this excellent guidebook on building purposeful Christian community this is a 'How To' book which has the potential to transform the small village congregation, the burgeoning suburban church and the tentative Fresh Expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eDrawing on his experience as a church minister and his membership of the Community of Aidan and Hilda, Simon lays out the building blocks which can transform any gathering of Christians into the world changing community Christ means it to be.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eAnd simple steps they are as well. A shared Way of Life (sometimes called a Rule), A commitment to journeying with a Soul Friend (sometimes called a Spiritual Director), and a decision to have a set Rhythm of Prayer (sometimes called keeping the Divine Office).\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eToo often the pattern for Christian community, tried and tested and proven effective down the ages, has been seen to be the preserve of the professional monk or nun instead of the inheritance of every Christian. So there is a deliberate down playing of language, without a diminishing of commitment.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThis book, taken seriously - especially by the leadership of a church - will transform relationships and bring the gospel to life amongst the congregation who chooses to take its programme seriously.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIt is worthwhile to summarise the consequence of putting these three principles into practice - aims to which many churches aspire:\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommunity, not just congregation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRhythms of prayer, not just places of worship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRelationships, not just activity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpiritual life, not just structural maintenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrganism, not just organisation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConnection, not isolation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Revd Andrew Dotchin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eCountry Way\u003c\/em\u003e - October to December 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThat looks like my cup of tea, I said seeing this book on a colleague's desk. Which proves one shouldn't judge a book by its cover or title. I assumed this would be about the church engaging with the local community. Instead it's about how the church builds itself into a community. John Pritchard in Living Faithfully suggests that the church is too often concerned with itself, its structure and inward life, and he calls the church to make connections with neighbourhoods. Misjudging the intention of Creating Community I became disappointed, for it is about something else.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSimon Reed provides an apologia for a particular view of the church as a community, based on a Celtic way of the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He introduces three core elements of being church: a way of life; a network of soul friendship; and a rhythm of prayer. He writes in a chatty style. I read it mostly on a series of train journeys and felt his companionship through his thoughts and ideas. He makes short shrift of other ways of being church that he disagrees with or where his experiences are negative. He is best describing and working through the core elements and there are some helpful passages particularly concerning prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eI found his notion of praying through the day retrospectively a helpful corrective to constantly looking ahead to the next diary entries. Ideally a second volume would move from focusing on the church's internal community to how the core elements help build an external community that grows the kingdom in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Glyn Evans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom The Good Bookstall - April 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis book works on so many levels! In fact I almost want to just say this book works - read it, find that out for yourself. But then that wouldn't be a very helpful review would it? Whatever words I say here probably won't do it justice - just so we are clear...\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a foundational guide to doing church, to becoming community and more importantly to living community - something it could perhaps be said we have lost a little. This book guides the reader back onto the track of experiential living, where everything is community rooted and where everything is in its own way an act of prayer, where we live not only our lives but our faith together - even when we are apart!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt's a guide book for individuals and a study book for churches and real communities - it reflects on ancient ways, yes, but it pulls in the very real and modern life we live using solid examples from the Community of Aidan \u0026amp; Hilda, and also reflection from other communities including the Northumbria Community, L'Arche, The Franciscan Third Order and others - demonstrating the pull towards community, the need for it and the lessons we can learn from it.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSo ok perhaps I'm a tad biased, I'm a member of a new, small but real, fresh expressions community here in Lincoln called Luminous... but I still think that this book works and will talk to many, even those that aren't community-centric already because the heart of our gospel, our faith, is community and this book helps lead us into that journey and insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Melanie Carroll\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWaves of enthusiasm for all things 'Celtic' have swept across Irish and British shores at various points in modern history. It seems this ancient tide is here again. In Creating Community, London vicar Simon Reed cracks open this old indigenous stream of spirituality. It was for his own congregations - the Church of the Ascension and St Mary's Church in Ealing - that he needed to find a pathway to growth. He found it in the early church of these islands. 'One feature of the church in Britain in the fourth to eighth centuries was that it held together many of the strands of Christianity which today have become separated,' he writes. 'The Celtic church had an Evangelical emphasis upon the Scriptures and upon mission, a Catholic sense of the importance of incarnation and sacrament, a Pentecostal - charismatic experience of the work of the Holy Spirit, and an Orthodox vision of God as Trinity.' As a 'guardian' of a new monastic movement, the Community of Aidan and Hilda, the author encourages us to learn from former ways of 'doing church'. These are mainly: a rule of life, a way of connecting with God and others; a rhythm of prayer, simple patterns of worship, prayer and Bible reading; and soul friendship (anam cara), a process of spiritual mentoring. SIMON SAYS, 'BE CELTIC'! W JULY - SEP 2013 VOX 43 Simon's explanation of a 'rule of life' is one of the clearest and most concise I have seen. He puts it into three basic principles of simplicity, purity and obedience, to develop 'a disciplined spirituality', as he puts it. I'm inspired by soul friendship but also hesitant because of its darker modern counterpart, the heavy shepherding movement. Still, we should be open to the healthier notion of soul friends, if we're to be fully human. Linked to this, the author shares helpful and practical pointers about prayer and reflection as a community - including an astonishing experience of welcoming a Muslim into his church who wanted sacred space. Throughout the book, Simon uses the phrase 'ordinary Christians', drawing everyone into this journey. He concludes that a new monasticism with old roots will be the salvation of our broken society. Simon shows the message of Celtic Christianity has outlasted the trendy years. Practical and profound, Creating Community is recommended reading for church leaders everywhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Clive Price from Vox Magazine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:01+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:03+00:00","vendor":"Simon Reed","type":"Paperback","tags":["Apr-13","Celtic Christianity","Discipleship","For churches","Spirituality"],"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":21768957657188,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857460097","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Creating Community: Ancient ways for modern churches - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":167,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857460097","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460097-l.jpg?v=1549043179"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460097-l.jpg?v=1549043179","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238874480779,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":561,"width":368,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460097-l.jpg?v=1549043179"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":561,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460097-l.jpg?v=1549043179","width":368}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThere is much talk today of 'new ways of being church' and 'new monastic spirituality'. As Simon Reed explored the Celtic roots of the Christian faith, in community with others who drew inspiration from our spiritual ancestors in the British Isles, he came to realise that the third millennium church has much in common with the first millennium church, and more importantly, much to learn from it.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn Creating Community, he introduces us to a new but at the same time very old way of being church which is based upon three core elements: a Way of Life, a network of Soul Friends, and a rhythm of prayer. The book shows how the rediscovery of these elements by Christians today offers a vital key that opens up an ancient way for modern churches, one which not only helps to bring believers to lasting maturity but creates genuine and much-needed community in an increasingly fragmented world.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eForeword\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis book could be titled From the Ordinary Church: a Way of Life. Its author share the vision that the local church is the hope of the world and that each church can find its distinctive vocation. He observes that whereas many contemporary churches try to attract a crowd and then turn it into a community, the early churches in Celtic lands started as small communities and then gathered wider numbers.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBut can our long-established small churches become living communities? From his own experience Simon argues that they can if they adopt three practices - a way of life, a network of soul friends and a rhythm of prayer. He establishes that a way of life coheres with New Testament practice and explores how to develop these.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI know Simon as a friend and colleague in The Community of Aidan and Hilda, which has Catholic, Orthodox and Evangelical members. He tells his personal story from within his own tradition. Always - and this is so refreshing - he is more concerned with the product than with the label.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is timely for, as the author points out, the moral disintegration which underlies the unravelling of community and society could herald a new dark age. Winston Churchill, when his country had its back to the wall in World War Two, famously said 'Give us the tools and we will finish the job'. Simon gives us some tools. Let us, the readers, help to finish the job.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRay Simpson\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eHoly Island of Lindisfarne | \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.raysimpson.org\" target=\"blank\"\u003ewww.raysimpson.org\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nSimon Reed is an Anglican minister with two churches in Ealing, West London. He is also one of the three Guardians of the Community of Aidan and Hilda, an international and cross-denominational network of Christians who draw inspiration from the Celtic saints for the renewal of today's church. He has written regularly for Scripture Union's Closer to God Bible Notes for over ten years. Recently he contributed a chapter to Ray Simpson's book High Street Monasteries, giving a biblical perspective on this insightful introduction to contemporary 'new monasticism'. He has been a seminar speaker at Spring Harvest and been involved in leading their reflective worship stream.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLet me pay tribute to Simon's \u003cem\u003eCreating Community\u003c\/em\u003e. I think a great deal of contemporary Celtic Christian interest has reduced Celtic Christianity to an individual interest and those individuals come together to form communities, but that is a long way from what we might think about authentic Celtic community. What attracted me to Simon's book (and its one of a small number I point all Celtic mission students to) is the attempt to make Celtic Christian insights work for an existing community.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRev Dr Stephen Skuce, Research Programme Leader (Director of Scholarship, Research and Innovation for the British Methodist Church), Cliff College\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWhat the world (and the church) needs now more than anything else is a sense of community. Starting with the author's excellent summary of Aladair Mcintyre's After Virtue at the end of this excellent guidebook on building purposeful Christian community this is a 'How To' book which has the potential to transform the small village congregation, the burgeoning suburban church and the tentative Fresh Expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eDrawing on his experience as a church minister and his membership of the Community of Aidan and Hilda, Simon lays out the building blocks which can transform any gathering of Christians into the world changing community Christ means it to be.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eAnd simple steps they are as well. A shared Way of Life (sometimes called a Rule), A commitment to journeying with a Soul Friend (sometimes called a Spiritual Director), and a decision to have a set Rhythm of Prayer (sometimes called keeping the Divine Office).\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eToo often the pattern for Christian community, tried and tested and proven effective down the ages, has been seen to be the preserve of the professional monk or nun instead of the inheritance of every Christian. So there is a deliberate down playing of language, without a diminishing of commitment.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThis book, taken seriously - especially by the leadership of a church - will transform relationships and bring the gospel to life amongst the congregation who chooses to take its programme seriously.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIt is worthwhile to summarise the consequence of putting these three principles into practice - aims to which many churches aspire:\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommunity, not just congregation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRhythms of prayer, not just places of worship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRelationships, not just activity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpiritual life, not just structural maintenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrganism, not just organisation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConnection, not isolation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Revd Andrew Dotchin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eCountry Way\u003c\/em\u003e - October to December 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThat looks like my cup of tea, I said seeing this book on a colleague's desk. Which proves one shouldn't judge a book by its cover or title. I assumed this would be about the church engaging with the local community. Instead it's about how the church builds itself into a community. John Pritchard in Living Faithfully suggests that the church is too often concerned with itself, its structure and inward life, and he calls the church to make connections with neighbourhoods. Misjudging the intention of Creating Community I became disappointed, for it is about something else.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eSimon Reed provides an apologia for a particular view of the church as a community, based on a Celtic way of the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He introduces three core elements of being church: a way of life; a network of soul friendship; and a rhythm of prayer. He writes in a chatty style. I read it mostly on a series of train journeys and felt his companionship through his thoughts and ideas. He makes short shrift of other ways of being church that he disagrees with or where his experiences are negative. He is best describing and working through the core elements and there are some helpful passages particularly concerning prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eI found his notion of praying through the day retrospectively a helpful corrective to constantly looking ahead to the next diary entries. Ideally a second volume would move from focusing on the church's internal community to how the core elements help build an external community that grows the kingdom in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Glyn Evans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom The Good Bookstall - April 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis book works on so many levels! In fact I almost want to just say this book works - read it, find that out for yourself. But then that wouldn't be a very helpful review would it? Whatever words I say here probably won't do it justice - just so we are clear...\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a foundational guide to doing church, to becoming community and more importantly to living community - something it could perhaps be said we have lost a little. This book guides the reader back onto the track of experiential living, where everything is community rooted and where everything is in its own way an act of prayer, where we live not only our lives but our faith together - even when we are apart!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIt's a guide book for individuals and a study book for churches and real communities - it reflects on ancient ways, yes, but it pulls in the very real and modern life we live using solid examples from the Community of Aidan \u0026amp; Hilda, and also reflection from other communities including the Northumbria Community, L'Arche, The Franciscan Third Order and others - demonstrating the pull towards community, the need for it and the lessons we can learn from it.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSo ok perhaps I'm a tad biased, I'm a member of a new, small but real, fresh expressions community here in Lincoln called Luminous... but I still think that this book works and will talk to many, even those that aren't community-centric already because the heart of our gospel, our faith, is community and this book helps lead us into that journey and insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Melanie Carroll\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWaves of enthusiasm for all things 'Celtic' have swept across Irish and British shores at various points in modern history. It seems this ancient tide is here again. In Creating Community, London vicar Simon Reed cracks open this old indigenous stream of spirituality. It was for his own congregations - the Church of the Ascension and St Mary's Church in Ealing - that he needed to find a pathway to growth. He found it in the early church of these islands. 'One feature of the church in Britain in the fourth to eighth centuries was that it held together many of the strands of Christianity which today have become separated,' he writes. 'The Celtic church had an Evangelical emphasis upon the Scriptures and upon mission, a Catholic sense of the importance of incarnation and sacrament, a Pentecostal - charismatic experience of the work of the Holy Spirit, and an Orthodox vision of God as Trinity.' As a 'guardian' of a new monastic movement, the Community of Aidan and Hilda, the author encourages us to learn from former ways of 'doing church'. These are mainly: a rule of life, a way of connecting with God and others; a rhythm of prayer, simple patterns of worship, prayer and Bible reading; and soul friendship (anam cara), a process of spiritual mentoring. SIMON SAYS, 'BE CELTIC'! W JULY - SEP 2013 VOX 43 Simon's explanation of a 'rule of life' is one of the clearest and most concise I have seen. He puts it into three basic principles of simplicity, purity and obedience, to develop 'a disciplined spirituality', as he puts it. I'm inspired by soul friendship but also hesitant because of its darker modern counterpart, the heavy shepherding movement. Still, we should be open to the healthier notion of soul friends, if we're to be fully human. Linked to this, the author shares helpful and practical pointers about prayer and reflection as a community - including an astonishing experience of welcoming a Muslim into his church who wanted sacred space. Throughout the book, Simon uses the phrase 'ordinary Christians', drawing everyone into this journey. He concludes that a new monasticism with old roots will be the salvation of our broken society. Simon shows the message of Celtic Christianity has outlasted the trendy years. Practical and profound, Creating Community is recommended reading for church leaders everywhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Clive Price from Vox Magazine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Creating Community: Ancient ways for modern churches
£8.99
There is much talk today of 'new ways of being church' and 'new monastic spirituality'. As Simon Reed explored the...