The Forge Gathering In Person 2025

Author : Parenting for Faith

£200.00

2pm, 23 September 2025 - 2pm 25 September 2025
The Forge Gathering is a residential retreat for local children's, youth and families' leaders (both paid and voluntary) hosted by the Parenting for Faith team.

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Title	The Forge Gathering In Person 2025
Author	Parenting for Faith
ISBN
Description	2pm, 23 September 2025 - 2pm 25 September 2025 The Forge Gathering is a residential retreat for local children's, youth and families' leaders (both paid and voluntary) hosted by the Parenting for Faith team. This time we're going to: Hill House Christian Centre Otterhampton Bridgwater TA5 2PT Please note - accommodation will be in shared rooms at Hill House (no single bedrooms available) Bookings close 5/9/25 For more information about The Forge Gathering click here.
Details	Product code: FORGE2025R Format: Event

This time we're going to:

Hill House Christian Centre
Otterhampton
Bridgwater
TA5 2PT
Please note - accommodation will be in shared rooms at Hill House (no single bedrooms available)

Bookings close 5/9/25

For more information about The Forge Gathering click here.

{"id":5785406865560,"title":"Messy Vintage: 52 sessions to share Christ-centred fun and fellowship with the older generation","handle":"messy-vintage-52-sessions-to-share-christ-centred-fun-and-fellowship-with-the-older-generation","description":"\u003cp\u003eBeing ‘church’ with older people in care homes, congregations and the community\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Vintage is Christ-centred and creative, full of celebration and hospitality and open to all, aspiring to include people of all ages while specifically reaching out to older people. A typical session involves hands-on creative activities to explore a Bible story, a short celebration with story, song and prayer, and refreshments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you’re just getting started with Messy Vintage or looking for new session material, this book offers practical advice and resources to help you reach out to the older people in your community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The Messy Vintage team always make me feel welcome – they are worth their weight in gold.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMessy Vintage participant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘We love Messy Vintage. It’s like a breath of fresh air!’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCare home social activities coordinator\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatie Norman is the pioneer of Messy Vintage in Jersey, taking the approach into churches and care homes, as well as hospital units for people living with advanced dementia.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJill Phipps is BRF’s National Coordinator for Messy Vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Vintage is a gem of a book and a must have resource for all those who have the privilege of sharing the Gospel with the older generation who are so easily forgotten, and whose capacity to play and have fun is often overlooked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatie and Jill have produced a book that unites hearts and hands prayerfully and practically. Inspiring and celebrating the gifts of creativity and conversation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prayers are simple but profound. Each of the 52 Scripture readings and reflections are a good length providing a structure that is helpful but not limiting. It has the potential to nurture, to comfort, to reassure and all through prayer, play and fun!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am sure this super book will touch all who use it as they journey together, reflecting on the love of God, the faithfulness of Christ and the creative energy of the Holy Spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLynne Chitty, writer\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry (Autumn 2021). Review by Laura Hillier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Autumn 2021. Review by Laura Hillier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Vintage is an extension of the highly successful work of Messy Church for families. This formula has proved a great success both in care homes and in the community, catering for those for whom attendance at a church service may be difficult or inappropriate. The book consists of 52 chapters with outline plans for gatherings, each based on a short Bible passage. The final section has ideas for celebrating the main festivals of the church’s year. A preliminary conversation is followed by a creative activity and a time of celebration ending with a prayer and a hymn. There are detailed instructions for the craft activity backed up by a website which provides templates and photographs. The authors recommend that where possible refreshments are served, perhaps afternoon tea attractively presented with flowers, cake stands and china cups. This book will prove an invaluable resource to those with sufficient time and energy to devote to such a worthwhile cause. Advance preparation is crucial: a helpful appendix provides guidance for care homes and volunteers which can be downloaded from the website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillier\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach (issue 27 Summer 2021). Review by Sue Hamer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Vintage is a small book packed with enthusiasm and ideas. Written for those in churches who have a desire to befriend the older generation, it contains 52 detailed programmes of activities to share. The sessions are clearly explained and include a Bible passage, a creative activity, ideas for discussion and suggested hymns to sing before the tea and cakes are served. Each session is easy to follow, providing everything required for up to two hours of fellowship and enjoyment. They can be used as a set programme to follow or as a starting point for developing your own creative ideas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying website is clearly organised and easy to navigate, it contains the downloadable materials required for the creative activities and additional ideas for special events (not covered in the book). There are also useful admin documents to print and advice on how to run an event.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Vintage groups are being run successfully in the community and in care homes. The authors have shared some lovely insights into the responses of a few of the participants at some of these events. It is encouraging to read of how Messy Church and subsequently Messy Vintage grew out of a church that needed a new lease of life and became a place where people ‘can celebrate in comfort, with Christ-centred fun, fellowship and food’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have a heart to share the love of God and have some fun with older folk and if you have a team of like-minded people to work with you, then Messy Vintage will be a true source of inspiration and support to you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Sue Hamer\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Dawn Saunders, Chair of the Channel Islands Methodist District\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Vintage is a resource churches should invest in. The Messy Vintage sessions are written in a way that helps to creates a warm and fun environment designed for the older generation, although they are suitable for all ages. They begin with a bible story and a theme. The sessions are so clearly laid out and user friendly, you won’t need an expert team to run them. There is also a really comprehensive introduction to share the ethos of Messy Vintage and instructions on how best to run the sessions in different contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is just the right number of varied activities on the menu, with ample material for all, whether you are used to church activities or have never been. Through the well thought out programme of fifty-two sessions everyone can enjoy the fellowship and be fed through the experience. All the seasons of the year are catered for and details could be adapted if necessary, to fit the context. You don’t have to have cake stands, china tea sets and embroidered tablecloths, but if you have someone who would just love to provide those things, then hand the job over! There’s a chance for everyone to shine!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who would love to share the word of God alongside activities in any setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eDawn Saunders \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eChair of The Channel Islands\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eMethodist District \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Irish Methodist Newsletter February 2021. Review by Stephen Skuce\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of us will be aware of the craft led approach of Messy Church, and the numerous directions this can be taken. \u003cem\u003eMessy Vintage\u003c\/em\u003e is another of these that promotes the approach among an older generation, both within church contexts and also in care homes and other settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are two things that drew my attention here. Firstly, it’s always good to see Methodism leading the way. The author Katie Norman pioneered Messy Vintage in the Methodist Church in Jersey and in this book we get a Messy Vintage activity for each week of the year. Everything needed for the event is here, and in one small volume we get 52 excellent and proven sessions that are straightforward to use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second detail that struck me was the argument that in some places we shouldn’t put on a Messy Church or Messy Vintage, we should become a Messy Vintage Church. It’s a change of emphasis. Katie Norman points to the Messy Vintage community being the church, and the activities that support it being done excellently to honour all participating. ‘Creativity, for the predominantly older generation for whom Messy Vintage is aimed, can seem daunting, with such a vast array of abilities to cater for. However, it has been our experience over the past 10 years that it is not so much the craft itself that is important but the time spent creating it together and the conversations that ensue’ (p16).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an example of an activity, week 32 considers Jesus saying ‘I am the gate’ (John 10:9). In addition to prayer and worship ideas, there is a suggested conversation about playing ‘hide and seek’ and what might have been discovered behind curtains and in wardrobes. We are shown where to find the video clip where Lucy steps through the wardrobe in the film of CS Lewis’ classic \u003cem\u003eThe Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe \u003c\/em\u003eand the craft activity uses a gate template and getting people to paint the most beautiful scene they have ever seen or imagined around it. Then follows a show and tell where participants talk about their images. This is all concluded by some reflection that Lucy entered into a wonderful new world, but one with lots of problems. In that world good ultimately overcomes evil, but only after Aslan has sacrificed his life for others. The aim of this session is to share the good news of salvation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrying a Messy Vintage approach is well within the abilities of all of us and our churches. I wonder if any of us will seriously contemplate what it might mean to be a Messy Church, rather than just do Messy Church activities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Revd Dr Stephen Skuce, District Superintendent, the North Western district, the Methodist Church in Ireland\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Matters. Paul Beasley-Murray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis will meet a real need – although as I know from my mother’s experience there is also a real need for older mature Christians to go ‘deeper’.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-09-17T15:06:18+01:00","created_at":"2020-09-17T15:06:17+01:00","vendor":"Katie Norman","type":"Paperback","tags":["Church life","Glassboxx","Jan-21","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":36354122514584,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469755","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":19504739713176,"product_id":5785406865560,"position":1,"created_at":"2020-09-17T15:06:19+01:00","updated_at":"2021-01-11T14:14:07+00:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1419,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469755.jpg?v=1610374447","variant_ids":[36354122514584]},"available":false,"name":"Messy Vintage: 52 sessions to share Christ-centred fun and fellowship with the older generation - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":244,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469755","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":11680187285656,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469755.jpg?v=1610374447"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469755.jpg?v=1610374447","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469755-bc.jpg?v=1610374447","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN9762.jpg?v=1610374447"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469755.jpg?v=1610374447","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":11680187285656,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469755.jpg?v=1610374447"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469755.jpg?v=1610374447","width":1000},{"alt":null,"id":11680187351192,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469755-bc.jpg?v=1610374447"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469755-bc.jpg?v=1610374447","width":1000},{"alt":null,"id":15576188289215,"position":3,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN9762.jpg?v=1610374447"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN9762.jpg?v=1610374447","width":458}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eBeing ‘church’ with older people in care homes, congregations and the community\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Vintage is Christ-centred and creative, full of celebration and hospitality and open to all, aspiring to include people of all ages while specifically reaching out to older people. A typical session involves hands-on creative activities to explore a Bible story, a short celebration with story, song and prayer, and refreshments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you’re just getting started with Messy Vintage or looking for new session material, this book offers practical advice and resources to help you reach out to the older people in your community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The Messy Vintage team always make me feel welcome – they are worth their weight in gold.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMessy Vintage participant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘We love Messy Vintage. It’s like a breath of fresh air!’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCare home social activities coordinator\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatie Norman is the pioneer of Messy Vintage in Jersey, taking the approach into churches and care homes, as well as hospital units for people living with advanced dementia.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJill Phipps is BRF’s National Coordinator for Messy Vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Vintage is a gem of a book and a must have resource for all those who have the privilege of sharing the Gospel with the older generation who are so easily forgotten, and whose capacity to play and have fun is often overlooked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKatie and Jill have produced a book that unites hearts and hands prayerfully and practically. Inspiring and celebrating the gifts of creativity and conversation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prayers are simple but profound. Each of the 52 Scripture readings and reflections are a good length providing a structure that is helpful but not limiting. It has the potential to nurture, to comfort, to reassure and all through prayer, play and fun!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am sure this super book will touch all who use it as they journey together, reflecting on the love of God, the faithfulness of Christ and the creative energy of the Holy Spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLynne Chitty, writer\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry (Autumn 2021). Review by Laura Hillier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Autumn 2021. Review by Laura Hillier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Vintage is an extension of the highly successful work of Messy Church for families. This formula has proved a great success both in care homes and in the community, catering for those for whom attendance at a church service may be difficult or inappropriate. The book consists of 52 chapters with outline plans for gatherings, each based on a short Bible passage. The final section has ideas for celebrating the main festivals of the church’s year. A preliminary conversation is followed by a creative activity and a time of celebration ending with a prayer and a hymn. There are detailed instructions for the craft activity backed up by a website which provides templates and photographs. The authors recommend that where possible refreshments are served, perhaps afternoon tea attractively presented with flowers, cake stands and china cups. This book will prove an invaluable resource to those with sufficient time and energy to devote to such a worthwhile cause. Advance preparation is crucial: a helpful appendix provides guidance for care homes and volunteers which can be downloaded from the website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillier\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach (issue 27 Summer 2021). Review by Sue Hamer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Vintage is a small book packed with enthusiasm and ideas. Written for those in churches who have a desire to befriend the older generation, it contains 52 detailed programmes of activities to share. The sessions are clearly explained and include a Bible passage, a creative activity, ideas for discussion and suggested hymns to sing before the tea and cakes are served. Each session is easy to follow, providing everything required for up to two hours of fellowship and enjoyment. They can be used as a set programme to follow or as a starting point for developing your own creative ideas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying website is clearly organised and easy to navigate, it contains the downloadable materials required for the creative activities and additional ideas for special events (not covered in the book). There are also useful admin documents to print and advice on how to run an event.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Vintage groups are being run successfully in the community and in care homes. The authors have shared some lovely insights into the responses of a few of the participants at some of these events. It is encouraging to read of how Messy Church and subsequently Messy Vintage grew out of a church that needed a new lease of life and became a place where people ‘can celebrate in comfort, with Christ-centred fun, fellowship and food’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have a heart to share the love of God and have some fun with older folk and if you have a team of like-minded people to work with you, then Messy Vintage will be a true source of inspiration and support to you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Sue Hamer\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Dawn Saunders, Chair of the Channel Islands Methodist District\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Vintage is a resource churches should invest in. The Messy Vintage sessions are written in a way that helps to creates a warm and fun environment designed for the older generation, although they are suitable for all ages. They begin with a bible story and a theme. The sessions are so clearly laid out and user friendly, you won’t need an expert team to run them. There is also a really comprehensive introduction to share the ethos of Messy Vintage and instructions on how best to run the sessions in different contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is just the right number of varied activities on the menu, with ample material for all, whether you are used to church activities or have never been. Through the well thought out programme of fifty-two sessions everyone can enjoy the fellowship and be fed through the experience. All the seasons of the year are catered for and details could be adapted if necessary, to fit the context. You don’t have to have cake stands, china tea sets and embroidered tablecloths, but if you have someone who would just love to provide those things, then hand the job over! There’s a chance for everyone to shine!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who would love to share the word of God alongside activities in any setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eDawn Saunders \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eChair of The Channel Islands\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eMethodist District \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Irish Methodist Newsletter February 2021. Review by Stephen Skuce\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of us will be aware of the craft led approach of Messy Church, and the numerous directions this can be taken. \u003cem\u003eMessy Vintage\u003c\/em\u003e is another of these that promotes the approach among an older generation, both within church contexts and also in care homes and other settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are two things that drew my attention here. Firstly, it’s always good to see Methodism leading the way. The author Katie Norman pioneered Messy Vintage in the Methodist Church in Jersey and in this book we get a Messy Vintage activity for each week of the year. Everything needed for the event is here, and in one small volume we get 52 excellent and proven sessions that are straightforward to use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second detail that struck me was the argument that in some places we shouldn’t put on a Messy Church or Messy Vintage, we should become a Messy Vintage Church. It’s a change of emphasis. Katie Norman points to the Messy Vintage community being the church, and the activities that support it being done excellently to honour all participating. ‘Creativity, for the predominantly older generation for whom Messy Vintage is aimed, can seem daunting, with such a vast array of abilities to cater for. However, it has been our experience over the past 10 years that it is not so much the craft itself that is important but the time spent creating it together and the conversations that ensue’ (p16).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an example of an activity, week 32 considers Jesus saying ‘I am the gate’ (John 10:9). In addition to prayer and worship ideas, there is a suggested conversation about playing ‘hide and seek’ and what might have been discovered behind curtains and in wardrobes. We are shown where to find the video clip where Lucy steps through the wardrobe in the film of CS Lewis’ classic \u003cem\u003eThe Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe \u003c\/em\u003eand the craft activity uses a gate template and getting people to paint the most beautiful scene they have ever seen or imagined around it. Then follows a show and tell where participants talk about their images. This is all concluded by some reflection that Lucy entered into a wonderful new world, but one with lots of problems. In that world good ultimately overcomes evil, but only after Aslan has sacrificed his life for others. The aim of this session is to share the good news of salvation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrying a Messy Vintage approach is well within the abilities of all of us and our churches. I wonder if any of us will seriously contemplate what it might mean to be a Messy Church, rather than just do Messy Church activities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Revd Dr Stephen Skuce, District Superintendent, the North Western district, the Methodist Church in Ireland\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Matters. Paul Beasley-Murray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis will meet a real need – although as I know from my mother’s experience there is also a real need for older mature Christians to go ‘deeper’.\u003c\/p\u003e"}

Messy Vintage: 52 sessions to share Christ-centred fun and fellowship with the older generation

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Being ‘church’ with older people in care homes, congregations and the community Messy Vintage is Christ-centred and creative, full of...

Out of Stock

{"id":4861579559051,"title":"Holy Habits: Following Jesus: Ideal for Lent and other times","handle":"holy-habits-following-jesus","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the Holy Habits through the life of Jesus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis resource provides seven weeks of material for church groups to use during Lent. Each session includes the printed Bible passage, a suggestion for a simple symbolic worship centre, music suggestions, reflection, poem, questions, prayer and take-home ideas. Additional material for Holy Week provides daily reflections that can be used as the basis of a gathered act of worship, or for personal devotion.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIMPORTANT product information for past purchasers, please click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Holy_Habits_FJ.pdf?v=1738934370\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003ehere\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCurrently out of stock. New stock expected within 10 days (18 February 2025)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Roberts is a husband, father, minister, writer and speaker. He is the author of the book \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits\u003c\/em\u003e (Malcolm Down Publishing, 2016) and co-editor of the BRF Holy Habits resource booklets. He was previously director of training for Fresh Expressions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on his work with Holy Habits, Andrew Roberts has produced some creative resources here for one of the most poignant seasons of the Christian calendar, Lent and Holy Week. There are things to do as well as things to think about, all presented in ways that will enrich individual spirituality as well as offering ideas for group engagement.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Drane and Olive Fleming-Drane\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am delighted to commend \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e by Andrew Roberts — a resource which builds on his earlier book, Holy Habits, but which is designed for use by small groups, especially through Lent and Holy Week. The material is accessible, yet challenging; truly imaginative, yet genuinely simple. It supplements words with images, to enable disciples of Jesus to be formed afresh in the likeness of the One who is both the Word and Image of the Living God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was captivated when I read the book Holy Habits and so I am now delighted to commend \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e, Lent Course and Holy Week Resource. It is accessible, relevant, practical and most importantly will lead new disciples into a deeper understanding of following Jesus and more mature disciples into greater depth of faith. I warmly commend it to be used not only during the special season of Lent but indeed anytime.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Richard J Teal, President of the Methodist Conference 2020\/21\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis might look like a book, it is... but it is much more than that, it helps you to engage in an experience... This is a great resource for people to experience the Christian season of Lent and the events of Holy Week. It is about the real fundamentals of the Jesus story. Go ahead and discover the call to follow Jesus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTim Lea, Network Animator of Fresh Expressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs always, Andrew’s writings are spiritual in content, scriptural in basis and inspirational in outworking. \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e is a creative and practical resource to help is lean into Lent personally and as a group.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVal Mylechreest (Major), Divisional Commander, South London Division, Salvation Army\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat a lovely resource book! These outlines are straightforward and versatile, easy to use and adaptable for a variety of small group settings. Christ-centred and applicable to everyday discipleship, this is a great way to spend Lent refocussing on Jesus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLucy Moore, founder and team leader of Messy Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a post-Christendom context, Holy Habits is a timely reminder of the centrality of shared practices to growth in Christian discipleship and its working out in daily life and witness. The encouragement to take that journey further by exploring holy habits through the lens of Jesus’ life and passion is a welcome opportunity to deepen discipleship at a personal, small group and congregational level. I know a number of congregations which have been greatly blessed by Holy Habits and I commend this resource to you with the prayer that it may bless you.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Richard Andrew, Chair of the Darlington Methodist District\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis resource helpfully links Holy Habits to following Jesus Christ. The text is accessible and easy to follow. The focus is on helping readers to unpack the stories around Jesus with helpful questions for personal and group reflection. I commend this as an aid for deeper meditation and discipleship.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Inderjit Bhogal OBE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCongregationalism has it’s roots in the early church, so what a delight to continue the Holy Habit series with this reflective study for the most “powerful” time of the year! Easter. The take home ideas will help us in our everyday life, bringing hope and kindness to those we encounter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYvonne Campbell, General Secretary, Congregational Federation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e is a wonderful new resource from Andrew Roberts. The accessible and easy to use material provides inspiration and encouragement for anyone at any stage on their discipleship journey. Use it in Lent and Holy Week, or at another time, and find yourself drawn in more deeply into the adventure that is following Christ. I warmly commend it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrancis Brienen, Deputy General Secretary (Mission) of the United Reformed Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChurch Times 22.01.21 Lent Book round up by Philip Welsh\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoly Habits is not the latest range from Wippell’s, but a series of resources embodying ‘a fresh way of engaging communities with missional discipleship’, based on the ten key practices advocated in Acts 2 of ‘biblical teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer, sharing resources, serving, eating together, gladness and generosity, worship and making more disciples’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Roberts, its originator, and a former Fresh Expressions trainer, uses these habits of Christian living as a framework for weekly sessions in Lent and daily sessions in Holy Week, with suggestions for group worship and singing, a Bible passage, a simple reflection, and questions for conversation and for reflection. Not everyone will appreciate some of the rubrics for worship — ‘Cover a table with some coarse cloth, such as hessian. Scatter some stones and then add symbols’ — but there is much to be said for a course on the basics of Christian life which is light on text, uses non-verbal resources, and includes questions such as ‘About whom do you mutter?’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAimed at ‘those who are already following Jesus’, \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e would work naturally with an established house group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eReview by Philip Welsh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-05-04T14:33:40+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-04T14:35:45+01:00","vendor":"Andrew Roberts","type":"Paperback","tags":["Group reading","Holy Habits Bible Reflections","Holy Habits church handbooks","Holy Habits Group Studies","Kindle","Lent","Nov-20"],"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":34890040770712,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469946","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":18548232519832,"product_id":4861579559051,"position":1,"created_at":"2020-08-05T15:08:22+01:00","updated_at":"2020-08-05T15:08:22+01:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1419,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469946.jpg?v=1596636502","variant_ids":[34890040770712]},"available":false,"name":"Holy Habits: Following Jesus: Ideal for Lent and other times - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":699,"weight":167,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469946","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":10723110813848,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469946.jpg?v=1596636502"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469946.jpg?v=1596636502","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/6_c3036da6-a848-4958-91e1-d21eb310b34c.png?v=1734095698"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469946.jpg?v=1596636502","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":10723110813848,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469946.jpg?v=1596636502"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469946.jpg?v=1596636502","width":1000},{"alt":null,"id":63560967127420,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/6_c3036da6-a848-4958-91e1-d21eb310b34c.png?v=1734095698"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/6_c3036da6-a848-4958-91e1-d21eb310b34c.png?v=1734095698","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the Holy Habits through the life of Jesus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis resource provides seven weeks of material for church groups to use during Lent. Each session includes the printed Bible passage, a suggestion for a simple symbolic worship centre, music suggestions, reflection, poem, questions, prayer and take-home ideas. Additional material for Holy Week provides daily reflections that can be used as the basis of a gathered act of worship, or for personal devotion.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIMPORTANT product information for past purchasers, please click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Holy_Habits_FJ.pdf?v=1738934370\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003ehere\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCurrently out of stock. New stock expected within 10 days (18 February 2025)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Roberts is a husband, father, minister, writer and speaker. He is the author of the book \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits\u003c\/em\u003e (Malcolm Down Publishing, 2016) and co-editor of the BRF Holy Habits resource booklets. He was previously director of training for Fresh Expressions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on his work with Holy Habits, Andrew Roberts has produced some creative resources here for one of the most poignant seasons of the Christian calendar, Lent and Holy Week. There are things to do as well as things to think about, all presented in ways that will enrich individual spirituality as well as offering ideas for group engagement.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Drane and Olive Fleming-Drane\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am delighted to commend \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e by Andrew Roberts — a resource which builds on his earlier book, Holy Habits, but which is designed for use by small groups, especially through Lent and Holy Week. The material is accessible, yet challenging; truly imaginative, yet genuinely simple. It supplements words with images, to enable disciples of Jesus to be formed afresh in the likeness of the One who is both the Word and Image of the Living God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was captivated when I read the book Holy Habits and so I am now delighted to commend \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e, Lent Course and Holy Week Resource. It is accessible, relevant, practical and most importantly will lead new disciples into a deeper understanding of following Jesus and more mature disciples into greater depth of faith. I warmly commend it to be used not only during the special season of Lent but indeed anytime.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Richard J Teal, President of the Methodist Conference 2020\/21\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis might look like a book, it is... but it is much more than that, it helps you to engage in an experience... This is a great resource for people to experience the Christian season of Lent and the events of Holy Week. It is about the real fundamentals of the Jesus story. Go ahead and discover the call to follow Jesus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTim Lea, Network Animator of Fresh Expressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs always, Andrew’s writings are spiritual in content, scriptural in basis and inspirational in outworking. \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e is a creative and practical resource to help is lean into Lent personally and as a group.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVal Mylechreest (Major), Divisional Commander, South London Division, Salvation Army\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat a lovely resource book! These outlines are straightforward and versatile, easy to use and adaptable for a variety of small group settings. Christ-centred and applicable to everyday discipleship, this is a great way to spend Lent refocussing on Jesus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLucy Moore, founder and team leader of Messy Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a post-Christendom context, Holy Habits is a timely reminder of the centrality of shared practices to growth in Christian discipleship and its working out in daily life and witness. The encouragement to take that journey further by exploring holy habits through the lens of Jesus’ life and passion is a welcome opportunity to deepen discipleship at a personal, small group and congregational level. I know a number of congregations which have been greatly blessed by Holy Habits and I commend this resource to you with the prayer that it may bless you.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Richard Andrew, Chair of the Darlington Methodist District\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis resource helpfully links Holy Habits to following Jesus Christ. The text is accessible and easy to follow. The focus is on helping readers to unpack the stories around Jesus with helpful questions for personal and group reflection. I commend this as an aid for deeper meditation and discipleship.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Inderjit Bhogal OBE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCongregationalism has it’s roots in the early church, so what a delight to continue the Holy Habit series with this reflective study for the most “powerful” time of the year! Easter. The take home ideas will help us in our everyday life, bringing hope and kindness to those we encounter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYvonne Campbell, General Secretary, Congregational Federation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e is a wonderful new resource from Andrew Roberts. The accessible and easy to use material provides inspiration and encouragement for anyone at any stage on their discipleship journey. Use it in Lent and Holy Week, or at another time, and find yourself drawn in more deeply into the adventure that is following Christ. I warmly commend it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrancis Brienen, Deputy General Secretary (Mission) of the United Reformed Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChurch Times 22.01.21 Lent Book round up by Philip Welsh\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoly Habits is not the latest range from Wippell’s, but a series of resources embodying ‘a fresh way of engaging communities with missional discipleship’, based on the ten key practices advocated in Acts 2 of ‘biblical teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer, sharing resources, serving, eating together, gladness and generosity, worship and making more disciples’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Roberts, its originator, and a former Fresh Expressions trainer, uses these habits of Christian living as a framework for weekly sessions in Lent and daily sessions in Holy Week, with suggestions for group worship and singing, a Bible passage, a simple reflection, and questions for conversation and for reflection. Not everyone will appreciate some of the rubrics for worship — ‘Cover a table with some coarse cloth, such as hessian. Scatter some stones and then add symbols’ — but there is much to be said for a course on the basics of Christian life which is light on text, uses non-verbal resources, and includes questions such as ‘About whom do you mutter?’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAimed at ‘those who are already following Jesus’, \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e would work naturally with an established house group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eReview by Philip Welsh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}

Holy Habits: Following Jesus: Ideal for Lent and other times

Out of Stock

Explore the Holy Habits through the life of Jesus.This resource provides seven weeks of material for church groups to use...

Out of Stock

{"id":5785466601624,"title":"Babies and Toddlers: Nurturing your child’s spiritual life","handle":"babies-and-toddlers","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur children's early years are incredibly significant in shaping their mental, emotional and spiritual lives for the future, but how do we sow seeds of faith when they are so tiny?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book Rachel Turner suggests simple, everyday approaches to help our children connect with the God who knows them. Wherever you are on your faith journey, you can help your child meet and know God, and however young your child is, God loves them and has promises for them.\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\/RachelTurner_480x480.jpg?v=1676495221\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRachel Turner is an author, speaker and the Parenting for Faith Pioneer for The Bible Reading Fellowship. She presents the Parenting for Faith course, a video-based resource for church groups and individuals.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLucy Rycroft: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/thehopefilledfamily.com\/best-christian-books-for-moms\/\"\u003eThe Hope Filled Family \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI read this book in less than an hour: it’s that short! I love this, because how many parents of babies and toddlers have great swathes of time in which to read?? However, don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s lightweight or shallow. I don’t know what kind of magic Rachel Turner has, but she’s managed to condense her deepest wisdom into short, accessible chapters which even the busiest parent will be able to dip into and take something from. Great for seasoned Christians, but also highly accessible for those new to church or the Christian faith. Give it to your baptism families!\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2022-02-22T14:14:29+00:00","created_at":"2020-09-17T15:19:21+01:00","vendor":"Rachel Turner","type":"Paperback","tags":["Feb-21","Parenting","Parenting for Faith books"],"price":499,"price_min":499,"price_max":499,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":36354179334296,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390003","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Babies and Toddlers: Nurturing your child’s spiritual life","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":499,"weight":150,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390003","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390003.jpg?v=1609858016","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390003-bc.jpg?v=1609858016"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390003.jpg?v=1609858016","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":15530956521663,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390003.jpg?v=1609858016"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390003.jpg?v=1609858016","width":1000},{"alt":null,"id":11680640598168,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390003-bc.jpg?v=1609858016"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390003-bc.jpg?v=1609858016","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eOur children's early years are incredibly significant in shaping their mental, emotional and spiritual lives for the future, but how do we sow seeds of faith when they are so tiny?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book Rachel Turner suggests simple, everyday approaches to help our children connect with the God who knows them. Wherever you are on your faith journey, you can help your child meet and know God, and however young your child is, God loves them and has promises for them.\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\/RachelTurner_480x480.jpg?v=1676495221\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRachel Turner is an author, speaker and the Parenting for Faith Pioneer for The Bible Reading Fellowship. She presents the Parenting for Faith course, a video-based resource for church groups and individuals.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLucy Rycroft: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/thehopefilledfamily.com\/best-christian-books-for-moms\/\"\u003eThe Hope Filled Family \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI read this book in less than an hour: it’s that short! I love this, because how many parents of babies and toddlers have great swathes of time in which to read?? However, don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s lightweight or shallow. I don’t know what kind of magic Rachel Turner has, but she’s managed to condense her deepest wisdom into short, accessible chapters which even the busiest parent will be able to dip into and take something from. Great for seasoned Christians, but also highly accessible for those new to church or the Christian faith. Give it to your baptism families!\u003c\/p\u003e"}

Babies and Toddlers: Nurturing your child’s spiritual life

£4.99

Our children's early years are incredibly significant in shaping their mental, emotional and spiritual lives for the future, but how...

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{"id":2439795900516,"title":"Messy Church Does Science: 100 sizzling science-based ideas for Messy Churches","handle":"messy-church-does-science-100-sizzling-science-based-ideas-for-messy-churches","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eHelping Messy Church leaders use science to explore aspects of the Christian faith. In popular culture there is a perceived conflict between science and faith, yet in many ways scientific understanding can enhance faith. This resource offers Messy Churches the tools to use science to explore aspects of the Christian faith; demonstrate that science and faith are complementary; and enable children and adults alike to appreciate the wonder of creation. 100 sizzling ideas from a range of contributors provide inspiration for the Bible-based activities element of Messy Church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction - \u003cem\u003eDavid Gregory\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 \u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eKate Toogood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eAlister McGrath\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 \u003cstrong\u003eEarth, stars and space\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eMavis Crispin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eTim Middleton\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 \u003cstrong\u003eAir\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eChris Hudson\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eNaomi Brehm\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 \u003cstrong\u003eLight and colour\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eNeil Hunt\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eAnna Pearson\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 \u003cstrong\u003eHuman body\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eAlex Bunn\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eAmy Johnson\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 \u003cstrong\u003ePlants\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eGraham Hartland\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eJennifer Brown\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 \u003cstrong\u003eAnimals\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eAndy Gosler\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eLesley Gray\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 \u003cstrong\u003ePower and energy\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003ePaul Osborne\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eHannah Earnshaw\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 \u003cstrong\u003eTransformations and reactions\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eMarie Beale\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eNick Higgs\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 \u003cstrong\u003eTime and measurement\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eDavid Gregory\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eJoanna Collicutt\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRevd Dr David Gregory is Senior Minister of Croxley Green Baptist Church and as 'Dr Dave' leads a Messy Church Science Lab as part of a monthly Messy Church. He has a background in physics, astronomy, meteorology and climate, and continues to take an interest in science, offering talks on connections between science and faith, as well as weather and climate change, to schools, churches and community groups. He is the 2017-18 Vice-President of the Baptist Union.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader (Spring 2018). Review by Rosie Medhurst\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am going to buy several copies of this book for friends active in Messy Church or any children's work. It is a resource with 100 science-based activities with much potential for all children, but particularly for engaging the 7-11 age group and boys. These are groups commonly relishing a richer diet than paper-based sitting-down activities, and for them this book will be invaluable. An additional feature is that the activities are interspersed with 10 short articles by Christian scientists - forming a compelling antidote to the lingering misconception that science and faith do not mix. They offer examples of science enriching the wonders of faith to inspire the leaders embarking on these 'wow' activities with children. I will be interested to see in practice how the links suggested with Bible and faith topics work - I wonder if some are somewhat contrived. God's work and God's word both speak to us, sometimes separately and sometimes together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Rosie Medhurst\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvangelicals Now. Review by 'JEB'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love a home-grown science experiment for a children's talk in church with fascinates both adults and children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis resource from the Bible Reading Fellowship is full of ideas for pastors, youth leaders and whoever, whether you do 'Messy Church' or not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are experiments and illustrative demonstrations concerning water, space, air, light, the human body, plants, animals, energy and more. Some of the experiments take just a couple of minutes, others are spread over weeks, with easy-to-follow instructions and all are followed by a suggested spiritual application. Dispersed throughout the book are short testimonies from practising scientists and lecturers (like Alister McGrath), mainly aimed at overcoming the idea that science and faith are enemies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e... a very helpful resource for those who like to do a little 'hands-on' science in church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by 'JEB'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:33+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:34+00:00","vendor":"David Gregory","type":"eBook","tags":["Glassboxx","Messy Church","Messy Church books"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24427567448164,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394520","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Church Does Science: 100 sizzling science-based ideas for Messy Churches - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":999,"weight":453,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394520","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465795-l.jpg?v=1549043138"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465795-l.jpg?v=1549043138","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879592587,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465795-l.jpg?v=1549043138"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465795-l.jpg?v=1549043138","width":458}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eHelping Messy Church leaders use science to explore aspects of the Christian faith. In popular culture there is a perceived conflict between science and faith, yet in many ways scientific understanding can enhance faith. This resource offers Messy Churches the tools to use science to explore aspects of the Christian faith; demonstrate that science and faith are complementary; and enable children and adults alike to appreciate the wonder of creation. 100 sizzling ideas from a range of contributors provide inspiration for the Bible-based activities element of Messy Church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction - \u003cem\u003eDavid Gregory\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 \u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eKate Toogood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eAlister McGrath\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 \u003cstrong\u003eEarth, stars and space\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eMavis Crispin\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eTim Middleton\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 \u003cstrong\u003eAir\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eChris Hudson\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eNaomi Brehm\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 \u003cstrong\u003eLight and colour\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eNeil Hunt\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eAnna Pearson\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 \u003cstrong\u003eHuman body\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eAlex Bunn\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eAmy Johnson\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 \u003cstrong\u003ePlants\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eGraham Hartland\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eJennifer Brown\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 \u003cstrong\u003eAnimals\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eAndy Gosler\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eLesley Gray\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 \u003cstrong\u003ePower and energy\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003ePaul Osborne\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eHannah Earnshaw\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 \u003cstrong\u003eTransformations and reactions\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eMarie Beale\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eNick Higgs\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 \u003cstrong\u003eTime and measurement\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eDavid Gregory\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerspective - \u003cem\u003eJoanna Collicutt\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRevd Dr David Gregory is Senior Minister of Croxley Green Baptist Church and as 'Dr Dave' leads a Messy Church Science Lab as part of a monthly Messy Church. He has a background in physics, astronomy, meteorology and climate, and continues to take an interest in science, offering talks on connections between science and faith, as well as weather and climate change, to schools, churches and community groups. He is the 2017-18 Vice-President of the Baptist Union.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader (Spring 2018). Review by Rosie Medhurst\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am going to buy several copies of this book for friends active in Messy Church or any children's work. It is a resource with 100 science-based activities with much potential for all children, but particularly for engaging the 7-11 age group and boys. These are groups commonly relishing a richer diet than paper-based sitting-down activities, and for them this book will be invaluable. An additional feature is that the activities are interspersed with 10 short articles by Christian scientists - forming a compelling antidote to the lingering misconception that science and faith do not mix. They offer examples of science enriching the wonders of faith to inspire the leaders embarking on these 'wow' activities with children. I will be interested to see in practice how the links suggested with Bible and faith topics work - I wonder if some are somewhat contrived. God's work and God's word both speak to us, sometimes separately and sometimes together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Rosie Medhurst\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvangelicals Now. Review by 'JEB'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love a home-grown science experiment for a children's talk in church with fascinates both adults and children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis resource from the Bible Reading Fellowship is full of ideas for pastors, youth leaders and whoever, whether you do 'Messy Church' or not.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are experiments and illustrative demonstrations concerning water, space, air, light, the human body, plants, animals, energy and more. Some of the experiments take just a couple of minutes, others are spread over weeks, with easy-to-follow instructions and all are followed by a suggested spiritual application. Dispersed throughout the book are short testimonies from practising scientists and lecturers (like Alister McGrath), mainly aimed at overcoming the idea that science and faith are enemies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e... a very helpful resource for those who like to do a little 'hands-on' science in church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by 'JEB'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}

Messy Church Does Science: 100 sizzling science-based ideas for Messy Churches

£9.99

Digital eBook Only - Helping Messy Church leaders use science to explore aspects of the Christian faith. In popular culture there...

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{"id":3178559209572,"title":"Seriously Messy: Making space for families to talk together about death and life","handle":"seriously-messy-making-space-for-families-to-talk-together-about-death-and-life","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen families experience bereavement and loss, it can be hard for the wider church community to know how best to support them. In this book, four experienced authors and practitioners offer inter-generational approaches for engaging with questions of death and life in a safe and supportive setting. The material guides church communities who are dealing with the death of loved ones and other situations of loss in talking together as a church family, in applying the Christian message of the resurrection in challenging situations, and in listening to each other and developing their own insights.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe opening chapters offer an easy-to-read overview of issues of death and dying, and why this is such an important topic for churches. Part 2 consists of a series of five short theological reflections, exploring traditional images and the language that Christians have always used when talking about death. The five Messy Church sessions in Part 3 continue these themes, each offering material for a two-hour all-age Messy Church service followed by a meal together.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QRoJbFAPOGc\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003euthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRevd Canon Dr Joanna Collicutt is Karl Jaspers Lecturer in Psychology and Spirituality at Ripon College Cuddesdon. She is also an associate minister in an Oxfordshire parish. Her other books include The Psychology of Christian Character Formation (SCM, 2015) and Thinking of You: A resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia (BRF, 2017).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2020. Review by Rona Orme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough written for use in Messy Churches, this book is a gift to the whole church. The first half should be essential reading for everyone in ministry. Whether we are involved in children’s ministry or not, we all meet parents and grandparents and teachers who want advice on how to talk to children about death. Death cafés are becoming popular with older folk, but children need to have these conversations too. Most children have experience of death, so they need the vocabulary to reflect on it. A solid theological base underpins this thoughtful book, so it contains hope and wise advice. We are encouraged to face the difficult conversations rather than to avoid an upsetting subject. There are many helpful suggestions for this. The second half includes five full Messy Church sessions. These contain a wealth of ideas for discussing issues of decay, loss, remembering, hope and safe spaces, which could be used in many different settings. This book is a challenge to include discussion of death in our exploration of the fullness of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Rona Orme\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 25.10.19.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Review by Martine Oborne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen my son was a teenager, he was in hospital after an accident. A friend sent him a Get Well card, and I opened it for him and read out the message: ‘Get messy soon!’ I asked my son what this meant. Was it anything to do with making dens, water fights, or craft activities? ‘No,’ he replied. ‘It means “Let’s go out and get drunk.”’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, when I saw the title of this book, I thought, at first, that it was about teenage drinking. But it’s not that kind of messy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Church, an initiative that has been going for about 15 years in the UK, seeks to provide a church experience for families who have not found other forms of church engaging. It usually involves paint, glue, glitter, and other messy substances, as craft activities are set up to explore a particular Christian theme or message; and this book is \u003cem\u003eSeriously Messy \u003c\/em\u003ebecause it addresses a serious subject: death. Is Messy Church a format that can be used to do that?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into three parts. The first gives an overview of the topic and touches on some of the reasons that we find it so challenging to think and talk about death. Part 2 comprises five short theological reflections on how Christians talk about death: remembering; saying goodbye and hello; sleeping tight; being loved and finding safe spaces. Part 3 sets out five Messy Church sessions with suggestions for activities and ‘celebrations’ that could be used as church services.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first two parts I found helpful, and the whole concept of encouraging intergenerational conversation about death seems a good thing. I struggled, however, with Part 3: some of the activities struck me as too much ‘fun’ for the serious nature of the subject. I could not imagine doing them with someone still in the very raw and early stages of a bereavement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNone the less, I recommend the book. It sets out the theological framework that underpins our\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristian hope — that death is not the end, that we do not go into that last goodnight alone, that love triumphs over death. And it encourages us to find ways both to hear people’s doubts and fears and also to bring hope and comfort.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Revd Martine Oborne, Vicar of St Michael’s, Chiswick, in London.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 18.10.19. Review by Karen Murphy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Messy Church initiative has been something of a revolution over the past few years with its focus on providing an appropriate and useful space for [people of all ages] to explore spirituality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSeriously Messy\u003c\/em\u003e is a fascinating book, developing the theme of spiritual exploration through practical and creative ideas that should be warmly welcomed by faith communities. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTalking about death and our mortality is unfamiliar territory for our society. We are inclined to ignore the inevitable and pretend it ‘doesn’t mean us’. My experience in hospice chaplaincy is that older people, particularly, become anxious and fearful as the prospect of death draws nearer. It’s not unusual for someone in their 80s or 90s to close down a conversation about funeral\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eplanning and wishes for the future with considerable abruptness. I have also observed that younger patients are more willing to engage with the death and dying conversation as a general rule and see it as a practical duty in some respects to get things sorted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeriously Messy offers an excellent range of ideas, thought-provoking activities and creative ways in which conversations about death and dying can be encouraged. The ideas are presented with clarity and sensitivity, there is recognition of the potential difficulties of engaging in these conversations, but the authors build into the activities thoughtful ways of acknowledging the need for boundaries and safety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersonally, I will be using some of these ideas in our hospice reflective sessions with patients and families. These are usually people who are able to face the reality of facing their death. I can certainly commend the value of using this resource in worship, church groups and community projects such as ‘death cafes’ or bereavement support groups. This resource encourages us all to think about our mortality. Although we know it will happen to us all, death remains the taboo subject that raises fears.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors of Seriously Messy have created an excellent means of encouraging conversation around this most sensitive of subjects, and I completely commend it to our faith communities as a means of demystifying the one thing we are certain of.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Revd Karen Murphy is a chaplain to Weston Hospicecare Ltd.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-03-26T14:55:47+00:00","created_at":"2019-03-26T14:57:50+00:00","vendor":"Joanna Collicutt","type":"Paperback","tags":["Bereavement","Jun-19","Kindle","Messy Church","Messy Church books","Pastoral care"],"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":40462176223423,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468239","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":9749515075684,"product_id":3178559209572,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-03-26T14:58:28+00:00","updated_at":"2019-03-26T14:58:28+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468239-l.jpg?v=1553612308","variant_ids":[40462176223423]},"available":true,"name":"Seriously Messy: Making space for families to talk together about death and life - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":600,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468239","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3264195559563,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468239-l.jpg?v=1553612308"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468239-l.jpg?v=1553612308"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468239-l.jpg?v=1553612308","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3264195559563,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468239-l.jpg?v=1553612308"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468239-l.jpg?v=1553612308","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen families experience bereavement and loss, it can be hard for the wider church community to know how best to support them. In this book, four experienced authors and practitioners offer inter-generational approaches for engaging with questions of death and life in a safe and supportive setting. The material guides church communities who are dealing with the death of loved ones and other situations of loss in talking together as a church family, in applying the Christian message of the resurrection in challenging situations, and in listening to each other and developing their own insights.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe opening chapters offer an easy-to-read overview of issues of death and dying, and why this is such an important topic for churches. Part 2 consists of a series of five short theological reflections, exploring traditional images and the language that Christians have always used when talking about death. The five Messy Church sessions in Part 3 continue these themes, each offering material for a two-hour all-age Messy Church service followed by a meal together.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QRoJbFAPOGc\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003euthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRevd Canon Dr Joanna Collicutt is Karl Jaspers Lecturer in Psychology and Spirituality at Ripon College Cuddesdon. She is also an associate minister in an Oxfordshire parish. Her other books include The Psychology of Christian Character Formation (SCM, 2015) and Thinking of You: A resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia (BRF, 2017).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2020. Review by Rona Orme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough written for use in Messy Churches, this book is a gift to the whole church. The first half should be essential reading for everyone in ministry. Whether we are involved in children’s ministry or not, we all meet parents and grandparents and teachers who want advice on how to talk to children about death. Death cafés are becoming popular with older folk, but children need to have these conversations too. Most children have experience of death, so they need the vocabulary to reflect on it. A solid theological base underpins this thoughtful book, so it contains hope and wise advice. We are encouraged to face the difficult conversations rather than to avoid an upsetting subject. There are many helpful suggestions for this. The second half includes five full Messy Church sessions. These contain a wealth of ideas for discussing issues of decay, loss, remembering, hope and safe spaces, which could be used in many different settings. This book is a challenge to include discussion of death in our exploration of the fullness of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Rona Orme\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 25.10.19.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Review by Martine Oborne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen my son was a teenager, he was in hospital after an accident. A friend sent him a Get Well card, and I opened it for him and read out the message: ‘Get messy soon!’ I asked my son what this meant. Was it anything to do with making dens, water fights, or craft activities? ‘No,’ he replied. ‘It means “Let’s go out and get drunk.”’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, when I saw the title of this book, I thought, at first, that it was about teenage drinking. But it’s not that kind of messy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Church, an initiative that has been going for about 15 years in the UK, seeks to provide a church experience for families who have not found other forms of church engaging. It usually involves paint, glue, glitter, and other messy substances, as craft activities are set up to explore a particular Christian theme or message; and this book is \u003cem\u003eSeriously Messy \u003c\/em\u003ebecause it addresses a serious subject: death. Is Messy Church a format that can be used to do that?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into three parts. The first gives an overview of the topic and touches on some of the reasons that we find it so challenging to think and talk about death. Part 2 comprises five short theological reflections on how Christians talk about death: remembering; saying goodbye and hello; sleeping tight; being loved and finding safe spaces. Part 3 sets out five Messy Church sessions with suggestions for activities and ‘celebrations’ that could be used as church services.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first two parts I found helpful, and the whole concept of encouraging intergenerational conversation about death seems a good thing. I struggled, however, with Part 3: some of the activities struck me as too much ‘fun’ for the serious nature of the subject. I could not imagine doing them with someone still in the very raw and early stages of a bereavement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNone the less, I recommend the book. It sets out the theological framework that underpins our\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristian hope — that death is not the end, that we do not go into that last goodnight alone, that love triumphs over death. And it encourages us to find ways both to hear people’s doubts and fears and also to bring hope and comfort.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Revd Martine Oborne, Vicar of St Michael’s, Chiswick, in London.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 18.10.19. Review by Karen Murphy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Messy Church initiative has been something of a revolution over the past few years with its focus on providing an appropriate and useful space for [people of all ages] to explore spirituality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSeriously Messy\u003c\/em\u003e is a fascinating book, developing the theme of spiritual exploration through practical and creative ideas that should be warmly welcomed by faith communities. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTalking about death and our mortality is unfamiliar territory for our society. We are inclined to ignore the inevitable and pretend it ‘doesn’t mean us’. My experience in hospice chaplaincy is that older people, particularly, become anxious and fearful as the prospect of death draws nearer. It’s not unusual for someone in their 80s or 90s to close down a conversation about funeral\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eplanning and wishes for the future with considerable abruptness. I have also observed that younger patients are more willing to engage with the death and dying conversation as a general rule and see it as a practical duty in some respects to get things sorted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeriously Messy offers an excellent range of ideas, thought-provoking activities and creative ways in which conversations about death and dying can be encouraged. The ideas are presented with clarity and sensitivity, there is recognition of the potential difficulties of engaging in these conversations, but the authors build into the activities thoughtful ways of acknowledging the need for boundaries and safety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersonally, I will be using some of these ideas in our hospice reflective sessions with patients and families. These are usually people who are able to face the reality of facing their death. I can certainly commend the value of using this resource in worship, church groups and community projects such as ‘death cafes’ or bereavement support groups. This resource encourages us all to think about our mortality. Although we know it will happen to us all, death remains the taboo subject that raises fears.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors of Seriously Messy have created an excellent means of encouraging conversation around this most sensitive of subjects, and I completely commend it to our faith communities as a means of demystifying the one thing we are certain of.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Revd Karen Murphy is a chaplain to Weston Hospicecare Ltd.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}

Seriously Messy: Making space for families to talk together about death and life

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When families experience bereavement and loss, it can be hard for the wider church community to know how best to...

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