A Calendar of Carols: Christmas reflections, prayers and songs of praise

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A Calendar of Carols: Christmas reflections, prayers and songs of praise

Author : Gordon Giles

£12.99

Christmas is a musical destination as well as a spiritual one, yet when we reach the newborn Christ child in the manger, what do we see? What music do we hear in our hearts as we join our songs with those of the angels?

In 25 short chapters, each concluding with a specially written prayer, Gordon Giles explores the spiritual and biblical allusions to be found within our best-loved Christmas carols.

A Calendar of Carols can be used either as an Advent calendar up to Christmas, or more flexibly over the Christmas season and into January.

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Title	A Calendar of Carols: Christmas reflections, prayers and songs of praise
Author	Gordon Giles
ISBN
Description	Christmas is a musical destination as well as a spiritual one, yet when we reach the newborn Christ child in the manger, what do we see? What music do we hear in our hearts as we join our songs with those of the angels? In 25 short chapters, each concluding with a specially written prayer, Gordon Giles explores the spiritual and biblical allusions to be found within our best-loved Christmas carols. A Calendar of Carols can be used either as an Advent calendar up to Christmas, or more flexibly over the Christmas season and into January.
Details	Product code: 9781800392793 Published: 20 September 2024 Format: Paperback Pages: 192 Dimensions: 165mm wide and 155mm high

Endorsements
Reviews

‘A treasure trove for every lover of Christmas carols the delightful and sometimes unlikely stories of how our favourite carols came to be written, with insightful reflections on their deeper meaning.’ - Sir John Rutter, composer and conductor

‘What a glorious book brimming with familiar carols, as well as overlooked treasures from down the years. We meet wonderful and talented characters who’ve created words or music, learn about the times they lived in, and hear engaging tales of their passion for singing to match their devotion to God. Filled with facts and faith, Gordon has provided an inspiring but practical reference book that surely is a “joy to the world”!’ - Pam Rhodes, presenter on Songs of Praise and author

‘Gordon Giles is, in my opinion, one of the pre-eminent hymn and carol experts of today. His insightful analyses, deft musical understanding and erudite theology all combine with a fantastic sense of humanity and compassion. This work is bursting with Gordon's characteristic integrity, warmth and wit. I heartily recommend it.’ - Thomas Hewitt Jones, award-winning composer, music producer and songwriter

Transforming Ministry online 07.11.24. Review by Liz Pacey

At last – the perfect way to celebrate the season of Advent, no chocolate necessary! This attractive volume takes us through Advent one day and one carol at a time. Each day accompanied by a prayer and the author’s well researched history in his delightful style. This book will be a valuable resource for those planning services both for regular attenders and for those who come for reasons various and sundry. There is plenty of information on the history and spirituality of the carols to make their introduction more interesting and meaningful - and to give us that frisson, that we have learnt something new and perhaps enchanting.

A Calendar of Carols is also for anyone who finds joy in spending time singing the old favourites throughout December (accompanying You Tube if you so wish). We can revisit forgotten carols, and even discover previously unknown ones. An ideal way to spend a daily time of praise and reflection focusing on the reason for the season. It can be hard distancing ourselves from all the commercial pre-Christmas hullabaloo. Even a few minutes a day with this book will be a boon. Who needs chocolate?

Reviewed by Liz Pacey

{"id":7550558208191,"title":"Death and Life: A church's guide to exploring mortality","handle":"death-and-life-a-churchs-guide-to-exploring-mortality","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAs a society we aren’t good at talking about death, and as individuals we may try and avoid thinking about it. But death is part of life, and we must all face it eventually. For Christians, dying and death are not the end but a transition point in a story that continues. Reflecting well on our own mortality can help us to make peace with the prospect of death and to live more fully in the here and now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis research-based book includes all you need to plan and deliver a course enabling people – old or young, healthy or frail – to prepare practically, emotionally and spiritually for their last months on this earth. 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She was for many years the Oxford Diocesan Adviser for Older People, and it was in this role that she became interested in the spiritual and theological aspects of death and dying. She is an associate priest in an Oxfordshire parish and is currently studying for a PhD in the area of Christianity and the arts. 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But death is part of life, and we must all face it eventually. For Christians, dying and death are not the end but a transition point in a story that continues. Reflecting well on our own mortality can help us to make peace with the prospect of death and to live more fully in the here and now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis research-based book includes all you need to plan and deliver a course enabling people – old or young, healthy or frail – to prepare practically, emotionally and spiritually for their last months on this earth. The course covers six topics: Legal practicalities; Life stories; Funeral planning; Physical aspects of dying; Spiritual aspects of dying; and The life to come. It also offers a range of materials on the theme of living well in the light of mortality: a creative workshop, sermon starters, Bible studies, meditations, and a set of prayer stations which combine to form a prayer walk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Death and Life Reflection Cards\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/collections\/anna-chaplaincy-courses\/products\/death-and-life-reflection-cards\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Death_and_Life_Reflection_Cards_2.png?v=1713518661\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eRevd Canon Dr Joanna Collicutt\u003c\/strong\u003e has a background in clinical psychology and academic psychology of religion. She was for many years the Oxford Diocesan Adviser for Older People, and it was in this role that she became interested in the spiritual and theological aspects of death and dying. She is an associate priest in an Oxfordshire parish and is currently studying for a PhD in the area of Christianity and the arts. Joanna has written or co-written ten books, including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThinking of you: A resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (BRF, 2017) and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSeriously Messy: Making space for families to talk together about death and life\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (BRF, 2019).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJo Ind\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVictoria Slater \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlison Webster\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, winter 2024. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eSubtitled ‘A church’s guide to exploring mortality’, this is designed as a six-session course book to help those who are dealing with bereavement and thinking through death and its effects. Amongst the techniques used are creative arts approaches as well as Bible studies, meditations, prayer walks and questionnaires. The authors present the course with a concern for the individual, finding a way that relates to each person of need. It offers several sermon starters which could be adapted or developed for a series in church to supplement the course. The breadth of this resource is really heartening. By using art in places, it will enable those who are left wordless at times by bereavement to find a way to respond. It has a wide range of musical suggestions from Graham Kendrick to Stormzy, presumably designed to appeal to different generations. Churches of all theological traditions will find this book an invaluable aid to dealing with the last great journey and its consequences on those left behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 21.07.24. Review by Dominic Walker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is a handbook to help and resource facilitators to plan and lead a six-session course on how to live and die well. The authors have provided a variety of material to prepare people practically, emotionally, and spiritually for the end of their lives on earth. We are told: 'The course covers six topics: Legal practicalities; Life stories; Funeral planning; Physical aspects of dying; and the Life to come. It also offers a range of materials on the theme of living well in the light of mortality; a creative workshop, sermon starters, Bible studies, meditations, and a set of prayer stations which combine to form a prayer walk.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is a good course and well researched, but its promotion may be a challenge, because most people, including Christians, avoid thinking about death. Nevertheless, the unwillingness to face the process of dying can have serious pastoral consequences and give rise to some unbiblical and strange ideas about life after death. Most clergy will have encountered bereaved people who imagine a parallel universe in which their departed relatives in bliss look down upon us poor souls below!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis course is broad in its range of topics, offering good practical and legal advice, besides drawing people into the mystery of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It encourages people to think, to reflect, and to face their innermost feelings and fears. The material is pastoral and honest in its tone, and, while not claiming to have all the answers, it affirms the love and goodness of God and why Christians can face death in 'sure and certain hope'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe funeral preface reminds us that, for God’s faithful people, life is changed, not ended, and when our mortal flesh is laid aside, an everlasting dwelling place is made ready for us in heaven. For churches with elderly folk in their congregations, this course will provide help for them to prepare for, and hopefully to embrace, that change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Rt Revd Dominic Walker OGS is a former Bishop of Monmouth\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}

Death and Life: A church's guide to exploring mortality

£24.99

As a society we aren’t good at talking about death, and as individuals we may try and avoid thinking about...

Details

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Messy Basics: Christian Basics Made Messy

£9.99

Messy Basics is a discipleship course with Messy Church in mind. For groups young, old and anywhere in between, it...

Details

{"id":7704534581439,"title":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Christian basics made messy","handle":"get-messy-volume-2","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGet Messy! Volume 2 contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches. This volume takes you through the basic themes of Christianity including: Who is God? Who is Jesus? Who is the Holy Spirit? (Pentecost). Other key Christian festivals include: Christmas – God entering the world as Jesus – and Easter – exploring Jesus’ last supper before his death and resurrection and why Christians celebrate communion. The material also covers God’s best ways of living, demonstrated through Jesus’ life; a challenge to follow Jesus and trust God with a new direction; and exploring following and belonging to Jesus through baptism.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Other than the key Christian festivals Christmas, Easter and Pentecost, the sessions are standalone and can be done in any order. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Churches who wish to dig deeper into discipleship between Messy Church gatherings might like to try a complementary resource, Messy Basics, a discipleship course exploring what Christians believe through faith-based conversations in all-age groups. Messy Basics is available as a download only.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7S-CllEPkeI?si=nQI2uK9F8eHeaurD\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" class=\"row avoid-break\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" class=\"col\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" id=\"productCardContributors\" class=\"card\" date-options=\"[object Object]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card-body\"\u003e\n\u003cdl class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdd class=\"col-sm-10\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAike leads the BRF Ministries Messy Church team, supporting the Messy Church network both nationally and internationally, through writing, speaking, training, developing resources and projects. Aike’s Messy Church journey started in 2010, as a volunteer leader, then a paid Messy Church pioneer in her local church, before taking up a regional role for Southwark Diocese in 2017. Currently she’s involved with a Messy Church Goes Wild in Greenwich, London.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/dl\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","published_at":"2024-04-02T12:12:36+01:00","created_at":"2024-04-02T12:12:36+01:00","vendor":"Aike Kennett-Brown","type":"Paperback","tags":["2024","Children and family ministry","Collective worship","Discipleship","For churches","Get Messy!","Messy Church","Messy Church books","New Titles"],"price":1699,"price_min":1699,"price_max":1699,"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":43420906520767,"title":"Print","option1":"Print","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392878","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35961304613055,"product_id":7704534581439,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-04-29T17:24:14+01:00","updated_at":"2024-04-29T17:24:16+01:00","alt":null,"width":2480,"height":3508,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856","variant_ids":[43420906520767,43420906553535]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Christian basics made messy - Print","public_title":"Print","options":["Print"],"price":1699,"weight":240,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392878","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28729832603839,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"width":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":43420906553535,"title":"PDF","option1":"PDF","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392885","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35961304613055,"product_id":7704534581439,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-04-29T17:24:14+01:00","updated_at":"2024-04-29T17:24:16+01:00","alt":null,"width":2480,"height":3508,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856","variant_ids":[43420906520767,43420906553535]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Christian basics made messy - PDF","public_title":"PDF","options":["PDF"],"price":1699,"weight":240,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392885","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28729832603839,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"width":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":28729832603839,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"width":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856","width":2480}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGet Messy! Volume 2 contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches. This volume takes you through the basic themes of Christianity including: Who is God? Who is Jesus? Who is the Holy Spirit? (Pentecost). Other key Christian festivals include: Christmas – God entering the world as Jesus – and Easter – exploring Jesus’ last supper before his death and resurrection and why Christians celebrate communion. The material also covers God’s best ways of living, demonstrated through Jesus’ life; a challenge to follow Jesus and trust God with a new direction; and exploring following and belonging to Jesus through baptism.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Other than the key Christian festivals Christmas, Easter and Pentecost, the sessions are standalone and can be done in any order. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Churches who wish to dig deeper into discipleship between Messy Church gatherings might like to try a complementary resource, Messy Basics, a discipleship course exploring what Christians believe through faith-based conversations in all-age groups. Messy Basics is available as a download only.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7S-CllEPkeI?si=nQI2uK9F8eHeaurD\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" class=\"row avoid-break\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" class=\"col\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" id=\"productCardContributors\" class=\"card\" date-options=\"[object Object]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card-body\"\u003e\n\u003cdl class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdd class=\"col-sm-10\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAike leads the BRF Ministries Messy Church team, supporting the Messy Church network both nationally and internationally, through writing, speaking, training, developing resources and projects. Aike’s Messy Church journey started in 2010, as a volunteer leader, then a paid Messy Church pioneer in her local church, before taking up a regional role for Southwark Diocese in 2017. Currently she’s involved with a Messy Church Goes Wild in Greenwich, London.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/dl\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e"}

Get Messy! Volume 2 - Christian basics made messy

£16.99

Get Messy! Volume 2 contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches. This volume takes you through the basic themes of...

Details

{"id":7693234995391,"title":"Embracing Humanity: A journey towards becoming flesh","handle":"the-brf-advent-book-embracing-humanity","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIsabelle Hamley explores what it meant for God to become flesh and how this enables us to understand what it means to be human. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSeeing humanity in a new light. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 1;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGod became flesh at Christmas. But how does God, who created all things, live within the limitations of humanity – limitations that humanity itself often resents and tries to transcend? And what does it truly mean to be human?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAs contemporary society grapples with questions of identity, justice and medical ethics, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEmbracing Humanity\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e deftly explores how different aspects of being human are both inhabited and transformed in the incarnation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThrough the lens of Advent and Christmas, Isabelle Hamley guides us through daily reflections and prayers, encouraging us to meditate on being human in the light of God's choice to reach out to us in Jesus.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\" lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eIsabelle Hamley is a theologian, writer and broadcaster currently working as principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge. She was previously the theological adviser to the House of Bishops in the Church of England and chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury. She has also worked as a probation officer, lecturer, parish priest and university chaplain.\u003cbr style=\"mso-special-character: line-break;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReviews \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTransforming Ministry online 07.11.24. Review by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe BRF Advent Book for 2024, sub-titled ‘A journey towards becoming flesh’, is divided into days, covering the Advent period up to Christmas. The material for each day consists of a Bible passage, commentary, some ideas for reflection and a prayer. In addition, at the back of the book, there are suggestions for group study, handily divided into four sections, suitable for the four weeks of Advent. The commentary is both challenging and approachable. Isabelle Hamley focuses throughout on the amazing gift God gave to the world: Jesus becoming flesh and so taking upon himself all the dangers and the joys which living as a human being involves. Each day is an examination of the way God chose and embraced the human world, shown through the human birth and life of his Son. The passages and commentary explore themes such as loneliness and relationship, lament and hope, bodily resurrection, human uniqueness and limitations, to name but a few. What is clear throughout is that salvation comes by embracing humanity – hence the title – not by trying to renounce it. One delightful touch, reminding us of this humanity, is the fingerprint which appears on the front cover and at many points in the text. I heartily recommend this book as a useful and thought-provoking preparation for Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChurch Times 25.10.24. Review by Mike Starkey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThere is a nice touch on the cover of this Advent book from the Principal of the theological college Ridley Hall, Cambridge. In a starry Christmas sky above a snowy landscape, what first appears to be a moon turns out to be a human fingerprint. The fingerprint motif is continued in each of the daily Advent readings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley wryly reflects in her introduction that she is writing a book on God made flesh in an era when humans seem more eager than ever to escape the flesh. Virtual reality and a growing range of options for bodily modification allow us to change our given flesh. They even hold out the hope of casting off its limitations altogether.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley offers a Bible reading, reflection, questions for discussion, and a prayer for each day in Advent. At the end of the book are suggestions for group study. A core theme is the vigorous earthiness of the biblical hope. The Good News is for the whole person; the vision of eternity is bodily resurrection; in Hebrew thought, you don’t “have” a body: you are a body. Matter matters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eOther themes explored include contemporary loneliness and relationality; human fragility in an anxious culture; human limitations and localities; lament and hope; the Covid pandemic and the fear of death; violence and oppression; home and global migration. The author asks the reader to reflect on what it means for faith and spirituality not to somehow hover above the solidity of the world, but to be firmly rooted in places and bodies. God brings salvation not by removing us from our humanity, but by entering it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley’s real gift in this book is an intelligent pulling together of classic Advent biblical themes with contemporary cultural themes and references touching on human embodiment. It is a wonderful little book, in more senses than one.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe Revd Mike Starkey is a London-based writer, and former Head of Church Growth for the diocese of Manchester.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether Magazine September 2024. Advent round up by Daryl Wearring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHow does God, who created all things come down to earth to live within the limitations of the humanity he created? In this new BRF Ministries Advent book for 2024 Isabelle Hamley guides through daily reflections and prayers, encouraging us to meditate on being human in the light of God’s choice to reach out to us in Jesu – God with us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-03-27T14:04:23+00:00","created_at":"2024-03-27T14:04:23+00:00","vendor":"Isabelle Hamley","type":"Paperback","tags":["2024","Advent","Devotional","Discipleship","For individuals","Glassboxx","New Titles","Upcoming titles"],"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":42974063165631,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392267","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35696150446271,"product_id":7693234995391,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-03-27T14:06:03+00:00","updated_at":"2024-03-27T14:06:05+00:00","alt":null,"width":1535,"height":2339,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EmbracingHumanity.jpg?v=1711548365","variant_ids":[42974063165631]},"available":true,"name":"Embracing Humanity: A journey towards becoming flesh - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":180,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392267","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28439718068415,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EmbracingHumanity.jpg?v=1711548365"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EmbracingHumanity.jpg?v=1711548365"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EmbracingHumanity.jpg?v=1711548365","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":28439718068415,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EmbracingHumanity.jpg?v=1711548365"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EmbracingHumanity.jpg?v=1711548365","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIsabelle Hamley explores what it meant for God to become flesh and how this enables us to understand what it means to be human. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSeeing humanity in a new light. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 1;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGod became flesh at Christmas. But how does God, who created all things, live within the limitations of humanity – limitations that humanity itself often resents and tries to transcend? And what does it truly mean to be human?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAs contemporary society grapples with questions of identity, justice and medical ethics, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEmbracing Humanity\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e deftly explores how different aspects of being human are both inhabited and transformed in the incarnation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThrough the lens of Advent and Christmas, Isabelle Hamley guides us through daily reflections and prayers, encouraging us to meditate on being human in the light of God's choice to reach out to us in Jesus.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\" lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eIsabelle Hamley is a theologian, writer and broadcaster currently working as principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge. She was previously the theological adviser to the House of Bishops in the Church of England and chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury. She has also worked as a probation officer, lecturer, parish priest and university chaplain.\u003cbr style=\"mso-special-character: line-break;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReviews \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTransforming Ministry online 07.11.24. Review by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe BRF Advent Book for 2024, sub-titled ‘A journey towards becoming flesh’, is divided into days, covering the Advent period up to Christmas. The material for each day consists of a Bible passage, commentary, some ideas for reflection and a prayer. In addition, at the back of the book, there are suggestions for group study, handily divided into four sections, suitable for the four weeks of Advent. The commentary is both challenging and approachable. Isabelle Hamley focuses throughout on the amazing gift God gave to the world: Jesus becoming flesh and so taking upon himself all the dangers and the joys which living as a human being involves. Each day is an examination of the way God chose and embraced the human world, shown through the human birth and life of his Son. The passages and commentary explore themes such as loneliness and relationship, lament and hope, bodily resurrection, human uniqueness and limitations, to name but a few. What is clear throughout is that salvation comes by embracing humanity – hence the title – not by trying to renounce it. One delightful touch, reminding us of this humanity, is the fingerprint which appears on the front cover and at many points in the text. I heartily recommend this book as a useful and thought-provoking preparation for Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChurch Times 25.10.24. Review by Mike Starkey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThere is a nice touch on the cover of this Advent book from the Principal of the theological college Ridley Hall, Cambridge. In a starry Christmas sky above a snowy landscape, what first appears to be a moon turns out to be a human fingerprint. The fingerprint motif is continued in each of the daily Advent readings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley wryly reflects in her introduction that she is writing a book on God made flesh in an era when humans seem more eager than ever to escape the flesh. Virtual reality and a growing range of options for bodily modification allow us to change our given flesh. They even hold out the hope of casting off its limitations altogether.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley offers a Bible reading, reflection, questions for discussion, and a prayer for each day in Advent. At the end of the book are suggestions for group study. A core theme is the vigorous earthiness of the biblical hope. The Good News is for the whole person; the vision of eternity is bodily resurrection; in Hebrew thought, you don’t “have” a body: you are a body. Matter matters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eOther themes explored include contemporary loneliness and relationality; human fragility in an anxious culture; human limitations and localities; lament and hope; the Covid pandemic and the fear of death; violence and oppression; home and global migration. The author asks the reader to reflect on what it means for faith and spirituality not to somehow hover above the solidity of the world, but to be firmly rooted in places and bodies. God brings salvation not by removing us from our humanity, but by entering it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley’s real gift in this book is an intelligent pulling together of classic Advent biblical themes with contemporary cultural themes and references touching on human embodiment. It is a wonderful little book, in more senses than one.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe Revd Mike Starkey is a London-based writer, and former Head of Church Growth for the diocese of Manchester.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether Magazine September 2024. Advent round up by Daryl Wearring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHow does God, who created all things come down to earth to live within the limitations of the humanity he created? In this new BRF Ministries Advent book for 2024 Isabelle Hamley guides through daily reflections and prayers, encouraging us to meditate on being human in the light of God’s choice to reach out to us in Jesu – God with us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}

Embracing Humanity: A journey towards becoming flesh

£9.99

Isabelle Hamley explores what it meant for God to become flesh and how this enables us to understand what it...

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{"id":7909747556543,"title":"The Poetry of Pilgrimage: Reflections on Celtic Pilgrimage sites in Ireland and Britain","handle":"the-poetry-of-pilgrimage","description":"\u003cp\u003eDrawing from his experience of co-leading pilgrimages in Britain and Ireland, Michael Mitton captures the essence of 23 significant pilgrimage sites for anyone from experienced pilgrims to armchair pilgrims. Each chapter outlines the story of the Celtic saint who founded the site, together with information about the location, a poem inspired by the author’s experience of that place, a reflective question, a suggested Bible reading and a photo of the site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Mitton is an Anglican priest and canon emeritus of Derby Cathedral. He currently works freelance as a spiritual director, speaker and writer, and is the author of nine non-fiction books and five novels, including Restoring the Woven Cord (BRF, 2019 third edition). Website: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.michaelmitton.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttp:\/\/www.michaelmitton.co.uk\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Michael’s poems bring us fresh but timeless riches for our spiritual journeys,\u003cbr\u003ewherever they may be. Drink deeply from this holy well of divine grace.’\u003cbr\u003eGraham Booth, former Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘Michael Mitton has left an indelible mark on my life; he was a voice of courage\u003cbr\u003eas I embarked on my own missionary journey to Cornwall. His book brings to\u003cbr\u003elife the characters whose faith shaped the British Isles; they are much needed\u003cbr\u003ecompanions for the church, to rekindle faith and stir courage.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Revd Anna Mason-Hyde, church leader of St Gregory’s in Cornwall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘As one of many on pilgrimage with Michael, who is both bard and spiritual director,\u003cbr\u003eI have beheld the wild Spirit of God ignite our pilgrim band at these sites and\u003cbr\u003ebirth fresh encounters with the Presence of the living God. May you find such\u003cbr\u003eportals leading deep into God’s heart through Michael’s visionary poetry and\u003cbr\u003eyour own reflections.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Revd Dr Sandi Kerner, canon for prayer and healing, Cathedral Church of\u003cbr\u003eSt Luke and St Paul and for the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘This is a book whose simple and heartfelt words will gather you – you with your\u003cbr\u003efear and failings, joys and dreams – and lift you to fly with the Wild Goose who\u003cbr\u003eseeks you.’\u003cbr\u003ePenny Warren, members’ Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘[The poems] are beautifully crafted… they are soulful, spiritual and carry a depth\u003cbr\u003eand a yearning. They bring to life in a wonderful way the lives of Celtic saints\u003cbr\u003eand their mystical longings. They reverberate like prayers. I am drawn back to\u003cbr\u003ethem again and again.’\u003cbr\u003eJonny Baker, Britain hub mission director for Church Mission Society\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Michael Mitton brings us face to face with spiritual yet human Celtic characters\u003cbr\u003eand transports us to places made holy by their lives. He relates recent spiritual\u003cbr\u003eencounters in these thin places and gives us poems and thought-provoking\u003cbr\u003equestions to extend our dwelling there. It’s a book to treasure and read slowly –\u003cbr\u003ea saint at a time.’\u003cbr\u003eGeorge Lings retired researcher and author of Seven Sacred Spaces and Reproducing\u003cbr\u003eChurches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘I have admired Michael Mitton’s poetry ever since I first heard him read one of\u003cbr\u003ehis works during a pilgrimage in Ireland. His words resonated with us, capturing\u003cbr\u003eand amplifying the encounters with the Holy Spirit that we were experiencing.\u003cbr\u003eReading The Poetry of Pilgrimage reignites that same sense of wonder and abandon,\u003cbr\u003einspiring me to follow Jesus more fervently. These poems offer readers\u003cbr\u003eencouragement and strength to persevere through the wild and unknown of\u003cbr\u003etheir own spiritual journeys.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Rt Revd Ron Dent Kuykendall PhD, rector of St Andrew’s Gainesville,\u003cbr\u003eFlorida, and executive chaplain to the national director and chaplain to the\u003cbr\u003eboard for the International Order of St Luke the Physician\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘The poetry and prose that you will find in these pages will transport you into\u003cbr\u003ethe lives of many Celtic saints in their places, and you will be drawn into the\u003cbr\u003eDivine Spirit that they each embodied through Michael’s directed reflection and\u003cbr\u003escripture readings. The pictures and stories he adds to the poems complete this\u003cbr\u003ebeautiful piece of literature which adds to the centuries old Celtic tradition of\u003cbr\u003esharing poem and story and song.’\u003cbr\u003eDavid Cassian Cole, author of Celtic Saints, The Celtic Year and The Art of Peace:\u003cbr\u003eLife lessons from Christian mystics\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Jonny Baker's \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/jonnybaker.blogs.com\/\"\u003eblog\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMichael Mitton has a new book out - The Poetry of Pilgrimage. Together with Russ Parker he has led pilgrimages around the British Isles to sites of Celtic saints. I had the pleasure to go with a group of pioneers on one to Ireland many years back which was wonderful. The book is a square format, and for each of the 23 Celtic saints has a photograph, story, description of location, a poem and some questions for reflection. When I went on the pilgrimage to Ireland Michael wrote and read a couple of the poems. It's obviously a great book if you are visiting any of those sites but equally is a lovely book for reflection anyway. The Celtic stories are always inspiring and resonate with pioneers in my experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Jonny Baker\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Methodist Recorder 01.11.24. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by David Gleed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMichael Mitton’s The Poetry of Pilgrimage is a lovely book of some 23 short chapters and while poetry is the focus, the well written location narrative that opens each new chapter provides a perfect setting for the verse that follows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eI have visited a number of the places included in the book and found myself instantly transported back to those windswept coastlines and distant islands, where the Celtic saints of old eked out a living and founded communities that lived the Gospel message and carried it far and wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe author is very much a story-teller in verse. His poems create a picture and tell the story in an accessible, page-turning manner that holds the attention and fires the imagination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eTaking in a selection of Celtic Christian pilgrimage sites across Ireland and Britain, the book has an easy-to-follow format, with chapters divided into a common sequence; information about the saint and the location, poem with prayer, reflection with Bible reading. A photograph concludes the chapter — there’s something about black and white photographs that add another layer of intrigue, I find. It happens here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003ePoetry resonates with many of those who travel The Way: prayer, reflection and poetry provide a rhythm around which to journey. Michael’s book captures this mood and the rhythm. It will prove a ready companion for both the armchair pilgrim and pilgrim on the road.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThrough narrative and verse the scene magically unfolds before you. Whether it’s a first time visit or a return journey, through the author’s pen and lens, you will know the place and perhaps, almost certainly sense a renewal of spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe backstory to this book is also of interest. Michael co-led pilgrimages with colleague Russ Parker for years (and still does), writing poetry as he walked and then reading the day’s composition to the assembled group in the evening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMany encouraged him to publish. Enjoy the read … I have a feeling you will!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by David Gleed\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-07-12T17:48:43+01:00","created_at":"2024-07-12T17:48:43+01:00","vendor":"Michael Mitton","type":"Paperback","tags":["2024","Celtic Christianity","Glassboxx","New Titles","Spirituality","Upcoming titles"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":43664489414847,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800393219","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":36458043736255,"product_id":7909747556543,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-07-12T17:50:25+01:00","updated_at":"2024-07-12T17:50:27+01:00","alt":null,"width":1831,"height":1949,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/PoetryofPilgrimage.jpg?v=1720803027","variant_ids":[43664489414847]},"available":true,"name":"The Poetry of Pilgrimage: Reflections on Celtic Pilgrimage sites in Ireland and Britain - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1299,"weight":270,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800393219","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":29233447174335,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.939,"height":1949,"width":1831,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/PoetryofPilgrimage.jpg?v=1720803027"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/PoetryofPilgrimage.jpg?v=1720803027"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/PoetryofPilgrimage.jpg?v=1720803027","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":29233447174335,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.939,"height":1949,"width":1831,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/PoetryofPilgrimage.jpg?v=1720803027"},"aspect_ratio":0.939,"height":1949,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/PoetryofPilgrimage.jpg?v=1720803027","width":1831}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eDrawing from his experience of co-leading pilgrimages in Britain and Ireland, Michael Mitton captures the essence of 23 significant pilgrimage sites for anyone from experienced pilgrims to armchair pilgrims. Each chapter outlines the story of the Celtic saint who founded the site, together with information about the location, a poem inspired by the author’s experience of that place, a reflective question, a suggested Bible reading and a photo of the site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Mitton is an Anglican priest and canon emeritus of Derby Cathedral. He currently works freelance as a spiritual director, speaker and writer, and is the author of nine non-fiction books and five novels, including Restoring the Woven Cord (BRF, 2019 third edition). Website: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.michaelmitton.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttp:\/\/www.michaelmitton.co.uk\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Michael’s poems bring us fresh but timeless riches for our spiritual journeys,\u003cbr\u003ewherever they may be. Drink deeply from this holy well of divine grace.’\u003cbr\u003eGraham Booth, former Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘Michael Mitton has left an indelible mark on my life; he was a voice of courage\u003cbr\u003eas I embarked on my own missionary journey to Cornwall. His book brings to\u003cbr\u003elife the characters whose faith shaped the British Isles; they are much needed\u003cbr\u003ecompanions for the church, to rekindle faith and stir courage.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Revd Anna Mason-Hyde, church leader of St Gregory’s in Cornwall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘As one of many on pilgrimage with Michael, who is both bard and spiritual director,\u003cbr\u003eI have beheld the wild Spirit of God ignite our pilgrim band at these sites and\u003cbr\u003ebirth fresh encounters with the Presence of the living God. May you find such\u003cbr\u003eportals leading deep into God’s heart through Michael’s visionary poetry and\u003cbr\u003eyour own reflections.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Revd Dr Sandi Kerner, canon for prayer and healing, Cathedral Church of\u003cbr\u003eSt Luke and St Paul and for the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘This is a book whose simple and heartfelt words will gather you – you with your\u003cbr\u003efear and failings, joys and dreams – and lift you to fly with the Wild Goose who\u003cbr\u003eseeks you.’\u003cbr\u003ePenny Warren, members’ Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘[The poems] are beautifully crafted… they are soulful, spiritual and carry a depth\u003cbr\u003eand a yearning. They bring to life in a wonderful way the lives of Celtic saints\u003cbr\u003eand their mystical longings. They reverberate like prayers. I am drawn back to\u003cbr\u003ethem again and again.’\u003cbr\u003eJonny Baker, Britain hub mission director for Church Mission Society\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Michael Mitton brings us face to face with spiritual yet human Celtic characters\u003cbr\u003eand transports us to places made holy by their lives. He relates recent spiritual\u003cbr\u003eencounters in these thin places and gives us poems and thought-provoking\u003cbr\u003equestions to extend our dwelling there. It’s a book to treasure and read slowly –\u003cbr\u003ea saint at a time.’\u003cbr\u003eGeorge Lings retired researcher and author of Seven Sacred Spaces and Reproducing\u003cbr\u003eChurches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘I have admired Michael Mitton’s poetry ever since I first heard him read one of\u003cbr\u003ehis works during a pilgrimage in Ireland. His words resonated with us, capturing\u003cbr\u003eand amplifying the encounters with the Holy Spirit that we were experiencing.\u003cbr\u003eReading The Poetry of Pilgrimage reignites that same sense of wonder and abandon,\u003cbr\u003einspiring me to follow Jesus more fervently. These poems offer readers\u003cbr\u003eencouragement and strength to persevere through the wild and unknown of\u003cbr\u003etheir own spiritual journeys.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Rt Revd Ron Dent Kuykendall PhD, rector of St Andrew’s Gainesville,\u003cbr\u003eFlorida, and executive chaplain to the national director and chaplain to the\u003cbr\u003eboard for the International Order of St Luke the Physician\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘The poetry and prose that you will find in these pages will transport you into\u003cbr\u003ethe lives of many Celtic saints in their places, and you will be drawn into the\u003cbr\u003eDivine Spirit that they each embodied through Michael’s directed reflection and\u003cbr\u003escripture readings. The pictures and stories he adds to the poems complete this\u003cbr\u003ebeautiful piece of literature which adds to the centuries old Celtic tradition of\u003cbr\u003esharing poem and story and song.’\u003cbr\u003eDavid Cassian Cole, author of Celtic Saints, The Celtic Year and The Art of Peace:\u003cbr\u003eLife lessons from Christian mystics\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Jonny Baker's \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/jonnybaker.blogs.com\/\"\u003eblog\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMichael Mitton has a new book out - The Poetry of Pilgrimage. Together with Russ Parker he has led pilgrimages around the British Isles to sites of Celtic saints. I had the pleasure to go with a group of pioneers on one to Ireland many years back which was wonderful. The book is a square format, and for each of the 23 Celtic saints has a photograph, story, description of location, a poem and some questions for reflection. When I went on the pilgrimage to Ireland Michael wrote and read a couple of the poems. It's obviously a great book if you are visiting any of those sites but equally is a lovely book for reflection anyway. The Celtic stories are always inspiring and resonate with pioneers in my experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Jonny Baker\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Methodist Recorder 01.11.24. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by David Gleed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMichael Mitton’s The Poetry of Pilgrimage is a lovely book of some 23 short chapters and while poetry is the focus, the well written location narrative that opens each new chapter provides a perfect setting for the verse that follows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eI have visited a number of the places included in the book and found myself instantly transported back to those windswept coastlines and distant islands, where the Celtic saints of old eked out a living and founded communities that lived the Gospel message and carried it far and wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe author is very much a story-teller in verse. His poems create a picture and tell the story in an accessible, page-turning manner that holds the attention and fires the imagination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eTaking in a selection of Celtic Christian pilgrimage sites across Ireland and Britain, the book has an easy-to-follow format, with chapters divided into a common sequence; information about the saint and the location, poem with prayer, reflection with Bible reading. A photograph concludes the chapter — there’s something about black and white photographs that add another layer of intrigue, I find. It happens here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003ePoetry resonates with many of those who travel The Way: prayer, reflection and poetry provide a rhythm around which to journey. Michael’s book captures this mood and the rhythm. It will prove a ready companion for both the armchair pilgrim and pilgrim on the road.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThrough narrative and verse the scene magically unfolds before you. Whether it’s a first time visit or a return journey, through the author’s pen and lens, you will know the place and perhaps, almost certainly sense a renewal of spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe backstory to this book is also of interest. Michael co-led pilgrimages with colleague Russ Parker for years (and still does), writing poetry as he walked and then reading the day’s composition to the assembled group in the evening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMany encouraged him to publish. Enjoy the read … I have a feeling you will!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by David Gleed\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}

The Poetry of Pilgrimage: Reflections on Celtic Pilgrimage sites in Ireland and Britain

£12.99

Drawing from his experience of co-leading pilgrimages in Britain and Ireland, Michael Mitton captures the essence of 23 significant pilgrimage...

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The Poetry of Pilgrimage: Reflections on Celtic Pilgrimage sites in Ireland and Britain