Retired and inspired
A selection of titles appropriate for those who are recently retired, to those approaching their latter years.
{"id":7867566817471,"title":"Bible Reflections for Older People September-December 2024","handle":"bible-reflections-for-older-people-september-december-2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWritten by older people for older people, these reflections are designed to bring hope, assurance and sustenance, reminding the reader of the presence and love of God. Each issue contains 40 Bible reflections and prayer suggestions to use and revisit as often as is needed. In the central section, Debbie Thrower of BRF’s The Gift of Years ministry offers interviews and ideas to encourage and inspire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese Bible reading notes have 32 Bible reflections with prayer suggestions on the theme of hope and loss. Also included is a feature section with news and stories from The Gift of Years ministry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEditor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEley McAinsh is a freelance writer, editor and communications consultant with a background in religious broadcasting and research into contemporary spirituality. She has a long-standing interest in retreats and spiritual direction and a particular concern for the spiritual care of those living with dementia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","published_at":"2024-06-05T14:15:25+01:00","created_at":"2024-06-05T14:15:25+01:00","vendor":"Eley McAinsh","type":"Paperback","tags":["2024","Ageing and spiritual care","anna chaplaincy","Anna Chaplaincy books","Bible reading notes","Bible Reflections for Older People","Biblical engagement","Pastoral care","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired"],"price":555,"price_min":555,"price_max":555,"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":43411782926527,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392632","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Bible Reflections for Older People September-December 2024","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":555,"weight":93,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392632","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BibleReflectionsforOlderPeople_Sep24.jpg?v=1717593295"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BibleReflectionsforOlderPeople_Sep24.jpg?v=1717593295","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":28973903577279,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2480,"width":1748,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BibleReflectionsforOlderPeople_Sep24.jpg?v=1717593295"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2480,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BibleReflectionsforOlderPeople_Sep24.jpg?v=1717593295","width":1748}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWritten by older people for older people, these reflections are designed to bring hope, assurance and sustenance, reminding the reader of the presence and love of God. Each issue contains 40 Bible reflections and prayer suggestions to use and revisit as often as is needed. In the central section, Debbie Thrower of BRF’s The Gift of Years ministry offers interviews and ideas to encourage and inspire.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThese Bible reading notes have 32 Bible reflections with prayer suggestions on the theme of hope and loss. Also included is a feature section with news and stories from The Gift of Years ministry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEditor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEley McAinsh is a freelance writer, editor and communications consultant with a background in religious broadcasting and research into contemporary spirituality. She has a long-standing interest in retreats and spiritual direction and a particular concern for the spiritual care of those living with dementia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e"}
You may also like:
Bible Reflections for Older People September-December 2024
£5.55
Written by older people for older people, these reflections are designed to bring hope, assurance and sustenance, reminding the reader...
{"id":7705939476671,"title":"Bible Reflections for Older People Bulk Buy May - August 2024","handle":"bible-reflections-for-older-people-bulk-buy-may-august-2024","description":"\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e10 copies of Bible Reflections for Older People for £30.00\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e | Written for older people, these reflections are designed to bring hope, assurance and sustenance, reminding the reader of the presence and love of God. In each issue are 40 Bible reflections and prayer suggestions to use and revisit as often as is needed. In the central section, Debbie Thrower of BRF’s Anna Chaplaincy ministry offers interviews and ideas to encourage and inspire.\u003c\/span\u003e","published_at":"2024-04-02T16:23:18+01:00","created_at":"2024-04-02T16:23:18+01:00","vendor":"Eley McAinsh","type":"Paperback","tags":["2024","Anna Chaplaincy books","Bible reading notes","Bible Reflections for Older People","Biblical engagement","Discipleship","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired"],"price":3000,"price_min":3000,"price_max":3000,"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":43018994385087,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"BROPX10MAY","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Bible Reflections for Older People Bulk Buy May - August 2024","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":3000,"weight":930,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"BROPX10MAY","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BibleReflectionsforOlderPeople_May24_8da52d0b-02da-4641-b5bd-b593771b0c7e.jpg?v=1712071401","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/bropmay-august2024_1.png?v=1712071402"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BibleReflectionsforOlderPeople_May24_8da52d0b-02da-4641-b5bd-b593771b0c7e.jpg?v=1712071401","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":28480771096767,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2480,"width":1748,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BibleReflectionsforOlderPeople_May24_8da52d0b-02da-4641-b5bd-b593771b0c7e.jpg?v=1712071401"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2480,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BibleReflectionsforOlderPeople_May24_8da52d0b-02da-4641-b5bd-b593771b0c7e.jpg?v=1712071401","width":1748},{"alt":null,"id":28480771129535,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.193,"height":788,"width":940,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/bropmay-august2024_1.png?v=1712071402"},"aspect_ratio":1.193,"height":788,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/bropmay-august2024_1.png?v=1712071402","width":940}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e10 copies of Bible Reflections for Older People for £30.00\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e | Written for older people, these reflections are designed to bring hope, assurance and sustenance, reminding the reader of the presence and love of God. In each issue are 40 Bible reflections and prayer suggestions to use and revisit as often as is needed. In the central section, Debbie Thrower of BRF’s Anna Chaplaincy ministry offers interviews and ideas to encourage and inspire.\u003c\/span\u003e"}
You may also like:
Bible Reflections for Older People Bulk Buy May - August 2024
£30.00
10 copies of Bible Reflections for Older People for £30.00 | Written for older people, these reflections are designed to bring...
{"id":7220230095039,"title":"Spiritual Care Series – single-use licence","handle":"spiritual-care-series-single-pack","description":"\u003cp\u003eTo purchase additional individual licences, you must either be a course facilitator yourself, or have the details for a current course facilitator who has already purchased a \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/spiritual-care-series-6-user-bundle\" title=\"Spiritual Care Series Pack\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSpiritual Care Series pack\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Spiritual Care Series is an eight-week comprehensive course for churches who want to provide good quality spiritual care to older people in their local community. The course equips participants to understand the ageing process, supporting people to reconnect with their past and cope with the losses that ageing brings. It also covers the importance of good listening skills, communication and boundaries in the provision of this care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe course comprises of video material, course material and access to an online learning platform. The videos and guides are designed to provoke discussion and an interactive learning experience. It is ideal for churches or organisations who want to provide good quality care to older people. Participants will develop their understanding and knowledge of the ageing process and at the end of the course, they will have the confidence and skills to come alongside older people to offer spiritual care. It can be used by churches who work ecumenical together or in groups. At the end of the course, participants receive a certificate to confirm successful completion of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Course outline\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnderstanding the ageing process\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpirituality in ageing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood communication\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe power of storytelling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDementia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA new home and a new way of life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrief, loss, death and dying\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoles, boundaries and self-care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe individual licence includes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eParticipant’s workbook\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAccess to Bridge Learning Management System online \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eHealth TV Network\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHealth TV Network is an experienced provider of training resources for the healthcare sector. Contributors to the Spiritual Care Series include theologians, professionals working in the care system and trainers. Professor John Swinton is the chair in divinity and religious studies at Aberdeen University and is one of the UK presenters to the course video material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF is licensed to promote and distribute the Spiritual Care Series in the UK. Online access to the Bridge Learning Management System (LMS) is managed by Health TV Network (HTN) in Australia. We will be sharing the data you provide to us with HTN to give users access to the Bridge (LMS) component of this course. For general enquiries about the Spiritual Care Series, please contact BRF on 01865 319700 or enquiries@brf.org.uk.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2022-05-03T16:37:51+01:00","created_at":"2022-04-14T11:20:48+01:00","vendor":"Health TV Network and BRF","type":"Pack","tags":["Ageing and spiritual care","Anna Chaplaincy books","Church life","For churches","Pastoral care","Retired and inspired","Spiritual care","spiritual care series courses"],"price":6000,"price_min":6000,"price_max":6000,"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":41524410974399,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"SCSSINGLE","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Spiritual Care Series – single-use licence","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":6000,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"SCSSINGLE","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/spiritualcareseriesparticipantsguide.jpg?v=1661948125"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/spiritualcareseriesparticipantsguide.jpg?v=1661948125","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":25746373378239,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/spiritualcareseriesparticipantsguide.jpg?v=1661948125"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/spiritualcareseriesparticipantsguide.jpg?v=1661948125","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eTo purchase additional individual licences, you must either be a course facilitator yourself, or have the details for a current course facilitator who has already purchased a \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/spiritual-care-series-6-user-bundle\" title=\"Spiritual Care Series Pack\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSpiritual Care Series pack\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Spiritual Care Series is an eight-week comprehensive course for churches who want to provide good quality spiritual care to older people in their local community. The course equips participants to understand the ageing process, supporting people to reconnect with their past and cope with the losses that ageing brings. It also covers the importance of good listening skills, communication and boundaries in the provision of this care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe course comprises of video material, course material and access to an online learning platform. The videos and guides are designed to provoke discussion and an interactive learning experience. It is ideal for churches or organisations who want to provide good quality care to older people. Participants will develop their understanding and knowledge of the ageing process and at the end of the course, they will have the confidence and skills to come alongside older people to offer spiritual care. It can be used by churches who work ecumenical together or in groups. At the end of the course, participants receive a certificate to confirm successful completion of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Course outline\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnderstanding the ageing process\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpirituality in ageing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood communication\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe power of storytelling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDementia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA new home and a new way of life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrief, loss, death and dying\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoles, boundaries and self-care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe individual licence includes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eParticipant’s workbook\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAccess to Bridge Learning Management System online \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eHealth TV Network\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHealth TV Network is an experienced provider of training resources for the healthcare sector. Contributors to the Spiritual Care Series include theologians, professionals working in the care system and trainers. Professor John Swinton is the chair in divinity and religious studies at Aberdeen University and is one of the UK presenters to the course video material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF is licensed to promote and distribute the Spiritual Care Series in the UK. Online access to the Bridge Learning Management System (LMS) is managed by Health TV Network (HTN) in Australia. We will be sharing the data you provide to us with HTN to give users access to the Bridge (LMS) component of this course. For general enquiries about the Spiritual Care Series, please contact BRF on 01865 319700 or enquiries@brf.org.uk.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Spiritual Care Series – single-use licence
£60.00
To purchase additional individual licences, you must either be a course facilitator yourself, or have the details for a current...
{"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","Jan-21","PDF","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":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":true,"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":[]},{"id":36354122547352,"title":"PDF download","option1":"PDF download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469762","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":23406553497791,"product_id":5785406865560,"position":3,"created_at":"2021-01-11T14:14:07+00:00","updated_at":"2021-01-11T14:14:07+00:00","alt":null,"width":458,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN9762.jpg?v=1610374447","variant_ids":[36354122547352]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Vintage: 52 sessions to share Christ-centred fun and fellowship with the older generation - PDF download","public_title":"PDF download","options":["PDF download"],"price":899,"weight":252,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469762","featured_media":{"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"}},"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"}
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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...
{"id":3945398992990,"title":"Make the Most of Retirement","handle":"make-the-most-of-retirement","description":"\u003cp\u003e‘Retire’ means to ‘withdraw’, to ‘retreat’, to ‘give ground’, to ‘cease to compete’. In one sense that is true: retirement does involve a leaving of office or employment. Yet retirement is also about new beginnings and new opportunities. In this helpful book, grounded both in personal experience and in extensive research among retired ministers, and rich in quotations from an eclectic range of writers, Paul Beasley-Murray explores how retirement is part of God’s rhythm for our lives and provides encouragement and insights for this next stage of the journey. A must-read for lay and ordained Christians alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePaul Beasley-Murray is the chairman of the College of Baptist Ministers. Formerly Senior Minister of Central Baptist Church, Chelmsford and prior to that Principal of Spurgeon’s College, London, he is a prolific author and blogger. His most recent publications include his autobiography This Is My Story: A story of life, faith and ministry (Wipf \u0026amp; Stock, 2018).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe used to know what 'retirement' meant. These days it is a more elastic term, and particularly so for retired ministers whose calling recognises no distinction between drawing a stipend or a pension.Paul Beasley-Murray presents a practical and engaging guide to retirement. While written with the retiring minister in mind, much of what Paul offers will be of relevance to anyone asking the questions of who they are, and how they might live out their vocation, in the later summer and autumn of their years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Ball, Chief Executive, The Church of England Pensions Board\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Like all the writings of Paul Beasley-Murray, this refreshing book is thoroughly researched and generously illustrated from personal experience, and never shrinks from reflecting on the shadow side of this period of life.' \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDavid Coffey OBE, Global Ambassador for BMS World Mission and past President of the Baptist World Alliance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'An invaluable aid for ministers of religion, in particular, and other people, generally, as they prepare for retirement.' \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Richard Jackson, Methodist minister and pioneer (in retirement) of the Cliff College International Training Centre\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRural Theology. Review by Malcolm Grundy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsed with permission. Rural Theology, 19:1, 63-64, DOI: 10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo link to this article: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\"\u003ehttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is now a growing number of books which will help clergy and their spouses to prepare for and live in retirement. Among those recently published the subject is approached from many different angles. Where most guides and helps are produced using a variety of contributors, Paul Beasley-Murray is a sole author giving a very personal account to enrich this pool of resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author writes from a varied ministry in academic work as Principal of Spurgeon’s College, in national and ecumenical circles as Chair of the College of Baptist Ministers, as a missionary in Congo\/Zaire and for his final posting as minister at the Central Baptist Church in Chelmsford. His retirement responsibilities and activities would fill more than half a page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book, Beasley-Murray tells us, has its origins in a research project with both qualitative and quantitative content published in Retirement matters for ministers. He has already published an autobiography in 2018 and in a similar way this is quite a personal book. It has clear sections beginning with the need for personal and practical preparation for retirement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is followed by sections on the discernment of a new vocational purpose. The third section encourages wider thinking and activity and the fourth explores preparation for the ‘final journey’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is filled with practical advice, backed generously with biblical references and illustrations. Equally, each section, and the sub-sections within them point to considerable wide reading and make generous use of quotation and anecdote from others who have written about retirement. Mention of other writers is done with the eye of a critical scholar, ‘I confess that much of the author’s careful engagement with scripture left me cold – it just seemed totally irrelevant’ (p. 75).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is both strength and weakness in a single author attempting such a broad subject. Beasley-Murray writes in a very personal way in many sections and we learn much about a man who has contributed generously to the ministerial development of so many. He speaks stridently about the need for a retired minister active in a congregation to engage in a ‘ministry of encouragement’ especially being supportive to their own and the surrounding ministers. His own personal public activities are described with reflective enthusiasm. Most intriguing among so much is the description of why he and his wife have chosen to worship not in a local Baptist Church but at Chelmsford Cathedral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn honest book of this kind will have inevitable weaknesses. Among the helpful practicalities listed are the need to make sure someone had all your computer and bank account passwords and that it is essential to make both a Will and Power of Attorney provision, but do we really need to know what hymns and readings he has planned for his own funeral? For the less biblically focussed there might be a little hesitation within the important need to value and nurture grandchildren, that before opening their presents on Christmas Day, he insists on reading them Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis well-resourced, comprehensive, and individualistic book is a welcome addition to a growing library. It speaks in an assured way to all who need to know about retirement ministries. It will be useful across the denominations to clergy and their families whose lives are shaped and enriched by constant reference to their bibles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMalcolm Grundy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYork St John University\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e© 2020 Malcolm Grundy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo cite this article: Malcolm Grundy (2021) Make the most of retirement, Rural Theology, 19:1, 63-64, DOI: 10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry (winter 2020) Review by Laura Hillman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetirement brings opportunities as well as challenges. The author is a retired Baptist minister and former principal of Spurgeon’s college who now worships at Chelmsford Cathedral. He has written a helpful guide with full-time church leaders in mind although he has sound advice for the general reader too. He writes with sensitivity and understanding, drawing on a research project with retired ministers as well as his own experience and the work of a range of authors. While being aware that there are many different models of successful retirement he makes recommendations that are helpful to all. ‘Take time to settle down’, ‘Keep your mind fresh’, ‘Relax and play’ are typical chapter headings. Many will find a new calling in later life, not necessarily church based, although as lay ministers we often come into our own when free from paid employment. This would make a good present for a friend on the point of retirement; it is also a book to return to in the later stages of life with sound advice on preparing for a good death.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillman \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Minister’s Journal April 2020. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Michael Bochenski\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a really helpful book. All the more so because it is a rare Christian contribution to retirement studies from a UK perspective, rather than a North American one. Undergirding it are face to face interviews, a lengthy questionnaire, and the author’s characteristic commitment to theological reflection on personal experience. It is admirably practical, very readable, well researched and, yes, really helpful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMake the Most of Retirement \u003c\/em\u003eis a book brim full of quotes and references from a range of sources – Paul Tournier, David Adams’ wonderful greeting car reflection \u003cem\u003eThe Terminus\u003c\/em\u003e, CS Lewis, Eugene Peterson, David Winter, Henri Nouwen, Sr Margaret Magdalen, and John Bunyan – among many others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into four sections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eBeginning a New Journey \u003c\/em\u003eexplores issues such as resolving to continue to develop, settling down, maintaining a spiritual and life discipline, and ongoing relationships.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003col start=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFinding New Purpose \u003c\/em\u003efocuses on issues such as our ongoing call to minister, learning to let go of the past, continuing to ‘… keep our minds fresh with a book always on the go,’ and supporting our new minister\/s as ‘angels’ advocates’. Paul has little time for a solely functional understanding of ministry: ‘Ordination’, he affirms, ‘is for life, so God continues to have a call on my life.’\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003col start=\"3\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eLiving a Full Life \u003c\/em\u003econtains pleas to find new ways to relax, exercise, reconnect with some of those we have known over the years, cultivate time with grandchildren (if so blessed), and to share our testimony to God in Christ. This section is infused with something of the personal joy Paul has found, after retirement from pastoring a local church and discovering instead ‘…new and changing way of serving God and others.’\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003col start=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePreparing for the Final Journey \u003c\/em\u003edoes what it says on the tin! Intimations of mortality – not least in the back, hip or knees (!) – are part of this but so are things like alerting our executors in advance to important documents and funeral wishes, confronting past hurts, and looking forward to what lies beyond.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no weak sections in the book. Consider, for example, this powerful (Carl Jung) quote on the cruelty of death: ‘Death is indeed a piece of brutality. There is no sense in pretending otherwise. It is brutal not only as a physical event but far more so psychically: a human being is torn away from us, and what remains is the icy stillness of death.’ Or this magnificent quote from the Swiss physician and author Paul Tournier (one of the first pastoral theologians I ever read and still one of the best): ‘What is important for the aged is not what they are still able to do nor yet what they have accumulated and cannot take with them. It is what they are.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was especially good to be reminded of the wonderful Nun’s Prayer (Google it!): ‘Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not what to be a saint – some of them are hard to live with – but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil.’ I agree, however, with Paul’s observation on it (note 156): ‘This prayer, often said to be from the 17\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century, is more likely to be a 20\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century creation.’ It remains of course an excellent tool for tying to live well in old age, whatever its provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul’s various reflections on past, present and future ministry are also exceptionally helpful, such as this one: ‘I dare to believe that my ministry has eternal consequences. Precisely what those consequences are I do not know… for the most part we have little, if any, knowledge of what has been wrought in other people’s lives.’ To read someone so clearly continuing to love being a pastor in his seventh decade is so refreshing; it shows: ‘The privilege of having been a pastor… is undoubtedly the most wonderful calling in the world.’ Paul’s awareness of ‘the many different patterns of retirement’ is also welcome. This is, mercifully, not a one blueprint kind of a book; it is instead a very practical guidelines and options one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA quote from James Woodward takes us to this book’s heart: ‘There is a difference between living and being alive. Growing older is about adding life to years rather than just adding years to our lives.’ Chapter 13 is entitled \u003cem\u003eBecome a Sage. \u003c\/em\u003eOn the evidence of this book, Paul Beasley-Murray is clearly practising what he preaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Michael Bochenski\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRetired Clergy Association newsletter Summer 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Mike Parsons\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul is a retired Baptist minister and probably familiar to many as the Beasley Murray family (father \u0026amp; son) have been prominent in Baptist circles for many years. However, his non-Anglican background should not dissuade any reader as after retiring as senior minister of Central Baptist Church Chelmsford he decided to join the congregation of Chelmsford Cathedral. In fact, he has produced a paper on why retired Baptist ministers end up worshiping with the Church of England. I look forward to a similar one, from somebody, as to why so many retired Church of England priests become Quakers!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a slim book, easily read and with a light style. Divided into four sections (Beginning a new journey, Finding a new purpose, Living a full life, Preparing for the final journey) each of which has seven or eight sections, it reads rather like a set of notes to accompany a series of compline addresses or the like. Each one can be read in its own right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book takes issue with the idea that retirement is the waiting room for death, a final destination that all arrive at. Rather he sees retirement as the terminus from which you set off on a new journey, ‘it is the beginning of a new journey . . .it opens up new vista, it is the gateway to eternity.’ (quoting ‘Terminus’, a poem by David Adam.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book has its origins in a research project to discover how ministers (and he carefully uses this term throughout as the most inclusive) experience retirement; published in his book \u003cem\u003eRetirement Matters for Ministers\u003c\/em\u003e. Here he discovered that while many retired ministers were glad to be retired and were experiencing new opportunities, a significant proportion felt discarded, undervalued, and reduced in their opportunities in life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the former category this book will provide new idea and suggestions as to how to live an even fuller life. Each section is formed round a particular biblical text and is full of examples and illustrations. The book is, in itself, a resource of sermon illustrations! For the latter category there are many challenges. It is not a mere exercise in positive thinking for the retired, but wise godly advice and biblical insights to enable growth. It is also very well referenced so you can chase up his quotes if you wish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOld age used to be thought of as starting with retirement, 65 as it used to be for men, 60 for women. The government has changed all that (to many women’s disadvantage) to 66 for all. But that is not how we think. From October 2011 there is no mandatory retirement age and, except for the Church of England, retirement cannot be imposed by employers. It has been said that 70 is the new 60; most of us have many more expectations of active life post retirement. The Church of England is lagging behind here. I asked a question in General Synod in 2015 as to what progress there was in changing clergy retirement rules. The reply was that the house of bishops was unaware of any groundswell of opinion: they cannot be so unaware now. In terms of ministry, at least as an incumbent or senior cleric, there is good case for handing on a post by 70 and ministering in some other way. For most of us, that will involve PTO (Permission to Officiate). Progress is being made it terms of positive engagement with the retired, but there is a long way to go. It is demeaning and insulting to make assumptions on behalf of the retired ‘in their best interests’ without consultation. The largest number of active retired clergy in England are in their 80s, a large pool of voluntary ministry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetirement is something of a shock to many clergy, we are psychologically unprepared: you go suddenly from being in the centre of everything, consulted, listened to, kept in touch (and how much more so for senior clergy). Then the next day it can seem as if you have been pushed off a cliff and no longer exist. In one chapter he explores the issue of clerical identity; how so often it is centred in our functions rather than who we are in Christ. He quotes approvingly Archbishop Justin Welby, who discovered greatly to his surprise recently that his biological father was not the man he called father but another. This is a discovery which could easily strike to the roots of one’s sense of identity and worth, yet Justin Welby said ‘I know that I find who I am in Jesus Christ, not in genetics, and my identity in him never changes’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is much that can be done to prepare for retirement. Most dioceses offer some form of pre-retirement course, but it is often very sketchy and can sometimes do little more than cover the administrative bones of the various options on retirement housing and how will you be paid. This book, in itself, read through perhaps with a small group reaching retirement at similar points will provide a much richer fare. Involving others (and of course partners) will give added perspectives: not everyone’s retirement is the same. Beasley-Murray encourages using a mentor or soul friend. This could also be described as a work consultant for the retired. We may not realise it, but we are now on our own. We don’t automatically have to report to anyone, we can do our own thing. But we’ve not done this before and we know that in starting in ministry there were various people to help and advise: there were also groups where you could moan about how bad the vicar was – and discover fellow sufferers! I believe every diocese has a Retirement Officer, but how much of a voice they have varies widely and, in some cases, very little seems to be done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will not be long retired before friends and colleagues start dying (if they have not already) and thoughts of our own mortality become more common. How will we meet it, will we ‘die well’? In his penultimate chapter, ‘Letting go and holding on’, Beasley-Murray paints a picture of death as not only ‘going’ but also ‘arriving’; this is what the Christian should hope for, while acknowledging that the reality is not always like that. Many of us fear the process of dying, fear not just the pain and loss of bodily functions but also the loss of the mind and the personality changes that can come with dementia. There could – perhaps should – have been a reminder here to discuss an end of life plan with family members and how you can ensure that those caring for you at the end are aware of it. This could be part of a small portfolio of preparation. Not just ensuring a will is written, charitable gifts assigned, but also what sort of funeral you would like (always remembering the funeral is mainly for the benefit of those left behind!) as it will both make a statement about your deepest belief and also be a personal growth experience. Who do you most want to be with you as you die?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA H Clough’s famous doublet ‘Thou shalt not kill; but need'st not strive officiously to keep alive’ is not only a palliative care dictum; it is also a spiritual one. Beasley-Murray quotes cases of three experienced charismatic Christian leaders who were convinced they would be miraculously healed: in one case it ended badly, the other two ‘came to the reluctant and dislocating conclusion that’ somehow, they had got it wrong, but were able, peacefully, to let go into the hands of the God they didn’t now understand’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is, I have found, a book that repays reading – and then reading again (it’s very short!); there is much wisdom here. Beasley-Murray’s experience is summed up, he writes, in David Adam’s poem\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The Terminus’:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Terminus is not where we stay,\u003cbr\u003eIt is the beginning of a new journey.\u003cbr\u003eIt is where we reach out beyond,\u003cbr\u003eWhere we experience new adventures.\u003cbr\u003eIt is where we get off to enter new territory,\u003cbr\u003eTo explore new horizons, to extend our whole being.\u003cbr\u003eIt is a place touching the future.\u003cbr\u003eIt opens up new vistas.\u003cbr\u003eIt is the gateway to eternity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices June 2020 (PV33), Review by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a timely book. As in our lives generally, there are seasons of ministry, and Paul argues in this encouraging book that we should make the most of the season of retirement. Paul’s wise advice is optimistic and realistic (and nondenominational), and will find echoes for everyone in the church, not just ‘retired’ pastors and church leaders. Concise and logically organised, this guide sees retirement as ‘beginning a new journey’ and ‘finding new purpose’ and ‘living a full life’. He grounds these themes on firm foundations, intelligently avoiding any ‘goody two-shoes’ tone of voice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSensibly, too, and sensitively, he faces up to the challenge of ‘preparing for the final journey’. There are three firm foundations for this advice. First is his own life. Without any egotism, he describes how he has grown in retirement. It has been a period of self-discovery, of reflecting on key values and people that have shaped his life. The second draws on relevant studies and his own substantial research. Often evidence of how faith communities flourish, grow and change is based on unreliable anecdotes and subjective impressions. Having more reliable qualitative data is much needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third foundation is based on the Christian life, where in retirement the importance of discipleship and forgiveness is more central than ever. Retirement can be a time of resentful marginalisation, nourishing past hurts, fearing mortality and bereavement. Paul reminds us that, while it is a time to put things in order and even to ‘let go’, it is also a time to face ‘the challenge of being’, and to seek contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing honest to God and to yourself as you age and change is probably the most challenging part of the internal narrative we have with ourselves. Paul’s book is all about how a Christian pastor or minister can choose to retire, and, how older people still can do so too. A timely book for personal reflection and group exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, May 2020. Review by James Breslin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is aimed at retired ministers or, more usefully, at ministers about to retire. It seeks to address a gap in the market, for while there are many general books on retirement, and many books on ministry, there is very little on ministerial retirement. With considerable success, Beasley-Murray manages to blend three elements into one relatively short book. It contains much wisdom. Much of the book is a reflection on and retelling of his own experience of retirement, some is an evaluation of the limited amount of research in this field, and some is the repetition of somewhat anecdotal evidence. It is not a book that will appeal to every retired minister and Beasley-Murray fully recognises that. It is very personal, and, as such, may seem alien to some. All ministers are different, the retired as much as the active. Beasley-Murray says that ‘writing and research is one way in which I seek to live out my calling’. Committees and charitable trusteeships alongside preaching currently fill that role for me. He quotes with approval a comment from an Anglican source: ‘Priests never retire but vicars do.’ Although he himself has chosen to worship in a setting that does not offer regular opportunities for leading Sunday services, he notes that 85% of the retired Baptist ministers who took part in his survey regularly led worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeasley-Murray is not shy of disagreeing with others who have written on retirement, noting that where such writing appears as a part of a general study, the tone has often been negative. This book sees retirement as positive but recognises that this is not everyone’s experience. He is clear that his book should be considered alongside the pre-retirement courses run by many denominations. The author fully recognises the value of such courses but suggests that by their nature they focus mainly on the practical elements of retirement (housing, health, pensions etc) and less on the spiritual dimension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by James Breslin\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ea retired minister living in Nottingham\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e‘Plus’, quarterly magazine of Christians on Ageing Vol 36 issue 1, Spring 2020. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Rev Malcolm Smith (retired)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first sight, and declared specifically so by the author, this is a book for a niche market – Christian ministers (of all denominations) approaching or already arrived at retirement. Yet at the same time it speaks encouragingly, provokingly to all older Christians, lay or ordained. The author acknowledges that Christian ministers do have special needs at the time because their life's work has been a calling that never ceases until death, yet the normal opportunity to exercise that calling by leading a congregation or parish is taken from them. For some this can be a bereavement experience, for many its coupling with the requirement to move away from people who have become close friends is a major upheaval. Much has been written in recent years about various aspects of retirement; this book succeeds in gathering the whole range of issues together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is ordered in four main sections: Beginning a new journey, Finding new purpose, Living a full fife, Preparing for the final journey; plus a brief Preface and Introduction, and a Final word. This could sound like heavy going; rather, the author's touch is light because his words and personal experience are so lucid. Each main section is made up of seven or eight nutshell chapters of a mere three of four pages; the whole can be read in a couple of sessions, though like me you will want to go back to much of it again; familiar quotations jostle with arresting insights and practical suggestions such as ‘retirement is the last opportunity to rise to the challenge of being (rather than doing)’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no shrinking from the darker sides of life: ‘trials are to be welcomed, for the truth is that “all sunshine makes a desert” …’; profound issues are faced with depth: ‘dying well involves accepting the reality of our situation’. Above all, the whole focuses on living relationship with our Lord: ‘let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus’ – the use of the simple personal name, Jesus, shows that the accent is upon his humanity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Rev Malcolm Smith (ret).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 06.03.20. Review by John Lampard.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I 'sat down' 14 years ago I read a number of books about retirement, which offered guidance on how to live the following years. It was interesting therefore to read, in the light of experience, \u003cem\u003eMaking the Most of Retirement \u003c\/em\u003eby Paul Beasley-Murray, which is mainly written (although it is not in the title) for retired ministers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author is a Baptist minister, who now worships at Chelmsford Cathedral. He is fortunate to have had a healthy and fulfilling retirement which has involved writing and research, continuing leadership on Church committees, travel, church activities and family life. He divides the book, which consists of 31 short chapters, under four headings. First there is ‘Beginning a new journey’. In these chapters he encourages a new sense of adventure and adjusting to a new pace of life while maintaining spiritual disciplines which can weaken without the regular pattern of preparation and pastoral care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second heading is ‘Finding new purpose’. Here he writes of the need to discover a new identity now that you are no longer ‘the minister’, to do something worthwhile in the local church and, importantly, to be an encouragement to your minister. Something a retired minister can occasionally stumble over!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third section, entitled ‘Living a full life’, offers sound advice on enriching your life with exercise, making new friends, enjoying your grandchildren (if you have them) and sharing your faith story with others. The author has taken the risky step of publishing his own autobiography, which he refers to frequently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final section, ‘Preparing for the final journey’, reminds readers about making practical steps in terms of wills, powers of attorney, leaving your affairs in good and clear order, with spiritual reflections on the journey into death. Of value in this section is the important reminder to continue to be grateful to God, to let go of past hurts and be prepared to let go.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery part of the book is supported by the author’s wide reading on retirement issues, wise words from both secular and Christian writers and information on his own life journey. All these make the book an easy read. If I have any reservation, it is the fact that it is refracted through the lens of what he sees as a very successful ministry and a worthwhile, rich and diverse retirement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI wonder how it would appeal to a minister who arrives at retirement broken after a hard ministry, dispirited and in poor health – and some do. The author’s bright ‘can do’ approach might not be so encouraging to some.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by \u003c\/em\u003eT\u003cem\u003ehe Rev Dr John\u003c\/em\u003e Lampard, a\u003cem\u003e supernumerary minister in the City Road \u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eMethodist circuit.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing just over one year in to my own ‘retirement’, this was a book I had to read – and it did not disappoint. Paul Beasley-Murray is a retired but still very active Baptist minister and it is a delight to read about his very positive experience of and views on the post-employment, next stage of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong many other titles about retirement from both Christian and secular perspectives, this book is aimed specifically at those in or preparing for retirement from paid church ministry, something which the author claims is a first. All that said, the book does contain very helpful insights, suggestions and advice for those who, like myself, have moved on from non-Church based employment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Hopefully this book will help address the imbalance which is present on some retirement courses,’ he writes, ‘where much of the content seems to be devoted to practical matters such as pensions and housing, with little reference to all the other issues which are part of the ministerial retirement experience.’ An observation which is true of many moving on from non-ministerial occupations too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its short chapters and the author’s relaxed writing style, this book is easy to read. Developed from interviews and qualitative research carried out by the author among retired ministers – findings of which are published elsewhere – Paul Beasley-Murray uses this as a basis on which to build, complementing it with examples of his own personal experience. These provide helpful illustrations and although very autobiographical (something which the author acknowledges) they are practical and realistic. More examples drawn from the research would have strengthened the book even further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin its pages, the author covers preparing for the next stage of life and the importance of doing so, giving time for adjustment, finding new purposes, relaxing and doing ‘non-work’ things. He also tackles head-on the difficulties of ill health and facing death. Not everything in the retirement garden is rosy but there are ways of dealing with the aphids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I was preparing for my own ‘retirement’ I, like the author, avoided using the R word preferring instead to think of it as the ‘next stage of life’:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The word “retirement” has such negative connotations,’ writes Paul Beasley-Murray. ‘Perhaps not surprisingly, Ernest Hemingway said that “retirement is the filthiest word in the language.”… Retirement offers an opportunity to be more alive than ever.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith many people living longer and enjoying an active third age this book provides a very positive, encouraging and valuable resource and is to be recommended reading for anyone at this stage of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-08-13T11:07:07+01:00","created_at":"2019-08-13T11:08:39+01:00","vendor":"Paul Beasley-Murray","type":"Paperback","tags":["Anna Chaplaincy books","Feb-20","Kindle","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":29434856964190,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468642","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Make the Most of Retirement","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":600,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468642","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468642.jpg?v=1565690922"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468642.jpg?v=1565690922","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3308723470475,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468642.jpg?v=1565690922"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468642.jpg?v=1565690922","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e‘Retire’ means to ‘withdraw’, to ‘retreat’, to ‘give ground’, to ‘cease to compete’. In one sense that is true: retirement does involve a leaving of office or employment. Yet retirement is also about new beginnings and new opportunities. In this helpful book, grounded both in personal experience and in extensive research among retired ministers, and rich in quotations from an eclectic range of writers, Paul Beasley-Murray explores how retirement is part of God’s rhythm for our lives and provides encouragement and insights for this next stage of the journey. A must-read for lay and ordained Christians alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePaul Beasley-Murray is the chairman of the College of Baptist Ministers. Formerly Senior Minister of Central Baptist Church, Chelmsford and prior to that Principal of Spurgeon’s College, London, he is a prolific author and blogger. His most recent publications include his autobiography This Is My Story: A story of life, faith and ministry (Wipf \u0026amp; Stock, 2018).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe used to know what 'retirement' meant. These days it is a more elastic term, and particularly so for retired ministers whose calling recognises no distinction between drawing a stipend or a pension.Paul Beasley-Murray presents a practical and engaging guide to retirement. While written with the retiring minister in mind, much of what Paul offers will be of relevance to anyone asking the questions of who they are, and how they might live out their vocation, in the later summer and autumn of their years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Ball, Chief Executive, The Church of England Pensions Board\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Like all the writings of Paul Beasley-Murray, this refreshing book is thoroughly researched and generously illustrated from personal experience, and never shrinks from reflecting on the shadow side of this period of life.' \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDavid Coffey OBE, Global Ambassador for BMS World Mission and past President of the Baptist World Alliance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'An invaluable aid for ministers of religion, in particular, and other people, generally, as they prepare for retirement.' \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Richard Jackson, Methodist minister and pioneer (in retirement) of the Cliff College International Training Centre\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRural Theology. Review by Malcolm Grundy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsed with permission. Rural Theology, 19:1, 63-64, DOI: 10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo link to this article: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\"\u003ehttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is now a growing number of books which will help clergy and their spouses to prepare for and live in retirement. Among those recently published the subject is approached from many different angles. Where most guides and helps are produced using a variety of contributors, Paul Beasley-Murray is a sole author giving a very personal account to enrich this pool of resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author writes from a varied ministry in academic work as Principal of Spurgeon’s College, in national and ecumenical circles as Chair of the College of Baptist Ministers, as a missionary in Congo\/Zaire and for his final posting as minister at the Central Baptist Church in Chelmsford. His retirement responsibilities and activities would fill more than half a page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book, Beasley-Murray tells us, has its origins in a research project with both qualitative and quantitative content published in Retirement matters for ministers. He has already published an autobiography in 2018 and in a similar way this is quite a personal book. It has clear sections beginning with the need for personal and practical preparation for retirement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is followed by sections on the discernment of a new vocational purpose. The third section encourages wider thinking and activity and the fourth explores preparation for the ‘final journey’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is filled with practical advice, backed generously with biblical references and illustrations. Equally, each section, and the sub-sections within them point to considerable wide reading and make generous use of quotation and anecdote from others who have written about retirement. Mention of other writers is done with the eye of a critical scholar, ‘I confess that much of the author’s careful engagement with scripture left me cold – it just seemed totally irrelevant’ (p. 75).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is both strength and weakness in a single author attempting such a broad subject. Beasley-Murray writes in a very personal way in many sections and we learn much about a man who has contributed generously to the ministerial development of so many. He speaks stridently about the need for a retired minister active in a congregation to engage in a ‘ministry of encouragement’ especially being supportive to their own and the surrounding ministers. His own personal public activities are described with reflective enthusiasm. Most intriguing among so much is the description of why he and his wife have chosen to worship not in a local Baptist Church but at Chelmsford Cathedral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn honest book of this kind will have inevitable weaknesses. Among the helpful practicalities listed are the need to make sure someone had all your computer and bank account passwords and that it is essential to make both a Will and Power of Attorney provision, but do we really need to know what hymns and readings he has planned for his own funeral? For the less biblically focussed there might be a little hesitation within the important need to value and nurture grandchildren, that before opening their presents on Christmas Day, he insists on reading them Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis well-resourced, comprehensive, and individualistic book is a welcome addition to a growing library. It speaks in an assured way to all who need to know about retirement ministries. It will be useful across the denominations to clergy and their families whose lives are shaped and enriched by constant reference to their bibles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMalcolm Grundy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYork St John University\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e© 2020 Malcolm Grundy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo cite this article: Malcolm Grundy (2021) Make the most of retirement, Rural Theology, 19:1, 63-64, DOI: 10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry (winter 2020) Review by Laura Hillman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetirement brings opportunities as well as challenges. The author is a retired Baptist minister and former principal of Spurgeon’s college who now worships at Chelmsford Cathedral. He has written a helpful guide with full-time church leaders in mind although he has sound advice for the general reader too. He writes with sensitivity and understanding, drawing on a research project with retired ministers as well as his own experience and the work of a range of authors. While being aware that there are many different models of successful retirement he makes recommendations that are helpful to all. ‘Take time to settle down’, ‘Keep your mind fresh’, ‘Relax and play’ are typical chapter headings. Many will find a new calling in later life, not necessarily church based, although as lay ministers we often come into our own when free from paid employment. This would make a good present for a friend on the point of retirement; it is also a book to return to in the later stages of life with sound advice on preparing for a good death.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillman \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Minister’s Journal April 2020. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Michael Bochenski\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a really helpful book. All the more so because it is a rare Christian contribution to retirement studies from a UK perspective, rather than a North American one. Undergirding it are face to face interviews, a lengthy questionnaire, and the author’s characteristic commitment to theological reflection on personal experience. It is admirably practical, very readable, well researched and, yes, really helpful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMake the Most of Retirement \u003c\/em\u003eis a book brim full of quotes and references from a range of sources – Paul Tournier, David Adams’ wonderful greeting car reflection \u003cem\u003eThe Terminus\u003c\/em\u003e, CS Lewis, Eugene Peterson, David Winter, Henri Nouwen, Sr Margaret Magdalen, and John Bunyan – among many others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into four sections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eBeginning a New Journey \u003c\/em\u003eexplores issues such as resolving to continue to develop, settling down, maintaining a spiritual and life discipline, and ongoing relationships.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003col start=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFinding New Purpose \u003c\/em\u003efocuses on issues such as our ongoing call to minister, learning to let go of the past, continuing to ‘… keep our minds fresh with a book always on the go,’ and supporting our new minister\/s as ‘angels’ advocates’. Paul has little time for a solely functional understanding of ministry: ‘Ordination’, he affirms, ‘is for life, so God continues to have a call on my life.’\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003col start=\"3\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eLiving a Full Life \u003c\/em\u003econtains pleas to find new ways to relax, exercise, reconnect with some of those we have known over the years, cultivate time with grandchildren (if so blessed), and to share our testimony to God in Christ. This section is infused with something of the personal joy Paul has found, after retirement from pastoring a local church and discovering instead ‘…new and changing way of serving God and others.’\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003col start=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePreparing for the Final Journey \u003c\/em\u003edoes what it says on the tin! Intimations of mortality – not least in the back, hip or knees (!) – are part of this but so are things like alerting our executors in advance to important documents and funeral wishes, confronting past hurts, and looking forward to what lies beyond.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no weak sections in the book. Consider, for example, this powerful (Carl Jung) quote on the cruelty of death: ‘Death is indeed a piece of brutality. There is no sense in pretending otherwise. It is brutal not only as a physical event but far more so psychically: a human being is torn away from us, and what remains is the icy stillness of death.’ Or this magnificent quote from the Swiss physician and author Paul Tournier (one of the first pastoral theologians I ever read and still one of the best): ‘What is important for the aged is not what they are still able to do nor yet what they have accumulated and cannot take with them. It is what they are.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was especially good to be reminded of the wonderful Nun’s Prayer (Google it!): ‘Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not what to be a saint – some of them are hard to live with – but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil.’ I agree, however, with Paul’s observation on it (note 156): ‘This prayer, often said to be from the 17\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century, is more likely to be a 20\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century creation.’ It remains of course an excellent tool for tying to live well in old age, whatever its provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul’s various reflections on past, present and future ministry are also exceptionally helpful, such as this one: ‘I dare to believe that my ministry has eternal consequences. Precisely what those consequences are I do not know… for the most part we have little, if any, knowledge of what has been wrought in other people’s lives.’ To read someone so clearly continuing to love being a pastor in his seventh decade is so refreshing; it shows: ‘The privilege of having been a pastor… is undoubtedly the most wonderful calling in the world.’ Paul’s awareness of ‘the many different patterns of retirement’ is also welcome. This is, mercifully, not a one blueprint kind of a book; it is instead a very practical guidelines and options one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA quote from James Woodward takes us to this book’s heart: ‘There is a difference between living and being alive. Growing older is about adding life to years rather than just adding years to our lives.’ Chapter 13 is entitled \u003cem\u003eBecome a Sage. \u003c\/em\u003eOn the evidence of this book, Paul Beasley-Murray is clearly practising what he preaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Michael Bochenski\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRetired Clergy Association newsletter Summer 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Mike Parsons\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul is a retired Baptist minister and probably familiar to many as the Beasley Murray family (father \u0026amp; son) have been prominent in Baptist circles for many years. However, his non-Anglican background should not dissuade any reader as after retiring as senior minister of Central Baptist Church Chelmsford he decided to join the congregation of Chelmsford Cathedral. In fact, he has produced a paper on why retired Baptist ministers end up worshiping with the Church of England. I look forward to a similar one, from somebody, as to why so many retired Church of England priests become Quakers!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a slim book, easily read and with a light style. Divided into four sections (Beginning a new journey, Finding a new purpose, Living a full life, Preparing for the final journey) each of which has seven or eight sections, it reads rather like a set of notes to accompany a series of compline addresses or the like. Each one can be read in its own right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book takes issue with the idea that retirement is the waiting room for death, a final destination that all arrive at. Rather he sees retirement as the terminus from which you set off on a new journey, ‘it is the beginning of a new journey . . .it opens up new vista, it is the gateway to eternity.’ (quoting ‘Terminus’, a poem by David Adam.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book has its origins in a research project to discover how ministers (and he carefully uses this term throughout as the most inclusive) experience retirement; published in his book \u003cem\u003eRetirement Matters for Ministers\u003c\/em\u003e. Here he discovered that while many retired ministers were glad to be retired and were experiencing new opportunities, a significant proportion felt discarded, undervalued, and reduced in their opportunities in life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the former category this book will provide new idea and suggestions as to how to live an even fuller life. Each section is formed round a particular biblical text and is full of examples and illustrations. The book is, in itself, a resource of sermon illustrations! For the latter category there are many challenges. It is not a mere exercise in positive thinking for the retired, but wise godly advice and biblical insights to enable growth. It is also very well referenced so you can chase up his quotes if you wish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOld age used to be thought of as starting with retirement, 65 as it used to be for men, 60 for women. The government has changed all that (to many women’s disadvantage) to 66 for all. But that is not how we think. From October 2011 there is no mandatory retirement age and, except for the Church of England, retirement cannot be imposed by employers. It has been said that 70 is the new 60; most of us have many more expectations of active life post retirement. The Church of England is lagging behind here. I asked a question in General Synod in 2015 as to what progress there was in changing clergy retirement rules. The reply was that the house of bishops was unaware of any groundswell of opinion: they cannot be so unaware now. In terms of ministry, at least as an incumbent or senior cleric, there is good case for handing on a post by 70 and ministering in some other way. For most of us, that will involve PTO (Permission to Officiate). Progress is being made it terms of positive engagement with the retired, but there is a long way to go. It is demeaning and insulting to make assumptions on behalf of the retired ‘in their best interests’ without consultation. The largest number of active retired clergy in England are in their 80s, a large pool of voluntary ministry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetirement is something of a shock to many clergy, we are psychologically unprepared: you go suddenly from being in the centre of everything, consulted, listened to, kept in touch (and how much more so for senior clergy). Then the next day it can seem as if you have been pushed off a cliff and no longer exist. In one chapter he explores the issue of clerical identity; how so often it is centred in our functions rather than who we are in Christ. He quotes approvingly Archbishop Justin Welby, who discovered greatly to his surprise recently that his biological father was not the man he called father but another. This is a discovery which could easily strike to the roots of one’s sense of identity and worth, yet Justin Welby said ‘I know that I find who I am in Jesus Christ, not in genetics, and my identity in him never changes’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is much that can be done to prepare for retirement. Most dioceses offer some form of pre-retirement course, but it is often very sketchy and can sometimes do little more than cover the administrative bones of the various options on retirement housing and how will you be paid. This book, in itself, read through perhaps with a small group reaching retirement at similar points will provide a much richer fare. Involving others (and of course partners) will give added perspectives: not everyone’s retirement is the same. Beasley-Murray encourages using a mentor or soul friend. This could also be described as a work consultant for the retired. We may not realise it, but we are now on our own. We don’t automatically have to report to anyone, we can do our own thing. But we’ve not done this before and we know that in starting in ministry there were various people to help and advise: there were also groups where you could moan about how bad the vicar was – and discover fellow sufferers! I believe every diocese has a Retirement Officer, but how much of a voice they have varies widely and, in some cases, very little seems to be done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will not be long retired before friends and colleagues start dying (if they have not already) and thoughts of our own mortality become more common. How will we meet it, will we ‘die well’? In his penultimate chapter, ‘Letting go and holding on’, Beasley-Murray paints a picture of death as not only ‘going’ but also ‘arriving’; this is what the Christian should hope for, while acknowledging that the reality is not always like that. Many of us fear the process of dying, fear not just the pain and loss of bodily functions but also the loss of the mind and the personality changes that can come with dementia. There could – perhaps should – have been a reminder here to discuss an end of life plan with family members and how you can ensure that those caring for you at the end are aware of it. This could be part of a small portfolio of preparation. Not just ensuring a will is written, charitable gifts assigned, but also what sort of funeral you would like (always remembering the funeral is mainly for the benefit of those left behind!) as it will both make a statement about your deepest belief and also be a personal growth experience. Who do you most want to be with you as you die?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA H Clough’s famous doublet ‘Thou shalt not kill; but need'st not strive officiously to keep alive’ is not only a palliative care dictum; it is also a spiritual one. Beasley-Murray quotes cases of three experienced charismatic Christian leaders who were convinced they would be miraculously healed: in one case it ended badly, the other two ‘came to the reluctant and dislocating conclusion that’ somehow, they had got it wrong, but were able, peacefully, to let go into the hands of the God they didn’t now understand’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is, I have found, a book that repays reading – and then reading again (it’s very short!); there is much wisdom here. Beasley-Murray’s experience is summed up, he writes, in David Adam’s poem\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The Terminus’:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Terminus is not where we stay,\u003cbr\u003eIt is the beginning of a new journey.\u003cbr\u003eIt is where we reach out beyond,\u003cbr\u003eWhere we experience new adventures.\u003cbr\u003eIt is where we get off to enter new territory,\u003cbr\u003eTo explore new horizons, to extend our whole being.\u003cbr\u003eIt is a place touching the future.\u003cbr\u003eIt opens up new vistas.\u003cbr\u003eIt is the gateway to eternity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices June 2020 (PV33), Review by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a timely book. As in our lives generally, there are seasons of ministry, and Paul argues in this encouraging book that we should make the most of the season of retirement. Paul’s wise advice is optimistic and realistic (and nondenominational), and will find echoes for everyone in the church, not just ‘retired’ pastors and church leaders. Concise and logically organised, this guide sees retirement as ‘beginning a new journey’ and ‘finding new purpose’ and ‘living a full life’. He grounds these themes on firm foundations, intelligently avoiding any ‘goody two-shoes’ tone of voice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSensibly, too, and sensitively, he faces up to the challenge of ‘preparing for the final journey’. There are three firm foundations for this advice. First is his own life. Without any egotism, he describes how he has grown in retirement. It has been a period of self-discovery, of reflecting on key values and people that have shaped his life. The second draws on relevant studies and his own substantial research. Often evidence of how faith communities flourish, grow and change is based on unreliable anecdotes and subjective impressions. Having more reliable qualitative data is much needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third foundation is based on the Christian life, where in retirement the importance of discipleship and forgiveness is more central than ever. Retirement can be a time of resentful marginalisation, nourishing past hurts, fearing mortality and bereavement. Paul reminds us that, while it is a time to put things in order and even to ‘let go’, it is also a time to face ‘the challenge of being’, and to seek contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing honest to God and to yourself as you age and change is probably the most challenging part of the internal narrative we have with ourselves. Paul’s book is all about how a Christian pastor or minister can choose to retire, and, how older people still can do so too. A timely book for personal reflection and group exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, May 2020. Review by James Breslin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is aimed at retired ministers or, more usefully, at ministers about to retire. It seeks to address a gap in the market, for while there are many general books on retirement, and many books on ministry, there is very little on ministerial retirement. With considerable success, Beasley-Murray manages to blend three elements into one relatively short book. It contains much wisdom. Much of the book is a reflection on and retelling of his own experience of retirement, some is an evaluation of the limited amount of research in this field, and some is the repetition of somewhat anecdotal evidence. It is not a book that will appeal to every retired minister and Beasley-Murray fully recognises that. It is very personal, and, as such, may seem alien to some. All ministers are different, the retired as much as the active. Beasley-Murray says that ‘writing and research is one way in which I seek to live out my calling’. Committees and charitable trusteeships alongside preaching currently fill that role for me. He quotes with approval a comment from an Anglican source: ‘Priests never retire but vicars do.’ Although he himself has chosen to worship in a setting that does not offer regular opportunities for leading Sunday services, he notes that 85% of the retired Baptist ministers who took part in his survey regularly led worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeasley-Murray is not shy of disagreeing with others who have written on retirement, noting that where such writing appears as a part of a general study, the tone has often been negative. This book sees retirement as positive but recognises that this is not everyone’s experience. He is clear that his book should be considered alongside the pre-retirement courses run by many denominations. The author fully recognises the value of such courses but suggests that by their nature they focus mainly on the practical elements of retirement (housing, health, pensions etc) and less on the spiritual dimension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by James Breslin\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ea retired minister living in Nottingham\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e‘Plus’, quarterly magazine of Christians on Ageing Vol 36 issue 1, Spring 2020. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Rev Malcolm Smith (retired)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first sight, and declared specifically so by the author, this is a book for a niche market – Christian ministers (of all denominations) approaching or already arrived at retirement. Yet at the same time it speaks encouragingly, provokingly to all older Christians, lay or ordained. The author acknowledges that Christian ministers do have special needs at the time because their life's work has been a calling that never ceases until death, yet the normal opportunity to exercise that calling by leading a congregation or parish is taken from them. For some this can be a bereavement experience, for many its coupling with the requirement to move away from people who have become close friends is a major upheaval. Much has been written in recent years about various aspects of retirement; this book succeeds in gathering the whole range of issues together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is ordered in four main sections: Beginning a new journey, Finding new purpose, Living a full fife, Preparing for the final journey; plus a brief Preface and Introduction, and a Final word. This could sound like heavy going; rather, the author's touch is light because his words and personal experience are so lucid. Each main section is made up of seven or eight nutshell chapters of a mere three of four pages; the whole can be read in a couple of sessions, though like me you will want to go back to much of it again; familiar quotations jostle with arresting insights and practical suggestions such as ‘retirement is the last opportunity to rise to the challenge of being (rather than doing)’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no shrinking from the darker sides of life: ‘trials are to be welcomed, for the truth is that “all sunshine makes a desert” …’; profound issues are faced with depth: ‘dying well involves accepting the reality of our situation’. Above all, the whole focuses on living relationship with our Lord: ‘let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus’ – the use of the simple personal name, Jesus, shows that the accent is upon his humanity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Rev Malcolm Smith (ret).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 06.03.20. Review by John Lampard.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I 'sat down' 14 years ago I read a number of books about retirement, which offered guidance on how to live the following years. It was interesting therefore to read, in the light of experience, \u003cem\u003eMaking the Most of Retirement \u003c\/em\u003eby Paul Beasley-Murray, which is mainly written (although it is not in the title) for retired ministers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author is a Baptist minister, who now worships at Chelmsford Cathedral. He is fortunate to have had a healthy and fulfilling retirement which has involved writing and research, continuing leadership on Church committees, travel, church activities and family life. He divides the book, which consists of 31 short chapters, under four headings. First there is ‘Beginning a new journey’. In these chapters he encourages a new sense of adventure and adjusting to a new pace of life while maintaining spiritual disciplines which can weaken without the regular pattern of preparation and pastoral care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second heading is ‘Finding new purpose’. Here he writes of the need to discover a new identity now that you are no longer ‘the minister’, to do something worthwhile in the local church and, importantly, to be an encouragement to your minister. Something a retired minister can occasionally stumble over!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third section, entitled ‘Living a full life’, offers sound advice on enriching your life with exercise, making new friends, enjoying your grandchildren (if you have them) and sharing your faith story with others. The author has taken the risky step of publishing his own autobiography, which he refers to frequently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final section, ‘Preparing for the final journey’, reminds readers about making practical steps in terms of wills, powers of attorney, leaving your affairs in good and clear order, with spiritual reflections on the journey into death. Of value in this section is the important reminder to continue to be grateful to God, to let go of past hurts and be prepared to let go.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery part of the book is supported by the author’s wide reading on retirement issues, wise words from both secular and Christian writers and information on his own life journey. All these make the book an easy read. If I have any reservation, it is the fact that it is refracted through the lens of what he sees as a very successful ministry and a worthwhile, rich and diverse retirement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI wonder how it would appeal to a minister who arrives at retirement broken after a hard ministry, dispirited and in poor health – and some do. The author’s bright ‘can do’ approach might not be so encouraging to some.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by \u003c\/em\u003eT\u003cem\u003ehe Rev Dr John\u003c\/em\u003e Lampard, a\u003cem\u003e supernumerary minister in the City Road \u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eMethodist circuit.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing just over one year in to my own ‘retirement’, this was a book I had to read – and it did not disappoint. Paul Beasley-Murray is a retired but still very active Baptist minister and it is a delight to read about his very positive experience of and views on the post-employment, next stage of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong many other titles about retirement from both Christian and secular perspectives, this book is aimed specifically at those in or preparing for retirement from paid church ministry, something which the author claims is a first. All that said, the book does contain very helpful insights, suggestions and advice for those who, like myself, have moved on from non-Church based employment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Hopefully this book will help address the imbalance which is present on some retirement courses,’ he writes, ‘where much of the content seems to be devoted to practical matters such as pensions and housing, with little reference to all the other issues which are part of the ministerial retirement experience.’ An observation which is true of many moving on from non-ministerial occupations too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its short chapters and the author’s relaxed writing style, this book is easy to read. Developed from interviews and qualitative research carried out by the author among retired ministers – findings of which are published elsewhere – Paul Beasley-Murray uses this as a basis on which to build, complementing it with examples of his own personal experience. These provide helpful illustrations and although very autobiographical (something which the author acknowledges) they are practical and realistic. More examples drawn from the research would have strengthened the book even further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin its pages, the author covers preparing for the next stage of life and the importance of doing so, giving time for adjustment, finding new purposes, relaxing and doing ‘non-work’ things. He also tackles head-on the difficulties of ill health and facing death. Not everything in the retirement garden is rosy but there are ways of dealing with the aphids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I was preparing for my own ‘retirement’ I, like the author, avoided using the R word preferring instead to think of it as the ‘next stage of life’:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The word “retirement” has such negative connotations,’ writes Paul Beasley-Murray. ‘Perhaps not surprisingly, Ernest Hemingway said that “retirement is the filthiest word in the language.”… Retirement offers an opportunity to be more alive than ever.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith many people living longer and enjoying an active third age this book provides a very positive, encouraging and valuable resource and is to be recommended reading for anyone at this stage of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Make the Most of Retirement
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‘Retire’ means to ‘withdraw’, to ‘retreat’, to ‘give ground’, to ‘cease to compete’. In one sense that is true: retirement...
{"id":2439827619940,"title":"Retired and Inspired: Making the most of our latter years","handle":"retired-and-inspired-making-the-most-of-our-latter-years","description":"\u003cp\u003eAttitudes to retirement vary, and in this book Wendy Billington draws on her pastoral skills and life experience to ask the question: what is a Christian view of retirement? If we believe that life is a gift from God, should we not be viewing retirement as part of an integrated whole and see our latter years as part of God's plan? This book is intended for all to read: individuals preparing for retirement and in their retirement years as well as their families, friends, befrienders, carers and professionals. Written in two sections, 'Uprooting the weeds' and 'Sowing the seeds', it includes questions for group discussion at the end of each chapter, followed by a meditative thought for the day and a closing prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWendy Billington is Pastoral Assistant Emeritus in the diocese of Rochester, having served many years as a key pastoral worker at St Nicholas Church, Sevenoaks. She now uses her wide experience, skills and knowledge leading training courses and in one-to-one pastoral support. She is trustee of Sevenoaks Counselling Service and the author of Growing a Caring Church: Practical guidelines for pastoral care (BRF, 2010) and I'm Fine: Removing masks and growing into wholeness (BRF, 2013).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times review 20.9.19 Review by Anne Spalding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetirement may or may not be planned. But, sooner or later, we are likely to face losses of what we used to do and of people who are important to us. Wendy Billington draws on her pastoral experience to explore both the challenges and the opportunities of these years. She illustrates this through the story of a fictional ‘Jim’ which runs alongside other reflections in the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are two sections: ‘Clearing the Weeds’, which addresses common difficulties, and ‘Sowing the Seeds’, which gives a range of possibilities. ‘Clearing the Weeds’ includes facing loss, facing our fears, and healing the memories as the changes of later years may bring to the surface wounds thought to be long past. She recognises that body, mind, emotions and spirit all play a part in living these years well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second section is the book’s core. In it, Billington argues that retired people can still offer much, in particular through learning to listen well. She encourages looking for opportunities and recognising gifts, especially gifts that may have been in the background until now. She is also realistic about the continuing changes that come with older age. Her chapter on relationships is almost at the end. I was sorry it came so late: from my own experience, relationships become increasingly important as other aspects of life diminish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelpfully, each chapter ends with questions for group discussion, questions for personal reflection, and a thought for the day on a fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, and so on). I would recommend discussion on the book’s themes, as I found that I had quite a few questions about how they would work out in other contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNevertheless, Billington offers a useful overview of many aspects of later life, giving a good place to start reflecting and talking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr Anne Spalding is a member of the Third Order of the Society of St Francis, and lives in Suffolk\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Dr Caroline Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title and sub-title of this book should alert anyone on the verge of retirement. As life expectancy increases there may be decades rather than years of life left to live and Christians need inspiration in order to use them well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book starts by facing the realities that accompany our getting older: retirement is not always a series of golden days. Early chapters outline obstacles that may have to be faced and difficult issues are not side-stepped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurprisingly, bereavement is faced first; it may come suddenly or with time for preparation, but either way it has a huge impact and brings the need for major rethinking of so much previously taken for granted. Important questions are raised on the understanding that they should be addressed now rather than pushed under the carpet as not being necessary ‘just yet’. These difficult topics are discussed sensitively and practically with down to earth suggestions for dealing with them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother chapter outlines the fears that often arise in retirement: anxiety about ill-health, loss of independence and concerns about financial security. Any or all of these may become burdensome and lead into a spiral of depression or withdrawal. With more time to dwell on them, memories of difficult past life events may become intrusive and burdensome. All these and other potential problems are discussed with helpful proposals and frequent mention of the part a supportive church can play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoving on to more positive aspects there are chapters on the importance of finding new roles with opportunities for service as well as the chance to develop talents long forgotten or never previously recognised. Learning to listen in order to become better able to support others could be a steppingstone to new worlds and the gift of time can lead to the satisfaction of building better relationships with family and friends. One minor omission is any discussion of the major contribution to childcare made by many of today’s grandparents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough all these varying chapters run some consistent threads. As we read, we open up little episodes in the life of ‘Jim’, the author’s creation based on long experience and close observation. Struggling with the loss of his wife when we first meet him, Jim is gradually helped towards a better life and frame of mind as the book progresses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author often shares relevant episodes from her own life story to illustrate particular points. The importance of the Christian community is a constant theme, sometimes as an opportunity for service, sometimes as a source of support and comfort. The need for sensitivity is stressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter includes a few short questions for reflection and discussion so the book could be used by groups as well as individuals. Each chapter ends with a ‘Thought for the Day’ based on one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that needs to be read and acted upon, but one warning: do not expect your pastor or vicar to show the same degree of self-sacrifice as Jim’s does!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Dr Caroline Berry\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePremier Christianity Magazine, August 2019. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOut of her vast experience as a counsellor and pastoral worker, Wendy Billington has created the character of Jim to be the connecting thread between the chapters of this book. He is composed of the problems, fears and anxieties of all of us as we grow older. The author does not seek to give glib answers to issues such as self-doubt or the loss of loved ones, but rather deals with them in practical ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe overarching theme of this book is: ‘Sowing seeds and producing fruit that will last in our latter years.’ It could be a great help to those preparing for retirement, those already retired and also for their friends, relatives or carers. Each chapter has questions for group discussion and other material for personal reflection. Firmly based in scripture and a Christian view of the value of every life, this book is well worth reading and sharing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Jean Watson, Sevenoaks Counselling Newsletter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver a cuppa in Waitrose I asked Wendy why she wrote this book. She replied that she enjoyed writing (she has already written two other books for BRF) and wanted to say something from her heart for retirees and those coming up to retirement age, as well as for their friends and families, carers and other professionals involved with older people.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe book reflects Wendy’s chatty style and friendly personality, her strong Christian faith, her personal experiences and her work in pastoral care.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book looks attractive inside and out and the contents are well organised and easy to read.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe first main section – clearing the weeds – gives practical suggestions and spiritual advice about processing any past issues and memories which might sabotage future wellbeing and growth which is the focus of the second section. Again practical suggestions and spiritual advice go hand in hand.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe passionate message of the message of the book is that older people have a huge amount to offer and should not be written off or sidelined but encouraged to go on contributing, learning and growing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere are many illustrations from life in the book and also a fictional character called Jim who pops up throughout and who is helped to process some very traumatic experiences and become a positive, contributing person again. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe biblical content would make the book more immediately attractive to people with some degree of Christian faith and knowledge, but the practical ideas and psychological insights could be helpful in their own right to others as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Angus MacLeay, Rector St Nicholas Church, Sevenoaks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWendy is a much valued member of St Nicholas Sevenoaks. For many years she served as a Pastoral Assistant and out of that experience she has developed all sorts of pastoral insights. This particular book should be a source of much encouragement to those in their retirement years. Through setting out a helpful scenario which is then developed in each chapter she is able to help us take note of a number of the key issues which we are likely to face during retirement. Each chapter is appropriately linked with a different aspect of the fruit of the Spirit highlighting the attractive nature of living wholeheartedly for Christ right to the end of our days. I trust as this book is read many will be helped in navigating their way through their latter years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Angus MacLeay, Rector St Nicholas Church, Sevenoaks\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:35+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:36+00:00","vendor":"Wendy Billington","type":"Paperback","tags":["Apr-19","Kindle","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21770218504292,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857467201","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7437043892324,"product_id":2439827619940,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:36+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:17+00:00","alt":null,"width":426,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467201-l.jpg?v=1549043117","variant_ids":[21770218504292]},"available":true,"name":"Retired and Inspired: Making the most of our latter years - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":600,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467201","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238881853579,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467201-l.jpg?v=1549043117"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467201-l.jpg?v=1549043117"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467201-l.jpg?v=1549043117","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238881853579,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467201-l.jpg?v=1549043117"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467201-l.jpg?v=1549043117","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eAttitudes to retirement vary, and in this book Wendy Billington draws on her pastoral skills and life experience to ask the question: what is a Christian view of retirement? If we believe that life is a gift from God, should we not be viewing retirement as part of an integrated whole and see our latter years as part of God's plan? This book is intended for all to read: individuals preparing for retirement and in their retirement years as well as their families, friends, befrienders, carers and professionals. Written in two sections, 'Uprooting the weeds' and 'Sowing the seeds', it includes questions for group discussion at the end of each chapter, followed by a meditative thought for the day and a closing prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWendy Billington is Pastoral Assistant Emeritus in the diocese of Rochester, having served many years as a key pastoral worker at St Nicholas Church, Sevenoaks. She now uses her wide experience, skills and knowledge leading training courses and in one-to-one pastoral support. She is trustee of Sevenoaks Counselling Service and the author of Growing a Caring Church: Practical guidelines for pastoral care (BRF, 2010) and I'm Fine: Removing masks and growing into wholeness (BRF, 2013).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times review 20.9.19 Review by Anne Spalding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetirement may or may not be planned. But, sooner or later, we are likely to face losses of what we used to do and of people who are important to us. Wendy Billington draws on her pastoral experience to explore both the challenges and the opportunities of these years. She illustrates this through the story of a fictional ‘Jim’ which runs alongside other reflections in the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are two sections: ‘Clearing the Weeds’, which addresses common difficulties, and ‘Sowing the Seeds’, which gives a range of possibilities. ‘Clearing the Weeds’ includes facing loss, facing our fears, and healing the memories as the changes of later years may bring to the surface wounds thought to be long past. She recognises that body, mind, emotions and spirit all play a part in living these years well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second section is the book’s core. In it, Billington argues that retired people can still offer much, in particular through learning to listen well. She encourages looking for opportunities and recognising gifts, especially gifts that may have been in the background until now. She is also realistic about the continuing changes that come with older age. Her chapter on relationships is almost at the end. I was sorry it came so late: from my own experience, relationships become increasingly important as other aspects of life diminish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelpfully, each chapter ends with questions for group discussion, questions for personal reflection, and a thought for the day on a fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, and so on). I would recommend discussion on the book’s themes, as I found that I had quite a few questions about how they would work out in other contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNevertheless, Billington offers a useful overview of many aspects of later life, giving a good place to start reflecting and talking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr Anne Spalding is a member of the Third Order of the Society of St Francis, and lives in Suffolk\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Dr Caroline Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title and sub-title of this book should alert anyone on the verge of retirement. As life expectancy increases there may be decades rather than years of life left to live and Christians need inspiration in order to use them well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book starts by facing the realities that accompany our getting older: retirement is not always a series of golden days. Early chapters outline obstacles that may have to be faced and difficult issues are not side-stepped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurprisingly, bereavement is faced first; it may come suddenly or with time for preparation, but either way it has a huge impact and brings the need for major rethinking of so much previously taken for granted. Important questions are raised on the understanding that they should be addressed now rather than pushed under the carpet as not being necessary ‘just yet’. These difficult topics are discussed sensitively and practically with down to earth suggestions for dealing with them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother chapter outlines the fears that often arise in retirement: anxiety about ill-health, loss of independence and concerns about financial security. Any or all of these may become burdensome and lead into a spiral of depression or withdrawal. With more time to dwell on them, memories of difficult past life events may become intrusive and burdensome. All these and other potential problems are discussed with helpful proposals and frequent mention of the part a supportive church can play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoving on to more positive aspects there are chapters on the importance of finding new roles with opportunities for service as well as the chance to develop talents long forgotten or never previously recognised. Learning to listen in order to become better able to support others could be a steppingstone to new worlds and the gift of time can lead to the satisfaction of building better relationships with family and friends. One minor omission is any discussion of the major contribution to childcare made by many of today’s grandparents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough all these varying chapters run some consistent threads. As we read, we open up little episodes in the life of ‘Jim’, the author’s creation based on long experience and close observation. Struggling with the loss of his wife when we first meet him, Jim is gradually helped towards a better life and frame of mind as the book progresses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author often shares relevant episodes from her own life story to illustrate particular points. The importance of the Christian community is a constant theme, sometimes as an opportunity for service, sometimes as a source of support and comfort. The need for sensitivity is stressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter includes a few short questions for reflection and discussion so the book could be used by groups as well as individuals. Each chapter ends with a ‘Thought for the Day’ based on one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that needs to be read and acted upon, but one warning: do not expect your pastor or vicar to show the same degree of self-sacrifice as Jim’s does!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Dr Caroline Berry\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePremier Christianity Magazine, August 2019. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOut of her vast experience as a counsellor and pastoral worker, Wendy Billington has created the character of Jim to be the connecting thread between the chapters of this book. He is composed of the problems, fears and anxieties of all of us as we grow older. The author does not seek to give glib answers to issues such as self-doubt or the loss of loved ones, but rather deals with them in practical ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe overarching theme of this book is: ‘Sowing seeds and producing fruit that will last in our latter years.’ It could be a great help to those preparing for retirement, those already retired and also for their friends, relatives or carers. Each chapter has questions for group discussion and other material for personal reflection. Firmly based in scripture and a Christian view of the value of every life, this book is well worth reading and sharing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Jean Watson, Sevenoaks Counselling Newsletter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver a cuppa in Waitrose I asked Wendy why she wrote this book. She replied that she enjoyed writing (she has already written two other books for BRF) and wanted to say something from her heart for retirees and those coming up to retirement age, as well as for their friends and families, carers and other professionals involved with older people.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe book reflects Wendy’s chatty style and friendly personality, her strong Christian faith, her personal experiences and her work in pastoral care.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book looks attractive inside and out and the contents are well organised and easy to read.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe first main section – clearing the weeds – gives practical suggestions and spiritual advice about processing any past issues and memories which might sabotage future wellbeing and growth which is the focus of the second section. Again practical suggestions and spiritual advice go hand in hand.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe passionate message of the message of the book is that older people have a huge amount to offer and should not be written off or sidelined but encouraged to go on contributing, learning and growing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere are many illustrations from life in the book and also a fictional character called Jim who pops up throughout and who is helped to process some very traumatic experiences and become a positive, contributing person again. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe biblical content would make the book more immediately attractive to people with some degree of Christian faith and knowledge, but the practical ideas and psychological insights could be helpful in their own right to others as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Angus MacLeay, Rector St Nicholas Church, Sevenoaks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWendy is a much valued member of St Nicholas Sevenoaks. For many years she served as a Pastoral Assistant and out of that experience she has developed all sorts of pastoral insights. This particular book should be a source of much encouragement to those in their retirement years. Through setting out a helpful scenario which is then developed in each chapter she is able to help us take note of a number of the key issues which we are likely to face during retirement. Each chapter is appropriately linked with a different aspect of the fruit of the Spirit highlighting the attractive nature of living wholeheartedly for Christ right to the end of our days. I trust as this book is read many will be helped in navigating their way through their latter years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Angus MacLeay, Rector St Nicholas Church, Sevenoaks\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Retired and Inspired: Making the most of our latter years
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{"id":2439827161188,"title":"Faithful Grandparents: Hope and love through the generations","handle":"faithful-grandparents-hope-and-love-through-the-generations","description":"\u003cp\u003eThere has never been a more important time to find meaningful and acceptable ways of passing on faith from one generation to the next. Part of this privilege and responsibility lies with grandparents who live authentic Christian lives. They can be the vital link between the gospel and the faith of a younger generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFaithful Grandparents\u003c\/em\u003e is a visionary call to an older generation to take the initiative with courage and wisdom, humour and prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"324\" width=\"216\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/AnitaCleverlyauthorpicPREFERRED_480x480.jpg?v=1676497069\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnita Cleverly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach, Spring 2020. Review by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is more than an element of truth in the adage, ‘You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.’ I was attracted to review this book because I am a grandparent with four grandchildren between the ages of 1 and 13. To be honest, I was expecting either a book which looked at the ideals of grandparenthood, where everything is hunky-dory and love abounds everywhere (a very creditable aim) or what to do (or not to do) to be the perfect grandparent. Being a realist, I wanted something between those two extremes, that was useful and practical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book looks at relationships between grandparents, children and grandchildren – warts and all. There is seriousness: for example, the acrimonious breakdown of a marriage and grandchildren denied contact with grandparents, contrasting with the grandmother whose favourite activity was to camp in the attic with her grandchildren under a blue sheet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is humour: the mere thought of the author playing on a trampoline with her grandchildren who ‘shrieked with delight, deliberately throwing me off balance as I hurtled around.’ This is an image which should remind all grandparents of the need to recognise their physical abilities are more restricted than those of their grandchildren!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book draws attention to the responsibility of grandparents to pass on Christian values and ethics, to live Christian lives and to impart the Gospel message to their grandchildren, to be a constant in a world of disbelief. As parents are often working full time, this gives a fantastic opportunity to influence the lives of children for the good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a well-researched, well-written book, full of wisdom, practical advice and helpful hints, balanced with biblical references and relevant quotes from people such as CS Lewis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Timothy Keller and many others including Jo Swinney.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany may consider the book a bit of a hotch-potch or disjointed, but that is part of its charm, and a way to encourage readers to read more which they reflect on their own relationships with their grandchildren. Well worth reading!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 27.09.19. Review by Dennis Richards \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis entertaining and challenging volume is written by a Christian grandparent for other grandparents. Its purpose is clearly defined. It is primarily intended to help grandparents who wish to hand on the baton of faith to a younger generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is unashamedly biblical, and the writer freely acknowledges her Evangelical roots. But do not be misled. Anita Cleverly has lived a rich and interesting life. There is an avowedly ecumenical flavour to her life’s history, and one is left very much with the impression that her story still has chapters to be written.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf her 35 years in church ministry, in various guises, ten of them were spent in inner-city Paris, and it shows. She has clearly come under the influence of some great Catholic theologians, and speaks warmly of her Jesuit friends in Oxford. As she says, ‘My own church history has taken me through “Label Land”.’ She finds herself increasingly exploring the contemplative tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost important in a volume of this nature, the author is very aware of the speed of change in contemporary culture. The internet has changed everything. Individualism and relativism are today fundamental to the teenagers’ creed. She is well aware that grandparents today may face the prospect of a blended family, or a gay marriage and transgender discussion. She is very sure that ‘unconditional love’ defines what should be ‘on the tin’ for Christian grandparents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven the vocabulary has changed, as I know to my cost. Writing this review as a grandfather of six, I find myself being mocked, lost in bewilderment, and, at times, genuinely scared that I’ve totally lost the plot. Pathetically trying to join in a game of football, I am exhorted to ‘Stop flexing, Grandad!’ Far from being worried about my physical welfare, they are actually telling me to stop showing off. Blank incomprehension on my part. Hilarity all round on theirs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author’s predicament was even worse. She climbed on the grandchildren’s trampoline. Bad mistake. All of which tells you that there is plenty to make you smile in her account of her own experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest of all, it is a volume that makes you think. What kind of grandparent am I? Formal? Fun-seeker? Surrogate parent? Reservoir of family wisdom? Distant? It is also reassuring. Some things haven’t changed. The definitions for example. Grandparent: so easy to operate, even a child can do it. Grandparent: breaks most of the rules and loves every second of it. I can live with that. Thanks Anita.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDennis Richards is a former head of St Aidan’s C of E High School, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eevangelicals now October 2019. Review by Val Archer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven the seismic cultural, moral, sexual and social upheaval in Britain today, the author’s call to the older generation of Christians to model courage, wisdom, faith and prayer is both timely and vital – not least in passing on the ‘faith once delivered’ to children generally – and one’s grandchildren especially. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnita Cleverly has a lifetime of experience as a Christian mother and grandmother and in family ministry, which she ransacks to great effect. She writes with a light touch, interweaving gospel truths and scriptural wisdom with a sharp understanding of the complex challenges facing Christian parents today. All in all it makes for both an enjoyable and stimulating read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the opening insightful chapter on ‘21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e Century Grandparents’, she quotes \u003cem\u003eThe Daily Telegraph \u003c\/em\u003ecolumnist Allison Pearson, who has discovered that ‘two thirds of the nation’s grandparents – that’s 5 million people – now provide regular childcare for their grandchildren’. The contact time with grandchildren in Britain today is at a very different level than was generally the case with previous generations. After the parent-child relationship, grandparents usually provide the second most important emotional influence in a child’s life. The opportunity and need is immense. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the 11 chapters which follow, the whole landscape of grandparenting is explored and practical biblical wisdom and advice brought to bear on a whole raft of issues – the art of listening, storytelling the family history, seeking to reach the heart of the child with the gospel, the vital place and role of the church and church family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo chapters, one ‘A Grandparent’s Creed’ and the other ‘A Grandparent’s Prayers’, are outstanding and worth buying the book for. Taking the Apostles’ Creed and reflecting and meditating on each phrase in the context of the challenges facing children today in our oft-pernicious culture, is so helpful. Praying for and with grandchildren takes the focus to that which any Christian parent of grandparent wants for their offspring – that they grow to love and serve Christ all their days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAddressing some of the cultural, social and sexual changes in a chapter entitled ‘Shifting Tectonic Plates’ brings a rootedness and contemporary awareness that is much needed in Christian thinking today. Pointing out that it is not all ‘gloom and doom’, that many of the changes in society have been for the good, is a welcome corrective that recognises ‘common grace’ has not yet left town! At the same time the author goes on to provide a thoughtful critique of the blatantly anti-God agenda that is so prevalent. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe light Charismatic influences and context from which the author writes mean that on occasion there are one or two things those in other traditions might not always go along with, or perhaps express in different ways. However, to major on these would be to lose the great benefit and blessing this delightful book provides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Val Archer: conference speaker, mother of four and grandmother of seven. Member of both The King’s Church Chessington and The Globe Church London.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Autumn 2019. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is for Christian grandparents. Anita Cleverly writes of her own journey and approach as a grandparent, and covers the responsibilities of the grandparent’s role in the twenty-first century, together with the opportunities we have, and the limitations we are subject to. The chapters on sensitive listening, the wonder of the created world, Bible stories and children’s questions are well covered. There is an encouraging view of the church today, and valuable advice regarding the changing landscape of culture and today’s technology. The chapter I enjoyed most was the one on praying for and with our grandchildren. Anita Cleverly has written a book of authentic Christian wisdom and grace, sprinkled with real comments from real people, and pieces of practical advice, for ourselves as well as for our families. She writes with feeling about the difficulties of being a faithful grandparent as well as the joys. I commend it to you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e___________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, May 2019. Review by Ruth Allen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a gem. I read it quickly, because it is hard to put down, and I shall immediately read it again more slowly, to savour the wisdom that’s on every page. The title tells you what it’s about: encouragement for grandparents to share their faith with their grandchildren.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnita Cleverly is an experienced spiritual director and bereavement counsellor. Her sensitivity undergirds the wise words in every chapter. Never does she forget that we have our grandchildren on loan, and that discipline and criticism, however gently applied, are not our lot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first two chapters of the book survey what grandparenting really is, in our time and culture, recognising the different situations that many grandparents find themselves in. Many grandparents are left with very limited opportunities to build the relationship which permit the sharing of faith stories. There are useful suggestions for grandparents who have little contact with their grandchildren to make the most of the possibilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral chapters help us to identify the essentials of our own faith, and ways in which they could be put over. One uses the Apostles’ Creed to help us focus. There are chapters on the Church and on the problems facing people of faith in an increasingly secular world, as well as one on the contentious issues facing Christians.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubjects like human sexuality are dealt with gently and sensitively. We are encouraged never to pontificate but to accept our grandchildren’s choices with grace and love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is full apposite quotations from the bible and other Christian writers. It is very easy to read, the writer having the wonderful gift of being able to speak apparently straight to the individual reader. There are anecdotes galore, both funny and sad.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am genuinely looking forward to reading this a second time, and wholeheartedly commend it to any grandparent. Your grandchildren will be much blessed through it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eRuth Allen is \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003ea retired United Reformed minister based in Ilkeston, Derbyshire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:33+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:35+00:00","vendor":"Anita Cleverly","type":"Paperback","tags":["Anna Chaplaincy books","Feb-19","Kindle","Parenting","Retired and inspired"],"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":21770212933732,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466617","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Faithful Grandparents: Hope and love through the generations - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":214,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466617","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466617-l.jpg?v=1549043117"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466617-l.jpg?v=1549043117","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238881820811,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466617-l.jpg?v=1549043117"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466617-l.jpg?v=1549043117","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThere has never been a more important time to find meaningful and acceptable ways of passing on faith from one generation to the next. Part of this privilege and responsibility lies with grandparents who live authentic Christian lives. They can be the vital link between the gospel and the faith of a younger generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFaithful Grandparents\u003c\/em\u003e is a visionary call to an older generation to take the initiative with courage and wisdom, humour and prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"324\" width=\"216\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/AnitaCleverlyauthorpicPREFERRED_480x480.jpg?v=1676497069\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnita Cleverly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach, Spring 2020. Review by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is more than an element of truth in the adage, ‘You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.’ I was attracted to review this book because I am a grandparent with four grandchildren between the ages of 1 and 13. To be honest, I was expecting either a book which looked at the ideals of grandparenthood, where everything is hunky-dory and love abounds everywhere (a very creditable aim) or what to do (or not to do) to be the perfect grandparent. Being a realist, I wanted something between those two extremes, that was useful and practical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book looks at relationships between grandparents, children and grandchildren – warts and all. There is seriousness: for example, the acrimonious breakdown of a marriage and grandchildren denied contact with grandparents, contrasting with the grandmother whose favourite activity was to camp in the attic with her grandchildren under a blue sheet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is humour: the mere thought of the author playing on a trampoline with her grandchildren who ‘shrieked with delight, deliberately throwing me off balance as I hurtled around.’ This is an image which should remind all grandparents of the need to recognise their physical abilities are more restricted than those of their grandchildren!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book draws attention to the responsibility of grandparents to pass on Christian values and ethics, to live Christian lives and to impart the Gospel message to their grandchildren, to be a constant in a world of disbelief. As parents are often working full time, this gives a fantastic opportunity to influence the lives of children for the good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a well-researched, well-written book, full of wisdom, practical advice and helpful hints, balanced with biblical references and relevant quotes from people such as CS Lewis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Timothy Keller and many others including Jo Swinney.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany may consider the book a bit of a hotch-potch or disjointed, but that is part of its charm, and a way to encourage readers to read more which they reflect on their own relationships with their grandchildren. Well worth reading!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 27.09.19. Review by Dennis Richards \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis entertaining and challenging volume is written by a Christian grandparent for other grandparents. Its purpose is clearly defined. It is primarily intended to help grandparents who wish to hand on the baton of faith to a younger generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is unashamedly biblical, and the writer freely acknowledges her Evangelical roots. But do not be misled. Anita Cleverly has lived a rich and interesting life. There is an avowedly ecumenical flavour to her life’s history, and one is left very much with the impression that her story still has chapters to be written.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf her 35 years in church ministry, in various guises, ten of them were spent in inner-city Paris, and it shows. She has clearly come under the influence of some great Catholic theologians, and speaks warmly of her Jesuit friends in Oxford. As she says, ‘My own church history has taken me through “Label Land”.’ She finds herself increasingly exploring the contemplative tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost important in a volume of this nature, the author is very aware of the speed of change in contemporary culture. The internet has changed everything. Individualism and relativism are today fundamental to the teenagers’ creed. She is well aware that grandparents today may face the prospect of a blended family, or a gay marriage and transgender discussion. She is very sure that ‘unconditional love’ defines what should be ‘on the tin’ for Christian grandparents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven the vocabulary has changed, as I know to my cost. Writing this review as a grandfather of six, I find myself being mocked, lost in bewilderment, and, at times, genuinely scared that I’ve totally lost the plot. Pathetically trying to join in a game of football, I am exhorted to ‘Stop flexing, Grandad!’ Far from being worried about my physical welfare, they are actually telling me to stop showing off. Blank incomprehension on my part. Hilarity all round on theirs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author’s predicament was even worse. She climbed on the grandchildren’s trampoline. Bad mistake. All of which tells you that there is plenty to make you smile in her account of her own experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest of all, it is a volume that makes you think. What kind of grandparent am I? Formal? Fun-seeker? Surrogate parent? Reservoir of family wisdom? Distant? It is also reassuring. Some things haven’t changed. The definitions for example. Grandparent: so easy to operate, even a child can do it. Grandparent: breaks most of the rules and loves every second of it. I can live with that. Thanks Anita.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDennis Richards is a former head of St Aidan’s C of E High School, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eevangelicals now October 2019. Review by Val Archer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven the seismic cultural, moral, sexual and social upheaval in Britain today, the author’s call to the older generation of Christians to model courage, wisdom, faith and prayer is both timely and vital – not least in passing on the ‘faith once delivered’ to children generally – and one’s grandchildren especially. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnita Cleverly has a lifetime of experience as a Christian mother and grandmother and in family ministry, which she ransacks to great effect. She writes with a light touch, interweaving gospel truths and scriptural wisdom with a sharp understanding of the complex challenges facing Christian parents today. All in all it makes for both an enjoyable and stimulating read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the opening insightful chapter on ‘21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e Century Grandparents’, she quotes \u003cem\u003eThe Daily Telegraph \u003c\/em\u003ecolumnist Allison Pearson, who has discovered that ‘two thirds of the nation’s grandparents – that’s 5 million people – now provide regular childcare for their grandchildren’. The contact time with grandchildren in Britain today is at a very different level than was generally the case with previous generations. After the parent-child relationship, grandparents usually provide the second most important emotional influence in a child’s life. The opportunity and need is immense. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the 11 chapters which follow, the whole landscape of grandparenting is explored and practical biblical wisdom and advice brought to bear on a whole raft of issues – the art of listening, storytelling the family history, seeking to reach the heart of the child with the gospel, the vital place and role of the church and church family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo chapters, one ‘A Grandparent’s Creed’ and the other ‘A Grandparent’s Prayers’, are outstanding and worth buying the book for. Taking the Apostles’ Creed and reflecting and meditating on each phrase in the context of the challenges facing children today in our oft-pernicious culture, is so helpful. Praying for and with grandchildren takes the focus to that which any Christian parent of grandparent wants for their offspring – that they grow to love and serve Christ all their days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAddressing some of the cultural, social and sexual changes in a chapter entitled ‘Shifting Tectonic Plates’ brings a rootedness and contemporary awareness that is much needed in Christian thinking today. Pointing out that it is not all ‘gloom and doom’, that many of the changes in society have been for the good, is a welcome corrective that recognises ‘common grace’ has not yet left town! At the same time the author goes on to provide a thoughtful critique of the blatantly anti-God agenda that is so prevalent. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe light Charismatic influences and context from which the author writes mean that on occasion there are one or two things those in other traditions might not always go along with, or perhaps express in different ways. However, to major on these would be to lose the great benefit and blessing this delightful book provides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Val Archer: conference speaker, mother of four and grandmother of seven. Member of both The King’s Church Chessington and The Globe Church London.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Autumn 2019. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is for Christian grandparents. Anita Cleverly writes of her own journey and approach as a grandparent, and covers the responsibilities of the grandparent’s role in the twenty-first century, together with the opportunities we have, and the limitations we are subject to. The chapters on sensitive listening, the wonder of the created world, Bible stories and children’s questions are well covered. There is an encouraging view of the church today, and valuable advice regarding the changing landscape of culture and today’s technology. The chapter I enjoyed most was the one on praying for and with our grandchildren. Anita Cleverly has written a book of authentic Christian wisdom and grace, sprinkled with real comments from real people, and pieces of practical advice, for ourselves as well as for our families. She writes with feeling about the difficulties of being a faithful grandparent as well as the joys. I commend it to you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e___________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, May 2019. Review by Ruth Allen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a gem. I read it quickly, because it is hard to put down, and I shall immediately read it again more slowly, to savour the wisdom that’s on every page. The title tells you what it’s about: encouragement for grandparents to share their faith with their grandchildren.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnita Cleverly is an experienced spiritual director and bereavement counsellor. Her sensitivity undergirds the wise words in every chapter. Never does she forget that we have our grandchildren on loan, and that discipline and criticism, however gently applied, are not our lot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first two chapters of the book survey what grandparenting really is, in our time and culture, recognising the different situations that many grandparents find themselves in. Many grandparents are left with very limited opportunities to build the relationship which permit the sharing of faith stories. There are useful suggestions for grandparents who have little contact with their grandchildren to make the most of the possibilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral chapters help us to identify the essentials of our own faith, and ways in which they could be put over. One uses the Apostles’ Creed to help us focus. There are chapters on the Church and on the problems facing people of faith in an increasingly secular world, as well as one on the contentious issues facing Christians.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubjects like human sexuality are dealt with gently and sensitively. We are encouraged never to pontificate but to accept our grandchildren’s choices with grace and love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is full apposite quotations from the bible and other Christian writers. It is very easy to read, the writer having the wonderful gift of being able to speak apparently straight to the individual reader. There are anecdotes galore, both funny and sad.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am genuinely looking forward to reading this a second time, and wholeheartedly commend it to any grandparent. Your grandchildren will be much blessed through it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eRuth Allen is \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003ea retired United Reformed minister based in Ilkeston, Derbyshire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2439790723172,"title":"Come, Let Us Age!: An invitation to grow old boldly","handle":"come-let-us-age-an-invitation-to-grow-old-boldly","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this unique book, Wanda Nash, a well-established writer on spirituality in her late seventies, reflects on growing old with faith and a positive spirit. This compelling invitation to grow old boldly - full of her own experiences and insights - includes Wanda's reflection on her encounter later in life with terminal cancer, and her thoughts on coping with the daily challenges of living a Christian life in her illness and in ageing. Demonstrating a profound sense of the value and purposefulness of 'old age', the author's indomitable spirit is matched only by her fresh vision of the love of God in Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCome, let us age! An invitation to grow old boldly\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 The preliminary scene\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 What is old age for?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 Would God like an empty space which only he can refill?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 How on earth can we do this?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Some of the consequences of being old\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 Some conclusions about being very old\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCome, let us play!\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 God laughing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 The magnitude of God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 Alongside the pain and the hurt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 Feeling awful and playing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11 Jesus and optimism\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 Jesus and his needs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e13 Being pierced, but still being welcoming\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtracts from Wanda Nash's journals\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e14 Being old and ill: where is God?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e15 Awareness of God's presence in illness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e16 Using illness: ministry through illness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e17 Coping with illness in order to use it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18 The best is yet to come\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e19 Finale\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nUntil her death in June 2015, Wanda Nash was an author and speaker on a range of subjects including stress and spirituality. Having been the UK Chair of the International Stress Management Association, she authored a number of significant books, including, Christ, Stress and Glory (1997), At Ease with Stress (1998), Come, Let us Play! (1999), Simple Tools for Stillness (2005) and Silence as a Meeting Place (2010).\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArthur Rank Centre Resources. Review by Revd Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a small book - less than 100 pages - but the subject matter is huge: how to approach ageing and dying gracefully and with joy. Wanda Nash, a well-known writer on stillness and contemplation, began this book in her late 70s. While she was writing it she was diagnosed with terminal cancer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book meets the subjects of ageing and death head on; both are to be embraced. Wanda doesn't duck the problems of getting old but looks at them differently, suggesting that if we can no longer rush about filling our days with doing then we must make the most of being. That being takes place in the presence of a God who helps us to not only make sense of what is happening but to use it to minister to others. Ageing is to be embraced and celebrated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA book like this could be very worthy and dull but instead it is suffused with a sense of fun and enjoyment of life. Even at the worst moments she sees an opportunity to play. Wanda is convinced of the reality of life after death and is 'looking forward to the other side', believing, like Julian of Norwich, that: 'All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an inspiring, challenging but comforting book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Revd Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:15+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:17+00:00","vendor":"Wanda Nash","type":"Paperback","tags":["Jul-17","Kindle","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired"],"price":699,"price_min":699,"price_max":699,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769629335652,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465580","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Come, Let Us Age!: An invitation to grow old boldly - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":699,"weight":112,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465580","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465580-l.jpg?v=1549043142"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465580-l.jpg?v=1549043142","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879264907,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465580-l.jpg?v=1549043142"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465580-l.jpg?v=1549043142","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eIn this unique book, Wanda Nash, a well-established writer on spirituality in her late seventies, reflects on growing old with faith and a positive spirit. This compelling invitation to grow old boldly - full of her own experiences and insights - includes Wanda's reflection on her encounter later in life with terminal cancer, and her thoughts on coping with the daily challenges of living a Christian life in her illness and in ageing. Demonstrating a profound sense of the value and purposefulness of 'old age', the author's indomitable spirit is matched only by her fresh vision of the love of God in Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCome, let us age! An invitation to grow old boldly\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 The preliminary scene\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 What is old age for?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 Would God like an empty space which only he can refill?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 How on earth can we do this?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Some of the consequences of being old\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 Some conclusions about being very old\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCome, let us play!\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 God laughing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 The magnitude of God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 Alongside the pain and the hurt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 Feeling awful and playing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11 Jesus and optimism\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 Jesus and his needs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e13 Being pierced, but still being welcoming\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtracts from Wanda Nash's journals\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e14 Being old and ill: where is God?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e15 Awareness of God's presence in illness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e16 Using illness: ministry through illness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e17 Coping with illness in order to use it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18 The best is yet to come\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e19 Finale\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nUntil her death in June 2015, Wanda Nash was an author and speaker on a range of subjects including stress and spirituality. Having been the UK Chair of the International Stress Management Association, she authored a number of significant books, including, Christ, Stress and Glory (1997), At Ease with Stress (1998), Come, Let us Play! (1999), Simple Tools for Stillness (2005) and Silence as a Meeting Place (2010).\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArthur Rank Centre Resources. Review by Revd Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a small book - less than 100 pages - but the subject matter is huge: how to approach ageing and dying gracefully and with joy. Wanda Nash, a well-known writer on stillness and contemplation, began this book in her late 70s. While she was writing it she was diagnosed with terminal cancer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book meets the subjects of ageing and death head on; both are to be embraced. Wanda doesn't duck the problems of getting old but looks at them differently, suggesting that if we can no longer rush about filling our days with doing then we must make the most of being. That being takes place in the presence of a God who helps us to not only make sense of what is happening but to use it to minister to others. Ageing is to be embraced and celebrated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA book like this could be very worthy and dull but instead it is suffused with a sense of fun and enjoyment of life. Even at the worst moments she sees an opportunity to play. Wanda is convinced of the reality of life after death and is 'looking forward to the other side', believing, like Julian of Norwich, that: 'All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an inspiring, challenging but comforting book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Revd Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2439779450980,"title":"The Freedom of Years: Ageing in perspective","handle":"the-freedom-of-years-ageing-in-perspective","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis positive, affirming book explores and reviews the meaning and purpose of our lives. As Christians, ageing gives us the opportunity to deepen and even transform our spiritual lives. The Freedom of Years helps those who want to undertake the journey by examining the ageing task, the inevitable changes and the possibilities of joy along the way. Read this book, see the potential and seek to age in the light of your Christian faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWe are all ageing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat is ageing for?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuccessful ageing: the story so far\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe spiritual journey: making meaning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttitudes to ageing: implications for spiritual care and support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe context in which we age\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe discontents of ageing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e'Clouds of glory': the second half of life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRetirement: doing things differently\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractising ageing: choosing, believing, trusting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a triumph. It explores life and the ageing process in an honest and straightforward way. It is a book for 'everyman' - carer or cared-for, professional or layperson, of faith or secular. The Mowats make sense of some important concepts and ideas from various disciplines and do so in a very accessible style. Readers seeking more in-depth knowledge can make use of their extensive bibliography. This book should be essential reading for anyone curious about their own life process and its meaning. Readers will be enriched and left a little bit less afraid of their own ageing and mortality.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Dr Janice Whittick, Retired Clinical Psychologist \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gift of this book is the simple understanding that we are all ageing. It is a shared journey, whether we are younger or older, and we must therefore face the issues raised for our communities together. Those involved in spiritual care, with families or care staff, exploring questions of meaning and purpose, will find it a real resource in looking at the question of what is valued in the kind of communities we want to build.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Lynda Wright, Health Care Chaplain, NHS NES Scotland \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI really like this book: it is informative and deals with the spiritual in a way that is not intrusive or evangelistic! I particularly warm to the authors' use of psychological frameworks: all that resonates very positively with me. It is a wise book, relevant to older people in 2018.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e The Revd Dr Anne Townsend \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis engaging book for adults of all ages will make a difference to how readers approach their own ageing process and those for whom they care. There will be value in returning often to the dense thoroughness of ten chapters which hold a wealth of information and wisdom. As the fictional stories of Angus and Josephine unfold, they draw the reader into spiritual and practical challenges 'to live with each other in a state of mutual recognition of our common humanity'. This book is a gem of opportunity to face the ageing process with hope.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Elizabeth Baxter, Holyrood Retreat Centre \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarriet Mowat has spent her working career researching the social impact of ageing and was influential in the development of Scottish health care chaplaincy. She has been a key adviser to BRF in developing its programme The Gift of Years, which resources the spiritual journey of older people. Donald Mowat is a retired psychiatrist, specialising in old age. He is an honorary staff member in the School of Divinity at the University of Aberdeen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Winter 2018. Review by Liz Pacey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a society we are living longer, and this leads to many questions and concerns about our ability to age well, not least in the area of spirituality. This book subtitled 'Ageing in perspective', does a very good job of considering how all aspects of life come together, with thought-provoking references from the fields of psychology and literature. It examines the day-to-day lives, needs and anxieties of the elderly in our churches, including those who may now be noticeable by their absence. Two fictitious but very well researched case studies run through the book, enhancing the readability. The overall message is positive: old age in not a waiting room but a time when spirituality and awareness of God can grow. There is much material here to stimulate our thought processes, enhance our own view of ageing, and help us to understand and hopefully enrich the lives of those around us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Liz Pacey\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Baptist Times, August 2018. Review by John Rackley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe greatest moral question facing us in the 21st century is: what is ageing for? Harriet and Donald Mowat agree with this statement of James Woodward. They write from a lifetime in medical life and social science focussing on ageing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey write: we are trying to see beyond the idea that ageing is just about decline and painful joints. Nor is it about the time of life when those whom we love get ill and sometimes die. Rather whatever else it is about, ageing must be about changing and deepening our understanding of our place, in and outside time, which as we all know can be a struggle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo all of life is an ageing process. It is also a spiritual journey; spiritual in the sense of the need to seek purpose and meaning. So their book includes chapters on human development theory, attitudes toward and the discontents of ageing, midlife and beyond, retirement and the disciplines and virtues that accompany the practice of spiritual ageing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we read about research, ideas and theory we also journey with Angus and Josephine; two imaginary characters that live their own ageing for us. They sound a ring of truth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether or not the purpose of ageing is the greatest moral question of the 21st century, it is certainly a neglected one both in our society and sadly in churches; which have an enervating ambiguity toward 'people of a certain age'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF is to be commended in publishing a number of books on ageing in later years from such authors as David Winter and Wanda Nash, as well as setting up a programme of resources for the spiritual journey of older people including the ministry of Anna Chaplains. This book bears the name of this programme and provides background reading for this study.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA minister or pastoral worker who is wishing to reflect on the witness of their church to those no longer young would be well served by this book. Its theology is implicit but it longs for people to know their God in all places and at all times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Rackley is a Baptist minister living in Leicestershire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Maggie Greaves, leader of Journeying into Age, Milton Keynes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found myself a bit resistant to it before I even started it ... partly because I didn't like the canoe photo on the front ...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, when I began it, I liked it more. The theories of Melanie Klein, Jung and the attachment work of Bowlby and later Winnicott, and then the life stage theories of Erikson were all familiar to me from my own working background and they were clearly - if briefly - sketched at the beginning of the book. ...They do refer back to these early developmental theories from time to time in the following chapters and I was impressed with that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI wasn't sure, either, about the case histories they chose when they were first described, but they won me over and they used them so creatively to illustrate various dilemmas that I decided in the end that they were a really helpful narrative device.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy favourite chapter was 7, the Discontents of Ageing, the whole of which I thought was excellent. It challenges the mental\/physical separation of health issues - which I found very helpful, but it raised questions of the social construction of disability in old age and was prepared to look at sociological and political questions which many writing on ageing don't tackle very helpfully. I particularly liked page 119 and the description of 'cumulative trivia' and 'mild cognitive impairment' which left me thinking in quite new ways about some of the assumptions I have made about friends who have had difficulties lately. When you think there's nothing new left to say about getting old, it's a treat to read something so fresh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy only other comment would be to say that I'm not sure they quite had a handle on their proposed readership. From time to time it was as if they 'remembered' that they were supposed to be addressing caring staff and family carers with their advice, as well as speaking to an already elderly readership? It slid about a bit in that respect for me, perhaps a slightly tighter edit would have picked that up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm really grateful to have read it and I shall certainly pass it around our Journeying group as I'm sure others will find it helpful too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Maggie Greaves, leader of Journeying into Age, Milton Keynes\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:25+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:27+00:00","vendor":"Harriet and Donald Mowat","type":"Paperback","tags":["Feb-18","Kindle","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769468936292,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465061","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The Freedom of Years: Ageing in perspective - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":214,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465061","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465061-l.jpg?v=1549043152"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465061-l.jpg?v=1549043152","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877986955,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465061-l.jpg?v=1549043152"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465061-l.jpg?v=1549043152","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThis positive, affirming book explores and reviews the meaning and purpose of our lives. As Christians, ageing gives us the opportunity to deepen and even transform our spiritual lives. The Freedom of Years helps those who want to undertake the journey by examining the ageing task, the inevitable changes and the possibilities of joy along the way. Read this book, see the potential and seek to age in the light of your Christian faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWe are all ageing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat is ageing for?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuccessful ageing: the story so far\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe spiritual journey: making meaning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttitudes to ageing: implications for spiritual care and support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe context in which we age\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe discontents of ageing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e'Clouds of glory': the second half of life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRetirement: doing things differently\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePractising ageing: choosing, believing, trusting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a triumph. It explores life and the ageing process in an honest and straightforward way. It is a book for 'everyman' - carer or cared-for, professional or layperson, of faith or secular. The Mowats make sense of some important concepts and ideas from various disciplines and do so in a very accessible style. Readers seeking more in-depth knowledge can make use of their extensive bibliography. This book should be essential reading for anyone curious about their own life process and its meaning. Readers will be enriched and left a little bit less afraid of their own ageing and mortality.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Dr Janice Whittick, Retired Clinical Psychologist \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gift of this book is the simple understanding that we are all ageing. It is a shared journey, whether we are younger or older, and we must therefore face the issues raised for our communities together. Those involved in spiritual care, with families or care staff, exploring questions of meaning and purpose, will find it a real resource in looking at the question of what is valued in the kind of communities we want to build.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Lynda Wright, Health Care Chaplain, NHS NES Scotland \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI really like this book: it is informative and deals with the spiritual in a way that is not intrusive or evangelistic! I particularly warm to the authors' use of psychological frameworks: all that resonates very positively with me. It is a wise book, relevant to older people in 2018.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e The Revd Dr Anne Townsend \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis engaging book for adults of all ages will make a difference to how readers approach their own ageing process and those for whom they care. There will be value in returning often to the dense thoroughness of ten chapters which hold a wealth of information and wisdom. As the fictional stories of Angus and Josephine unfold, they draw the reader into spiritual and practical challenges 'to live with each other in a state of mutual recognition of our common humanity'. This book is a gem of opportunity to face the ageing process with hope.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Elizabeth Baxter, Holyrood Retreat Centre \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarriet Mowat has spent her working career researching the social impact of ageing and was influential in the development of Scottish health care chaplaincy. She has been a key adviser to BRF in developing its programme The Gift of Years, which resources the spiritual journey of older people. Donald Mowat is a retired psychiatrist, specialising in old age. He is an honorary staff member in the School of Divinity at the University of Aberdeen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Winter 2018. Review by Liz Pacey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a society we are living longer, and this leads to many questions and concerns about our ability to age well, not least in the area of spirituality. This book subtitled 'Ageing in perspective', does a very good job of considering how all aspects of life come together, with thought-provoking references from the fields of psychology and literature. It examines the day-to-day lives, needs and anxieties of the elderly in our churches, including those who may now be noticeable by their absence. Two fictitious but very well researched case studies run through the book, enhancing the readability. The overall message is positive: old age in not a waiting room but a time when spirituality and awareness of God can grow. There is much material here to stimulate our thought processes, enhance our own view of ageing, and help us to understand and hopefully enrich the lives of those around us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Liz Pacey\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Baptist Times, August 2018. Review by John Rackley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe greatest moral question facing us in the 21st century is: what is ageing for? Harriet and Donald Mowat agree with this statement of James Woodward. They write from a lifetime in medical life and social science focussing on ageing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey write: we are trying to see beyond the idea that ageing is just about decline and painful joints. Nor is it about the time of life when those whom we love get ill and sometimes die. Rather whatever else it is about, ageing must be about changing and deepening our understanding of our place, in and outside time, which as we all know can be a struggle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo all of life is an ageing process. It is also a spiritual journey; spiritual in the sense of the need to seek purpose and meaning. So their book includes chapters on human development theory, attitudes toward and the discontents of ageing, midlife and beyond, retirement and the disciplines and virtues that accompany the practice of spiritual ageing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we read about research, ideas and theory we also journey with Angus and Josephine; two imaginary characters that live their own ageing for us. They sound a ring of truth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether or not the purpose of ageing is the greatest moral question of the 21st century, it is certainly a neglected one both in our society and sadly in churches; which have an enervating ambiguity toward 'people of a certain age'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF is to be commended in publishing a number of books on ageing in later years from such authors as David Winter and Wanda Nash, as well as setting up a programme of resources for the spiritual journey of older people including the ministry of Anna Chaplains. This book bears the name of this programme and provides background reading for this study.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA minister or pastoral worker who is wishing to reflect on the witness of their church to those no longer young would be well served by this book. Its theology is implicit but it longs for people to know their God in all places and at all times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Rackley is a Baptist minister living in Leicestershire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Maggie Greaves, leader of Journeying into Age, Milton Keynes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found myself a bit resistant to it before I even started it ... partly because I didn't like the canoe photo on the front ...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, when I began it, I liked it more. The theories of Melanie Klein, Jung and the attachment work of Bowlby and later Winnicott, and then the life stage theories of Erikson were all familiar to me from my own working background and they were clearly - if briefly - sketched at the beginning of the book. ...They do refer back to these early developmental theories from time to time in the following chapters and I was impressed with that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI wasn't sure, either, about the case histories they chose when they were first described, but they won me over and they used them so creatively to illustrate various dilemmas that I decided in the end that they were a really helpful narrative device.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy favourite chapter was 7, the Discontents of Ageing, the whole of which I thought was excellent. It challenges the mental\/physical separation of health issues - which I found very helpful, but it raised questions of the social construction of disability in old age and was prepared to look at sociological and political questions which many writing on ageing don't tackle very helpfully. I particularly liked page 119 and the description of 'cumulative trivia' and 'mild cognitive impairment' which left me thinking in quite new ways about some of the assumptions I have made about friends who have had difficulties lately. When you think there's nothing new left to say about getting old, it's a treat to read something so fresh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy only other comment would be to say that I'm not sure they quite had a handle on their proposed readership. From time to time it was as if they 'remembered' that they were supposed to be addressing caring staff and family carers with their advice, as well as speaking to an already elderly readership? It slid about a bit in that respect for me, perhaps a slightly tighter edit would have picked that up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm really grateful to have read it and I shall certainly pass it around our Journeying group as I'm sure others will find it helpful too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Maggie Greaves, leader of Journeying into Age, Milton Keynes\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The Freedom of Years: Ageing in perspective
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This positive, affirming book explores and reviews the meaning and purpose of our lives. As Christians, ageing gives us the...
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{"id":2439773913188,"title":"Heaven's Morning: Rethinking the destination","handle":"heavens-morning-rethinking-the-destination","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Bible - especially the New Testament - has plenty to say about resurrection and heaven, but many Christians struggle to make sense of what it actually means in practice. David Winter's accessible book explores the biblical teaching on what happens after death and considers what difference this can make to our lives here and now. He also shows how we can present what we believe about eternity as a source of hope to our sceptical, anxious world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nDavid Winter is one of the UK's most popular and long-established Christian writers and broadcasters. He has written many books over the last sixty years, including Facing the Darkness and Finding the Light, Pilgrim's Way, Journey to Jerusalem and With Jesus in the Upper Room for BRF. He also writes for New Daylight and was a regular contributor to Radio 4's Thought for the Day from 1989 to 2012.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePobl Dewi, December 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter has written a helpful and accessible book about what happens to human beings when we die. He declares his purpose early in the script: having assessed the spirit of the age as one 'which finds the whole business of death a painful reminder that no matter how clever we may be technologically and medically, this is how it inevitably ends', he goes on to say that the book is 'an attempt to address the issues raised by that situation'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn setting out his stall in that way, Winter gives his readers the opportunity to evaluate how well he is able to respond. About halfway through, he tells his readers that the book is essentially about 'an eventual destiny for human beings, a place we have called heaven' and that is the nature of the movement which the author develops. The book is well written, positive in its approach and seeks to engage with our life experiences and common questions about issues of destiny by a review of the biblical materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eReaders are introduced to biblical writers' use of metaphor and vision 'which are at the heart of biblical language about heaven'\u003cem\u003e. \u003c\/em\u003eWinter brings the discussion of heaven as our destiny down to earth in an interesting review of the accounts of bereaved people, indicating the continuity of life (at least in some way or other) of those whom they have lost. In a helpful chapter he considers this issue through the lens of the resurrection accounts of Jesus in the four Gospels. He also includes an interesting discussion of Paul's writing about the nature of the resurrection body in the later part of chapter 15 of his first letter to the Corinthians. This is timely, especially in the light of the current discussion following the contribution of Bishop NT Wright on the subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is much good stuff in the book. Although he cannot tie all the loose ends together (as he candidly admits), Winter has written a book which definitely repays the commitment of reading it. It will be of interest to many readers, whether regular worshippers in church or not, and particularly those who could be described as being of advancing years.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter is clearly a man of faith. However, I do not know how much importance he ascribes to faith in the heavenly destiny. While there is much helpful teaching in the book, I was left with the impression that the writer is of the school which holds that faith is caught, not taught. Read the book and come to your own conclusion!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Patrick Mansel Lewis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 28 October 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe destination: death and then the end of everything, or heaven and the realisation of the human aspiration to live forever?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter is an experienced pastor, and his book \u003cem\u003eHeaven's Morning\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e: Rethinking the destination\u003c\/em\u003e has the principal merit of being essentially pastoral in its delicate and insightful commentary on the moment of death and unfurling of destiny.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHis own experience stands him in good stead: he knows that, all too often, people's concerns about the afterlife are framed in simplistic questions: 'Will my cat\/dog be there?', 'What about playing golf?' or, as he has come to hear more recently, 'Will there be shopping?'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHis claim that, 'We believe in eternal life, not everlasting existence', immediately locates the discussion in a new place. A post-space-age theology can no longer comfortably see heaven in physical terms as being 'up there': the old metaphors no longer work but, rather than be driven to despair, Winter returns to the scriptures for a new reading of what the Bible actually has to say on our ultimate fate. He is determined to 'rebuild a credible doctrine of life after death', and, to do that, he has to 'do a demolition job on ideas which try to lock eternity into the language of earth'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis means examining where the notions of the resurrection of the dead and 'Kingdom of God' were first laid down and how they were later used by Jesus. It means 'moving from the physical world of atoms and molecules into the spiritual world of God' and acknowledging that 'heaven is where God is'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWinter is fearless: he examines the resurrection of Jesus, notions of hell, eternal life, judgement and heaven, leaving nothing out and always confidently explaining what it means to be 'gloriously, powerfully, spiritual'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a short book, an unassuming book, but it deserves to do incredibly well and to be read both by people who mourn and by those who minister to them.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLavinia Byrne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Together Magazine January - February 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAt only 109 pages of comfortable print this is an excellent book for looking at the biblical teaching of death and what happens after it. It is a blend of good Bible Study and topical modern research set out in what is, as you'd expect from David Winter, an easy-to-read style of short paragraphs and chapters that clearly spell out in absorbed sections what we can perhaps best expect as Christians for all the materials and ideas out there cluttering up our world and theology. This would be a good book for using as a study with an interested group (although there are no questions included in it). It is also a handy book perhaps to pass on to someone who has suffered a bereavement or worried about the nature of death and dying - gentle and insightful as it is.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Melanie Carroll\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Door - Diocese of Oxford, May 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou will have heard David Winter on the radio so know that what he says is sensible, personal and wise. His writing is just the same. Certainly, in \u003cem\u003eHeaven's Morning\u003c\/em\u003e, he writes simply and well; accessible stuff that covers not only whether there are cats in heaven (he thinks not: boo!), but also the whole story contained in the Old and New Testaments (fascinating).\r\nTo write about what happens to us after death is, of course, impossible for no-one knows. David Winter is as honest about that as he is about understanding the raising of Lazarus. And it is because he is so open that this book is comforting and useful; it avoids being abstruse and academic, instead preferring to offer possibilities and hopes. '...a fleeting experience but... a foretaste of the glories to come.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA key theme is a gentle analysis of the difference between 'everlasting' and 'eternal'. Too often we use the two interchangeably, however here we are urged to remember that 'everlasting' is a word based in time. Since time does not exist in heaven, there can be no such thing as 'everlasting life'. Life in heaven is 'eternal'. To explain just what he means, the author uses one of his own experiences, but one which will surely resonate with his readers: time stood still for him, there was no time, when, as a teenager, he first heard the slow movement of Beethoven's Seventh Symphony: a fleeting experience but, as he writes, a foretaste of the glories to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough much of what Winter writes is comforting and positive, he has his fiercer moments too. There will be judgement, so, scarily, he lists the five 'Things that will not be in heaven' and the ten 'Things that will be in heaven'. They are intriguing and perhaps controversial lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo support his own case, he uses the book of \u003cem\u003eRevelation\u003c\/em\u003e. Indeed, throughout \u003cem\u003eHeaven's Morning\u003c\/em\u003e, Winter frequently refers to the Bible. Not obscure passages, but ones that are familiar: all part of his engaging style that affirms, rather than baffles, the reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eInevitably, he is at a loss to define precisely life after death, heaven. Yet he confirms that, as we have a gracious God, there will be resurrection, the resurrection that God, throughout the Bible, offers each one of us. What is that really like? God knows! Hallelujah!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by the Revd Tony Lynn\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:03+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:04+00:00","vendor":"David Winter","type":"Paperback","tags":["Jul-16","Kindle","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired","Torch Trust"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769385869412,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464767","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"Heaven's Morning: Rethinking the destination - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":137,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464767","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464767-l.jpg?v=1549043157"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464767-l.jpg?v=1549043157","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877560971,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":650,"width":424,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464767-l.jpg?v=1549043157"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464767-l.jpg?v=1549043157","width":424}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe Bible - especially the New Testament - has plenty to say about resurrection and heaven, but many Christians struggle to make sense of what it actually means in practice. David Winter's accessible book explores the biblical teaching on what happens after death and considers what difference this can make to our lives here and now. He also shows how we can present what we believe about eternity as a source of hope to our sceptical, anxious world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nDavid Winter is one of the UK's most popular and long-established Christian writers and broadcasters. He has written many books over the last sixty years, including Facing the Darkness and Finding the Light, Pilgrim's Way, Journey to Jerusalem and With Jesus in the Upper Room for BRF. He also writes for New Daylight and was a regular contributor to Radio 4's Thought for the Day from 1989 to 2012.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePobl Dewi, December 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter has written a helpful and accessible book about what happens to human beings when we die. He declares his purpose early in the script: having assessed the spirit of the age as one 'which finds the whole business of death a painful reminder that no matter how clever we may be technologically and medically, this is how it inevitably ends', he goes on to say that the book is 'an attempt to address the issues raised by that situation'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn setting out his stall in that way, Winter gives his readers the opportunity to evaluate how well he is able to respond. About halfway through, he tells his readers that the book is essentially about 'an eventual destiny for human beings, a place we have called heaven' and that is the nature of the movement which the author develops. The book is well written, positive in its approach and seeks to engage with our life experiences and common questions about issues of destiny by a review of the biblical materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eReaders are introduced to biblical writers' use of metaphor and vision 'which are at the heart of biblical language about heaven'\u003cem\u003e. \u003c\/em\u003eWinter brings the discussion of heaven as our destiny down to earth in an interesting review of the accounts of bereaved people, indicating the continuity of life (at least in some way or other) of those whom they have lost. In a helpful chapter he considers this issue through the lens of the resurrection accounts of Jesus in the four Gospels. He also includes an interesting discussion of Paul's writing about the nature of the resurrection body in the later part of chapter 15 of his first letter to the Corinthians. This is timely, especially in the light of the current discussion following the contribution of Bishop NT Wright on the subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is much good stuff in the book. Although he cannot tie all the loose ends together (as he candidly admits), Winter has written a book which definitely repays the commitment of reading it. It will be of interest to many readers, whether regular worshippers in church or not, and particularly those who could be described as being of advancing years.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter is clearly a man of faith. However, I do not know how much importance he ascribes to faith in the heavenly destiny. While there is much helpful teaching in the book, I was left with the impression that the writer is of the school which holds that faith is caught, not taught. Read the book and come to your own conclusion!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Patrick Mansel Lewis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 28 October 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe destination: death and then the end of everything, or heaven and the realisation of the human aspiration to live forever?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter is an experienced pastor, and his book \u003cem\u003eHeaven's Morning\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e: Rethinking the destination\u003c\/em\u003e has the principal merit of being essentially pastoral in its delicate and insightful commentary on the moment of death and unfurling of destiny.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHis own experience stands him in good stead: he knows that, all too often, people's concerns about the afterlife are framed in simplistic questions: 'Will my cat\/dog be there?', 'What about playing golf?' or, as he has come to hear more recently, 'Will there be shopping?'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHis claim that, 'We believe in eternal life, not everlasting existence', immediately locates the discussion in a new place. A post-space-age theology can no longer comfortably see heaven in physical terms as being 'up there': the old metaphors no longer work but, rather than be driven to despair, Winter returns to the scriptures for a new reading of what the Bible actually has to say on our ultimate fate. He is determined to 'rebuild a credible doctrine of life after death', and, to do that, he has to 'do a demolition job on ideas which try to lock eternity into the language of earth'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis means examining where the notions of the resurrection of the dead and 'Kingdom of God' were first laid down and how they were later used by Jesus. It means 'moving from the physical world of atoms and molecules into the spiritual world of God' and acknowledging that 'heaven is where God is'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWinter is fearless: he examines the resurrection of Jesus, notions of hell, eternal life, judgement and heaven, leaving nothing out and always confidently explaining what it means to be 'gloriously, powerfully, spiritual'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a short book, an unassuming book, but it deserves to do incredibly well and to be read both by people who mourn and by those who minister to them.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLavinia Byrne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Together Magazine January - February 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAt only 109 pages of comfortable print this is an excellent book for looking at the biblical teaching of death and what happens after it. It is a blend of good Bible Study and topical modern research set out in what is, as you'd expect from David Winter, an easy-to-read style of short paragraphs and chapters that clearly spell out in absorbed sections what we can perhaps best expect as Christians for all the materials and ideas out there cluttering up our world and theology. This would be a good book for using as a study with an interested group (although there are no questions included in it). It is also a handy book perhaps to pass on to someone who has suffered a bereavement or worried about the nature of death and dying - gentle and insightful as it is.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Melanie Carroll\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Door - Diocese of Oxford, May 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou will have heard David Winter on the radio so know that what he says is sensible, personal and wise. His writing is just the same. Certainly, in \u003cem\u003eHeaven's Morning\u003c\/em\u003e, he writes simply and well; accessible stuff that covers not only whether there are cats in heaven (he thinks not: boo!), but also the whole story contained in the Old and New Testaments (fascinating).\r\nTo write about what happens to us after death is, of course, impossible for no-one knows. David Winter is as honest about that as he is about understanding the raising of Lazarus. And it is because he is so open that this book is comforting and useful; it avoids being abstruse and academic, instead preferring to offer possibilities and hopes. '...a fleeting experience but... a foretaste of the glories to come.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA key theme is a gentle analysis of the difference between 'everlasting' and 'eternal'. Too often we use the two interchangeably, however here we are urged to remember that 'everlasting' is a word based in time. Since time does not exist in heaven, there can be no such thing as 'everlasting life'. Life in heaven is 'eternal'. To explain just what he means, the author uses one of his own experiences, but one which will surely resonate with his readers: time stood still for him, there was no time, when, as a teenager, he first heard the slow movement of Beethoven's Seventh Symphony: a fleeting experience but, as he writes, a foretaste of the glories to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough much of what Winter writes is comforting and positive, he has his fiercer moments too. There will be judgement, so, scarily, he lists the five 'Things that will not be in heaven' and the ten 'Things that will be in heaven'. They are intriguing and perhaps controversial lists.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo support his own case, he uses the book of \u003cem\u003eRevelation\u003c\/em\u003e. Indeed, throughout \u003cem\u003eHeaven's Morning\u003c\/em\u003e, Winter frequently refers to the Bible. Not obscure passages, but ones that are familiar: all part of his engaging style that affirms, rather than baffles, the reader.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eInevitably, he is at a loss to define precisely life after death, heaven. Yet he confirms that, as we have a gracious God, there will be resurrection, the resurrection that God, throughout the Bible, offers each one of us. What is that really like? God knows! Hallelujah!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by the Revd Tony Lynn\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Heaven's Morning: Rethinking the destination
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The Bible - especially the New Testament - has plenty to say about resurrection and heaven, but many Christians struggle...
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{"id":2439747600484,"title":"At the End of the Day: Enjoying life in the departure lounge","handle":"at-the-end-of-the-day-enjoying-life-in-the-departure-lounge","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn octogenarian takes a wryly humorous look at what it's like to be old in an era of the relentlessly new. Turning to the Bible, he explores its store of timeless wisdom, encouragement and reassurance about what it has always meant to grow old and be old. The book is structured around a series of fascinating biblical pictures, from the legendary Methuselah to the feisty Sarah and the great leader Moses, from the picture of inevitable decline as the Preacher saw it in Ecclesiastes to the glorious Nunc Dimittis of old Simeon in the temple.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e'At the end of the day' is a well-worn phrase - yet seeing life as a single day, with dawn, noon, sunny afternoon, twilight and then darkness and sleep, provides a sort of contracted chronology of a journey we are all taking. Those who are at, or beyond, tea-time - as well as their friends and family - may find this book offers an essentially optimistic, positive and attractive picture of both the present and the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDavid Winter introduces \u003cem\u003eAt the End of the Day\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI wrote \u003cem\u003eAt the End of the Day\u003c\/em\u003e because I wanted to address this situation not as a problem (which is how sociologists, politicians and media commentators seem to see it) but simply as yet another life experience. All through life we move more or less seamlessly from one stage to another, from childhood to adolescence, from that to young adulthood, from that to middle age, and from that to the retirement years. This book is an attempt to record what it is like finally to move into the departure lounge of life, awaiting the call to board our flight from this life to whatever it is that God has planned for us at its end.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe departure lounge is not as bad as it may look in prospect. Believe it or not, being old can be fun. Of course there are problems - aches and pains, sluggish memory and so on. But there are also enormous compensations in old age, including the freedom to be ourselves without any pressure to achieve or justify our existence. I was surprised to discover (when I got there myself) that the elderly don't endlessly discuss death. Compared with teenagers, young adults and even the middle-aged, they are not living with plans for the future but with the richness of the here and now.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAt the End of the Day \u003c\/em\u003etakes a quizzical look at some of the wonderful old men and women whose stories are part of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. Surprisingly, perhaps, their experiences seem to match many of ours. We look at them, of course, through the long perspective of time and also through the prism of our modern experiences, but there is wisdom, fulfilment and encouragement in those biblical records.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a 'heavy' book. How could it be when the elderly spend so much time laughing at themselves and at the whole business of being old! Nor is it depressing - again, how could it be, when we are seated in that departure lounge awaiting the final great adventure.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI wrote it not just for those who are already old, although I hope they'll find it both amusing and encouraging, but also for all those who want to know what it's going to be like to join our ranks. They may be surprised to find that the poet Robert Browning got it right when he said, 'The best is yet to be.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/kP4wFKmvMmg\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nDavid Winter is one of the UK's most popular and long-established Christian writers and broadcasters. He has written many books over the last sixty years, including Facing the Darkness and Finding the Light, Pilgrim's Way, Journey to Jerusalem and With Jesus in the Upper Room for BRF. He also writes for New Daylight and was a regular contributor to Radio 4's Thought for the Day from 1989 to 2012.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter has written a book for the elderly; those in their twilight years. With 1.4 million people in the U.K now over 85, this partly auto-biographical book is humorous and down to earth, taking a practical look at the benefits and pit-falls of old age. He looks at a number of Bible characters who are in or approaching old age, linking these with his own experiences and those of others known to him. With some delightful insights into the positive aspects of old age, and 'that (I love this line!) nothing is beyond redemption and no situation irretrievably hopeless' It can speak to those who feel their lives are worthless and aimless.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHe looks honestly at the downsides of old age, its fears, doubts and regrets and the problem of loneliness and physical limitations. With its useful headings, the reader can `dip back` as and when needed. The book might have benefited from more detail of how to enjoy a deeper relationship with Jesus, and for non church goers, a simple explanation of the basic Gospel message would have been useful.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI would give a recommendation to buy this well researched, topical book as it is easy to read, has plenty of humour and no Christian Jargon. As a person approaching `the departure lounge` I found this little book very interesting and full of hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Gill Mason for Preach Magazine September 28, 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter, now in his 80s, will be well known to many as a Christian writer, retreat leader and broadcaster. Readers should not be put off by the sub - title of his book, 'Enjoying life in the departure lounge', which is illustrative of the wry humour evident throughout. In fact, I have never laughed so much while reading a book on ageing. In his very personal introduction he declares that he no longer attempts a geriatric and breathtaking sprint when trying to catch a bus: 'After all, there will be another one in 30 minutes, and what's that in the eyes of eternity?' \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the early chapters Winter confronts the prevailing culture of what he terms 'geraphobia', against which he pitches the enormous value of life experience which provides the sap for a fruitful old age. The remainder of the book is structured around a succession of biblical characters, from Methusaleh via (among others) Sarah and Abraham, Moses and the Psalmists to Simeon and Anna, the Holy Family and St Paul in the New Testament. What I expected might be old - hat turned out to be truly enlightening and to have real contemporary relevance. En route, he raises a number of issues that tend to be overlooked or played down: the tension between a desirable serenity and 'the tantrums of the terrible 80s'; waiting as expectancy rather than passivity; the need for wisdom to be tinged with humility. He is particularly helpful on the mood swings of old age which can cloud our vision of God and on loneliness. He acknowledges the value for older people of modern technology, such as emails and Skype, but captures the bewilderment of many when asked for 'passwords you've forgotten, customer numbers you never knew you had, overdraft facility figures you've never used - and all before you get to speak to a human being'. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe final two chapters touch upon ultimate issues. He is perhaps right in suggesting that older people, living in the shadow of morality, do not in fact have death constantly in their thoughts nor are they over - concerned with the details of heaven. His concept of 'resurrection' and the after - life is movingly illustrated by the death of his wife which left him with the strong sense that she had not ceased to exist. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI found this short book personally helpful and pastorally valuable. It is an honest testimony of the author's life and faith journey. Any older person will read it with profit and younger people with a greater understanding of their elders. And, yes, he does quote from Browning's 'Rabbi ben Ezra'. We can be encouraged that the best is indeed yet to be. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rev Albert Jewell for The Methodist Recorded 21 Feb 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:28+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:31+00:00","vendor":"David Winter","type":"Paperback","tags":["Kindle","Nov-13","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired","Torch Trust"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769047572580,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857460578","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436538151012,"product_id":2439747600484,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:31+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:14+00:00","alt":null,"width":369,"height":561,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460578-l.jpg?v=1549043174","variant_ids":[21769047572580]},"available":false,"name":"At the End of the Day: Enjoying life in the departure lounge - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":151,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857460578","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238874972299,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"width":369,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460578-l.jpg?v=1549043174"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460578-l.jpg?v=1549043174"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460578-l.jpg?v=1549043174","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238874972299,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"width":369,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460578-l.jpg?v=1549043174"},"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460578-l.jpg?v=1549043174","width":369}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eAn octogenarian takes a wryly humorous look at what it's like to be old in an era of the relentlessly new. Turning to the Bible, he explores its store of timeless wisdom, encouragement and reassurance about what it has always meant to grow old and be old. The book is structured around a series of fascinating biblical pictures, from the legendary Methuselah to the feisty Sarah and the great leader Moses, from the picture of inevitable decline as the Preacher saw it in Ecclesiastes to the glorious Nunc Dimittis of old Simeon in the temple.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e'At the end of the day' is a well-worn phrase - yet seeing life as a single day, with dawn, noon, sunny afternoon, twilight and then darkness and sleep, provides a sort of contracted chronology of a journey we are all taking. Those who are at, or beyond, tea-time - as well as their friends and family - may find this book offers an essentially optimistic, positive and attractive picture of both the present and the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDavid Winter introduces \u003cem\u003eAt the End of the Day\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI wrote \u003cem\u003eAt the End of the Day\u003c\/em\u003e because I wanted to address this situation not as a problem (which is how sociologists, politicians and media commentators seem to see it) but simply as yet another life experience. All through life we move more or less seamlessly from one stage to another, from childhood to adolescence, from that to young adulthood, from that to middle age, and from that to the retirement years. This book is an attempt to record what it is like finally to move into the departure lounge of life, awaiting the call to board our flight from this life to whatever it is that God has planned for us at its end.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe departure lounge is not as bad as it may look in prospect. Believe it or not, being old can be fun. Of course there are problems - aches and pains, sluggish memory and so on. But there are also enormous compensations in old age, including the freedom to be ourselves without any pressure to achieve or justify our existence. I was surprised to discover (when I got there myself) that the elderly don't endlessly discuss death. Compared with teenagers, young adults and even the middle-aged, they are not living with plans for the future but with the richness of the here and now.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAt the End of the Day \u003c\/em\u003etakes a quizzical look at some of the wonderful old men and women whose stories are part of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. Surprisingly, perhaps, their experiences seem to match many of ours. We look at them, of course, through the long perspective of time and also through the prism of our modern experiences, but there is wisdom, fulfilment and encouragement in those biblical records.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a 'heavy' book. How could it be when the elderly spend so much time laughing at themselves and at the whole business of being old! Nor is it depressing - again, how could it be, when we are seated in that departure lounge awaiting the final great adventure.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI wrote it not just for those who are already old, although I hope they'll find it both amusing and encouraging, but also for all those who want to know what it's going to be like to join our ranks. They may be surprised to find that the poet Robert Browning got it right when he said, 'The best is yet to be.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/kP4wFKmvMmg\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nDavid Winter is one of the UK's most popular and long-established Christian writers and broadcasters. He has written many books over the last sixty years, including Facing the Darkness and Finding the Light, Pilgrim's Way, Journey to Jerusalem and With Jesus in the Upper Room for BRF. He also writes for New Daylight and was a regular contributor to Radio 4's Thought for the Day from 1989 to 2012.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter has written a book for the elderly; those in their twilight years. With 1.4 million people in the U.K now over 85, this partly auto-biographical book is humorous and down to earth, taking a practical look at the benefits and pit-falls of old age. He looks at a number of Bible characters who are in or approaching old age, linking these with his own experiences and those of others known to him. With some delightful insights into the positive aspects of old age, and 'that (I love this line!) nothing is beyond redemption and no situation irretrievably hopeless' It can speak to those who feel their lives are worthless and aimless.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHe looks honestly at the downsides of old age, its fears, doubts and regrets and the problem of loneliness and physical limitations. With its useful headings, the reader can `dip back` as and when needed. The book might have benefited from more detail of how to enjoy a deeper relationship with Jesus, and for non church goers, a simple explanation of the basic Gospel message would have been useful.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI would give a recommendation to buy this well researched, topical book as it is easy to read, has plenty of humour and no Christian Jargon. As a person approaching `the departure lounge` I found this little book very interesting and full of hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Gill Mason for Preach Magazine September 28, 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter, now in his 80s, will be well known to many as a Christian writer, retreat leader and broadcaster. Readers should not be put off by the sub - title of his book, 'Enjoying life in the departure lounge', which is illustrative of the wry humour evident throughout. In fact, I have never laughed so much while reading a book on ageing. In his very personal introduction he declares that he no longer attempts a geriatric and breathtaking sprint when trying to catch a bus: 'After all, there will be another one in 30 minutes, and what's that in the eyes of eternity?' \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the early chapters Winter confronts the prevailing culture of what he terms 'geraphobia', against which he pitches the enormous value of life experience which provides the sap for a fruitful old age. The remainder of the book is structured around a succession of biblical characters, from Methusaleh via (among others) Sarah and Abraham, Moses and the Psalmists to Simeon and Anna, the Holy Family and St Paul in the New Testament. What I expected might be old - hat turned out to be truly enlightening and to have real contemporary relevance. En route, he raises a number of issues that tend to be overlooked or played down: the tension between a desirable serenity and 'the tantrums of the terrible 80s'; waiting as expectancy rather than passivity; the need for wisdom to be tinged with humility. He is particularly helpful on the mood swings of old age which can cloud our vision of God and on loneliness. He acknowledges the value for older people of modern technology, such as emails and Skype, but captures the bewilderment of many when asked for 'passwords you've forgotten, customer numbers you never knew you had, overdraft facility figures you've never used - and all before you get to speak to a human being'. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe final two chapters touch upon ultimate issues. He is perhaps right in suggesting that older people, living in the shadow of morality, do not in fact have death constantly in their thoughts nor are they over - concerned with the details of heaven. His concept of 'resurrection' and the after - life is movingly illustrated by the death of his wife which left him with the strong sense that she had not ceased to exist. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI found this short book personally helpful and pastorally valuable. It is an honest testimony of the author's life and faith journey. Any older person will read it with profit and younger people with a greater understanding of their elders. And, yes, he does quote from Browning's 'Rabbi ben Ezra'. We can be encouraged that the best is indeed yet to be. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rev Albert Jewell for The Methodist Recorded 21 Feb 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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At the End of the Day: Enjoying life in the departure lounge
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An octogenarian takes a wryly humorous look at what it's like to be old in an era of the relentlessly...
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