Bargain Bucket
{"id":6841099911359,"title":"The BRF Book of 365 Bible Reflections: with contributions from BRF authors, supporters and well-wishers","handle":"the-brf-book-of-365-bible-reflections-with-contributions-from-brf-authors-supporters-and-well-wishers","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Bible is at the heart of BRF’s work, and this special anniversary collection is a celebration of the Bible for BRF’s centenary year. Bringing together a fantastically wide-ranging writing team of authors, supporters and well-wishers from all areas of BRF’s work, this resource is designed to help us go deeper into the story of the Bible and reflect on how we can share it in our everyday lives.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIncluding sections which lead us through the Bible narrative as well as thematic and seasonal sections, it is the perfect daily companion to resource your spiritual journey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eContributors include: Ian Adams, John Bell, Inderjit Bhogal, Amy Boucher Pye, Stephen Cottrell, Steven Croft, Mark Greene, Isabelle Hamley, Bob Hartman, Bev Jullien, Krish Kandiah, Paul Kerensa, Ann Lewin, Bex Lewis, Chine McDonald, Lucy Moore, Rob Parsons, John Pritchard, Jennifer Rees Larcombe, Pam Rhodes, Margaret Silf, Jo Swinney, Stephen Timms, Graham Tomlin and Justin Welby.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry (digital version May 2022). Reviewed by David Sellick\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eThe year 2022 celebrates the centenary of BRF’s famous notes encouraging Bible reading and supporting faith. The 365 reflections are grouped into five sections; Seeing God in the Bible, Journeying through the Bible, Journeying through the Christian year, Together through the generations, and How should we live? Only the ‘Christian Year’ section is chronologically tied; the other sections can be dipped into individually; this is facilitated by a page ‘Index of Bible references’ at the end of the book; Readers could use this to take them to a page where the Bible passage that had stimulated the writer’s ‘reflection’ is printed matches the passage that is part of a reading set for the day on which the Reader is due to preach. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe editors selected single ‘reflections’ from the invited writers – many of great eminence – so ‘the result is a glorious range of different perspectives on God’s word’. The Bible extracts are from every book in the Bible, and come from 17 different Bible translations. Some reflections are personal, some are moving, many are challenging and thought provoking; the compilation can be used as a resource or simply read as an illustration of how just a couple of Bible verses can stimulate such a wide range profound insights into faith and practice.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by David Sellick \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Canon John Twisleton, December 2021\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA hundred years ago in January 2022 Revd Leslie Mannering of St Matthew’s Brixton circulated his first monthly leaflet of bible readings with commentaries ‘for the purpose of deepening the life of Prayer, Bible-reading and Holy Communion in each one of us’. So began what became the world-wide movement we know as BRF, the Bible Reading Fellowship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Centenary is being launched with publication of 365 bible reflections written by different contributors, including myself, geared to energise searching of scripture and submission of lives to the Word of God. As Sally Welch writes, ‘we are not a people of a book… we are children of God… we follow a person, not a page; the Word, not words’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe genius of BRF is its steering away from both biblical literalism and renegotiation of scripture to fit in with contemporary thinking. \u003cem\u003eThe BRF book of 365 Bible Reflections\u003c\/em\u003e is a series of windows to be opened daily providing ‘light to our paths’ (Psalm 119:105).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe variety of readings and contributors are structured around celebrating the transformative power of scripture and ‘BRF’s long history of coming alongside people at all stages of faith, encouraging Bible reading and everyday faith since 1922’. A third of the commentaries are constituted from daily readings journeying through Old and New Testament without Apocrypha. Another third journeys through the Christian year from Advent to Pentecost. Shorter sections include praying the Psalms, the Bible and old age and a final section linked to the marks of mission adopted by the Anglican Communion: tell, teach, tend, transform and treasure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe theme of ‘Sharing the Story’ runs through the collection of one page reflections which end appropriately with the invitation in Romans to listen more deeply to the longings of creation and deepen environmental stewardship. The book is well geared for flexible use as, for examples, deciding to use it in a season like Lent or to follow a three month tour through Old and New Testament or spend a fortnight on what the Bible has to say to older people. Each day has different scripture and contributor and that makes for ongoing freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no word of God without power. In this book BRF provides a variety of insight from hundreds of co-authors into the transforming power of the good news of Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Canon Dr John Twisleton \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was George Eliot who coined the phrase: ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWell, when it comes to \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe BRF Book of 365 Bible Reflections\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ethe cover is the starting point to a beautiful collection of daily readings to celebrate an organisation which has been sharing the story since 1922.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF reaches in to many different places in our communities and churches. From Messy Church and Parenting for Faith through to Holy Habits and Anna Chaplaincy. And still, one hundred years on, at the core of its overall ministry, alongside many other books, remains the provision of daily readings and reflections. And this book is no exception.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGathering together contributions from BRF authors, supporters and well-wishers, we are taken through the Bible and the Christian year, enabled to consider five aspects of how we can live and to cross generational barriers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut this is no ordinary set of daily readings. And that is its genius.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor it is only in Advent where the readings are dated. Lent is split in to weeks but aside from that, those seasonal times are there for you as a reader to make your own way of encountering God through scripture. The rest of the book is completely undated: and that for me, although the editors describe it as ‘controversial’, is where that genius lies. For so many of us feel guilty when we ‘fall behind’ with our daily readings. Many of us may feel that in particular periods we want to move on to a different topic or set of passages but somehow feel tied to following the timetable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd there is one other aspect which is equally brilliant. Some of the contributors are well-known. Others, like your reviewer, less well. Some are living. Some are living in glory. And they are all listed. But there’s no index. So, it’s not possible to simply look up one’s favourites writers and read only them. And why is that genius? Because it enables us to give intentional attention to God and not to people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is those two factors, alongside an indexed list of Bible passages, which for me give this book the structure that enables us to encounter God in new ways every day of the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough its meaningful and thoughtful reflections, this book enables the reader to encounter the riches of the Bible in the complete freedom that God both allows and wants for us. It provides a wealth of biblical insights combined with practical reflections and suggestions for living out our faith in modern times. May it be a rich blessing to you as you encounter God’s love through it.\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":"2021-08-12T08:55:48+01:00","created_at":"2021-07-28T21:00:55+01:00","vendor":"Karen Laister and Olivia Warburton","type":"Jacketed hardback","tags":["Centenary Collection","Devotional","For individuals","Glassboxx","KCLC","oct-21","Prayer"],"price":1499,"price_min":1499,"price_max":1499,"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":43664142074047,"title":"Jacketed Hardback","option1":"Jacketed Hardback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391000","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":29500299739327,"product_id":6841099911359,"position":1,"created_at":"2021-07-28T21:00:57+01:00","updated_at":"2021-07-28T21:00:57+01:00","alt":null,"width":1177,"height":1800,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391000.jpg?v=1627502457","variant_ids":[43664142074047]},"available":true,"name":"The BRF Book of 365 Bible Reflections: with contributions from BRF authors, supporters and well-wishers - Jacketed Hardback","public_title":"Jacketed Hardback","options":["Jacketed Hardback"],"price":1499,"weight":770,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391000","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":21874976325823,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.654,"height":1800,"width":1177,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391000.jpg?v=1627502457"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391000.jpg?v=1627502457"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391000.jpg?v=1627502457","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":21874976325823,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.654,"height":1800,"width":1177,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391000.jpg?v=1627502457"},"aspect_ratio":0.654,"height":1800,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800391000.jpg?v=1627502457","width":1177}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe Bible is at the heart of BRF’s work, and this special anniversary collection is a celebration of the Bible for BRF’s centenary year. Bringing together a fantastically wide-ranging writing team of authors, supporters and well-wishers from all areas of BRF’s work, this resource is designed to help us go deeper into the story of the Bible and reflect on how we can share it in our everyday lives.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIncluding sections which lead us through the Bible narrative as well as thematic and seasonal sections, it is the perfect daily companion to resource your spiritual journey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eContributors include: Ian Adams, John Bell, Inderjit Bhogal, Amy Boucher Pye, Stephen Cottrell, Steven Croft, Mark Greene, Isabelle Hamley, Bob Hartman, Bev Jullien, Krish Kandiah, Paul Kerensa, Ann Lewin, Bex Lewis, Chine McDonald, Lucy Moore, Rob Parsons, John Pritchard, Jennifer Rees Larcombe, Pam Rhodes, Margaret Silf, Jo Swinney, Stephen Timms, Graham Tomlin and Justin Welby.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry (digital version May 2022). Reviewed by David Sellick\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eThe year 2022 celebrates the centenary of BRF’s famous notes encouraging Bible reading and supporting faith. The 365 reflections are grouped into five sections; Seeing God in the Bible, Journeying through the Bible, Journeying through the Christian year, Together through the generations, and How should we live? Only the ‘Christian Year’ section is chronologically tied; the other sections can be dipped into individually; this is facilitated by a page ‘Index of Bible references’ at the end of the book; Readers could use this to take them to a page where the Bible passage that had stimulated the writer’s ‘reflection’ is printed matches the passage that is part of a reading set for the day on which the Reader is due to preach. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe editors selected single ‘reflections’ from the invited writers – many of great eminence – so ‘the result is a glorious range of different perspectives on God’s word’. The Bible extracts are from every book in the Bible, and come from 17 different Bible translations. Some reflections are personal, some are moving, many are challenging and thought provoking; the compilation can be used as a resource or simply read as an illustration of how just a couple of Bible verses can stimulate such a wide range profound insights into faith and practice.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by David Sellick \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Canon John Twisleton, December 2021\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA hundred years ago in January 2022 Revd Leslie Mannering of St Matthew’s Brixton circulated his first monthly leaflet of bible readings with commentaries ‘for the purpose of deepening the life of Prayer, Bible-reading and Holy Communion in each one of us’. So began what became the world-wide movement we know as BRF, the Bible Reading Fellowship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Centenary is being launched with publication of 365 bible reflections written by different contributors, including myself, geared to energise searching of scripture and submission of lives to the Word of God. As Sally Welch writes, ‘we are not a people of a book… we are children of God… we follow a person, not a page; the Word, not words’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe genius of BRF is its steering away from both biblical literalism and renegotiation of scripture to fit in with contemporary thinking. \u003cem\u003eThe BRF book of 365 Bible Reflections\u003c\/em\u003e is a series of windows to be opened daily providing ‘light to our paths’ (Psalm 119:105).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe variety of readings and contributors are structured around celebrating the transformative power of scripture and ‘BRF’s long history of coming alongside people at all stages of faith, encouraging Bible reading and everyday faith since 1922’. A third of the commentaries are constituted from daily readings journeying through Old and New Testament without Apocrypha. Another third journeys through the Christian year from Advent to Pentecost. Shorter sections include praying the Psalms, the Bible and old age and a final section linked to the marks of mission adopted by the Anglican Communion: tell, teach, tend, transform and treasure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe theme of ‘Sharing the Story’ runs through the collection of one page reflections which end appropriately with the invitation in Romans to listen more deeply to the longings of creation and deepen environmental stewardship. The book is well geared for flexible use as, for examples, deciding to use it in a season like Lent or to follow a three month tour through Old and New Testament or spend a fortnight on what the Bible has to say to older people. Each day has different scripture and contributor and that makes for ongoing freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no word of God without power. In this book BRF provides a variety of insight from hundreds of co-authors into the transforming power of the good news of Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Canon Dr John Twisleton \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was George Eliot who coined the phrase: ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWell, when it comes to \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe BRF Book of 365 Bible Reflections\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003ethe cover is the starting point to a beautiful collection of daily readings to celebrate an organisation which has been sharing the story since 1922.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF reaches in to many different places in our communities and churches. From Messy Church and Parenting for Faith through to Holy Habits and Anna Chaplaincy. And still, one hundred years on, at the core of its overall ministry, alongside many other books, remains the provision of daily readings and reflections. And this book is no exception.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGathering together contributions from BRF authors, supporters and well-wishers, we are taken through the Bible and the Christian year, enabled to consider five aspects of how we can live and to cross generational barriers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut this is no ordinary set of daily readings. And that is its genius.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor it is only in Advent where the readings are dated. Lent is split in to weeks but aside from that, those seasonal times are there for you as a reader to make your own way of encountering God through scripture. The rest of the book is completely undated: and that for me, although the editors describe it as ‘controversial’, is where that genius lies. For so many of us feel guilty when we ‘fall behind’ with our daily readings. Many of us may feel that in particular periods we want to move on to a different topic or set of passages but somehow feel tied to following the timetable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd there is one other aspect which is equally brilliant. Some of the contributors are well-known. Others, like your reviewer, less well. Some are living. Some are living in glory. And they are all listed. But there’s no index. So, it’s not possible to simply look up one’s favourites writers and read only them. And why is that genius? Because it enables us to give intentional attention to God and not to people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is those two factors, alongside an indexed list of Bible passages, which for me give this book the structure that enables us to encounter God in new ways every day of the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough its meaningful and thoughtful reflections, this book enables the reader to encounter the riches of the Bible in the complete freedom that God both allows and wants for us. It provides a wealth of biblical insights combined with practical reflections and suggestions for living out our faith in modern times. May it be a rich blessing to you as you encounter God’s love through it.\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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The BRF Book of 365 Bible Reflections: with contributions from BRF authors, supporters and well-wishers
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The Bible is at the heart of BRF’s work, and this special anniversary collection is a celebration of the Bible...
{"id":3272119222372,"title":"You Are Mine: Daily Bible readings from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day","handle":"you-are-mine-daily-bible-readings-from-ash-wednesday-to-easter-day","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Again and again, as I have sought to look into both the scriptures and my own life, I have heard in the silence the one who assures me, ever more strongly, 'You are mine'. My hope and prayer is that you who read it will hear something of the same.'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt this time of Lent, David Walker explores different aspects of human belonging through the medium of scripture and story in order to help us recognise the different ways in which we are God’s beloved. And as we recognise ourselves and our own lives in the narrative of God’s engagement with humanity and his creation, he gently challenges us to engage for God’s sake with God’s world.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDavid Walker is Bishop of Manchester. He is a regular broadcaster on BBC radio, including the Daily Service and Sunday Programme. His interest in Christian belonging has grown from his involvement in the Housing Association movement and his membership of the Franciscan Third Order. He is also the author of God’s Belongers (BRF, 2017).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘This is a wonderful companion for Lent by David Walker. It is short but deep, and engages the reader in both prayer and reflection. A perfect way to explore what it means for all of us to belong to Christ in a challenging world.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJustin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery day during Lent Bishop David Walker invites us to look afresh at a Biblical character or saint. We gain new insights into their lives. He helps us journey through Lent with a deeper knowledge of how much God loves and treasures us. God reminds us ‘You are mine.’ David draws on his experience as an ordinary member of a family and a friend, a theologian and a Bishop. God’s desire is for us to belong to Jesus and to each other.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘I have a great admiration and respect for David Walker. It was so good to read these revealing reflections on the scriptures which he offers in the light of his experience. They are highly accessible while being theologically profound. I hope others will find them as illuminating and inspiring as I did.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Inge, Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘Using Lenten scriptural readings and rooted in his own personal journey, David Walker helps us to recognise the presence and activity of God in our own life, and as a consequence our connectedness and belonging to all God’s creation. This is down-to-earth, sound biblical and pastoral theology, as you would expect from Bishop David.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrother Benedict, Provincial Minister, The Society of St Francis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘In these thoughtful, touching and often candid reflections, David Walker reveals how he learned that we belong to God through other people. In his father, teachers, therapist, wife, parishioners, children and grandchildren, God becomes vividly present to him through fierce love, inspiring intellect, warm hospitality, quiet wisdom – and even the hatred of a suicide bomber’s attack on the city where Walker is much-loved bishop.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Vallely, author of \u003cem\u003ePope Francis: Untying the knots – the struggle for the soul of Catholicism\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘In this remarkable collection of devotions, David Walker combines deeply personal reflections with refreshingly practical observations on the Christian life. The message is humble and clear: in our Lenten battles for our better selves, we belong to God and to one another. This is writing as liberating as it is demanding – full of challenge, comfort and quiet joy.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoretta Minghella, First Church Estates Commissioner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry online, February 2020. Review by Sue Piper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis treasure of a Lent book has moved me deeply. David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, has given us a very personal insight into his own journey of faith as well as encouraging us to understand the meaning of scripture as it may relate our own lives. It has been very helpful to link directly with the God we worship and how He makes His presence felt to us, as individuals, each day, in all of our relationships with one another. The language is honest and straightforward, and the Lenten season will be greatly enhanced by our understanding of belonging to God and belonging to one another as family and as community, both locally and globally. There is much material for personal reflection and this book may well lend itself for study group sessions set over a period of time, not necessarily restricted to Lent. The author offers us wisdom, honesty, joy, and understanding. It teaches us to open our hearts with love for not only the chosen scriptures but will encourage us to use Bishop David’s wisdom in our everyday encounters with one another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Sue Piper\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, February 2020. Review by Jenny Mills\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[In \u003cem\u003eYou Are Mine \u003c\/em\u003eby David Walker] each day there is a Bible text related to the theme of Christian belonging, and a reflection that is both personal and challenging, and both informative and engaging. Walker uses his wealth of faith experience. He opens with: ‘How do we belong with God and with Jesus? And how do our human lives help or hinder us along the way?’ Each day is no more than three pages. This book is relevant for the times in which we live, and addresses current topics as well as reflecting on biblical texts.\u003cem\u003eYou are Mine\u003c\/em\u003e requires setting aside a little more time [than normal Bible reading notes] in order to benefit from its content. I particularly valued the depth of [this book].\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenny Mills is Minister of Newport Pagnell United Reformed Church and West End United Church, Wolverton, Buckinghamshire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 17.01.20. Philip Welsh's Lent book roundup 2020 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eYou Are Mine\u003c\/em\u003e, David Walker invites his readers to join him at a popular level in the investigation of Christian belonging which has preoccupied him academically over a number of years. His daily reflections are loosely grouped into belonging with God, and belonging ‘with the people who are closest to us; with the great figures of the Bible and Christian faith; with the wider community and its special places; and with the big celebrations and events of the Christian cycle and human life’ — concluding with the events of Holy Week. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach day starts with a short Bible passage, which acts as a springboard for the notably personal reflections by the author — among other things, drawing on the experiences of his upbringing, of therapy, and of his life as parish priest, as bishop, and as grandfather. The daily prayer highlights the general theme within the individual story. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat emerges is a wise, humane, and generous spirituality. At times, it is a bit more affective than some of us feel comfortable with — producing these reflections is ‘like writing a series of love letters to God’; ‘I can feel the warmth of his smile’ – but there is also a strong and sharp commitment to social issues. He does not seek to shock, but quite often is pleasingly heterodox: he applauds Sunday-afternoon christenings; respects the faith of occasional churchgoers; hates changing the words of hymns; finds his faith encouraged by adherents of other faiths; and is ‘convinced that most politicians go into that work out of a deep and genuine desire to serve their community’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a Lent book for developing daily Bible-reading. It will appeal to those looking for a \u003cem\u003eThought for the Day\u003c\/em\u003e-style piece, linked to scripture, that builds into an attractive picture of Christian life as lived by an engaging representative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Philip Welsh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilding on his previous book, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/gods-belongers-how-people-engage-with-god-today-and-how-the-church-can-help?_pos=3\u0026amp;_sid=3076f9f36\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod’s Belongers\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, Bishop David Walker takes explores how activities, events, places and people enable us to know that we belong with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book explores what it means to belong with God – note, not belong \u003cem\u003eto\u003c\/em\u003e God but \u003cem\u003ewith\u003c\/em\u003e God. Using daily reflections, the Bishop of Manchester takes us through Lent and in to Holy Week. These weekly themes are interspersed, on Sundays, with thoughts on the Lectionary Gospel reading for the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of the weekday readings follows a particular theme within the overall topic of belonging. Bishop David considers how we belong to the Father and the Son, in relationships with others, and with the saints (primarily figures in the Old and New Testament but also Francis of Assisi and Ignatius Loyola). He also turns his attention to complex issues in the society in which we belong and the importance of celebrations and festivals such as Christmas and christenings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author acknowledges early on that he reveals more about his own faith and challenges than in anything else he has written and indeed there is a significant degree of autobiography contained in the book’s pages. Reading \u003cem\u003eYou Are Mine\u003c\/em\u003e with that context in mind will enable individual readers to do so in a way they find personally helpful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this reviewer, this is a book which clergy and those in paid ministry would find especially helpful. It offers some of David Walker’s own experience of the joys, frustrations and practicalities of ‘parish life’ as well as thought-provoking ideas about how churches can enable people, whether inside or outside their walls, to feel they belong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Holy Week, Bishop David takes what might be called a more ‘traditional’ Lent book approach. Following the events of the most important week in the year, he offers valuable comments and interpretations, old and new. In doing so, the book concludes on the strongest of notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-03-16T16:01:44+00:00","created_at":"2019-04-08T11:49:34+01:00","vendor":"David Walker","type":"Paperback","tags":["KCLC","Kindle","Lent","Nov-19"],"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":26428169683044,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857467584","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"You Are Mine: Daily Bible readings from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467584","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467584-l.jpg?v=1554720628"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467584-l.jpg?v=1554720628","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3264873332875,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467584-l.jpg?v=1554720628"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467584-l.jpg?v=1554720628","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Again and again, as I have sought to look into both the scriptures and my own life, I have heard in the silence the one who assures me, ever more strongly, 'You are mine'. My hope and prayer is that you who read it will hear something of the same.'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt this time of Lent, David Walker explores different aspects of human belonging through the medium of scripture and story in order to help us recognise the different ways in which we are God’s beloved. And as we recognise ourselves and our own lives in the narrative of God’s engagement with humanity and his creation, he gently challenges us to engage for God’s sake with God’s world.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDavid Walker is Bishop of Manchester. He is a regular broadcaster on BBC radio, including the Daily Service and Sunday Programme. His interest in Christian belonging has grown from his involvement in the Housing Association movement and his membership of the Franciscan Third Order. He is also the author of God’s Belongers (BRF, 2017).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘This is a wonderful companion for Lent by David Walker. It is short but deep, and engages the reader in both prayer and reflection. A perfect way to explore what it means for all of us to belong to Christ in a challenging world.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJustin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery day during Lent Bishop David Walker invites us to look afresh at a Biblical character or saint. We gain new insights into their lives. He helps us journey through Lent with a deeper knowledge of how much God loves and treasures us. God reminds us ‘You are mine.’ David draws on his experience as an ordinary member of a family and a friend, a theologian and a Bishop. God’s desire is for us to belong to Jesus and to each other.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘I have a great admiration and respect for David Walker. It was so good to read these revealing reflections on the scriptures which he offers in the light of his experience. They are highly accessible while being theologically profound. I hope others will find them as illuminating and inspiring as I did.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Inge, Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘Using Lenten scriptural readings and rooted in his own personal journey, David Walker helps us to recognise the presence and activity of God in our own life, and as a consequence our connectedness and belonging to all God’s creation. This is down-to-earth, sound biblical and pastoral theology, as you would expect from Bishop David.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrother Benedict, Provincial Minister, The Society of St Francis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘In these thoughtful, touching and often candid reflections, David Walker reveals how he learned that we belong to God through other people. In his father, teachers, therapist, wife, parishioners, children and grandchildren, God becomes vividly present to him through fierce love, inspiring intellect, warm hospitality, quiet wisdom – and even the hatred of a suicide bomber’s attack on the city where Walker is much-loved bishop.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Vallely, author of \u003cem\u003ePope Francis: Untying the knots – the struggle for the soul of Catholicism\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘In this remarkable collection of devotions, David Walker combines deeply personal reflections with refreshingly practical observations on the Christian life. The message is humble and clear: in our Lenten battles for our better selves, we belong to God and to one another. This is writing as liberating as it is demanding – full of challenge, comfort and quiet joy.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoretta Minghella, First Church Estates Commissioner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry online, February 2020. Review by Sue Piper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis treasure of a Lent book has moved me deeply. David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, has given us a very personal insight into his own journey of faith as well as encouraging us to understand the meaning of scripture as it may relate our own lives. It has been very helpful to link directly with the God we worship and how He makes His presence felt to us, as individuals, each day, in all of our relationships with one another. The language is honest and straightforward, and the Lenten season will be greatly enhanced by our understanding of belonging to God and belonging to one another as family and as community, both locally and globally. There is much material for personal reflection and this book may well lend itself for study group sessions set over a period of time, not necessarily restricted to Lent. The author offers us wisdom, honesty, joy, and understanding. It teaches us to open our hearts with love for not only the chosen scriptures but will encourage us to use Bishop David’s wisdom in our everyday encounters with one another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Sue Piper\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, February 2020. Review by Jenny Mills\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[In \u003cem\u003eYou Are Mine \u003c\/em\u003eby David Walker] each day there is a Bible text related to the theme of Christian belonging, and a reflection that is both personal and challenging, and both informative and engaging. Walker uses his wealth of faith experience. He opens with: ‘How do we belong with God and with Jesus? And how do our human lives help or hinder us along the way?’ Each day is no more than three pages. This book is relevant for the times in which we live, and addresses current topics as well as reflecting on biblical texts.\u003cem\u003eYou are Mine\u003c\/em\u003e requires setting aside a little more time [than normal Bible reading notes] in order to benefit from its content. I particularly valued the depth of [this book].\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenny Mills is Minister of Newport Pagnell United Reformed Church and West End United Church, Wolverton, Buckinghamshire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 17.01.20. Philip Welsh's Lent book roundup 2020 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eYou Are Mine\u003c\/em\u003e, David Walker invites his readers to join him at a popular level in the investigation of Christian belonging which has preoccupied him academically over a number of years. His daily reflections are loosely grouped into belonging with God, and belonging ‘with the people who are closest to us; with the great figures of the Bible and Christian faith; with the wider community and its special places; and with the big celebrations and events of the Christian cycle and human life’ — concluding with the events of Holy Week. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach day starts with a short Bible passage, which acts as a springboard for the notably personal reflections by the author — among other things, drawing on the experiences of his upbringing, of therapy, and of his life as parish priest, as bishop, and as grandfather. The daily prayer highlights the general theme within the individual story. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat emerges is a wise, humane, and generous spirituality. At times, it is a bit more affective than some of us feel comfortable with — producing these reflections is ‘like writing a series of love letters to God’; ‘I can feel the warmth of his smile’ – but there is also a strong and sharp commitment to social issues. He does not seek to shock, but quite often is pleasingly heterodox: he applauds Sunday-afternoon christenings; respects the faith of occasional churchgoers; hates changing the words of hymns; finds his faith encouraged by adherents of other faiths; and is ‘convinced that most politicians go into that work out of a deep and genuine desire to serve their community’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a Lent book for developing daily Bible-reading. It will appeal to those looking for a \u003cem\u003eThought for the Day\u003c\/em\u003e-style piece, linked to scripture, that builds into an attractive picture of Christian life as lived by an engaging representative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Philip Welsh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilding on his previous book, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/gods-belongers-how-people-engage-with-god-today-and-how-the-church-can-help?_pos=3\u0026amp;_sid=3076f9f36\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod’s Belongers\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, Bishop David Walker takes explores how activities, events, places and people enable us to know that we belong with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book explores what it means to belong with God – note, not belong \u003cem\u003eto\u003c\/em\u003e God but \u003cem\u003ewith\u003c\/em\u003e God. Using daily reflections, the Bishop of Manchester takes us through Lent and in to Holy Week. These weekly themes are interspersed, on Sundays, with thoughts on the Lectionary Gospel reading for the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of the weekday readings follows a particular theme within the overall topic of belonging. Bishop David considers how we belong to the Father and the Son, in relationships with others, and with the saints (primarily figures in the Old and New Testament but also Francis of Assisi and Ignatius Loyola). He also turns his attention to complex issues in the society in which we belong and the importance of celebrations and festivals such as Christmas and christenings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author acknowledges early on that he reveals more about his own faith and challenges than in anything else he has written and indeed there is a significant degree of autobiography contained in the book’s pages. Reading \u003cem\u003eYou Are Mine\u003c\/em\u003e with that context in mind will enable individual readers to do so in a way they find personally helpful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this reviewer, this is a book which clergy and those in paid ministry would find especially helpful. It offers some of David Walker’s own experience of the joys, frustrations and practicalities of ‘parish life’ as well as thought-provoking ideas about how churches can enable people, whether inside or outside their walls, to feel they belong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Holy Week, Bishop David takes what might be called a more ‘traditional’ Lent book approach. Following the events of the most important week in the year, he offers valuable comments and interpretations, old and new. In doing so, the book concludes on the strongest of notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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You Are Mine: Daily Bible readings from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day
£8.99
'Again and again, as I have sought to look into both the scriptures and my own life, I have heard...
{"id":7487719538879,"title":"Christmas Voices","handle":"christmas-voices","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25 short reflective pieces for the Christmas season written by Claire Musters, travelling through promise and preparation to joy, peace and finally love. Along the way we encounter a choir of diverse voices sharing their favourite carols, poems and prayers, illustrated throughout with original colour artwork. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncludes contributions from Naomi Aidoo, Andy Angel, Jonathan Arnold, Imogen Ball, Ruth Bancewicz, Carl Beech, John Bell, Andrew Boakye, Catherine Butcher, Lyndall Bywater, Mags Duggan, Hannah Fytche, Gordon Giles, Paul Goodliff, Isabelle Hamley, Clare Hayns, Liz Hoare, Trystan Hughes, Lakshmi Jeffreys, Andy Kind, David Kitchen, Esther Kuku, Martin Leckebusch, Bekah Legg, Ann Lewin, Tanya Marlow, Leone Martin, Chine McDonald, Lucy Moore, Michele Morrison, Charmaine Noble-McLean, Emma Pennington, Pam Rhodes, Amy Scott Robinson, Margaret Silf, Meric Srokosz, Jo Swinney, Evie Vernon, Sally Welch and Natalie Williams.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Joy Margetts author, blogger... \u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ewww.joymargetts.com 09.12.23\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou know when the cover of a book just grabs you, and makes you want to pick it up? The first time I saw Christmas Voices, with its rich red, green and gold Christmassy cover, I wanted desperately to see what was inside. The inside did not disappoint! Not least because the colour illustrations continue inside. But also because this little book contains a wealth of Christmas treasure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreparing for Christmas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is designed to lead us through Advent, and prepare out hearts for Christmas. Claire Musters gives us 25 daily devotional thoughts, in four sections, reminding us that Jesus’ coming is about The Promise, The Preparation, Joy, Peace and Love. The scriptures Claire uses aren’t all the traditional Christmas ones, but each ties well into the theme. With her words are challenges and questions to ask ourselves, many of which spoke to me personally. There is encouragement too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVarious voices\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn between those reflective words are carols, poems and prayers selected by many other voices, some very familiar, some less so. These include Church leaders, ministry heads, and even some well known television personalities, all who come from a range of denominations and backgrounds. I am a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas music. Although there are a few good modern Christmas songs, lots of the familiar carols carry such beautiful truth filled messages. Many of these appear in the book, along with some less familiar and ancient Christmas songs. I did find one or two where the words were less biblical, but all made me want to put on the Christmas music, or find the less familiar ones on YouTube. The reasons given for the songs and poems chosen I found really interesting. There are some personal and revealing stories amongst those voices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight read with spiritual depth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough I guess this book is designed to be used during the Advent period, I don’t think it should be confined to that. It can be used as a daily devotional aid, or can be picked up and dipped into at any time. I used it this way. It would also be a great book to have out on the coffee table during the Christmas period, for friends and family to dip into. It is a light read but not without spiritual depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristmas Voices is a lovely book, and full of good things. Much like a well decorated Christmas tree, with its collections of old and new decorations, lights and treats, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And it looks good too!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJoy Margetts is a published author and blogger. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview by \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVicki Cottingham author, blogger, speaker…\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have thoroughly enjoyed reading this small, special Advent Devotional and so I am recommending it here to you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe twenty-five devotions are separated into five weekly themes on The Promise, The Preparation, Joy, Peace and Love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe daily reflections written by Claire are thought provoking, encouraging and challenging. Each day there is also a passage of Scripture to read, and Claire finishes each devotion with a prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes this devotional unique, in my eyes, are the voices of many others shared within the pages of this book. We hear which carol, or poem, or prayer is special to them and why it has a special place in their hearts. We hear from people such as Mags Duggan, Carl Beech and Pam Rhodes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love to sing carols at Christmas time (often starting very early in November!), but I don’t always concentrate on the words of the carol. Having the words of various carols within this book meant that I slowed down to really read the words. There are some wonderful truths within these carols that I had never noticed before. It has encouraged me to explore more of the carols we sing and really take note of the words I am singing and the truth that is proclaimed in verse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book which can be read daily throughout December and which can help us to focus on the one Christmas is all about and all that his birth means for us today. Or you may like to take time each day just to dip in and out of this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vickicottingham.wordpress.com\/2023\/11\/30\/book-review-christmas-voices-by-claire-musters\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/vickicottingham.wordpress.com\/2023\/11\/30\/book-review-christmas-voices-by-claire-musters\/\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-05-09T17:58:43+01:00","created_at":"2023-05-09T17:58:43+01:00","vendor":"BRFonline","type":"Paperback","tags":["Advent","Christmas","Gift","Glassboxx","KCLC"],"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":43664188768447,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392304","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34423219617983,"product_id":7487719538879,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-05-09T17:59:39+01:00","updated_at":"2023-05-09T17:59:40+01:00","alt":null,"width":1949,"height":1831,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ChristmasVoices.jpg?v=1683651580","variant_ids":[43664188768447]},"available":true,"name":"Christmas Voices - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":253,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392304","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":27039831883967,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1831,"width":1949,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ChristmasVoices.jpg?v=1683651580"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ChristmasVoices.jpg?v=1683651580"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ChristmasVoices.jpg?v=1683651580","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27039831883967,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1831,"width":1949,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ChristmasVoices.jpg?v=1683651580"},"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1831,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ChristmasVoices.jpg?v=1683651580","width":1949}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25 short reflective pieces for the Christmas season written by Claire Musters, travelling through promise and preparation to joy, peace and finally love. Along the way we encounter a choir of diverse voices sharing their favourite carols, poems and prayers, illustrated throughout with original colour artwork. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncludes contributions from Naomi Aidoo, Andy Angel, Jonathan Arnold, Imogen Ball, Ruth Bancewicz, Carl Beech, John Bell, Andrew Boakye, Catherine Butcher, Lyndall Bywater, Mags Duggan, Hannah Fytche, Gordon Giles, Paul Goodliff, Isabelle Hamley, Clare Hayns, Liz Hoare, Trystan Hughes, Lakshmi Jeffreys, Andy Kind, David Kitchen, Esther Kuku, Martin Leckebusch, Bekah Legg, Ann Lewin, Tanya Marlow, Leone Martin, Chine McDonald, Lucy Moore, Michele Morrison, Charmaine Noble-McLean, Emma Pennington, Pam Rhodes, Amy Scott Robinson, Margaret Silf, Meric Srokosz, Jo Swinney, Evie Vernon, Sally Welch and Natalie Williams.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Joy Margetts author, blogger... \u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ewww.joymargetts.com 09.12.23\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou know when the cover of a book just grabs you, and makes you want to pick it up? The first time I saw Christmas Voices, with its rich red, green and gold Christmassy cover, I wanted desperately to see what was inside. The inside did not disappoint! Not least because the colour illustrations continue inside. But also because this little book contains a wealth of Christmas treasure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreparing for Christmas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is designed to lead us through Advent, and prepare out hearts for Christmas. Claire Musters gives us 25 daily devotional thoughts, in four sections, reminding us that Jesus’ coming is about The Promise, The Preparation, Joy, Peace and Love. The scriptures Claire uses aren’t all the traditional Christmas ones, but each ties well into the theme. With her words are challenges and questions to ask ourselves, many of which spoke to me personally. There is encouragement too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVarious voices\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn between those reflective words are carols, poems and prayers selected by many other voices, some very familiar, some less so. These include Church leaders, ministry heads, and even some well known television personalities, all who come from a range of denominations and backgrounds. I am a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas music. Although there are a few good modern Christmas songs, lots of the familiar carols carry such beautiful truth filled messages. Many of these appear in the book, along with some less familiar and ancient Christmas songs. I did find one or two where the words were less biblical, but all made me want to put on the Christmas music, or find the less familiar ones on YouTube. The reasons given for the songs and poems chosen I found really interesting. There are some personal and revealing stories amongst those voices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight read with spiritual depth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough I guess this book is designed to be used during the Advent period, I don’t think it should be confined to that. It can be used as a daily devotional aid, or can be picked up and dipped into at any time. I used it this way. It would also be a great book to have out on the coffee table during the Christmas period, for friends and family to dip into. It is a light read but not without spiritual depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristmas Voices is a lovely book, and full of good things. Much like a well decorated Christmas tree, with its collections of old and new decorations, lights and treats, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And it looks good too!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJoy Margetts is a published author and blogger. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview by \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVicki Cottingham author, blogger, speaker…\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have thoroughly enjoyed reading this small, special Advent Devotional and so I am recommending it here to you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe twenty-five devotions are separated into five weekly themes on The Promise, The Preparation, Joy, Peace and Love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe daily reflections written by Claire are thought provoking, encouraging and challenging. Each day there is also a passage of Scripture to read, and Claire finishes each devotion with a prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes this devotional unique, in my eyes, are the voices of many others shared within the pages of this book. We hear which carol, or poem, or prayer is special to them and why it has a special place in their hearts. We hear from people such as Mags Duggan, Carl Beech and Pam Rhodes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love to sing carols at Christmas time (often starting very early in November!), but I don’t always concentrate on the words of the carol. Having the words of various carols within this book meant that I slowed down to really read the words. There are some wonderful truths within these carols that I had never noticed before. It has encouraged me to explore more of the carols we sing and really take note of the words I am singing and the truth that is proclaimed in verse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book which can be read daily throughout December and which can help us to focus on the one Christmas is all about and all that his birth means for us today. Or you may like to take time each day just to dip in and out of this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vickicottingham.wordpress.com\/2023\/11\/30\/book-review-christmas-voices-by-claire-musters\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/vickicottingham.wordpress.com\/2023\/11\/30\/book-review-christmas-voices-by-claire-musters\/\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Christmas Voices
£9.99
25 short reflective pieces for the Christmas season written by Claire Musters, travelling through promise and preparation to joy, peace...
{"id":3945403252830,"title":"What’s in the Bible (for me)?: 50 readings and reflections","handle":"what-s-in-the-bible-for-me-50-readings-and-reflections","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhere do you start with reading the Bible? Here's the perfect gift for Messy Church families and others new to Bible reading – a booklet of 50 bite-sized Bible passages, selected to cover the wide span of the Bible story across Old and New Testaments, with a reflection on each passage by Messy Church founder Lucy Moore. Written in a user-friendly and jargon-free style, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eWhat’s in the Bible (for me)?\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is designed to encourage individuals and families alike to start reading the Bible and find out what it has to say to them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eWhat’s in the Bible (for me)?\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eexplores the big journey of the Bible. And maybe, as we see the bigger picture, it will help us understand our own journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/K_DzaZLLagw\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church. She promotes Messy Church nationally and internationally through training and speaking events, and is the author of a number of books for BRF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 04.12.20. Review by Catherine Pickford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(See also: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-in-messy-church-discipleship-sessions-for-churches?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=468caaaa0\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eHoly Habits in Messy Church: Discipleship sessions for churches\u003c\/a\u003e; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-bible-reflections-serving-40-readings-and-reflections?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=82589c7da\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eHoly Habits Bible Reflections: Serving: 40 readings and reflections\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-group-studies-serving-leaders-guide?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=db314fabf\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eHoly Habits Group Studies Serving: Leader’s guide\u003c\/a\u003e) \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll four of these books seek, in different ways, to help their readers to weave “holy habits”, such as generosity, servanthood, worship, and discipleship, deeper into their daily lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat’s in the Bible (For Me)?\u003c\/em\u003e explores the theme of journey in 50 short sections. Each has a Bible reading, a reflection, a question, and a challenge or thought. The deceptively simple format covers a great deal of ground, from the reader’s personal faith journey with God to the social-justice themes of homelessness, the plight of asylum seekers, and the Church’s mission to the poorest in our society. In this little book, Moore connects Bible passages with issues in our modern world and asks what it means to be on a journey with Jesus and how this changes the way Christians live.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits in Messy Church\u003c\/em\u003e is my favourite type of Messy Church book, one with plenty of practical sessions. As part of the introduction, one co-author, Andrew Roberts, offers the analogy of Lego: the maker ‘might follow the booklet once, but then they throw it away and create all sorts of wonderful things.' One of the great strengths of Messy Church is its creators’ commitment to giving it away, and letting churches make it their own. Holy Habits in Messy Church encourages exactly that. There are 11 sessions around holy habit themes, including gladness and generosity, serving, and worship, with a short Bible reading and a story, and then a selection of craft ideas to mix and match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe last quarter of the book is dedicated to ‘messy vintage’, which is Messy Church for older people. Each of the 11 sessions contains a Bible reading, a single activity, some questions for discussion, a prayer, and a song suggestion. They resemble a hybrid between a Bible study and a prayer station and could be easily adapted for mixed groups of adults and children, or incorporated into a larger act of worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eService is prominent in the national consciousness at present, as we celebrate and thank God for key workers, whose acts of service are necessary to our survival. These last two titles reflect on the nature of service as a holy habit, and how a willingness to serve may become embedded in the Christian’s daily life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits Bible Reflections: Serving \u003c\/em\u003eis one of a series of ten books designed to be used daily over an eight-week period by an individual or group. It offers a two-page spread per day, with a Bible reading, reflection, and prayer. The format is simple and effective, and the four authors complement one another with clear voices and different styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits Group Studies: Serving\u003c\/em\u003e is Bible-study material designed to support churches in offering service through mission, discipleship, and social action. The four authors move deftly from the theoretical to the practical, and encourage the group to wrestle with the question of how faith affects the way we live.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a parish priest, I would want to think carefully about how to use this book. The group is likely to come up with action points that are suggestions for the whole church. They will need a way of presenting their ideas to the church, perhaps through a slot in the PCC meeting. Another idea would be to use part of this study material at the PCC meeting itself to generate an action plan for the whole church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaken together, these four books challenge their readers, in different ways, to mould their lives to be more like that of Jesus by adopting holy habits so as to be of service to others as individuals and as a church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Ven. Catherine Pickford, Archdeacon of Northolt, London.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices, June 2020 (PV33). Review by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt a time when we wonder whether the church is relevant and why people don’t read the Bible, Messy Church has found imaginative ways of presenting and interpreting scripture. Today’s consumerist message of ‘what’s in it for me?’, is adapted in her attractive and useful little book. Lucy presents fifty themes based on the Bible (one third Old Testament, two thirds New Testament) such as leaving home, making mistakes, feeling lost and being found.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis thematic approach, using a short Biblical passage followed by a reflection, makes the book immediate, practical, and useful for everyday encounters, as well as for discussion groups and, in the right context, schools. Little is lost and much is gained by using themes in this way. Nor is it trite to say that there is ‘strength in travelling together’ and in having ‘the stubbornness to keep you moving’, and ‘the compass, map and star to read’ (the final reflection in the book). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuch thoughts acknowledge the transforming impact of the Holy Spirit in everyday life. And it’s not Machiavellian of the Church to suggest that we all relate to metaphors, so why not recognise an effective communication channel where it exists. ‘The journey of a human being like you or me towards a destination that becomes clearer with each step’: that’s what’s in it for you and me and the rest of us.\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 Catherine Ball\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a delightful little book written by the founder of Messy Church. It is an eminently readable book, giving a sweeping survey of the entire Bible. Following the theme of journeys, Moore takes us from the story of Adam and Eve, the journey of a family leaving home, through the journey of the ancient nation of Israel, the journey of God coming from heaven to earth and back in Jesus the Messiah, the journey of a new way of life, the early Church and the journey of human beings in faith towards God. It includes women of the Bible and questions to invite further consideration. The language is accessible, concise and clear. Its brevity does not mean that it is simplistic or trite: it offers deeply thought out theology in understandable language. It would be ideal to give to those interested in Christianity, newish Christians or those who want to build upon their Bible knowledge as an aid to growth in discipleship. It has warmth and a human element to which anyone could relate. The broad framework gives an excellent foundation for a balanced and full understanding of Christian faith and life. In these days of short video clips, pictures and soundbites, this is a book that many people would easily read – and finish! It also gives great encouragement in times of difficulty and uncertainty, apt for our lives under the current Covid-19 restrictions. The book is positive, life enhancing and an easy read to curl up with while being stuck in the house.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Catherine Ball is Minister of The Free Church, St Ives, and Fenstanton United Reformed Church, Cambridgeshire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2019-08-13T11:10:49+01:00","created_at":"2019-08-13T11:12:12+01:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Feb-20","KCLC","Messy Church books"],"price":499,"price_min":499,"price_max":499,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":499,"compare_at_price_min":499,"compare_at_price_max":499,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":29434864402526,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857467607","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"What’s in the Bible (for me)?: 50 readings and reflections","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":499,"weight":99,"compare_at_price":499,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467607","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467607.jpg?v=1565691135"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467607.jpg?v=1565691135","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3308723798155,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.718,"height":1392,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467607.jpg?v=1565691135"},"aspect_ratio":0.718,"height":1392,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467607.jpg?v=1565691135","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhere do you start with reading the Bible? Here's the perfect gift for Messy Church families and others new to Bible reading – a booklet of 50 bite-sized Bible passages, selected to cover the wide span of the Bible story across Old and New Testaments, with a reflection on each passage by Messy Church founder Lucy Moore. Written in a user-friendly and jargon-free style, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eWhat’s in the Bible (for me)?\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is designed to encourage individuals and families alike to start reading the Bible and find out what it has to say to them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eWhat’s in the Bible (for me)?\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eexplores the big journey of the Bible. And maybe, as we see the bigger picture, it will help us understand our own journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/K_DzaZLLagw\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church. She promotes Messy Church nationally and internationally through training and speaking events, and is the author of a number of books for BRF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 04.12.20. Review by Catherine Pickford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(See also: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-in-messy-church-discipleship-sessions-for-churches?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=468caaaa0\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eHoly Habits in Messy Church: Discipleship sessions for churches\u003c\/a\u003e; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-bible-reflections-serving-40-readings-and-reflections?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=82589c7da\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eHoly Habits Bible Reflections: Serving: 40 readings and reflections\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-group-studies-serving-leaders-guide?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=db314fabf\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eHoly Habits Group Studies Serving: Leader’s guide\u003c\/a\u003e) \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll four of these books seek, in different ways, to help their readers to weave “holy habits”, such as generosity, servanthood, worship, and discipleship, deeper into their daily lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat’s in the Bible (For Me)?\u003c\/em\u003e explores the theme of journey in 50 short sections. Each has a Bible reading, a reflection, a question, and a challenge or thought. The deceptively simple format covers a great deal of ground, from the reader’s personal faith journey with God to the social-justice themes of homelessness, the plight of asylum seekers, and the Church’s mission to the poorest in our society. In this little book, Moore connects Bible passages with issues in our modern world and asks what it means to be on a journey with Jesus and how this changes the way Christians live.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits in Messy Church\u003c\/em\u003e is my favourite type of Messy Church book, one with plenty of practical sessions. As part of the introduction, one co-author, Andrew Roberts, offers the analogy of Lego: the maker ‘might follow the booklet once, but then they throw it away and create all sorts of wonderful things.' One of the great strengths of Messy Church is its creators’ commitment to giving it away, and letting churches make it their own. Holy Habits in Messy Church encourages exactly that. There are 11 sessions around holy habit themes, including gladness and generosity, serving, and worship, with a short Bible reading and a story, and then a selection of craft ideas to mix and match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe last quarter of the book is dedicated to ‘messy vintage’, which is Messy Church for older people. Each of the 11 sessions contains a Bible reading, a single activity, some questions for discussion, a prayer, and a song suggestion. They resemble a hybrid between a Bible study and a prayer station and could be easily adapted for mixed groups of adults and children, or incorporated into a larger act of worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eService is prominent in the national consciousness at present, as we celebrate and thank God for key workers, whose acts of service are necessary to our survival. These last two titles reflect on the nature of service as a holy habit, and how a willingness to serve may become embedded in the Christian’s daily life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits Bible Reflections: Serving \u003c\/em\u003eis one of a series of ten books designed to be used daily over an eight-week period by an individual or group. It offers a two-page spread per day, with a Bible reading, reflection, and prayer. The format is simple and effective, and the four authors complement one another with clear voices and different styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits Group Studies: Serving\u003c\/em\u003e is Bible-study material designed to support churches in offering service through mission, discipleship, and social action. The four authors move deftly from the theoretical to the practical, and encourage the group to wrestle with the question of how faith affects the way we live.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a parish priest, I would want to think carefully about how to use this book. The group is likely to come up with action points that are suggestions for the whole church. They will need a way of presenting their ideas to the church, perhaps through a slot in the PCC meeting. Another idea would be to use part of this study material at the PCC meeting itself to generate an action plan for the whole church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaken together, these four books challenge their readers, in different ways, to mould their lives to be more like that of Jesus by adopting holy habits so as to be of service to others as individuals and as a church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Ven. Catherine Pickford, Archdeacon of Northolt, London.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices, June 2020 (PV33). Review by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt a time when we wonder whether the church is relevant and why people don’t read the Bible, Messy Church has found imaginative ways of presenting and interpreting scripture. Today’s consumerist message of ‘what’s in it for me?’, is adapted in her attractive and useful little book. Lucy presents fifty themes based on the Bible (one third Old Testament, two thirds New Testament) such as leaving home, making mistakes, feeling lost and being found.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis thematic approach, using a short Biblical passage followed by a reflection, makes the book immediate, practical, and useful for everyday encounters, as well as for discussion groups and, in the right context, schools. Little is lost and much is gained by using themes in this way. Nor is it trite to say that there is ‘strength in travelling together’ and in having ‘the stubbornness to keep you moving’, and ‘the compass, map and star to read’ (the final reflection in the book). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuch thoughts acknowledge the transforming impact of the Holy Spirit in everyday life. And it’s not Machiavellian of the Church to suggest that we all relate to metaphors, so why not recognise an effective communication channel where it exists. ‘The journey of a human being like you or me towards a destination that becomes clearer with each step’: that’s what’s in it for you and me and the rest of us.\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 Catherine Ball\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a delightful little book written by the founder of Messy Church. It is an eminently readable book, giving a sweeping survey of the entire Bible. Following the theme of journeys, Moore takes us from the story of Adam and Eve, the journey of a family leaving home, through the journey of the ancient nation of Israel, the journey of God coming from heaven to earth and back in Jesus the Messiah, the journey of a new way of life, the early Church and the journey of human beings in faith towards God. It includes women of the Bible and questions to invite further consideration. The language is accessible, concise and clear. Its brevity does not mean that it is simplistic or trite: it offers deeply thought out theology in understandable language. It would be ideal to give to those interested in Christianity, newish Christians or those who want to build upon their Bible knowledge as an aid to growth in discipleship. It has warmth and a human element to which anyone could relate. The broad framework gives an excellent foundation for a balanced and full understanding of Christian faith and life. In these days of short video clips, pictures and soundbites, this is a book that many people would easily read – and finish! It also gives great encouragement in times of difficulty and uncertainty, apt for our lives under the current Covid-19 restrictions. The book is positive, life enhancing and an easy read to curl up with while being stuck in the house.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Catherine Ball is Minister of The Free Church, St Ives, and Fenstanton United Reformed Church, Cambridgeshire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
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What’s in the Bible (for me)?: 50 readings and reflections
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Where do you start with reading the Bible? Here's the perfect gift for Messy Church families and others new to...
{"id":7367026409663,"title":"World Turned Upside Down","handle":"world-turned-upside-down","description":"\u003cp\u003eThere are no simple answers to life’s challenges, so how do we integrate our most testing experiences into our faith in a way which strengthens rather than undermines it? When we are at our weakest, when we feel we most need God and yet have no idea how to talk to him, it is the Psalms which leap to our rescue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the psalmists as our guides, we learn to draw closer to God, to hear his voice in fresh ways, and to identify what it is that troubles us. Borrowing their words, we find that we are able to articulate our most painful feelings and walk through suffering with honesty, hope, and confidence in the God who travels beside us. Here is an opportunity to read the Psalms differently: an invitation to embark on a new journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"150\" width=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Alison_Morgan_1_480x480.jpg?v=1678322105\" style=\"margin-right: 20px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Alison_Morgan_1_480x480.jpg?v=1678322105\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 20px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRevd Dr Alison Morgan \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehas written widely on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eliterature, theology and the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChristian life. She \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eis \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003ean Associate of the Mathetes Trust, where she \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eoversees the Rooted in Jesus discipleship programme for Africa, now in use in 19 countries\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Alison has a PhD from Cambridge \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003efor her work on the Italian poet Dante, and in her spare time enjoys birdwatching, walking and photography.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eForeword by \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘The Psalms take us on a journey; and they take us on foot… in a sense walking is the dominant theme of the entire Psalter.’ So writes Alison Morgan in her highly perceptive, reflective and personal exploration of this great repository of timeless wisdom. Alison is the ideal walking companion and guide, walking not racing, never charging on ahead, always taking time to stop, to absorb the view and to ponder. She shares her personal experiences – of pregnancy, of rejection, of confusion, of bereavement, of times when her world has been turned upside down – in such a gentle manner as to invite the reader to call to mind the highs and lows they have similarly experienced, endured or enjoyed. As well as being intimately familiar with the landmarks, Alison is the kind of guide who inspires confidence: she has trodden this path before, she reads the map, she knows the direction, she is not daunted by difficult terrain, scree or scramble, not held back by headwind, storm or fog.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt each stage, Alison’s method is to draw attention to a particular fea- ture of the Psalmist’s landscape, then, as readers and author together rest their gaze on that aspect, readers come to see how the Psalmist’s hard-won insights into the human condition can be a source of under- standing, perseverance, faith, and hope in their own lives. In the process they come to know themselves more fully; they also come to know God more fully, the God who has ‘searched me out and known me’. The best guides, of course, do more than show people the way; they also enable them to find their own way. Anyone who follows Alison’s guidance will be better equipped to return to the Psalms again and again and discover fresh insights of their own – and become a guide to others.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom the very outset of this book, it becomes clear to the reader that this walk is not an amiable, aimless ramble. Rather, the journey on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewhich Alison is the guide is a pilgrimage; indeed, as she points out, several psalms were themselves composed to accompany the pilgrim. As a disciple of the one who called himself the Way, the Truth and the Life, Alison discerns the presence of Jesus every step of the way. What Alison offers the reader here is a \u003cem\u003ecamino \u003c\/em\u003ethrough the Psalms. It is telling that the heading of the final chapter is ‘Coming home’.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI hope you will enjoy your pilgrim walk with Alison, that you will marvel \u003cspan\u003eat the beauty along the way, and marvel even more at the Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of it all; I wish you a rewarding journey and a safe homecoming.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs ever, Alison Morgan manages to convey a wealth of academic study in a deeply personal and accessible way. In this hope-filled book she applies the Psalms to the reality of every-day life and shows how they can help us express our own thoughts and feelings to God as well as listen to his response. Along the way she tackles issues such as meaning, lament, identity – and especially pain which, like fire, can ‘burn or refine’. In her own poetic language she illustrates the poetry of the psalms which ‘demands to be felt more than thought about’ and expresses what it feels like to be human. ‘World Turned Upside Down’ is practical as well as inspirational. It points to the way in which the Psalms can help us to grow through our suffering rather than be crushed by it, and includes moving and profound meditations on creation and death. This book is all about looking at life differently, and its message could hardly be more apt in today’s culture: namely that, however hard it may sometimes be to believe, ‘God is sovereign, and God is with us’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBishop James Newcome\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Written with great insight and compassion, this deep dive into the Psalms is a much- needed book, at a time when suffering has come home to so many. Alison Morgan deftly explores the many ways in which the ancient poetry of the Psalms can speak into our own lives, so that we really understand what it means to say of these scrip- tures that “deep calls unto deep”.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMalcolm Guite, poet and life fellow of Girton College, Cambridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This book is stunningly \u003cem\u003ebeautiful\u003c\/em\u003e: as filled with light and shadow, and with energy and life, as the Psalms that form its subject and have power – so Alison Morgan argues – to turn things on their heads. But this is a book that is also \u003cem\u003efelt\u003c\/em\u003e. Alison “sees and sings” these ancient biblical songs, by mapping them onto the here and now of her own and others’ lived experience – and she does so with a visceral intensity, that invigorates the senses and discovers meaning in the sights, sounds and textures of places. This is a remarkable book, that brings memory, experience and theology into play with literature, art, music and even neuroscience, and does so with the lightest of touch and the sharpest of wit. It will surely inspire even those who have known the Psalms all their lives, as well as those for whom they are new or less familiar.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfessor\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eClare\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eA.P.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWillsdon,\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHistory\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eof\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eArt,\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSchool\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eof\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCulture\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eand\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCreative\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eArts, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUniversity of Glasgow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I found my journey through the Psalms with Alison Morgan eye-opening, encouraging and challenging. It was as though God was inviting me into a deeper level of com- munication and intimacy with him as Alison shared her reflections. She has given me tools and a desire to engage with the Psalms, and the God of the Psalms, more deeply and honestly.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBishop Martin Breytenbach, retired bishop of St Mark the Evangelist, Limpopo, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSouth Africa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘There is so much to enjoy throughout the book. Each chapter offers a stimulating breadth of literature, history, geography and natural sciences easily woven into the narrative. Many engaging stories illumine the text and demonstrate what may be involved in real, visceral engagement with God. There is a catholicity of scholarly perspectives deftly presented without being showy or obtrusive. Alison’s style is lucid and lyrical with occasional iridescence. There is evidence of substantial pastoral experience supporting people in different continents and cultures undergoing the common human condition of fiercely personal trials. This leads to realism in facing personal pain and the unreasonable reactions from others that can be so shocking in life’s adverse episodes.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRodney Green CBE, former chief executive, Leicester City Council, and author of \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e90,000 Hours: Managing the world of work\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This book is an excellent companion as you walk through the ups and downs of everyday life. It is a gentle yet deep reflection on personal and sometimes challenging experiences that can only strengthen and deepen one’s faith in God. Alison’s inter- cultural writing style will draw you in, whatever your cultural heritage or ethnicity. Her insights during this personal adventure through the Psalms will keep you engaged and genuinely bless you. In this book, you will find something which is critically rigorous, helpfully informative and personally meaningful and that you can use as part of your pattern of prayer. I wholeheartedly commend it to you.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRt Revd Dr Timothy Wambunya, honorary assistant bishop in the Diocese of Oxford and former bishop of Butere in Kenya\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This is a deeply personal book in which the author explores how the Psalms, in all their shades of light and dark, have illuminated and given shape to her own journey of faith. A most engaging read, vividly written.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon Patrick Woodhouse, former canon of Wells Cathedral and author of \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife in the Psalms\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Alison does not shrink either from the difficulties we face in life nor from the so-called difficult parts of the Psalms. Indeed she brings these two together, first by talking openly about the bad things that happen, some of them from her own life story, and then by using the words of the Psalms themselves to face, express and reassess our experience. A particular delight was reading Alison’s appreciation of the richness of the natural world, represented in the Psalms, illustrating their word pictures with her own examples full of awe and wonder.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Liz Hoare, tutor in spiritual formation, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Like the Psalms themselves, Alison’s book is refreshingly honest and abounds in insights from her extensive general knowledge and life experience. That makes it a very rich read. Alison draws the reader into their own journey of reflection on what it feels like to be human, with an understanding that we can only truly find ourselves as we discover God in all his multifaceted layers. I found this book immediately engaging, totally absorbing and ultimately healing and restorative.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon Andrew Evans, rector of Broughton Gifford, Great Chalfield and Holt, and rural dean of Bradford, Diocese of Salisbury\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘A book focused on pain could be a daunting prospect – and this one does make demands, inviting us to engage emotionally with our experience as well as in our thinking. But it does so with a lightness of touch, bringing numerous stories from personal experience, laced with wise reflection and playful humour. In all this the Psalms provide lenses through which to explore life’s hardest times and also words through which to express them. Inhabiting these ancient songs really can help turn our world the right way up.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Bill Goodman, assistant principal at St Peter’s College and director of ongoing ministerial development, Diocese of Sheffield\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry September 2023. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a powerful book which enables us to see the Psalms in all their glory. Alison Morgan has written a guide to the hymns of Israel that helps us to see their eternal relevance. They include making sense of life, dealing with pain, personal identity and the honesty we need to face suffering. Using her own experience and some powerful connecting analogies, the author helps us to see that we need a spirituality that is totally honest so that we might have a right relationship with God. Drawing on the work of Walter Brueggemann and others, she helps us to see how the Psalms can be about dislocation, feeling away from God – yet the very naming of our sins, doubts and fears is the way to help them lose their power as we can bring them to God. There is a great deal for a reader or preacher to learn from here – it can help us to develop an approach to pain and suffering which is both biblical and human.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2022-10-10T14:51:44+01:00","created_at":"2022-10-10T14:51:42+01:00","vendor":"Alison Morgan","type":"Paperback","tags":["Bereavement","Biblical engagement","Devotional","Glassboxx","KCLC","Pastoral care","Prayer","Spiritual care","Spirituality"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":41997426426047,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391666","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":33430612476095,"product_id":7367026409663,"position":1,"created_at":"2022-10-10T14:51:42+01:00","updated_at":"2022-10-10T14:51:44+01:00","alt":null,"width":1535,"height":2339,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorldTurnedUpsideDown.jpg?v=1665409904","variant_ids":[41997426426047]},"available":true,"name":"World Turned Upside Down - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1299,"weight":286,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391666","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":26020938743999,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorldTurnedUpsideDown.jpg?v=1665409904"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorldTurnedUpsideDown.jpg?v=1665409904"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorldTurnedUpsideDown.jpg?v=1665409904","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":26020938743999,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorldTurnedUpsideDown.jpg?v=1665409904"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorldTurnedUpsideDown.jpg?v=1665409904","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThere are no simple answers to life’s challenges, so how do we integrate our most testing experiences into our faith in a way which strengthens rather than undermines it? When we are at our weakest, when we feel we most need God and yet have no idea how to talk to him, it is the Psalms which leap to our rescue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the psalmists as our guides, we learn to draw closer to God, to hear his voice in fresh ways, and to identify what it is that troubles us. Borrowing their words, we find that we are able to articulate our most painful feelings and walk through suffering with honesty, hope, and confidence in the God who travels beside us. Here is an opportunity to read the Psalms differently: an invitation to embark on a new journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"150\" width=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Alison_Morgan_1_480x480.jpg?v=1678322105\" style=\"margin-right: 20px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Alison_Morgan_1_480x480.jpg?v=1678322105\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 20px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRevd Dr Alison Morgan \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehas written widely on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eliterature, theology and the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChristian life. She \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eis \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003ean Associate of the Mathetes Trust, where she \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eoversees the Rooted in Jesus discipleship programme for Africa, now in use in 19 countries\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Alison has a PhD from Cambridge \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003efor her work on the Italian poet Dante, and in her spare time enjoys birdwatching, walking and photography.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eForeword by \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘The Psalms take us on a journey; and they take us on foot… in a sense walking is the dominant theme of the entire Psalter.’ So writes Alison Morgan in her highly perceptive, reflective and personal exploration of this great repository of timeless wisdom. Alison is the ideal walking companion and guide, walking not racing, never charging on ahead, always taking time to stop, to absorb the view and to ponder. She shares her personal experiences – of pregnancy, of rejection, of confusion, of bereavement, of times when her world has been turned upside down – in such a gentle manner as to invite the reader to call to mind the highs and lows they have similarly experienced, endured or enjoyed. As well as being intimately familiar with the landmarks, Alison is the kind of guide who inspires confidence: she has trodden this path before, she reads the map, she knows the direction, she is not daunted by difficult terrain, scree or scramble, not held back by headwind, storm or fog.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt each stage, Alison’s method is to draw attention to a particular fea- ture of the Psalmist’s landscape, then, as readers and author together rest their gaze on that aspect, readers come to see how the Psalmist’s hard-won insights into the human condition can be a source of under- standing, perseverance, faith, and hope in their own lives. In the process they come to know themselves more fully; they also come to know God more fully, the God who has ‘searched me out and known me’. The best guides, of course, do more than show people the way; they also enable them to find their own way. Anyone who follows Alison’s guidance will be better equipped to return to the Psalms again and again and discover fresh insights of their own – and become a guide to others.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom the very outset of this book, it becomes clear to the reader that this walk is not an amiable, aimless ramble. Rather, the journey on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewhich Alison is the guide is a pilgrimage; indeed, as she points out, several psalms were themselves composed to accompany the pilgrim. As a disciple of the one who called himself the Way, the Truth and the Life, Alison discerns the presence of Jesus every step of the way. What Alison offers the reader here is a \u003cem\u003ecamino \u003c\/em\u003ethrough the Psalms. It is telling that the heading of the final chapter is ‘Coming home’.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI hope you will enjoy your pilgrim walk with Alison, that you will marvel \u003cspan\u003eat the beauty along the way, and marvel even more at the Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of it all; I wish you a rewarding journey and a safe homecoming.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs ever, Alison Morgan manages to convey a wealth of academic study in a deeply personal and accessible way. In this hope-filled book she applies the Psalms to the reality of every-day life and shows how they can help us express our own thoughts and feelings to God as well as listen to his response. Along the way she tackles issues such as meaning, lament, identity – and especially pain which, like fire, can ‘burn or refine’. In her own poetic language she illustrates the poetry of the psalms which ‘demands to be felt more than thought about’ and expresses what it feels like to be human. ‘World Turned Upside Down’ is practical as well as inspirational. It points to the way in which the Psalms can help us to grow through our suffering rather than be crushed by it, and includes moving and profound meditations on creation and death. This book is all about looking at life differently, and its message could hardly be more apt in today’s culture: namely that, however hard it may sometimes be to believe, ‘God is sovereign, and God is with us’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBishop James Newcome\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Written with great insight and compassion, this deep dive into the Psalms is a much- needed book, at a time when suffering has come home to so many. Alison Morgan deftly explores the many ways in which the ancient poetry of the Psalms can speak into our own lives, so that we really understand what it means to say of these scrip- tures that “deep calls unto deep”.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMalcolm Guite, poet and life fellow of Girton College, Cambridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This book is stunningly \u003cem\u003ebeautiful\u003c\/em\u003e: as filled with light and shadow, and with energy and life, as the Psalms that form its subject and have power – so Alison Morgan argues – to turn things on their heads. But this is a book that is also \u003cem\u003efelt\u003c\/em\u003e. Alison “sees and sings” these ancient biblical songs, by mapping them onto the here and now of her own and others’ lived experience – and she does so with a visceral intensity, that invigorates the senses and discovers meaning in the sights, sounds and textures of places. This is a remarkable book, that brings memory, experience and theology into play with literature, art, music and even neuroscience, and does so with the lightest of touch and the sharpest of wit. It will surely inspire even those who have known the Psalms all their lives, as well as those for whom they are new or less familiar.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfessor\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eClare\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eA.P.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWillsdon,\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHistory\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eof\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eArt,\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSchool\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eof\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCulture\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eand\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCreative\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eArts, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUniversity of Glasgow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I found my journey through the Psalms with Alison Morgan eye-opening, encouraging and challenging. It was as though God was inviting me into a deeper level of com- munication and intimacy with him as Alison shared her reflections. She has given me tools and a desire to engage with the Psalms, and the God of the Psalms, more deeply and honestly.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBishop Martin Breytenbach, retired bishop of St Mark the Evangelist, Limpopo, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSouth Africa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘There is so much to enjoy throughout the book. Each chapter offers a stimulating breadth of literature, history, geography and natural sciences easily woven into the narrative. Many engaging stories illumine the text and demonstrate what may be involved in real, visceral engagement with God. There is a catholicity of scholarly perspectives deftly presented without being showy or obtrusive. Alison’s style is lucid and lyrical with occasional iridescence. There is evidence of substantial pastoral experience supporting people in different continents and cultures undergoing the common human condition of fiercely personal trials. This leads to realism in facing personal pain and the unreasonable reactions from others that can be so shocking in life’s adverse episodes.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRodney Green CBE, former chief executive, Leicester City Council, and author of \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e90,000 Hours: Managing the world of work\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This book is an excellent companion as you walk through the ups and downs of everyday life. It is a gentle yet deep reflection on personal and sometimes challenging experiences that can only strengthen and deepen one’s faith in God. Alison’s inter- cultural writing style will draw you in, whatever your cultural heritage or ethnicity. Her insights during this personal adventure through the Psalms will keep you engaged and genuinely bless you. In this book, you will find something which is critically rigorous, helpfully informative and personally meaningful and that you can use as part of your pattern of prayer. I wholeheartedly commend it to you.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRt Revd Dr Timothy Wambunya, honorary assistant bishop in the Diocese of Oxford and former bishop of Butere in Kenya\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This is a deeply personal book in which the author explores how the Psalms, in all their shades of light and dark, have illuminated and given shape to her own journey of faith. A most engaging read, vividly written.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon Patrick Woodhouse, former canon of Wells Cathedral and author of \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife in the Psalms\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Alison does not shrink either from the difficulties we face in life nor from the so-called difficult parts of the Psalms. Indeed she brings these two together, first by talking openly about the bad things that happen, some of them from her own life story, and then by using the words of the Psalms themselves to face, express and reassess our experience. A particular delight was reading Alison’s appreciation of the richness of the natural world, represented in the Psalms, illustrating their word pictures with her own examples full of awe and wonder.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Liz Hoare, tutor in spiritual formation, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Like the Psalms themselves, Alison’s book is refreshingly honest and abounds in insights from her extensive general knowledge and life experience. That makes it a very rich read. Alison draws the reader into their own journey of reflection on what it feels like to be human, with an understanding that we can only truly find ourselves as we discover God in all his multifaceted layers. I found this book immediately engaging, totally absorbing and ultimately healing and restorative.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon Andrew Evans, rector of Broughton Gifford, Great Chalfield and Holt, and rural dean of Bradford, Diocese of Salisbury\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘A book focused on pain could be a daunting prospect – and this one does make demands, inviting us to engage emotionally with our experience as well as in our thinking. But it does so with a lightness of touch, bringing numerous stories from personal experience, laced with wise reflection and playful humour. In all this the Psalms provide lenses through which to explore life’s hardest times and also words through which to express them. Inhabiting these ancient songs really can help turn our world the right way up.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Bill Goodman, assistant principal at St Peter’s College and director of ongoing ministerial development, Diocese of Sheffield\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry September 2023. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a powerful book which enables us to see the Psalms in all their glory. Alison Morgan has written a guide to the hymns of Israel that helps us to see their eternal relevance. They include making sense of life, dealing with pain, personal identity and the honesty we need to face suffering. Using her own experience and some powerful connecting analogies, the author helps us to see that we need a spirituality that is totally honest so that we might have a right relationship with God. Drawing on the work of Walter Brueggemann and others, she helps us to see how the Psalms can be about dislocation, feeling away from God – yet the very naming of our sins, doubts and fears is the way to help them lose their power as we can bring them to God. There is a great deal for a reader or preacher to learn from here – it can help us to develop an approach to pain and suffering which is both biblical and human.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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World Turned Upside Down
£12.99
There are no simple answers to life’s challenges, so how do we integrate our most testing experiences into our faith...
{"id":14688733561212,"title":"Reimagining the Landscape of Faith: Essential pathways for spiritual growth","handle":"reimagining-the-landscape-of-faith-essential-pathways-to-spiritual-growth","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs this all there is to faith? Every Christian carries a map, a mental image of their journey through life, created from their Christian tradition, their cultural background and their understanding of the Bible. Most Christians will also, at some point in their life, begin to question their map – causing them to ask, ‘Is this all there is?’ and ‘How did I get here?’ Mary and Charles Hippsley help us to identify our faith map, including the unexamined assumptions that underpin it. Then, drawing on a range of sources of wisdom including personal experience, they gently encourage us to allow God to expand our map when we find that our faith doesn’t match up with the reality of life. They aim to equip the reader to navigate their journey towards maturity by exploring new paths and landscapes of faith.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMary Hippsley\u003c\/strong\u003e holds a Masters in Christian Spirituality from Sarum College and is a spiritual director and chaplain to a Christian charity. She also trains mentors, runs courses for ‘faith-strugglers’ and volunteers in a bereavement support group.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCharles Hippsley\u003c\/strong\u003e spent ten years as director of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC)’s Work Forum. Charles is also a spiritual director and trains others in his role as a tutor for the London Centre for Spiritual Direction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind out more about Mary and Charles at \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.reimaginefaithlandscape.com\"\u003ewww.reimaginefaithlandscape.com\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘As Eugene Peterson said, “There’s no such thing as your spiritual life, just your life.” Reimagining the Landscape of Faith explains how developing a robust inner life of self-awareness helps build deeper God-awareness, which flows into healthy, mature and long-lasting outward acts of service: at home, at church and at work. Using practical tools rooted in ancient wisdom, Charles and Mary help us to see how our experiences and assumptions have informed the maps we use to make sense of our lives – and encourage us to be cartographers who navigate the world with skill, empathy and grace.’ \u003cem\u003eTim Yearsley, Head of Innovation, LICC\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘This is the ideal guide to read as part of your spiritual journey. Charles and Mary have an amazing knack of unsettling us both kindly and knowingly to offer resources that help us at every twist and turn. You’re safe in their hands whichever route you take through the easy and tough times. I particularly appreciated how they shared so openly from their own experience, and I would heartily recommend that you make room for this wonderful resource in your backpack.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Chris Sheehan, Pioneer Distinctive Deacon, Worcester Diocese\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘As I read Reimagining the Landscape of Faith, it was as if two wonderfully gifted spiritual directors were guiding me along the past, present and future of my own faith journey. This is a refreshing and profound exploration of spirituality, brilliantly combining insights from scripture, theology, psychology and, of course, cartography. I have never been particularly good at reading actual maps but as a result of reading Reimagining, I feel much more able to make sense of my journey towards God.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Simon Steer, Chaplain, Abingdon School, and former Principal at Redcliffe College, Gloucester and The London School of Theology\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘In my role supporting Christian colleagues to grow and develop as they work in an international charity supporting children in challenging circumstances, I can see that this book will enable those I work with to open a space for a deeper relationship with God, and a sense of working together with God in the world. Reimagining the Landscape of Faith will help activists and those who are engaged in social justice to recognise that their action can be even more powerful when it is grounded in deeper self-awareness.’ \u003cem\u003eKezia M’Clelland, Director for People and Organisation, Viva\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Charles and Mary have been faithful companions on my spiritual journey for many years and I can’t wait to introduce them to others through this book! Their material hangs together well with a penetrating coherence, managing to make contributions from historical Christians and contemplatives much more accessible. In these pages they also vulnerably share their path through life and in doing so, undoubtedly equip others to find their own. Given today’s shifting and disorientating landscape of faith this is an incredibly timely book which offers fresh perspective on both ancient paths and contemporary thinking. I’m certain it will provoke courage to enable next steps in discovering the presence of God in unexpected places.’\u003cem\u003e Simon Shaw, Chair of Intercultural Churches, Derby City Vision and Jacob’s Well, Derby\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘As an African Pentecostal marrying an Anglo-French Catholic with a Dominican priest for a brother, my life – and understanding of God – has expanded far beyond the narrow boundaries I once set for myself. Much of this transformation I owe to the spiritual tools outlined in this book and the insights of its authors. Like me, you may have experienced profound loss, which fuels a deeper yearning for more. Mary and Charles guide us on this pursuit, challenging us to let go of rigid assumptions and unexamined certainty, to embrace critical reflection and humility. This book will guide you further and deeper on your spiritual pilgrimage.’ \u003cem\u003eAmoge Ukaegbu, anti-trafficking and modern slavery professional\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTransforming Ministry Autumn 2025. Review by Veronica Bright \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eSpiritual directors Mary and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eCharles Hippsley challenge \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003etheir readers to review their own Christian \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ejourneys. They aim is to show how we can \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ebecome more mature Christians, and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003edevelop a closer walk with God. After a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003edetailed conversation about maps and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003emapping, they encourage us to map our own \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003efaith journey throughout life so far, to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003econsider the present and how we arrived \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ehere, putting it into perspective with our \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eculture and the influences of the era in which \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ewe have lived. Readers receive guidance on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eleaving behind things that no longer work for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eus, addressing doubts and difficulties, and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eworking in partnership with God to grow in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eattitude and love. A particularly helpful \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003echapter addresses our doubts, our negative \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ethoughts, and our impulses and reactions. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe authors encourage a move from ‘a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eself-centric sense of inadequacy to a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eGod-centred sense of trust’, to relate to God \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ein a deeper way. The book concludes with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ehelpful advice on prayer, in particular how to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003emake use of Ignatius of Loyola’s spiritual \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003epractice of Examen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Veronica Bright \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eBaptist Times online 09.05.25. Review by Martin M’Caw \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cbr\u003eLooking at maps can be very interesting both in recalling past journeys and marking out a journey for the future. \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eReimagining the Landscape of Faith\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003epresents the journeys of faith as the factors which brought us to faith and where we might be heading in faith as a journey with difficulties or an adventure with all sorts of challenges.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThere and are eight main chapters, and each one has sub-headings that helpfully clarify our perception of the points being made. For example the heading for chapter two ‘Where has your map come from?’ has nine subsections which sharpen the focus, such as What has shaped your faith map? Cultural and Christian assumptions, being enriched by working out what we believe to be true, being enriched by maps from other Christian traditions which leads to how is my faith serving me as I go forwards?\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eTo query where we are at is not a denial of our faith. It is a test of faith to ask what am I facing in life, how am I handling it, where are my resources and what decisions do I need to make that will give me a true reflection of where I am in the landscape of faith. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe second part of the book asks the key question ‘Where are you on your journey?’ which is examined by further questions. What’s the process through your journey to maturity on Christ? How can we avoid getting stuck? How do we learn to grow through times of challenge? What can we do to co-operate with God in the process? How does a fresh perspective affect how we travel onwards? The section headings ease our reading as they indicate pertinent points in the evolution of our faith: skip some and concentrate on others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe chapter on disorientation, ‘what happens when your faith runs out?’, is very relevant in the face of questions that arise in connection with mental health issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe short section headed ‘What’s going on in disorientation’ is pertinent across the board whether one is a new or mature Christian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eReimagining the Landscape of Faith is an excellent practical tool for ways of developing faith when life is going normally, and also handling faith when the moral and spiritual battles of life threaten to overwhelm us and sink the ship. It’s a book to recommend and a must for the church library.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Revd Dr Martin M’Caw, a retired Baptist minister\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 11 April 2025. Review by Anne Spalding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe focus of this book is on our internal map for life and\/or for a Christian life, whether or not we have been conscious of it. The authors extensively describe what that is, how it is built up, and give examples of why making changes is often necessary and desirable. In the final two chapters and appendices, they begin to explore how those changes can be made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eCharles Hippsley starts with his own moment of wondering 'How did I get here? Is this all there is?' He had been an active Christian for many years and finally decided that he needed to take seriously the questions that he was asking himself and God. He explores the nature of maps, and then readers are encouraged to draw their own faith map.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eMary Hippsley then describes cultural and Christian assumptions that can shape our maps, also discussing how we interpret the Bible and work out what is true. Charles follows this up with psychological insights to understand better who we are — an essential starting point for journeying on.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe following chapters ask 'Where are you on your journey?' and 'What happens when your map runs out?' before reviewing the self-orientation that hinders us in taking the next steps. Mary rightly identifies disorientation as causing us to change, or being part of the process, and writes about her own experience: this was the only hint of the desperation ('I can’t go on like this') that, I find, is a common driver for humans to make changes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe final chapters and appendices point to approaches for journeying on in faith, most of which are widely known, including \u003ci\u003electio divina\u003c\/i\u003e and centring prayer. The Hippsleys also advocate the companionship of a spiritual director, or other wise person, in such a journey; and that is often so important. Nevertheless, human activities take centre stage throughout: I missed the sense of God’s part in calling, drawing, and meeting us as we journey on.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eOverall, there is much that is thought-provoking, but the emphasis is more that of a challenge to take steps forward in faith rather than of a guide to taking those steps.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eDr Anne Spalding is a member of the Third Order of the Society of St Francis, and lives in Suffolk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost, author and blogger. April 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMary and Charles Hippsley have taken the map out of their backpack, unfolded it and spread it before us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe authors take the basic premise that we all have a mental map of our spiritual journey. A map which contains different routes, landmarks and diversions which mark out our way of faith – and a few signposts to keep us on the right path as we journey with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eTheir aim is to give readers ‘space to reflect on the map you may be consciously or unconsciously using to find your way, even if there have been some unexpected twists to the journey you originally anticipated.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThey consider the significance of maps – different approaches to map making and map reading. What maps show us and what they don’t. To consider what may lie on the ‘next page of the atlas’, as it were. Readers are encouraged to draw their own map of their faith journey. This use the metaphor of maps and the parallels it provides is a strong and helpful element of the authors’ writing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWithin the book’s pages, the authors explore many different aspects of human emotions and behaviours and how they interact with our faith. They explore times of disorientation and disruption, and our location on the map (our understanding of self and place). At times the journey through the book becomes a bit uncomfortable and, for this reviewer, loses its way at times, but it was worth persevering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eFaith is not designed to stay in the same place and so we notice new things on our map and on the journey. Smartphones have changed our use of maps but they still show and hide what a journey will cover. Sometimes we need to look across the whole of the map and other times just details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eRather like when taking a long journey, we don’t always do it all at once. We travel in stages and this is a book to read in such a manner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\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. He is also the author of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003efive other books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-23T15:05:15+01:00","created_at":"2024-10-23T15:05:15+01:00","vendor":"Mary Hippsley and Charles Hippsley","type":"Paperback","tags":["Discipleship","For churches","For individuals","KCLC","Mentoring"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":53599683608956,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392717","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Reimagining the Landscape of Faith: Essential pathways for spiritual growth","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1299,"weight":278,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392717","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ReimaginingtheLandscapeofFaith.jpg?v=1729692223"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ReimaginingtheLandscapeofFaith.jpg?v=1729692223","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62714307576188,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ReimaginingtheLandscapeofFaith.jpg?v=1729692223"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ReimaginingtheLandscapeofFaith.jpg?v=1729692223","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIs this all there is to faith? Every Christian carries a map, a mental image of their journey through life, created from their Christian tradition, their cultural background and their understanding of the Bible. Most Christians will also, at some point in their life, begin to question their map – causing them to ask, ‘Is this all there is?’ and ‘How did I get here?’ Mary and Charles Hippsley help us to identify our faith map, including the unexamined assumptions that underpin it. Then, drawing on a range of sources of wisdom including personal experience, they gently encourage us to allow God to expand our map when we find that our faith doesn’t match up with the reality of life. They aim to equip the reader to navigate their journey towards maturity by exploring new paths and landscapes of faith.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMary Hippsley\u003c\/strong\u003e holds a Masters in Christian Spirituality from Sarum College and is a spiritual director and chaplain to a Christian charity. She also trains mentors, runs courses for ‘faith-strugglers’ and volunteers in a bereavement support group.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCharles Hippsley\u003c\/strong\u003e spent ten years as director of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC)’s Work Forum. Charles is also a spiritual director and trains others in his role as a tutor for the London Centre for Spiritual Direction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind out more about Mary and Charles at \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.reimaginefaithlandscape.com\"\u003ewww.reimaginefaithlandscape.com\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘As Eugene Peterson said, “There’s no such thing as your spiritual life, just your life.” Reimagining the Landscape of Faith explains how developing a robust inner life of self-awareness helps build deeper God-awareness, which flows into healthy, mature and long-lasting outward acts of service: at home, at church and at work. Using practical tools rooted in ancient wisdom, Charles and Mary help us to see how our experiences and assumptions have informed the maps we use to make sense of our lives – and encourage us to be cartographers who navigate the world with skill, empathy and grace.’ \u003cem\u003eTim Yearsley, Head of Innovation, LICC\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘This is the ideal guide to read as part of your spiritual journey. Charles and Mary have an amazing knack of unsettling us both kindly and knowingly to offer resources that help us at every twist and turn. You’re safe in their hands whichever route you take through the easy and tough times. I particularly appreciated how they shared so openly from their own experience, and I would heartily recommend that you make room for this wonderful resource in your backpack.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Chris Sheehan, Pioneer Distinctive Deacon, Worcester Diocese\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘As I read Reimagining the Landscape of Faith, it was as if two wonderfully gifted spiritual directors were guiding me along the past, present and future of my own faith journey. This is a refreshing and profound exploration of spirituality, brilliantly combining insights from scripture, theology, psychology and, of course, cartography. I have never been particularly good at reading actual maps but as a result of reading Reimagining, I feel much more able to make sense of my journey towards God.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Simon Steer, Chaplain, Abingdon School, and former Principal at Redcliffe College, Gloucester and The London School of Theology\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘In my role supporting Christian colleagues to grow and develop as they work in an international charity supporting children in challenging circumstances, I can see that this book will enable those I work with to open a space for a deeper relationship with God, and a sense of working together with God in the world. Reimagining the Landscape of Faith will help activists and those who are engaged in social justice to recognise that their action can be even more powerful when it is grounded in deeper self-awareness.’ \u003cem\u003eKezia M’Clelland, Director for People and Organisation, Viva\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Charles and Mary have been faithful companions on my spiritual journey for many years and I can’t wait to introduce them to others through this book! Their material hangs together well with a penetrating coherence, managing to make contributions from historical Christians and contemplatives much more accessible. In these pages they also vulnerably share their path through life and in doing so, undoubtedly equip others to find their own. Given today’s shifting and disorientating landscape of faith this is an incredibly timely book which offers fresh perspective on both ancient paths and contemporary thinking. I’m certain it will provoke courage to enable next steps in discovering the presence of God in unexpected places.’\u003cem\u003e Simon Shaw, Chair of Intercultural Churches, Derby City Vision and Jacob’s Well, Derby\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘As an African Pentecostal marrying an Anglo-French Catholic with a Dominican priest for a brother, my life – and understanding of God – has expanded far beyond the narrow boundaries I once set for myself. Much of this transformation I owe to the spiritual tools outlined in this book and the insights of its authors. Like me, you may have experienced profound loss, which fuels a deeper yearning for more. Mary and Charles guide us on this pursuit, challenging us to let go of rigid assumptions and unexamined certainty, to embrace critical reflection and humility. This book will guide you further and deeper on your spiritual pilgrimage.’ \u003cem\u003eAmoge Ukaegbu, anti-trafficking and modern slavery professional\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTransforming Ministry Autumn 2025. Review by Veronica Bright \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eSpiritual directors Mary and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eCharles Hippsley challenge \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003etheir readers to review their own Christian \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ejourneys. They aim is to show how we can \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ebecome more mature Christians, and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003edevelop a closer walk with God. After a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003edetailed conversation about maps and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003emapping, they encourage us to map our own \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003efaith journey throughout life so far, to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003econsider the present and how we arrived \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ehere, putting it into perspective with our \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eculture and the influences of the era in which \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ewe have lived. Readers receive guidance on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eleaving behind things that no longer work for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eus, addressing doubts and difficulties, and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eworking in partnership with God to grow in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eattitude and love. A particularly helpful \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003echapter addresses our doubts, our negative \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ethoughts, and our impulses and reactions. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe authors encourage a move from ‘a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eself-centric sense of inadequacy to a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eGod-centred sense of trust’, to relate to God \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ein a deeper way. The book concludes with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ehelpful advice on prayer, in particular how to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003emake use of Ignatius of Loyola’s spiritual \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003epractice of Examen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Veronica Bright \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eBaptist Times online 09.05.25. Review by Martin M’Caw \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cbr\u003eLooking at maps can be very interesting both in recalling past journeys and marking out a journey for the future. \u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eReimagining the Landscape of Faith\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003epresents the journeys of faith as the factors which brought us to faith and where we might be heading in faith as a journey with difficulties or an adventure with all sorts of challenges.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThere and are eight main chapters, and each one has sub-headings that helpfully clarify our perception of the points being made. For example the heading for chapter two ‘Where has your map come from?’ has nine subsections which sharpen the focus, such as What has shaped your faith map? Cultural and Christian assumptions, being enriched by working out what we believe to be true, being enriched by maps from other Christian traditions which leads to how is my faith serving me as I go forwards?\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eTo query where we are at is not a denial of our faith. It is a test of faith to ask what am I facing in life, how am I handling it, where are my resources and what decisions do I need to make that will give me a true reflection of where I am in the landscape of faith. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe second part of the book asks the key question ‘Where are you on your journey?’ which is examined by further questions. What’s the process through your journey to maturity on Christ? How can we avoid getting stuck? How do we learn to grow through times of challenge? What can we do to co-operate with God in the process? How does a fresh perspective affect how we travel onwards? The section headings ease our reading as they indicate pertinent points in the evolution of our faith: skip some and concentrate on others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe chapter on disorientation, ‘what happens when your faith runs out?’, is very relevant in the face of questions that arise in connection with mental health issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe short section headed ‘What’s going on in disorientation’ is pertinent across the board whether one is a new or mature Christian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eReimagining the Landscape of Faith is an excellent practical tool for ways of developing faith when life is going normally, and also handling faith when the moral and spiritual battles of life threaten to overwhelm us and sink the ship. It’s a book to recommend and a must for the church library.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Revd Dr Martin M’Caw, a retired Baptist minister\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 11 April 2025. Review by Anne Spalding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe focus of this book is on our internal map for life and\/or for a Christian life, whether or not we have been conscious of it. The authors extensively describe what that is, how it is built up, and give examples of why making changes is often necessary and desirable. In the final two chapters and appendices, they begin to explore how those changes can be made.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eCharles Hippsley starts with his own moment of wondering 'How did I get here? Is this all there is?' He had been an active Christian for many years and finally decided that he needed to take seriously the questions that he was asking himself and God. He explores the nature of maps, and then readers are encouraged to draw their own faith map.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eMary Hippsley then describes cultural and Christian assumptions that can shape our maps, also discussing how we interpret the Bible and work out what is true. Charles follows this up with psychological insights to understand better who we are — an essential starting point for journeying on.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe following chapters ask 'Where are you on your journey?' and 'What happens when your map runs out?' before reviewing the self-orientation that hinders us in taking the next steps. Mary rightly identifies disorientation as causing us to change, or being part of the process, and writes about her own experience: this was the only hint of the desperation ('I can’t go on like this') that, I find, is a common driver for humans to make changes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe final chapters and appendices point to approaches for journeying on in faith, most of which are widely known, including \u003ci\u003electio divina\u003c\/i\u003e and centring prayer. The Hippsleys also advocate the companionship of a spiritual director, or other wise person, in such a journey; and that is often so important. Nevertheless, human activities take centre stage throughout: I missed the sense of God’s part in calling, drawing, and meeting us as we journey on.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eOverall, there is much that is thought-provoking, but the emphasis is more that of a challenge to take steps forward in faith rather than of a guide to taking those steps.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eDr Anne Spalding is a member of the Third Order of the Society of St Francis, and lives in Suffolk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost, author and blogger. April 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMary and Charles Hippsley have taken the map out of their backpack, unfolded it and spread it before us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe authors take the basic premise that we all have a mental map of our spiritual journey. A map which contains different routes, landmarks and diversions which mark out our way of faith – and a few signposts to keep us on the right path as we journey with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eTheir aim is to give readers ‘space to reflect on the map you may be consciously or unconsciously using to find your way, even if there have been some unexpected twists to the journey you originally anticipated.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThey consider the significance of maps – different approaches to map making and map reading. What maps show us and what they don’t. To consider what may lie on the ‘next page of the atlas’, as it were. Readers are encouraged to draw their own map of their faith journey. This use the metaphor of maps and the parallels it provides is a strong and helpful element of the authors’ writing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWithin the book’s pages, the authors explore many different aspects of human emotions and behaviours and how they interact with our faith. They explore times of disorientation and disruption, and our location on the map (our understanding of self and place). At times the journey through the book becomes a bit uncomfortable and, for this reviewer, loses its way at times, but it was worth persevering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eFaith is not designed to stay in the same place and so we notice new things on our map and on the journey. Smartphones have changed our use of maps but they still show and hide what a journey will cover. Sometimes we need to look across the whole of the map and other times just details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eRather like when taking a long journey, we don’t always do it all at once. We travel in stages and this is a book to read in such a manner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\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. He is also the author of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003efive other books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Is this all there is to faith? Every Christian carries a map, a mental image of their journey through life,...
{"id":14688720191868,"title":"All Shall Be Well: Visions of salvation with Julian of Norwich","handle":"all-shall-be-well-visions-of-salvation-with-julian-of-norwich","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow can all be well in the world in which we live? \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat does ‘All shall be well’ mean when all is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003enot\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e well? \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThrough revelations ten to sixteen of her \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eRevelations of Divine Love\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, Julian of Norwich returns time and again to the idea that ‘all is well’. I\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003en her latest book Emma Pennington examines this popular mantra and explores what Julian really means by it, bringing depth and relevance to these words for the reader who lives in an age of pandemic, war and climate crisis which closely echoes Julian’s own. Through deep engagement with Julian’s visions of salvation Emma encourages the reader to reflect in prayer and devotion on their own personal relationship with God.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEmma Pennington is the canon missioner for Canterbury Cathedral. Formerly vicar of Garsington, Cuddesdon and Horspath in the Oxford Diocese and chaplain of Worcester College, Oxford, she has also been a prayer and spirituality adviser for the diocese and an area dean. She speaks widely about the spirituality of Julian of Norwich and is the author of At the Foot of the Cross with Julian of Norwich (BRF Ministries, 2020).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘In this accessible exploration, Emma Pennington situates Julian’s fears, hopes and convictions within a rich spiritual landscape, drawing deeply from the wells of Christian devotion and practice, and making incisive connections between contemporary experience and the wisdom Julian offers us from her anchorhold, giving body and substance to a message of strength and reassurance too often dismissed as trite or divorced from reality.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Richard Stanton, priest director of the Julian Shrine, Norwich\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Like with the best of friends, Emma Pennington listens, cajoles, puzzles and rejoices with Mother Julian. We discover they both share in hope and yet both know about pain that will not go away. We learn that salvation in Christ is neither a sticking plaster nor an answer to a heavenly equation. Rather in Christ we find a revelation of one who truly salves both body and soul eternally. We learn this can genuinely sustain us in what too often or perhaps more often is a “troublous life”. This is a compelling invitation to move from the shallows to the depths.’\u003cem\u003e The Very Revd David Monteith, dean of Canterbury\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Reading this book is an extraordinary encounter with a beautiful questioning holiness. Deep scholarship made elegantly accessible brings Mother Julian alive. The intensity of the experience of a mystic meets the questions of everyday life. The mystery of “all will be well” is integrated with a passion. It is a book that will help you grow in your faith and would be perfect for an Advent or Lent series in a church. Canon Pennington has written a scholarly devotional text that nestles right alongside the work of Henri Nouwen. Truly, read this book: you will find yourself on holy ground.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Very Revd Ian S. Markham PhD, dean and president of Virginia Theological Seminary and the president of The General Theological Seminary\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘This is a beautifully written book which is both refreshing and original. In it, Julian’s writings are interwoven with scripture and set within the devotional literature and landscape of the time, giving both rootedness and context. It is a book which is the fruit not only of careful study, but also of prayerful pondering and reflection. Emma has known CSMV over a number of years, and I’m delighted to commend All Shall Be Well both to those who are new to Julian of Norwich and those who wish to go deeper.’ S\u003cem\u003eister Elizabeth Jane CSMV, Community of St Mary the Virgin, Wantage\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘A wonderful, carefully researched book, which combines an account of devotional practices current in medieval times with the relevance of Julian’s teaching for people of today. Proposed as a spiritual director, Emma Pennington’s Julian speaks straight to the heart as well as to the mind.’ \u003cem\u003eElizabeth Ruth Obbard ODC, Carmelite nun of Quidenham, and a writer and spiritual director\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Emma Pennington is a wise and insightful guide to the writings of Julian of Norwich. She invites us to make Julian our own spiritual companion as we seek to draw closer to God ourselves. Placing Julian in her wider context, she also enables us to see how her work was part of a broader tapestry of spiritual wisdom, which this book presents in fresh and illuminating ways. Not least, like Julian herself, Emma helps us face the challenges of faith lived out in a broken world, while also encouraging us to be a people of joyous hope and generous humanity.’ \u003cem\u003eAndrew Braddock, dean of Norwich\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Having used Emma’s last book so successfully as the Friends of Julian Lent Book, we’re delighted to see this sequel completing, as it does, consideration of the revelations after Julian’s striking change of focus in the middle of her account.’ \u003cem\u003eHoward Green, secretary of the Friends of Julian of Norwich\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Autumn 2025. Review by Laura Hillmans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eJulian of Norwich is well \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eknown for her saying ‘All shall \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ebe well … and all manner of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ethings shall be well’; but there is far more to her \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ethan superficial optimism. In this book, which \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eis a sequel to an earlier volume, the author \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003edelves beneath the surface of the tenth to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003esixteenth revelations or ‘showings’ which Julian \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eexperienced during a near fatal illness. The late \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e14th-century world in which she lived was a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003etime of turbulence both politically and in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003echurch. The author explores the thought \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eprocesses of the time and draws conclusions \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ewhich are relevant to our own day, inspiring \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ethe reader to reflect prayerfully on Julian’s \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ewords. This book is best approached with the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003etext of the showings to hand and will repay \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eslow and careful reading. Pennington writes \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003efrom personal experience of suffering a painful \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eillness which lends weight to her narrative. Each \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003echapter has suggestions for individual \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003emeditation and questions suitable for group \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003euse. The text does not offer easy answers but \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eencourages us to delve deeper into the mystery \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eof the incarnation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillman \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 14.03.25. Review by Claire Herbert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eEmma Pennington’s book is a joy to read, but it is not to be read quickly. It is a guide to some of the deepest insights that Julian of Norwich has offered in her immortal text Revelations of Divine Love, and would make an excellent accompaniment for any individual or group looking for a guide to prayer and reflection over a period of time. Having offered some authoritative historical and theological context, Pennington explores Julian’s text from the tenth revelation onwards. To offer a taste: ‘The wound of Christ’ has us entering, not just contemplating externally, Christ’s pierced side, and experiencing the outpouring of his love. ‘His dearest mother’ offers a way to understand that the love that Christ has for her is the same and as strong as the love that he has for us. In 'Christ our saviour', Julian has a revelation that cannot be known with words, but only with experience, and yet she still manages to find words to lead us into the experience, and Pennington facilitates this beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn ‘All shall be well’, a cloud comes over the mystical vision of the transcendent God, and Julian wrestles with the reality of sin, and demands to understand why God would declare ‘all shall be well’ when it really seems not to be. In ‘United to God through prayer’, Pennington gives a full and valuable account of different kinds of prayer. I am reminded of why I love contemplative prayer so much; for here we are freed from any notion of what God ‘ought’ to be to us. Pennington’s text is devotional, providing a practical application of Julian’s words to our spiritual lives and endeavours, and to our contemplation. Each chapter ends with reflections and questions, and, through these, Pennington makes the text of the Revelations participative, as the revelations themselves had invited Julian’s active participation. With Pennington’s guidance, we enter into Revelations of Divine Love fully. We cease to be critics and become disciples of the text. By this means, it gains the power to transform us, as Julian was herself transformed by her revelations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Dr Claire Herbert\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-23T14:55:57+01:00","created_at":"2024-10-23T14:55:57+01:00","vendor":"Emma Pennington","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","Discipleship","KCLC","Prayer","Spirituality","Women"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":53599678103932,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392069","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"All Shall Be Well: Visions of salvation with Julian of Norwich","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1299,"weight":195,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392069","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AllShallbeWell.jpg?v=1729691788"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AllShallbeWell.jpg?v=1729691788","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62714290143612,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AllShallbeWell.jpg?v=1729691788"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AllShallbeWell.jpg?v=1729691788","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow can all be well in the world in which we live? \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat does ‘All shall be well’ mean when all is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003enot\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e well? \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThrough revelations ten to sixteen of her \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eRevelations of Divine Love\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, Julian of Norwich returns time and again to the idea that ‘all is well’. I\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003en her latest book Emma Pennington examines this popular mantra and explores what Julian really means by it, bringing depth and relevance to these words for the reader who lives in an age of pandemic, war and climate crisis which closely echoes Julian’s own. Through deep engagement with Julian’s visions of salvation Emma encourages the reader to reflect in prayer and devotion on their own personal relationship with God.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEmma Pennington is the canon missioner for Canterbury Cathedral. Formerly vicar of Garsington, Cuddesdon and Horspath in the Oxford Diocese and chaplain of Worcester College, Oxford, she has also been a prayer and spirituality adviser for the diocese and an area dean. She speaks widely about the spirituality of Julian of Norwich and is the author of At the Foot of the Cross with Julian of Norwich (BRF Ministries, 2020).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘In this accessible exploration, Emma Pennington situates Julian’s fears, hopes and convictions within a rich spiritual landscape, drawing deeply from the wells of Christian devotion and practice, and making incisive connections between contemporary experience and the wisdom Julian offers us from her anchorhold, giving body and substance to a message of strength and reassurance too often dismissed as trite or divorced from reality.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Richard Stanton, priest director of the Julian Shrine, Norwich\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Like with the best of friends, Emma Pennington listens, cajoles, puzzles and rejoices with Mother Julian. We discover they both share in hope and yet both know about pain that will not go away. We learn that salvation in Christ is neither a sticking plaster nor an answer to a heavenly equation. Rather in Christ we find a revelation of one who truly salves both body and soul eternally. We learn this can genuinely sustain us in what too often or perhaps more often is a “troublous life”. This is a compelling invitation to move from the shallows to the depths.’\u003cem\u003e The Very Revd David Monteith, dean of Canterbury\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Reading this book is an extraordinary encounter with a beautiful questioning holiness. Deep scholarship made elegantly accessible brings Mother Julian alive. The intensity of the experience of a mystic meets the questions of everyday life. The mystery of “all will be well” is integrated with a passion. It is a book that will help you grow in your faith and would be perfect for an Advent or Lent series in a church. Canon Pennington has written a scholarly devotional text that nestles right alongside the work of Henri Nouwen. Truly, read this book: you will find yourself on holy ground.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Very Revd Ian S. Markham PhD, dean and president of Virginia Theological Seminary and the president of The General Theological Seminary\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘This is a beautifully written book which is both refreshing and original. In it, Julian’s writings are interwoven with scripture and set within the devotional literature and landscape of the time, giving both rootedness and context. It is a book which is the fruit not only of careful study, but also of prayerful pondering and reflection. Emma has known CSMV over a number of years, and I’m delighted to commend All Shall Be Well both to those who are new to Julian of Norwich and those who wish to go deeper.’ S\u003cem\u003eister Elizabeth Jane CSMV, Community of St Mary the Virgin, Wantage\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘A wonderful, carefully researched book, which combines an account of devotional practices current in medieval times with the relevance of Julian’s teaching for people of today. Proposed as a spiritual director, Emma Pennington’s Julian speaks straight to the heart as well as to the mind.’ \u003cem\u003eElizabeth Ruth Obbard ODC, Carmelite nun of Quidenham, and a writer and spiritual director\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Emma Pennington is a wise and insightful guide to the writings of Julian of Norwich. She invites us to make Julian our own spiritual companion as we seek to draw closer to God ourselves. Placing Julian in her wider context, she also enables us to see how her work was part of a broader tapestry of spiritual wisdom, which this book presents in fresh and illuminating ways. Not least, like Julian herself, Emma helps us face the challenges of faith lived out in a broken world, while also encouraging us to be a people of joyous hope and generous humanity.’ \u003cem\u003eAndrew Braddock, dean of Norwich\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘Having used Emma’s last book so successfully as the Friends of Julian Lent Book, we’re delighted to see this sequel completing, as it does, consideration of the revelations after Julian’s striking change of focus in the middle of her account.’ \u003cem\u003eHoward Green, secretary of the Friends of Julian of Norwich\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Autumn 2025. Review by Laura Hillmans\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eJulian of Norwich is well \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eknown for her saying ‘All shall \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ebe well … and all manner of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ethings shall be well’; but there is far more to her \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ethan superficial optimism. In this book, which \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eis a sequel to an earlier volume, the author \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003edelves beneath the surface of the tenth to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003esixteenth revelations or ‘showings’ which Julian \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eexperienced during a near fatal illness. The late \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e14th-century world in which she lived was a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003etime of turbulence both politically and in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003echurch. The author explores the thought \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eprocesses of the time and draws conclusions \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ewhich are relevant to our own day, inspiring \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ethe reader to reflect prayerfully on Julian’s \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ewords. This book is best approached with the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003etext of the showings to hand and will repay \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eslow and careful reading. Pennington writes \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003efrom personal experience of suffering a painful \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eillness which lends weight to her narrative. Each \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003echapter has suggestions for individual \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003emeditation and questions suitable for group \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003euse. The text does not offer easy answers but \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eencourages us to delve deeper into the mystery \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eof the incarnation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillman \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 14.03.25. Review by Claire Herbert\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eEmma Pennington’s book is a joy to read, but it is not to be read quickly. It is a guide to some of the deepest insights that Julian of Norwich has offered in her immortal text Revelations of Divine Love, and would make an excellent accompaniment for any individual or group looking for a guide to prayer and reflection over a period of time. Having offered some authoritative historical and theological context, Pennington explores Julian’s text from the tenth revelation onwards. To offer a taste: ‘The wound of Christ’ has us entering, not just contemplating externally, Christ’s pierced side, and experiencing the outpouring of his love. ‘His dearest mother’ offers a way to understand that the love that Christ has for her is the same and as strong as the love that he has for us. In 'Christ our saviour', Julian has a revelation that cannot be known with words, but only with experience, and yet she still manages to find words to lead us into the experience, and Pennington facilitates this beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn ‘All shall be well’, a cloud comes over the mystical vision of the transcendent God, and Julian wrestles with the reality of sin, and demands to understand why God would declare ‘all shall be well’ when it really seems not to be. In ‘United to God through prayer’, Pennington gives a full and valuable account of different kinds of prayer. I am reminded of why I love contemplative prayer so much; for here we are freed from any notion of what God ‘ought’ to be to us. Pennington’s text is devotional, providing a practical application of Julian’s words to our spiritual lives and endeavours, and to our contemplation. Each chapter ends with reflections and questions, and, through these, Pennington makes the text of the Revelations participative, as the revelations themselves had invited Julian’s active participation. With Pennington’s guidance, we enter into Revelations of Divine Love fully. We cease to be critics and become disciples of the text. By this means, it gains the power to transform us, as Julian was herself transformed by her revelations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Dr Claire Herbert\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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All Shall Be Well: Visions of salvation with Julian of Norwich
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How can all be well in the world in which we live? What does ‘All shall be well’ mean when...
{"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","KCLC","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.brfresources.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.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467201-l.jpg?v=1549043117"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467201-l.jpg?v=1549043117"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.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.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467201-l.jpg?v=1549043117"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.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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Attitudes to retirement vary, and in this book Wendy Billington draws on her pastoral skills and life experience to ask...
{"id":2439799341156,"title":"Living the Prayer: The Everyday Challenge of the Lord's Prayer","handle":"living-the-prayer-the-everyday-challenge-of-the-lords-prayer","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are we really saying when we say the Lord's Prayer? \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWhat are we expecting? \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLiving the Prayer is a fresh perspective on the Lord's Prayer. Rooted in the Bible as well as in contemporary culture, it explores how this prayer can radically challenge and transform our daily lives. Contained in the prayer's seventy words is a fresh and innovative way of viewing, and acting in, the world that is as relevant now as it was 2000 years ago. The author shows that this revolutionary prayer demands that we don't remain on our knees, but, rather, that we work towards making God's topsy-turvy, downside-up kingdom an everyday reality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrologue\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOur Father, in heaven\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHallowed be your name\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour kingdom come, your wlil be done, on earth as in heaven\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGive us today our daliy bread\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEpliogue\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBibliography\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead the author's lockdown blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/trystan-owain-hughes-appreciating-the-natural-world\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother great contribution from an author always rooted in the practicalities and compassion. Offering a resource on the most famous prayer in the world is a huge challenge but Hughes offers us something genuinely fresh and new. A reminder of the radical power of some life-changing words.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Keith Hebden, author and activist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title of this book so aptly describes its contents. It is a not only a sensitive, thoughtful and painstaking exposition of the Lord's prayer, it is a call to put it in action in our lives and communities. In confronting us with the great gap which so often exists between what we pray and how we live, Trystan Hughes encourages us to face the challenges of living more fully before God. As each chapter carefully sifts the significance of every phrase of the Lord's prayer, we are offered wisdom from others and compelling insights from the author which take us into layers of new understanding. The result is a very fine contribution to a subject which can never be exhausted - and a contribution especially vital for today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDr Elaine Storkey, author and broadcaster\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTrystan Owain Hughes is Tutor in Applied Theology at St Padarn’s Institute, Cardiff and priest-in-charge of Christ Church, Roath Park, Cardiff. He is particularly interested in making theology and spirituality relevant and he has written, among other books, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eReal God in the Real World\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eLiving the Prayer\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for BRF. Trystan has also been a regular contributor to BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4, is an honorary senior lecturer at Cardiff University, and is Canon Theologian at Llandaff Cathedral.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIffley Church magazine. Review by Jan Spurlock Stockland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eDon’t read this book unless you are open to change… or, more accurately, to \u003ci\u003ebe changed\u003c\/i\u003e. \u003ci\u003eThe Everyday God \u003c\/i\u003estarts from the premise that when Jesus told us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbours\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003eas ourselves, he \u003ci\u003emeant\u003c\/i\u003e it. Most of us – especially as we grow older – don’t think we have much to offer and, anyway, believe that the world’s problems are too big for us to make a difference. (And even if we are still relatively young, we may mostly think that \u003ci\u003ewe\u003c\/i\u003e are the ones who need help!) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eThis engaging book asks us to think of our life experiences, our relationships, our work, and also the challenges we have faced, in the light of stories told in scripture and then to move from there to what we encounter in our ‘everyday lives’. In this book we find a wealth of contemporary, personal stories as well as stories and parables drawn from scripture. For example in Matthew 15 we see Jesus in a remote place surrounded by a crowd - some 5,000 + men (not counting the women and children); they had come to him for help and healing but were now hungry. Jesus turns to his disciples and asks them: ‘How many loaves do you have?’ Rather like we might feel today if Jesus were asking us to act, this was not a question the disciples might have anticipated. But Jesus, we are told, ‘had compassion for these people’. And that’s what we are called to consider in our own here and now. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eWhen Jonathan Arnold moved from Oxford to Canterbury in 2019 (having taught theology in Oxford for more than a decade and served as Chaplain at Worcester and then Dean of Magdalen College), he found himself suddenly plunged into the needs of a sea of people, the thousands of men, women and children arriving traumatised and desperate along Dover’s coast. Working as Director of Communities and Partnerships in the Canterbury Diocese, Arnold came to know personally both refugees and a great swathe of people who through Lockdown and the cost-of-living crisis were just about managing to subsist through the kindness of strangers volunteering in local food banks, offering help and friendship in local churches of a variety of denominations as well as through local Citizens Advice Bureaux. He also got to know others who were committed to visiting young offenders in crowded prisons or who regularly called on sick people at home or in hospital or who were willingly coming alongside those facing illness and death, individuals who, like many in prison, faced a future without friends or hope. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eIn contrast to the world of privilege we see in Oxford, Jonathan came to know by name refugees without proper accommodation, food, work or language skills, as well as many British citizens who through low income, poor mental health, or sheer poverty were among our country’s thousands marginalised and lonely people. But alongside those in desperate need, Jonathan also got to know many ordinary people from across his diocese who, like Jesus, found themselves moved with compassion by the suffering of these people, resonating with the stories of strangers, and then inspired to work together towards social justice for all while respecting the humanity of each. Those who saw these strangers as ‘neighbours’ (in Jesus’ sense) were from all sorts of backgrounds and of these many did not identify as Christians. They simply listened and resonated with the stories of those in need and chose to respond with the help they recognized they’d been gifted with in their own lives.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eAs the Bishop of Dover the Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin writes in the forward to \u003ci\u003eThe Everyday God\u003c\/i\u003e, when we meet the needs of others, ‘we are encountering Christ himself’. And the transformation is two-way: not only do we become conduits of the Lord’s love, we also become conduits for others. What has now become the Social Justice Network in the diocese of Canterbury (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thesocialusticenetwork.org\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003ewww.thesocialusticenetwork.org\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003e), with Jonathan as Executive director, is now enabling more and more people to be part of a vision which Hudson-Wilkin describes as ‘Changed Lives – Changing Lives.’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eFind out more about the projects coordinated through the Social Justice Network by following the link to its website. site. All the projects are intensely, intrinsically collaborative, and the number of people and projects involved is growing. Through their work we realise that by working together people can make a real difference in the lives of others. For someone to recognise your face, know your name, or have the patience to listen and try to understand, allows strangers to find themselves more at home, more at peace with the place they now see is invested personally in them. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eOur society with its fervent individualism has grown very out of tune with the song of God’s kingdom. This book encourages us to look, listen and respond to others from within the heart of community. God has promised never to leave or forsake us; He has in Truth been alongside us all our lives. So it is instructive to accept the invitation offered in this short book to make time to pray as well as to reflect on its stories and on scripture and reconsider what skills, experience, challenges and wisdom we, each of us, have gained in living our lives thus far. In so doing we may discover compassion in our own hearts for the stranger and take some small (or large steps) towards those whose stories we don’t yet know. We have examples of just such risky relating in those who weekly go along to Community Cupboard with the Rose Hill Methodists or the volunteers with Living Stones who regularly welcome visitors into our church. Jonathan Arnold pulls no punches in this book about the risks of turning out towards others. Early on he tells us, '\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eIf we truly give the gift of ourselves, then we must be ready to be challenged and changed. Existing \u003ci\u003efor \u003c\/i\u003eothers involves duty and responsibility, but existing \u003ci\u003ewith \u003c\/i\u003eothers involves \u003ci\u003erelationship\u003c\/i\u003e. And so we come to the notion of “being with” as a model for living out lives of mercy and love.' (p. 50)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eSeveral millennia ago the Lord gave the ancient Israelites a very similar vision when through the prophet Micah (8\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century BCE) He said: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘The Lord God has told us what is right and what he demands: “See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.”’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Jan Spurlock Stockland\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview in The Church Times 19.1.18 by David Adam\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Living the Prayer' is a well-researched and thoughtful exposition of the Lord's Prayer. It offers new challenges and ideas for radical action in our use of the Lord's Prayer. There are within it some amazing suggestions of ways to transform our contemporary culture and our daily lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlacing the Lord's Prayer in its first-century context, the author shows us that the prayer is far more radical than being merely comforting words: it is a comprehensive call to action living out the words of this prayer. We are reminded that 'All prayer demands a vital relationship both with God and others,' and that 'The Lord's Prayer is communal at its core.' I felt that I wanted to extend the idea of 'vital relationships' to all of creation and not just humans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen, in noting that the plural form of the Greek word for 'heaven' is used, it is possible to say it as 'in the heavens, and, therefore, it may not be about God's distance from us, but in the atmosphere, in the very air that we breathe, implying God's closeness. I felt that if we read it this way, what a challenge it is to what we are doing to the air that we breathe by the emission of so much carbon dioxide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Lord's Prayer is not just a mystic's prayer but a doer's prayer, an activist's prayer. In a nutshell, prayer is a relationship with God which inspires us to act, 'as we witness to a wild, radical, subversive, dynamic, and life-changing faith'. The Lord's Prayer demands nothing less than a revolution, as we move to view the world through the eyes of the one who gave us words.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI would recommend this book as one to be on the reading list of all who are concerned with prayer and the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCanon David Adam is a former Vicar of Holy Island\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Presbyterian Herald\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by the Revd Dr Jim Campbell, Minister Emeritus Cooke Centenary Church, Belfast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 63 words of the Lord's Prayer have inspired thousands or books and millions of sermons through the centuries. It's a brave person who would offer yet another book on the topic. Consequently, I was rather sceptical when I was asked to review this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmazingly, Trystan Hughes, examining each of the seven phrases in the prayer in turn, manages through his deep biblical understanding and his knowledge of contemporary literature and film to produce a commentary that is well illustrated, fresh and interesting and one which engages with the main issues raised by the words of the prayer. Overall, his message is that this revolutionary prayer demands that we don't remain on our knees, but rather that we rise 'to work towards making God's topsy-turvy, downside-up kingdom, an everyday reality.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Lord's Prayer and also let it fully permeate your life this could be the book for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Revd Dr Jim Campbell, Minister Emeritus Cooke Centenary Church, Belfast\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by blogger Thomas Creedy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI read [Living the Prayer] in one sitting - with what I would mostly call breathless enjoyment... This is an excellent book in the tradition of powerful, prophetic, prayerful writing on the Lord's Prayer. I hope it receives a wide readership... Trystan paints a beautiful picture of the Kingdom of God, breaking in and just out of reach. He is particularly focused on the justice aspect of the Kingdom - the book is littered with calls to action and protest, against the way things are - but some of the most moving writing has to do with how we experience the Kingdom of God in brokenness and pain...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is one that would work well as a devotional to go deeper into the Lord's Prayer, or as a book to read about the Lord's Prayer and prayer in general, or as a very helpful bank of quotes and ideas to mine if preaching or writing about prayer...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn expert blend of what I would call a passion for the Lord's Prayer and an encouragement and celebration of prayer more generally. Throughout, as one might expect from someone who has both written about justice and marinated deeply in the Lord's Prayer, there is the throbbing beat of justice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ehttp:\/\/www.thomascreedy.com\/book-review-living-the-prayer\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:47+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:48+00:00","vendor":"Trystan Owain Hughes","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Festival of Prayer","For individuals","Holy Habits: Prayer","KCLC","Kindle","Prayer","Spirituality"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769761456228,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466235","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Living the Prayer: The Everyday Challenge of the Lord's Prayer - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":151,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466235","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466235-l.jpg?v=1549043136"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466235-l.jpg?v=1549043136","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879854731,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466235-l.jpg?v=1549043136"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466235-l.jpg?v=1549043136","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are we really saying when we say the Lord's Prayer? \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWhat are we expecting? \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLiving the Prayer is a fresh perspective on the Lord's Prayer. Rooted in the Bible as well as in contemporary culture, it explores how this prayer can radically challenge and transform our daily lives. Contained in the prayer's seventy words is a fresh and innovative way of viewing, and acting in, the world that is as relevant now as it was 2000 years ago. The author shows that this revolutionary prayer demands that we don't remain on our knees, but, rather, that we work towards making God's topsy-turvy, downside-up kingdom an everyday reality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrologue\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOur Father, in heaven\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHallowed be your name\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour kingdom come, your wlil be done, on earth as in heaven\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGive us today our daliy bread\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEpliogue\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBibliography\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead the author's lockdown blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/trystan-owain-hughes-appreciating-the-natural-world\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother great contribution from an author always rooted in the practicalities and compassion. Offering a resource on the most famous prayer in the world is a huge challenge but Hughes offers us something genuinely fresh and new. A reminder of the radical power of some life-changing words.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Keith Hebden, author and activist\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title of this book so aptly describes its contents. It is a not only a sensitive, thoughtful and painstaking exposition of the Lord's prayer, it is a call to put it in action in our lives and communities. In confronting us with the great gap which so often exists between what we pray and how we live, Trystan Hughes encourages us to face the challenges of living more fully before God. As each chapter carefully sifts the significance of every phrase of the Lord's prayer, we are offered wisdom from others and compelling insights from the author which take us into layers of new understanding. The result is a very fine contribution to a subject which can never be exhausted - and a contribution especially vital for today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDr Elaine Storkey, author and broadcaster\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTrystan Owain Hughes is Tutor in Applied Theology at St Padarn’s Institute, Cardiff and priest-in-charge of Christ Church, Roath Park, Cardiff. He is particularly interested in making theology and spirituality relevant and he has written, among other books, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eReal God in the Real World\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eLiving the Prayer\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for BRF. Trystan has also been a regular contributor to BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4, is an honorary senior lecturer at Cardiff University, and is Canon Theologian at Llandaff Cathedral.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIffley Church magazine. Review by Jan Spurlock Stockland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eDon’t read this book unless you are open to change… or, more accurately, to \u003ci\u003ebe changed\u003c\/i\u003e. \u003ci\u003eThe Everyday God \u003c\/i\u003estarts from the premise that when Jesus told us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbours\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003eas ourselves, he \u003ci\u003emeant\u003c\/i\u003e it. Most of us – especially as we grow older – don’t think we have much to offer and, anyway, believe that the world’s problems are too big for us to make a difference. (And even if we are still relatively young, we may mostly think that \u003ci\u003ewe\u003c\/i\u003e are the ones who need help!) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eThis engaging book asks us to think of our life experiences, our relationships, our work, and also the challenges we have faced, in the light of stories told in scripture and then to move from there to what we encounter in our ‘everyday lives’. In this book we find a wealth of contemporary, personal stories as well as stories and parables drawn from scripture. For example in Matthew 15 we see Jesus in a remote place surrounded by a crowd - some 5,000 + men (not counting the women and children); they had come to him for help and healing but were now hungry. Jesus turns to his disciples and asks them: ‘How many loaves do you have?’ Rather like we might feel today if Jesus were asking us to act, this was not a question the disciples might have anticipated. But Jesus, we are told, ‘had compassion for these people’. And that’s what we are called to consider in our own here and now. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eWhen Jonathan Arnold moved from Oxford to Canterbury in 2019 (having taught theology in Oxford for more than a decade and served as Chaplain at Worcester and then Dean of Magdalen College), he found himself suddenly plunged into the needs of a sea of people, the thousands of men, women and children arriving traumatised and desperate along Dover’s coast. Working as Director of Communities and Partnerships in the Canterbury Diocese, Arnold came to know personally both refugees and a great swathe of people who through Lockdown and the cost-of-living crisis were just about managing to subsist through the kindness of strangers volunteering in local food banks, offering help and friendship in local churches of a variety of denominations as well as through local Citizens Advice Bureaux. He also got to know others who were committed to visiting young offenders in crowded prisons or who regularly called on sick people at home or in hospital or who were willingly coming alongside those facing illness and death, individuals who, like many in prison, faced a future without friends or hope. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eIn contrast to the world of privilege we see in Oxford, Jonathan came to know by name refugees without proper accommodation, food, work or language skills, as well as many British citizens who through low income, poor mental health, or sheer poverty were among our country’s thousands marginalised and lonely people. But alongside those in desperate need, Jonathan also got to know many ordinary people from across his diocese who, like Jesus, found themselves moved with compassion by the suffering of these people, resonating with the stories of strangers, and then inspired to work together towards social justice for all while respecting the humanity of each. Those who saw these strangers as ‘neighbours’ (in Jesus’ sense) were from all sorts of backgrounds and of these many did not identify as Christians. They simply listened and resonated with the stories of those in need and chose to respond with the help they recognized they’d been gifted with in their own lives.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eAs the Bishop of Dover the Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin writes in the forward to \u003ci\u003eThe Everyday God\u003c\/i\u003e, when we meet the needs of others, ‘we are encountering Christ himself’. And the transformation is two-way: not only do we become conduits of the Lord’s love, we also become conduits for others. What has now become the Social Justice Network in the diocese of Canterbury (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.thesocialusticenetwork.org\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003ewww.thesocialusticenetwork.org\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003e), with Jonathan as Executive director, is now enabling more and more people to be part of a vision which Hudson-Wilkin describes as ‘Changed Lives – Changing Lives.’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eFind out more about the projects coordinated through the Social Justice Network by following the link to its website. site. All the projects are intensely, intrinsically collaborative, and the number of people and projects involved is growing. Through their work we realise that by working together people can make a real difference in the lives of others. For someone to recognise your face, know your name, or have the patience to listen and try to understand, allows strangers to find themselves more at home, more at peace with the place they now see is invested personally in them. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eOur society with its fervent individualism has grown very out of tune with the song of God’s kingdom. This book encourages us to look, listen and respond to others from within the heart of community. God has promised never to leave or forsake us; He has in Truth been alongside us all our lives. So it is instructive to accept the invitation offered in this short book to make time to pray as well as to reflect on its stories and on scripture and reconsider what skills, experience, challenges and wisdom we, each of us, have gained in living our lives thus far. In so doing we may discover compassion in our own hearts for the stranger and take some small (or large steps) towards those whose stories we don’t yet know. We have examples of just such risky relating in those who weekly go along to Community Cupboard with the Rose Hill Methodists or the volunteers with Living Stones who regularly welcome visitors into our church. Jonathan Arnold pulls no punches in this book about the risks of turning out towards others. Early on he tells us, '\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eIf we truly give the gift of ourselves, then we must be ready to be challenged and changed. Existing \u003ci\u003efor \u003c\/i\u003eothers involves duty and responsibility, but existing \u003ci\u003ewith \u003c\/i\u003eothers involves \u003ci\u003erelationship\u003c\/i\u003e. And so we come to the notion of “being with” as a model for living out lives of mercy and love.' (p. 50)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"mso-ansi-language: EN-US;\"\u003eSeveral millennia ago the Lord gave the ancient Israelites a very similar vision when through the prophet Micah (8\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century BCE) He said: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘The Lord God has told us what is right and what he demands: “See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.”’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Jan Spurlock Stockland\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview in The Church Times 19.1.18 by David Adam\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Living the Prayer' is a well-researched and thoughtful exposition of the Lord's Prayer. It offers new challenges and ideas for radical action in our use of the Lord's Prayer. There are within it some amazing suggestions of ways to transform our contemporary culture and our daily lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlacing the Lord's Prayer in its first-century context, the author shows us that the prayer is far more radical than being merely comforting words: it is a comprehensive call to action living out the words of this prayer. We are reminded that 'All prayer demands a vital relationship both with God and others,' and that 'The Lord's Prayer is communal at its core.' I felt that I wanted to extend the idea of 'vital relationships' to all of creation and not just humans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen, in noting that the plural form of the Greek word for 'heaven' is used, it is possible to say it as 'in the heavens, and, therefore, it may not be about God's distance from us, but in the atmosphere, in the very air that we breathe, implying God's closeness. I felt that if we read it this way, what a challenge it is to what we are doing to the air that we breathe by the emission of so much carbon dioxide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Lord's Prayer is not just a mystic's prayer but a doer's prayer, an activist's prayer. In a nutshell, prayer is a relationship with God which inspires us to act, 'as we witness to a wild, radical, subversive, dynamic, and life-changing faith'. The Lord's Prayer demands nothing less than a revolution, as we move to view the world through the eyes of the one who gave us words.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI would recommend this book as one to be on the reading list of all who are concerned with prayer and the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCanon David Adam is a former Vicar of Holy Island\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Presbyterian Herald\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by the Revd Dr Jim Campbell, Minister Emeritus Cooke Centenary Church, Belfast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 63 words of the Lord's Prayer have inspired thousands or books and millions of sermons through the centuries. It's a brave person who would offer yet another book on the topic. Consequently, I was rather sceptical when I was asked to review this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmazingly, Trystan Hughes, examining each of the seven phrases in the prayer in turn, manages through his deep biblical understanding and his knowledge of contemporary literature and film to produce a commentary that is well illustrated, fresh and interesting and one which engages with the main issues raised by the words of the prayer. Overall, his message is that this revolutionary prayer demands that we don't remain on our knees, but rather that we rise 'to work towards making God's topsy-turvy, downside-up kingdom, an everyday reality.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Lord's Prayer and also let it fully permeate your life this could be the book for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Revd Dr Jim Campbell, Minister Emeritus Cooke Centenary Church, Belfast\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by blogger Thomas Creedy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI read [Living the Prayer] in one sitting - with what I would mostly call breathless enjoyment... This is an excellent book in the tradition of powerful, prophetic, prayerful writing on the Lord's Prayer. I hope it receives a wide readership... Trystan paints a beautiful picture of the Kingdom of God, breaking in and just out of reach. He is particularly focused on the justice aspect of the Kingdom - the book is littered with calls to action and protest, against the way things are - but some of the most moving writing has to do with how we experience the Kingdom of God in brokenness and pain...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is one that would work well as a devotional to go deeper into the Lord's Prayer, or as a book to read about the Lord's Prayer and prayer in general, or as a very helpful bank of quotes and ideas to mine if preaching or writing about prayer...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn expert blend of what I would call a passion for the Lord's Prayer and an encouragement and celebration of prayer more generally. Throughout, as one might expect from someone who has both written about justice and marinated deeply in the Lord's Prayer, there is the throbbing beat of justice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ehttp:\/\/www.thomascreedy.com\/book-review-living-the-prayer\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":7367030177983,"title":"At Home and Out and About","handle":"at-home-and-out-and-about","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Across a year’s worth of weekly reflections, Gordon Giles focuses on objects, scenes, activities and places, drawing out spiritual insights to help us reflect on what we have learned as we venture out again after months of restriction, absence and anxiety. From Easter, through the changing seasons to the following Easter, we are led to consider: What is it like spiritually to stop wearing masks? What does a beach say to us after coronavirus? How has Zoom affected us during lockdown and how do we now relate to technology as a medium of fellowship? Where is Christ amid our restrictions and our releases?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e• Readers of Lent and Advent books who have enjoyed the previous two in this series\u003cbr\u003e• Anyone who wants to reflect on the world in which they live in the light of recent events\u003cbr\u003e• Those who enjoy and are concerned for the natural world\u003cbr\u003e• Church groups reading together or privately\u003cbr\u003e• Churches looking for material related to the seasons of the year or the church calendar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/GordonGiles1_480x480.jpg?v=1676494801\" width=\"131\" height=\"233\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGordon Giles is Canon Chancellor of Rochester Cathedral. He is the author of several books and the editor of BRF’s New Daylight Bible reading notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry September 2023. Review by Betty Taylor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book provided two surprises. The first was to discover that the pandemic had affected 52 areas of our lives, from masks to Zoom, from furlough to haircuts; and secondly that these meditations were to last for a whole year, from Easter to Easter. I decided to choose a special moment in the week – maybe a Sunday afternoon – to delve into the next topic. You may think that the pandemic is best allowed to rest, but Giles steers us sensitively through, encouraging us ‘to reflect on what has changed and to engage with what has not’. We are to go out and about with a God who never changes and whose love is ever constant. Each meditation is biblically inspired and supported by scientific and statistical knowledge. All conclude with a prayer. Although I would recommend individual reading, there are questions for group discussion. We have so much to learn from our Covid experiences. This book motivates us to view those years in a fresh light as we journey onward in ‘faith, hope and love.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Betty Taylor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2022-10-10T15:03:23+01:00","created_at":"2022-10-10T15:03:22+01:00","vendor":"Gordon Giles","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Devotional","For individuals","KCLC","Pastoral care","Prayer","seasonal","Spirituality"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":41997437501631,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391154","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":33430822748351,"product_id":7367030177983,"position":1,"created_at":"2022-10-10T15:03:22+01:00","updated_at":"2022-10-10T15:03:24+01:00","alt":null,"width":1535,"height":2339,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/AtHomeandOutandAbout.jpg?v=1665410604","variant_ids":[41997437501631]},"available":true,"name":"At Home and Out and About - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":219,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391154","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":26021152489663,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/AtHomeandOutandAbout.jpg?v=1665410604"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/AtHomeandOutandAbout.jpg?v=1665410604"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/AtHomeandOutandAbout.jpg?v=1665410604","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":26021152489663,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/AtHomeandOutandAbout.jpg?v=1665410604"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/AtHomeandOutandAbout.jpg?v=1665410604","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Across a year’s worth of weekly reflections, Gordon Giles focuses on objects, scenes, activities and places, drawing out spiritual insights to help us reflect on what we have learned as we venture out again after months of restriction, absence and anxiety. From Easter, through the changing seasons to the following Easter, we are led to consider: What is it like spiritually to stop wearing masks? What does a beach say to us after coronavirus? How has Zoom affected us during lockdown and how do we now relate to technology as a medium of fellowship? Where is Christ amid our restrictions and our releases?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e• Readers of Lent and Advent books who have enjoyed the previous two in this series\u003cbr\u003e• Anyone who wants to reflect on the world in which they live in the light of recent events\u003cbr\u003e• Those who enjoy and are concerned for the natural world\u003cbr\u003e• Church groups reading together or privately\u003cbr\u003e• Churches looking for material related to the seasons of the year or the church calendar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/GordonGiles1_480x480.jpg?v=1676494801\" width=\"131\" height=\"233\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGordon Giles is Canon Chancellor of Rochester Cathedral. He is the author of several books and the editor of BRF’s New Daylight Bible reading notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry September 2023. Review by Betty Taylor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book provided two surprises. The first was to discover that the pandemic had affected 52 areas of our lives, from masks to Zoom, from furlough to haircuts; and secondly that these meditations were to last for a whole year, from Easter to Easter. I decided to choose a special moment in the week – maybe a Sunday afternoon – to delve into the next topic. You may think that the pandemic is best allowed to rest, but Giles steers us sensitively through, encouraging us ‘to reflect on what has changed and to engage with what has not’. We are to go out and about with a God who never changes and whose love is ever constant. Each meditation is biblically inspired and supported by scientific and statistical knowledge. All conclude with a prayer. Although I would recommend individual reading, there are questions for group discussion. We have so much to learn from our Covid experiences. This book motivates us to view those years in a fresh light as we journey onward in ‘faith, hope and love.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Betty Taylor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
You may also like:
At Home and Out and About
£9.99
Across a year’s worth of weekly reflections, Gordon Giles focuses on objects, scenes, activities and places, drawing out spiritual insights...
{"id":2439795408996,"title":"Writes of the Church: Gripes and grumbles of people in the pews","handle":"writes-of-the-church-gripes-and-grumbles-of-people-in-the-pews","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhat would a church magazine letters page look like if the locals just wrote what they actually thought - and what does it tell us about how we think of our church? In Writes of the Church, the locals bicker, complain and wonder; the vicar is overworked and occasionally lets them know they're pushing him over the edge.But through it all, we learn something valuable about ourselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's an unusual and loving angle on the Church of England. The characters are odd, aggressive, frustrated or sometimes just plain stupid. But the depth of their love for the church comes through the threats to boycott the church over a tea towel, the obsession over saving money and the complaints that children are allowed into the church during an act of worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough laughing at ourselves, we learn about what really makes us tick. Through learning, we might change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWelcome\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe people\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSocial life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChildren\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMoney\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommittees\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSocial activities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe church year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe modern world\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe curate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe building\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChristmas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the best bits of writing about religion is having to read the news from Tremlett: shrewd, funny, and sometimes painful, it's a tap with a stiletto on the funny-bone.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Andrew Brown, Guardian Journalist \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA treat of a book. When I finished laughing out loud I realised that I had learned something. We all live in Tremlett.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e The Church Mouse \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm still giggling about your book, which is CLASSIC!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Eve Poole, author 'Leadersmithing' and Third Church Estates Commissioner \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGary Alderson studied Chemistry at Oxford, went into retail and has been a priest since 2009. He is currently working part-time in two churches in Wellingborough. He is married to Sharon, with two teenage sons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:31+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:33+00:00","vendor":"Gary Alderson","type":"Paperback","tags":["Gift","KCLC","Sep-17"],"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":21769689366628,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465771","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Writes of the Church: Gripes and grumbles of people in the pews - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":699,"weight":128,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465771","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465771-l.jpg?v=1549043139"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465771-l.jpg?v=1549043139","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879559819,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.363,"height":650,"width":886,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465771-l.jpg?v=1549043139"},"aspect_ratio":1.363,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465771-l.jpg?v=1549043139","width":886}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eWhat would a church magazine letters page look like if the locals just wrote what they actually thought - and what does it tell us about how we think of our church? In Writes of the Church, the locals bicker, complain and wonder; the vicar is overworked and occasionally lets them know they're pushing him over the edge.But through it all, we learn something valuable about ourselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's an unusual and loving angle on the Church of England. The characters are odd, aggressive, frustrated or sometimes just plain stupid. But the depth of their love for the church comes through the threats to boycott the church over a tea towel, the obsession over saving money and the complaints that children are allowed into the church during an act of worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough laughing at ourselves, we learn about what really makes us tick. Through learning, we might change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWelcome\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe people\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSocial life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChildren\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMoney\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommittees\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSocial activities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe church year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe modern world\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe curate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe building\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChristmas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the best bits of writing about religion is having to read the news from Tremlett: shrewd, funny, and sometimes painful, it's a tap with a stiletto on the funny-bone.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Andrew Brown, Guardian Journalist \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA treat of a book. When I finished laughing out loud I realised that I had learned something. We all live in Tremlett.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e The Church Mouse \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm still giggling about your book, which is CLASSIC!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Eve Poole, author 'Leadersmithing' and Third Church Estates Commissioner \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGary Alderson studied Chemistry at Oxford, went into retail and has been a priest since 2009. He is currently working part-time in two churches in Wellingborough. He is married to Sharon, with two teenage sons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
You may also like:
Writes of the Church: Gripes and grumbles of people in the pews
£6.99
What would a church magazine letters page look like if the locals just wrote what they actually thought - and...
{"id":2439825948772,"title":"What ARE They Doing Down There?: A God's Eye View of the World, or What's Left of It","handle":"what-are-they-doing-down-there-a-gods-eye-view-of-the-world-or-whats-left-of-it","description":"\u003cp\u003eVia jokes, quips, observations and short thoughts, comedian and writer Paul Kerensa shines a light on the bits of everyday life we probably wish we'd forgotten, or been glad no one was looking - except, well, God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mGPjNVSUQLM\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nPaul is a British Comedy Award-winning co-writer of BBC's Miranda, Not Going Out and Top Gear. He wrote for C4's TFI Friday revival, and script-edits sitcoms across various UK television channels. He has written several books including So a Comedian Walks into a Church, recommended by The Independent as one of their top eight comedy books for Christmas 2013. As a stand-up comedian, he performs in comedy clubs and churches, and won ITV's Take The Mike Award. He's taken seven solo shows to the Edinburgh Festival and has visited Montreal Comedy Festival and various other international venues.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Baptist Times, 16 Jan 2019. Review by Moira Kleissner\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Today there are quite a few excellent mainline stand-up comics and comedy writers who are Christians. Paul Kerensa is one such and is internationally known at festivals such as Edinburgh and Montreal. He also performs in comedy clubs and churches throughout Britain. As a writer, he has co-written \u003cem\u003eBBC's Miranda, Top Gear \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Not Going Out\u003c\/em\u003e. A regular on BBC Radios Sussex and Surrey and Radio 2, a recent venture was a tour for the Bible Society. Added to that, he has just completed his first book for children. It makes me exhausted just writing the list of things he has been involved in. Paul Kerensa is a very busy man with what seems like an unlimited supply of funny stories and one liners. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis small gem adds to his body of work. The book is split into a variety of sections that defy classification. On each page there is one joke\/story. It will keep you giggling throughout the dullest of sermons or church meetings!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Sections cover - 'Wisdom of Fools', 'The World Today', 'The Church', 'Happy Special Occasions - Christening Christmas and Cremations', 'There's a U and an I in Community', 'The Genesis of It All', 'The New(-ish) Testament (relatively speaking)', 'History the Later Years', 'Relationships, Family Life and Other Daily Pitfalls', 'The Future, where applicable' and 'Finally, some Passive-Aggressive Motivational Slogans'. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e The illustrations which are sprinkled throughout are by Dave Walker. I am a fan of his calendars, cartoons in a variety of different publications, including The Church Times and his on-line work. The book is split into a variety of sections that defy classification. On each page there is one joke\/story. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e For a laugh out loud, groan and a good belly laugh, this is well worth buying. Great material for sermons! It should be prescribed on the NHS. Sorry can't tell you any of the jokes now, I'm off to have another giggle...\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMrs Moira Kleissner is a retired Primary Deputy Head, storyteller and minister's wife \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:27+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:29+00:00","vendor":"Paul Kerensa","type":"Paperback","tags":["Gift","KCLC","Oct-18"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21770184196196,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466938","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"What ARE They Doing Down There?: A God's Eye View of the World, or What's Left of It - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":120,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466938","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466938-l.jpg?v=1549043118"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466938-l.jpg?v=1549043118","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238881722507,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.365,"height":650,"width":887,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466938-l.jpg?v=1549043118"},"aspect_ratio":1.365,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466938-l.jpg?v=1549043118","width":887}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eVia jokes, quips, observations and short thoughts, comedian and writer Paul Kerensa shines a light on the bits of everyday life we probably wish we'd forgotten, or been glad no one was looking - except, well, God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mGPjNVSUQLM\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nPaul is a British Comedy Award-winning co-writer of BBC's Miranda, Not Going Out and Top Gear. He wrote for C4's TFI Friday revival, and script-edits sitcoms across various UK television channels. He has written several books including So a Comedian Walks into a Church, recommended by The Independent as one of their top eight comedy books for Christmas 2013. As a stand-up comedian, he performs in comedy clubs and churches, and won ITV's Take The Mike Award. He's taken seven solo shows to the Edinburgh Festival and has visited Montreal Comedy Festival and various other international venues.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Baptist Times, 16 Jan 2019. Review by Moira Kleissner\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Today there are quite a few excellent mainline stand-up comics and comedy writers who are Christians. Paul Kerensa is one such and is internationally known at festivals such as Edinburgh and Montreal. He also performs in comedy clubs and churches throughout Britain. As a writer, he has co-written \u003cem\u003eBBC's Miranda, Top Gear \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Not Going Out\u003c\/em\u003e. A regular on BBC Radios Sussex and Surrey and Radio 2, a recent venture was a tour for the Bible Society. Added to that, he has just completed his first book for children. It makes me exhausted just writing the list of things he has been involved in. Paul Kerensa is a very busy man with what seems like an unlimited supply of funny stories and one liners. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis small gem adds to his body of work. The book is split into a variety of sections that defy classification. On each page there is one joke\/story. It will keep you giggling throughout the dullest of sermons or church meetings!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Sections cover - 'Wisdom of Fools', 'The World Today', 'The Church', 'Happy Special Occasions - Christening Christmas and Cremations', 'There's a U and an I in Community', 'The Genesis of It All', 'The New(-ish) Testament (relatively speaking)', 'History the Later Years', 'Relationships, Family Life and Other Daily Pitfalls', 'The Future, where applicable' and 'Finally, some Passive-Aggressive Motivational Slogans'. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e The illustrations which are sprinkled throughout are by Dave Walker. I am a fan of his calendars, cartoons in a variety of different publications, including The Church Times and his on-line work. The book is split into a variety of sections that defy classification. On each page there is one joke\/story. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e For a laugh out loud, groan and a good belly laugh, this is well worth buying. Great material for sermons! It should be prescribed on the NHS. Sorry can't tell you any of the jokes now, I'm off to have another giggle...\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMrs Moira Kleissner is a retired Primary Deputy Head, storyteller and minister's wife \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":7481157288127,"title":"Good Call: Learning to make decisions with God","handle":"good-call","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHave you ever experienced conflict between what your head and your heart were telling you to do? Have you struggled to reach agreement with others when making a group decision, or regretted a major decision and had to live with the consequences? Have you ever found it difficult to be sure of God’s will in a particular situation? If so, you’re in very good company. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEverybody makes decisions – all the time. Are there ‘5 simple steps’ to the right decision? No, there aren’t. Should you stop thinking about it and ‘just do something’? No, you shouldn’t. But could you expect God to share with you his will and purpose, giving you clues and directions in a way you can understand? Yes, you could. Iain Dunbar and Peter Wilkinson share their own decision-making history (even the dodgy stuff) and encourage you to look honestly at yours. Borrowing from the world of coaching, they help you evaluate your decision-making to date and develop new and better habits and practices with God at the centre.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TTAJSirLtAo\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ygPF7xNSdy8\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIain R. Dunbar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIain Dunbar's background is in business development and operational management for UK, US and Australian companies. He has extensive experience of recruitment, career development, team building, coaching of individuals and leadership groups, and church leadership and teaching in Independent Evangelical, Baptist and Anglican contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeter R. Wilkinson \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeter Wilkinson is now retired after a professional life as a chartered engineer working for the largest defence company in the UK. He is actively involved in local Baptist churches in senior leadership roles including preaching, teaching and worship leading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘In a world where we are faced with daily, seemingly relentless, pressures\u003cbr\u003eto make potentially life-changing decisions, this timely volume places a\u003cbr\u003estrong emphasis on the importance of hearing from God and personal\u003cbr\u003eself-reflection – rather than offering a formulaic ‘system’ that can often lead\u003cbr\u003eto discouragement and feelings of failure through poor decision-making.\u003cbr\u003eI have been privileged to know Iain and Pete as friends, mentors and church\u003cbr\u003eco-leaders during the past 40-plus years and can testify to their authenticity,\u003cbr\u003eintegrity and godly wisdom that will be evident throughout this book.\u003cbr\u003eWhether you are facing important decisions now, or at any time in the future\u003cbr\u003e(which is a certainty!), I would strongly commend their work to you.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndrew Marriott, executive director, Missionary Ventures [MotiVate] NZ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘I have known Iain and Pete for the best part of 45 years. As I read this book,\u003cbr\u003eI hear their voices; the intonation, the stress on certain words, the pain and\u003cbr\u003ejoys of being who and what they are. We are all different people yet, beneath\u003cbr\u003ethe differences, our hearts find their resting place in God and one can sense\u003cbr\u003etheir earnest ‘desires of the heart’ as they engage with the professional and\u003cbr\u003epersonal frustrations they have encountered. Here are two blokes, wrestling\u003cbr\u003ewith the transcendent God of Jacob. Their scientific\/ engineering\/ managerial\u003cbr\u003enature comes through in recounted personal and corporate experiences.\u003cbr\u003eTheir stories are honest and illustrative and heart meets head as we are\u003cbr\u003etaken through the chapters. Iain’s use of scriptural narrative – the ‘story’\u003cbr\u003ewritten for a reason and with passion by a passionate, storytelling Jewish\u003cbr\u003epeople – is lively. His plain reading of this story, sitting on top of the exegesis,\u003cbr\u003e‘lives’ and he applies it brilliantly. Pete brings a different felt experience. His\u003cbr\u003emethodical, engineering approach is like a strong but gentle hand coming\u003cbr\u003ein, guiding the apprentice’s hand at the lathe – ‘Here, let me help you... Just\u003cbr\u003ea bit more pressure there… That’s right, see what you can do? Now, try it\u003cbr\u003eon your own.’ This book is pastoral in nature, aiming for practical, clear and\u003cbr\u003egodly outcomes at all levels of decision-making, accompanied by the peace\u003cbr\u003eof God to rule in our hearts and minds.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd J. Andrew Dodd, Baptist minister (retired) and president of Churches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether in Cumbria\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry January 2024. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving worked in project management in industry, I’ve studied ‘decision-making’, and was unsure I wanted to read another book about it. But I was pleasantly surprised by this book, which is bright, interesting and full of great examples. Having made some good but many poor decisions in life, it was good to discover that the authors had too. They do not propose a canned methodology, but commend a process based on data, analytical skill, and discernment that comes from God. Chapters on developing our spiritual senses and discernment are particularly strong. The book considers decision-making in families and in church councils. Will I make only good decisions from here on? Sadly, no! But I will be more aware of the resources available to me as a person of faith! The book is written with imagination and should be read cover-to-cover, but you could dip into it and still benefit. I commend it to leaders, church members, parents, teachers and businesspeople.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 04.08.23. Review by Dr Eve Poole\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen wrestling with a knotty problem, many Christians have experienced trying God on the metaphorical white phone, only to find a rather puzzling buzz on the line. The businessmen Iain Dunbar and Peter Wilkinson share your frustration and have written a book to try to help.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGood Call: Learning to make decisions with God\u003c\/em\u003e is deliberately accessible in style, as the two of them take it in turns to workshop you through a better process. They start by asking you to learn from your own history, by recalling your past decisions and charting them on a timeline, good and bad. Reflecting on them will teach you your own tendencies under pressure. The authors remind you that good decisions, even hard ones with difficult consequences, will always give you a sense of peace, while the less good ones will tend to prey on your mind and feel somehow unresolved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing examples from the Bible and from their own careers, they set out a process for learning how to discern God’s voice in the noise. It requires patience to develop what they liken to ‘good taste’, and the hallmark of a bad decision will often be that it was rushed. But starting to make every decision with God, no matter how small, trains you in the way. This habit holds you in relationship and teaches you to listen. The accumulation of all your decisions hones in you the development of a settled conscience, which be- comes over time an ever more reliable guide as you learn to discern the path God wants you to take. And if you are ever really stuck? They remind you to cry to the Lord, and sleep on it. Joy will come in the morning, and you will always feel peaceful when you have got it right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr Eve Poole writes on theology, economics, and leadership.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-04-21T20:20:17+01:00","created_at":"2023-04-21T20:20:17+01:00","vendor":"Iain Dunbar \u0026 Peter Wilkinson","type":"Paperback","tags":["Discipleship","Glassboxx","KCLC","Leadership"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":43664178479295,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392182","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34356733313215,"product_id":7481157288127,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-04-21T20:20:17+01:00","updated_at":"2023-04-21T20:20:19+01:00","alt":null,"width":1535,"height":2339,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/GoodCall.jpg?v=1682104819","variant_ids":[43664178479295]},"available":true,"name":"Good Call: Learning to make decisions with God - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1299,"weight":268,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392182","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":26972291596479,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/GoodCall.jpg?v=1682104819"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/GoodCall.jpg?v=1682104819"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/GoodCall.jpg?v=1682104819","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":26972291596479,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/GoodCall.jpg?v=1682104819"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/GoodCall.jpg?v=1682104819","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHave you ever experienced conflict between what your head and your heart were telling you to do? Have you struggled to reach agreement with others when making a group decision, or regretted a major decision and had to live with the consequences? Have you ever found it difficult to be sure of God’s will in a particular situation? If so, you’re in very good company. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEverybody makes decisions – all the time. Are there ‘5 simple steps’ to the right decision? No, there aren’t. Should you stop thinking about it and ‘just do something’? No, you shouldn’t. But could you expect God to share with you his will and purpose, giving you clues and directions in a way you can understand? Yes, you could. Iain Dunbar and Peter Wilkinson share their own decision-making history (even the dodgy stuff) and encourage you to look honestly at yours. Borrowing from the world of coaching, they help you evaluate your decision-making to date and develop new and better habits and practices with God at the centre.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TTAJSirLtAo\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ygPF7xNSdy8\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIain R. Dunbar\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIain Dunbar's background is in business development and operational management for UK, US and Australian companies. He has extensive experience of recruitment, career development, team building, coaching of individuals and leadership groups, and church leadership and teaching in Independent Evangelical, Baptist and Anglican contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeter R. Wilkinson \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeter Wilkinson is now retired after a professional life as a chartered engineer working for the largest defence company in the UK. He is actively involved in local Baptist churches in senior leadership roles including preaching, teaching and worship leading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘In a world where we are faced with daily, seemingly relentless, pressures\u003cbr\u003eto make potentially life-changing decisions, this timely volume places a\u003cbr\u003estrong emphasis on the importance of hearing from God and personal\u003cbr\u003eself-reflection – rather than offering a formulaic ‘system’ that can often lead\u003cbr\u003eto discouragement and feelings of failure through poor decision-making.\u003cbr\u003eI have been privileged to know Iain and Pete as friends, mentors and church\u003cbr\u003eco-leaders during the past 40-plus years and can testify to their authenticity,\u003cbr\u003eintegrity and godly wisdom that will be evident throughout this book.\u003cbr\u003eWhether you are facing important decisions now, or at any time in the future\u003cbr\u003e(which is a certainty!), I would strongly commend their work to you.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndrew Marriott, executive director, Missionary Ventures [MotiVate] NZ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘I have known Iain and Pete for the best part of 45 years. As I read this book,\u003cbr\u003eI hear their voices; the intonation, the stress on certain words, the pain and\u003cbr\u003ejoys of being who and what they are. We are all different people yet, beneath\u003cbr\u003ethe differences, our hearts find their resting place in God and one can sense\u003cbr\u003etheir earnest ‘desires of the heart’ as they engage with the professional and\u003cbr\u003epersonal frustrations they have encountered. Here are two blokes, wrestling\u003cbr\u003ewith the transcendent God of Jacob. Their scientific\/ engineering\/ managerial\u003cbr\u003enature comes through in recounted personal and corporate experiences.\u003cbr\u003eTheir stories are honest and illustrative and heart meets head as we are\u003cbr\u003etaken through the chapters. Iain’s use of scriptural narrative – the ‘story’\u003cbr\u003ewritten for a reason and with passion by a passionate, storytelling Jewish\u003cbr\u003epeople – is lively. His plain reading of this story, sitting on top of the exegesis,\u003cbr\u003e‘lives’ and he applies it brilliantly. Pete brings a different felt experience. His\u003cbr\u003emethodical, engineering approach is like a strong but gentle hand coming\u003cbr\u003ein, guiding the apprentice’s hand at the lathe – ‘Here, let me help you... Just\u003cbr\u003ea bit more pressure there… That’s right, see what you can do? Now, try it\u003cbr\u003eon your own.’ This book is pastoral in nature, aiming for practical, clear and\u003cbr\u003egodly outcomes at all levels of decision-making, accompanied by the peace\u003cbr\u003eof God to rule in our hearts and minds.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd J. Andrew Dodd, Baptist minister (retired) and president of Churches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether in Cumbria\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry January 2024. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving worked in project management in industry, I’ve studied ‘decision-making’, and was unsure I wanted to read another book about it. But I was pleasantly surprised by this book, which is bright, interesting and full of great examples. Having made some good but many poor decisions in life, it was good to discover that the authors had too. They do not propose a canned methodology, but commend a process based on data, analytical skill, and discernment that comes from God. Chapters on developing our spiritual senses and discernment are particularly strong. The book considers decision-making in families and in church councils. Will I make only good decisions from here on? Sadly, no! But I will be more aware of the resources available to me as a person of faith! The book is written with imagination and should be read cover-to-cover, but you could dip into it and still benefit. I commend it to leaders, church members, parents, teachers and businesspeople.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 04.08.23. Review by Dr Eve Poole\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen wrestling with a knotty problem, many Christians have experienced trying God on the metaphorical white phone, only to find a rather puzzling buzz on the line. The businessmen Iain Dunbar and Peter Wilkinson share your frustration and have written a book to try to help.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGood Call: Learning to make decisions with God\u003c\/em\u003e is deliberately accessible in style, as the two of them take it in turns to workshop you through a better process. They start by asking you to learn from your own history, by recalling your past decisions and charting them on a timeline, good and bad. Reflecting on them will teach you your own tendencies under pressure. The authors remind you that good decisions, even hard ones with difficult consequences, will always give you a sense of peace, while the less good ones will tend to prey on your mind and feel somehow unresolved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing examples from the Bible and from their own careers, they set out a process for learning how to discern God’s voice in the noise. It requires patience to develop what they liken to ‘good taste’, and the hallmark of a bad decision will often be that it was rushed. But starting to make every decision with God, no matter how small, trains you in the way. This habit holds you in relationship and teaches you to listen. The accumulation of all your decisions hones in you the development of a settled conscience, which be- comes over time an ever more reliable guide as you learn to discern the path God wants you to take. And if you are ever really stuck? They remind you to cry to the Lord, and sleep on it. Joy will come in the morning, and you will always feel peaceful when you have got it right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr Eve Poole writes on theology, economics, and leadership.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Good Call: Learning to make decisions with God
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Have you ever experienced conflict between what your head and your heart were telling you to do? Have you struggled...
{"id":2439777222756,"title":"The Big Book of Bible Crafts","handle":"the-big-book-of-bible-crafts","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf only you knew that every craft you planned for your children's ministry would be a winner... Now you can be certain of success with over 100 tried-and-tested crafts, submitted by children's workers like you, and used with real kids in real churches. Structured into three sections of crafts for younger and older primary ages and for all ages together, The Big Book of Bible Crafts is a lifesaver for Sunday school, midweek groups and holiday clubs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHand in Hand E-Newsletter July 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e110 of the best craft ideas - all contributed by people working with children in churches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost 20 years ago, at our first Children's Ministry conference, I offered an optional workshop on Bible crafts. I expected 50-100 delegates but almost 400 packed the hall and the workshop had to become a demonstration! Back then there were no books to recommend to those delegates and the many more wanting easy ideas that I met at other training events, so I wrote 100 Simple Bible Craft Ideas for Children - a book now out of print. Since then, a plethora of craft ideas books and web resources have been produced but it is good to see a new collection of simple ideas cross-referenced by Bible passage and season and including some extension ideas on how to incorporate them into a session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSue Price - Children's Ministry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:17+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:18+00:00","vendor":"Laurie Copley","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","Collective worship","Jun-16","KCLC","Worship"],"price":1199,"price_min":1199,"price_max":1199,"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":21769434005604,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464958","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Big Book of Bible Crafts - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1199,"weight":399,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464958","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464958-l.jpg?v=1549043154"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464958-l.jpg?v=1549043154","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877823115,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.703,"height":650,"width":457,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464958-l.jpg?v=1549043154"},"aspect_ratio":0.703,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464958-l.jpg?v=1549043154","width":457}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eIf only you knew that every craft you planned for your children's ministry would be a winner... Now you can be certain of success with over 100 tried-and-tested crafts, submitted by children's workers like you, and used with real kids in real churches. Structured into three sections of crafts for younger and older primary ages and for all ages together, The Big Book of Bible Crafts is a lifesaver for Sunday school, midweek groups and holiday clubs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHand in Hand E-Newsletter July 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e110 of the best craft ideas - all contributed by people working with children in churches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost 20 years ago, at our first Children's Ministry conference, I offered an optional workshop on Bible crafts. I expected 50-100 delegates but almost 400 packed the hall and the workshop had to become a demonstration! Back then there were no books to recommend to those delegates and the many more wanting easy ideas that I met at other training events, so I wrote 100 Simple Bible Craft Ideas for Children - a book now out of print. Since then, a plethora of craft ideas books and web resources have been produced but it is good to see a new collection of simple ideas cross-referenced by Bible passage and season and including some extension ideas on how to incorporate them into a session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSue Price - Children's Ministry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e"}
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The Big Book of Bible Crafts
£11.99
If only you knew that every craft you planned for your children's ministry would be a winner... Now you can...
{"id":7223740530879,"title":"When they Crucified My Lord","handle":"when-they-crucified-my-lord","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOn this journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day, you are invited to become a pilgrim with Brother Ramon. Each day there is the opportunity to stop and reflect on the gospel story, drawing insight from the experiences of those who were there during the events of the first Easter, finding inspiration and strength for the greater journey of our lives. Suffering and glory are intermingled in real human experience in this book, which is designed for personal and group use, for Christians of all traditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBrother Ramon SSF was an Anglican Franciscan friar and a writer on everyday spirituality. His numerous books include \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Spirituality, The Heart of Prayer, My Questions – God’s Questions\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Flame of Sacred Love\u003c\/em\u003e. Brother Ramon died in June 2000.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry online February 2023. Review by Lindsay Tanner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an inviting text with a good balance of simplicity and depth. It is a republication of a classic Lenten devotional by an Anglican Franciscan friar and draws on his experiences, often of getting alongside others at their point of need. It is not outdated; lived examples are accessible and relevant to our everyday discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe focus is Holy Week and the crucifixion, but the reflections are much broader. The first days from Ash Wednesday bring context and challenge looking at the different players and groups engaged in some of the events of Holy Week. The next four weeks use the perspectives of John, Peter, Judas and Mary in turn, attending to passages of scripture in which they are involved from throughout the gospels. In Lent 5 there is a specific focus on the acts of faith shown by different people around the cross. At the culmination, through Holy Week, the author looks at the seven words of Jesus from the cross.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach daily devotion leads with a passage of scripture which is followed by a personal narrative connecting us to emotions and insights related to the events chosen. The narrative is reflective and questioning, challenging us to ask where we are in our openness to God, serving him and receiving from him. Each day’s reading closes with a prayer and reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are several ways to use this book. The author recommends setting aside up to an hour each day for the devotion and to take time letting the words of scripture speak to us. I support this and believe that the book will aid rich listening and meditation. However it will also work for those with less time available. It is an easy read and nudges, challenges and provides insights, even with a lighter approach. The book also includes some tips for use as a group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Lindsay Tanner\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2022-04-19T10:26:30+01:00","created_at":"2022-04-19T10:24:17+01:00","vendor":"Brother Ramon SFF","type":"Hardback","tags":["Centenary Classics","Centenary Collection","KCLC","Lent"],"price":1499,"price_min":1499,"price_max":1499,"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":41549192364223,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390898","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"When they Crucified My Lord","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1499,"weight":172,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390898","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390898.jpg?v=1650360258"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390898.jpg?v=1650360258","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":24727113040063,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1800,"width":1181,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390898.jpg?v=1650360258"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1800,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390898.jpg?v=1650360258","width":1181}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOn this journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day, you are invited to become a pilgrim with Brother Ramon. Each day there is the opportunity to stop and reflect on the gospel story, drawing insight from the experiences of those who were there during the events of the first Easter, finding inspiration and strength for the greater journey of our lives. Suffering and glory are intermingled in real human experience in this book, which is designed for personal and group use, for Christians of all traditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBrother Ramon SSF was an Anglican Franciscan friar and a writer on everyday spirituality. His numerous books include \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Spirituality, The Heart of Prayer, My Questions – God’s Questions\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Flame of Sacred Love\u003c\/em\u003e. Brother Ramon died in June 2000.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry online February 2023. Review by Lindsay Tanner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an inviting text with a good balance of simplicity and depth. It is a republication of a classic Lenten devotional by an Anglican Franciscan friar and draws on his experiences, often of getting alongside others at their point of need. It is not outdated; lived examples are accessible and relevant to our everyday discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe focus is Holy Week and the crucifixion, but the reflections are much broader. The first days from Ash Wednesday bring context and challenge looking at the different players and groups engaged in some of the events of Holy Week. The next four weeks use the perspectives of John, Peter, Judas and Mary in turn, attending to passages of scripture in which they are involved from throughout the gospels. In Lent 5 there is a specific focus on the acts of faith shown by different people around the cross. At the culmination, through Holy Week, the author looks at the seven words of Jesus from the cross.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach daily devotion leads with a passage of scripture which is followed by a personal narrative connecting us to emotions and insights related to the events chosen. The narrative is reflective and questioning, challenging us to ask where we are in our openness to God, serving him and receiving from him. Each day’s reading closes with a prayer and reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are several ways to use this book. The author recommends setting aside up to an hour each day for the devotion and to take time letting the words of scripture speak to us. I support this and believe that the book will aid rich listening and meditation. However it will also work for those with less time available. It is an easy read and nudges, challenges and provides insights, even with a lighter approach. The book also includes some tips for use as a group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Lindsay Tanner\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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When they Crucified My Lord
£14.99
On this journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day, you are invited to become a pilgrim with Brother Ramon. Each...
{"id":7223738597567,"title":"The Bible in Cockney","handle":"the-bible-in-cockney","description":"\u003cp\u003eRead how Jesus feeds five thousand geezers with just five loaves of Uncle Fred and two Lillian Gish. Or how Noah built a bloomin’ massive nanny. Then there’s always the story of David and that massive geezer Goliath, or the time when Simon’s finger and thumb-in-law was Tom and Dick in Uncle Ned and Jesus healed her... A very down-to-earth ‘translation’ that brings scripture out of the pulpit and back onto the streets. ‘It certainly is a good laugh while imparting the essential message of the Bible.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNow working as a funeral celebrant in Essex, Mike Coles was for many years head of religious education at Sir John Cass Church of England Secondary School in Stepney, East London. He hated RE when he was at school, and vowed that he would never make the children suffer as he had to! When he moved to the East End, he immediately fell in love with Cockney rhyming slang and started to use it in his lessons. The children loved it, he decided to write down some of his stories and – well, here they are.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReview from previous edition\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'It certainly is a good laugh while imparting the essential message of the Bible.' Reverend Stan in The Badge, the London cab drivers' newspaper\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2022-04-19T10:19:21+01:00","created_at":"2022-04-19T10:16:39+01:00","vendor":"Mike Coles","type":"Hardback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Centenary Classics","Centenary Collection","KCLC"],"price":1499,"price_min":1499,"price_max":1499,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":1499,"compare_at_price_min":1499,"compare_at_price_max":1499,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":41565101162687,"title":"Hardback","option1":"Hardback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390904","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":32215161569471,"product_id":7223738597567,"position":1,"created_at":"2022-04-19T10:16:39+01:00","updated_at":"2022-04-19T10:16:41+01:00","alt":null,"width":1181,"height":1800,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390904.jpg?v=1650359801","variant_ids":[41565101162687]},"available":true,"name":"The Bible in Cockney - Hardback","public_title":"Hardback","options":["Hardback"],"price":1499,"weight":169,"compare_at_price":1499,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390904","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":24727088726207,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1800,"width":1181,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390904.jpg?v=1650359801"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390904.jpg?v=1650359801"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390904.jpg?v=1650359801","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":24727088726207,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1800,"width":1181,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390904.jpg?v=1650359801"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1800,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390904.jpg?v=1650359801","width":1181}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eRead how Jesus feeds five thousand geezers with just five loaves of Uncle Fred and two Lillian Gish. Or how Noah built a bloomin’ massive nanny. Then there’s always the story of David and that massive geezer Goliath, or the time when Simon’s finger and thumb-in-law was Tom and Dick in Uncle Ned and Jesus healed her... A very down-to-earth ‘translation’ that brings scripture out of the pulpit and back onto the streets. ‘It certainly is a good laugh while imparting the essential message of the Bible.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNow working as a funeral celebrant in Essex, Mike Coles was for many years head of religious education at Sir John Cass Church of England Secondary School in Stepney, East London. He hated RE when he was at school, and vowed that he would never make the children suffer as he had to! When he moved to the East End, he immediately fell in love with Cockney rhyming slang and started to use it in his lessons. The children loved it, he decided to write down some of his stories and – well, here they are.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReview from previous edition\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'It certainly is a good laugh while imparting the essential message of the Bible.' Reverend Stan in The Badge, the London cab drivers' newspaper\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The Bible in Cockney
£14.99
Read how Jesus feeds five thousand geezers with just five loaves of Uncle Fred and two Lillian Gish. Or how...
{"id":2439829749860,"title":"Stories of Everyday Saints: 40 stories with Bible links and related activities","handle":"stories-of-everyday-saints-40-stories-with-bible-links-and-related-activities","description":"The forty men and women whose stories are told in this book may not have started out as perfect people, but they were used by God to do his work. Saints are people who listen to God and try to do what he wants.\u003cp\u003eThe saints included in the book fall into four categories:\u003cbr\u003eBible saints from the New Testament, such as St Paul\u003cbr\u003eHistorical and legendary saints, such as St George\u003cbr\u003eWorldwide saints, such as St Francis of Assisi\u003cbr\u003eMore recent and contemporary saints, such as Mother Teresa\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach story is accompanied by:\u003cbr\u003eKey date and brief description of the saint\u003cbr\u003eBible link\u003cbr\u003ePrayer\u003cbr\u003eRelated activities\u003cbr\u003eSymbol\u003cbr\u003eSuggested songs that might be used\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSome of the people have been formally named as saints by their church. In such cases, their name will appear with 'St' before it, as in St Patrick. Others have not been recognized publicly in this way, but are included in this book because God used them to carry out a particular task. These people are referred to simply by their ordinary names such as Florence Nightingale.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nVeronica Heley has taught in Junior Church, and Youth Clubs, and been Events Organiser for the Association of Christian Writers. She now gives talks and runs workshops for writers of all ages. She is author of approximately forty books including Who, Me? Paul and The Easter Tree both published under the Barnabas imprint.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:42+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:44+00:00","vendor":"Veronica Heley","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","For schools","KCLC","RE","Sep-02"],"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":21770244685924,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857460721","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Stories of Everyday Saints: 40 stories with Bible links and related activities - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":321,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857460721","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460721-l.jpg?v=1549043116"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460721-l.jpg?v=1549043116","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238882082955,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.677,"height":650,"width":440,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460721-l.jpg?v=1549043116"},"aspect_ratio":0.677,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460721-l.jpg?v=1549043116","width":440}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"The forty men and women whose stories are told in this book may not have started out as perfect people, but they were used by God to do his work. Saints are people who listen to God and try to do what he wants.\u003cp\u003eThe saints included in the book fall into four categories:\u003cbr\u003eBible saints from the New Testament, such as St Paul\u003cbr\u003eHistorical and legendary saints, such as St George\u003cbr\u003eWorldwide saints, such as St Francis of Assisi\u003cbr\u003eMore recent and contemporary saints, such as Mother Teresa\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach story is accompanied by:\u003cbr\u003eKey date and brief description of the saint\u003cbr\u003eBible link\u003cbr\u003ePrayer\u003cbr\u003eRelated activities\u003cbr\u003eSymbol\u003cbr\u003eSuggested songs that might be used\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSome of the people have been formally named as saints by their church. In such cases, their name will appear with 'St' before it, as in St Patrick. Others have not been recognized publicly in this way, but are included in this book because God used them to carry out a particular task. These people are referred to simply by their ordinary names such as Florence Nightingale.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nVeronica Heley has taught in Junior Church, and Youth Clubs, and been Events Organiser for the Association of Christian Writers. She now gives talks and runs workshops for writers of all ages. She is author of approximately forty books including Who, Me? Paul and The Easter Tree both published under the Barnabas imprint.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n"}
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Stories of Everyday Saints: 40 stories with Bible links and related activities
£9.99
The forty men and women whose stories are told in this book may not have started out as perfect people,...