Prayer and Spirituality
Our inspirational authors explore themes of prayer and spirituality in these books, covering a range of topics from practical to theoretical.
{"id":2439791247460,"title":"Jesus said, 'I am': Finding life in the everyday","handle":"jesus-said-i-am-finding-life-in-the-everyday","description":"\u003cp\u003eDrawing on the imagery of the Hebrew scriptures, Jesus identifies himself as the 'I am' of Israel's narrative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough sensitive retelling, thoughtful discussion and creative exercises, Andrea Skevington shows the transforming power of Jesus' words. Each chapter focuses on a different 'I am' saying and offers ideas for reflection and response, including suggestions for further study, prayer and meditation, creative response, 'life and service' practical outreach, music suggestions and further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJesus said, 'I am' integrates faith and imagination, story and study, helping reader towards a well-grounded and more profound faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrea Skevington lives in Suffolk with her family. She writes for both adults and children, winning the Christian Book of the Year award (Speaking Volumes) for her retelling, The Lion Classic Bible (Lion Hudson, 2011). She also preaches and leads Bible studies and children's groups, creative writing workshops and retreats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Andrea's lockdown blog and read some of her lockdown poems click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/writer-poet-and-blogger-andrea-skevington-reflects-on-jesus-i-am-sayings-in-light-of-lockdown\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \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\u003eTransforming Ministry digital edition 2. Review by Rosemary Walters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled ‘Finding Life in the Everyday’\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e, \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003enearly all the chapters in this book are built on specific ‘I Am’ sayings of Jesus. Its great strength is the combination in each chapter of contextual and theological analysis, reflections for study and contemplation and a variety of creative ideas. This makes it valuable in a variety of settings: retreats, study days, weekly courses based on each chapter, as well as Fresh Expressions and Messy Church. The theological background in each chapter is concise yet informative and the study questions are challenging. The emphasis in the creative response sections invites reflection and action based on personal experience and the prayer resources could equally well be used in formal and informal liturgical settings. The scope of reference is wide, poets, philosophers and a variety of theological material, helpful for those preaching as well as group and individual contexts. Andrea Skevington says in her introduction that writing this book has changed the way she sees following Jesus. Her vision for the book, that it will take the reader deeper into the adventure of discovering who Jesus is, and who they are as individuals comes alive from the very start when she begins exploring the implications of the phrase ‘I am’. The connections between Old Testament history and concepts of God and the teachings of Jesus moves naturally in each chapter to links with contemporary experience and opportunity for action. This book is a valuable resource for ministry and personal reflection. It lives up to its subtitle of ‘Finding Life in the Everyday’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Rosemary Walters \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWoman Alive: WA Book Club April 2019. Review by Amy Boucher-Pye\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis month I'm reading ...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love having a book that I really want to share with you. Some months I flail around, starting a novel and discarding it before moving on to a life story or an exploration of Christian discipleship. But sometimes a wonderful book comes along that I can highlight unreservedly, such as Andrea Skevington's\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eJesus said, 'I am'.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn it she delves into the 'I am' sayings of Jesus according to John's Gospel. In the Greek Jesus says\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eego eimi\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e24 times, seven of which have become the 'I am' sayings. Andrea explores these (from 'I am the bread of life' to 'I am the good shepherd' to 'I am the true vine') and also the interesting story of the woman at the well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love how she splits her chapters into halves. First she digs into the particular story, unpacking the context of what Jesus experienced. The second half moves to reflection and response, including searching questions for individual pondering or group discussion. She also suggests various creative responses, such as writing, photography,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003electio divina,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eand other exercises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo give you a flavour, let's look at the story of the woman at the well (John 4). Andrea sets the story in its context - that of conflict, not only between the Jews and the Samaritans, but also between Jesus and the Pharisees. Jesus stops at the well that Jacob gave to Joseph, which reminds the reader of the long history of God's people. Here Jesus acts as a peacemaker in the midst of conflict. He speaks to one ostracised by society - a woman who has had many husbands. We might judge this woman, but as Andrea observes, in that day, men easily acquired divorces and early death was common.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJesus humbly asks the woman for a drink. He recognises her as made in the image of God as he cuts through her layers of shame and hiding. Seeing her for who she is, he sets her free. She in turn leaves behind the water jug and goes forth joyfully to share the good news with those who were shaming her. Perhaps that jug, Andrea observes, symbolises the old life left behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter exploring the story (with more depth than I've conveyed here), Andrea leads us into some questions, including, 'Are there people you would be reluctant to talk to and drink with? If so, why?' I particularly like her creative response of choosing a striking phrase from the Bible story; hers is 'the well is deep'. We sit with that phrase, playing with it through poetry or prose, writing a story or jotting down some thoughts about it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're looking for a book to deepen your faith and love for Jesus, give this one a try. You'll be enriched and encouraged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Amy Boucher-Pye, Editor WA Book Club\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, April 2019. Review by Catherine Ball\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hebrew scriptures record God’s revelation of the name of the Godhead to Moses as: ‘I am who I am.’ Jesus was the long-awaited Jewish Messiah, but not the type of Messiah expected by his contemporaries. He was not a rich and powerful prince or a trained priest in the temple of Jerusalem. His ministry was not to lead an army to attack and overthrow Rome, but to lay down his life for the world. Yet, he could only accomplish this if the legal and religious authorities did not realise who he was and what he had come to do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo those who had ears to hear and eyes to see, Andrea Skevington argues, Jesus reveals himself as the Son of Man and Son of God in a most original and startling way in his famous ‘I am’ sayings: ‘I am the bread of life.’ ‘I am the light of the world.’ ‘I am the good shepherd.’ ‘I am the gate for the sheep.’ ‘I am the resurrection and the life.’ ‘I am the way, the truth and the life.’ ‘I am the true vine.’ As Skevington says, ‘I am’ is such a common construction in every language; it is how we define ourselves, but it is also a very deep mystery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter of this book explores one of the stories in which Jesus says, ‘I am…’ It looks at its context and characters and shows the transforming power of Jesus’ words for his listeners. Skevington goes beyond the classic seven ‘I am’ statements, also including Jesus’ words to the woman at the well and what he said when he was confronted by soldiers in the garden of Gethsemane: ‘I am he for whom you are looking.’ Each time, Skevington includes a prayer and meditation and gives suggestions for further study and some creative responses in service and practical outreach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book could be used by individuals for their own personal faith development or used as a study guide for group discussions. It would make an excellent Lent course!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCatherine Ball is Minister of the Free Church, St Ives and Fenstanton United Reformed Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e ______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview on https:\/\/monasteriesoftheheart.org\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a unique look at the things Jesus says about himself. It has a few pages of retelling and discussion of each passage, followed by a huge quantity of suggestions for responses -questions to invite thinking, prayer and meditation and creative ideas, with drawing, writing and making, getting out and about in creation and suggestions for activism, service and worship. It is such a rich resource that in one small book there is enough to return to again and again. A real delight of practical theology. Andrea has a blog where you can explore sections from her work as a gift. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times Round up May 2019. Review by Pieter J Lalleman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthor and amateur-theologian Skevington presents nine chapters of material on the ‘I am’ sayings of Jesus in John’s Gospel. She deals with Jesus as the bread of life (chapter 3), the light of the world (4), the good shepherd and the gate (together in 5), the resurrection and the life (6), the way, the truth and the life (7), and the true vine (8). The short ninth and final chapter is about Jesus’ saying ‘I am he’ in John 18:5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapter 1 discusses the revelation of God’s name ‘I Am’ (Yahweh) to Moses in Exodus 3 and chapter 2 is about Jesus and the women at the well, to whom he says that he is the Messiah, using the same words ‘I am’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first part of each chapter contains the full text of the Scripture passage and a study of it, the second part offers numerous suggestions for ‘reflection and response’: questions, references to similar passages with questions about them, prayers, suggestions for activities, suggestions for further reading, and much more. For example, after ‘I am the bread of life’ we are invited to bake bread, to reflect on avoiding waste and to consider fasting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkevington’s explanations of Scripture are attractive and generally to the point, although occasionally driven by association rather than by strict interpretation. She fills some Greek words with more meaning than they have in themselves. The suggested responses are naturally more diverse and the ideas for further study touch on the entire Christian life. This means that in the end this positive book reaches far and wide. It will surely help attentive readers in their life of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore about the author and her books can be found on her website. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/andreaskevington.com\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/andreaskevington.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Pieter J. Lalleman teaches Bible at Spurgeon's College\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-13T18:07:52+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:18+00:00","vendor":"Andrea Skevington","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Devotional","For individuals","Jan-19","KCLC","Kindle","Spirituality"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769635823716,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465627","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436810944612,"product_id":2439791247460,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:18+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:41+00:00","alt":null,"width":426,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465627-l.jpg?v=1549043141","variant_ids":[21769635823716]},"available":false,"name":"Jesus said, 'I am': Finding life in the everyday - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":180,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465627","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238879297675,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465627-l.jpg?v=1549043141"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465627-l.jpg?v=1549043141"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465627-l.jpg?v=1549043141","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879297675,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465627-l.jpg?v=1549043141"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465627-l.jpg?v=1549043141","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eDrawing on the imagery of the Hebrew scriptures, Jesus identifies himself as the 'I am' of Israel's narrative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough sensitive retelling, thoughtful discussion and creative exercises, Andrea Skevington shows the transforming power of Jesus' words. Each chapter focuses on a different 'I am' saying and offers ideas for reflection and response, including suggestions for further study, prayer and meditation, creative response, 'life and service' practical outreach, music suggestions and further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJesus said, 'I am' integrates faith and imagination, story and study, helping reader towards a well-grounded and more profound faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrea Skevington lives in Suffolk with her family. She writes for both adults and children, winning the Christian Book of the Year award (Speaking Volumes) for her retelling, The Lion Classic Bible (Lion Hudson, 2011). She also preaches and leads Bible studies and children's groups, creative writing workshops and retreats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Andrea's lockdown blog and read some of her lockdown poems click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/writer-poet-and-blogger-andrea-skevington-reflects-on-jesus-i-am-sayings-in-light-of-lockdown\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \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\u003eTransforming Ministry digital edition 2. Review by Rosemary Walters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled ‘Finding Life in the Everyday’\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e, \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003enearly all the chapters in this book are built on specific ‘I Am’ sayings of Jesus. Its great strength is the combination in each chapter of contextual and theological analysis, reflections for study and contemplation and a variety of creative ideas. This makes it valuable in a variety of settings: retreats, study days, weekly courses based on each chapter, as well as Fresh Expressions and Messy Church. The theological background in each chapter is concise yet informative and the study questions are challenging. The emphasis in the creative response sections invites reflection and action based on personal experience and the prayer resources could equally well be used in formal and informal liturgical settings. The scope of reference is wide, poets, philosophers and a variety of theological material, helpful for those preaching as well as group and individual contexts. Andrea Skevington says in her introduction that writing this book has changed the way she sees following Jesus. Her vision for the book, that it will take the reader deeper into the adventure of discovering who Jesus is, and who they are as individuals comes alive from the very start when she begins exploring the implications of the phrase ‘I am’. The connections between Old Testament history and concepts of God and the teachings of Jesus moves naturally in each chapter to links with contemporary experience and opportunity for action. This book is a valuable resource for ministry and personal reflection. It lives up to its subtitle of ‘Finding Life in the Everyday’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Rosemary Walters \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWoman Alive: WA Book Club April 2019. Review by Amy Boucher-Pye\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis month I'm reading ...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love having a book that I really want to share with you. Some months I flail around, starting a novel and discarding it before moving on to a life story or an exploration of Christian discipleship. But sometimes a wonderful book comes along that I can highlight unreservedly, such as Andrea Skevington's\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eJesus said, 'I am'.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn it she delves into the 'I am' sayings of Jesus according to John's Gospel. In the Greek Jesus says\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eego eimi\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e24 times, seven of which have become the 'I am' sayings. Andrea explores these (from 'I am the bread of life' to 'I am the good shepherd' to 'I am the true vine') and also the interesting story of the woman at the well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love how she splits her chapters into halves. First she digs into the particular story, unpacking the context of what Jesus experienced. The second half moves to reflection and response, including searching questions for individual pondering or group discussion. She also suggests various creative responses, such as writing, photography,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003electio divina,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eand other exercises.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo give you a flavour, let's look at the story of the woman at the well (John 4). Andrea sets the story in its context - that of conflict, not only between the Jews and the Samaritans, but also between Jesus and the Pharisees. Jesus stops at the well that Jacob gave to Joseph, which reminds the reader of the long history of God's people. Here Jesus acts as a peacemaker in the midst of conflict. He speaks to one ostracised by society - a woman who has had many husbands. We might judge this woman, but as Andrea observes, in that day, men easily acquired divorces and early death was common.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJesus humbly asks the woman for a drink. He recognises her as made in the image of God as he cuts through her layers of shame and hiding. Seeing her for who she is, he sets her free. She in turn leaves behind the water jug and goes forth joyfully to share the good news with those who were shaming her. Perhaps that jug, Andrea observes, symbolises the old life left behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter exploring the story (with more depth than I've conveyed here), Andrea leads us into some questions, including, 'Are there people you would be reluctant to talk to and drink with? If so, why?' I particularly like her creative response of choosing a striking phrase from the Bible story; hers is 'the well is deep'. We sit with that phrase, playing with it through poetry or prose, writing a story or jotting down some thoughts about it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're looking for a book to deepen your faith and love for Jesus, give this one a try. You'll be enriched and encouraged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Amy Boucher-Pye, Editor WA Book Club\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, April 2019. Review by Catherine Ball\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hebrew scriptures record God’s revelation of the name of the Godhead to Moses as: ‘I am who I am.’ Jesus was the long-awaited Jewish Messiah, but not the type of Messiah expected by his contemporaries. He was not a rich and powerful prince or a trained priest in the temple of Jerusalem. His ministry was not to lead an army to attack and overthrow Rome, but to lay down his life for the world. Yet, he could only accomplish this if the legal and religious authorities did not realise who he was and what he had come to do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo those who had ears to hear and eyes to see, Andrea Skevington argues, Jesus reveals himself as the Son of Man and Son of God in a most original and startling way in his famous ‘I am’ sayings: ‘I am the bread of life.’ ‘I am the light of the world.’ ‘I am the good shepherd.’ ‘I am the gate for the sheep.’ ‘I am the resurrection and the life.’ ‘I am the way, the truth and the life.’ ‘I am the true vine.’ As Skevington says, ‘I am’ is such a common construction in every language; it is how we define ourselves, but it is also a very deep mystery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter of this book explores one of the stories in which Jesus says, ‘I am…’ It looks at its context and characters and shows the transforming power of Jesus’ words for his listeners. Skevington goes beyond the classic seven ‘I am’ statements, also including Jesus’ words to the woman at the well and what he said when he was confronted by soldiers in the garden of Gethsemane: ‘I am he for whom you are looking.’ Each time, Skevington includes a prayer and meditation and gives suggestions for further study and some creative responses in service and practical outreach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book could be used by individuals for their own personal faith development or used as a study guide for group discussions. It would make an excellent Lent course!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCatherine Ball is Minister of the Free Church, St Ives and Fenstanton United Reformed Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e ______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview on https:\/\/monasteriesoftheheart.org\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a unique look at the things Jesus says about himself. It has a few pages of retelling and discussion of each passage, followed by a huge quantity of suggestions for responses -questions to invite thinking, prayer and meditation and creative ideas, with drawing, writing and making, getting out and about in creation and suggestions for activism, service and worship. It is such a rich resource that in one small book there is enough to return to again and again. A real delight of practical theology. Andrea has a blog where you can explore sections from her work as a gift. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times Round up May 2019. Review by Pieter J Lalleman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthor and amateur-theologian Skevington presents nine chapters of material on the ‘I am’ sayings of Jesus in John’s Gospel. She deals with Jesus as the bread of life (chapter 3), the light of the world (4), the good shepherd and the gate (together in 5), the resurrection and the life (6), the way, the truth and the life (7), and the true vine (8). The short ninth and final chapter is about Jesus’ saying ‘I am he’ in John 18:5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapter 1 discusses the revelation of God’s name ‘I Am’ (Yahweh) to Moses in Exodus 3 and chapter 2 is about Jesus and the women at the well, to whom he says that he is the Messiah, using the same words ‘I am’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first part of each chapter contains the full text of the Scripture passage and a study of it, the second part offers numerous suggestions for ‘reflection and response’: questions, references to similar passages with questions about them, prayers, suggestions for activities, suggestions for further reading, and much more. For example, after ‘I am the bread of life’ we are invited to bake bread, to reflect on avoiding waste and to consider fasting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkevington’s explanations of Scripture are attractive and generally to the point, although occasionally driven by association rather than by strict interpretation. She fills some Greek words with more meaning than they have in themselves. The suggested responses are naturally more diverse and the ideas for further study touch on the entire Christian life. This means that in the end this positive book reaches far and wide. It will surely help attentive readers in their life of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore about the author and her books can be found on her website. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/andreaskevington.com\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/andreaskevington.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Pieter J. Lalleman teaches Bible at Spurgeon's College\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Jesus said, 'I am': Finding life in the everyday
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Drawing on the imagery of the Hebrew scriptures, Jesus identifies himself as the 'I am' of Israel's narrative. Through sensitive...
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{"id":2439787642980,"title":"Faith in the Making: Praying it, talking it, living it","handle":"faith-in-the-making-praying-it-talking-it-living-it","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf faith is 'being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see', what does that look like in practice today? In a world that is largely unsure and uncertain, how do we gain our confidence?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFaith in the Making recognises the problem and seeks the answer in the list of faithful heroes found in Hebrews 11. This accessible devotional resource will inspire individuals and groups to live more confidently for God in today's world. Heroic faith is far more attainable than we often think!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead Lyndall's Lockdown blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/lyndall-bywater-author-of-prayer-in-the-making-and-faith-in-the-making-learn-a-lot-from-her-least-favourite-bible-verse-in-her-lockdown-reflection\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that will inspire, deepen and challenge your understanding of Christian faith. Lyndall provides a roadmap which connects the story of faith heroes to our story through an excellent combination of theology, practice and application for our everyday lives. I would highly recommend this as a resource for a small group study or for any individual searching for ways to help them grow stronger in their faith.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJani Rubery, Organisational psychologist and Spiritual Mentor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/LyndallBywater_480x480.jpg?v=1676496804\" width=\"150\" height=\"220\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyndall Bywater is a freelance speaker and writer, specialising in the subject of prayer. Having worked for ten years as The Salvation Army's UK prayer coordinator, she is now part of Connecting the Isles and works with 24-7 Prayer on its Europe team. She heads up Canterbury Boiler Room, an interdenominational prayer community, and contributes to BRF's Day by Day with God Bible reading notes. She is married to Phil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader website, January 2019. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled 'praying it, talking it, living it', this book considers Hebrews 11's great chapter of the people of faith. Bywater writes with passion about her topic and helps us to see the possible ways we can learn from biblical stories and people. There are some terrific ideas for prayer and worship, very stimulating and challenging questions in the 'talking it' section, and some suggestions in 'living it.' This is a book for the individual and the small group, and perhaps even the basis of a preaching series. What is very impressive is the honesty of the author who is keen to show us that she struggles with life every bit as much as the great heroes of the faith. I warmly recommend it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e____________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReform\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes it is hard to hold onto what we have received in worship - to carry it with us into the coming week and use it to make a real difference in the world (or even with those alongside whom we work and live). Sometimes we cannot make the Bible study group. We long for something that can inspire and energise us to respond in action as well as words. This book ticks all the boxes in giving us something to read that is Bible-based, challenging, interesting, personal, realistic and practical. It is easy to read but also honest. It acknowledges the vulnerabilities and weaknesses we all struggle with and uses the author's own life experiences to expand on texts and bring the characters to life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBywater bases the whole book on Hebrews 11 and the characters from the Old Testament who are mentioned in it. She feels each one of these were heroes in their own right, and that we can learn from both their ability to hold onto hope wherever they found themselves and from the stories of their friendship with God which fuelled their faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter has the same structure: a Bible text from Hebrews 11, a reflection on the character(s) that also includes the author's personal narrative, then ideas for praying, talking and living out faith (this section focuses on the 'hope' of each character.) A passage from the Old Testament follows, relating to the character(s) and the 'friendship' aspect of their story, which then leads to more ideas for praying, talking and living out faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found it unsettling that God was always addressed using a male pronoun and I was unable to identify with some of the words Bywater used to portray God and how God relates to humankind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, that did not stop the book from being useful. It was practical, interesting and encouraged us to step out in faith, to be heroes - just like the ones we read about in the Bible - despite our human failings and shortcomings. To carry hope and friendship with God as travelling aids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJenny Mills is Minister of Newport Pagnell United Reformed Church and West End United Church, Wolverton, Milton Keynes\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyndall is already known for her creativity, writings and teaching on prayer, and this is her first book. It is an honest reflection of faith in a challenging culture yet with the possibilities of how God can bring about real change. Her style is relaxed and humorous with lots of practical application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin the book the writer is heart-breakingly honest about the fragility of faith when faced with tragedy and atrocity in our world. She acknowledges how the word faith conjures up feelings of excitement and guilt at the same time, but ultimately faith is the call for Christians to look beyond what they can immediately see to a different reality, what the writer of Hebrews calls living by faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyndall takes the heroes of Hebrews 11, in easy to read chapters. She encourages the reader to think about the people of faith mentioned there, recognising ordinariness within great acts of faith. Describing them as people who 'soared their way to impossible things because they lost sight of their own limitations and got caught up in the bigness of God,' Lyndall opens up the possibility that all Christians can be like those in Hebrews 11. Whether taking a leap with God results in crash-landing or truly flying, faith is less about rules and observances and more about trust in God's presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Christians bored with the mediocre and wanting to change the world, this book will inspire them to put more faith in what God can do where they live. Each chapter ends with opportunity for reflection, putting what has been explored into practice, and developing personal rhythms of prayer for daily life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the writer physically is unable to see, this book is full of enlightening stories, spiritual insight, and the reality of how God makes his vision clear to those who dare to live by faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAndrea Still\u003c\/strong\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:03+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:05+00:00","vendor":"Lyndall Bywater","type":"Paperback","tags":["Feb-18","For individuals","KCLC","Kindle","Prayer","Torch Trust"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769596698724,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465559","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436791808100,"product_id":2439787642980,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:05+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:44+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465559-l.jpg?v=1549043144","variant_ids":[21769596698724]},"available":true,"name":"Faith in the Making: Praying it, talking it, living it - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":163,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465559","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238879035531,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465559-l.jpg?v=1549043144"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465559-l.jpg?v=1549043144","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/53_04978193-e54b-449d-8ce8-e21adf09ae82.png?v=1734095699"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465559-l.jpg?v=1549043144","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879035531,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465559-l.jpg?v=1549043144"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465559-l.jpg?v=1549043144","width":427},{"alt":null,"id":63560967225724,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/53_04978193-e54b-449d-8ce8-e21adf09ae82.png?v=1734095699"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/53_04978193-e54b-449d-8ce8-e21adf09ae82.png?v=1734095699","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eIf faith is 'being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see', what does that look like in practice today? In a world that is largely unsure and uncertain, how do we gain our confidence?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFaith in the Making recognises the problem and seeks the answer in the list of faithful heroes found in Hebrews 11. This accessible devotional resource will inspire individuals and groups to live more confidently for God in today's world. Heroic faith is far more attainable than we often think!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead Lyndall's Lockdown blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/lyndall-bywater-author-of-prayer-in-the-making-and-faith-in-the-making-learn-a-lot-from-her-least-favourite-bible-verse-in-her-lockdown-reflection\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that will inspire, deepen and challenge your understanding of Christian faith. Lyndall provides a roadmap which connects the story of faith heroes to our story through an excellent combination of theology, practice and application for our everyday lives. I would highly recommend this as a resource for a small group study or for any individual searching for ways to help them grow stronger in their faith.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJani Rubery, Organisational psychologist and Spiritual Mentor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/LyndallBywater_480x480.jpg?v=1676496804\" width=\"150\" height=\"220\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyndall Bywater is a freelance speaker and writer, specialising in the subject of prayer. Having worked for ten years as The Salvation Army's UK prayer coordinator, she is now part of Connecting the Isles and works with 24-7 Prayer on its Europe team. She heads up Canterbury Boiler Room, an interdenominational prayer community, and contributes to BRF's Day by Day with God Bible reading notes. She is married to Phil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader website, January 2019. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled 'praying it, talking it, living it', this book considers Hebrews 11's great chapter of the people of faith. Bywater writes with passion about her topic and helps us to see the possible ways we can learn from biblical stories and people. There are some terrific ideas for prayer and worship, very stimulating and challenging questions in the 'talking it' section, and some suggestions in 'living it.' This is a book for the individual and the small group, and perhaps even the basis of a preaching series. What is very impressive is the honesty of the author who is keen to show us that she struggles with life every bit as much as the great heroes of the faith. I warmly recommend it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e____________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReform\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes it is hard to hold onto what we have received in worship - to carry it with us into the coming week and use it to make a real difference in the world (or even with those alongside whom we work and live). Sometimes we cannot make the Bible study group. We long for something that can inspire and energise us to respond in action as well as words. This book ticks all the boxes in giving us something to read that is Bible-based, challenging, interesting, personal, realistic and practical. It is easy to read but also honest. It acknowledges the vulnerabilities and weaknesses we all struggle with and uses the author's own life experiences to expand on texts and bring the characters to life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBywater bases the whole book on Hebrews 11 and the characters from the Old Testament who are mentioned in it. She feels each one of these were heroes in their own right, and that we can learn from both their ability to hold onto hope wherever they found themselves and from the stories of their friendship with God which fuelled their faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter has the same structure: a Bible text from Hebrews 11, a reflection on the character(s) that also includes the author's personal narrative, then ideas for praying, talking and living out faith (this section focuses on the 'hope' of each character.) A passage from the Old Testament follows, relating to the character(s) and the 'friendship' aspect of their story, which then leads to more ideas for praying, talking and living out faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found it unsettling that God was always addressed using a male pronoun and I was unable to identify with some of the words Bywater used to portray God and how God relates to humankind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, that did not stop the book from being useful. It was practical, interesting and encouraged us to step out in faith, to be heroes - just like the ones we read about in the Bible - despite our human failings and shortcomings. To carry hope and friendship with God as travelling aids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJenny Mills is Minister of Newport Pagnell United Reformed Church and West End United Church, Wolverton, Milton Keynes\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyndall is already known for her creativity, writings and teaching on prayer, and this is her first book. It is an honest reflection of faith in a challenging culture yet with the possibilities of how God can bring about real change. Her style is relaxed and humorous with lots of practical application.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin the book the writer is heart-breakingly honest about the fragility of faith when faced with tragedy and atrocity in our world. She acknowledges how the word faith conjures up feelings of excitement and guilt at the same time, but ultimately faith is the call for Christians to look beyond what they can immediately see to a different reality, what the writer of Hebrews calls living by faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLyndall takes the heroes of Hebrews 11, in easy to read chapters. She encourages the reader to think about the people of faith mentioned there, recognising ordinariness within great acts of faith. Describing them as people who 'soared their way to impossible things because they lost sight of their own limitations and got caught up in the bigness of God,' Lyndall opens up the possibility that all Christians can be like those in Hebrews 11. Whether taking a leap with God results in crash-landing or truly flying, faith is less about rules and observances and more about trust in God's presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Christians bored with the mediocre and wanting to change the world, this book will inspire them to put more faith in what God can do where they live. Each chapter ends with opportunity for reflection, putting what has been explored into practice, and developing personal rhythms of prayer for daily life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the writer physically is unable to see, this book is full of enlightening stories, spiritual insight, and the reality of how God makes his vision clear to those who dare to live by faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAndrea Still\u003c\/strong\u003e"}
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Faith in the Making: Praying it, talking it, living it
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If faith is 'being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see', what does...
{"id":2439781122148,"title":"Pilgrim Journeys: Pilgrimage for walkers and armchair travellers","handle":"pilgrim-journeys-pilgrimage-for-walkers-and-armchair-travellers","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhy do pilgrims walk so much?\u003cbr\u003eWhat do they learn?\u003cbr\u003eWhat lasting good does it do?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn \u003cem\u003ePilgrim Journeys\u003c\/em\u003e, experienced pilgrim and writer Sally Welch explores the less-travelled pilgrim routes of the UK and beyond, through the eyes of the pilgrims who walk them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter explores a different aspect of pilgrimage, offering reflections and indicating some of the spiritual lessons to be learned that may be practised at home. This absorbing book shows how insights gained on the journey can be incorporated into the spiritual life of every day, bringing new ways of relationship with God and with our fellow Christians, offering support and encouragement as we face the joys and challenges of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA brief history of pilgrimage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Routes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 \u003cstrong\u003eBe true to your journey:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St Columba's Way - Iona to St Andrews\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 \u003cstrong\u003eCarry only what is necessary:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Via Ingles - Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 \u003cstrong\u003eBe open to Go:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Via Limovigensis - V lay to Limoges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 \u003cstrong\u003eRejoice in your companions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Pilgrim's Way - Winchester to Canterbury\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 \u003cstrong\u003eInhabit the moment:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St David's Way - Holywell to Bardsey Island\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 \u003cstrong\u003eTread lightly upon the earth:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sentiero Francescano della Pace - Assisi to Gubbio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 \u003cstrong\u003eRelease your burdens:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Jesus Trail - Tabgha to Capernaum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 \u003cstrong\u003eTrust yourself:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St James Way - Worcester to Bristol\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 \u003cstrong\u003eRespect the community:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Thames Pilgrim Way - Oxford to Binsey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 \u003cstrong\u003eRejoice in the journey:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St Olav's Way - Stiklestad to Trondheim\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA practical guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInformation for pilgrims\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nSally Welch is the Vicar of Charlbury and Area Dean of Chipping Norton. An active pilgrim for over 20 years, she has lectured and led workshops on the nature and spirituality of pilgrimage and labyrinth throughout the UK. She is the editor of New Daylight and author of several books on pilgrimage. She worked with Bishop John Pritchard on the establishment of the Thames Pilgrim Way and is currently working on a Cotswold Pilgrimage Network.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Summer 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Jeremy Harvey\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWelch takes the reader on an unexpected journey with this slim but thought-provoking companion to ten pilgrim routes in Europe and the Holy Land. Avoiding such practical details as can be found on the internet, she instead offers a themed meditation on the spiritual steps that lead on a walk towards holiness. The opening description of St Columba's Way, from Iona to St Andrew's, becomes an extended discussion of what it means to be called, including a heartfelt appraisal of her own sense of mission. Driven by a self-confessed feeling of restlessness, her attachment to pilgrimage has an authentic ring to it: the word pilgrim was first used to describe a type of perpetual wanderer, a self-imposed exile whose journey was far removed from the later understanding of a return trip to a holy site and back. She concludes by describing a talk about an expedition planned with almost military precision along a Norwegian pilgrimage route to Trondheim, which left the audience impressed but unmoved by its spiritual content. Instead her book offers a more reflective and profitable meander along pilgrim ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine (April 2018) Review by Anne Stamper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch, Vicar of Charlbury and Area Dean of Chipping Norton, defines pilgrimage as 'a spiritual journey to a sacred place. For hundreds of years men and women have made these journeys, hoping for healing, revelation or spiritual insight. They go to places where it is felt the gap between heaven and earth is smaller, where the action of saints may break into the lives of ordinary people, transforming them.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn active pilgrim for over 20 years, in this book she draws on those experiences of pilgrimages at home and abroad, for distances long and short, and travelling with others or by herself. This is not a travel book but at the end she gives readers practical hints and sources of information should they wish to undertake a pilgrimage themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn each section Sally takes one pilgrim route and describes an episode from her experience of it; this then leads into a reflection. In some reflections she gives the reader, as an armchair traveller, a practical task (possibly using pencil and paper) that encourages thought about their own path in life and God's call 'to be a pilgrim'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of her pilgrim routes are well known, such as the Via Ingles, to Santiago de Compostela, or the Pilgrims Way from Winchester to Canterbury. Others were new to me: St James Way, from Worcester to Bristol and The Thames Pilgrim Way, from Oxford to Binsey - one Sally helped to set out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn excellent synopsis of the book is given by the chapter headings: Be true to your journey; Carry only what is necessary; Be open to God; Rejoice in your companions; Inhabit the moment; Tread lightly upon the earth; Release your burdens; Trust yourself; Respect the community; Rejoice in the journey. They are also not a bad pattern for life!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Anne Stamper\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-14T16:22:29+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:34+00:00","vendor":"Sally Welch","type":"Paperback","tags":["For individuals","KCLC","Kindle","Spirituality"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769499246692,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465139","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436749144164,"product_id":2439781122148,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:34+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:50+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465139-l.jpg?v=1549043150","variant_ids":[21769499246692]},"available":false,"name":"Pilgrim Journeys: Pilgrimage for walkers and armchair travellers - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":166,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465139","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238878314635,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465139-l.jpg?v=1549043150"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465139-l.jpg?v=1549043150"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465139-l.jpg?v=1549043150","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238878314635,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465139-l.jpg?v=1549043150"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465139-l.jpg?v=1549043150","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eWhy do pilgrims walk so much?\u003cbr\u003eWhat do they learn?\u003cbr\u003eWhat lasting good does it do?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn \u003cem\u003ePilgrim Journeys\u003c\/em\u003e, experienced pilgrim and writer Sally Welch explores the less-travelled pilgrim routes of the UK and beyond, through the eyes of the pilgrims who walk them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter explores a different aspect of pilgrimage, offering reflections and indicating some of the spiritual lessons to be learned that may be practised at home. This absorbing book shows how insights gained on the journey can be incorporated into the spiritual life of every day, bringing new ways of relationship with God and with our fellow Christians, offering support and encouragement as we face the joys and challenges of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA brief history of pilgrimage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Routes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 \u003cstrong\u003eBe true to your journey:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St Columba's Way - Iona to St Andrews\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 \u003cstrong\u003eCarry only what is necessary:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Via Ingles - Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 \u003cstrong\u003eBe open to Go:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Via Limovigensis - V lay to Limoges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 \u003cstrong\u003eRejoice in your companions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Pilgrim's Way - Winchester to Canterbury\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 \u003cstrong\u003eInhabit the moment:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St David's Way - Holywell to Bardsey Island\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 \u003cstrong\u003eTread lightly upon the earth:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sentiero Francescano della Pace - Assisi to Gubbio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 \u003cstrong\u003eRelease your burdens:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Jesus Trail - Tabgha to Capernaum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 \u003cstrong\u003eTrust yourself:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St James Way - Worcester to Bristol\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 \u003cstrong\u003eRespect the community:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Thames Pilgrim Way - Oxford to Binsey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 \u003cstrong\u003eRejoice in the journey:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St Olav's Way - Stiklestad to Trondheim\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA practical guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInformation for pilgrims\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nSally Welch is the Vicar of Charlbury and Area Dean of Chipping Norton. An active pilgrim for over 20 years, she has lectured and led workshops on the nature and spirituality of pilgrimage and labyrinth throughout the UK. She is the editor of New Daylight and author of several books on pilgrimage. She worked with Bishop John Pritchard on the establishment of the Thames Pilgrim Way and is currently working on a Cotswold Pilgrimage Network.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Summer 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Jeremy Harvey\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWelch takes the reader on an unexpected journey with this slim but thought-provoking companion to ten pilgrim routes in Europe and the Holy Land. Avoiding such practical details as can be found on the internet, she instead offers a themed meditation on the spiritual steps that lead on a walk towards holiness. The opening description of St Columba's Way, from Iona to St Andrew's, becomes an extended discussion of what it means to be called, including a heartfelt appraisal of her own sense of mission. Driven by a self-confessed feeling of restlessness, her attachment to pilgrimage has an authentic ring to it: the word pilgrim was first used to describe a type of perpetual wanderer, a self-imposed exile whose journey was far removed from the later understanding of a return trip to a holy site and back. She concludes by describing a talk about an expedition planned with almost military precision along a Norwegian pilgrimage route to Trondheim, which left the audience impressed but unmoved by its spiritual content. Instead her book offers a more reflective and profitable meander along pilgrim ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine (April 2018) Review by Anne Stamper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch, Vicar of Charlbury and Area Dean of Chipping Norton, defines pilgrimage as 'a spiritual journey to a sacred place. For hundreds of years men and women have made these journeys, hoping for healing, revelation or spiritual insight. They go to places where it is felt the gap between heaven and earth is smaller, where the action of saints may break into the lives of ordinary people, transforming them.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn active pilgrim for over 20 years, in this book she draws on those experiences of pilgrimages at home and abroad, for distances long and short, and travelling with others or by herself. This is not a travel book but at the end she gives readers practical hints and sources of information should they wish to undertake a pilgrimage themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn each section Sally takes one pilgrim route and describes an episode from her experience of it; this then leads into a reflection. In some reflections she gives the reader, as an armchair traveller, a practical task (possibly using pencil and paper) that encourages thought about their own path in life and God's call 'to be a pilgrim'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of her pilgrim routes are well known, such as the Via Ingles, to Santiago de Compostela, or the Pilgrims Way from Winchester to Canterbury. Others were new to me: St James Way, from Worcester to Bristol and The Thames Pilgrim Way, from Oxford to Binsey - one Sally helped to set out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn excellent synopsis of the book is given by the chapter headings: Be true to your journey; Carry only what is necessary; Be open to God; Rejoice in your companions; Inhabit the moment; Tread lightly upon the earth; Release your burdens; Trust yourself; Respect the community; Rejoice in the journey. They are also not a bad pattern for life!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Anne Stamper\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Pilgrim Journeys: Pilgrimage for walkers and armchair travellers
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Why do pilgrims walk so much?What do they learn?What lasting good does it do?In Pilgrim Journeys, experienced pilgrim and writer...
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{"id":2439780597860,"title":"Stepping into Grace: Moving beyond ambition to contemplative mission","handle":"stepping-into-grace-moving-beyond-ambition-to-contemplative-mission","description":"\u003cp\u003eJourney with the prophet Jonah...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten by someone with experience of pioneering mission, reflecting on the Jonah story in the light of his experience, Stepping into Grace finds powerful connections between the call and mission of Jonah and the mission context of our own time. Using the narrative thread of the biblical story to explore themes of ambition, vocation, spirituality, mission, leadership and personal growth, it argues for a ministry rooted in grace, where who we are becoming in Christ provides a foundation for our participation in the mission of God. This unique journey takes us to a place of grace where the work of God, in shaping who we are, finds space alongside what we feel called to do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the people of the Bible needed to work out their choices and challenges of God and faith they told a story. Paul Bradbury has done the same. He has listened, wrestled and travelled with Jonah's story through his own calling. The result is honest, creative and transforming.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Runcorn, author of Dust and Glory (BRF, 2015) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo quote the paraphrase: \"God's strength shows up best in weak people.\" This book unpacks that truth in a refreshingly humble, inspiring and personal way. A must read for aspiring pioneer leaders.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Phil Potter, Leader of Fresh Expressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased in Poole Paul is a pioneer minister in the Church of England leading a missional community with a vision to connect with unchurched people. Writer, birdwatcher, runner, cricketer. Married to Emily with 2 children. Paul has written a book for SPCK in the past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Church Time 31 March 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProphet to pioneers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteven Croft finds a study of Jonah to be required reading\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Book of Jonah is bigger than it looks. Four short chapters of parable, drama, and psalm hide uneasily among the minor prophets. The story delights children and defies the literalists. Jonah's story, read well, draws us into an ever deepening reflection on our calling and life and service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Bradbury's short guide to Jonah is also somewhat bigger than it looks. There are seven short chapters on themes that arise jointly from the text and from Paul's experience of pioneer ministry in Poole. The chapters explore big themes: ambition, fear, chaos, darkness, limits, grace and the contemplative life. For me, the most helpful chapters were the first and the last.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book owes an acknowledged debt to Eugene Peterson's profound reflection on Jonah (Under the Unpredictable Plant: A study in vocational holiness, Eerdmans, 1992), which I have read at almost every vocational junction. The insights from text and context here are fresh. Peterson's book is shaped to be a call to a long obedience in the same direction. Bradbury is wrestling with the call to pioneer in new forms and places and styles. He challenges some emerging myths about new forms of ministry and wrestles with some classic temptations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scholarship is excellent. I enjoyed most the careful attention to the Hebrew texts. Bradbury quotes Rowan Williams, Richard Rohr, Pope Benedict, Brene Brown, and many others. The writing is in parts very clear and in other parts very dense and concentrated. The author has almost too much to say in some of the chapters for the space available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePioneer ministry is still a relatively recent development in the Church of England's long experience of ministry. The literature remains small, and I am not aware of many books that offer biblical and theological reflection in this depth. I hope that Stepping into Grace will find a place on reading lists for those considering ordination and those being formed for pioneer ministry. It would be a good Lenten companion for anyone wanting to reflect on ministry and discipleship in any context. The reader should be prepared for challenge as well as fresh insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-14T16:30:49+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:32+00:00","vendor":"Paul Bradbury","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","For individuals","KCLC","Kindle","Mission","Nov-16","Spirituality"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769492496484,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465238","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436746326116,"product_id":2439780597860,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:32+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:51+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465238-l.jpg?v=1549043151","variant_ids":[21769492496484]},"available":false,"name":"Stepping into Grace: Moving beyond ambition to contemplative mission - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":164,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465238","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238878085259,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465238-l.jpg?v=1549043151"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465238-l.jpg?v=1549043151"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465238-l.jpg?v=1549043151","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238878085259,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465238-l.jpg?v=1549043151"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465238-l.jpg?v=1549043151","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eJourney with the prophet Jonah...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten by someone with experience of pioneering mission, reflecting on the Jonah story in the light of his experience, Stepping into Grace finds powerful connections between the call and mission of Jonah and the mission context of our own time. Using the narrative thread of the biblical story to explore themes of ambition, vocation, spirituality, mission, leadership and personal growth, it argues for a ministry rooted in grace, where who we are becoming in Christ provides a foundation for our participation in the mission of God. This unique journey takes us to a place of grace where the work of God, in shaping who we are, finds space alongside what we feel called to do.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the people of the Bible needed to work out their choices and challenges of God and faith they told a story. Paul Bradbury has done the same. He has listened, wrestled and travelled with Jonah's story through his own calling. The result is honest, creative and transforming.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Runcorn, author of Dust and Glory (BRF, 2015) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo quote the paraphrase: \"God's strength shows up best in weak people.\" This book unpacks that truth in a refreshingly humble, inspiring and personal way. A must read for aspiring pioneer leaders.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Phil Potter, Leader of Fresh Expressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased in Poole Paul is a pioneer minister in the Church of England leading a missional community with a vision to connect with unchurched people. Writer, birdwatcher, runner, cricketer. Married to Emily with 2 children. Paul has written a book for SPCK in the past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Church Time 31 March 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProphet to pioneers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteven Croft finds a study of Jonah to be required reading\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Book of Jonah is bigger than it looks. Four short chapters of parable, drama, and psalm hide uneasily among the minor prophets. The story delights children and defies the literalists. Jonah's story, read well, draws us into an ever deepening reflection on our calling and life and service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Bradbury's short guide to Jonah is also somewhat bigger than it looks. There are seven short chapters on themes that arise jointly from the text and from Paul's experience of pioneer ministry in Poole. The chapters explore big themes: ambition, fear, chaos, darkness, limits, grace and the contemplative life. For me, the most helpful chapters were the first and the last.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book owes an acknowledged debt to Eugene Peterson's profound reflection on Jonah (Under the Unpredictable Plant: A study in vocational holiness, Eerdmans, 1992), which I have read at almost every vocational junction. The insights from text and context here are fresh. Peterson's book is shaped to be a call to a long obedience in the same direction. Bradbury is wrestling with the call to pioneer in new forms and places and styles. He challenges some emerging myths about new forms of ministry and wrestles with some classic temptations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scholarship is excellent. I enjoyed most the careful attention to the Hebrew texts. Bradbury quotes Rowan Williams, Richard Rohr, Pope Benedict, Brene Brown, and many others. The writing is in parts very clear and in other parts very dense and concentrated. The author has almost too much to say in some of the chapters for the space available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePioneer ministry is still a relatively recent development in the Church of England's long experience of ministry. The literature remains small, and I am not aware of many books that offer biblical and theological reflection in this depth. I hope that Stepping into Grace will find a place on reading lists for those considering ordination and those being formed for pioneer ministry. It would be a good Lenten companion for anyone wanting to reflect on ministry and discipleship in any context. The reader should be prepared for challenge as well as fresh insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2439780237412,"title":"The Recovery of Joy: finding the path from rootlessness to returning home","handle":"the-recovery-of-joy-finding-the-path-from-rootlessness-to-returning-home","description":"\u003cp\u003e'Recovering joy involves more than following our social codes and conventions. It involves walking with God at our right hand, step by step in the radiant light of his presence. It involves remembering that we have already arrived at our destination - the safety of our Father's house - even as we continue on the pilgrim road that takes us through life.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Recovery of Joy weaves imaginative story and profound biblical reflections on several of the Psalms to trace a journey that many of us will relate to. The narrative begins in rootlessness and despair and takes a wanderer across the sea to a series of islands. These are the setting for a series of events and encounters through which emerges a progression from that initial rootlessness, through healing, to a rediscovery of the joy of feeling at the centre of God's loving purpose for our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 1. Rootlessness\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn the road\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eDead end\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe pathless way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 2. Respite\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreen pastures\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe blessing of sleep\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eNo place like home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 3. Ruins\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInto the depths\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA desert place\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA time to mend\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 4. Release\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStuck\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eFreed\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCleansed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 5. Return\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn the rock\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCrossing the bay\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe recovery of joy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nNaomi Starkey is a priest in the Church in Wales, living and working on the Llyn Peninsula. She was previously a commissioning editor for BRF, and edited and contributed to New Daylight and Quiet Spaces. Her other books include The Recovery of Hope (BRF2016), The Recovery of Love (BRF, 2012), Pilgrims to the Manger (BRF, 2010) and Good Enough Mother(BRF, 2009).\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvangelicals Now, May 2018, Review by Lindsay Benn\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe blurb on the back cover claims that this book 'weaves imaginative story and profound reflections on a selection of Psalms to trace a journey that many of us will relate to'. This is a good summary of the contents.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI'm not a big fan of fictional Christian writing, but Naomi writes with endearing charm and describes the eventful journey of a troubled pilgrim trying to find meaning and purpose in life. Each chapter tracks the path of this pilgrim through traumas, dilemmas and moments of respite, with the reader becoming acutely aware that problems will ultimately have to be faced head on.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe oases of the Psalms\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are struggling with the baggage that life throws at you, with unresolved relationship issues, or just exhausted with the 'what ifs' of life - you may find this book helpful. It is an easy read, and for me the oases were the reflections on the Psalms. I was moved once again by their astonishing relevance and the soothing balm that they offer as we cope with the pressures of 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e-century living. Realising that we can have God's help and that he will be with us every step on the untidy journey of life, brings healing and hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLindsay Benn, church member, Northamptonshire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 22-29 December 2017: Review by Jenny Francis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOccasionally we can lose our way in life. The comfortable set of values which we have cultivated seems less relevant, and our overall strategy is no longer fit for purpose.Too easily, we may fall into a slough of despond. What was initially an insidious threat to mind and body becomes a desolate sense of rootlessness and alienation.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi Starkey is an experienced author and a priest. This small book has been written to help with just these times in our lives. It is the third in her series of 'recovery of' titles, the others being of hope and of love, and as such, it offers a valuable, reflective companion to help us out of the cul-de-sac that threatens to trap the lost and rootless.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere are five Parts: Rootlessness, Respite, Ruins, Release, and Return. Each has three identically structured chapters. It is written using the pronoun 'we', and the reader becomes one of a small group embarking on a journey with no clear destination. As they travel together, appreciating that they had each almost come to a halt, their 'story of exile and rootless wandering eventually becomes one of purpose, maybe even pilgrimage.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a long tradition of spiritual wanderers setting out in faith in Christianity, as well as in other faiths. Some viewed this as an abandonment of self to God's purposes. Others viewed it as a kind of exile, leaving behind all that was familiar while having no purpose for the future. In this book, the author tells a story about travellers crossing the sea in a small boat. Somehow, guided by divine mercy through wind and waves, they sail from one island to another, and on each they find welcome and a learning experience. As the sailors learn more of themselves and of God, they also grow through the challenges set to test and guide them. We journey with them and, by taking time to meditate on each psalm, specially selected to aid our private prayer, we, too, find ourselves led from darkness to light, to greater self-awareness and insight. This journey goes from exhaustion to acceptance, and hence to the gift of God's healing as we all rediscover the wonder of what God has done.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis slim volume is a useful tool for our own personal devotion. A chapter a day provides just over a fortnight of thoughtful reflection on how to find our way back to the God of our creation. As the author concludes, 'no matter the pain we may yet have to face, no matter what the next part of our journey may hold, we have hope for tomorrow.' I am writing on Advent Sunday: we know that it is that hope that heralds the advent of joy.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Jenny Francis is a retired psychotherapist and a priest in the Diocese of Exeter\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-14T16:38:13+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:30+00:00","vendor":"Naomi Starkey","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","For individuals","KCLC","Kindle","Pastoral care","Sep-17","Spirituality"],"price":699,"price_min":699,"price_max":699,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769482600548,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465184","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436743639140,"product_id":2439780237412,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:30+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:51+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465184-l.jpg?v=1549043151","variant_ids":[21769482600548]},"available":false,"name":"The Recovery of Joy: finding the path from rootlessness to returning home - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":699,"weight":147,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465184","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238878052491,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465184-l.jpg?v=1549043151"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465184-l.jpg?v=1549043151"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465184-l.jpg?v=1549043151","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238878052491,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465184-l.jpg?v=1549043151"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465184-l.jpg?v=1549043151","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e'Recovering joy involves more than following our social codes and conventions. It involves walking with God at our right hand, step by step in the radiant light of his presence. It involves remembering that we have already arrived at our destination - the safety of our Father's house - even as we continue on the pilgrim road that takes us through life.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Recovery of Joy weaves imaginative story and profound biblical reflections on several of the Psalms to trace a journey that many of us will relate to. The narrative begins in rootlessness and despair and takes a wanderer across the sea to a series of islands. These are the setting for a series of events and encounters through which emerges a progression from that initial rootlessness, through healing, to a rediscovery of the joy of feeling at the centre of God's loving purpose for our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 1. Rootlessness\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn the road\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eDead end\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe pathless way\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 2. Respite\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreen pastures\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe blessing of sleep\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eNo place like home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 3. Ruins\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInto the depths\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA desert place\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA time to mend\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 4. Release\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStuck\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eFreed\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCleansed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 5. Return\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn the rock\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eCrossing the bay\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe recovery of joy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nNaomi Starkey is a priest in the Church in Wales, living and working on the Llyn Peninsula. She was previously a commissioning editor for BRF, and edited and contributed to New Daylight and Quiet Spaces. Her other books include The Recovery of Hope (BRF2016), The Recovery of Love (BRF, 2012), Pilgrims to the Manger (BRF, 2010) and Good Enough Mother(BRF, 2009).\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvangelicals Now, May 2018, Review by Lindsay Benn\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe blurb on the back cover claims that this book 'weaves imaginative story and profound reflections on a selection of Psalms to trace a journey that many of us will relate to'. This is a good summary of the contents.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI'm not a big fan of fictional Christian writing, but Naomi writes with endearing charm and describes the eventful journey of a troubled pilgrim trying to find meaning and purpose in life. Each chapter tracks the path of this pilgrim through traumas, dilemmas and moments of respite, with the reader becoming acutely aware that problems will ultimately have to be faced head on.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe oases of the Psalms\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are struggling with the baggage that life throws at you, with unresolved relationship issues, or just exhausted with the 'what ifs' of life - you may find this book helpful. It is an easy read, and for me the oases were the reflections on the Psalms. I was moved once again by their astonishing relevance and the soothing balm that they offer as we cope with the pressures of 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e-century living. Realising that we can have God's help and that he will be with us every step on the untidy journey of life, brings healing and hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLindsay Benn, church member, Northamptonshire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 22-29 December 2017: Review by Jenny Francis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOccasionally we can lose our way in life. The comfortable set of values which we have cultivated seems less relevant, and our overall strategy is no longer fit for purpose.Too easily, we may fall into a slough of despond. What was initially an insidious threat to mind and body becomes a desolate sense of rootlessness and alienation.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi Starkey is an experienced author and a priest. This small book has been written to help with just these times in our lives. It is the third in her series of 'recovery of' titles, the others being of hope and of love, and as such, it offers a valuable, reflective companion to help us out of the cul-de-sac that threatens to trap the lost and rootless.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere are five Parts: Rootlessness, Respite, Ruins, Release, and Return. Each has three identically structured chapters. It is written using the pronoun 'we', and the reader becomes one of a small group embarking on a journey with no clear destination. As they travel together, appreciating that they had each almost come to a halt, their 'story of exile and rootless wandering eventually becomes one of purpose, maybe even pilgrimage.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a long tradition of spiritual wanderers setting out in faith in Christianity, as well as in other faiths. Some viewed this as an abandonment of self to God's purposes. Others viewed it as a kind of exile, leaving behind all that was familiar while having no purpose for the future. In this book, the author tells a story about travellers crossing the sea in a small boat. Somehow, guided by divine mercy through wind and waves, they sail from one island to another, and on each they find welcome and a learning experience. As the sailors learn more of themselves and of God, they also grow through the challenges set to test and guide them. We journey with them and, by taking time to meditate on each psalm, specially selected to aid our private prayer, we, too, find ourselves led from darkness to light, to greater self-awareness and insight. This journey goes from exhaustion to acceptance, and hence to the gift of God's healing as we all rediscover the wonder of what God has done.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis slim volume is a useful tool for our own personal devotion. A chapter a day provides just over a fortnight of thoughtful reflection on how to find our way back to the God of our creation. As the author concludes, 'no matter the pain we may yet have to face, no matter what the next part of our journey may hold, we have hope for tomorrow.' I am writing on Advent Sunday: we know that it is that hope that heralds the advent of joy.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Jenny Francis is a retired psychotherapist and a priest in the Diocese of Exeter\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The Recovery of Joy: finding the path from rootlessness to returning home
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'Recovering joy involves more than following our social codes and conventions. It involves walking with God at our right hand,...
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{"id":2439778926692,"title":"Experiencing Christ's Love: Establishing a life of worship, prayer, study, service and reflection","handle":"experiencing-christs-love-establishing-a-life-of-worship-prayer-study-service-and-reflection","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn Experiencing Christ's Love, well-known writer John Twisleton reminds us of Jesus' gracious challenge to love God with heart, soul and mind, and to love our neighbour and ourselves. Against the backdrop of the message of God's unconditional love in Jesus Christ, the author delivers a wake-up call to the basic Christian patterns of worship, prayer, study, service and reflection. These, he claims, serve to take God's hand in ours, leading us into his divine possibilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 First love: worship\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou shall love the Lord your God with all your heart\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Second love: prayer\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou shall love the Lord your God with all your soul\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 Third love: study\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou shall love the Lord your God with all your mind\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 Fourth love: service\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou shall love your neighbour\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Fifth love: reflection\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou shall love... yourself\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Twisleton is based in Sussex and the former parish priest of Horsted Keynes in Chichester Diocese, where he also led the diocesan mission and renewal team for eight years. He has also worked as an Area Missioner in London Diocese and as Principal of an ordination training centre in Guyana. He has written on issues including baptism, confession, priesthood, prayer and healing, and he broadcasts regularly on Premier Radio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read John's lockdown blog click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/john-twistleton-writes-about-experiencing-christs-love-in-a-pandemic\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLove is a word that our culture has grossly misunderstood, often described as mere romantic feeling. Yet in the scriptures love is always active. God's love always issues in action. In this very helpful book John fleshes out what an active expression of loving God and loving neighbour looks like. Using the picture of a hand, five fingers reaching out to God, he places worship, prayer, study, service and reflection in the framework of the great commandment. This helpful metaphorical treatment is both a challenge and an encouragement to deeper Christian living. John brings together his catholic and charismatic spirituality into a gem of a book that richly rewards prayerful study.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Rt Rev Richard Jackson - Bishop of Lewes \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe five chapters of John Twisleton's book lay before us a comprehensive structure for reviewing our rule of life of worship, prayer, study, service and reflection, to encourage the reader to experience more deeply the love of Christ. He draws at length from his own spiritual journal and pastoral work to demonstrate how he has experienced and grown his spiritual discipleship. There are also riches here from past and present spiritual writers, to encourage the reader to explore further. The Summary of the Law is presented in sections at the start of each of the five chapters of the book. Throughout, we are given a prayerful reading of the scriptures. Each chapter is worth reflecting on at some length. There is distilled wisdom here worth pondering on. This is a timely book for us in Chichester Diocese as we mark the Year of the Bible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Canon Andrew Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe five chapters of John Twisleton's book lay before us a comprehensive structure for reviewing our rule of life of worship, prayer, study, service and reflection to encourage the reader to experience more deeply the love of Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe draws on his own spiritual journey and pastoral work to demonstrate how he has experienced and grown his spiritual discipleship. There are also riches here from past and present spiritual writers to encourage the reader to explore further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Summary of the Law is presented in sections at the start of each chapter. Throughout we are given a prayerful reading of the scriptures. Each chapter is worth reflecting on at some length. There is a distilled wisdom here worth pondering on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a timely book for the diocese in this Year of the Bible and has been commended by the Bishop of Lewes, The Right Revd Richard Jackson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe said: 'Love is a word that our culture has grossly misunderstood, often described as mere romantic feeling. Yet in the scriptures love is always active. God's love always issues in action.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'In this very helpful book John fleshes out what an active expression of loving God and loving neighbour looks like. Using the picture of a hand, five fingers reaching out to God, he places worship, prayer, study, service and reflection in the framework of the great commandment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'This helpful metaphorical treatment is a both a challenge and an encouragement to deeper Christian living. John brings together his catholic and charismatic spirituality into a gem of a book that richly rewards prayerful study.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed in Faith in Sussex, Summer 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-13T17:56:29+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:25+00:00","vendor":"John Twisleton","type":"Paperback","tags":["Apr-17","For individuals","KCLC","Kindle","Prayer","Spirituality"],"price":699,"price_min":699,"price_max":699,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769462710372,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465177","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436733579364,"product_id":2439778926692,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:25+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:52+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465177-l.jpg?v=1549043152","variant_ids":[21769462710372]},"available":false,"name":"Experiencing Christ's Love: Establishing a life of worship, prayer, study, service and reflection - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":699,"weight":114,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465177","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238877954187,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465177-l.jpg?v=1549043152"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465177-l.jpg?v=1549043152"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465177-l.jpg?v=1549043152","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877954187,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465177-l.jpg?v=1549043152"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465177-l.jpg?v=1549043152","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eIn Experiencing Christ's Love, well-known writer John Twisleton reminds us of Jesus' gracious challenge to love God with heart, soul and mind, and to love our neighbour and ourselves. Against the backdrop of the message of God's unconditional love in Jesus Christ, the author delivers a wake-up call to the basic Christian patterns of worship, prayer, study, service and reflection. These, he claims, serve to take God's hand in ours, leading us into his divine possibilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 First love: worship\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou shall love the Lord your God with all your heart\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Second love: prayer\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou shall love the Lord your God with all your soul\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 Third love: study\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou shall love the Lord your God with all your mind\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 Fourth love: service\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou shall love your neighbour\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Fifth love: reflection\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eYou shall love... yourself\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Twisleton is based in Sussex and the former parish priest of Horsted Keynes in Chichester Diocese, where he also led the diocesan mission and renewal team for eight years. He has also worked as an Area Missioner in London Diocese and as Principal of an ordination training centre in Guyana. He has written on issues including baptism, confession, priesthood, prayer and healing, and he broadcasts regularly on Premier Radio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read John's lockdown blog click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/john-twistleton-writes-about-experiencing-christs-love-in-a-pandemic\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLove is a word that our culture has grossly misunderstood, often described as mere romantic feeling. Yet in the scriptures love is always active. God's love always issues in action. In this very helpful book John fleshes out what an active expression of loving God and loving neighbour looks like. Using the picture of a hand, five fingers reaching out to God, he places worship, prayer, study, service and reflection in the framework of the great commandment. This helpful metaphorical treatment is both a challenge and an encouragement to deeper Christian living. John brings together his catholic and charismatic spirituality into a gem of a book that richly rewards prayerful study.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Rt Rev Richard Jackson - Bishop of Lewes \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe five chapters of John Twisleton's book lay before us a comprehensive structure for reviewing our rule of life of worship, prayer, study, service and reflection, to encourage the reader to experience more deeply the love of Christ. He draws at length from his own spiritual journal and pastoral work to demonstrate how he has experienced and grown his spiritual discipleship. There are also riches here from past and present spiritual writers, to encourage the reader to explore further. The Summary of the Law is presented in sections at the start of each of the five chapters of the book. Throughout, we are given a prayerful reading of the scriptures. Each chapter is worth reflecting on at some length. There is distilled wisdom here worth pondering on. This is a timely book for us in Chichester Diocese as we mark the Year of the Bible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Canon Andrew Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe five chapters of John Twisleton's book lay before us a comprehensive structure for reviewing our rule of life of worship, prayer, study, service and reflection to encourage the reader to experience more deeply the love of Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe draws on his own spiritual journey and pastoral work to demonstrate how he has experienced and grown his spiritual discipleship. There are also riches here from past and present spiritual writers to encourage the reader to explore further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Summary of the Law is presented in sections at the start of each chapter. Throughout we are given a prayerful reading of the scriptures. Each chapter is worth reflecting on at some length. There is a distilled wisdom here worth pondering on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a timely book for the diocese in this Year of the Bible and has been commended by the Bishop of Lewes, The Right Revd Richard Jackson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe said: 'Love is a word that our culture has grossly misunderstood, often described as mere romantic feeling. Yet in the scriptures love is always active. God's love always issues in action.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'In this very helpful book John fleshes out what an active expression of loving God and loving neighbour looks like. Using the picture of a hand, five fingers reaching out to God, he places worship, prayer, study, service and reflection in the framework of the great commandment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'This helpful metaphorical treatment is a both a challenge and an encouragement to deeper Christian living. John brings together his catholic and charismatic spirituality into a gem of a book that richly rewards prayerful study.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed in Faith in Sussex, Summer 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e"}
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Experiencing Christ's Love: Establishing a life of worship, prayer, study, service and reflection
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In Experiencing Christ's Love, well-known writer John Twisleton reminds us of Jesus' gracious challenge to love God with heart, soul...
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{"id":2439778107492,"title":"Praying the Bible with Luther: A simple approach to everyday prayer","handle":"praying-the-bible-with-luther-a-simple-approach-to-everyday-prayer","description":"\u003cp\u003ePraying biblically and with intent. There is a need in today's church to relate scripture and prayer in such a way as to enable us to speak God's words after him. This book takes a simple lectio divina approach developed in the sixteenth century by Martin Luther and offers practical guidance to pray in this way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginning each time of prayer with a Bible passage, Luther would meditate on it with four 'strands' in mind: teaching, thanksgiving, repentance and supplication. Then he would pray, having his thoughts shaped by his reading, praying God's words after him, confident of God's grace. Praying the Bible with Luther explains this method, demonstrates it and encourages readers to follow his example, helping us to turn scripture into prayer and to pray it into our own lives today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 1\u003c\/strong\u003e - Praying with Luther today\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 2\u003c\/strong\u003e - A simple way to pray\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 3\u003c\/strong\u003e - Praying the Bible today\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 4\u003c\/strong\u003e - Following Luther's example: starting out\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExodus 19:3 - 8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Chronicles 30:23 - 27\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePsalm 51:1 - 4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIsaiah 6:1 - 8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLamentations 3:19 - 26, 31 - 32\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEzekiel 37:1 - 10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMark 4:35 - 41\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLuke 15:11 - 24\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActs 4:23 - 31\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGalatians 5:1 - 13\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColossians 3:4 - 10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 John 3:1 - 3\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 5\u003c\/strong\u003e - Following Luther's example: going solo\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNumbers 6:22 - 27\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Kings 19:9 - 13\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePsalm 36:5 - 9\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePsalm 42:1 - 5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIsaiah 43:10 - 12\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatthew 13:44 - 46\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJohn 1:14\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGalatians 3:1 - 5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEphesians 1:13 - 14\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 24\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 6\u003c\/strong\u003e - Following Luther's example: taking it further\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 7\u003c\/strong\u003e - Final thoughts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is brilliant! It may well be the best book on Luther to appear during these 500-year celebrations - biographical, theological, pastoral and practical. Mike Parsons has done an amazing job of mining and distilling the great Reformer's teaching on prayer to help us walk closer with the Lord.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Simon Ponsonby, Pastor of Theology, St Aldates, Oxford \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is more than a simple approach to everyday prayer; it's a deep book for those who desire to be serious about prayer. The author is well versed in the life and writings of Martin Luther and he proves an immensely able teacher in introducing the reader to Luther's imaginative pattern of praying the Bible. The fact that Luther first introduced his pattern of praying to his hairdresser underlines the down-to-earth practical teaching in Luther's writings on prayer. The \"business end\" of this book, with the examples of how to use the Bible in praying, is brilliant and highly commended for use personally and with small groups.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Coffey OBE, Global Ambassador BMS World Mission \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Parsons proves a wise and gentle guide to reading the word of God not only with our head but with our hearts. His passion for the Bible and Luther is infectious.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Amy Boucher Pye, author of The Living Cross (BRF, 2016) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis superb book offers practical advice for individuals and groups to experience prayer afresh as a place of encounter with God. Three excellent chapters outline Luther's scripture-centred approach, followed by an imaginative series of steps where the author first allows us to \"overhear\" how this works for him before we are nudged to have a go ourselves. This book could change your life!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Kerrigan, General Director of BMS World Mission \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMike Parsons rightly understands that the general dissatisfaction most Christians feel about the state of their prayer lives often stems from a tendency to dissociate prayer from Bible reading. Of course, the two belong together. In this wonderful book, peppered with fascinating anecdotes and insights from the life of Martin Luther, the author leads us - via worked examples in scripture - to life-giving prayer habits. The tone is relaxed and conversational, the content is theologically rich and the ideas are eminently practical. So I urge you: take, read, confess, worship and pray!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Paul Hedley Jones, Trinity College, Queensland, Australia \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten in a warm and accessible tone, but with a real sense of purpose, this book brings the prayer life of Martin Luther alive for a new generation. I have no doubt that it will change the prayers of all those who read it, as it inspires us to dig deeper into scripture and press further into prayer with warm encouragement and practical examples. A much needed book which effortlessly combines Reformation wisdom with 21st-century warmth, I am excited to see what difference it makes to the prayer life of the Church today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Nell Goddard, author of Musings of a Clergy Child (BRF, 2017) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis excellent resource takes important Reformation insights, makes them accessible and then applies them to prayer today. There are many healthy biblical insights here and, if acted upon, they have the potential to enrich our prayer lives greatly. I wish this book a wide readership. Peter J.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Morden, Vice Principal and Director of the Spurgeon's Centre for Spirituality, Spurgeon's College, London\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nCurrently commissioning editor for The Bible Reading Fellowship, Michael Parsons is the author of several books on the Reformation and an Associate Research Fellow at Spurgeon's College.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Amy Boucher-Pye\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Parsons is a gentle teacher who introduces Luther's love of the Bible and how we can pray with the reformer using God's Word as our text and guide. Parsons says that praying with the Bible will become an instinctive and living experience, in which we grow in our faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI find it interesting to note that the way of praying with the Bible highlighted here is \u003cem\u003electio divina \u003c\/em\u003e - the ancient four-part practice that began in the (Catholic) monasteries. That Luther would pray according to this form reveals the influence of his decade as a monk - he didn't leave all of those practices behind. Parsons' book is practical and encouraging, giving a hands-on means to introduce another way of praying into our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur world would be very different without the influence of men such as Luther, Calvin, Huldrych Zwingli and William Tyndale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher-Pye, Woman Alive Book Club\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-14T16:23:39+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:21+00:00","vendor":"Michael Parsons","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","For individuals","KCLC","Prayer"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769451274340,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465030","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436728991844,"product_id":2439778107492,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:21+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:53+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465030-l.jpg?v=1549043153","variant_ids":[21769451274340]},"available":true,"name":"Praying the Bible with Luther: A simple approach to everyday prayer - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":164,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465030","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238877888651,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465030-l.jpg?v=1549043153"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465030-l.jpg?v=1549043153"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465030-l.jpg?v=1549043153","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877888651,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465030-l.jpg?v=1549043153"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465030-l.jpg?v=1549043153","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003ePraying biblically and with intent. There is a need in today's church to relate scripture and prayer in such a way as to enable us to speak God's words after him. This book takes a simple lectio divina approach developed in the sixteenth century by Martin Luther and offers practical guidance to pray in this way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginning each time of prayer with a Bible passage, Luther would meditate on it with four 'strands' in mind: teaching, thanksgiving, repentance and supplication. Then he would pray, having his thoughts shaped by his reading, praying God's words after him, confident of God's grace. Praying the Bible with Luther explains this method, demonstrates it and encourages readers to follow his example, helping us to turn scripture into prayer and to pray it into our own lives today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 1\u003c\/strong\u003e - Praying with Luther today\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 2\u003c\/strong\u003e - A simple way to pray\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 3\u003c\/strong\u003e - Praying the Bible today\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 4\u003c\/strong\u003e - Following Luther's example: starting out\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExodus 19:3 - 8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Chronicles 30:23 - 27\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePsalm 51:1 - 4\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIsaiah 6:1 - 8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLamentations 3:19 - 26, 31 - 32\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEzekiel 37:1 - 10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMark 4:35 - 41\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLuke 15:11 - 24\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActs 4:23 - 31\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGalatians 5:1 - 13\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColossians 3:4 - 10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 John 3:1 - 3\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 5\u003c\/strong\u003e - Following Luther's example: going solo\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNumbers 6:22 - 27\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Kings 19:9 - 13\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePsalm 36:5 - 9\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePsalm 42:1 - 5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIsaiah 43:10 - 12\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatthew 13:44 - 46\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJohn 1:14\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGalatians 3:1 - 5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEphesians 1:13 - 14\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 24\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChapter 6\u003c\/strong\u003e - Following Luther's example: taking it further\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChapter 7\u003c\/strong\u003e - Final thoughts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is brilliant! It may well be the best book on Luther to appear during these 500-year celebrations - biographical, theological, pastoral and practical. Mike Parsons has done an amazing job of mining and distilling the great Reformer's teaching on prayer to help us walk closer with the Lord.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Simon Ponsonby, Pastor of Theology, St Aldates, Oxford \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is more than a simple approach to everyday prayer; it's a deep book for those who desire to be serious about prayer. The author is well versed in the life and writings of Martin Luther and he proves an immensely able teacher in introducing the reader to Luther's imaginative pattern of praying the Bible. The fact that Luther first introduced his pattern of praying to his hairdresser underlines the down-to-earth practical teaching in Luther's writings on prayer. The \"business end\" of this book, with the examples of how to use the Bible in praying, is brilliant and highly commended for use personally and with small groups.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Coffey OBE, Global Ambassador BMS World Mission \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Parsons proves a wise and gentle guide to reading the word of God not only with our head but with our hearts. His passion for the Bible and Luther is infectious.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Amy Boucher Pye, author of The Living Cross (BRF, 2016) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis superb book offers practical advice for individuals and groups to experience prayer afresh as a place of encounter with God. Three excellent chapters outline Luther's scripture-centred approach, followed by an imaginative series of steps where the author first allows us to \"overhear\" how this works for him before we are nudged to have a go ourselves. This book could change your life!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Kerrigan, General Director of BMS World Mission \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMike Parsons rightly understands that the general dissatisfaction most Christians feel about the state of their prayer lives often stems from a tendency to dissociate prayer from Bible reading. Of course, the two belong together. In this wonderful book, peppered with fascinating anecdotes and insights from the life of Martin Luther, the author leads us - via worked examples in scripture - to life-giving prayer habits. The tone is relaxed and conversational, the content is theologically rich and the ideas are eminently practical. So I urge you: take, read, confess, worship and pray!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Paul Hedley Jones, Trinity College, Queensland, Australia \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten in a warm and accessible tone, but with a real sense of purpose, this book brings the prayer life of Martin Luther alive for a new generation. I have no doubt that it will change the prayers of all those who read it, as it inspires us to dig deeper into scripture and press further into prayer with warm encouragement and practical examples. A much needed book which effortlessly combines Reformation wisdom with 21st-century warmth, I am excited to see what difference it makes to the prayer life of the Church today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Nell Goddard, author of Musings of a Clergy Child (BRF, 2017) \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis excellent resource takes important Reformation insights, makes them accessible and then applies them to prayer today. There are many healthy biblical insights here and, if acted upon, they have the potential to enrich our prayer lives greatly. I wish this book a wide readership. Peter J.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Morden, Vice Principal and Director of the Spurgeon's Centre for Spirituality, Spurgeon's College, London\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nCurrently commissioning editor for The Bible Reading Fellowship, Michael Parsons is the author of several books on the Reformation and an Associate Research Fellow at Spurgeon's College.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Amy Boucher-Pye\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Parsons is a gentle teacher who introduces Luther's love of the Bible and how we can pray with the reformer using God's Word as our text and guide. Parsons says that praying with the Bible will become an instinctive and living experience, in which we grow in our faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI find it interesting to note that the way of praying with the Bible highlighted here is \u003cem\u003electio divina \u003c\/em\u003e - the ancient four-part practice that began in the (Catholic) monasteries. That Luther would pray according to this form reveals the influence of his decade as a monk - he didn't leave all of those practices behind. Parsons' book is practical and encouraging, giving a hands-on means to introduce another way of praying into our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur world would be very different without the influence of men such as Luther, Calvin, Huldrych Zwingli and William Tyndale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher-Pye, Woman Alive Book Club\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2439767851108,"title":"The Recovery of Hope: Bible reflections for sensing God's presence and hearing God's call","handle":"the-recovery-of-hope-bible-reflections-for-sensing-gods-presence-and-hearing-gods-call","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe live in the hope of experiencing first-hand the all-sufficient grace, love and forgiveness which is God's alone, a hope that we may know with our heads long before we feel it in our hearts. This book is centred on a hope that means encountering God not only as consoling presence in the darkness but as one who challenges us to respond to his call. That call may prove to be costly, but as we respond, we will find ourselves transformed as we discover and rediscover not only that we are known exactly as we are, but loved beyond understanding as God's precious children.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n \r\n\u003cp\u003eIn a series of Bible reflections - and some poems - the theme of this hope is explored in different ways, from the yearning of the Psalmist to walking the gentle journey of the Good Shepherd's leading. \r\n\u003c\/p\u003e \n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nNaomi Starkey is a full-time ordained minister in the Church in Wales, living on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales. From 1997 - 2015 she was a commissioning editor for BRF as well as editing New Daylight and Quiet Spaces over a number of years. She has also written The Recovery of Love, Pilgrims to the Manger and Good Enough Mother for BRF.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 24 March 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNAOMI STARKEY's \u003cem\u003eThe Recovery of Hope\u003c\/em\u003e cobbles together 103 wide ranging Bible reading notes, all with hope in common, originally published in sundry editions of BRF's New Daylight . A mature writer with a sure touch, her soign commentary on any biblical text never exceeds 300 words, and her balanced hermeneutic is well resourced and sparky.\u003cbr\u003eHer book includes four beautifully crafted poems, with all her writing having the high quality of a prose poem. She is never afraid to be hard-hitting, with comments such as 'Unlimited power carries with it unlimited responsibility rather than unlimited veniality,'and 'Leaders should care for their flock rather than simply grandstand on issues.' I will try to grandstand less and care more!\u003cbr\u003eThe three sub-themes, 'Coping with Darkness', 'Challenged to Journey', and 'In Resurrection Light', boldly take us into some unusual territory. There are 14 studies on 2 Kings 13-17, 14 on Stephen's speech in Acts, and 12 on the latter chapters of Mark (including the shorter and longer endings); a further seven studies are offered on Psalm 37, Jonah, and Ezekiel. Themes on 'The Absence of God', 'Gardens and God', and 'Holy Fire' draw material from across the scriptures. Starkey is the most pleasant of fellow travellers throughout, a sheer joy to be with. She draws examples from her ministerial context in glorious North Wales, seasoning the text with the occasional Welsh word - can it get any better than this?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd David Wilbourne; Assistant Bishop of Llandaff.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003eDiocese of Bangor News February 2016\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the psalms and prophets of the Old Testament to the gospels and epistles of the New Testament, chapters are opened up to draw us to read more deeply. Naomi presents each section with an introduction and then taking a few verses at a time explores at greater depth the meaning behind the words. This is not offered as a commentary but in a way that draws the reader into the passage being read, and how that may be 'read' within our own lives. Hope is important for every person, and here, through the ups and downs of the biblical stories, we can find again the hope that is given to us in God. Naomi writes very simply, but is not simplistic. She encourages further reading and offers plenty of thought provoking questions.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone who enjoys an Advent or Lent book and feels bereft through the rest of the year, will find much in this book to help fill that gap.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI enjoyed reading Naomi's book, and found plenty within its pages which made me stop, think and pray.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJanet Fletcher \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiocese of Bangor Spirituality Officer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCambrian News; 11 February 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eJULIE MCNICHOLLS VALE follows cleric-in-training Naomi Starkey's journey from the Channel Islands to the Llyn Peninsula and her beliefs through her book...\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor the last eight months, cleric-in-training Naomi Starkey has made Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula her home.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA full-time ordained minister in the Church in Wales, Naomi works in the Bro Enlli Ministry area, which covers the south-west coast of the Llyn Peninsula and takes in six churches, including St Hywyn, Aberdaron;St Pedrog, Llanbedrog and St Cian, Llangian.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAberdaron is undoubtedly beautiful, but far from her previous home, near Llanidloes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnd becoming a full-time member of the ministry also seems far removed from her previous work in publishing, but the 50-year-old mother-of-three knew the time was right to make the move to Gwynedd, and to the church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'I had a strong sense that it was time to move from publishing - a field I had worked in for 21 years - to full-time church work and there was a job in Aberdaron that I felt was right for me.The area of publishing I worked in was related in a way, as I had been editor of the BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship) for many years, but that's not the same as leading services and getting out there meeting people.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi started working for the church as a part-time cleric in Machnylleth and the surrounding villages. Then a cleric-in-training post came up in Gwynedd and Naomi made the move in June 2015. Also that month, Naomi was ordained as a priest in Bangor. She was previously ordained as a deacon in June 2014.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi says it wasn't her childhood dream to become a priest - indeed, it wasn't possible for women to do so at the time - but there had always been a leaning towards the church, as she explained. 'According to me mother I used to line up my teddies and give church services to them like my father, who was a vicar.But I never thought of becoming a vicar myself. I didn't think I could as a woman because women couldn't be ordained at the time. But my mother reminded me that I used to do this when I was about five years old, so I guess there's always been something there.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi was raised on the Channel Islands, and believes growing up there has helped her to fall in love with Aberdaron. 'My father was a vicar on the Channel Islands, on Jersey, and there are so many similarities to the Llyn,' Naomi said. 'It's almost like being on an island here in Aberdaron and there is some bilingualism, as there is on Jersey. There is also a lot of farming, tourism and of course, beautiful beaches.' As a cleric in training, Naomi says she is happy to be learning more about the church, and about the Llyn, and would like to stay in the area if possible. 'It depends if work is available but I have been learning Welsh for six years and I lead services and preach in Welsh, so I would definitely like to be able to use the language in a future post. And Aberdaron is lovely, as is the Llyn. I love the beaches on the Llyn in particular, and the mountains. It feels such a privilege to live somewhere that people want to go to on their holidays.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as working for the Bro Enlli Ministry and exploring the Llyn, Naomi has also just released her fourth book. \u003cem\u003eThe Recovery of Hope\u003c\/em\u003e contains a series of Bible passages, along with reflections on them and some poems written by Naomi. The theme of hope is explored throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'Even if people are not fully paid-up members of the church, there is a lot in the Bible that can give comfort, especially in dark times,' said Naomi. 'In the book there are readings and words to encourage, and to help, even if you don't believe what those words imply. Even if you are not a Christian, the Bible is still full of wisdom and that can be helpful.' She went on: 'In the 1960s there was a sense that science would prove everything and religion was for the elderly or the weak. Now I think people are more spiritual. There's mindfulness and gratitude, and faith. There's a lot in the Bible that's hard to understand and to wrestle with and that needs reflection and interpretation. Through the book, and my work, I share what I know. I won't tell you what to believe in, but I will start a conversation. I hope that, for those who already read the Bible and go to church, this book might give them access to lesser-known parts they may not have read before. For others, I think, and I hope, that this book is a gentle way in.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-14T16:37:29+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:42+00:00","vendor":"Naomi Starkey","type":"Paperback","tags":["For individuals","KCLC","Kindle","Pastoral care","Spirituality"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769287663716,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464170","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436664242276,"product_id":2439767851108,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:42+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:01+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161","variant_ids":[21769287663716]},"available":false,"name":"The Recovery of Hope: Bible reflections for sensing God's presence and hearing God's call - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":280,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464170","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238877134987,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877134987,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eWe live in the hope of experiencing first-hand the all-sufficient grace, love and forgiveness which is God's alone, a hope that we may know with our heads long before we feel it in our hearts. This book is centred on a hope that means encountering God not only as consoling presence in the darkness but as one who challenges us to respond to his call. That call may prove to be costly, but as we respond, we will find ourselves transformed as we discover and rediscover not only that we are known exactly as we are, but loved beyond understanding as God's precious children.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n \r\n\u003cp\u003eIn a series of Bible reflections - and some poems - the theme of this hope is explored in different ways, from the yearning of the Psalmist to walking the gentle journey of the Good Shepherd's leading. \r\n\u003c\/p\u003e \n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nNaomi Starkey is a full-time ordained minister in the Church in Wales, living on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales. From 1997 - 2015 she was a commissioning editor for BRF as well as editing New Daylight and Quiet Spaces over a number of years. She has also written The Recovery of Love, Pilgrims to the Manger and Good Enough Mother for BRF.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 24 March 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNAOMI STARKEY's \u003cem\u003eThe Recovery of Hope\u003c\/em\u003e cobbles together 103 wide ranging Bible reading notes, all with hope in common, originally published in sundry editions of BRF's New Daylight . A mature writer with a sure touch, her soign commentary on any biblical text never exceeds 300 words, and her balanced hermeneutic is well resourced and sparky.\u003cbr\u003eHer book includes four beautifully crafted poems, with all her writing having the high quality of a prose poem. She is never afraid to be hard-hitting, with comments such as 'Unlimited power carries with it unlimited responsibility rather than unlimited veniality,'and 'Leaders should care for their flock rather than simply grandstand on issues.' I will try to grandstand less and care more!\u003cbr\u003eThe three sub-themes, 'Coping with Darkness', 'Challenged to Journey', and 'In Resurrection Light', boldly take us into some unusual territory. There are 14 studies on 2 Kings 13-17, 14 on Stephen's speech in Acts, and 12 on the latter chapters of Mark (including the shorter and longer endings); a further seven studies are offered on Psalm 37, Jonah, and Ezekiel. Themes on 'The Absence of God', 'Gardens and God', and 'Holy Fire' draw material from across the scriptures. Starkey is the most pleasant of fellow travellers throughout, a sheer joy to be with. She draws examples from her ministerial context in glorious North Wales, seasoning the text with the occasional Welsh word - can it get any better than this?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd David Wilbourne; Assistant Bishop of Llandaff.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003eDiocese of Bangor News February 2016\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the psalms and prophets of the Old Testament to the gospels and epistles of the New Testament, chapters are opened up to draw us to read more deeply. Naomi presents each section with an introduction and then taking a few verses at a time explores at greater depth the meaning behind the words. This is not offered as a commentary but in a way that draws the reader into the passage being read, and how that may be 'read' within our own lives. Hope is important for every person, and here, through the ups and downs of the biblical stories, we can find again the hope that is given to us in God. Naomi writes very simply, but is not simplistic. She encourages further reading and offers plenty of thought provoking questions.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone who enjoys an Advent or Lent book and feels bereft through the rest of the year, will find much in this book to help fill that gap.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI enjoyed reading Naomi's book, and found plenty within its pages which made me stop, think and pray.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJanet Fletcher \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiocese of Bangor Spirituality Officer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCambrian News; 11 February 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eJULIE MCNICHOLLS VALE follows cleric-in-training Naomi Starkey's journey from the Channel Islands to the Llyn Peninsula and her beliefs through her book...\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor the last eight months, cleric-in-training Naomi Starkey has made Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula her home.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA full-time ordained minister in the Church in Wales, Naomi works in the Bro Enlli Ministry area, which covers the south-west coast of the Llyn Peninsula and takes in six churches, including St Hywyn, Aberdaron;St Pedrog, Llanbedrog and St Cian, Llangian.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAberdaron is undoubtedly beautiful, but far from her previous home, near Llanidloes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnd becoming a full-time member of the ministry also seems far removed from her previous work in publishing, but the 50-year-old mother-of-three knew the time was right to make the move to Gwynedd, and to the church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'I had a strong sense that it was time to move from publishing - a field I had worked in for 21 years - to full-time church work and there was a job in Aberdaron that I felt was right for me.The area of publishing I worked in was related in a way, as I had been editor of the BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship) for many years, but that's not the same as leading services and getting out there meeting people.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi started working for the church as a part-time cleric in Machnylleth and the surrounding villages. Then a cleric-in-training post came up in Gwynedd and Naomi made the move in June 2015. Also that month, Naomi was ordained as a priest in Bangor. She was previously ordained as a deacon in June 2014.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi says it wasn't her childhood dream to become a priest - indeed, it wasn't possible for women to do so at the time - but there had always been a leaning towards the church, as she explained. 'According to me mother I used to line up my teddies and give church services to them like my father, who was a vicar.But I never thought of becoming a vicar myself. I didn't think I could as a woman because women couldn't be ordained at the time. But my mother reminded me that I used to do this when I was about five years old, so I guess there's always been something there.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi was raised on the Channel Islands, and believes growing up there has helped her to fall in love with Aberdaron. 'My father was a vicar on the Channel Islands, on Jersey, and there are so many similarities to the Llyn,' Naomi said. 'It's almost like being on an island here in Aberdaron and there is some bilingualism, as there is on Jersey. There is also a lot of farming, tourism and of course, beautiful beaches.' As a cleric in training, Naomi says she is happy to be learning more about the church, and about the Llyn, and would like to stay in the area if possible. 'It depends if work is available but I have been learning Welsh for six years and I lead services and preach in Welsh, so I would definitely like to be able to use the language in a future post. And Aberdaron is lovely, as is the Llyn. I love the beaches on the Llyn in particular, and the mountains. It feels such a privilege to live somewhere that people want to go to on their holidays.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as working for the Bro Enlli Ministry and exploring the Llyn, Naomi has also just released her fourth book. \u003cem\u003eThe Recovery of Hope\u003c\/em\u003e contains a series of Bible passages, along with reflections on them and some poems written by Naomi. The theme of hope is explored throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'Even if people are not fully paid-up members of the church, there is a lot in the Bible that can give comfort, especially in dark times,' said Naomi. 'In the book there are readings and words to encourage, and to help, even if you don't believe what those words imply. Even if you are not a Christian, the Bible is still full of wisdom and that can be helpful.' She went on: 'In the 1960s there was a sense that science would prove everything and religion was for the elderly or the weak. Now I think people are more spiritual. There's mindfulness and gratitude, and faith. There's a lot in the Bible that's hard to understand and to wrestle with and that needs reflection and interpretation. Through the book, and my work, I share what I know. I won't tell you what to believe in, but I will start a conversation. I hope that, for those who already read the Bible and go to church, this book might give them access to lesser-known parts they may not have read before. For others, I think, and I hope, that this book is a gentle way in.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003chr\u003e"}
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The Recovery of Hope: Bible reflections for sensing God's presence and hearing God's call
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We live in the hope of experiencing first-hand the all-sufficient grace, love and forgiveness which is God's alone, a hope...
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{"id":2439763492964,"title":"Messy Prayer: Developing the prayer life of your Messy Church","handle":"messy-prayer-developing-the-prayer-life-of-your-messy-church","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eEquipping your Messy team to pray and encourage others to do so, both within and outside the Messy Church context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommunicating prayer as a concept\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePraying as a team in advance and on the day\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrayer ideas for the activity time, celebration time, and at home as a family\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWays of praying the Lord's Prayer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWays to reimagine other traditional prayers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreating a prayer space\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Messy Quiet Day outline\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJane Leadbetter is part of the BRF Messy Church team, has worked as a primary school teacher and was Children's Work Adviser in the Diocese of Liverpool for twelve years. She runs L19: Messy Church once a month.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinistry Today - Summer 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is excellent, packed with simple, practical ideas that can be used or adapted for many an All Age service. Aimed specifically at Messy Church, the book is structured around the particular elements of that format (the celebration time, the meal time, the home), but these are easily adaptable. Of particular interest for some is a very substantial chapter by Lucy Moore on 'Liturgical Prayers'. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere is also a useful chapter on 'Creating a Prayer Space', which doesn't have to be a permanent installation. It could be created and themed for a particular service. Of course, this might be limited by the size of the user-group or congregation. In some contexts, it might be necessary to adapt the ideas here into multiple stations. At our last holiday club, we made a huge igloo from milk bottles, which could take up to fifteen children with adults, but it would be tricky to use on a Sunday morning when the congregation can be up to 150.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book ends with three chapters on a Messy Church session on prayer, a Quiet Day for your team, and a Messy Retreat. Even if you never hold these precise events, they might be adapted for your next church weekend. This book is handy, practical, and great value. 5\/5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Dormandy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 17 June 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Prayer\u003c\/em\u003e by Jane Leadbetter offers practical and creative ways to introduce messy congregations to prayer. In her introduction, she points out that for many of us in childhood, collective prayer was passive: someone else prayed on our behalf, and we said 'Amen.'As an alternative, she suggests hands-on ways of engaging in 'prayerful chatter' with God, so that prayer begins to come naturally as part of a real relationship. I have been involved in running messy churches for several years, and have noticed that seasoned practitioners tend to have a check list for deciding whether to choose a particular activity. A. Can the children we have do it, or will we mainly end up doing it for them? B. Do we have the materials, or can we scavenge them without asking the congregation to collect used bottle tops for weeks on end? C. Do the children have a fighting chance of making the connection between the activity and message? As a former primary-school teacher and messy-church practitioner, Leadbetter is clearly on the same page. Her ideas are simple to execute, and use everyday materials, and she is excellent at making the message integral to the task. She also suggests developments for messy-church teams looking for new ideas, like a Quiet Day for leaders and a messy retreat. I am going to take this book to our messy-church planning sessions, and I can imagine using it with my own children, too, as a way of helping us to pray together as a family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Catherine Pickford - Team Rector in the Benwell Team Ministry, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book explains the importance of spirituality in the life of a Messy Church and the importance of prayer in the life of families. It is filled with practical ideas for creating a prayer space and for using prayer in the celebration time of a Messy Church. There are ideas for liturgical prayers and for meal-time graces, and for a whole Messy Church session on prayer. Obviously many of these ideas could be used in other settings such as schools, Sunday clubs and activity sessions. It is a useful addition to the children's leader's bookshelf - and their practice!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom STAR - Diocese of Peterborough December 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:25+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:26+00:00","vendor":"Jane Leadbetter","type":"eBook","tags":["For churches","Glassboxx","Messy Church books","Prayer"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24431590015076,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394551","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Prayer: Developing the prayer life of your Messy Church - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":799,"weight":147,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394551","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/414.png?v=1742380486","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/415.png?v=1742380460"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/414.png?v=1742380486","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":64201602204028,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/414.png?v=1742380486"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/414.png?v=1742380486","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":64201599779196,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/415.png?v=1742380460"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/415.png?v=1742380460","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eEquipping your Messy team to pray and encourage others to do so, both within and outside the Messy Church context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommunicating prayer as a concept\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePraying as a team in advance and on the day\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrayer ideas for the activity time, celebration time, and at home as a family\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWays of praying the Lord's Prayer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWays to reimagine other traditional prayers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreating a prayer space\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA Messy Quiet Day outline\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJane Leadbetter is part of the BRF Messy Church team, has worked as a primary school teacher and was Children's Work Adviser in the Diocese of Liverpool for twelve years. She runs L19: Messy Church once a month.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinistry Today - Summer 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is excellent, packed with simple, practical ideas that can be used or adapted for many an All Age service. Aimed specifically at Messy Church, the book is structured around the particular elements of that format (the celebration time, the meal time, the home), but these are easily adaptable. Of particular interest for some is a very substantial chapter by Lucy Moore on 'Liturgical Prayers'. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere is also a useful chapter on 'Creating a Prayer Space', which doesn't have to be a permanent installation. It could be created and themed for a particular service. Of course, this might be limited by the size of the user-group or congregation. In some contexts, it might be necessary to adapt the ideas here into multiple stations. At our last holiday club, we made a huge igloo from milk bottles, which could take up to fifteen children with adults, but it would be tricky to use on a Sunday morning when the congregation can be up to 150.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book ends with three chapters on a Messy Church session on prayer, a Quiet Day for your team, and a Messy Retreat. Even if you never hold these precise events, they might be adapted for your next church weekend. This book is handy, practical, and great value. 5\/5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Dormandy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 17 June 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Prayer\u003c\/em\u003e by Jane Leadbetter offers practical and creative ways to introduce messy congregations to prayer. In her introduction, she points out that for many of us in childhood, collective prayer was passive: someone else prayed on our behalf, and we said 'Amen.'As an alternative, she suggests hands-on ways of engaging in 'prayerful chatter' with God, so that prayer begins to come naturally as part of a real relationship. I have been involved in running messy churches for several years, and have noticed that seasoned practitioners tend to have a check list for deciding whether to choose a particular activity. A. Can the children we have do it, or will we mainly end up doing it for them? B. Do we have the materials, or can we scavenge them without asking the congregation to collect used bottle tops for weeks on end? C. Do the children have a fighting chance of making the connection between the activity and message? As a former primary-school teacher and messy-church practitioner, Leadbetter is clearly on the same page. Her ideas are simple to execute, and use everyday materials, and she is excellent at making the message integral to the task. She also suggests developments for messy-church teams looking for new ideas, like a Quiet Day for leaders and a messy retreat. I am going to take this book to our messy-church planning sessions, and I can imagine using it with my own children, too, as a way of helping us to pray together as a family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Catherine Pickford - Team Rector in the Benwell Team Ministry, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book explains the importance of spirituality in the life of a Messy Church and the importance of prayer in the life of families. It is filled with practical ideas for creating a prayer space and for using prayer in the celebration time of a Messy Church. There are ideas for liturgical prayers and for meal-time graces, and for a whole Messy Church session on prayer. Obviously many of these ideas could be used in other settings such as schools, Sunday clubs and activity sessions. It is a useful addition to the children's leader's bookshelf - and their practice!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom STAR - Diocese of Peterborough December 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Messy Prayer: Developing the prayer life of your Messy Church
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Digital eBook Only - Equipping your Messy team to pray and encourage others to do so, both within and outside...
{"id":2439745798244,"title":"Travellers of the Heart: Exploring new pathways on our spiritual journey","handle":"travellers-of-the-heart-exploring-new-pathways-on-our-spiritual-journey","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this book one of the UK's leading authors on Christian spirituality and personal renewal shares his own faith journey, in the context of exploring some of the different spiritual traditions that have influenced Christian witness over the past 40 or so years.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBuilding on themes in his previous book, Dreaming of Home, Michael Mitton explores how encompassing something of the breadth of Christian spirituality, from Charismatic to Catholic, via Celtic, can not only enrich our faith but strengthen the mission of the Church: 'I have chosen to start with my own experience, not because I am any kind of expert but because the best tutors to me over the years have been those prepared to share with me their stories, their ups and downs of life, their struggles and discoveries. Often their experiences have been very different to my own, but as I listen to them, they help me reflect on what is taking place in me.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRead more\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt is perhaps true for all of us who have drawn from several traditions and spiritualities, that no one direction will seem fully like home to us, and this can make us feel disturbed and possibly lonely, but such disturbance can be very healthy... it seems to me that if we try to conform ourselves to fit exactly with one particular tradition we may be missing some very important pathways in our souls, pathways that are known to God.\u003c\/em\u003e (p. 27)\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Mitton's new book is for anyone who is looking for confirmation that seeking out and exploring different Christian spiritualities to discover more of God is not only right but essential for spiritual growth and development. Travellers of the Heart is Michael's own journey of exploration, told not to offer a blueprint for how others may proceed but to share how God revealed himself to Michael through different Christian spiritualities and the benefits and dangers he discovered.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhen I first came to put all this down in the form of a book, I saw my exploration as a journey through different physical terrains that somehow matched my experience of particular spiritualities. My experience of Anglican spirituality felt like firm plains that provided security; I saw evangelical spirituality as the Home Counties, because when I encountered evangelical spirituality I lived in that part of the country, but also I think we all have a spirituality that is the home county where our faith was initially nurtured. I saw my charismatic experience as a delightful rushing stream, but also with that unpredictable flow that could make it a bit dangerous! Catholic spirituality felt a bit risky and took me to places that seemed more like borderlands, but full of interest and adventure. Celtic spirituality felt like high mountains, ancient and rugged - in climbing them you get fascinating views. Liberal spirituality was the one I was told to avoid as an evangelical, so it felt like marshlands - full of threat - but, as I discovered, also full of life and beauty. Finally, missional spirituality was the one that took me to the coastlands and became the one with most adventure and promise.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMichael discusses the loneliness that such a journey can create because new discoveries may not be easily accepted by your traditional church home. He also acknowledges that in every Christian tradition there is a kind of shadow side. The spirituality we discover is initially full of light and we feel very positive about it, but then, as we explore it more fully, we can discover aspects of it that are disturbing, requiring us to ask: is it the heart and soul of the tradition that creates the shadow or the way people have misused that heart and soul?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMichael finishes by reflecting on the missional coastlands. Before the church lies an ocean of 21st-century people with whom it has little or no contact. Christian spirituality needs adjustment in language and forms to reach out to them. This journey is just beginning!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nThe blend of Michael's own journey and story woven with the different streams of spirituality makes for a lovely gentle way of opening up the gifts of the tradition. His posture of openness and generosity is one I aspire to and I particularly like the way the book concludes in the coastlands of mission which seems to me to be the most natural way to unite. Jonny Baker, pioneer mission leadership team, CMS\r\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n Michael Mitton is a freelance writer, consultant, Greenbelt speaker, trainer and spiritual director based in Derby.He is also the Bishop of Derby's Adviser for Fresh Expressions and is Priest in Charge of St Paul's, Derby. He has previously worked for the Acorn Christian Healing Foundation and Anglican Renewal Ministries. He has also written The Rainbow of Renewal (2005, Lent), A Handful of Light (2008, Advent) and A Heart to Listen (2004, new ed 2010) for BRF and contributes to New Daylight. \n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Sheila Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor anyone on a spiritual journey, this is a fascinating and encouraging read, as the author shares his own personal story and describes the people who have led him on from one spirituality to another. I often identified with Michael Mitton's account of his feelings and discoveries, and found his honesty and his psychological insight very uplifting. At the end of each chapter the author gives questions for reflection which are quite challenging, and help the reader to question his or her own choices and feelings from the past. At the end, among other questions, we are invited to consider what our feelings are about the first spirituality that was life-giving for us. For me, very early in my life, I think it may well have been pantheism. Michael Mitton also considers the dangers of tribalism in our attitude to what we and other people believe, which has a toxic effect upon our ability to come alongside those who are different. We need to seek to be true to our convictions without behaving tribally. An excellent book which I recommend to anyone who identifies as being on a spiritual journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Ann Gray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA thought provoking book. Clarifying the various traditions and enabling a reflection of my own spiritual journey which has embraced some of the territories in the book and a desire to explore further the next stage of my personal journey\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Andrew Dotchin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have a friend who is considering stepping out on the journey of formal ministry buy them this book now!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBased on Michael's journey of life he reminds us that the church also has its own road map with different Highlands and Coastlands, Borders and Marshlands, Plains and Home Counties.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTaking the various spiritualities found in Churches in England (but also drawing on experience elsewhere in the world) he encourages readers to refuse to simply travel the physical journey of faith but also to reach out to other parts of Christian experience beyond the comfort zone of their church practice and piety.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHe demonstrates how Conservative Evangelical need 'woolly' Liberals, Catholics need Charismatics, and Celtic and Fresh Expressions of the faith help the whole church grow together.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor the individual on a journey into following and serving Christ this is a very helpful road map which will encourage reflection on their own tradition, help them perceive the light which the experience of others bring to the journey, and is an antidote to the tribalism which so easily pervades the church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBe careful to take good note of the 'Questions for Reflection' at the end of each chapter as they provide fruitful food for the journey for anyone who truly desires to be a pilgrim of the faith whichever road they find themselves upon.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOn reading the book I felt myself itching to read more of Michael's writings and longing for a second edition of this one. Which revision would include for each chapter a simple reading list explaining more about the different kinds of Christian Spirituality it explores.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow which person newly embarking on the 'Heart Journey' of formal ministry are you going to give this book to?\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-14T16:41:33+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:24+00:00","vendor":"Michael Mitton","type":"Paperback","tags":["For individuals","KCLC","Kindle","Spirituality"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769026568292,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857462213","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436526420068,"product_id":2439745798244,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:24+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:15+00:00","alt":null,"width":369,"height":561,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462213-l.jpg?v=1549043175","variant_ids":[21769026568292]},"available":false,"name":"Travellers of the Heart: Exploring new pathways on our spiritual journey - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":187,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857462213","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238874873995,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"width":369,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462213-l.jpg?v=1549043175"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462213-l.jpg?v=1549043175"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462213-l.jpg?v=1549043175","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238874873995,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"width":369,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462213-l.jpg?v=1549043175"},"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":561,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462213-l.jpg?v=1549043175","width":369}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eIn this book one of the UK's leading authors on Christian spirituality and personal renewal shares his own faith journey, in the context of exploring some of the different spiritual traditions that have influenced Christian witness over the past 40 or so years.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eBuilding on themes in his previous book, Dreaming of Home, Michael Mitton explores how encompassing something of the breadth of Christian spirituality, from Charismatic to Catholic, via Celtic, can not only enrich our faith but strengthen the mission of the Church: 'I have chosen to start with my own experience, not because I am any kind of expert but because the best tutors to me over the years have been those prepared to share with me their stories, their ups and downs of life, their struggles and discoveries. Often their experiences have been very different to my own, but as I listen to them, they help me reflect on what is taking place in me.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRead more\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt is perhaps true for all of us who have drawn from several traditions and spiritualities, that no one direction will seem fully like home to us, and this can make us feel disturbed and possibly lonely, but such disturbance can be very healthy... it seems to me that if we try to conform ourselves to fit exactly with one particular tradition we may be missing some very important pathways in our souls, pathways that are known to God.\u003c\/em\u003e (p. 27)\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Mitton's new book is for anyone who is looking for confirmation that seeking out and exploring different Christian spiritualities to discover more of God is not only right but essential for spiritual growth and development. Travellers of the Heart is Michael's own journey of exploration, told not to offer a blueprint for how others may proceed but to share how God revealed himself to Michael through different Christian spiritualities and the benefits and dangers he discovered.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhen I first came to put all this down in the form of a book, I saw my exploration as a journey through different physical terrains that somehow matched my experience of particular spiritualities. My experience of Anglican spirituality felt like firm plains that provided security; I saw evangelical spirituality as the Home Counties, because when I encountered evangelical spirituality I lived in that part of the country, but also I think we all have a spirituality that is the home county where our faith was initially nurtured. I saw my charismatic experience as a delightful rushing stream, but also with that unpredictable flow that could make it a bit dangerous! Catholic spirituality felt a bit risky and took me to places that seemed more like borderlands, but full of interest and adventure. Celtic spirituality felt like high mountains, ancient and rugged - in climbing them you get fascinating views. Liberal spirituality was the one I was told to avoid as an evangelical, so it felt like marshlands - full of threat - but, as I discovered, also full of life and beauty. Finally, missional spirituality was the one that took me to the coastlands and became the one with most adventure and promise.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMichael discusses the loneliness that such a journey can create because new discoveries may not be easily accepted by your traditional church home. He also acknowledges that in every Christian tradition there is a kind of shadow side. The spirituality we discover is initially full of light and we feel very positive about it, but then, as we explore it more fully, we can discover aspects of it that are disturbing, requiring us to ask: is it the heart and soul of the tradition that creates the shadow or the way people have misused that heart and soul?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMichael finishes by reflecting on the missional coastlands. Before the church lies an ocean of 21st-century people with whom it has little or no contact. Christian spirituality needs adjustment in language and forms to reach out to them. This journey is just beginning!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nThe blend of Michael's own journey and story woven with the different streams of spirituality makes for a lovely gentle way of opening up the gifts of the tradition. His posture of openness and generosity is one I aspire to and I particularly like the way the book concludes in the coastlands of mission which seems to me to be the most natural way to unite. Jonny Baker, pioneer mission leadership team, CMS\r\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n Michael Mitton is a freelance writer, consultant, Greenbelt speaker, trainer and spiritual director based in Derby.He is also the Bishop of Derby's Adviser for Fresh Expressions and is Priest in Charge of St Paul's, Derby. He has previously worked for the Acorn Christian Healing Foundation and Anglican Renewal Ministries. He has also written The Rainbow of Renewal (2005, Lent), A Handful of Light (2008, Advent) and A Heart to Listen (2004, new ed 2010) for BRF and contributes to New Daylight. \n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Sheila Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor anyone on a spiritual journey, this is a fascinating and encouraging read, as the author shares his own personal story and describes the people who have led him on from one spirituality to another. I often identified with Michael Mitton's account of his feelings and discoveries, and found his honesty and his psychological insight very uplifting. At the end of each chapter the author gives questions for reflection which are quite challenging, and help the reader to question his or her own choices and feelings from the past. At the end, among other questions, we are invited to consider what our feelings are about the first spirituality that was life-giving for us. For me, very early in my life, I think it may well have been pantheism. Michael Mitton also considers the dangers of tribalism in our attitude to what we and other people believe, which has a toxic effect upon our ability to come alongside those who are different. We need to seek to be true to our convictions without behaving tribally. An excellent book which I recommend to anyone who identifies as being on a spiritual journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Ann Gray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA thought provoking book. Clarifying the various traditions and enabling a reflection of my own spiritual journey which has embraced some of the territories in the book and a desire to explore further the next stage of my personal journey\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Andrew Dotchin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have a friend who is considering stepping out on the journey of formal ministry buy them this book now!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBased on Michael's journey of life he reminds us that the church also has its own road map with different Highlands and Coastlands, Borders and Marshlands, Plains and Home Counties.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTaking the various spiritualities found in Churches in England (but also drawing on experience elsewhere in the world) he encourages readers to refuse to simply travel the physical journey of faith but also to reach out to other parts of Christian experience beyond the comfort zone of their church practice and piety.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHe demonstrates how Conservative Evangelical need 'woolly' Liberals, Catholics need Charismatics, and Celtic and Fresh Expressions of the faith help the whole church grow together.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor the individual on a journey into following and serving Christ this is a very helpful road map which will encourage reflection on their own tradition, help them perceive the light which the experience of others bring to the journey, and is an antidote to the tribalism which so easily pervades the church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBe careful to take good note of the 'Questions for Reflection' at the end of each chapter as they provide fruitful food for the journey for anyone who truly desires to be a pilgrim of the faith whichever road they find themselves upon.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOn reading the book I felt myself itching to read more of Michael's writings and longing for a second edition of this one. Which revision would include for each chapter a simple reading list explaining more about the different kinds of Christian Spirituality it explores.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNow which person newly embarking on the 'Heart Journey' of formal ministry are you going to give this book to?\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Travellers of the Heart: Exploring new pathways on our spiritual journey
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In this book one of the UK's leading authors on Christian spirituality and personal renewal shares his own faith journey,...
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{"id":7220230095039,"title":"Spiritual Care Series – single-use licence","handle":"spiritual-care-series-single-pack","description":"\u003cp\u003eTo purchase additional individual licences, you must either be a course facilitator yourself, or have the details for a current course facilitator who has already purchased a \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/spiritual-care-series-6-user-bundle\" title=\"Spiritual Care Series Pack\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSpiritual Care Series pack\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Spiritual Care Series is an eight-week comprehensive course for churches who want to provide good quality spiritual care to older people in their local community. The course equips participants to understand the ageing process, supporting people to reconnect with their past and cope with the losses that ageing brings. It also covers the importance of good listening skills, communication and boundaries in the provision of this care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe course comprises of video material, course material and access to an online learning platform. The videos and guides are designed to provoke discussion and an interactive learning experience. It is ideal for churches or organisations who want to provide good quality care to older people. Participants will develop their understanding and knowledge of the ageing process and at the end of the course, they will have the confidence and skills to come alongside older people to offer spiritual care. It can be used by churches who work ecumenical together or in groups. At the end of the course, participants receive a certificate to confirm successful completion of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Course outline\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnderstanding the ageing process\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpirituality in ageing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood communication\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe power of storytelling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDementia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA new home and a new way of life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrief, loss, death and dying\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoles, boundaries and self-care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe individual licence includes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eParticipant’s workbook\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAccess to Bridge Learning Management System online \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eHealth TV Network\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHealth TV Network is an experienced provider of training resources for the healthcare sector. Contributors to the Spiritual Care Series include theologians, professionals working in the care system and trainers. Professor John Swinton is the chair in divinity and religious studies at Aberdeen University and is one of the UK presenters to the course video material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF is licensed to promote and distribute the Spiritual Care Series in the UK. Online access to the Bridge Learning Management System (LMS) is managed by Health TV Network (HTN) in Australia. We will be sharing the data you provide to us with HTN to give users access to the Bridge (LMS) component of this course. For general enquiries about the Spiritual Care Series, please contact BRF on 01865 319700 or enquiries@brf.org.uk.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-12-23T09:38:02+00:00","created_at":"2022-04-14T11:20:48+01:00","vendor":"Health TV Network and BRF","type":"Pack","tags":["Ageing and spiritual care","Anna Chaplaincy books","Church life","For churches","KCLC","Pastoral care","Retired and inspired","Spiritual care","spiritual care series courses"],"price":5000,"price_min":5000,"price_max":5000,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":41524410974399,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"SCSSINGLE","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Spiritual Care Series – single-use licence","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":5000,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"SCSSINGLE","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/spiritualcareseriesparticipantsguide.jpg?v=1661948125"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/spiritualcareseriesparticipantsguide.jpg?v=1661948125","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":25746373378239,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/spiritualcareseriesparticipantsguide.jpg?v=1661948125"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/spiritualcareseriesparticipantsguide.jpg?v=1661948125","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eTo purchase additional individual licences, you must either be a course facilitator yourself, or have the details for a current course facilitator who has already purchased a \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/spiritual-care-series-6-user-bundle\" title=\"Spiritual Care Series Pack\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSpiritual Care Series pack\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Spiritual Care Series is an eight-week comprehensive course for churches who want to provide good quality spiritual care to older people in their local community. The course equips participants to understand the ageing process, supporting people to reconnect with their past and cope with the losses that ageing brings. It also covers the importance of good listening skills, communication and boundaries in the provision of this care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe course comprises of video material, course material and access to an online learning platform. The videos and guides are designed to provoke discussion and an interactive learning experience. It is ideal for churches or organisations who want to provide good quality care to older people. Participants will develop their understanding and knowledge of the ageing process and at the end of the course, they will have the confidence and skills to come alongside older people to offer spiritual care. It can be used by churches who work ecumenical together or in groups. At the end of the course, participants receive a certificate to confirm successful completion of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Course outline\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnderstanding the ageing process\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpirituality in ageing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood communication\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe power of storytelling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDementia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA new home and a new way of life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrief, loss, death and dying\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoles, boundaries and self-care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe individual licence includes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eParticipant’s workbook\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAccess to Bridge Learning Management System online \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eHealth TV Network\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHealth TV Network is an experienced provider of training resources for the healthcare sector. Contributors to the Spiritual Care Series include theologians, professionals working in the care system and trainers. Professor John Swinton is the chair in divinity and religious studies at Aberdeen University and is one of the UK presenters to the course video material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF is licensed to promote and distribute the Spiritual Care Series in the UK. Online access to the Bridge Learning Management System (LMS) is managed by Health TV Network (HTN) in Australia. We will be sharing the data you provide to us with HTN to give users access to the Bridge (LMS) component of this course. For general enquiries about the Spiritual Care Series, please contact BRF on 01865 319700 or enquiries@brf.org.uk.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Spiritual Care Series – single-use licence
£50.00
To purchase additional individual licences, you must either be a course facilitator yourself, or have the details for a current...
{"id":7367016087743,"title":"Bible in Ten: Any book of the Bible cracked in ten minutes or less","handle":"bible-in-ten-any-book-of-the-bible-cracked-in-ten-minutes-or-less","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFor anyone who wants to crack open the Bible, poet, broadcaster and teacher Dave Kitchen provides a lively introduction to every single book in ten minutes or less. Bible in Ten is for everyone who wants to be connected with all that is unexpected, beautiful and astonishing in the Bible. It tells the stories of success and failure, suffering and hope, home and exile, and a love that is stronger than death. \u003c\/span\u003eHere are 67 short, sharp snapshots covering every corner of a book that people sometimes don’t know quite as well as they think they do. It’s a way into a volume that is often on the shelves but far less frequently taken off them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gFxcR9kCb8k\" 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 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Bible is packed with advice, stories and promises that cry out to be heard. This book gives people a real chance to take the words off the page and into their own world.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eBible in Ten\u003c\/em\u003e is available in print, digital and audio formats.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Bible in Ten Audio Book\" href=\"https:\/\/www.audible.co.uk\/pd\/Bible-in-Ten-Audiobook\/B0BYGD1MDX\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO BOOK OUT NOW\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uHS_l796Hiw\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read David Kitchen’s moving blog about his friend Rob Lacey, whose\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Street Bible\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003einspired\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eBible in Ten,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003eclick\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/bible-in-ten-the-tale-behind-the-book\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"2\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• New Christians and seekers who want to know more about the Bible, or those who have given up on Bible study, providing an accessible way back in\u003cbr\u003e• Daily Bible notes readers, helping to fill in background to their study focus\u003cbr\u003e• Church leaders, youth leaders, Messy Church leaders or small group leaders who want to introduce a whole book to their congregation or group\u003cbr\u003e• Parents looking to develop Bible knowledge in the home\u003cbr\u003e• RE teachers looking for ready-to-use lesson material\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/DaveKitchen_480x480.jpg?v=1676495494\" width=\"262\" height=\"302\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDavid Kitchen is an award-winning writer, broadcaster, teacher and storyteller who has been making the Bible come alive for longer than he cares to remember. In Bible in Ten he combines his down-to-earth writing skills with almost 50 years’ experience in church leadership and worship. His hobbies include music, poetry and playing crawling-up-stairs games with his grandson.\u003c\/span\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\u003eEndorsements for Bible in Ten \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'For a busy working parent on the run between home, school, work and church, Bible in Ten is an absolute essential. It helps me to grasp the main ideas behind any particular Bible book in just ten minutes – brilliantly helpful when we’re at the start of a new housegroup season, or church sermon series, or even for my own devotional times. I highly recommend it for anyone who feels frazzled!'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLucy Rycroft www.thehopefilledfamily.com\/ \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I wish the brilliant \u003cem\u003eBible in Ten \u003c\/em\u003ehad been written sooner – it is fun, fresh and full of insight. Easy to read but with so much packed in. Whatever your biblical starting point, there’s something of value for you. Dave Kitchen has put in the hard miles of study to give us a shortcut to understanding the big picture. Thanks, Dave!’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbby Guinness, head of Spring Harvest\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘What a wonderful idea Dave Kitchen has come up with. I have known Dave for over 35 years and he has not lost any of his enthusiasm and quirky sharing of the good news of God’s love. This will be a valuable resource in my present multicultural context, giving people an instant insight into the scriptures and hopefully a desire to go deeper through Bible study and teaching. I warmly commend this book.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStephen Poxon, past president of the Methodist Conference and minister of St Mark’s Methodist\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChurch in Tottenham\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Such an exciting initiative. I love \u003cem\u003eBible in Ten\u003c\/em\u003e.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRob Parsons, OBE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Here’s a version of the Bible which sets out to catch your attention – but goes on to engage your imagination and offer a fresh perspective on some familiar passages: thoroughly recommended.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStephen Wigley, chair of Wales Synod Cymru of the Methodist Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Very helpful, easy-to-read resource that I would encourage both young and old to invest in. It will certainly be a book that I will be keeping within reaching distance on my bookshelf.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIshmael, singer-songwriter, speaker and author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Tackling the Bible can feel like a mammoth task and I certainly have often wondered where to start. Well, look no further! I love that this book has a mini summary at the end of each section, adding context and a little life reflection about what each book of the Bible has shared with us. Also, purely on a selfish note… this is on point for a dyslexic. Small, accessible, bite-sized pieces of an extremely large, comprehensive and complex book, and this helps to make some sense of it in the here and now. I want to share this with everyone I know.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMegan Thomas, Methodist Youth President 2014–15\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Brilliant! So pithy and relevant. What a fantastic achievement – love those final paragraphs at the end of the chapter, communicating the very essence of the book. Sure it’s going to be a real success!’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRae Duke, broadcaster, teacher and podcast host\u003c\/strong\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\u003eBaptist Times online. Reviewed by Pieter Lalleman.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cover of this book states: ‘Quite how people made the Bible sound so dull is a mystery. This is the book that proves it’s anything but.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book does live up to this claim: Using only a few pages per book of the Bible, Kitchen presents the contents of each of the 66 books. His style is fresh and attractive. He nearly always brings out the essence of the biblical book, paying little attention to questions of authorship and date. He seldom refers to chapter and verse numbers, allowing the text to be read continuously, and he adds helpful contemporary applications. The tone of the summaries is light-hearted and pleasantly positive, even for the less ‘attractive’ parts of the Bible, but each sentence is full of information so one has to read attentively. Paragraphs have six lines or less, but the lines are long due to the square shape of the book (7 by 7 inch).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy minor quibbles include the chapter on Revelation: it’s too short and fails to mention Jesus as Lord of history. Hebrews also deserves better. The chapter on the Psalms merely offers samples, nothing on types of Psalms. Like all quotations in the book, these are probably in Kitchen’s own translation, although this is never stated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI could mention some more quibbles, but my overall verdict is that this is a very useful book for many readers of the Bible, regardless of age and background. Let me finish with a random sample from Amos: \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt's at about this time that the leaders decide they want a more positive message. Amos is told to make money in his own country and leave them alone. ‘I don’t do this for cash,’ he replies. ‘I actually run a sheep business… plus I’ve got a few fig trees. I do this because I have to – for God. Getting rid of me doesn’t get rid of the bad news.’\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis short piece brings out the strengths of the book: sparkling language and a good grasp of the Bible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Pieter J. Lalleman is the pastor of Knaphill Baptist Church, Surrey\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry September 2023. Review by Betty Taylor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have many Biblical commentaries but nothing to compare with this! Kitchen has done a unique job in bringing the Bible to life in a fresh way, engaging our attention through his fun-filled approach. It is easy to read yet packed with good news in a nutshell, each book ending with a summary written in a challenging way. It will appeal to young and old, whether knowledgeable or engaging with the Bible for the first time. The author has made the whole Bible accessible, alive and full of insight as we weave through 66 snapshots – each book in turn, all given the importance they deserve. I recommend this wonderful book to congregations generally, but more specifically to young families who attend ‘Fresh Expressions’ of church. Many may have come recently into the Christian family and the Bible can be a daunting volume to take on board. Bible in Ten will change that by giving a beautiful glimpse into scripture and providing the desire to dig deeper. This book is an exciting innovation! Be sure to order your copy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Betty Taylor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder March 2023. Review by Donald Kerr\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bible is still recognised as the best selling book of all time, with over 4 billion copies produced worldwide. Nevertheless, it can be more than a little daunting even for those who are motivated to delve into it. The variety of translations and paraphrases does help, of course, but it still feels like a big book. Furthermore, the different life situations and varied types of literature can easily confuse. If only there was a simple way in which we could appreciate the overall message of each book which would then whet our appetite to go back and dig deeper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the challenge which Dave Kitchen has taken up in \u003cem\u003eBible in Ten\u003c\/em\u003e, subtitled ‘Any book of the Bible cracked in ten minutes or less.’ The ‘ten’ refers to the 10 minutes maximum which the reader spends in reading the overview of each book. However, this is much more than an introductory textbook. Each chapter starts with a short paragraph designed to take us into the issues which the biblical book in question raises and finishes with some thoughts or reflections to help us apply the book’s message to ourselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDave Kitchen is by profession a teacher (now retired) but is also a broadcaster, poet and Methodist local preacher. He is thus an excellent communicator. His style is at once racy, clear and compassionate. He has lived within the biblical text so deeply that he is able to express its heart in a manner both simple and profound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWho might benefit from this book? Those starting out on the Christian pathway who want to find a way into scripture and those who have journeyed for many years but would still value an overview of those parts of the Bible which they have tended to skip over. Teachers and preachers will find fresh inspiration here and Bible study groups will find plenty of material to aid their learning and discussion. To quote Abby Guinness, the head of Spring Harvest: ‘Whatever your biblical starting point there is something of value to you. Dave Kitchen has put in the hard miles of study to give us a shortcut to understanding the big picture.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2022-10-10T14:14:56+01:00","created_at":"2022-10-10T14:14:55+01:00","vendor":"David Kitchen","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Church life","Discipleship","For churches","For individuals","Glassboxx","KCLC"],"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":41997407256767,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391512","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":33430415671487,"product_id":7367016087743,"position":1,"created_at":"2022-10-10T14:14:55+01:00","updated_at":"2022-10-10T14:14:57+01:00","alt":null,"width":2102,"height":2102,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/BibleinTen.jpg?v=1665407697","variant_ids":[41997407256767]},"available":true,"name":"Bible in Ten: Any book of the Bible cracked in ten minutes or less - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1299,"weight":385,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391512","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":26020738334911,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":2102,"width":2102,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/BibleinTen.jpg?v=1665407697"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/BibleinTen.jpg?v=1665407697"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/BibleinTen.jpg?v=1665407697","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":26020738334911,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":2102,"width":2102,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/BibleinTen.jpg?v=1665407697"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":2102,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/BibleinTen.jpg?v=1665407697","width":2102}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFor anyone who wants to crack open the Bible, poet, broadcaster and teacher Dave Kitchen provides a lively introduction to every single book in ten minutes or less. Bible in Ten is for everyone who wants to be connected with all that is unexpected, beautiful and astonishing in the Bible. It tells the stories of success and failure, suffering and hope, home and exile, and a love that is stronger than death. \u003c\/span\u003eHere are 67 short, sharp snapshots covering every corner of a book that people sometimes don’t know quite as well as they think they do. It’s a way into a volume that is often on the shelves but far less frequently taken off them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gFxcR9kCb8k\" 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 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Bible is packed with advice, stories and promises that cry out to be heard. This book gives people a real chance to take the words off the page and into their own world.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eBible in Ten\u003c\/em\u003e is available in print, digital and audio formats.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Bible in Ten Audio Book\" href=\"https:\/\/www.audible.co.uk\/pd\/Bible-in-Ten-Audiobook\/B0BYGD1MDX\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUDIO BOOK OUT NOW\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uHS_l796Hiw\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read David Kitchen’s moving blog about his friend Rob Lacey, whose\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Street Bible\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003einspired\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eBible in Ten,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003eclick\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/bible-in-ten-the-tale-behind-the-book\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-safelink=\"true\" data-linkindex=\"2\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e• New Christians and seekers who want to know more about the Bible, or those who have given up on Bible study, providing an accessible way back in\u003cbr\u003e• Daily Bible notes readers, helping to fill in background to their study focus\u003cbr\u003e• Church leaders, youth leaders, Messy Church leaders or small group leaders who want to introduce a whole book to their congregation or group\u003cbr\u003e• Parents looking to develop Bible knowledge in the home\u003cbr\u003e• RE teachers looking for ready-to-use lesson material\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/DaveKitchen_480x480.jpg?v=1676495494\" width=\"262\" height=\"302\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDavid Kitchen is an award-winning writer, broadcaster, teacher and storyteller who has been making the Bible come alive for longer than he cares to remember. In Bible in Ten he combines his down-to-earth writing skills with almost 50 years’ experience in church leadership and worship. His hobbies include music, poetry and playing crawling-up-stairs games with his grandson.\u003c\/span\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\u003eEndorsements for Bible in Ten \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'For a busy working parent on the run between home, school, work and church, Bible in Ten is an absolute essential. It helps me to grasp the main ideas behind any particular Bible book in just ten minutes – brilliantly helpful when we’re at the start of a new housegroup season, or church sermon series, or even for my own devotional times. I highly recommend it for anyone who feels frazzled!'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLucy Rycroft www.thehopefilledfamily.com\/ \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I wish the brilliant \u003cem\u003eBible in Ten \u003c\/em\u003ehad been written sooner – it is fun, fresh and full of insight. Easy to read but with so much packed in. Whatever your biblical starting point, there’s something of value for you. Dave Kitchen has put in the hard miles of study to give us a shortcut to understanding the big picture. Thanks, Dave!’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbby Guinness, head of Spring Harvest\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘What a wonderful idea Dave Kitchen has come up with. I have known Dave for over 35 years and he has not lost any of his enthusiasm and quirky sharing of the good news of God’s love. This will be a valuable resource in my present multicultural context, giving people an instant insight into the scriptures and hopefully a desire to go deeper through Bible study and teaching. I warmly commend this book.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStephen Poxon, past president of the Methodist Conference and minister of St Mark’s Methodist\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eChurch in Tottenham\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Such an exciting initiative. I love \u003cem\u003eBible in Ten\u003c\/em\u003e.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRob Parsons, OBE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Here’s a version of the Bible which sets out to catch your attention – but goes on to engage your imagination and offer a fresh perspective on some familiar passages: thoroughly recommended.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStephen Wigley, chair of Wales Synod Cymru of the Methodist Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Very helpful, easy-to-read resource that I would encourage both young and old to invest in. It will certainly be a book that I will be keeping within reaching distance on my bookshelf.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIshmael, singer-songwriter, speaker and author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Tackling the Bible can feel like a mammoth task and I certainly have often wondered where to start. Well, look no further! I love that this book has a mini summary at the end of each section, adding context and a little life reflection about what each book of the Bible has shared with us. Also, purely on a selfish note… this is on point for a dyslexic. Small, accessible, bite-sized pieces of an extremely large, comprehensive and complex book, and this helps to make some sense of it in the here and now. I want to share this with everyone I know.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMegan Thomas, Methodist Youth President 2014–15\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Brilliant! So pithy and relevant. What a fantastic achievement – love those final paragraphs at the end of the chapter, communicating the very essence of the book. Sure it’s going to be a real success!’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRae Duke, broadcaster, teacher and podcast host\u003c\/strong\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\u003eBaptist Times online. Reviewed by Pieter Lalleman.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cover of this book states: ‘Quite how people made the Bible sound so dull is a mystery. This is the book that proves it’s anything but.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book does live up to this claim: Using only a few pages per book of the Bible, Kitchen presents the contents of each of the 66 books. His style is fresh and attractive. He nearly always brings out the essence of the biblical book, paying little attention to questions of authorship and date. He seldom refers to chapter and verse numbers, allowing the text to be read continuously, and he adds helpful contemporary applications. The tone of the summaries is light-hearted and pleasantly positive, even for the less ‘attractive’ parts of the Bible, but each sentence is full of information so one has to read attentively. Paragraphs have six lines or less, but the lines are long due to the square shape of the book (7 by 7 inch).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy minor quibbles include the chapter on Revelation: it’s too short and fails to mention Jesus as Lord of history. Hebrews also deserves better. The chapter on the Psalms merely offers samples, nothing on types of Psalms. Like all quotations in the book, these are probably in Kitchen’s own translation, although this is never stated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI could mention some more quibbles, but my overall verdict is that this is a very useful book for many readers of the Bible, regardless of age and background. Let me finish with a random sample from Amos: \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt's at about this time that the leaders decide they want a more positive message. Amos is told to make money in his own country and leave them alone. ‘I don’t do this for cash,’ he replies. ‘I actually run a sheep business… plus I’ve got a few fig trees. I do this because I have to – for God. Getting rid of me doesn’t get rid of the bad news.’\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis short piece brings out the strengths of the book: sparkling language and a good grasp of the Bible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Pieter J. Lalleman is the pastor of Knaphill Baptist Church, Surrey\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry September 2023. Review by Betty Taylor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have many Biblical commentaries but nothing to compare with this! Kitchen has done a unique job in bringing the Bible to life in a fresh way, engaging our attention through his fun-filled approach. It is easy to read yet packed with good news in a nutshell, each book ending with a summary written in a challenging way. It will appeal to young and old, whether knowledgeable or engaging with the Bible for the first time. The author has made the whole Bible accessible, alive and full of insight as we weave through 66 snapshots – each book in turn, all given the importance they deserve. I recommend this wonderful book to congregations generally, but more specifically to young families who attend ‘Fresh Expressions’ of church. Many may have come recently into the Christian family and the Bible can be a daunting volume to take on board. Bible in Ten will change that by giving a beautiful glimpse into scripture and providing the desire to dig deeper. This book is an exciting innovation! Be sure to order your copy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Betty Taylor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder March 2023. Review by Donald Kerr\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bible is still recognised as the best selling book of all time, with over 4 billion copies produced worldwide. Nevertheless, it can be more than a little daunting even for those who are motivated to delve into it. The variety of translations and paraphrases does help, of course, but it still feels like a big book. Furthermore, the different life situations and varied types of literature can easily confuse. If only there was a simple way in which we could appreciate the overall message of each book which would then whet our appetite to go back and dig deeper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the challenge which Dave Kitchen has taken up in \u003cem\u003eBible in Ten\u003c\/em\u003e, subtitled ‘Any book of the Bible cracked in ten minutes or less.’ The ‘ten’ refers to the 10 minutes maximum which the reader spends in reading the overview of each book. However, this is much more than an introductory textbook. Each chapter starts with a short paragraph designed to take us into the issues which the biblical book in question raises and finishes with some thoughts or reflections to help us apply the book’s message to ourselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDave Kitchen is by profession a teacher (now retired) but is also a broadcaster, poet and Methodist local preacher. He is thus an excellent communicator. His style is at once racy, clear and compassionate. He has lived within the biblical text so deeply that he is able to express its heart in a manner both simple and profound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWho might benefit from this book? Those starting out on the Christian pathway who want to find a way into scripture and those who have journeyed for many years but would still value an overview of those parts of the Bible which they have tended to skip over. Teachers and preachers will find fresh inspiration here and Bible study groups will find plenty of material to aid their learning and discussion. To quote Abby Guinness, the head of Spring Harvest: ‘Whatever your biblical starting point there is something of value to you. Dave Kitchen has put in the hard miles of study to give us a shortcut to understanding the big picture.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Bible in Ten: Any book of the Bible cracked in ten minutes or less
£12.99
For anyone who wants to crack open the Bible, poet, broadcaster and teacher Dave Kitchen provides a lively introduction 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":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"}
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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":7393469857983,"title":"Comfort in Uncertain Times: Ukrainian Edition","handle":"comfort-in-uncertain-times-ukrainian-edition","description":"\u003cp\u003eUncertainty and change can be hard, and even more so for a child. Feelings of confusion, powerlessness and insecurity may be overwhelming. Scripture is full of people just like our children who had to cope with uncertainty and transition and flourished as they saw God’s hand and presence within it all. Designed as a series of stories and discussions for families, this book lays a biblical foundation for who God is in uncertain times and how to stay connected to him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"216\" width=\"216\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/RachelTurner_480x480.jpg?v=1676495221\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePreviously a full-time children’s and families worker and the National Children’s Work Coordinator for New Wine, Rachel Turner continues to consult, speak at conferences and run training days for parents, church leaders and youth workers. She is the pioneer of Parenting for Faith, author of the Parenting Children for a Life of Faith series and presents the Parenting for Faith course, a video-based resource for church groups and individuals. Until March 2022, she led the Parenting for Faith team at BRF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2022-11-11T16:56:06+00:00","created_at":"2022-11-11T16:56:05+00:00","vendor":"Rachel Turner","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Centenary","Children and family ministry","For individuals","KCLC","Parenting"],"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":42077788176575,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392328","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Comfort in Uncertain Times: Ukrainian Edition","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":185,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392328","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ComfortinUncertainTimes_UKRAINIAN.jpg?v=1668185767"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ComfortinUncertainTimes_UKRAINIAN.jpg?v=1668185767","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":26213938462911,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ComfortinUncertainTimes_UKRAINIAN.jpg?v=1668185767"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ComfortinUncertainTimes_UKRAINIAN.jpg?v=1668185767","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eUncertainty and change can be hard, and even more so for a child. Feelings of confusion, powerlessness and insecurity may be overwhelming. Scripture is full of people just like our children who had to cope with uncertainty and transition and flourished as they saw God’s hand and presence within it all. Designed as a series of stories and discussions for families, this book lays a biblical foundation for who God is in uncertain times and how to stay connected to him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"216\" width=\"216\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/RachelTurner_480x480.jpg?v=1676495221\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePreviously a full-time children’s and families worker and the National Children’s Work Coordinator for New Wine, Rachel Turner continues to consult, speak at conferences and run training days for parents, church leaders and youth workers. She is the pioneer of Parenting for Faith, author of the Parenting Children for a Life of Faith series and presents the Parenting for Faith course, a video-based resource for church groups and individuals. Until March 2022, she led the Parenting for Faith team at BRF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Comfort in Uncertain Times: Ukrainian Edition
£8.99
Uncertainty and change can be hard, and even more so for a child. Feelings of confusion, powerlessness and insecurity may...
{"id":7422307336383,"title":"This Crown of Comfort: God’s seven calls to women in distress","handle":"this-crown-of-comfort","description":"\u003cp\u003eGod loves women. He deeply cares for those of us who are broken and hurt. And just as he helped his beloved Jerusalem find healing in her brokenness, he does the same for us. For he cried out seven double imperatives to her in the book of Isaiah, seven steps to restore her to wholeness, and he cries out the same to us. But he doesn’t begin by scolding us; instead, he comforts. His first double imperative is, ‘Comfort, comfort,’ despite what has happened in our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn This Crown of Comfort, Eva Leaf shares stories from her own life and from the lives of other women of how God met them in their brokenness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cwM5gQbkiI4?si=HQcCMOpHpSxVQVNR\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UkXt_VjH0a0?si=LG9XcXiaufbUQSZd\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEva Leaf became a Christian at the age of 14 and attended a Canadian Bible College in her twenties. For the last 32 years, she has been a Navigator rep and has just stepped down from leading the Navigators publications team. She lives in Warwickshire, is married and has four grown-up children. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘This is a compelling read; a book to be read slowly and reflectively – although I sometimes struggled to do that as I found myself eager to read the next chapter! The stories Eva recounts from her own life and from the lives of others are often heartbreakingly sad – but her focus isn’t on the heartbreak but on the hope and encouragement which she has gleaned from a life soaked in the truth of Scripture. I found familiar passages from Isaiah’s prophecy coming alive in fresh and transformative ways as Eva unwrapped their relevance for our lives. The opportunity for more focused reflection at the end of each chapter also helps ground what we’ve read within the reality of our own circumstances. I’m already looking forward to reading this book again – even more slowly, more reflectively.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMags Duggan, author, retreat leader and speaker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘\u003cem\u003eThis Crown of Comfort\u003c\/em\u003e conveys seven powerful messages from Isaiah about God’s tender heart towards Jerusalem. The author skillfully intertwines her many personal stories with the messages to illuminate God’s unfailing love to his people. This book is an easy read yet rich with insights, comfort and encouragement – a must for anyone who seeks healing and desires to experience God afresh.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnissa Chung, UKCP registered psychotherapist and supervisor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘\u003cem\u003eThis Crown of Comfort\u003c\/em\u003e is the wondrous feast that God prepares for us in the presence of our enemies, a feast that David speaks of in Psalm 23. How full the table is – a rich and delicious harvest that Eva Leaf has gathered from the book of Isaiah. No matter how broken we are or how hurt, God knows, and he calls us to come to him and receive and savour his love and care so that we can share that love and care with other women. A wonderful book for women to read and study together.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLee Merrill Byrd, author, publisher and editor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘Both reflective and instructive, Eva takes us on a deeply personal journey that comforts and reassures. No matter how broken or hurt we are, we are given in this excellent book the tools or ‘the calls of God’ to build a bridge to healing and wholeness. This book reminds us of God’s deep love for us in our time of greatest need and provides a spiritual balm for every situation.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDawn Braithwaite, solicitor and consultant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘Who would you go to in a difficult situation or time of distress? Well, I would most certainly consider Eva Leaf. A trusted friend, a confidant with life experience and biblical insight, she provides readers with great insight to the very God of comfort that we all so need – men and women. While written to women, this is a treasure trove coming from the seven calls of God found in Isaiah. Thank you, Eva, for being courageous enough to live this… and then to so very thoughtfully share!’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDon Pape, literary agent, Pape Commons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘Eva takes you on a valuable journey to see life’s inexplicable and sometimes relentless pains, from God’s viewpoint. Her journey is set in the landscape of God’s beautiful promises for comfort, for restoration and ultimately for transformation. These scriptures are illuminated sensitively by life stories. Each chapter provides the option for a personal reflection, encounter and healing. There is much to linger over and explore along the way, in order to gain new vistas and perspectives, that bring both life and hope.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFiona Oommen, business general manager and leadership coach\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis Crown of Comfort readers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNew review December 2025\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;\"\u003eThis Crown of Comfort has given me a common language for sharing on a deeper level with friends. The stories are raw and beautiful, the discussion questions are simple, but they get to the heart of the issue. I initially devoured quite a chunk of this book on my own, but then I realised that the work God wanted to do in me through it would need more time. I read it one chapter at a time, journaling through the questions. Then I reread it with a friend from church, and separately, with a friend who is exploring faith. We have found great comfort in Eva's words, and they've given us this shared language to notice God's presence in life's storms. I am so grateful for this deeper, deeper connection with God and with these friends, which has grown out of this book. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eNew review December 2025\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;\"\u003eThe book, This Crown of Comfort by Eva Leaf really blessed me. It's so deeply relatable and yet packed full to the brim of truth, hope and encouragement. I love the emphasis on story, both stories from the author herself and also many other women, which are interweaved throughout this beautiful book.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;\"\u003eThis Crown of Comfort takes the reader on a journey of discovery about the comfort and restoration God offers to us in our brokenness in life. So often we are encouraged to be strong, to be resilient and to rise above the trouble we face. But here, Eva encourages us to linger a while, to reflect on God's plan and purpose within all the broken shards in our lives, and to rest in His love and care of us, even while we are a mess. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;\"\u003eThis book really helped me to grasp the importance of acknowledging my pain, my grief and my brokenness, whilst also perceiving that God is at work renewing and restoring my life within it all, there is no need to hurry past. There is so much beauty to be found as we consider God's work in the midst of our hurts. Eva paints a beautiful picture of God in these pages, despite heart-breaking circumstances leading her to believe lies about his nature. At times, it is really wonderful to see how God gently speaks truth to Eva about who he is and what he is doing in her life. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;\"\u003eThe glimpses of Eva's wrestling with God over deeply painful situations when she has been hurt, lied to and abandoned, though painful to read, are deeply helpful as a model to follow. Rather than wallowing in our pain for ever, she encourages us to lay it all at Jesus's feet, to surrender our own ways and our own wills, and there will we find those tender green shoots of hope and renewal. I appreciate Eva's vulnerability so much in this book, it has helped me in a similar way, to be real, to share openly and to reveal my vulnerabilities and fears with God and with those around me. Eva makes it quite clear that healing can only come when we open up our hearts, our sorrows, our pain, to God and to others. The reflection questions at the end of each chapter encourage us to be brave, to strip away the mask and bring to light the hurts and the lies which we try our very best to hide and wish away, and then to bask in God's promises to us: the hope, comfort, love and joy he has for each one of us, right where we are. This book is a treasure, and I will return to it often.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNew review November 2024\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003e'I've had a bit of a tumultuous week, which has thankfully now resolved itself, but reading some of ‘This Crown of Comfort’ really did comfort me! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003eEva’s book is raw, honest, insightful, and warm all at once. It so beautifully demonstrates the great care and comfort that God has long offered to women through his words spoken over Jerusalem. The questions at the end of each chapter help the reader to reflect deeply and find ways to actively apply God's wisdom and guidance to their own lives. To any woman seeking to grow closer to God and find reassurance amongst the trials of life, I would highly recommend this book.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003eEarlier reader reviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I began reading this book at a pace, as the stories and insights are riveting, but I knew I wanted to go through it again at a slower pace, processing what God was saying to me. I began journalling using the questions at the end of each chapter. My friend said she was having the same experience, so we agreed to go through the questions together. I have just sent a copy to another friend who is feeling lost but has recently experienced God’s comfort. We're going to read and discuss it together too!’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘I am so thankful to have experienced God’s comfort as I read the words of truth and wisdom on each page of this book. I have been able to relearn truth of how God views me and who He says I am. The book is written in such a way that it helped me to process and reflect and I was then able to move forward on the journey of being able to forgive with God’s help whilst receiving comfort only God can give. It is a book that has massively shaped and transformed the past few months of my life as I grieve many hurts. It has really helped me to experience God as a God who comforts whilst walking through pain. I will be sure to pass on this book to those I come alongside who also need that gentle reminder of a God who is with them in life’s hurt and pain.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTransforming Ministry January 2024. Review by Liz Pacey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is written about women and primarily (but not exclusively) for women. It takes us chapter by chapter through the seven double imperatives (e.g., ‘comfort, comfort my people’) that God issues to a broken Jerusalem in the book of Isaiah. There is a progression through these calls: Comfort; Awake, rise up; Awake, get dressed; Depart; Build up; Pass through; Build up. Each chapter contains reflections on the Bible verses, alongside illustrations from the author’s personal experience and that of many others. We are blessed by being allowed to share in such powerful experiences and insights; and there is much practical advice about moving on. This is a book that addresses deep distress and needs and promises even deeper solutions and hope. In the reflections at the end of each chapter it becomes ‘close and personal’. We are encouraged to look deeply into our troubles and ourselves, to write our thoughts and reflect through the day. Whether we are hurting ourselves or seeking to share comfort with those around, there is plenty here to touch our hearts – as God touched Jerusalem.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Liz Pacey\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-01-03T12:57:16+00:00","created_at":"2023-01-03T12:49:38+00:00","vendor":"Eva Leaf","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Devotional","For individuals","For Women","Glassboxx","KCLC","Pastoral care","Women"],"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":42164481294527,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392083","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":33880199430335,"product_id":7422307336383,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-01-03T12:49:39+00:00","updated_at":"2023-01-03T12:49:45+00:00","alt":null,"width":1535,"height":2339,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ThisCrownofComfort.jpg?v=1672750185","variant_ids":[42164481294527]},"available":true,"name":"This Crown of Comfort: God’s seven calls to women in distress - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":185,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392083","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":26487358324927,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ThisCrownofComfort.jpg?v=1672750185"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ThisCrownofComfort.jpg?v=1672750185","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Portraitsoftcoverbook5.5x8.5inthehandsofawomanwearingabluesweater_ThisCrownofComfort.png?v=1681832721"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ThisCrownofComfort.jpg?v=1672750185","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":26487358324927,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ThisCrownofComfort.jpg?v=1672750185"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ThisCrownofComfort.jpg?v=1672750185","width":1535},{"alt":"Woman wearing a blue sweater and jeans holding a paperback of This Crown of Comfort by Eva Leaf published by BRF ","id":26961458888895,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.5,"height":2666,"width":4000,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Portraitsoftcoverbook5.5x8.5inthehandsofawomanwearingabluesweater_ThisCrownofComfort.png?v=1681832721"},"aspect_ratio":1.5,"height":2666,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Portraitsoftcoverbook5.5x8.5inthehandsofawomanwearingabluesweater_ThisCrownofComfort.png?v=1681832721","width":4000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eGod loves women. He deeply cares for those of us who are broken and hurt. And just as he helped his beloved Jerusalem find healing in her brokenness, he does the same for us. For he cried out seven double imperatives to her in the book of Isaiah, seven steps to restore her to wholeness, and he cries out the same to us. But he doesn’t begin by scolding us; instead, he comforts. His first double imperative is, ‘Comfort, comfort,’ despite what has happened in our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn This Crown of Comfort, Eva Leaf shares stories from her own life and from the lives of other women of how God met them in their brokenness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cwM5gQbkiI4?si=HQcCMOpHpSxVQVNR\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UkXt_VjH0a0?si=LG9XcXiaufbUQSZd\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEva Leaf became a Christian at the age of 14 and attended a Canadian Bible College in her twenties. For the last 32 years, she has been a Navigator rep and has just stepped down from leading the Navigators publications team. She lives in Warwickshire, is married and has four grown-up children. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘This is a compelling read; a book to be read slowly and reflectively – although I sometimes struggled to do that as I found myself eager to read the next chapter! The stories Eva recounts from her own life and from the lives of others are often heartbreakingly sad – but her focus isn’t on the heartbreak but on the hope and encouragement which she has gleaned from a life soaked in the truth of Scripture. I found familiar passages from Isaiah’s prophecy coming alive in fresh and transformative ways as Eva unwrapped their relevance for our lives. The opportunity for more focused reflection at the end of each chapter also helps ground what we’ve read within the reality of our own circumstances. I’m already looking forward to reading this book again – even more slowly, more reflectively.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMags Duggan, author, retreat leader and speaker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘\u003cem\u003eThis Crown of Comfort\u003c\/em\u003e conveys seven powerful messages from Isaiah about God’s tender heart towards Jerusalem. The author skillfully intertwines her many personal stories with the messages to illuminate God’s unfailing love to his people. This book is an easy read yet rich with insights, comfort and encouragement – a must for anyone who seeks healing and desires to experience God afresh.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnissa Chung, UKCP registered psychotherapist and supervisor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘\u003cem\u003eThis Crown of Comfort\u003c\/em\u003e is the wondrous feast that God prepares for us in the presence of our enemies, a feast that David speaks of in Psalm 23. How full the table is – a rich and delicious harvest that Eva Leaf has gathered from the book of Isaiah. No matter how broken we are or how hurt, God knows, and he calls us to come to him and receive and savour his love and care so that we can share that love and care with other women. A wonderful book for women to read and study together.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLee Merrill Byrd, author, publisher and editor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘Both reflective and instructive, Eva takes us on a deeply personal journey that comforts and reassures. No matter how broken or hurt we are, we are given in this excellent book the tools or ‘the calls of God’ to build a bridge to healing and wholeness. This book reminds us of God’s deep love for us in our time of greatest need and provides a spiritual balm for every situation.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDawn Braithwaite, solicitor and consultant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘Who would you go to in a difficult situation or time of distress? Well, I would most certainly consider Eva Leaf. A trusted friend, a confidant with life experience and biblical insight, she provides readers with great insight to the very God of comfort that we all so need – men and women. While written to women, this is a treasure trove coming from the seven calls of God found in Isaiah. Thank you, Eva, for being courageous enough to live this… and then to so very thoughtfully share!’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDon Pape, literary agent, Pape Commons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘Eva takes you on a valuable journey to see life’s inexplicable and sometimes relentless pains, from God’s viewpoint. Her journey is set in the landscape of God’s beautiful promises for comfort, for restoration and ultimately for transformation. These scriptures are illuminated sensitively by life stories. Each chapter provides the option for a personal reflection, encounter and healing. There is much to linger over and explore along the way, in order to gain new vistas and perspectives, that bring both life and hope.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFiona Oommen, business general manager and leadership coach\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis Crown of Comfort readers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNew review December 2025\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;\"\u003eThis Crown of Comfort has given me a common language for sharing on a deeper level with friends. The stories are raw and beautiful, the discussion questions are simple, but they get to the heart of the issue. I initially devoured quite a chunk of this book on my own, but then I realised that the work God wanted to do in me through it would need more time. I read it one chapter at a time, journaling through the questions. Then I reread it with a friend from church, and separately, with a friend who is exploring faith. We have found great comfort in Eva's words, and they've given us this shared language to notice God's presence in life's storms. I am so grateful for this deeper, deeper connection with God and with these friends, which has grown out of this book. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003eNew review December 2025\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;\"\u003eThe book, This Crown of Comfort by Eva Leaf really blessed me. It's so deeply relatable and yet packed full to the brim of truth, hope and encouragement. I love the emphasis on story, both stories from the author herself and also many other women, which are interweaved throughout this beautiful book.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;\"\u003eThis Crown of Comfort takes the reader on a journey of discovery about the comfort and restoration God offers to us in our brokenness in life. So often we are encouraged to be strong, to be resilient and to rise above the trouble we face. But here, Eva encourages us to linger a while, to reflect on God's plan and purpose within all the broken shards in our lives, and to rest in His love and care of us, even while we are a mess. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;\"\u003eThis book really helped me to grasp the importance of acknowledging my pain, my grief and my brokenness, whilst also perceiving that God is at work renewing and restoring my life within it all, there is no need to hurry past. There is so much beauty to be found as we consider God's work in the midst of our hurts. Eva paints a beautiful picture of God in these pages, despite heart-breaking circumstances leading her to believe lies about his nature. At times, it is really wonderful to see how God gently speaks truth to Eva about who he is and what he is doing in her life. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;\"\u003eThe glimpses of Eva's wrestling with God over deeply painful situations when she has been hurt, lied to and abandoned, though painful to read, are deeply helpful as a model to follow. Rather than wallowing in our pain for ever, she encourages us to lay it all at Jesus's feet, to surrender our own ways and our own wills, and there will we find those tender green shoots of hope and renewal. I appreciate Eva's vulnerability so much in this book, it has helped me in a similar way, to be real, to share openly and to reveal my vulnerabilities and fears with God and with those around me. Eva makes it quite clear that healing can only come when we open up our hearts, our sorrows, our pain, to God and to others. The reflection questions at the end of each chapter encourage us to be brave, to strip away the mask and bring to light the hurts and the lies which we try our very best to hide and wish away, and then to bask in God's promises to us: the hope, comfort, love and joy he has for each one of us, right where we are. This book is a treasure, and I will return to it often.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin-bottom: 0cm;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNew review November 2024\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003e'I've had a bit of a tumultuous week, which has thankfully now resolved itself, but reading some of ‘This Crown of Comfort’ really did comfort me! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003eEva’s book is raw, honest, insightful, and warm all at once. It so beautifully demonstrates the great care and comfort that God has long offered to women through his words spoken over Jerusalem. The questions at the end of each chapter help the reader to reflect deeply and find ways to actively apply God's wisdom and guidance to their own lives. To any woman seeking to grow closer to God and find reassurance amongst the trials of life, I would highly recommend this book.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt;\"\u003eEarlier reader reviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I began reading this book at a pace, as the stories and insights are riveting, but I knew I wanted to go through it again at a slower pace, processing what God was saying to me. I began journalling using the questions at the end of each chapter. My friend said she was having the same experience, so we agreed to go through the questions together. I have just sent a copy to another friend who is feeling lost but has recently experienced God’s comfort. We're going to read and discuss it together too!’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘I am so thankful to have experienced God’s comfort as I read the words of truth and wisdom on each page of this book. I have been able to relearn truth of how God views me and who He says I am. The book is written in such a way that it helped me to process and reflect and I was then able to move forward on the journey of being able to forgive with God’s help whilst receiving comfort only God can give. It is a book that has massively shaped and transformed the past few months of my life as I grieve many hurts. It has really helped me to experience God as a God who comforts whilst walking through pain. I will be sure to pass on this book to those I come alongside who also need that gentle reminder of a God who is with them in life’s hurt and pain.’\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTransforming Ministry January 2024. Review by Liz Pacey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is written about women and primarily (but not exclusively) for women. It takes us chapter by chapter through the seven double imperatives (e.g., ‘comfort, comfort my people’) that God issues to a broken Jerusalem in the book of Isaiah. There is a progression through these calls: Comfort; Awake, rise up; Awake, get dressed; Depart; Build up; Pass through; Build up. Each chapter contains reflections on the Bible verses, alongside illustrations from the author’s personal experience and that of many others. We are blessed by being allowed to share in such powerful experiences and insights; and there is much practical advice about moving on. This is a book that addresses deep distress and needs and promises even deeper solutions and hope. In the reflections at the end of each chapter it becomes ‘close and personal’. We are encouraged to look deeply into our troubles and ourselves, to write our thoughts and reflect through the day. Whether we are hurting ourselves or seeking to share comfort with those around, there is plenty here to touch our hearts – as God touched Jerusalem.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Liz Pacey\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":7536411312319,"title":"The Upper Room January - April 2024: Where the world meets to pray","handle":"the-upper-room-january-april-2024-where-the-world-meets-to-pray","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Upper Room is a unique publication which has a worldwide readership of some three million, with over 70 different editions in 40 languages. Unlike most Bible Reading Notes, the readings and reflections in The Upper Room are written exclusively by the readers themselves who seek to share the insights of their faith with others. Each day's reading contains a Bible passage to read (you will need to use a Bible), a reflection on the passage and prayer followed by a Thought for the Day and a suggested Prayer Focus for the day. There is also a set of small group questions provided each week to fuel discussions within your house group, with a prayer partner or just with friends in church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEditor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEach day's reflection is written by a different reader from around the world. The notes are compiled by The Upper Room, and then edited by Daniele Och.\u003c\/span\u003e","published_at":"2023-09-07T16:35:57+01:00","created_at":"2023-09-07T16:35:57+01:00","vendor":"Daniele Och","type":"BRN","tags":["Bible reading notes","Biblical engagement","Devotional","For individuals","KCLC"],"price":495,"price_min":495,"price_max":495,"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":42480046244031,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392618","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Upper Room January - April 2024: Where the world meets to pray","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":495,"weight":105,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392618","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/UpperRoom_Jan24.jpg?v=1694100958"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/UpperRoom_Jan24.jpg?v=1694100958","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27490179875007,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.719,"height":1972,"width":1417,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/UpperRoom_Jan24.jpg?v=1694100958"},"aspect_ratio":0.719,"height":1972,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/UpperRoom_Jan24.jpg?v=1694100958","width":1417}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Upper Room is a unique publication which has a worldwide readership of some three million, with over 70 different editions in 40 languages. Unlike most Bible Reading Notes, the readings and reflections in The Upper Room are written exclusively by the readers themselves who seek to share the insights of their faith with others. Each day's reading contains a Bible passage to read (you will need to use a Bible), a reflection on the passage and prayer followed by a Thought for the Day and a suggested Prayer Focus for the day. There is also a set of small group questions provided each week to fuel discussions within your house group, with a prayer partner or just with friends in church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5 data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEditor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEach day's reflection is written by a different reader from around the world. The notes are compiled by The Upper Room, and then edited by Daniele Och.\u003c\/span\u003e"}
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{"id":7537539973311,"title":"Celtic Rhythms of Life: Daily prayer from the Community of Aidan and Hilda","handle":"celtic-rhythms-of-life-daily-prayer-from-the-community-of-aidan-and-hilda","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFrom the Community of Aidan and Hilda, here is a resource to create a daily rhythm of prayer, inspired by historic and contemporary Celtic Christian spirituality and earthed in the activities of everyday living. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCeltic Rhythms of Life\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e contains ready-to-use forms of prayer for morning, midday, evening and night, seven days a week. Morning and evening prayer have a choice of four psalms and scripture readings from the Old and New Testaments. Midday and night prayer have short scripture readings printed in the text. Each day also has its own theme, from resurrection on Sundays to the kingdom on Saturdays.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAuthors\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGraham Booth\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGraham Booth is a Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda, speaker and retreat leader. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDavid Cole\u003c\/strong\u003e David Cole is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader, the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda, and the founder of Waymark Ministries. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRay Simpson\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRay Simpson is a founder and principal tutor of the Community of Aidan and Hilda. A widely published author on spirituality, he also leads retreats on several continents. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePenny Warren\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePenny Warren is a Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda, speaker and retreat leader. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEdited by Simon Reed \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimon Reed is an Anglican minister with two churches in Ealing, London, and a Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Praying daily alongside Ray Simpson at Berwick Parish Church, I know how devoutly committed Ray is to daily prayer. He and his colleagues in the Community of Aidan and Hilda have produced a rich diet of Celtic prayer to enrich our daily cycle of prayer.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBishop Stephen Platten\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\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTransforming Ministry Summer 2024. Review by Betty Taylor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eSubtitled ‘Daily Prayer from the Community of Aidan and Hild’, this delightful little book fits into a bag or pocket to be easily accessible on a journey or having lunch in the park. It falls in line with the monastic rhythm of praying at regular intervals of the day but draws on the Celtic tradition. It can be used individually or in a group situation. There are prayers for morning, midday, evening and night, seven days a week. Morning and Evening prayer provide a choice of four psalms and readings from the Old and New Testaments. Midday and night prayer have shorter scripture readings printed in the text. Each day has its own theme. Those of us wishing to engage in worship with the Celtic saints, though not indifferent to contemporary issues, will find this to be a valuable resource. Thank you to the Community of Aidan and Hilda for providing us with a book of such rich blessings, and for sharing a rhythm of prayer which has become special for you.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Betty Taylor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many different ways to pray. Whether our own extemporary prayers and the personal quiet time or the structured approach of liturgy. We can use books, apps, audio, video, websites to help us. We can pray with words and in silence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book of daily prayers drawn from the Community of Aidan and Hilda. It provides a rich resource based in the Celtic tradition and the liturgical structure of pausing from the busyness of everyday life to spend time with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe psalmist said ‘Seven times a day have I praised you’ (Psalm 119: 164) which is an approach used in many communities. Here in \u003cem\u003eCeltic Rhythms of Life\u003c\/em\u003e we are encouraged and equipped to pray and praise God four times a day – morning, midday, evening and night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach occasion (one might call it an Office) follows a simple structure using suggestions for psalms, prayers, Bible readings and songs. There is a flexibility within the format suggested by the authors and the material can be used in a group or individually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach day of the week is based around a theme: resurrection, creation, incarnation, the Holy Spirit, unity and community, the Cross and the Kingdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book’s small size also enables it to be carried in a pocket or kept close at hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors have drawn from a well of tradition and wisdom, and the resulting water quenches our thirst for a deeper experience of God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA former mental health and employment specialist, Richard 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\/\"\u003efour other books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-09-11T11:01:43+01:00","created_at":"2023-09-11T09:45:14+01:00","vendor":"Graham Booth, David Cole, Simon Reed, Ray Simpson and Penny Warren","type":"Hardback","tags":["Celtic Christianity","Devotional","Discipleship","For individuals","Glassboxx","KCLC","Prayer","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":42483183911103,"title":"Hardback","option1":"Hardback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392281","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34847439421631,"product_id":7537539973311,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-09-21T16:22:12+01:00","updated_at":"2023-09-21T16:22:14+01:00","alt":null,"width":1240,"height":1748,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/CelticRhythmsofLife_807c9a9e-ebec-4c74-ab17-e9f53bdf66c0.jpg?v=1695309734","variant_ids":[42483183911103]},"available":true,"name":"Celtic Rhythms of Life: Daily prayer from the Community of Aidan and Hilda - Hardback","public_title":"Hardback","options":["Hardback"],"price":999,"weight":181,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392281","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":27540058538175,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.709,"height":1748,"width":1240,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/CelticRhythmsofLife_807c9a9e-ebec-4c74-ab17-e9f53bdf66c0.jpg?v=1695309734"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/CelticRhythmsofLife_807c9a9e-ebec-4c74-ab17-e9f53bdf66c0.jpg?v=1695309734"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/CelticRhythmsofLife_807c9a9e-ebec-4c74-ab17-e9f53bdf66c0.jpg?v=1695309734","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27540058538175,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.709,"height":1748,"width":1240,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/CelticRhythmsofLife_807c9a9e-ebec-4c74-ab17-e9f53bdf66c0.jpg?v=1695309734"},"aspect_ratio":0.709,"height":1748,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/CelticRhythmsofLife_807c9a9e-ebec-4c74-ab17-e9f53bdf66c0.jpg?v=1695309734","width":1240}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFrom the Community of Aidan and Hilda, here is a resource to create a daily rhythm of prayer, inspired by historic and contemporary Celtic Christian spirituality and earthed in the activities of everyday living. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCeltic Rhythms of Life\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e contains ready-to-use forms of prayer for morning, midday, evening and night, seven days a week. Morning and evening prayer have a choice of four psalms and scripture readings from the Old and New Testaments. Midday and night prayer have short scripture readings printed in the text. Each day also has its own theme, from resurrection on Sundays to the kingdom on Saturdays.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAuthors\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGraham Booth\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGraham Booth is a Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda, speaker and retreat leader. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDavid Cole\u003c\/strong\u003e David Cole is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader, the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda, and the founder of Waymark Ministries. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRay Simpson\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRay Simpson is a founder and principal tutor of the Community of Aidan and Hilda. A widely published author on spirituality, he also leads retreats on several continents. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePenny Warren\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePenny Warren is a Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda, speaker and retreat leader. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEdited by Simon Reed \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimon Reed is an Anglican minister with two churches in Ealing, London, and a Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Praying daily alongside Ray Simpson at Berwick Parish Church, I know how devoutly committed Ray is to daily prayer. He and his colleagues in the Community of Aidan and Hilda have produced a rich diet of Celtic prayer to enrich our daily cycle of prayer.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBishop Stephen Platten\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\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTransforming Ministry Summer 2024. Review by Betty Taylor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eSubtitled ‘Daily Prayer from the Community of Aidan and Hild’, this delightful little book fits into a bag or pocket to be easily accessible on a journey or having lunch in the park. It falls in line with the monastic rhythm of praying at regular intervals of the day but draws on the Celtic tradition. It can be used individually or in a group situation. There are prayers for morning, midday, evening and night, seven days a week. Morning and Evening prayer provide a choice of four psalms and readings from the Old and New Testaments. Midday and night prayer have shorter scripture readings printed in the text. Each day has its own theme. Those of us wishing to engage in worship with the Celtic saints, though not indifferent to contemporary issues, will find this to be a valuable resource. Thank you to the Community of Aidan and Hilda for providing us with a book of such rich blessings, and for sharing a rhythm of prayer which has become special for you.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Betty Taylor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many different ways to pray. Whether our own extemporary prayers and the personal quiet time or the structured approach of liturgy. We can use books, apps, audio, video, websites to help us. We can pray with words and in silence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book of daily prayers drawn from the Community of Aidan and Hilda. It provides a rich resource based in the Celtic tradition and the liturgical structure of pausing from the busyness of everyday life to spend time with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe psalmist said ‘Seven times a day have I praised you’ (Psalm 119: 164) which is an approach used in many communities. Here in \u003cem\u003eCeltic Rhythms of Life\u003c\/em\u003e we are encouraged and equipped to pray and praise God four times a day – morning, midday, evening and night.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach occasion (one might call it an Office) follows a simple structure using suggestions for psalms, prayers, Bible readings and songs. There is a flexibility within the format suggested by the authors and the material can be used in a group or individually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach day of the week is based around a theme: resurrection, creation, incarnation, the Holy Spirit, unity and community, the Cross and the Kingdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book’s small size also enables it to be carried in a pocket or kept close at hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors have drawn from a well of tradition and wisdom, and the resulting water quenches our thirst for a deeper experience of God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA former mental health and employment specialist, Richard 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\/\"\u003efour other books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Celtic Rhythms of Life: Daily prayer from the Community of Aidan and Hilda
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{"id":7537586372799,"title":"Holding Onto Hope: 40 days of God’s encouragement through art and reflections","handle":"holding-onto-hope-40-days-of-god-s-encouragement-through-art-and-reflections","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAmy Boucher Pye and Leo Boucher return with a 40-day journey exploring the themes of hope and new life through vivid biblical images, Holding onto Hope can be used through Lent or during any 40-day period. We start with how all creation praises God, from the flowers of the field to the streams in the desert and the trees clapping their hands. We then explore the agricultural pattern of sowing, growing and harvesting before moving to the gracious promises and invitations God makes to his people, such as how he writes eternity onto our hearts. Next come compelling images of God as our help and refuge, including God being our shade and rear guard, before seeing how God changes his people – he clothes us, renews our minds and strengthens us. Finally, we focus on our new life in Christ through images such as new wineskins, the imperishable seed and the city to come.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher-Pye \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cimg height=\"116\" width=\"174\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/AmyBoucherPye_480x480.jpg?v=1676495733\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 20px; float: right;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003eAmy is a writer and speaker with a thousand devotional reflections in print, including with New Daylight and Our Daily Bread. She has previously written The Living Cross and Celebrating Christmas for BRF Ministries.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.amyboucherpye.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ewww.amyboucherpye.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeo Boucher \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeo is a retired data systems analyst who paints in his art shack and volunteers with his church and other organisations, including teaching art to seniors at retirement communities.\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\u003eTransforming Ministry online 19.02.24. Review by Betty Taylor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a beautiful book in so many ways! The binding is tactile and eye-catching, and the pages are a delight to turn. The small, hardback artistic cover immediately attracts our attention.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor each of forty days we have a painting to absorb, an accompanying reflection and a relevant prayer. There are also questions for further thought, and for possible discussion if the book is used in a group situation.\u003cbr\u003eSix topics are divided mainly on a weekly basis, covering creation, agriculture, God’s promises, his help, how he changes people and brings new life in Christ. All is enveloped in faith, hope, love and joy as we are taken on a journey filled with personal snippets, historic moments, and biblical references. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn a world where so many are weary and burdened, this lovely book brings encouragement for rest and renewal in God’s love and care.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe talents of a father and daughter partnership are richly displayed as Amy Boucher Pye brings imagery through carefully chosen words, and Leo Boucher through his illuminating artwork. The two combine to knit together the concept of a God who reaches out to us and longs for us to reach out to Him in return.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHolding on to Hope seeks to be an inspiration for God’s voice to be heard in a troubled world and to bring a sense of peace and security. Let us pray it does just that, becoming a treasured companion for all who delve into its pages.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Betty Taylor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether magazine Jan-Feb 2024. Review by Daryl Wearring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful Lent devotional includes stunning artwork, alongside encouraging writing, as we journey through Lent to Easter. Each week focuses on a different aspect of God’s character, from his creation to the different ways he beckons and encourages us, through to our new life in Christ. Each day’s text is accompanied by a beautiful painting to aid reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Anne le Tissier, writer.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHolding Onto Hope is a timely gift to a world that attempts to steal hope through conflicts, natural disasters, economic pressures, broken relationships, sickness, memory loss, disappointment, grief… and so much more. Written to be read over forty days, Amy gently encourages us to grasp hold of the hope God gives through his truth and promises, while Leo’s simple yet vivid and poignant paintings, draw us to another level of engaging with God’s love and reassurance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach devotion settles our heart and focuses our mind by starting with a painting and an engaging story. Both dovetail with insights that Amy then provides from scripture, conveying the hope we have in God through life’s varied experiences, before she concludes the day with a short prayer; prayers which often resonated deeply in my heart. There are also daily questions to reflect on individually or discuss as part of a group, plus a guide to \u003cem\u003evisio divina\u003c\/em\u003e to help readers pray with the paintings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHolding Onto Hope is a beautifully crafted book to read and ponder, helping us grasp tight to God’s presence and truth when hope feels out of reach. As Amy says, \u003cem\u003e‘We can put our hope in [God], trusting him to follow through on the promises he made to his people centuries ago, because we know him to be faithful and true.’ (page 126)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Anne le Tissier author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/the-mirror-that-speaks-back-looking-at-listening-to-and-reflecting-your-worth-in-jesus\"\u003eThe Mirror that Speaks Back\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-09-11T14:46:37+01:00","created_at":"2023-09-11T14:46:37+01:00","vendor":"Amy Boucher Pye \/ Leo Boucher","type":"Hardback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Devotional","Easter","Glassboxx","KCLC","Lent","Pastoral 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":43664151380159,"title":"Hardback","option1":"Hardback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392007","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34819061874879,"product_id":7537586372799,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-09-11T14:46:37+01:00","updated_at":"2023-09-11T14:46:39+01:00","alt":null,"width":1949,"height":1831,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/HoldingontoHope.jpg?v=1694439999","variant_ids":[43664151380159]},"available":true,"name":"Holding Onto Hope: 40 days of God’s encouragement through art and reflections - Hardback","public_title":"Hardback","options":["Hardback"],"price":1299,"weight":492,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392007","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":27499625840831,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1831,"width":1949,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/HoldingontoHope.jpg?v=1694439999"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/HoldingontoHope.jpg?v=1694439999"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/HoldingontoHope.jpg?v=1694439999","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27499625840831,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1831,"width":1949,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/HoldingontoHope.jpg?v=1694439999"},"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1831,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/HoldingontoHope.jpg?v=1694439999","width":1949}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAmy Boucher Pye and Leo Boucher return with a 40-day journey exploring the themes of hope and new life through vivid biblical images, Holding onto Hope can be used through Lent or during any 40-day period. We start with how all creation praises God, from the flowers of the field to the streams in the desert and the trees clapping their hands. We then explore the agricultural pattern of sowing, growing and harvesting before moving to the gracious promises and invitations God makes to his people, such as how he writes eternity onto our hearts. Next come compelling images of God as our help and refuge, including God being our shade and rear guard, before seeing how God changes his people – he clothes us, renews our minds and strengthens us. Finally, we focus on our new life in Christ through images such as new wineskins, the imperishable seed and the city to come.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher-Pye \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cimg height=\"116\" width=\"174\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/AmyBoucherPye_480x480.jpg?v=1676495733\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 20px; float: right;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003eAmy is a writer and speaker with a thousand devotional reflections in print, including with New Daylight and Our Daily Bread. She has previously written The Living Cross and Celebrating Christmas for BRF Ministries.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.amyboucherpye.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ewww.amyboucherpye.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeo Boucher \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeo is a retired data systems analyst who paints in his art shack and volunteers with his church and other organisations, including teaching art to seniors at retirement communities.\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\u003eTransforming Ministry online 19.02.24. Review by Betty Taylor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is a beautiful book in so many ways! The binding is tactile and eye-catching, and the pages are a delight to turn. The small, hardback artistic cover immediately attracts our attention.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor each of forty days we have a painting to absorb, an accompanying reflection and a relevant prayer. There are also questions for further thought, and for possible discussion if the book is used in a group situation.\u003cbr\u003eSix topics are divided mainly on a weekly basis, covering creation, agriculture, God’s promises, his help, how he changes people and brings new life in Christ. All is enveloped in faith, hope, love and joy as we are taken on a journey filled with personal snippets, historic moments, and biblical references. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn a world where so many are weary and burdened, this lovely book brings encouragement for rest and renewal in God’s love and care.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe talents of a father and daughter partnership are richly displayed as Amy Boucher Pye brings imagery through carefully chosen words, and Leo Boucher through his illuminating artwork. The two combine to knit together the concept of a God who reaches out to us and longs for us to reach out to Him in return.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHolding on to Hope seeks to be an inspiration for God’s voice to be heard in a troubled world and to bring a sense of peace and security. Let us pray it does just that, becoming a treasured companion for all who delve into its pages.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Betty Taylor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether magazine Jan-Feb 2024. Review by Daryl Wearring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful Lent devotional includes stunning artwork, alongside encouraging writing, as we journey through Lent to Easter. Each week focuses on a different aspect of God’s character, from his creation to the different ways he beckons and encourages us, through to our new life in Christ. Each day’s text is accompanied by a beautiful painting to aid reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Anne le Tissier, writer.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHolding Onto Hope is a timely gift to a world that attempts to steal hope through conflicts, natural disasters, economic pressures, broken relationships, sickness, memory loss, disappointment, grief… and so much more. Written to be read over forty days, Amy gently encourages us to grasp hold of the hope God gives through his truth and promises, while Leo’s simple yet vivid and poignant paintings, draw us to another level of engaging with God’s love and reassurance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach devotion settles our heart and focuses our mind by starting with a painting and an engaging story. Both dovetail with insights that Amy then provides from scripture, conveying the hope we have in God through life’s varied experiences, before she concludes the day with a short prayer; prayers which often resonated deeply in my heart. There are also daily questions to reflect on individually or discuss as part of a group, plus a guide to \u003cem\u003evisio divina\u003c\/em\u003e to help readers pray with the paintings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHolding Onto Hope is a beautifully crafted book to read and ponder, helping us grasp tight to God’s presence and truth when hope feels out of reach. As Amy says, \u003cem\u003e‘We can put our hope in [God], trusting him to follow through on the promises he made to his people centuries ago, because we know him to be faithful and true.’ (page 126)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Anne le Tissier author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/the-mirror-that-speaks-back-looking-at-listening-to-and-reflecting-your-worth-in-jesus\"\u003eThe Mirror that Speaks Back\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Holding Onto Hope: 40 days of God’s encouragement through art and reflections
£12.99
Amy Boucher Pye and Leo Boucher return with a 40-day journey exploring the themes of hope and new life through...
{"id":7565823410367,"title":"Spiritual Growth in a Time of Change: Following God in midlife","handle":"spiritual-growth-in-a-time-of-change-following-god-in-midlife-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHow to navigate a spiritual journey through these years, leading to deeper faith and a closer walk with God.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOur 40s and 50s can be times of change and turbulent emotional transitions as we encounter a range of challenging personal issues. They can also be some of the most important years of our lives in spiritual terms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTony Horsfall addresses a number of ‘midlife’ issues – from facing up to the past to renegotiating relationships – and explores how to navigate a spiritual journey through these years, leading to deeper faith and a closer walk with God.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘Accessible and an easy read. The exercises are practical and pose useful questions. Spiritual Growth in a Time of Change offers a straightforward introduction to the issues, and may provide some welcome lightbulb moments for anyone who is new to the concept of midlife.’ Sarah Meyrick, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChurch Times\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-10-24T13:32:34+01:00","created_at":"2023-10-24T13:32:34+01:00","vendor":"Tony Horsfall","type":"Paperback","tags":["Discipleship","For individuals","Glassboxx","KCLC","Pastoral care","Spirituality","Tony Horsfall"],"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":43664155377855,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392021","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34963725025471,"product_id":7565823410367,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-10-24T13:37:52+01:00","updated_at":"2023-10-24T13:37:54+01:00","alt":null,"width":1535,"height":2339,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SpiritualGrowthinaTimeofChange2023.jpg?v=1698151074","variant_ids":[43664155377855]},"available":true,"name":"Spiritual Growth in a Time of Change: Following God in midlife - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":180,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392021","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":27679710380223,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SpiritualGrowthinaTimeofChange2023.jpg?v=1698151074"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SpiritualGrowthinaTimeofChange2023.jpg?v=1698151074"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SpiritualGrowthinaTimeofChange2023.jpg?v=1698151074","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27679710380223,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SpiritualGrowthinaTimeofChange2023.jpg?v=1698151074"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SpiritualGrowthinaTimeofChange2023.jpg?v=1698151074","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHow to navigate a spiritual journey through these years, leading to deeper faith and a closer walk with God.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOur 40s and 50s can be times of change and turbulent emotional transitions as we encounter a range of challenging personal issues. They can also be some of the most important years of our lives in spiritual terms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTony Horsfall addresses a number of ‘midlife’ issues – from facing up to the past to renegotiating relationships – and explores how to navigate a spiritual journey through these years, leading to deeper faith and a closer walk with God.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘Accessible and an easy read. The exercises are practical and pose useful questions. Spiritual Growth in a Time of Change offers a straightforward introduction to the issues, and may provide some welcome lightbulb moments for anyone who is new to the concept of midlife.’ Sarah Meyrick, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChurch Times\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Spiritual Growth in a Time of Change: Following God in midlife
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How to navigate a spiritual journey through these years, leading to deeper faith and a closer walk with God.Our 40s...
{"id":7619786244287,"title":"On the Way to Work: A Christian approach to thinking differently about success and fulfillment","handle":"on-the-way-to-work","description":"\u003cp\u003eDoes your work give you a sense of purpose? How do you feel when work serves up difficulties and problems? How do we work well? Is there a God, and might God have something to say about the way we work? Weaving together biblical perspectives with academic research and his own experiences of working in different settings, Chris Gillies lays the theological foundation for work, moves on to examining biblical role models from both Old and New Testaments, and concludes by exploring common issues we wrestle with in our work, from money matters or managing and leading others to knowing if we’re in the right job or simply doing the right thing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zocoSqG4BN4?si=wpDl7TTQSwymPIW1\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChris Gillies\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cspan\u003eWith thirty years’ experience of working at director level in financial services, Chris Gillies has also served on the boards of four different churches and ten UK charities including Westminster Theological Centre and The Children’s Society. He is Chair of Council for Stewardship and Treasurer for LICC.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘There’s new thinking here, hammered out on the anvil of a long, demanding, and successful career at the highest corporate levels through prayerful reflection, biblical engagement and careful analysis. Chris Gillies offers us a rich understanding of God’s purposes for humankind, framing his approach to work on the dynamic springboard of the life, character and work of Jesus, and on the ongoing empowering of the Holy Spirit for everyday work. This is a book that anyone at any level could profit from. Bravo. And thank you.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMark Greene, mission champion, The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Christians just don’t think enough about work and the way work is changing. On the Way to Work is a treasure trove of deep insight from the scriptures and a mine of good advice from a seasoned practitioner. Chris Gillies’ insights are honed from many years’ experience and will be lifegiving for all kinds of people in different roles and occupations.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSteven Croft, bishop of Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘On the Way to Work paints a reframing vision of how we can approach our working lives as worship. Such a brilliant handbook for how to approach the world of work with a kingdom-first mindset. Equipping, affirming and inspiring. I can’t wait for Monday!’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eCaragh Bennet, cofounder and CEO, ZENA\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Chris Gillies combines values with brilliant business acumen. He is one of the few people I pause to think “what would Chris do” and, most importantly, how. I’ve been lucky enough for Chris to have been my professional mentor since working together at Zurich. This book offers the opportunity for everyone to experience his wisdom and guidance, helping you choose how to spend your energy and achieve your aspirations, with morals at the forefront of decisions and actions.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eKathryn Axcell-Steele, head of brand and integrated marketing, Wesleyan Assurance Society\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Chris Gillies offers a rich and rare combination of biblical wisdom, practical insight and personal experience that will inspire Christians to think differently about their work and its significance. My hope and prayer is that Christians and other readers will learn from Chris and the compelling vision he sets forth in this book.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMatt Lynch, associate professor of Old Testament, Regent College\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This important book is insightful and inspiring, and full of invaluable, real-life examples of leaders navigating the world of work. Anyone who is keen to discover how to best deploy their influence for the kingdom of God will find much here to guide them through their careers.’\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStephen Foster, rector, St Aldates, Oxford, and advisor, Alpha UK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e‘A theology of work and a work of theology. Over many years of treasured friendship, Chris Gillies both demonstrated to me and challenged me to see that the call of God, the vocation of the Christian, is not limited to ordained ministers and foreign missionaries, but rests upon all who follow Jesus and all who are sent to serve the king and his kingdom in every sphere of life and work.’\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSimon Ponsonby, pastor of theology, St Aldates, Oxford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘\u003c\/em\u003eThis book will expand your vision of what a deeply fruitful and successful life looks like. A central premise of the book is that our work matters to God and God really does matter to our work. With that as a robust foundation, Chris Gillies tackles many layers of the implications of what that means for our frontline work, time, money, decision making, relationships; in essence, our whole lives!’\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNess Wilson, leader, Pioneer UK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e‘This is a remarkable book, and you should read it. In these pages,\u003cbr\u003eChris Gillies illuminates a path to work that is not only distinctive but\u003cbr\u003ealso the way of Jesus and of the kingdom of God. If you let this book\u003cbr\u003edo its work, it will change you – for good. Chris has crafted a work\u003cbr\u003ethat is truly transformative – a powerful journey towards personal\u003cbr\u003eand spiritual growth.’\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Woolley, chief executive, The London Institute for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContemporary Christianity (LICC)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e‘This is a timely book on the importance of work – what we do, how we\u003cbr\u003edo it and most importantly why work is part of God’s plan for what it\u003cbr\u003emeans to be human. Chris Gillies brings together years of experience,\u003cbr\u003ea biblical framework and lots of helpful illustrations in a very readable\u003cbr\u003eand accessible style.’\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeter Lynas, UK director, Evangelical Alliance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This is quite simply the best book I have read about the interrelationship between Christian faith and our working lives for a very long time. Chris Gillies repeatedly illustrates wise practical advice with telling anecdotes from his own experience, covering many different topics, acknowledging the value of different perspectives and sharing maturely what God has taught him along the way.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Higginson, former director and chair, Faith in Business\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, this book has something invaluable to offer. It masterfully combines the wisdom of years of experience with practical advice, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking God’s calling on their life and true success in their work.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eReuben Coulter, senior advisor, Faith Driven Investor and partner, Ignis Advisory\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This is a book that has been over 40 years in the writing and its depth and insights reflect the journey of a man who has set his sights on bringing kingdom influence to the highest level of businesses.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eNic Harding, director, Kairos Connexion and Together for the Harvest\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Chris Gillies writes a wonderfully practical and thoughtful book that speaks powerfully about what it means to engage in the world of work in a distinctively Christian way. He constructs a brilliant, thorough and nuanced analysis that challenges the oft-prevailing and unhelpful narrative of the sacred–secular divide, and offers beautifully crafted autobiographical, theological and academic reflections to suggest an alternative mode of being for operating as a Christian in the workplace.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eCatherine Delve, CEO, Resurgam Asset Management Limited; chair of trustees, Bridge the Gap Football\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTudor Humphreys: BRF Ministries supporter and Friend January 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I saw this book promoted in a BRF Ministries newsletter I ordered it from my local Christian bookshop. What I like about it is that Chris Gillies has obviously worked and thrived in high pressure work environments, but like many people he stumbled into his first job not really thinking through what his Christian faith had to say about it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater he learned better:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- He has worked out for himself and shared with readers what the Bible has to say about work and how to live out our Christian beliefs in the workplace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- He takes us through the Bible from God’s ‘work’ in creation in Genesis to our role in working to ‘continue the creation story’ via the parable of the tenants in Matthew, Mark and Luke, to our role as ‘fellow workers’ in the family business of ‘Sustaining and caring for His creation’ in 1 Corinthians.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- He offers real life examples of how to manage power, authority, roles\/responsibilities, wealth and time, instead of hiding anything to do with faith until we enter a church at the weekend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- He addresses Christian approaches to the challenges of balancing the needs of organisations to do productive work as well as addressing the needs of people doing the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThinking about work and investing time in the process has been instilled in me since I studied with the YMCA College\/University of Kent in the 1980\/90s soon after making a commitment to follow the Master when my wife and I were called to establish a charity with a Christian ethos, focused on working with those outside the church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author places our work as Christians, whether in the office the farm, factory, hairdressers or supermarket, on an equal footing to what might be called ‘Christian ministry\/mission roles'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI like that and it’s not just the author’s view. He says this:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘If you listen to modern mission organisations you’ll hear a shift in the way think and talk about mission. You’ll hear more talk about how every role is important including those who work in the marketplace…’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author takes us through a series of steps from what the Bible has to say about ‘work’, including Colossians 3:23-24 Work at everything you do with all your heart. Work as if you were working for the Lord, not for human masters. Work because you know that you will finally receive as a reward what the Lord wants you to have. You are slaves of the Lord Christ.’ (NIRV)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as drawing from his own experience in business, he cites examples of other ‘workers’ and gives real work\/life case studies of how to proclaim and demonstrate the gospel, and how to be ‘salt and light’ in a holistic, integrated way in a modern workplace in a changing society.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo if you’ve never considered your day to day work as ‘important’ in terms of building ‘the Kingdom,’ or if you’ve been thinking about work and faith for a while, this book might just encourage you to keep on ‘blossoming where you’ve been planted’ or inspire you to take courage, and explore new ways of being a ‘labourer in the harvest field’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Tudor Humphreys BRF supporter and friend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTogether magazine November\/December 2024. Review by Fiona Lloyd\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor many of us work is an important part of our daily life. This includes not just paid employment but also voluntary work, studying and work within the home (such as raising children). Yet unless we have an overtly ‘Christian’ job such as ministry or missionary roles, it can be easy to regard our work as being somehow distinct from our spiritual life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChris Gillies has worked in the business and finance sector for over 40 years, and more recently has used his skills to serve in the charitable sector. As he progressed in his career, he gradually became more aware of the importance of how his faith affected the way he worked, and how working in any environment – secular as well as Christian – should be viewed as work for God. Out of this realisation came his latest book, \u003ci\u003eOn the Way to Work\u003c\/i\u003e. In this book, Gillies discusses how seeing our work and faith as being intertwined rather than completely separate from each other can change our perspective and bring fresh motivation, explaining how applying biblical ideology can transform the workplace and lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction. And while this is written from a Christian perspective, Gillies is keen to emphasise that the principles he promotes are equally relevant for those of other faiths or no faith at all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eOn the Way to Work \u003c\/i\u003eis split into three sections. The first gives the reader a spiritual overview of the Bible timeline, from the Garden of Eden to Christ’s return. Within this, Gillies examines how work is part of God’s plan for humankind and considers what it means to be fruitful. When set against the backdrop of eternity, our current work has long-term meaning, regardless of the nature of that work. Gillies reminds us that ‘The way we work can provide evidence today of God’s renewed order.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe second section of the book focuses on biblical role models. Old Testament characters such as Joseph, Deborah and Daniel demonstrate what it means to honour God in our work, and how living and working according to his ways can affect those around us or for whom we have responsibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eIn the New Testament it is assumed that Jesus himself worked for many years before beginning his itinerant ministry. While the Gospels tell us nothing about his years as a carpenter, we can still learn from the last three years of his earthly life. The way Jesus interacted with those around him provides an example as to how we should behave in the workplace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eGillies devotes the third section of the book (by far the longest part) to common issues we may encounter in the workplace. He starts by contrasting secular and sacred worldviews, showing how understanding the death and resurrection of Jesus can reform and rejuvenate our approach to work, and noting that ‘The divide in our worldview should not be between sacred and secular, but between God’s way and a more self-centred human way.’ Our role should not be simply to criticise the practices of modern society but to propose a better alternative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eLater chapters offer advice on how to implement Christian principles into our work environment so that individuals as well as companies can flourish. Gillies underpins these with numerous personal anecdotes, along with relevant Scripture quotes. He also encourages the reader to think about how to balance the ‘big five’ demands on our lives, namely: time with God; time with family; time at work; building community; rest and recreation. This is a helpful template, reminding us to view our lives holistically instead of focusing on one area to the detriment of the others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eA lot of ground is covered in \u003ci\u003eOn the Way to Work\u003c\/i\u003e, so I appreciated the way the author ended each chapter with a summary of the key points and a few questions for self-reflection. Gillies has an engaging style and manages to break complex topics down into smaller, more easily digestible chunks. This is a valuable resource for those who want to think more about how their faith relates to their work – whatever form that takes – and for pastors who want to help their congregations be salt and light to a watching world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eReviewed by Fiona Lloyd\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFaith in Business Quarterly (vol 23.2). Review by David Steinegger\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘On the way to work, do you look forward to your day? Does it give you a sense of purpose?’ So begins the introduction to Chris Gillies’ book. \u003ci\u003eOn the Way to Work \u003c\/i\u003eprovides a refreshing perspective on the theology of work, gives examples of some of the great biblical role models, offers practical insights into working through many of the common issues we face, and is enriched with examples from Chris’ own experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe book is structured into three parts. The first part brings a theological perspective which starts in the Garden of Eden, continues through the redemption story and ends in the eternal city in Revelation. I appreciated how this section connects God’s great story for humankind with our stories and reminds us that our lives in our workplaces truly matter. The second part of the book highlights some of the great characters in the Old Testament and God’s anointing in their ‘workplaces’. It then moves on to the life of Christ and the characteristics of his redemptive approach. Part three, the largest section of the book, focuses on common issues we face in the workplace. This section starts with an insightful Christian worldview perspective, reminding us that there is no sacred-secular divide, and that God is profoundly interested in all of our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn part three, Chris goes on to look at some real workplace issues, with biblical and practical insights to tackle them. For example, his chapter on ‘How do I know if I’m in the right job’ gives a scriptural base to address this question, together with practical pointers. Here he encourages readers to loosen their grip on a calling to do a specific job, and rather pursue their life’s mission. This will be helpful for many. I would add that at times God speaks very specifically into our career decisions through scripture, the holy spirit’s guidance and the voice of others. He tackles another real issue in the chapter ‘Balancing the big five’ – describing the challenge of the big five calls on our time – our relationship with God, family, work, community and rest and leisure. In reflecting on this, I was reminded that God has set eternity in our hearts (Eccl 3:11) and if we can live each day with this promise, and the challenge in mind, then we can come to a place of truly flourishing in our lives as Kingdom people – and this is much more precious than gold!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe 290 pages can at first feel a little overwhelming. But I devoured the book on two long haul flights, being stimulated by the three-cord strand of biblical theology, practical insight and great examples from Chris’ many years of experience in the workplace. The summaries at the end of each chapter are helpful, as are each chapter’s questions for personal reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIt would have been helpful if the book had also explored the biblical basis and importance of having wise mentors or coaches: ‘Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.’ (Proverbs 11:14). I have found wise Christian mentors to be a great blessing on my journey in many workplaces across multiple countries and cultures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eI would also like to have seen a template in the book summarising some of the more practical learning points which are interspersed throughout the book. Perhaps a workbook could follow!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAppropriately, the book ends with a chapter on ‘the prize for running well.’ We are called to be faithful with the gifts and abilities that God has given us. We are reminded that our wok in the here and now foreshadows a new kind of redeemed work after Jesus returns. And here’s a great challenge that Chris presents: we have the opportunity to anticipate that future time by modelling it in the present and living it now for the glory of God and service to humanity!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe are called to be kingdom people in our workplaces – and in whatever we do, to work at it with all our hearts, as working for the Lord. Having a God-given sense of purpose in our days is essential if we are to live fulfilled lives. This book offers helpful pointers to living a purposeful life and is a great addition to the library of all who are seeking to be faithful, fruitful and fulfilled in their workplaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eDavid Steinegger holds a number of non-executive positions, is a people builder, a church leader, and a trustee of several charities, including Wycliffe Bible Translators UK, which he chairs.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 21.07.24. Review by Eve Poole\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis new book on work from Chris Gillies benefits from his lifetime of working in the financial-services sector. He has spent more than 40 years in finance, working in many different markets, particularly for Zurich Insurance; and has more than 30 years’ experience as a board member of various charities, including the Children’s Society and the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. His book synthesises his own rich experience of work with his research and with perspectives from the Bible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWhat sold the book to me was that it was described as 'quite simply the best book I have read about the interrelationship between Christian faith and our working lives for a very long time' by Richard Higginson. As the founder of Faith in Business, he is the oracle in this field, because he has read every book ever written on the subject. So, on this glowing recommendation, I dived straight in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe book itself is very readable, with a handy summary section and points for reflection at each chapter end. Part I focuses on the basics, such as using the Bible, addressing selfishness, being fruitful, and the need to keep a focus on God’s work throughout. Part II covers “Biblical role models” from Joseph to Jesus, and profiles forgotten heroes, such as Boaz as the model employer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePart III tackles a range of knotty topics, from money to ethical decision-making, in which my favourite chapter was on “Balancing the Big Five”. It asks some sharp questions about work-life balance. His Big Five are: time with God, time with family, work time (paid or unpaid), time building community, and time for rest, leisure, and exercise. He encourages readers to analyse how they are spending their time across these activities, to identify where time spent may be out of kilter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eI also really appreciated his wise words on vocation: 'the key to finding your special God-given calling is to loosen your grip on the idea that God is calling you to do a specific job.' Charles Eve once called this yearning for the certainty of a highlighted job advert our desire to 'grab the steering wheel' instead of letting God drive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eGillies likewise reminds us to look with soft eyes on the totality of our mission in life, to discern where our work and any particular job fits into the whole. Given that the world of work these days is very non-linear, this is sage advice. At the end of the book, Gillies recommends that we make use of a period of retreat to take stock of our work, to recommit ourselves to our vocation in its totality, and to listen for what God might be saying to us about what we should do next.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eDr Eve Poole writes on theology, economics, and leadership.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCPAS Lead on newsletter review June 2024. Review by Mike Duff\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eSt Paul charges the Philippians, as citizens of heaven, to live utterly different lives to the Roman citizens around them. With 30 years' experience in top-level corporate leadership, Chris Gillies delivers the same powerful challenge to Christians immersed in the culture of their working life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e'The idea God was as interested in my work as he was in the way I did church... that God might have work for me to do at my workplace didn't really occur to me. My understanding of why God mattered to my daily work was virtually non-existent.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAs at home in the Bible as the workplace, Chris addresses this autobiographical question through four basic themes: how it all started; the problem of selfishness; what it means to be fruitful; where we are heading. Elements of the salvation story are carefully worked out as they apply not in church, home or individual discipleship but in our working life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eNext, he explores with penetrating insight some obvious biblical role models - Joseph, Jethro, Daniel and others - and less obviously how Jesus approached his own redeeming work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe longest section applies biblical discipleship themes to the workplace: What is the prevailing workplace worldview and how might we confront and change it? Am I in the right job? How can we do we do the right thing and adopt a godly lifestyle amid pressures to conform? How do we balance the major claims on our time when work demands everything? How would Jesus have us handle money and lead others? What is our true reward for working well?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePreachers will recognise in this outstanding resource many familiar insights but applied with a clarity, insight and authority ew will have achieved. Those whose work is outside the church will find themselves challenged by God's intimate and relentless concern with their working life. Church leaders will be given a profound insight into the world of work and how to shape the life of the church so that it connects with this vital 'frontline'.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Mike Duff, CPAS Patronage Secretary\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRichard Frost, writer and blogger: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. 1 June 2024\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eBooks providing a Christian perspective on work can at times feel as rare as hearing a sermon on the topic. So, Chris Gillies' offering is a welcome contribution and one which I looked forward to reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eI spent most of my professional career helping people with their work and also supporting businesses and organisations in caring for staff. I even wrote a book about it myself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eChris Gillies brings a wealth of experience from senior management positions in financial sector businesses and charitable organisations. This, combined with insight from his faith and biblical knowledge, and observations from others (most notably Mark Greene, well known for his own work in this field) provides a strong base on which to build.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eGillies explores the nature of work from Genesis through Old Testament examples such as Joseph and Daniel and the core characteristics Jesus demonstrates for us to aspire to. The author also includes a number of examples of businesses adopting a godly approach towards people, practice and profit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIts pages are full of well-rehearsed biblical insights and familiar business-speak which will resonate particularly with those with similar faith perspectives and senior leadership experience. For this reviewer, I would have liked to have seen more content which relates to the vast majority of those who find themselves on the way to work: the ones who don't occupy well-paid, high-level, influential roles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eNevertheless, for those who wish to explore this important aspect of life (and one which, for many, occupies a considerable amount of it of it) it is a thought-provoking read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost, a former employment specialist, and 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 \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003efour other books\u003c\/a\u003e. Richard writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooks for Today April 2024. Paul Beasley-Murray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eOn the way to work: A Christian approach to thinking differently about success and fulfilment \u003c\/em\u003eby Chris Gillies, who is the treasurer of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, is intended for all those who are at work, to help them live out their faith Mondays to Fridays. Divided into three parts, the first section is entitled ‘From a garden to a city’; the second looks at some of the Old Testament heroes and goes on to reflect on Jesus and how Christians today have sought to implement the teaching of Jesus in the workplace; while the third section deals with some is very down-to-earth issues such as how hard we should we work along with money matters. At the end of each chapter there’s a summary of the key principles. This is a good book for ministers to commend to their people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: 150%; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; margin: 7.5pt 0cm 7.5pt 0cm;\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"more-8148\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif; color: #202020;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/paulbeasleymurray.us12.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u=a45b3e6fc109e00f067477a28\u0026amp;id=802455cdc0\u0026amp;e=3cc647e01f\" style=\"-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos; color: #007c89;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-03-07T17:10:46+00:00","created_at":"2024-01-02T12:35:44+00:00","vendor":"Chris Gillies","type":"Paperback","tags":["2024","Discipleship","For individuals","Glassboxx","KCLC","Mission"],"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":43664199483583,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392397","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35270451462335,"product_id":7619786244287,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-01-02T12:37:31+00:00","updated_at":"2025-06-03T09:24:45+01:00","alt":null,"width":1535,"height":2339,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/OntheWaytoWork.jpg?v=1748939085","variant_ids":[43664199483583]},"available":true,"name":"On the Way to Work: A Christian approach to thinking differently about success and fulfillment - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1299,"weight":316,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392397","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":27997854695615,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/OntheWaytoWork.jpg?v=1748939085"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/OntheWaytoWork.jpg?v=1748939085"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/OntheWaytoWork.jpg?v=1748939085","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27997854695615,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/OntheWaytoWork.jpg?v=1748939085"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/OntheWaytoWork.jpg?v=1748939085","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eDoes your work give you a sense of purpose? How do you feel when work serves up difficulties and problems? How do we work well? Is there a God, and might God have something to say about the way we work? Weaving together biblical perspectives with academic research and his own experiences of working in different settings, Chris Gillies lays the theological foundation for work, moves on to examining biblical role models from both Old and New Testaments, and concludes by exploring common issues we wrestle with in our work, from money matters or managing and leading others to knowing if we’re in the right job or simply doing the right thing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zocoSqG4BN4?si=wpDl7TTQSwymPIW1\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChris Gillies\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cspan\u003eWith thirty years’ experience of working at director level in financial services, Chris Gillies has also served on the boards of four different churches and ten UK charities including Westminster Theological Centre and The Children’s Society. He is Chair of Council for Stewardship and Treasurer for LICC.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘There’s new thinking here, hammered out on the anvil of a long, demanding, and successful career at the highest corporate levels through prayerful reflection, biblical engagement and careful analysis. Chris Gillies offers us a rich understanding of God’s purposes for humankind, framing his approach to work on the dynamic springboard of the life, character and work of Jesus, and on the ongoing empowering of the Holy Spirit for everyday work. This is a book that anyone at any level could profit from. Bravo. And thank you.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMark Greene, mission champion, The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Christians just don’t think enough about work and the way work is changing. On the Way to Work is a treasure trove of deep insight from the scriptures and a mine of good advice from a seasoned practitioner. Chris Gillies’ insights are honed from many years’ experience and will be lifegiving for all kinds of people in different roles and occupations.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSteven Croft, bishop of Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘On the Way to Work paints a reframing vision of how we can approach our working lives as worship. Such a brilliant handbook for how to approach the world of work with a kingdom-first mindset. Equipping, affirming and inspiring. I can’t wait for Monday!’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eCaragh Bennet, cofounder and CEO, ZENA\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Chris Gillies combines values with brilliant business acumen. He is one of the few people I pause to think “what would Chris do” and, most importantly, how. I’ve been lucky enough for Chris to have been my professional mentor since working together at Zurich. This book offers the opportunity for everyone to experience his wisdom and guidance, helping you choose how to spend your energy and achieve your aspirations, with morals at the forefront of decisions and actions.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eKathryn Axcell-Steele, head of brand and integrated marketing, Wesleyan Assurance Society\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Chris Gillies offers a rich and rare combination of biblical wisdom, practical insight and personal experience that will inspire Christians to think differently about their work and its significance. My hope and prayer is that Christians and other readers will learn from Chris and the compelling vision he sets forth in this book.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMatt Lynch, associate professor of Old Testament, Regent College\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This important book is insightful and inspiring, and full of invaluable, real-life examples of leaders navigating the world of work. Anyone who is keen to discover how to best deploy their influence for the kingdom of God will find much here to guide them through their careers.’\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStephen Foster, rector, St Aldates, Oxford, and advisor, Alpha UK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e‘A theology of work and a work of theology. Over many years of treasured friendship, Chris Gillies both demonstrated to me and challenged me to see that the call of God, the vocation of the Christian, is not limited to ordained ministers and foreign missionaries, but rests upon all who follow Jesus and all who are sent to serve the king and his kingdom in every sphere of life and work.’\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSimon Ponsonby, pastor of theology, St Aldates, Oxford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘\u003c\/em\u003eThis book will expand your vision of what a deeply fruitful and successful life looks like. A central premise of the book is that our work matters to God and God really does matter to our work. With that as a robust foundation, Chris Gillies tackles many layers of the implications of what that means for our frontline work, time, money, decision making, relationships; in essence, our whole lives!’\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNess Wilson, leader, Pioneer UK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e‘This is a remarkable book, and you should read it. In these pages,\u003cbr\u003eChris Gillies illuminates a path to work that is not only distinctive but\u003cbr\u003ealso the way of Jesus and of the kingdom of God. If you let this book\u003cbr\u003edo its work, it will change you – for good. Chris has crafted a work\u003cbr\u003ethat is truly transformative – a powerful journey towards personal\u003cbr\u003eand spiritual growth.’\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Woolley, chief executive, The London Institute for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContemporary Christianity (LICC)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e‘This is a timely book on the importance of work – what we do, how we\u003cbr\u003edo it and most importantly why work is part of God’s plan for what it\u003cbr\u003emeans to be human. Chris Gillies brings together years of experience,\u003cbr\u003ea biblical framework and lots of helpful illustrations in a very readable\u003cbr\u003eand accessible style.’\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeter Lynas, UK director, Evangelical Alliance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This is quite simply the best book I have read about the interrelationship between Christian faith and our working lives for a very long time. Chris Gillies repeatedly illustrates wise practical advice with telling anecdotes from his own experience, covering many different topics, acknowledging the value of different perspectives and sharing maturely what God has taught him along the way.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Higginson, former director and chair, Faith in Business\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, this book has something invaluable to offer. It masterfully combines the wisdom of years of experience with practical advice, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking God’s calling on their life and true success in their work.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eReuben Coulter, senior advisor, Faith Driven Investor and partner, Ignis Advisory\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This is a book that has been over 40 years in the writing and its depth and insights reflect the journey of a man who has set his sights on bringing kingdom influence to the highest level of businesses.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eNic Harding, director, Kairos Connexion and Together for the Harvest\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Chris Gillies writes a wonderfully practical and thoughtful book that speaks powerfully about what it means to engage in the world of work in a distinctively Christian way. He constructs a brilliant, thorough and nuanced analysis that challenges the oft-prevailing and unhelpful narrative of the sacred–secular divide, and offers beautifully crafted autobiographical, theological and academic reflections to suggest an alternative mode of being for operating as a Christian in the workplace.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eCatherine Delve, CEO, Resurgam Asset Management Limited; chair of trustees, Bridge the Gap Football\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTudor Humphreys: BRF Ministries supporter and Friend January 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I saw this book promoted in a BRF Ministries newsletter I ordered it from my local Christian bookshop. What I like about it is that Chris Gillies has obviously worked and thrived in high pressure work environments, but like many people he stumbled into his first job not really thinking through what his Christian faith had to say about it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater he learned better:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- He has worked out for himself and shared with readers what the Bible has to say about work and how to live out our Christian beliefs in the workplace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- He takes us through the Bible from God’s ‘work’ in creation in Genesis to our role in working to ‘continue the creation story’ via the parable of the tenants in Matthew, Mark and Luke, to our role as ‘fellow workers’ in the family business of ‘Sustaining and caring for His creation’ in 1 Corinthians.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- He offers real life examples of how to manage power, authority, roles\/responsibilities, wealth and time, instead of hiding anything to do with faith until we enter a church at the weekend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- He addresses Christian approaches to the challenges of balancing the needs of organisations to do productive work as well as addressing the needs of people doing the work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThinking about work and investing time in the process has been instilled in me since I studied with the YMCA College\/University of Kent in the 1980\/90s soon after making a commitment to follow the Master when my wife and I were called to establish a charity with a Christian ethos, focused on working with those outside the church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author places our work as Christians, whether in the office the farm, factory, hairdressers or supermarket, on an equal footing to what might be called ‘Christian ministry\/mission roles'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI like that and it’s not just the author’s view. He says this:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘If you listen to modern mission organisations you’ll hear a shift in the way think and talk about mission. You’ll hear more talk about how every role is important including those who work in the marketplace…’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author takes us through a series of steps from what the Bible has to say about ‘work’, including Colossians 3:23-24 Work at everything you do with all your heart. Work as if you were working for the Lord, not for human masters. Work because you know that you will finally receive as a reward what the Lord wants you to have. You are slaves of the Lord Christ.’ (NIRV)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as drawing from his own experience in business, he cites examples of other ‘workers’ and gives real work\/life case studies of how to proclaim and demonstrate the gospel, and how to be ‘salt and light’ in a holistic, integrated way in a modern workplace in a changing society.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo if you’ve never considered your day to day work as ‘important’ in terms of building ‘the Kingdom,’ or if you’ve been thinking about work and faith for a while, this book might just encourage you to keep on ‘blossoming where you’ve been planted’ or inspire you to take courage, and explore new ways of being a ‘labourer in the harvest field’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Tudor Humphreys BRF supporter and friend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTogether magazine November\/December 2024. Review by Fiona Lloyd\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor many of us work is an important part of our daily life. This includes not just paid employment but also voluntary work, studying and work within the home (such as raising children). Yet unless we have an overtly ‘Christian’ job such as ministry or missionary roles, it can be easy to regard our work as being somehow distinct from our spiritual life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChris Gillies has worked in the business and finance sector for over 40 years, and more recently has used his skills to serve in the charitable sector. As he progressed in his career, he gradually became more aware of the importance of how his faith affected the way he worked, and how working in any environment – secular as well as Christian – should be viewed as work for God. Out of this realisation came his latest book, \u003ci\u003eOn the Way to Work\u003c\/i\u003e. In this book, Gillies discusses how seeing our work and faith as being intertwined rather than completely separate from each other can change our perspective and bring fresh motivation, explaining how applying biblical ideology can transform the workplace and lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction. And while this is written from a Christian perspective, Gillies is keen to emphasise that the principles he promotes are equally relevant for those of other faiths or no faith at all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eOn the Way to Work \u003c\/i\u003eis split into three sections. The first gives the reader a spiritual overview of the Bible timeline, from the Garden of Eden to Christ’s return. Within this, Gillies examines how work is part of God’s plan for humankind and considers what it means to be fruitful. When set against the backdrop of eternity, our current work has long-term meaning, regardless of the nature of that work. Gillies reminds us that ‘The way we work can provide evidence today of God’s renewed order.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe second section of the book focuses on biblical role models. Old Testament characters such as Joseph, Deborah and Daniel demonstrate what it means to honour God in our work, and how living and working according to his ways can affect those around us or for whom we have responsibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eIn the New Testament it is assumed that Jesus himself worked for many years before beginning his itinerant ministry. While the Gospels tell us nothing about his years as a carpenter, we can still learn from the last three years of his earthly life. The way Jesus interacted with those around him provides an example as to how we should behave in the workplace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eGillies devotes the third section of the book (by far the longest part) to common issues we may encounter in the workplace. He starts by contrasting secular and sacred worldviews, showing how understanding the death and resurrection of Jesus can reform and rejuvenate our approach to work, and noting that ‘The divide in our worldview should not be between sacred and secular, but between God’s way and a more self-centred human way.’ Our role should not be simply to criticise the practices of modern society but to propose a better alternative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eLater chapters offer advice on how to implement Christian principles into our work environment so that individuals as well as companies can flourish. Gillies underpins these with numerous personal anecdotes, along with relevant Scripture quotes. He also encourages the reader to think about how to balance the ‘big five’ demands on our lives, namely: time with God; time with family; time at work; building community; rest and recreation. This is a helpful template, reminding us to view our lives holistically instead of focusing on one area to the detriment of the others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eA lot of ground is covered in \u003ci\u003eOn the Way to Work\u003c\/i\u003e, so I appreciated the way the author ended each chapter with a summary of the key points and a few questions for self-reflection. Gillies has an engaging style and manages to break complex topics down into smaller, more easily digestible chunks. This is a valuable resource for those who want to think more about how their faith relates to their work – whatever form that takes – and for pastors who want to help their congregations be salt and light to a watching world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eReviewed by Fiona Lloyd\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFaith in Business Quarterly (vol 23.2). Review by David Steinegger\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e‘On the way to work, do you look forward to your day? Does it give you a sense of purpose?’ So begins the introduction to Chris Gillies’ book. \u003ci\u003eOn the Way to Work \u003c\/i\u003eprovides a refreshing perspective on the theology of work, gives examples of some of the great biblical role models, offers practical insights into working through many of the common issues we face, and is enriched with examples from Chris’ own experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe book is structured into three parts. The first part brings a theological perspective which starts in the Garden of Eden, continues through the redemption story and ends in the eternal city in Revelation. I appreciated how this section connects God’s great story for humankind with our stories and reminds us that our lives in our workplaces truly matter. The second part of the book highlights some of the great characters in the Old Testament and God’s anointing in their ‘workplaces’. It then moves on to the life of Christ and the characteristics of his redemptive approach. Part three, the largest section of the book, focuses on common issues we face in the workplace. This section starts with an insightful Christian worldview perspective, reminding us that there is no sacred-secular divide, and that God is profoundly interested in all of our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn part three, Chris goes on to look at some real workplace issues, with biblical and practical insights to tackle them. For example, his chapter on ‘How do I know if I’m in the right job’ gives a scriptural base to address this question, together with practical pointers. Here he encourages readers to loosen their grip on a calling to do a specific job, and rather pursue their life’s mission. This will be helpful for many. I would add that at times God speaks very specifically into our career decisions through scripture, the holy spirit’s guidance and the voice of others. He tackles another real issue in the chapter ‘Balancing the big five’ – describing the challenge of the big five calls on our time – our relationship with God, family, work, community and rest and leisure. In reflecting on this, I was reminded that God has set eternity in our hearts (Eccl 3:11) and if we can live each day with this promise, and the challenge in mind, then we can come to a place of truly flourishing in our lives as Kingdom people – and this is much more precious than gold!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe 290 pages can at first feel a little overwhelming. But I devoured the book on two long haul flights, being stimulated by the three-cord strand of biblical theology, practical insight and great examples from Chris’ many years of experience in the workplace. The summaries at the end of each chapter are helpful, as are each chapter’s questions for personal reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIt would have been helpful if the book had also explored the biblical basis and importance of having wise mentors or coaches: ‘Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.’ (Proverbs 11:14). I have found wise Christian mentors to be a great blessing on my journey in many workplaces across multiple countries and cultures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eI would also like to have seen a template in the book summarising some of the more practical learning points which are interspersed throughout the book. Perhaps a workbook could follow!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAppropriately, the book ends with a chapter on ‘the prize for running well.’ We are called to be faithful with the gifts and abilities that God has given us. We are reminded that our wok in the here and now foreshadows a new kind of redeemed work after Jesus returns. And here’s a great challenge that Chris presents: we have the opportunity to anticipate that future time by modelling it in the present and living it now for the glory of God and service to humanity!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe are called to be kingdom people in our workplaces – and in whatever we do, to work at it with all our hearts, as working for the Lord. Having a God-given sense of purpose in our days is essential if we are to live fulfilled lives. This book offers helpful pointers to living a purposeful life and is a great addition to the library of all who are seeking to be faithful, fruitful and fulfilled in their workplaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eDavid Steinegger holds a number of non-executive positions, is a people builder, a church leader, and a trustee of several charities, including Wycliffe Bible Translators UK, which he chairs.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 21.07.24. Review by Eve Poole\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis new book on work from Chris Gillies benefits from his lifetime of working in the financial-services sector. He has spent more than 40 years in finance, working in many different markets, particularly for Zurich Insurance; and has more than 30 years’ experience as a board member of various charities, including the Children’s Society and the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. His book synthesises his own rich experience of work with his research and with perspectives from the Bible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWhat sold the book to me was that it was described as 'quite simply the best book I have read about the interrelationship between Christian faith and our working lives for a very long time' by Richard Higginson. As the founder of Faith in Business, he is the oracle in this field, because he has read every book ever written on the subject. So, on this glowing recommendation, I dived straight in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe book itself is very readable, with a handy summary section and points for reflection at each chapter end. Part I focuses on the basics, such as using the Bible, addressing selfishness, being fruitful, and the need to keep a focus on God’s work throughout. Part II covers “Biblical role models” from Joseph to Jesus, and profiles forgotten heroes, such as Boaz as the model employer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePart III tackles a range of knotty topics, from money to ethical decision-making, in which my favourite chapter was on “Balancing the Big Five”. It asks some sharp questions about work-life balance. His Big Five are: time with God, time with family, work time (paid or unpaid), time building community, and time for rest, leisure, and exercise. He encourages readers to analyse how they are spending their time across these activities, to identify where time spent may be out of kilter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eI also really appreciated his wise words on vocation: 'the key to finding your special God-given calling is to loosen your grip on the idea that God is calling you to do a specific job.' Charles Eve once called this yearning for the certainty of a highlighted job advert our desire to 'grab the steering wheel' instead of letting God drive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eGillies likewise reminds us to look with soft eyes on the totality of our mission in life, to discern where our work and any particular job fits into the whole. Given that the world of work these days is very non-linear, this is sage advice. At the end of the book, Gillies recommends that we make use of a period of retreat to take stock of our work, to recommit ourselves to our vocation in its totality, and to listen for what God might be saying to us about what we should do next.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eDr Eve Poole writes on theology, economics, and leadership.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCPAS Lead on newsletter review June 2024. Review by Mike Duff\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eSt Paul charges the Philippians, as citizens of heaven, to live utterly different lives to the Roman citizens around them. With 30 years' experience in top-level corporate leadership, Chris Gillies delivers the same powerful challenge to Christians immersed in the culture of their working life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e'The idea God was as interested in my work as he was in the way I did church... that God might have work for me to do at my workplace didn't really occur to me. My understanding of why God mattered to my daily work was virtually non-existent.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAs at home in the Bible as the workplace, Chris addresses this autobiographical question through four basic themes: how it all started; the problem of selfishness; what it means to be fruitful; where we are heading. Elements of the salvation story are carefully worked out as they apply not in church, home or individual discipleship but in our working life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eNext, he explores with penetrating insight some obvious biblical role models - Joseph, Jethro, Daniel and others - and less obviously how Jesus approached his own redeeming work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe longest section applies biblical discipleship themes to the workplace: What is the prevailing workplace worldview and how might we confront and change it? Am I in the right job? How can we do we do the right thing and adopt a godly lifestyle amid pressures to conform? How do we balance the major claims on our time when work demands everything? How would Jesus have us handle money and lead others? What is our true reward for working well?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePreachers will recognise in this outstanding resource many familiar insights but applied with a clarity, insight and authority ew will have achieved. Those whose work is outside the church will find themselves challenged by God's intimate and relentless concern with their working life. Church leaders will be given a profound insight into the world of work and how to shape the life of the church so that it connects with this vital 'frontline'.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Mike Duff, CPAS Patronage Secretary\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRichard Frost, writer and blogger: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. 1 June 2024\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eBooks providing a Christian perspective on work can at times feel as rare as hearing a sermon on the topic. So, Chris Gillies' offering is a welcome contribution and one which I looked forward to reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eI spent most of my professional career helping people with their work and also supporting businesses and organisations in caring for staff. I even wrote a book about it myself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eChris Gillies brings a wealth of experience from senior management positions in financial sector businesses and charitable organisations. This, combined with insight from his faith and biblical knowledge, and observations from others (most notably Mark Greene, well known for his own work in this field) provides a strong base on which to build.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eGillies explores the nature of work from Genesis through Old Testament examples such as Joseph and Daniel and the core characteristics Jesus demonstrates for us to aspire to. The author also includes a number of examples of businesses adopting a godly approach towards people, practice and profit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIts pages are full of well-rehearsed biblical insights and familiar business-speak which will resonate particularly with those with similar faith perspectives and senior leadership experience. For this reviewer, I would have liked to have seen more content which relates to the vast majority of those who find themselves on the way to work: the ones who don't occupy well-paid, high-level, influential roles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eNevertheless, for those who wish to explore this important aspect of life (and one which, for many, occupies a considerable amount of it of it) it is a thought-provoking read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost, a former employment specialist, and 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 \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003efour other books\u003c\/a\u003e. Richard writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooks for Today April 2024. Paul Beasley-Murray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eOn the way to work: A Christian approach to thinking differently about success and fulfilment \u003c\/em\u003eby Chris Gillies, who is the treasurer of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, is intended for all those who are at work, to help them live out their faith Mondays to Fridays. Divided into three parts, the first section is entitled ‘From a garden to a city’; the second looks at some of the Old Testament heroes and goes on to reflect on Jesus and how Christians today have sought to implement the teaching of Jesus in the workplace; while the third section deals with some is very down-to-earth issues such as how hard we should we work along with money matters. At the end of each chapter there’s a summary of the key principles. This is a good book for ministers to commend to their people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"line-height: 150%; -ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; margin: 7.5pt 0cm 7.5pt 0cm;\"\u003e\u003cspan id=\"more-8148\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif; color: #202020;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/paulbeasleymurray.us12.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u=a45b3e6fc109e00f067477a28\u0026amp;id=802455cdc0\u0026amp;e=3cc647e01f\" style=\"-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos; color: #007c89;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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On the Way to Work: A Christian approach to thinking differently about success and fulfillment
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Does your work give you a sense of purpose? How do you feel when work serves up difficulties and problems?...
{"id":7619789979839,"title":"The Everyday God: Encountering the Divine in the works of mercy","handle":"the-everyday-god","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘The everyday God is a God who is for everyone…who appears in everyday events and ordinary people. He calls us to move out of our comfort zones and into his liminal space on the margins of our society, to see the face of Christ in a stranger…’ \u003cbr\u003eJonathan Arnold, a seasoned community engagement expert, delves deep into the heart of the biblical mandate to love one’s neighbour. Through a tapestry of real-life stories, he unveils the power of practical faith, illustrating how it can ignite transformation among the homeless, refugees, the poor and vulnerable, imprisoned and marginalised, as well as those living with dementia, disability and disease. \u003cbr\u003eIn these pages, you’ll witness how acts of social and environmental justice, intertwined with mercy, have the potential to reshape lives, offering a vivid portrait of the profound impact of embracing the everyday God. As he reflects upon Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 25:34–40, Arnold challenges us to discover God’s presence in the most unexpected places and join in with where he is acting, whether inside or outside our churches.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Jonathan Arnold\u003c\/strong\u003e is Executive Director of the Social Justice Network in the Diocese of Canterbury, a charity that helps people at times of crisis, including migration, debt, hunger, homelessness, modern slavery and exploitation, the rehabilitation of ex-offenders and rural justice. He is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Kent, an Associate of Sidney De Hahn Centre for Arts and Health, Christ Church Canterbury University. Jonathan was formerly Dean of Divinity and Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford, where he was tutor in ecclesiastical history and chair of examiners for the theology faculty. Other books include Music and Faith: Conversations in a Post-Secular Age (2019); Sacred Music in Secular Society (2014); The Great Humanists (2011) and Dean John Colet of St. Paul's (2007). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 18.10.24. Review by Jonathan Evens\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eSometimes, books, like buses, come in pairs. The Everyday God could be a complementary pairing with Elizabeth Oldfield’s recently published Fully Alive (Books, 17 May, Podcast, 23 May). Oldfield’s book offers contemporary reflections on the seven deadly sins; and these then lead into reflections on the virtues that are the polar opposites of those sins. The kind of virtuous living that Oldfield seeks is characterised by the seven works of corporal mercy, which are the main focus of The Everyday God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn this book, Jonathan Arnold brings his varied background in music, theology, and social justice into play through frameworks deriving from each of these three to explore the seven works of corporal mercy and the concepts of justice and mercy more generally. In each chapter, a different musical approach is used to introduce the theme, stories — drawn from a lecture series organised by Canterbury Cathedral and the Social Justice Network that Arnold leads — give apposite examples of the seven works of mercy in practice, while the theological concepts of “being with” (Samuel Wells) and “being interrupted” (Al Barrett and Ruth Harley) inform much of the practice described.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eArnold weaves these strands and themes together in compelling ways which are ultimately based in the Wellsian insight that our fundamental issue is isolation rather than limitation, and the reversal found in the story of St Martin and the Beggar, in which an act of mercy leads to a deeper vison of Christ for the one acting mercifully. This latter insight leads to the polyphonic understanding that, as Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote, 'Christ plays in ten thousand places, Lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not his. . .' The everyday God is found in those with whom we are with as the seven works of corporal mercy are practised.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIt is possible that specialists in music, theology, or social justice might think that their particular strand was insufficiently explored through Arnold’s approach; but for the generalist, like myself, there is more than enough of interest and insight to keep one engaged as his explorations proceed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAt one point, he proposes an addition to or expansion of the concepts of 'being with' and 'being interrupted', in terms of 'being disrupted'. This comes from the story of Zacchaeus, but is applied to the one who triggers change through an act of mercy. Within that story, however, it is Zacchaeus, as recipient, who experiences disruption, meaning that this argument for disruption doesn’t work incarnationally as clearly as is the case for 'being with' and 'being interrupted'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThese are quibbles, however, in regard to a book that expands our understanding of the interconnections between music, theology and social justice, whilst actively inspiring incarnational mission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Jonathan Evens, team rector of Wickford and Runwell in the diocese of Chelmsford.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTransforming Ministry Winter 2024. Review by Laura Hillman\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThis book is a treasure chest of ideas and inspiration based on the experiences of the author – director of the Social Justice Network for the Diocese of Canterbury. He is also a musician who takes Augustine’s words ‘God is music’ as the thread connecting the rich variety of themes and real-life stories to the gospel narrative. Chapters are based on the traditional seven works of mercy: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, housing the homeless, welcoming strangers, visiting the sick and the imprisoned; burying the dead. There is an additional chapter on caring for creation. All include material for individual reflection as well as group discussion with suggestions for further reading and resources. There are first-hand accounts of changed lives from prisoners, asylum seekers and others on the margins of society. The honesty of those whose lives have been transformed is an inspiration and a challenge. This is a book to dip into: it will not fail to interest both on a personal level as an aid to meditation and as a catalyst for change in the community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillman\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Donato Tallo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eJonathan Arnold has produced a thought provoking, practical and meditational book on the Everyday God who is alive and active, quite often in the most unexpected of places, and always both inside and outside of church buildings. The book reminds the reader that everyone is created in the image of God and that caring for all living beings and the environment as a whole is something that must be central to the life of a Christian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is a book that can be read by an individual at a pace to suit one's own needs or indeed would be a brilliant book for a church home group or equivalent gathering.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eEach chapter presents the reader with challenges to think about, includes thoughts, reflections and teachings from a wide range of individuals and links in scripture to the particular work of mercy being explored. The book is accessible and the fact each chapter finishes with a reflection, prayer and spiritual exercise allows the reader to use it in a manner to aid their spiritual life and development both in terms of prayer and considering practical actions that could be taken forward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe work Jonathan is engaged in the\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eDiocese of Canterbury is brought to life in an accessible and interesting format\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ethough the pages of this book and provides the reader with a significant insight into how the work Jonathan and his colleagues are engaged which makes a significant difference to the lives of so many people each and every day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe live in a challenging world where so often it is easy to over look those in need, this book reminds the reader that we should not consider helping those in need as an option but consider it as a duty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eJonathan highlights to the reader that at different times in life different people can be vulnerable, that all of us can be scared or troubled in someway and that the Bible reminds us that loving our neighbour is something we should all do despite its challenges. God is there for everyone and through the works of mercy (feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, give shelter to travellers, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead) we can all see God in the face of others through our spiritual and practical actions linked to the works of mercy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis book has inspired me to find out more about Jonathans work and to reflect more on how I can find God in all things and in all people as well as considering what more I can do each and everyday with regard to the works of mercy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Donato Tallo\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-01-02T12:54:23+00:00","created_at":"2024-01-02T12:54:23+00:00","vendor":"Jonathan Arnold","type":"Paperback","tags":["2024","Devotional","Discipleship","For churches","For individuals","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":43664171401407,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392106","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35270673531071,"product_id":7619789979839,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-01-02T14:10:19+00:00","updated_at":"2024-01-02T14:10:21+00:00","alt":null,"width":1535,"height":2339,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EverydayGod.jpg?v=1704204621","variant_ids":[43664171401407]},"available":true,"name":"The Everyday God: Encountering the Divine in the works of mercy - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":250,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392106","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":27998080204991,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EverydayGod.jpg?v=1704204621"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EverydayGod.jpg?v=1704204621"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EverydayGod.jpg?v=1704204621","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27998080204991,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EverydayGod.jpg?v=1704204621"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EverydayGod.jpg?v=1704204621","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘The everyday God is a God who is for everyone…who appears in everyday events and ordinary people. He calls us to move out of our comfort zones and into his liminal space on the margins of our society, to see the face of Christ in a stranger…’ \u003cbr\u003eJonathan Arnold, a seasoned community engagement expert, delves deep into the heart of the biblical mandate to love one’s neighbour. Through a tapestry of real-life stories, he unveils the power of practical faith, illustrating how it can ignite transformation among the homeless, refugees, the poor and vulnerable, imprisoned and marginalised, as well as those living with dementia, disability and disease. \u003cbr\u003eIn these pages, you’ll witness how acts of social and environmental justice, intertwined with mercy, have the potential to reshape lives, offering a vivid portrait of the profound impact of embracing the everyday God. As he reflects upon Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 25:34–40, Arnold challenges us to discover God’s presence in the most unexpected places and join in with where he is acting, whether inside or outside our churches.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Jonathan Arnold\u003c\/strong\u003e is Executive Director of the Social Justice Network in the Diocese of Canterbury, a charity that helps people at times of crisis, including migration, debt, hunger, homelessness, modern slavery and exploitation, the rehabilitation of ex-offenders and rural justice. He is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Kent, an Associate of Sidney De Hahn Centre for Arts and Health, Christ Church Canterbury University. Jonathan was formerly Dean of Divinity and Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford, where he was tutor in ecclesiastical history and chair of examiners for the theology faculty. Other books include Music and Faith: Conversations in a Post-Secular Age (2019); Sacred Music in Secular Society (2014); The Great Humanists (2011) and Dean John Colet of St. Paul's (2007). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 18.10.24. Review by Jonathan Evens\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eSometimes, books, like buses, come in pairs. The Everyday God could be a complementary pairing with Elizabeth Oldfield’s recently published Fully Alive (Books, 17 May, Podcast, 23 May). Oldfield’s book offers contemporary reflections on the seven deadly sins; and these then lead into reflections on the virtues that are the polar opposites of those sins. The kind of virtuous living that Oldfield seeks is characterised by the seven works of corporal mercy, which are the main focus of The Everyday God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn this book, Jonathan Arnold brings his varied background in music, theology, and social justice into play through frameworks deriving from each of these three to explore the seven works of corporal mercy and the concepts of justice and mercy more generally. In each chapter, a different musical approach is used to introduce the theme, stories — drawn from a lecture series organised by Canterbury Cathedral and the Social Justice Network that Arnold leads — give apposite examples of the seven works of mercy in practice, while the theological concepts of “being with” (Samuel Wells) and “being interrupted” (Al Barrett and Ruth Harley) inform much of the practice described.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eArnold weaves these strands and themes together in compelling ways which are ultimately based in the Wellsian insight that our fundamental issue is isolation rather than limitation, and the reversal found in the story of St Martin and the Beggar, in which an act of mercy leads to a deeper vison of Christ for the one acting mercifully. This latter insight leads to the polyphonic understanding that, as Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote, 'Christ plays in ten thousand places, Lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not his. . .' The everyday God is found in those with whom we are with as the seven works of corporal mercy are practised.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIt is possible that specialists in music, theology, or social justice might think that their particular strand was insufficiently explored through Arnold’s approach; but for the generalist, like myself, there is more than enough of interest and insight to keep one engaged as his explorations proceed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAt one point, he proposes an addition to or expansion of the concepts of 'being with' and 'being interrupted', in terms of 'being disrupted'. This comes from the story of Zacchaeus, but is applied to the one who triggers change through an act of mercy. Within that story, however, it is Zacchaeus, as recipient, who experiences disruption, meaning that this argument for disruption doesn’t work incarnationally as clearly as is the case for 'being with' and 'being interrupted'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThese are quibbles, however, in regard to a book that expands our understanding of the interconnections between music, theology and social justice, whilst actively inspiring incarnational mission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Jonathan Evens, team rector of Wickford and Runwell in the diocese of Chelmsford.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTransforming Ministry Winter 2024. Review by Laura Hillman\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThis book is a treasure chest of ideas and inspiration based on the experiences of the author – director of the Social Justice Network for the Diocese of Canterbury. He is also a musician who takes Augustine’s words ‘God is music’ as the thread connecting the rich variety of themes and real-life stories to the gospel narrative. Chapters are based on the traditional seven works of mercy: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, housing the homeless, welcoming strangers, visiting the sick and the imprisoned; burying the dead. There is an additional chapter on caring for creation. All include material for individual reflection as well as group discussion with suggestions for further reading and resources. There are first-hand accounts of changed lives from prisoners, asylum seekers and others on the margins of society. The honesty of those whose lives have been transformed is an inspiration and a challenge. This is a book to dip into: it will not fail to interest both on a personal level as an aid to meditation and as a catalyst for change in the community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillman\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Donato Tallo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eJonathan Arnold has produced a thought provoking, practical and meditational book on the Everyday God who is alive and active, quite often in the most unexpected of places, and always both inside and outside of church buildings. The book reminds the reader that everyone is created in the image of God and that caring for all living beings and the environment as a whole is something that must be central to the life of a Christian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is a book that can be read by an individual at a pace to suit one's own needs or indeed would be a brilliant book for a church home group or equivalent gathering.\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eEach chapter presents the reader with challenges to think about, includes thoughts, reflections and teachings from a wide range of individuals and links in scripture to the particular work of mercy being explored. The book is accessible and the fact each chapter finishes with a reflection, prayer and spiritual exercise allows the reader to use it in a manner to aid their spiritual life and development both in terms of prayer and considering practical actions that could be taken forward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe work Jonathan is engaged in the\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eDiocese of Canterbury is brought to life in an accessible and interesting format\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ethough the pages of this book and provides the reader with a significant insight into how the work Jonathan and his colleagues are engaged which makes a significant difference to the lives of so many people each and every day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe live in a challenging world where so often it is easy to over look those in need, this book reminds the reader that we should not consider helping those in need as an option but consider it as a duty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eJonathan highlights to the reader that at different times in life different people can be vulnerable, that all of us can be scared or troubled in someway and that the Bible reminds us that loving our neighbour is something we should all do despite its challenges. God is there for everyone and through the works of mercy (feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, give shelter to travellers, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead) we can all see God in the face of others through our spiritual and practical actions linked to the works of mercy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis book has inspired me to find out more about Jonathans work and to reflect more on how I can find God in all things and in all people as well as considering what more I can do each and everyday with regard to the works of mercy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Donato Tallo\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
The Everyday God: Encountering the Divine in the works of mercy
£9.99
‘The everyday God is a God who is for everyone…who appears in everyday events and ordinary people. He calls us...
{"id":7621809143999,"title":"Death and Life: Reflection Cards","handle":"death-and-life-reflection-cards","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e10 reflection cards\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003eAs a society we aren’t good at talking about death, and as individuals we may try and avoid thinking about it. But death is part of life, and we must all face it eventually. For Christians, dying and death are not the end but a transition point in a story that continues. Reflecting well on our own mortality can help us to make peace with the prospect of death and to live more fully in the here and now. \u003cbr\u003eThese cards show us how. They can be used for personal reflection, prayer or in discussion with others.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJoanna Collicutt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Revd Canon Dr Joanna Collicutt has a background in clinical psychology and academic psychology of religion. She was for many years the Oxford Diocesan Adviser for Older People, and it was in this role that she became interested in the spiritual and theological aspects of death and dying. She is an associate priest in an Oxfordshire parish and is currently studying for a PhD in the area of Christianity and the arts. Joanna has written or co-written ten books, including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThinking of you: A resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (BRF, 2017) and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSeriously Messy: Making space for families to talk together about death and life\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (BRF, 2019).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-02-19T16:00:28+00:00","created_at":"2024-01-05T16:45:37+00:00","vendor":"BRFonline","type":"Pack","tags":["Ageing and spiritual care","anna chaplaincy","Anna Chaplaincy Courses","Bereavement","Church life","Courses","For churches","KCLC","Leadership","Pack","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy"],"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":42711016276159,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800393257","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Death and Life: Reflection Cards","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":80,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800393257","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Death_LifeReflectionCards.jpg?v=1710853036","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DeathandLifeReflectioncards.png?v=1710859440"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Death_LifeReflectionCards.jpg?v=1710853036","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":28402103910591,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1754,"width":1240,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Death_LifeReflectionCards.jpg?v=1710853036"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1754,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Death_LifeReflectionCards.jpg?v=1710853036","width":1240},{"alt":null,"id":28402601296063,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.193,"height":788,"width":940,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DeathandLifeReflectioncards.png?v=1710859440"},"aspect_ratio":1.193,"height":788,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DeathandLifeReflectioncards.png?v=1710859440","width":940}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e10 reflection cards\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003eAs a society we aren’t good at talking about death, and as individuals we may try and avoid thinking about it. But death is part of life, and we must all face it eventually. For Christians, dying and death are not the end but a transition point in a story that continues. Reflecting well on our own mortality can help us to make peace with the prospect of death and to live more fully in the here and now. \u003cbr\u003eThese cards show us how. They can be used for personal reflection, prayer or in discussion with others.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJoanna Collicutt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Revd Canon Dr Joanna Collicutt has a background in clinical psychology and academic psychology of religion. She was for many years the Oxford Diocesan Adviser for Older People, and it was in this role that she became interested in the spiritual and theological aspects of death and dying. She is an associate priest in an Oxfordshire parish and is currently studying for a PhD in the area of Christianity and the arts. Joanna has written or co-written ten books, including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThinking of you: A resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (BRF, 2017) and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSeriously Messy: Making space for families to talk together about death and life\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (BRF, 2019).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Death and Life: Reflection Cards
£8.99
10 reflection cards. As a society we aren’t good at talking about death, and as individuals we may try and avoid...
{"id":7481158533311,"title":"Refresh: Introducing adults to faith through toddler groups","handle":"refresh","description":"\u003cp\u003eRefresh Café is a fun and effective way to build fruitful relationships with parents and carers in your community. It’s stay and play turned on its head: the children have fun, but we focus on refreshing the adults with time to talk, fresh coffee, pastries and most importantly our key ingredient: a five-minute ‘thought for the day’ where we share something of God in a gentle, relevant and accessible way. All this in a welcoming play space for the children. This book shows you how to run Refresh, and includes 33 ‘thoughts for the day’ to use in your setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TrfXxTTYsow\" 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\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaroline Montgomery is the pioneer of Refresh. Formerly Families Pastor at St Stephen’s Church, Twickenham, she has been married to Richard for 35 years and they have three grown-up sons. She enjoys walking, going to the gym, knitting and having coffee with friends.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2023-04-21T20:30:01+01:00","created_at":"2023-04-21T20:30:01+01:00","vendor":"Caroline Montgomery","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","Discipleship","For churches","For individuals","Glassboxx","KCLC","Leadership"],"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":42422720823487,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392168","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34356753072319,"product_id":7481158533311,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-04-21T20:31:39+01:00","updated_at":"2023-04-21T20:31:40+01:00","alt":null,"width":1748,"height":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Refresh.jpg?v=1682105500","variant_ids":[42422720823487]},"available":true,"name":"Refresh: Introducing adults to faith through toddler groups - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":165,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392168","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":26972311814335,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2480,"width":1748,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Refresh.jpg?v=1682105500"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Refresh.jpg?v=1682105500"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Refresh.jpg?v=1682105500","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":26972311814335,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2480,"width":1748,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Refresh.jpg?v=1682105500"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2480,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/Refresh.jpg?v=1682105500","width":1748}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eRefresh Café is a fun and effective way to build fruitful relationships with parents and carers in your community. It’s stay and play turned on its head: the children have fun, but we focus on refreshing the adults with time to talk, fresh coffee, pastries and most importantly our key ingredient: a five-minute ‘thought for the day’ where we share something of God in a gentle, relevant and accessible way. All this in a welcoming play space for the children. This book shows you how to run Refresh, and includes 33 ‘thoughts for the day’ to use in your setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TrfXxTTYsow\" 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\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaroline Montgomery is the pioneer of Refresh. Formerly Families Pastor at St Stephen’s Church, Twickenham, she has been married to Richard for 35 years and they have three grown-up sons. She enjoys walking, going to the gym, knitting and having coffee with friends.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
You may also like:
Refresh: Introducing adults to faith through toddler groups
£7.99
Refresh Café is a fun and effective way to build fruitful relationships with parents and carers in your community. It’s...
{"id":7515651047615,"title":"Knowing You, Jesus: following Jesus through the gospels in a year","handle":"knowing-you-jesus","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eInspired by the famous prayer of Richard of Chichester ‘to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly and follow thee more nearly... day by day', this 365-day devotional encourages faith formation and intentional discipleship. Tony Horsfall, Mags Duggan, John Ayrton, Jenny Brown, Melinda Hendry and Steve Aisthorpe present a detailed, chronological exploration of the life of Jesus of Nazareth, drawing from all four gospels. As we immerse ourselves in the gospel story, may we not only understand it better but experience transformation into the likeness of Christ our Saviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• New Christians and those wanting to rediscover or deepen faith \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Those who enjoy using a one-year devotional \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Those who have enjoyed other books by Tony Horsfall and Mags Duggan, and BRF Bible reading notes to which the writers have contributed \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Church leaders recommending resources for Bible weeks\/Bible Sunday \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Those mentoring and discipling others\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTony Horsfall\u003c\/strong\u003e is an author and retreat leader with a lifetime’s experience in mentoring others, including church leaders and missionaries, both in Britain and overseas.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00aaff;\"\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: #00aaff;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charistraining.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ewww.charistraining.co.uk\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMags Duggan\u003c\/strong\u003e is an author, retreat leader, spiritual director and former lecturer.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJenny Brown\u003c\/strong\u003e is senior staff worker with Friends International, an experienced mentor and a lay reader. She has previously worked at All Souls, Langham Place and with UCCF.\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Ayrton\u003c\/strong\u003e is an ordained Baptist minister. Formerly a staff worker with UCCF, he is now involved in a member care role with Interserve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelinda Hendry\u003c\/strong\u003e is Ministry Development Lead at Living Leadership, working particularly with women in ministry for their spiritual health and formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSteve Aisthorpe\u003c\/strong\u003e is a leader, facilitator, coach, researcher and author, with extensive experience in education, international development and faith-based organisations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","published_at":"2023-07-19T12:21:54+01:00","created_at":"2023-07-17T17:13:01+01:00","vendor":"Tony Horsfall,","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Christmas","Devotional","Discipleship","For churches","For individuals","Glassboxx","KCLC"],"price":1999,"price_min":1999,"price_max":1999,"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":43664145055935,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391857","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34676486176959,"product_id":7515651047615,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-07-19T11:42:18+01:00","updated_at":"2023-07-19T11:42:19+01:00","alt":null,"width":1843,"height":2764,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/KnowingYou_Jesus.jpg?v=1689763339","variant_ids":[43664145055935]},"available":true,"name":"Knowing You, Jesus: following Jesus through the gospels in a year - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1999,"weight":525,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391857","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":27312105816255,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.667,"height":2764,"width":1843,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/KnowingYou_Jesus.jpg?v=1689763339"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/KnowingYou_Jesus.jpg?v=1689763339"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/KnowingYou_Jesus.jpg?v=1689763339","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27312105816255,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.667,"height":2764,"width":1843,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/KnowingYou_Jesus.jpg?v=1689763339"},"aspect_ratio":0.667,"height":2764,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/KnowingYou_Jesus.jpg?v=1689763339","width":1843}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eInspired by the famous prayer of Richard of Chichester ‘to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly and follow thee more nearly... day by day', this 365-day devotional encourages faith formation and intentional discipleship. Tony Horsfall, Mags Duggan, John Ayrton, Jenny Brown, Melinda Hendry and Steve Aisthorpe present a detailed, chronological exploration of the life of Jesus of Nazareth, drawing from all four gospels. As we immerse ourselves in the gospel story, may we not only understand it better but experience transformation into the likeness of Christ our Saviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• New Christians and those wanting to rediscover or deepen faith \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Those who enjoy using a one-year devotional \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Those who have enjoyed other books by Tony Horsfall and Mags Duggan, and BRF Bible reading notes to which the writers have contributed \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Church leaders recommending resources for Bible weeks\/Bible Sunday \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e• Those mentoring and discipling others\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTony Horsfall\u003c\/strong\u003e is an author and retreat leader with a lifetime’s experience in mentoring others, including church leaders and missionaries, both in Britain and overseas.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00aaff;\"\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: #00aaff;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.charistraining.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ewww.charistraining.co.uk\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMags Duggan\u003c\/strong\u003e is an author, retreat leader, spiritual director and former lecturer.\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJenny Brown\u003c\/strong\u003e is senior staff worker with Friends International, an experienced mentor and a lay reader. She has previously worked at All Souls, Langham Place and with UCCF.\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Ayrton\u003c\/strong\u003e is an ordained Baptist minister. Formerly a staff worker with UCCF, he is now involved in a member care role with Interserve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelinda Hendry\u003c\/strong\u003e is Ministry Development Lead at Living Leadership, working particularly with women in ministry for their spiritual health and formation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSteve Aisthorpe\u003c\/strong\u003e is a leader, facilitator, coach, researcher and author, with extensive experience in education, international development and faith-based organisations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e"}
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Knowing You, Jesus: following Jesus through the gospels in a year
£19.99
Inspired by the famous prayer of Richard of Chichester ‘to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly and follow...
{"id":7693234995391,"title":"Embracing Humanity: A journey towards becoming flesh","handle":"the-brf-advent-book-embracing-humanity","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIsabelle Hamley explores what it meant for God to become flesh and how this enables us to understand what it means to be human. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSeeing humanity in a new light. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-size: 1;\"\u003eGod became flesh at Christmas. But how does God, who created all things, live within the limitations of humanity – limitations that humanity itself often resents and tries to transcend? And what does it truly mean to be human?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAs contemporary society grapples with questions of identity, justice and medical ethics, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEmbracing Humanity\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e deftly explores how different aspects of being human are both inhabited and transformed in the incarnation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThrough the lens of Advent and Christmas, Isabelle Hamley guides us through daily reflections and prayers, encouraging us to meditate on being human in the light of God's choice to reach out to us in Jesus.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eIsabelle Hamley is a theologian, writer and broadcaster currently working as principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge. She was previously the theological adviser to the House of Bishops in the Church of England and chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury. She has also worked as a probation officer, lecturer, parish priest and university chaplain.\u003cbr style=\"mso-special-character: line-break;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReviews \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTransforming Ministry online 07.11.24. Review by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe BRF Advent Book for 2024, sub-titled ‘A journey towards becoming flesh’, is divided into days, covering the Advent period up to Christmas. The material for each day consists of a Bible passage, commentary, some ideas for reflection and a prayer. In addition, at the back of the book, there are suggestions for group study, handily divided into four sections, suitable for the four weeks of Advent. The commentary is both challenging and approachable. Isabelle Hamley focuses throughout on the amazing gift God gave to the world: Jesus becoming flesh and so taking upon himself all the dangers and the joys which living as a human being involves. Each day is an examination of the way God chose and embraced the human world, shown through the human birth and life of his Son. The passages and commentary explore themes such as loneliness and relationship, lament and hope, bodily resurrection, human uniqueness and limitations, to name but a few. What is clear throughout is that salvation comes by embracing humanity – hence the title – not by trying to renounce it. One delightful touch, reminding us of this humanity, is the fingerprint which appears on the front cover and at many points in the text. I heartily recommend this book as a useful and thought-provoking preparation for Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChurch Times 25.10.24. Review by Mike Starkey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThere is a nice touch on the cover of this Advent book from the Principal of the theological college Ridley Hall, Cambridge. In a starry Christmas sky above a snowy landscape, what first appears to be a moon turns out to be a human fingerprint. The fingerprint motif is continued in each of the daily Advent readings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley wryly reflects in her introduction that she is writing a book on God made flesh in an era when humans seem more eager than ever to escape the flesh. Virtual reality and a growing range of options for bodily modification allow us to change our given flesh. They even hold out the hope of casting off its limitations altogether.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley offers a Bible reading, reflection, questions for discussion, and a prayer for each day in Advent. At the end of the book are suggestions for group study. A core theme is the vigorous earthiness of the biblical hope. The Good News is for the whole person; the vision of eternity is bodily resurrection; in Hebrew thought, you don’t “have” a body: you are a body. Matter matters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eOther themes explored include contemporary loneliness and relationality; human fragility in an anxious culture; human limitations and localities; lament and hope; the Covid pandemic and the fear of death; violence and oppression; home and global migration. The author asks the reader to reflect on what it means for faith and spirituality not to somehow hover above the solidity of the world, but to be firmly rooted in places and bodies. God brings salvation not by removing us from our humanity, but by entering it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley’s real gift in this book is an intelligent pulling together of classic Advent biblical themes with contemporary cultural themes and references touching on human embodiment. It is a wonderful little book, in more senses than one.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe Revd Mike Starkey is a London-based writer, and former Head of Church Growth for the diocese of Manchester.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether Magazine September 2024. Advent round up by Daryl Wearring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHow does God, who created all things come down to earth to live within the limitations of the humanity he created? In this new BRF Ministries Advent book for 2024 Isabelle Hamley guides through daily reflections and prayers, encouraging us to meditate on being human in the light of God’s choice to reach out to us in Jesu – God with us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-03-27T14:04:23+00:00","created_at":"2024-03-27T14:04:23+00:00","vendor":"Isabelle Hamley","type":"Paperback","tags":["2024","Advent","Devotional","Discipleship","For individuals","Glassboxx","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":42974063165631,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392267","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35696150446271,"product_id":7693234995391,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-03-27T14:06:03+00:00","updated_at":"2024-03-27T14:06:05+00:00","alt":null,"width":1535,"height":2339,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EmbracingHumanity.jpg?v=1711548365","variant_ids":[42974063165631]},"available":true,"name":"Embracing Humanity: A journey towards becoming flesh - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":180,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392267","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28439718068415,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EmbracingHumanity.jpg?v=1711548365"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EmbracingHumanity.jpg?v=1711548365"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EmbracingHumanity.jpg?v=1711548365","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":28439718068415,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EmbracingHumanity.jpg?v=1711548365"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EmbracingHumanity.jpg?v=1711548365","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIsabelle Hamley explores what it meant for God to become flesh and how this enables us to understand what it means to be human. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSeeing humanity in a new light. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-size: 1;\"\u003eGod became flesh at Christmas. But how does God, who created all things, live within the limitations of humanity – limitations that humanity itself often resents and tries to transcend? And what does it truly mean to be human?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAs contemporary society grapples with questions of identity, justice and medical ethics, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEmbracing Humanity\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e deftly explores how different aspects of being human are both inhabited and transformed in the incarnation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThrough the lens of Advent and Christmas, Isabelle Hamley guides us through daily reflections and prayers, encouraging us to meditate on being human in the light of God's choice to reach out to us in Jesus.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eIsabelle Hamley is a theologian, writer and broadcaster currently working as principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge. She was previously the theological adviser to the House of Bishops in the Church of England and chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury. She has also worked as a probation officer, lecturer, parish priest and university chaplain.\u003cbr style=\"mso-special-character: line-break;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReviews \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTransforming Ministry online 07.11.24. Review by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe BRF Advent Book for 2024, sub-titled ‘A journey towards becoming flesh’, is divided into days, covering the Advent period up to Christmas. The material for each day consists of a Bible passage, commentary, some ideas for reflection and a prayer. In addition, at the back of the book, there are suggestions for group study, handily divided into four sections, suitable for the four weeks of Advent. The commentary is both challenging and approachable. Isabelle Hamley focuses throughout on the amazing gift God gave to the world: Jesus becoming flesh and so taking upon himself all the dangers and the joys which living as a human being involves. Each day is an examination of the way God chose and embraced the human world, shown through the human birth and life of his Son. The passages and commentary explore themes such as loneliness and relationship, lament and hope, bodily resurrection, human uniqueness and limitations, to name but a few. What is clear throughout is that salvation comes by embracing humanity – hence the title – not by trying to renounce it. One delightful touch, reminding us of this humanity, is the fingerprint which appears on the front cover and at many points in the text. I heartily recommend this book as a useful and thought-provoking preparation for Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChurch Times 25.10.24. Review by Mike Starkey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThere is a nice touch on the cover of this Advent book from the Principal of the theological college Ridley Hall, Cambridge. In a starry Christmas sky above a snowy landscape, what first appears to be a moon turns out to be a human fingerprint. The fingerprint motif is continued in each of the daily Advent readings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley wryly reflects in her introduction that she is writing a book on God made flesh in an era when humans seem more eager than ever to escape the flesh. Virtual reality and a growing range of options for bodily modification allow us to change our given flesh. They even hold out the hope of casting off its limitations altogether.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley offers a Bible reading, reflection, questions for discussion, and a prayer for each day in Advent. At the end of the book are suggestions for group study. A core theme is the vigorous earthiness of the biblical hope. The Good News is for the whole person; the vision of eternity is bodily resurrection; in Hebrew thought, you don’t “have” a body: you are a body. Matter matters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eOther themes explored include contemporary loneliness and relationality; human fragility in an anxious culture; human limitations and localities; lament and hope; the Covid pandemic and the fear of death; violence and oppression; home and global migration. The author asks the reader to reflect on what it means for faith and spirituality not to somehow hover above the solidity of the world, but to be firmly rooted in places and bodies. God brings salvation not by removing us from our humanity, but by entering it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley’s real gift in this book is an intelligent pulling together of classic Advent biblical themes with contemporary cultural themes and references touching on human embodiment. It is a wonderful little book, in more senses than one.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe Revd Mike Starkey is a London-based writer, and former Head of Church Growth for the diocese of Manchester.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether Magazine September 2024. Advent round up by Daryl Wearring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHow does God, who created all things come down to earth to live within the limitations of the humanity he created? In this new BRF Ministries Advent book for 2024 Isabelle Hamley guides through daily reflections and prayers, encouraging us to meditate on being human in the light of God’s choice to reach out to us in Jesu – God with us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Embracing Humanity: A journey towards becoming flesh
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{"id":7704534581439,"title":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Christian basics made messy","handle":"get-messy-volume-2","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGet Messy! Volume 2 contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches. This volume takes you through the basic themes of Christianity including: Who is God? Who is Jesus? Who is the Holy Spirit? (Pentecost). Other key Christian festivals include: Christmas – God entering the world as Jesus – and Easter – exploring Jesus’ last supper before his death and resurrection and why Christians celebrate communion. The material also covers God’s best ways of living, demonstrated through Jesus’ life; a challenge to follow Jesus and trust God with a new direction; and exploring following and belonging to Jesus through baptism.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Other than the key Christian festivals Christmas, Easter and Pentecost, the sessions are standalone and can be done in any order. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Churches who wish to dig deeper into discipleship between Messy Church gatherings might like to try a complementary resource, Messy Basics, a discipleship course exploring what Christians believe through faith-based conversations in all-age groups. Messy Basics is available as a download only.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7S-CllEPkeI?si=nQI2uK9F8eHeaurD\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" class=\"row avoid-break\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" class=\"col\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" id=\"productCardContributors\" class=\"card\" date-options=\"[object Object]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card-body\"\u003e\n\u003cdl class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdd class=\"col-sm-10\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAike leads the BRF Ministries Messy Church team, supporting the Messy Church network both nationally and internationally, through writing, speaking, training, developing resources and projects. Aike’s Messy Church journey started in 2010, as a volunteer leader, then a paid Messy Church pioneer in her local church, before taking up a regional role for Southwark Diocese in 2017. Currently she’s involved with a Messy Church Goes Wild in Greenwich, London.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/dl\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","published_at":"2024-04-02T12:12:36+01:00","created_at":"2024-04-02T12:12:36+01:00","vendor":"Aike Kennett-Brown","type":"Paperback","tags":["2024","Children and family ministry","Collective worship","Discipleship","For churches","Get Messy!","KCLC","Messy Church","Messy Church books"],"price":1699,"price_min":1699,"price_max":1699,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":43420906520767,"title":"Print","option1":"Print","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392878","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35961304613055,"product_id":7704534581439,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-04-29T17:24:14+01:00","updated_at":"2024-04-29T17:24:16+01:00","alt":null,"width":2480,"height":3508,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856","variant_ids":[43420906520767]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! Volume 2 - Christian basics made messy - Print","public_title":"Print","options":["Print"],"price":1699,"weight":240,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392878","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28729832603839,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"width":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":28729832603839,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"width":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/GetMessy_Volume2.jpg?v=1714407856","width":2480}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGet Messy! Volume 2 contains twelve session outlines for Messy Churches. This volume takes you through the basic themes of Christianity including: Who is God? Who is Jesus? Who is the Holy Spirit? (Pentecost). Other key Christian festivals include: Christmas – God entering the world as Jesus – and Easter – exploring Jesus’ last supper before his death and resurrection and why Christians celebrate communion. The material also covers God’s best ways of living, demonstrated through Jesus’ life; a challenge to follow Jesus and trust God with a new direction; and exploring following and belonging to Jesus through baptism.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Other than the key Christian festivals Christmas, Easter and Pentecost, the sessions are standalone and can be done in any order. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Churches who wish to dig deeper into discipleship between Messy Church gatherings might like to try a complementary resource, Messy Basics, a discipleship course exploring what Christians believe through faith-based conversations in all-age groups. Messy Basics is available as a download only.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7S-CllEPkeI?si=nQI2uK9F8eHeaurD\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" class=\"row avoid-break\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" class=\"col\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" id=\"productCardContributors\" class=\"card\" date-options=\"[object Object]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card-body\"\u003e\n\u003cdl class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdd class=\"col-sm-10\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAike leads the BRF Ministries Messy Church team, supporting the Messy Church network both nationally and internationally, through writing, speaking, training, developing resources and projects. Aike’s Messy Church journey started in 2010, as a volunteer leader, then a paid Messy Church pioneer in her local church, before taking up a regional role for Southwark Diocese in 2017. Currently she’s involved with a Messy Church Goes Wild in Greenwich, London.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/dl\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e"}
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Get Messy! Volume 2 - Christian basics made messy
£16.99
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{"id":7820826083519,"title":"Messy Basics: Christian Basics Made Messy","handle":"messy-basics-christian-basics-made-messy","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMessy Basics is a discipleship course with Messy Church in mind. For groups young, old and anywhere in between, it comprises twelve sessions helping people to: explore who God is and what Christians believe God is like; dive into the life and claims of Jesus; consider the role and place of the Holy Spirit; and discover how God cares for us all and how faith impacts everyday life. It’s an ideal way to introduce people to the basics of Christian faith but also to ground believers (whether just out of the starting blocks or seasoned sages) in the truths of the gospel. It works well for baptism preparation, a family devotional time or any intergenerational group. Messy Basics complements the session material in Get Messy! Volume 2 so that the same topic can be explored between Messy Church gatherings but using different Bible passages, or it can be used on its own. \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable in PDF Digital Download only.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7S-CllEPkeI?si=nQI2uK9F8eHeaurD\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 20px; float: right;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Aike_Kennett-Brown.jpg?v=1677509845\" width=\"342\" height=\"342\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAike leads the BRF Ministries Messy Church team, supporting the Messy Church network both nationally and internationally, through writing, speaking, training, developing resources and projects. Aike’s Messy Church journey started in 2010, as a volunteer leader, then a paid Messy Church pioneer in her local church, before taking up a regional role for Southwark Diocese in 2017. Currently she’s involved with a Messy Church Goes Wild in Greenwich, London.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-09-10T09:32:50+01:00","created_at":"2024-05-10T12:12:56+01:00","vendor":"Messy Church","type":"Digital Download PDF","tags":["2024","Courses","Discipleship","For churches","Glassboxx","Leadership","Messy Church","Messy Church books","Messy Church Courses","PDF"],"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":43664495116479,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800393721","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":36212511735999,"product_id":7820826083519,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-06-07T15:12:57+01:00","updated_at":"2024-06-07T15:12:59+01:00","alt":null,"width":1414,"height":2000,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Messybasicspdf.png?v=1717769579","variant_ids":[43664495116479]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Basics: Christian Basics Made Messy - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":999,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800393721","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28995715104959,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":2000,"width":1414,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Messybasicspdf.png?v=1717769579"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Messybasicspdf.png?v=1717769579"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Messybasicspdf.png?v=1717769579","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":28995715104959,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":2000,"width":1414,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Messybasicspdf.png?v=1717769579"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Messybasicspdf.png?v=1717769579","width":1414}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMessy Basics is a discipleship course with Messy Church in mind. For groups young, old and anywhere in between, it comprises twelve sessions helping people to: explore who God is and what Christians believe God is like; dive into the life and claims of Jesus; consider the role and place of the Holy Spirit; and discover how God cares for us all and how faith impacts everyday life. It’s an ideal way to introduce people to the basics of Christian faith but also to ground believers (whether just out of the starting blocks or seasoned sages) in the truths of the gospel. It works well for baptism preparation, a family devotional time or any intergenerational group. Messy Basics complements the session material in Get Messy! Volume 2 so that the same topic can be explored between Messy Church gatherings but using different Bible passages, or it can be used on its own. \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable in PDF Digital Download only.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7S-CllEPkeI?si=nQI2uK9F8eHeaurD\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 20px; float: right;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Aike_Kennett-Brown.jpg?v=1677509845\" width=\"342\" height=\"342\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAike leads the BRF Ministries Messy Church team, supporting the Messy Church network both nationally and internationally, through writing, speaking, training, developing resources and projects. Aike’s Messy Church journey started in 2010, as a volunteer leader, then a paid Messy Church pioneer in her local church, before taking up a regional role for Southwark Diocese in 2017. Currently she’s involved with a Messy Church Goes Wild in Greenwich, London.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Messy Basics: Christian Basics Made Messy
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Messy Basics is a discipleship course with Messy Church in mind. For groups young, old and anywhere in between, it...
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A new direction","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394056","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":36212516257983,"product_id":7869798940863,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-06-07T15:14:12+01:00","updated_at":"2024-06-07T15:14:13+01:00","alt":null,"width":1414,"height":2000,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MessyBasicsIndividualSessions.png?v=1717769653","variant_ids":[43418804158655,43418804191423,43418804224191,43418804256959,43418804289727,43418804322495,43418804355263,43418804388031,43418804420799,43418804453567,43418804486335,43418804519103]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Basics: Christian Basics Made Messy Individual Sessions - Messy Basics: 12. Can I trust God? A new direction","public_title":"Messy Basics: 12. Can I trust God? A new direction","options":["Messy Basics: 12. Can I trust God? A new direction"],"price":199,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394056","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28995719889087,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":2000,"width":1414,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MessyBasicsIndividualSessions.png?v=1717769653"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MessyBasicsIndividualSessions.png?v=1717769653"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MessyBasicsIndividualSessions.png?v=1717769653","options":["Session Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":28995719889087,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":2000,"width":1414,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MessyBasicsIndividualSessions.png?v=1717769653"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/MessyBasicsIndividualSessions.png?v=1717769653","width":1414}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMessy Basics is a discipleship course with Messy Church in mind. For groups young, old and anywhere in between, it comprises twelve sessions helping people to: explore who God is and what Christians believe God is like; dive into the life and claims of Jesus; consider the role and place of the Holy Spirit; and discover how God cares for us all and how faith impacts everyday life. It’s an ideal way to introduce people to the basics of Christian faith but also to ground believers (whether just out of the starting blocks or seasoned sages) in the truths of the gospel. It works well for baptism preparation, a family devotional time or any intergenerational group. Messy Basics complements the session material in Get Messy! Volume 2 so that the same topic can be explored between Messy Church gatherings but using different Bible passages, or it can be used on its own. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable in PDF Digital Download only.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg height=\"342\" width=\"342\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Aike_Kennett-Brown.jpg?v=1677509845\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 20px; float: right;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAike leads the BRF Ministries Messy Church team, supporting the Messy Church network both nationally and internationally, through writing, speaking, training, developing resources and projects. Aike’s Messy Church journey started in 2010, as a volunteer leader, then a paid Messy Church pioneer in her local church, before taking up a regional role for Southwark Diocese in 2017. Currently she’s involved with a Messy Church Goes Wild in Greenwich, London.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Messy Basics: Christian Basics Made Messy Individual Sessions
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Messy Basics is a discipleship course with Messy Church in mind. For groups young, old and anywhere in between, it...
{"id":7909747556543,"title":"The Poetry of Pilgrimage: Reflections on Celtic Pilgrimage sites in Ireland and Britain","handle":"the-poetry-of-pilgrimage","description":"\u003cp\u003eDrawing from his experience of co-leading pilgrimages in Britain and Ireland, Michael Mitton captures the essence of 23 significant pilgrimage sites for anyone from experienced pilgrims to armchair pilgrims. Each chapter outlines the story of the Celtic saint who founded the site, together with information about the location, a poem inspired by the author’s experience of that place, a reflective question, a suggested Bible reading and a photo of the site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Mitton is an Anglican priest and canon emeritus of Derby Cathedral. He currently works freelance as a spiritual director, speaker and writer, and is the author of nine non-fiction books and five novels, including Restoring the Woven Cord (BRF, 2019 third edition). Website: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.michaelmitton.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttp:\/\/www.michaelmitton.co.uk\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Michael’s poems bring us fresh but timeless riches for our spiritual journeys,\u003cbr\u003ewherever they may be. Drink deeply from this holy well of divine grace.’\u003cbr\u003eGraham Booth, former Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘Michael Mitton has left an indelible mark on my life; he was a voice of courage\u003cbr\u003eas I embarked on my own missionary journey to Cornwall. His book brings to\u003cbr\u003elife the characters whose faith shaped the British Isles; they are much needed\u003cbr\u003ecompanions for the church, to rekindle faith and stir courage.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Revd Anna Mason-Hyde, church leader of St Gregory’s in Cornwall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘As one of many on pilgrimage with Michael, who is both bard and spiritual director,\u003cbr\u003eI have beheld the wild Spirit of God ignite our pilgrim band at these sites and\u003cbr\u003ebirth fresh encounters with the Presence of the living God. May you find such\u003cbr\u003eportals leading deep into God’s heart through Michael’s visionary poetry and\u003cbr\u003eyour own reflections.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Revd Dr Sandi Kerner, canon for prayer and healing, Cathedral Church of\u003cbr\u003eSt Luke and St Paul and for the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘This is a book whose simple and heartfelt words will gather you – you with your\u003cbr\u003efear and failings, joys and dreams – and lift you to fly with the Wild Goose who\u003cbr\u003eseeks you.’\u003cbr\u003ePenny Warren, members’ Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘[The poems] are beautifully crafted… they are soulful, spiritual and carry a depth\u003cbr\u003eand a yearning. They bring to life in a wonderful way the lives of Celtic saints\u003cbr\u003eand their mystical longings. They reverberate like prayers. I am drawn back to\u003cbr\u003ethem again and again.’\u003cbr\u003eJonny Baker, Britain hub mission director for Church Mission Society\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Michael Mitton brings us face to face with spiritual yet human Celtic characters\u003cbr\u003eand transports us to places made holy by their lives. He relates recent spiritual\u003cbr\u003eencounters in these thin places and gives us poems and thought-provoking\u003cbr\u003equestions to extend our dwelling there. It’s a book to treasure and read slowly –\u003cbr\u003ea saint at a time.’\u003cbr\u003eGeorge Lings retired researcher and author of Seven Sacred Spaces and Reproducing\u003cbr\u003eChurches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘I have admired Michael Mitton’s poetry ever since I first heard him read one of\u003cbr\u003ehis works during a pilgrimage in Ireland. His words resonated with us, capturing\u003cbr\u003eand amplifying the encounters with the Holy Spirit that we were experiencing.\u003cbr\u003eReading The Poetry of Pilgrimage reignites that same sense of wonder and abandon,\u003cbr\u003einspiring me to follow Jesus more fervently. These poems offer readers\u003cbr\u003eencouragement and strength to persevere through the wild and unknown of\u003cbr\u003etheir own spiritual journeys.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Rt Revd Ron Dent Kuykendall PhD, rector of St Andrew’s Gainesville,\u003cbr\u003eFlorida, and executive chaplain to the national director and chaplain to the\u003cbr\u003eboard for the International Order of St Luke the Physician\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘The poetry and prose that you will find in these pages will transport you into\u003cbr\u003ethe lives of many Celtic saints in their places, and you will be drawn into the\u003cbr\u003eDivine Spirit that they each embodied through Michael’s directed reflection and\u003cbr\u003escripture readings. The pictures and stories he adds to the poems complete this\u003cbr\u003ebeautiful piece of literature which adds to the centuries old Celtic tradition of\u003cbr\u003esharing poem and story and song.’\u003cbr\u003eDavid Cassian Cole, author of Celtic Saints, The Celtic Year and The Art of Peace:\u003cbr\u003eLife lessons from Christian mystics\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Summer 2025. Review by Laura Hillman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAs well as being an established writer, the author is an experienced leader of pilgrimages to the Celtic fringes of our land. In this compact guide he packs in a vast amount of information about the saints of the early church together with practical hints for visiting the places where they lived and worked in Britain and Ireland. Some, like St David of Wales or St Columba of Iona, are well known; others less so. I had not previously heard of Sennach of Illauntannig or Seiriol of Penmon, among others. Many of them lived on small islands accessible only by boat and restricted by tides or poor weather. Each chapter starts with the story of the saint’s life followed by information about the location and the author’s recollections of visits to the site and its effect on the pilgrims. Thoughts for reflection, a Bible reading, a black and white photo and an original poem are included in each case. The armchair traveller will find inspiration, and those active enough may be motivated to visit some of the places featured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillman \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times online 07.12.24. Review by Trevor Stammers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMy review copy of these self-confessed ‘imaginations of a romantic’ (p 158) of an author was the third edition, so they have clearly already inspired many previous readers – as they have now me – to visit some of the sites associates with Celtic saints in Ireland and Britain or perhaps even to go on a pilgrimage to one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMichael Mitton together with his friend and fellow-pilgrim Russ Parker have led dozens of such pilgrimages over many years and this book captures the essence of 23 sacred sites for experienced pilgrims to armchair pilgrims.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eI suspect quite a few of the latter with turn into the former after reading it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eTwenty-two Celtic saints are considered, Columba having two entries and all but three of them (Aebbe of Coldingham, Brigid of Kildare and Non of Dyfed) are men. This imbalance reflects the times about which the author is writing but the fact that they are included reflects the author's obvious awareness that all people and indeed all creatures are precious to the One who created them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eSensing the ‘dancing and swirling ripples’ on a river as a ‘sign of the Holy Spirit moving over the face of the waters’ (p165) may sound fanciful to readers of a more rational\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003emindset, but certainly gives the flavour of the book’s approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eFor each sacred site considered, there is a brief story of the saint’s life associated with it followed by a usually slightly longer account of the location and things that have happened there to those on pilgrimages led by the author.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eA poem, questions for reflection and an aptly and occasionally artfully (in both senses) chosen Bible passage, complete each chapter together with a photograph. Though the author is rather self-deprecating about his poetic skills, they were for me the most delightful part of the book and conjured up the sense of place and something of what it might be like to be on such a pilgrimage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eEach poem ends with a prayer that a particular characteristic of the saint concerned would also grow in the reader’s life also. Seven of these poetic prayer-endings mention the name of the saint concerned. I have chosen for brevity two of the shortest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eDear God, open the vents of heaven\u003cbr\u003ethat I may catch my breath at your wonders.\u003cbr\u003eFill me, that I may breathe upon the dimly burning wicks\u003cbr\u003eand the fragile fires burning in the hearts\u003cbr\u003eof your children in this beloved and yet wounded world\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eand let the compassion of Brigid\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ebe as a fire in the temple of my soul.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eLord grant to me a Cwyfan heart\u003cbr\u003ethat I may build homes of open hearts\u003cbr\u003eon the wild and shifting edges of this world,\u003cbr\u003eand trust in your unfailing love,\u003cbr\u003esturdy as a rock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eIf these catch the wind of the Spirit in your sails, you will definitely enjoy the book. Even if they don’t but you would like more information about some of the places of pilgrimage in Britain and Ireland, and a feel for how pilgrims have been affected by them, then it’s also worth a look.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eI am keeping my review copy for reference on my own travels and feel Lindisfarne beckoning one day….\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Jonny Baker's \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/jonnybaker.blogs.com\/\"\u003eblog\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMichael Mitton has a new book out - The Poetry of Pilgrimage. Together with Russ Parker he has led pilgrimages around the British Isles to sites of Celtic saints. I had the pleasure to go with a group of pioneers on one to Ireland many years back which was wonderful. The book is a square format, and for each of the 23 Celtic saints has a photograph, story, description of location, a poem and some questions for reflection. When I went on the pilgrimage to Ireland Michael wrote and read a couple of the poems. It's obviously a great book if you are visiting any of those sites but equally is a lovely book for reflection anyway. The Celtic stories are always inspiring and resonate with pioneers in my experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Jonny Baker\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Methodist Recorder 01.11.24. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by David Gleed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMichael Mitton’s The Poetry of Pilgrimage is a lovely book of some 23 short chapters and while poetry is the focus, the well written location narrative that opens each new chapter provides a perfect setting for the verse that follows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eI have visited a number of the places included in the book and found myself instantly transported back to those windswept coastlines and distant islands, where the Celtic saints of old eked out a living and founded communities that lived the Gospel message and carried it far and wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe author is very much a story-teller in verse. His poems create a picture and tell the story in an accessible, page-turning manner that holds the attention and fires the imagination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eTaking in a selection of Celtic Christian pilgrimage sites across Ireland and Britain, the book has an easy-to-follow format, with chapters divided into a common sequence; information about the saint and the location, poem with prayer, reflection with Bible reading. A photograph concludes the chapter — there’s something about black and white photographs that add another layer of intrigue, I find. It happens here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003ePoetry resonates with many of those who travel The Way: prayer, reflection and poetry provide a rhythm around which to journey. Michael’s book captures this mood and the rhythm. It will prove a ready companion for both the armchair pilgrim and pilgrim on the road.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThrough narrative and verse the scene magically unfolds before you. Whether it’s a first time visit or a return journey, through the author’s pen and lens, you will know the place and perhaps, almost certainly sense a renewal of spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe backstory to this book is also of interest. Michael co-led pilgrimages with colleague Russ Parker for years (and still does), writing poetry as he walked and then reading the day’s composition to the assembled group in the evening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMany encouraged him to publish. Enjoy the read … I have a feeling you will!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by David Gleed\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-07-12T17:48:43+01:00","created_at":"2024-07-12T17:48:43+01:00","vendor":"Michael Mitton","type":"Paperback","tags":["2024","Celtic Christianity","Glassboxx","KCLC","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":43664489414847,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800393219","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":36458043736255,"product_id":7909747556543,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-07-12T17:50:25+01:00","updated_at":"2024-07-12T17:50:27+01:00","alt":null,"width":1831,"height":1949,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/PoetryofPilgrimage.jpg?v=1720803027","variant_ids":[43664489414847]},"available":true,"name":"The Poetry of Pilgrimage: Reflections on Celtic Pilgrimage sites in Ireland and Britain - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1299,"weight":270,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800393219","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":29233447174335,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.939,"height":1949,"width":1831,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/PoetryofPilgrimage.jpg?v=1720803027"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/PoetryofPilgrimage.jpg?v=1720803027"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/PoetryofPilgrimage.jpg?v=1720803027","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":29233447174335,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.939,"height":1949,"width":1831,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/PoetryofPilgrimage.jpg?v=1720803027"},"aspect_ratio":0.939,"height":1949,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/PoetryofPilgrimage.jpg?v=1720803027","width":1831}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eDrawing from his experience of co-leading pilgrimages in Britain and Ireland, Michael Mitton captures the essence of 23 significant pilgrimage sites for anyone from experienced pilgrims to armchair pilgrims. Each chapter outlines the story of the Celtic saint who founded the site, together with information about the location, a poem inspired by the author’s experience of that place, a reflective question, a suggested Bible reading and a photo of the site.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMichael Mitton is an Anglican priest and canon emeritus of Derby Cathedral. He currently works freelance as a spiritual director, speaker and writer, and is the author of nine non-fiction books and five novels, including Restoring the Woven Cord (BRF, 2019 third edition). Website: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.michaelmitton.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttp:\/\/www.michaelmitton.co.uk\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Michael’s poems bring us fresh but timeless riches for our spiritual journeys,\u003cbr\u003ewherever they may be. Drink deeply from this holy well of divine grace.’\u003cbr\u003eGraham Booth, former Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘Michael Mitton has left an indelible mark on my life; he was a voice of courage\u003cbr\u003eas I embarked on my own missionary journey to Cornwall. His book brings to\u003cbr\u003elife the characters whose faith shaped the British Isles; they are much needed\u003cbr\u003ecompanions for the church, to rekindle faith and stir courage.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Revd Anna Mason-Hyde, church leader of St Gregory’s in Cornwall\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘As one of many on pilgrimage with Michael, who is both bard and spiritual director,\u003cbr\u003eI have beheld the wild Spirit of God ignite our pilgrim band at these sites and\u003cbr\u003ebirth fresh encounters with the Presence of the living God. May you find such\u003cbr\u003eportals leading deep into God’s heart through Michael’s visionary poetry and\u003cbr\u003eyour own reflections.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Revd Dr Sandi Kerner, canon for prayer and healing, Cathedral Church of\u003cbr\u003eSt Luke and St Paul and for the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘This is a book whose simple and heartfelt words will gather you – you with your\u003cbr\u003efear and failings, joys and dreams – and lift you to fly with the Wild Goose who\u003cbr\u003eseeks you.’\u003cbr\u003ePenny Warren, members’ Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘[The poems] are beautifully crafted… they are soulful, spiritual and carry a depth\u003cbr\u003eand a yearning. They bring to life in a wonderful way the lives of Celtic saints\u003cbr\u003eand their mystical longings. They reverberate like prayers. I am drawn back to\u003cbr\u003ethem again and again.’\u003cbr\u003eJonny Baker, Britain hub mission director for Church Mission Society\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Michael Mitton brings us face to face with spiritual yet human Celtic characters\u003cbr\u003eand transports us to places made holy by their lives. He relates recent spiritual\u003cbr\u003eencounters in these thin places and gives us poems and thought-provoking\u003cbr\u003equestions to extend our dwelling there. It’s a book to treasure and read slowly –\u003cbr\u003ea saint at a time.’\u003cbr\u003eGeorge Lings retired researcher and author of Seven Sacred Spaces and Reproducing\u003cbr\u003eChurches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘I have admired Michael Mitton’s poetry ever since I first heard him read one of\u003cbr\u003ehis works during a pilgrimage in Ireland. His words resonated with us, capturing\u003cbr\u003eand amplifying the encounters with the Holy Spirit that we were experiencing.\u003cbr\u003eReading The Poetry of Pilgrimage reignites that same sense of wonder and abandon,\u003cbr\u003einspiring me to follow Jesus more fervently. These poems offer readers\u003cbr\u003eencouragement and strength to persevere through the wild and unknown of\u003cbr\u003etheir own spiritual journeys.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Rt Revd Ron Dent Kuykendall PhD, rector of St Andrew’s Gainesville,\u003cbr\u003eFlorida, and executive chaplain to the national director and chaplain to the\u003cbr\u003eboard for the International Order of St Luke the Physician\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘The poetry and prose that you will find in these pages will transport you into\u003cbr\u003ethe lives of many Celtic saints in their places, and you will be drawn into the\u003cbr\u003eDivine Spirit that they each embodied through Michael’s directed reflection and\u003cbr\u003escripture readings. The pictures and stories he adds to the poems complete this\u003cbr\u003ebeautiful piece of literature which adds to the centuries old Celtic tradition of\u003cbr\u003esharing poem and story and song.’\u003cbr\u003eDavid Cassian Cole, author of Celtic Saints, The Celtic Year and The Art of Peace:\u003cbr\u003eLife lessons from Christian mystics\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Summer 2025. Review by Laura Hillman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAs well as being an established writer, the author is an experienced leader of pilgrimages to the Celtic fringes of our land. In this compact guide he packs in a vast amount of information about the saints of the early church together with practical hints for visiting the places where they lived and worked in Britain and Ireland. Some, like St David of Wales or St Columba of Iona, are well known; others less so. I had not previously heard of Sennach of Illauntannig or Seiriol of Penmon, among others. Many of them lived on small islands accessible only by boat and restricted by tides or poor weather. Each chapter starts with the story of the saint’s life followed by information about the location and the author’s recollections of visits to the site and its effect on the pilgrims. Thoughts for reflection, a Bible reading, a black and white photo and an original poem are included in each case. The armchair traveller will find inspiration, and those active enough may be motivated to visit some of the places featured.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillman \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times online 07.12.24. Review by Trevor Stammers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMy review copy of these self-confessed ‘imaginations of a romantic’ (p 158) of an author was the third edition, so they have clearly already inspired many previous readers – as they have now me – to visit some of the sites associates with Celtic saints in Ireland and Britain or perhaps even to go on a pilgrimage to one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMichael Mitton together with his friend and fellow-pilgrim Russ Parker have led dozens of such pilgrimages over many years and this book captures the essence of 23 sacred sites for experienced pilgrims to armchair pilgrims.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eI suspect quite a few of the latter with turn into the former after reading it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eTwenty-two Celtic saints are considered, Columba having two entries and all but three of them (Aebbe of Coldingham, Brigid of Kildare and Non of Dyfed) are men. This imbalance reflects the times about which the author is writing but the fact that they are included reflects the author's obvious awareness that all people and indeed all creatures are precious to the One who created them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eSensing the ‘dancing and swirling ripples’ on a river as a ‘sign of the Holy Spirit moving over the face of the waters’ (p165) may sound fanciful to readers of a more rational\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003emindset, but certainly gives the flavour of the book’s approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eFor each sacred site considered, there is a brief story of the saint’s life associated with it followed by a usually slightly longer account of the location and things that have happened there to those on pilgrimages led by the author.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eA poem, questions for reflection and an aptly and occasionally artfully (in both senses) chosen Bible passage, complete each chapter together with a photograph. Though the author is rather self-deprecating about his poetic skills, they were for me the most delightful part of the book and conjured up the sense of place and something of what it might be like to be on such a pilgrimage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eEach poem ends with a prayer that a particular characteristic of the saint concerned would also grow in the reader’s life also. Seven of these poetic prayer-endings mention the name of the saint concerned. I have chosen for brevity two of the shortest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eDear God, open the vents of heaven\u003cbr\u003ethat I may catch my breath at your wonders.\u003cbr\u003eFill me, that I may breathe upon the dimly burning wicks\u003cbr\u003eand the fragile fires burning in the hearts\u003cbr\u003eof your children in this beloved and yet wounded world\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eand let the compassion of Brigid\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ebe as a fire in the temple of my soul.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eLord grant to me a Cwyfan heart\u003cbr\u003ethat I may build homes of open hearts\u003cbr\u003eon the wild and shifting edges of this world,\u003cbr\u003eand trust in your unfailing love,\u003cbr\u003esturdy as a rock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eIf these catch the wind of the Spirit in your sails, you will definitely enjoy the book. Even if they don’t but you would like more information about some of the places of pilgrimage in Britain and Ireland, and a feel for how pilgrims have been affected by them, then it’s also worth a look.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eI am keeping my review copy for reference on my own travels and feel Lindisfarne beckoning one day….\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Jonny Baker's \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/jonnybaker.blogs.com\/\"\u003eblog\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMichael Mitton has a new book out - The Poetry of Pilgrimage. Together with Russ Parker he has led pilgrimages around the British Isles to sites of Celtic saints. I had the pleasure to go with a group of pioneers on one to Ireland many years back which was wonderful. The book is a square format, and for each of the 23 Celtic saints has a photograph, story, description of location, a poem and some questions for reflection. When I went on the pilgrimage to Ireland Michael wrote and read a couple of the poems. It's obviously a great book if you are visiting any of those sites but equally is a lovely book for reflection anyway. The Celtic stories are always inspiring and resonate with pioneers in my experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Jonny Baker\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Methodist Recorder 01.11.24. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by David Gleed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMichael Mitton’s The Poetry of Pilgrimage is a lovely book of some 23 short chapters and while poetry is the focus, the well written location narrative that opens each new chapter provides a perfect setting for the verse that follows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eI have visited a number of the places included in the book and found myself instantly transported back to those windswept coastlines and distant islands, where the Celtic saints of old eked out a living and founded communities that lived the Gospel message and carried it far and wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe author is very much a story-teller in verse. His poems create a picture and tell the story in an accessible, page-turning manner that holds the attention and fires the imagination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eTaking in a selection of Celtic Christian pilgrimage sites across Ireland and Britain, the book has an easy-to-follow format, with chapters divided into a common sequence; information about the saint and the location, poem with prayer, reflection with Bible reading. A photograph concludes the chapter — there’s something about black and white photographs that add another layer of intrigue, I find. It happens here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003ePoetry resonates with many of those who travel The Way: prayer, reflection and poetry provide a rhythm around which to journey. Michael’s book captures this mood and the rhythm. It will prove a ready companion for both the armchair pilgrim and pilgrim on the road.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThrough narrative and verse the scene magically unfolds before you. Whether it’s a first time visit or a return journey, through the author’s pen and lens, you will know the place and perhaps, almost certainly sense a renewal of spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe backstory to this book is also of interest. Michael co-led pilgrimages with colleague Russ Parker for years (and still does), writing poetry as he walked and then reading the day’s composition to the assembled group in the evening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eMany encouraged him to publish. Enjoy the read … I have a feeling you will!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by David Gleed\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The Poetry of Pilgrimage: Reflections on Celtic Pilgrimage sites in Ireland and Britain
£12.99
Drawing from his experience of co-leading pilgrimages in Britain and Ireland, Michael Mitton captures the essence of 23 significant pilgrimage...