Resources for Older People
BRF publish a collection of resources for those who are approaching their latter years and those who support them at this time of life.
{"id":2439827161188,"title":"Faithful Grandparents: Hope and love through the generations","handle":"faithful-grandparents-hope-and-love-through-the-generations","description":"\u003cp\u003eThere has never been a more important time to find meaningful and acceptable ways of passing on faith from one generation to the next. Part of this privilege and responsibility lies with grandparents who live authentic Christian lives. They can be the vital link between the gospel and the faith of a younger generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFaithful Grandparents\u003c\/em\u003e is a visionary call to an older generation to take the initiative with courage and wisdom, humour and prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"324\" width=\"216\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/AnitaCleverlyauthorpicPREFERRED_480x480.jpg?v=1676497069\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnita Cleverly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach, Spring 2020. Review by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is more than an element of truth in the adage, ‘You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.’ I was attracted to review this book because I am a grandparent with four grandchildren between the ages of 1 and 13. To be honest, I was expecting either a book which looked at the ideals of grandparenthood, where everything is hunky-dory and love abounds everywhere (a very creditable aim) or what to do (or not to do) to be the perfect grandparent. Being a realist, I wanted something between those two extremes, that was useful and practical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book looks at relationships between grandparents, children and grandchildren – warts and all. There is seriousness: for example, the acrimonious breakdown of a marriage and grandchildren denied contact with grandparents, contrasting with the grandmother whose favourite activity was to camp in the attic with her grandchildren under a blue sheet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is humour: the mere thought of the author playing on a trampoline with her grandchildren who ‘shrieked with delight, deliberately throwing me off balance as I hurtled around.’ This is an image which should remind all grandparents of the need to recognise their physical abilities are more restricted than those of their grandchildren!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book draws attention to the responsibility of grandparents to pass on Christian values and ethics, to live Christian lives and to impart the Gospel message to their grandchildren, to be a constant in a world of disbelief. As parents are often working full time, this gives a fantastic opportunity to influence the lives of children for the good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a well-researched, well-written book, full of wisdom, practical advice and helpful hints, balanced with biblical references and relevant quotes from people such as CS Lewis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Timothy Keller and many others including Jo Swinney.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany may consider the book a bit of a hotch-potch or disjointed, but that is part of its charm, and a way to encourage readers to read more which they reflect on their own relationships with their grandchildren. Well worth reading!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 27.09.19. Review by Dennis Richards \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis entertaining and challenging volume is written by a Christian grandparent for other grandparents. Its purpose is clearly defined. It is primarily intended to help grandparents who wish to hand on the baton of faith to a younger generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is unashamedly biblical, and the writer freely acknowledges her Evangelical roots. But do not be misled. Anita Cleverly has lived a rich and interesting life. There is an avowedly ecumenical flavour to her life’s history, and one is left very much with the impression that her story still has chapters to be written.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf her 35 years in church ministry, in various guises, ten of them were spent in inner-city Paris, and it shows. She has clearly come under the influence of some great Catholic theologians, and speaks warmly of her Jesuit friends in Oxford. As she says, ‘My own church history has taken me through “Label Land”.’ She finds herself increasingly exploring the contemplative tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost important in a volume of this nature, the author is very aware of the speed of change in contemporary culture. The internet has changed everything. Individualism and relativism are today fundamental to the teenagers’ creed. She is well aware that grandparents today may face the prospect of a blended family, or a gay marriage and transgender discussion. She is very sure that ‘unconditional love’ defines what should be ‘on the tin’ for Christian grandparents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven the vocabulary has changed, as I know to my cost. Writing this review as a grandfather of six, I find myself being mocked, lost in bewilderment, and, at times, genuinely scared that I’ve totally lost the plot. Pathetically trying to join in a game of football, I am exhorted to ‘Stop flexing, Grandad!’ Far from being worried about my physical welfare, they are actually telling me to stop showing off. Blank incomprehension on my part. Hilarity all round on theirs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author’s predicament was even worse. She climbed on the grandchildren’s trampoline. Bad mistake. All of which tells you that there is plenty to make you smile in her account of her own experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest of all, it is a volume that makes you think. What kind of grandparent am I? Formal? Fun-seeker? Surrogate parent? Reservoir of family wisdom? Distant? It is also reassuring. Some things haven’t changed. The definitions for example. Grandparent: so easy to operate, even a child can do it. Grandparent: breaks most of the rules and loves every second of it. I can live with that. Thanks Anita.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDennis Richards is a former head of St Aidan’s C of E High School, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eevangelicals now October 2019. Review by Val Archer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven the seismic cultural, moral, sexual and social upheaval in Britain today, the author’s call to the older generation of Christians to model courage, wisdom, faith and prayer is both timely and vital – not least in passing on the ‘faith once delivered’ to children generally – and one’s grandchildren especially. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnita Cleverly has a lifetime of experience as a Christian mother and grandmother and in family ministry, which she ransacks to great effect. She writes with a light touch, interweaving gospel truths and scriptural wisdom with a sharp understanding of the complex challenges facing Christian parents today. All in all it makes for both an enjoyable and stimulating read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the opening insightful chapter on ‘21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e Century Grandparents’, she quotes \u003cem\u003eThe Daily Telegraph \u003c\/em\u003ecolumnist Allison Pearson, who has discovered that ‘two thirds of the nation’s grandparents – that’s 5 million people – now provide regular childcare for their grandchildren’. The contact time with grandchildren in Britain today is at a very different level than was generally the case with previous generations. After the parent-child relationship, grandparents usually provide the second most important emotional influence in a child’s life. The opportunity and need is immense. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the 11 chapters which follow, the whole landscape of grandparenting is explored and practical biblical wisdom and advice brought to bear on a whole raft of issues – the art of listening, storytelling the family history, seeking to reach the heart of the child with the gospel, the vital place and role of the church and church family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo chapters, one ‘A Grandparent’s Creed’ and the other ‘A Grandparent’s Prayers’, are outstanding and worth buying the book for. Taking the Apostles’ Creed and reflecting and meditating on each phrase in the context of the challenges facing children today in our oft-pernicious culture, is so helpful. Praying for and with grandchildren takes the focus to that which any Christian parent of grandparent wants for their offspring – that they grow to love and serve Christ all their days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAddressing some of the cultural, social and sexual changes in a chapter entitled ‘Shifting Tectonic Plates’ brings a rootedness and contemporary awareness that is much needed in Christian thinking today. Pointing out that it is not all ‘gloom and doom’, that many of the changes in society have been for the good, is a welcome corrective that recognises ‘common grace’ has not yet left town! At the same time the author goes on to provide a thoughtful critique of the blatantly anti-God agenda that is so prevalent. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe light Charismatic influences and context from which the author writes mean that on occasion there are one or two things those in other traditions might not always go along with, or perhaps express in different ways. However, to major on these would be to lose the great benefit and blessing this delightful book provides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Val Archer: conference speaker, mother of four and grandmother of seven. Member of both The King’s Church Chessington and The Globe Church London.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Autumn 2019. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is for Christian grandparents. Anita Cleverly writes of her own journey and approach as a grandparent, and covers the responsibilities of the grandparent’s role in the twenty-first century, together with the opportunities we have, and the limitations we are subject to. The chapters on sensitive listening, the wonder of the created world, Bible stories and children’s questions are well covered. There is an encouraging view of the church today, and valuable advice regarding the changing landscape of culture and today’s technology. The chapter I enjoyed most was the one on praying for and with our grandchildren. Anita Cleverly has written a book of authentic Christian wisdom and grace, sprinkled with real comments from real people, and pieces of practical advice, for ourselves as well as for our families. She writes with feeling about the difficulties of being a faithful grandparent as well as the joys. I commend it to you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e___________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, May 2019. Review by Ruth Allen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a gem. I read it quickly, because it is hard to put down, and I shall immediately read it again more slowly, to savour the wisdom that’s on every page. The title tells you what it’s about: encouragement for grandparents to share their faith with their grandchildren.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnita Cleverly is an experienced spiritual director and bereavement counsellor. Her sensitivity undergirds the wise words in every chapter. Never does she forget that we have our grandchildren on loan, and that discipline and criticism, however gently applied, are not our lot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first two chapters of the book survey what grandparenting really is, in our time and culture, recognising the different situations that many grandparents find themselves in. Many grandparents are left with very limited opportunities to build the relationship which permit the sharing of faith stories. There are useful suggestions for grandparents who have little contact with their grandchildren to make the most of the possibilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral chapters help us to identify the essentials of our own faith, and ways in which they could be put over. One uses the Apostles’ Creed to help us focus. There are chapters on the Church and on the problems facing people of faith in an increasingly secular world, as well as one on the contentious issues facing Christians.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubjects like human sexuality are dealt with gently and sensitively. We are encouraged never to pontificate but to accept our grandchildren’s choices with grace and love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is full apposite quotations from the bible and other Christian writers. It is very easy to read, the writer having the wonderful gift of being able to speak apparently straight to the individual reader. There are anecdotes galore, both funny and sad.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am genuinely looking forward to reading this a second time, and wholeheartedly commend it to any grandparent. Your grandchildren will be much blessed through it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eRuth Allen is \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003ea retired United Reformed minister based in Ilkeston, Derbyshire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:33+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:35+00:00","vendor":"Anita Cleverly","type":"Paperback","tags":["Anna Chaplaincy books","KCLC","Kindle","Parenting","Retired and inspired"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21770212933732,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466617","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Faithful Grandparents: Hope and love through the generations - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":214,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466617","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466617-l.jpg?v=1549043117","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/38_cc8654b3-80a7-49fc-8222-b05387e9e603.png?v=1734095696"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466617-l.jpg?v=1549043117","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238881820811,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466617-l.jpg?v=1549043117"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466617-l.jpg?v=1549043117","width":426},{"alt":null,"id":63560966701436,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/38_cc8654b3-80a7-49fc-8222-b05387e9e603.png?v=1734095696"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/38_cc8654b3-80a7-49fc-8222-b05387e9e603.png?v=1734095696","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThere has never been a more important time to find meaningful and acceptable ways of passing on faith from one generation to the next. Part of this privilege and responsibility lies with grandparents who live authentic Christian lives. They can be the vital link between the gospel and the faith of a younger generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFaithful Grandparents\u003c\/em\u003e is a visionary call to an older generation to take the initiative with courage and wisdom, humour and prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"324\" width=\"216\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/AnitaCleverlyauthorpicPREFERRED_480x480.jpg?v=1676497069\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnita Cleverly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach, Spring 2020. Review by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is more than an element of truth in the adage, ‘You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.’ I was attracted to review this book because I am a grandparent with four grandchildren between the ages of 1 and 13. To be honest, I was expecting either a book which looked at the ideals of grandparenthood, where everything is hunky-dory and love abounds everywhere (a very creditable aim) or what to do (or not to do) to be the perfect grandparent. Being a realist, I wanted something between those two extremes, that was useful and practical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book looks at relationships between grandparents, children and grandchildren – warts and all. There is seriousness: for example, the acrimonious breakdown of a marriage and grandchildren denied contact with grandparents, contrasting with the grandmother whose favourite activity was to camp in the attic with her grandchildren under a blue sheet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is humour: the mere thought of the author playing on a trampoline with her grandchildren who ‘shrieked with delight, deliberately throwing me off balance as I hurtled around.’ This is an image which should remind all grandparents of the need to recognise their physical abilities are more restricted than those of their grandchildren!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book draws attention to the responsibility of grandparents to pass on Christian values and ethics, to live Christian lives and to impart the Gospel message to their grandchildren, to be a constant in a world of disbelief. As parents are often working full time, this gives a fantastic opportunity to influence the lives of children for the good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a well-researched, well-written book, full of wisdom, practical advice and helpful hints, balanced with biblical references and relevant quotes from people such as CS Lewis, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Timothy Keller and many others including Jo Swinney.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany may consider the book a bit of a hotch-potch or disjointed, but that is part of its charm, and a way to encourage readers to read more which they reflect on their own relationships with their grandchildren. Well worth reading!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 27.09.19. Review by Dennis Richards \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis entertaining and challenging volume is written by a Christian grandparent for other grandparents. Its purpose is clearly defined. It is primarily intended to help grandparents who wish to hand on the baton of faith to a younger generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is unashamedly biblical, and the writer freely acknowledges her Evangelical roots. But do not be misled. Anita Cleverly has lived a rich and interesting life. There is an avowedly ecumenical flavour to her life’s history, and one is left very much with the impression that her story still has chapters to be written.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf her 35 years in church ministry, in various guises, ten of them were spent in inner-city Paris, and it shows. She has clearly come under the influence of some great Catholic theologians, and speaks warmly of her Jesuit friends in Oxford. As she says, ‘My own church history has taken me through “Label Land”.’ She finds herself increasingly exploring the contemplative tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost important in a volume of this nature, the author is very aware of the speed of change in contemporary culture. The internet has changed everything. Individualism and relativism are today fundamental to the teenagers’ creed. She is well aware that grandparents today may face the prospect of a blended family, or a gay marriage and transgender discussion. She is very sure that ‘unconditional love’ defines what should be ‘on the tin’ for Christian grandparents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven the vocabulary has changed, as I know to my cost. Writing this review as a grandfather of six, I find myself being mocked, lost in bewilderment, and, at times, genuinely scared that I’ve totally lost the plot. Pathetically trying to join in a game of football, I am exhorted to ‘Stop flexing, Grandad!’ Far from being worried about my physical welfare, they are actually telling me to stop showing off. Blank incomprehension on my part. Hilarity all round on theirs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author’s predicament was even worse. She climbed on the grandchildren’s trampoline. Bad mistake. All of which tells you that there is plenty to make you smile in her account of her own experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest of all, it is a volume that makes you think. What kind of grandparent am I? Formal? Fun-seeker? Surrogate parent? Reservoir of family wisdom? Distant? It is also reassuring. Some things haven’t changed. The definitions for example. Grandparent: so easy to operate, even a child can do it. Grandparent: breaks most of the rules and loves every second of it. I can live with that. Thanks Anita.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDennis Richards is a former head of St Aidan’s C of E High School, Harrogate, North Yorkshire.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eevangelicals now October 2019. Review by Val Archer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven the seismic cultural, moral, sexual and social upheaval in Britain today, the author’s call to the older generation of Christians to model courage, wisdom, faith and prayer is both timely and vital – not least in passing on the ‘faith once delivered’ to children generally – and one’s grandchildren especially. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnita Cleverly has a lifetime of experience as a Christian mother and grandmother and in family ministry, which she ransacks to great effect. She writes with a light touch, interweaving gospel truths and scriptural wisdom with a sharp understanding of the complex challenges facing Christian parents today. All in all it makes for both an enjoyable and stimulating read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the opening insightful chapter on ‘21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e Century Grandparents’, she quotes \u003cem\u003eThe Daily Telegraph \u003c\/em\u003ecolumnist Allison Pearson, who has discovered that ‘two thirds of the nation’s grandparents – that’s 5 million people – now provide regular childcare for their grandchildren’. The contact time with grandchildren in Britain today is at a very different level than was generally the case with previous generations. After the parent-child relationship, grandparents usually provide the second most important emotional influence in a child’s life. The opportunity and need is immense. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the 11 chapters which follow, the whole landscape of grandparenting is explored and practical biblical wisdom and advice brought to bear on a whole raft of issues – the art of listening, storytelling the family history, seeking to reach the heart of the child with the gospel, the vital place and role of the church and church family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo chapters, one ‘A Grandparent’s Creed’ and the other ‘A Grandparent’s Prayers’, are outstanding and worth buying the book for. Taking the Apostles’ Creed and reflecting and meditating on each phrase in the context of the challenges facing children today in our oft-pernicious culture, is so helpful. Praying for and with grandchildren takes the focus to that which any Christian parent of grandparent wants for their offspring – that they grow to love and serve Christ all their days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAddressing some of the cultural, social and sexual changes in a chapter entitled ‘Shifting Tectonic Plates’ brings a rootedness and contemporary awareness that is much needed in Christian thinking today. Pointing out that it is not all ‘gloom and doom’, that many of the changes in society have been for the good, is a welcome corrective that recognises ‘common grace’ has not yet left town! At the same time the author goes on to provide a thoughtful critique of the blatantly anti-God agenda that is so prevalent. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe light Charismatic influences and context from which the author writes mean that on occasion there are one or two things those in other traditions might not always go along with, or perhaps express in different ways. However, to major on these would be to lose the great benefit and blessing this delightful book provides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Val Archer: conference speaker, mother of four and grandmother of seven. Member of both The King’s Church Chessington and The Globe Church London.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Autumn 2019. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is for Christian grandparents. Anita Cleverly writes of her own journey and approach as a grandparent, and covers the responsibilities of the grandparent’s role in the twenty-first century, together with the opportunities we have, and the limitations we are subject to. The chapters on sensitive listening, the wonder of the created world, Bible stories and children’s questions are well covered. There is an encouraging view of the church today, and valuable advice regarding the changing landscape of culture and today’s technology. The chapter I enjoyed most was the one on praying for and with our grandchildren. Anita Cleverly has written a book of authentic Christian wisdom and grace, sprinkled with real comments from real people, and pieces of practical advice, for ourselves as well as for our families. She writes with feeling about the difficulties of being a faithful grandparent as well as the joys. I commend it to you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e___________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, May 2019. Review by Ruth Allen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a gem. I read it quickly, because it is hard to put down, and I shall immediately read it again more slowly, to savour the wisdom that’s on every page. The title tells you what it’s about: encouragement for grandparents to share their faith with their grandchildren.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnita Cleverly is an experienced spiritual director and bereavement counsellor. Her sensitivity undergirds the wise words in every chapter. Never does she forget that we have our grandchildren on loan, and that discipline and criticism, however gently applied, are not our lot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first two chapters of the book survey what grandparenting really is, in our time and culture, recognising the different situations that many grandparents find themselves in. Many grandparents are left with very limited opportunities to build the relationship which permit the sharing of faith stories. There are useful suggestions for grandparents who have little contact with their grandchildren to make the most of the possibilities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral chapters help us to identify the essentials of our own faith, and ways in which they could be put over. One uses the Apostles’ Creed to help us focus. There are chapters on the Church and on the problems facing people of faith in an increasingly secular world, as well as one on the contentious issues facing Christians.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubjects like human sexuality are dealt with gently and sensitively. We are encouraged never to pontificate but to accept our grandchildren’s choices with grace and love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is full apposite quotations from the bible and other Christian writers. It is very easy to read, the writer having the wonderful gift of being able to speak apparently straight to the individual reader. There are anecdotes galore, both funny and sad.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am genuinely looking forward to reading this a second time, and wholeheartedly commend it to any grandparent. Your grandchildren will be much blessed through it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003eRuth Allen is \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003ea retired United Reformed minister based in Ilkeston, Derbyshire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Faithful Grandparents: Hope and love through the generations
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{"id":2439790723172,"title":"Come, Let Us Age!: An invitation to grow old boldly","handle":"come-let-us-age-an-invitation-to-grow-old-boldly","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this unique book, Wanda Nash, a well-established writer on spirituality in her late seventies, reflects on growing old with faith and a positive spirit. This compelling invitation to grow old boldly - full of her own experiences and insights - includes Wanda's reflection on her encounter later in life with terminal cancer, and her thoughts on coping with the daily challenges of living a Christian life in her illness and in ageing. Demonstrating a profound sense of the value and purposefulness of 'old age', the author's indomitable spirit is matched only by her fresh vision of the love of God in Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCome, let us age! An invitation to grow old boldly\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 The preliminary scene\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 What is old age for?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 Would God like an empty space which only he can refill?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 How on earth can we do this?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Some of the consequences of being old\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 Some conclusions about being very old\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCome, let us play!\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 God laughing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 The magnitude of God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 Alongside the pain and the hurt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 Feeling awful and playing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11 Jesus and optimism\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 Jesus and his needs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e13 Being pierced, but still being welcoming\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtracts from Wanda Nash's journals\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e14 Being old and ill: where is God?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e15 Awareness of God's presence in illness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e16 Using illness: ministry through illness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e17 Coping with illness in order to use it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18 The best is yet to come\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e19 Finale\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nUntil her death in June 2015, Wanda Nash was an author and speaker on a range of subjects including stress and spirituality. Having been the UK Chair of the International Stress Management Association, she authored a number of significant books, including, Christ, Stress and Glory (1997), At Ease with Stress (1998), Come, Let us Play! (1999), Simple Tools for Stillness (2005) and Silence as a Meeting Place (2010).\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArthur Rank Centre Resources. Review by Revd Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a small book - less than 100 pages - but the subject matter is huge: how to approach ageing and dying gracefully and with joy. Wanda Nash, a well-known writer on stillness and contemplation, began this book in her late 70s. While she was writing it she was diagnosed with terminal cancer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book meets the subjects of ageing and death head on; both are to be embraced. Wanda doesn't duck the problems of getting old but looks at them differently, suggesting that if we can no longer rush about filling our days with doing then we must make the most of being. That being takes place in the presence of a God who helps us to not only make sense of what is happening but to use it to minister to others. Ageing is to be embraced and celebrated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA book like this could be very worthy and dull but instead it is suffused with a sense of fun and enjoyment of life. Even at the worst moments she sees an opportunity to play. Wanda is convinced of the reality of life after death and is 'looking forward to the other side', believing, like Julian of Norwich, that: 'All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an inspiring, challenging but comforting book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Revd Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:15+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:17+00:00","vendor":"Wanda Nash","type":"Paperback","tags":["KCLC","Kindle","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired"],"price":699,"price_min":699,"price_max":699,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769629335652,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465580","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436808323172,"product_id":2439790723172,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:17+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:42+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465580-l.jpg?v=1549043142","variant_ids":[21769629335652]},"available":true,"name":"Come, Let Us Age!: An invitation to grow old boldly - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":699,"weight":112,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465580","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238879264907,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465580-l.jpg?v=1549043142"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465580-l.jpg?v=1549043142","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/51_d05e23d0-a3f8-44a9-9dea-171823b7cb32.png?v=1734095697"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465580-l.jpg?v=1549043142","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879264907,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465580-l.jpg?v=1549043142"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465580-l.jpg?v=1549043142","width":427},{"alt":null,"id":63560966963580,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/51_d05e23d0-a3f8-44a9-9dea-171823b7cb32.png?v=1734095697"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/51_d05e23d0-a3f8-44a9-9dea-171823b7cb32.png?v=1734095697","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eIn this unique book, Wanda Nash, a well-established writer on spirituality in her late seventies, reflects on growing old with faith and a positive spirit. This compelling invitation to grow old boldly - full of her own experiences and insights - includes Wanda's reflection on her encounter later in life with terminal cancer, and her thoughts on coping with the daily challenges of living a Christian life in her illness and in ageing. Demonstrating a profound sense of the value and purposefulness of 'old age', the author's indomitable spirit is matched only by her fresh vision of the love of God in Jesus Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCome, let us age! An invitation to grow old boldly\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 The preliminary scene\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 What is old age for?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 Would God like an empty space which only he can refill?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 How on earth can we do this?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Some of the consequences of being old\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 Some conclusions about being very old\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCome, let us play!\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 God laughing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 The magnitude of God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 Alongside the pain and the hurt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 Feeling awful and playing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11 Jesus and optimism\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 Jesus and his needs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e13 Being pierced, but still being welcoming\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtracts from Wanda Nash's journals\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e14 Being old and ill: where is God?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e15 Awareness of God's presence in illness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e16 Using illness: ministry through illness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e17 Coping with illness in order to use it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18 The best is yet to come\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e19 Finale\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nUntil her death in June 2015, Wanda Nash was an author and speaker on a range of subjects including stress and spirituality. Having been the UK Chair of the International Stress Management Association, she authored a number of significant books, including, Christ, Stress and Glory (1997), At Ease with Stress (1998), Come, Let us Play! (1999), Simple Tools for Stillness (2005) and Silence as a Meeting Place (2010).\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArthur Rank Centre Resources. Review by Revd Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a small book - less than 100 pages - but the subject matter is huge: how to approach ageing and dying gracefully and with joy. Wanda Nash, a well-known writer on stillness and contemplation, began this book in her late 70s. While she was writing it she was diagnosed with terminal cancer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book meets the subjects of ageing and death head on; both are to be embraced. Wanda doesn't duck the problems of getting old but looks at them differently, suggesting that if we can no longer rush about filling our days with doing then we must make the most of being. That being takes place in the presence of a God who helps us to not only make sense of what is happening but to use it to minister to others. Ageing is to be embraced and celebrated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA book like this could be very worthy and dull but instead it is suffused with a sense of fun and enjoyment of life. Even at the worst moments she sees an opportunity to play. Wanda is convinced of the reality of life after death and is 'looking forward to the other side', believing, like Julian of Norwich, that: 'All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an inspiring, challenging but comforting book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Revd Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Come, Let Us Age!: An invitation to grow old boldly
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{"id":2439827619940,"title":"Retired and Inspired: Making the most of our latter years","handle":"retired-and-inspired-making-the-most-of-our-latter-years","description":"\u003cp\u003eAttitudes to retirement vary, and in this book Wendy Billington draws on her pastoral skills and life experience to ask the question: what is a Christian view of retirement? If we believe that life is a gift from God, should we not be viewing retirement as part of an integrated whole and see our latter years as part of God's plan? This book is intended for all to read: individuals preparing for retirement and in their retirement years as well as their families, friends, befrienders, carers and professionals. Written in two sections, 'Uprooting the weeds' and 'Sowing the seeds', it includes questions for group discussion at the end of each chapter, followed by a meditative thought for the day and a closing prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWendy Billington is Pastoral Assistant Emeritus in the diocese of Rochester, having served many years as a key pastoral worker at St Nicholas Church, Sevenoaks. She now uses her wide experience, skills and knowledge leading training courses and in one-to-one pastoral support. She is trustee of Sevenoaks Counselling Service and the author of Growing a Caring Church: Practical guidelines for pastoral care (BRF, 2010) and I'm Fine: Removing masks and growing into wholeness (BRF, 2013).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times review 20.9.19 Review by Anne Spalding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetirement may or may not be planned. But, sooner or later, we are likely to face losses of what we used to do and of people who are important to us. Wendy Billington draws on her pastoral experience to explore both the challenges and the opportunities of these years. She illustrates this through the story of a fictional ‘Jim’ which runs alongside other reflections in the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are two sections: ‘Clearing the Weeds’, which addresses common difficulties, and ‘Sowing the Seeds’, which gives a range of possibilities. ‘Clearing the Weeds’ includes facing loss, facing our fears, and healing the memories as the changes of later years may bring to the surface wounds thought to be long past. She recognises that body, mind, emotions and spirit all play a part in living these years well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second section is the book’s core. In it, Billington argues that retired people can still offer much, in particular through learning to listen well. She encourages looking for opportunities and recognising gifts, especially gifts that may have been in the background until now. She is also realistic about the continuing changes that come with older age. Her chapter on relationships is almost at the end. I was sorry it came so late: from my own experience, relationships become increasingly important as other aspects of life diminish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelpfully, each chapter ends with questions for group discussion, questions for personal reflection, and a thought for the day on a fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, and so on). I would recommend discussion on the book’s themes, as I found that I had quite a few questions about how they would work out in other contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNevertheless, Billington offers a useful overview of many aspects of later life, giving a good place to start reflecting and talking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr Anne Spalding is a member of the Third Order of the Society of St Francis, and lives in Suffolk\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Dr Caroline Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title and sub-title of this book should alert anyone on the verge of retirement. As life expectancy increases there may be decades rather than years of life left to live and Christians need inspiration in order to use them well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book starts by facing the realities that accompany our getting older: retirement is not always a series of golden days. Early chapters outline obstacles that may have to be faced and difficult issues are not side-stepped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurprisingly, bereavement is faced first; it may come suddenly or with time for preparation, but either way it has a huge impact and brings the need for major rethinking of so much previously taken for granted. Important questions are raised on the understanding that they should be addressed now rather than pushed under the carpet as not being necessary ‘just yet’. These difficult topics are discussed sensitively and practically with down to earth suggestions for dealing with them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother chapter outlines the fears that often arise in retirement: anxiety about ill-health, loss of independence and concerns about financial security. Any or all of these may become burdensome and lead into a spiral of depression or withdrawal. With more time to dwell on them, memories of difficult past life events may become intrusive and burdensome. All these and other potential problems are discussed with helpful proposals and frequent mention of the part a supportive church can play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoving on to more positive aspects there are chapters on the importance of finding new roles with opportunities for service as well as the chance to develop talents long forgotten or never previously recognised. Learning to listen in order to become better able to support others could be a steppingstone to new worlds and the gift of time can lead to the satisfaction of building better relationships with family and friends. One minor omission is any discussion of the major contribution to childcare made by many of today’s grandparents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough all these varying chapters run some consistent threads. As we read, we open up little episodes in the life of ‘Jim’, the author’s creation based on long experience and close observation. Struggling with the loss of his wife when we first meet him, Jim is gradually helped towards a better life and frame of mind as the book progresses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author often shares relevant episodes from her own life story to illustrate particular points. The importance of the Christian community is a constant theme, sometimes as an opportunity for service, sometimes as a source of support and comfort. The need for sensitivity is stressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter includes a few short questions for reflection and discussion so the book could be used by groups as well as individuals. Each chapter ends with a ‘Thought for the Day’ based on one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that needs to be read and acted upon, but one warning: do not expect your pastor or vicar to show the same degree of self-sacrifice as Jim’s does!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Dr Caroline Berry\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePremier Christianity Magazine, August 2019. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOut of her vast experience as a counsellor and pastoral worker, Wendy Billington has created the character of Jim to be the connecting thread between the chapters of this book. He is composed of the problems, fears and anxieties of all of us as we grow older. The author does not seek to give glib answers to issues such as self-doubt or the loss of loved ones, but rather deals with them in practical ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe overarching theme of this book is: ‘Sowing seeds and producing fruit that will last in our latter years.’ It could be a great help to those preparing for retirement, those already retired and also for their friends, relatives or carers. Each chapter has questions for group discussion and other material for personal reflection. Firmly based in scripture and a Christian view of the value of every life, this book is well worth reading and sharing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Jean Watson, Sevenoaks Counselling Newsletter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver a cuppa in Waitrose I asked Wendy why she wrote this book. She replied that she enjoyed writing (she has already written two other books for BRF) and wanted to say something from her heart for retirees and those coming up to retirement age, as well as for their friends and families, carers and other professionals involved with older people.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe book reflects Wendy’s chatty style and friendly personality, her strong Christian faith, her personal experiences and her work in pastoral care.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book looks attractive inside and out and the contents are well organised and easy to read.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe first main section – clearing the weeds – gives practical suggestions and spiritual advice about processing any past issues and memories which might sabotage future wellbeing and growth which is the focus of the second section. Again practical suggestions and spiritual advice go hand in hand.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe passionate message of the message of the book is that older people have a huge amount to offer and should not be written off or sidelined but encouraged to go on contributing, learning and growing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere are many illustrations from life in the book and also a fictional character called Jim who pops up throughout and who is helped to process some very traumatic experiences and become a positive, contributing person again. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe biblical content would make the book more immediately attractive to people with some degree of Christian faith and knowledge, but the practical ideas and psychological insights could be helpful in their own right to others as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Angus MacLeay, Rector St Nicholas Church, Sevenoaks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWendy is a much valued member of St Nicholas Sevenoaks. For many years she served as a Pastoral Assistant and out of that experience she has developed all sorts of pastoral insights. This particular book should be a source of much encouragement to those in their retirement years. Through setting out a helpful scenario which is then developed in each chapter she is able to help us take note of a number of the key issues which we are likely to face during retirement. Each chapter is appropriately linked with a different aspect of the fruit of the Spirit highlighting the attractive nature of living wholeheartedly for Christ right to the end of our days. I trust as this book is read many will be helped in navigating their way through their latter years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Angus MacLeay, Rector St Nicholas Church, Sevenoaks\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:35+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:36+00:00","vendor":"Wendy Billington","type":"Paperback","tags":["Apr-19","KCLC","Kindle","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21770218504292,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857467201","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7437043892324,"product_id":2439827619940,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:36+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:17+00:00","alt":null,"width":426,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467201-l.jpg?v=1549043117","variant_ids":[21770218504292]},"available":true,"name":"Retired and Inspired: Making the most of our latter years - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":600,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467201","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238881853579,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467201-l.jpg?v=1549043117"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467201-l.jpg?v=1549043117"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467201-l.jpg?v=1549043117","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238881853579,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467201-l.jpg?v=1549043117"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467201-l.jpg?v=1549043117","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eAttitudes to retirement vary, and in this book Wendy Billington draws on her pastoral skills and life experience to ask the question: what is a Christian view of retirement? If we believe that life is a gift from God, should we not be viewing retirement as part of an integrated whole and see our latter years as part of God's plan? This book is intended for all to read: individuals preparing for retirement and in their retirement years as well as their families, friends, befrienders, carers and professionals. Written in two sections, 'Uprooting the weeds' and 'Sowing the seeds', it includes questions for group discussion at the end of each chapter, followed by a meditative thought for the day and a closing prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWendy Billington is Pastoral Assistant Emeritus in the diocese of Rochester, having served many years as a key pastoral worker at St Nicholas Church, Sevenoaks. She now uses her wide experience, skills and knowledge leading training courses and in one-to-one pastoral support. She is trustee of Sevenoaks Counselling Service and the author of Growing a Caring Church: Practical guidelines for pastoral care (BRF, 2010) and I'm Fine: Removing masks and growing into wholeness (BRF, 2013).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times review 20.9.19 Review by Anne Spalding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetirement may or may not be planned. But, sooner or later, we are likely to face losses of what we used to do and of people who are important to us. Wendy Billington draws on her pastoral experience to explore both the challenges and the opportunities of these years. She illustrates this through the story of a fictional ‘Jim’ which runs alongside other reflections in the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are two sections: ‘Clearing the Weeds’, which addresses common difficulties, and ‘Sowing the Seeds’, which gives a range of possibilities. ‘Clearing the Weeds’ includes facing loss, facing our fears, and healing the memories as the changes of later years may bring to the surface wounds thought to be long past. She recognises that body, mind, emotions and spirit all play a part in living these years well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second section is the book’s core. In it, Billington argues that retired people can still offer much, in particular through learning to listen well. She encourages looking for opportunities and recognising gifts, especially gifts that may have been in the background until now. She is also realistic about the continuing changes that come with older age. Her chapter on relationships is almost at the end. I was sorry it came so late: from my own experience, relationships become increasingly important as other aspects of life diminish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelpfully, each chapter ends with questions for group discussion, questions for personal reflection, and a thought for the day on a fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, and so on). I would recommend discussion on the book’s themes, as I found that I had quite a few questions about how they would work out in other contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNevertheless, Billington offers a useful overview of many aspects of later life, giving a good place to start reflecting and talking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr Anne Spalding is a member of the Third Order of the Society of St Francis, and lives in Suffolk\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Dr Caroline Berry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title and sub-title of this book should alert anyone on the verge of retirement. As life expectancy increases there may be decades rather than years of life left to live and Christians need inspiration in order to use them well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book starts by facing the realities that accompany our getting older: retirement is not always a series of golden days. Early chapters outline obstacles that may have to be faced and difficult issues are not side-stepped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurprisingly, bereavement is faced first; it may come suddenly or with time for preparation, but either way it has a huge impact and brings the need for major rethinking of so much previously taken for granted. Important questions are raised on the understanding that they should be addressed now rather than pushed under the carpet as not being necessary ‘just yet’. These difficult topics are discussed sensitively and practically with down to earth suggestions for dealing with them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother chapter outlines the fears that often arise in retirement: anxiety about ill-health, loss of independence and concerns about financial security. Any or all of these may become burdensome and lead into a spiral of depression or withdrawal. With more time to dwell on them, memories of difficult past life events may become intrusive and burdensome. All these and other potential problems are discussed with helpful proposals and frequent mention of the part a supportive church can play.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoving on to more positive aspects there are chapters on the importance of finding new roles with opportunities for service as well as the chance to develop talents long forgotten or never previously recognised. Learning to listen in order to become better able to support others could be a steppingstone to new worlds and the gift of time can lead to the satisfaction of building better relationships with family and friends. One minor omission is any discussion of the major contribution to childcare made by many of today’s grandparents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough all these varying chapters run some consistent threads. As we read, we open up little episodes in the life of ‘Jim’, the author’s creation based on long experience and close observation. Struggling with the loss of his wife when we first meet him, Jim is gradually helped towards a better life and frame of mind as the book progresses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author often shares relevant episodes from her own life story to illustrate particular points. The importance of the Christian community is a constant theme, sometimes as an opportunity for service, sometimes as a source of support and comfort. The need for sensitivity is stressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter includes a few short questions for reflection and discussion so the book could be used by groups as well as individuals. Each chapter ends with a ‘Thought for the Day’ based on one of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that needs to be read and acted upon, but one warning: do not expect your pastor or vicar to show the same degree of self-sacrifice as Jim’s does!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Dr Caroline Berry\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePremier Christianity Magazine, August 2019. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOut of her vast experience as a counsellor and pastoral worker, Wendy Billington has created the character of Jim to be the connecting thread between the chapters of this book. He is composed of the problems, fears and anxieties of all of us as we grow older. The author does not seek to give glib answers to issues such as self-doubt or the loss of loved ones, but rather deals with them in practical ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe overarching theme of this book is: ‘Sowing seeds and producing fruit that will last in our latter years.’ It could be a great help to those preparing for retirement, those already retired and also for their friends, relatives or carers. Each chapter has questions for group discussion and other material for personal reflection. Firmly based in scripture and a Christian view of the value of every life, this book is well worth reading and sharing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Jean Watson, Sevenoaks Counselling Newsletter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver a cuppa in Waitrose I asked Wendy why she wrote this book. She replied that she enjoyed writing (she has already written two other books for BRF) and wanted to say something from her heart for retirees and those coming up to retirement age, as well as for their friends and families, carers and other professionals involved with older people.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe book reflects Wendy’s chatty style and friendly personality, her strong Christian faith, her personal experiences and her work in pastoral care.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book looks attractive inside and out and the contents are well organised and easy to read.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe first main section – clearing the weeds – gives practical suggestions and spiritual advice about processing any past issues and memories which might sabotage future wellbeing and growth which is the focus of the second section. Again practical suggestions and spiritual advice go hand in hand.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe passionate message of the message of the book is that older people have a huge amount to offer and should not be written off or sidelined but encouraged to go on contributing, learning and growing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere are many illustrations from life in the book and also a fictional character called Jim who pops up throughout and who is helped to process some very traumatic experiences and become a positive, contributing person again. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe biblical content would make the book more immediately attractive to people with some degree of Christian faith and knowledge, but the practical ideas and psychological insights could be helpful in their own right to others as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Angus MacLeay, Rector St Nicholas Church, Sevenoaks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWendy is a much valued member of St Nicholas Sevenoaks. For many years she served as a Pastoral Assistant and out of that experience she has developed all sorts of pastoral insights. This particular book should be a source of much encouragement to those in their retirement years. Through setting out a helpful scenario which is then developed in each chapter she is able to help us take note of a number of the key issues which we are likely to face during retirement. Each chapter is appropriately linked with a different aspect of the fruit of the Spirit highlighting the attractive nature of living wholeheartedly for Christ right to the end of our days. I trust as this book is read many will be helped in navigating their way through their latter years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Angus MacLeay, Rector St Nicholas Church, Sevenoaks\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Retired and Inspired: Making the most of our latter years
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Attitudes to retirement vary, and in this book Wendy Billington draws on her pastoral skills and life experience to ask...
{"id":2439776075876,"title":"Thinking of You: a resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia","handle":"thinking-of-you-a-resource-for-the-spiritual-care-of-people-with-dementia","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis book approaches dementia from a number of angles: biological, psychological, sociological, and theological. After an introduction explaining the multifaceted nature of this set of conditions, some possible theological responses are offered to such questions as: what is the nature of human identity? How can someone with severely impaired cognition have a full spiritual life? The book's final two sections are predominantly practical, addressing the spiritual care of the affected individual and how to help churches support affected individuals and their carers. This final section includes resources for ministry in residential care homes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 1: Thinking about dementia\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 1 A medical approach to dementia: 'Old-timer's disease'?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 2 A biological approach to dementia: the fading brain\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 3 A social approach to dementia: not gone but forgotten\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 2: Thinking about the person with dementia\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 4 I think therefore I am?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 5 Beyond 'I think therefore I am'\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 6 God thinks therefore I am\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 3: Thinking of you: the spiritual care of people with dementia\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 7 Being present to the person with dementia\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 8 Meaning-making in dementia\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 9 Re-membering the person with dementia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 4: Thinking about us: dementia-friendly churches\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 10 Full inclusion\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 11 Real belonging\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 12 Celebration\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 13 Connection\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 14 Safe enough to play\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nThe Revd Dr Joanna Collicutt is Lecturer in Psychology and Spirituality at Ripon College Cuddesdon, Oxford Diocesan Advisor for the Spiritual Care of Older People, and also ministers in a parish. Her other books include Jesus and the Gospel Women, The Dawkins Delusion? (with Alister McGrath) and Meeting Jesus (with Jeremy Duff).\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine (April 2018). Review by Gail Ballinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eJoanna Collicutt is an experienced clinical neuropsychologist who for many years has worked with people living with conditions affecting the brain, including dementia. An Anglican priest and Advisor for Spiritual Care for Older People in Oxford (Anglican) Diocese.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book first describes the medical, biological and social aspects of dementia. The biological aspects have excellent line drawings which help to explain various forms of dementia. I found it very accessible - e.g. likening changes in retrieval of memories to organising \/ finding things in an airing cupboard. Joanna conveys the reality of experiencing dementia and how it might feel: she tells of a person being afraid to enter some-one's front door because the doormat looked like a hole in the ground and they feared they might fall into it.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePart two is about the person - what might dementia feel like for them; what is the nature of human identity; how is it possible to have a full spiritual life with dementia. \u003cem\u003eI think therefore I am \u003c\/em\u003eleads to \u003cem\u003eGod thinks, therefore I am\u003c\/em\u003e. Part three is about spiritual care and being with the person with dementia. The final chapters give practical suggestions about dementia friendly churches, full inclusion, being connected, celebration and play. She also refers to support in residential homes. Might some of this information help Julian Meetings?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Gail Ballinger\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'The Door', June 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDementia is a topic which is regularly highlighted by the media, not only as a subject associated with the increasing number of elderly people in our society but also with reference to well-known individuals found to be suffering from the condition. Joanna Collicutt's inspiring book is a timely, carefully referenced and annotated publication providing helpful advice and dispelling misconceptions.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDivided into four distinct parts, this resource begins with a medical approach to understanding dementia, first making two important points; that in medical terms dementia is a symptom rather than a disease and that occasional confusion and failing memory, not uncommon in older people, need not be a sign of something more sinister. Using helpful diagrams, the writer describes clearly and succinctly the various types of dementia and their physical causes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePart two moves on from analysing the condition to considering the sufferer. Using the analogy of the airing cupboard, the writer discusses memory, implicit and explicit. She examines the phrase 'trapped in the present', comparing it to 'life in God's now' and asking, 'How are we to make sense of the experience of dementia theologically?'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn Part Three, dealing with the spiritual care of people with dementia, the word 're-membering' takes on a new significance, with references to 'person-centred' psychotherapy, the principle of authenticity, listening to body language and the importance of touch. Various aids to re-membering are suggested, including a this-is-my-life book and a memory box. Incidentally, it is recognised that 'being there' for a dementia sufferer has its cost, with a helpful section on dealing with one's own feelings.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn Part Four dementia-friendly churches are examined, the emphasis being on a community that is friendly to all. Practical suggestions, which will benefit both the physically and mentally impaired, are made to enable full inclusion. Also in this section is a suggested form of worship and a simple weekday service of celebration. Finally, in a chapter entitled 'Safe enough to play' the writer discusses types of abuse and the required response should there be evidence of this.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWritten from a Christian perspective, this book is both informative and challenging. It evidences great skill in dealing with complex concepts clearly and comprehensibly, and is a resource which should be on the bookshelves of all clergy and those involved with pastoral care.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Thelma Shacklady\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder, June 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 'Thinking of You: A resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia, Joanna Collicutt writes as a priest in the Church of England and as a clinical neuropsychologist. This book is an excellent introduction to the subject of dementia and a very practical spiritual resource for churches. An easy to understand, medical approach to dementia is outlined at the beginning.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI found Joanna's analogy of an airing cupboard to describe the experience of dementia very useful. Newly-weds are given household linen and these items are neatly and carefully stored on the bottom shelf of the airing cupboard. As the years go by, easy-care sheets are placed on top of these -- then underpants and socks are thrown on top. As long as the door opens easily, all is well and items can be retrieved. But what if the door slowly closes? You now reach in through a narrowing gap to find what you need; it will be much easier to access the orderly folded linen at the bottom and it will be pure luck if you find a sock.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn the same way, a person living with dementia will find that memories which are deeply embedded and laid down in an orderly fashion are easiest to access. Joanna makes a distinction between explicit memories and implicit ones: an example of an implicit memory would be a hymn you do not recognise until the music starts and you find you know it. A person with dementia might not remember a visit from a relative or friend (explicit memory), but may be aware of kindness and touch (implicit memory). God holds us in mind, as the father of the prodigal son holds his absent son in mind. Although his son is in a distant land he is never forgotten.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI found the most moving part of the book in the author's reminder about Easter in relation to dementia. On Good Friday Jesus is stripped of his capacities and on Holy Saturday he descends into the underworld to be with those forgotten by the world -- a profound solidarity. Joanna sees the calling of the churches to 'pick up the stitches which have been dropped'. There is practical advice on how to be with a person with dementia: we may allow a person their feelings of joy and despair, which can be incredibly intense.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAbove all, we need to cultivate 'an attitude of mindfulness to what we most fear'. Simple training is on offer to become a 'dementia friend'. Practical suggestions are offered, such as printing out Bible readings in large script, using traditional words to hymns and offering lifts.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI found this book easy to read and digest. It would make excellent material for house groups and I think it would be good for every Methodist church to have a copy!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Bob Whorton, Chaplain, Sobell House Hospice, Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:11+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:13+00:00","vendor":"Joanna Collicutt","type":"Paperback","tags":["KCLC","Kindle","Mar-17","Pastoral care","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy"],"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":21769413722212,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464910","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436713295972,"product_id":2439776075876,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:13+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:55+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464910-l.jpg?v=1549043155","variant_ids":[21769413722212]},"available":true,"name":"Thinking of You: a resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":230,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464910","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238877724811,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464910-l.jpg?v=1549043155"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464910-l.jpg?v=1549043155"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464910-l.jpg?v=1549043155","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877724811,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464910-l.jpg?v=1549043155"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464910-l.jpg?v=1549043155","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThis book approaches dementia from a number of angles: biological, psychological, sociological, and theological. After an introduction explaining the multifaceted nature of this set of conditions, some possible theological responses are offered to such questions as: what is the nature of human identity? How can someone with severely impaired cognition have a full spiritual life? The book's final two sections are predominantly practical, addressing the spiritual care of the affected individual and how to help churches support affected individuals and their carers. This final section includes resources for ministry in residential care homes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 1: Thinking about dementia\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 1 A medical approach to dementia: 'Old-timer's disease'?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 2 A biological approach to dementia: the fading brain\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 3 A social approach to dementia: not gone but forgotten\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 2: Thinking about the person with dementia\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 4 I think therefore I am?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 5 Beyond 'I think therefore I am'\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 6 God thinks therefore I am\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 3: Thinking of you: the spiritual care of people with dementia\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 7 Being present to the person with dementia\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 8 Meaning-making in dementia\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 9 Re-membering the person with dementia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 4: Thinking about us: dementia-friendly churches\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 10 Full inclusion\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 11 Real belonging\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 12 Celebration\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 13 Connection\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 14 Safe enough to play\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nThe Revd Dr Joanna Collicutt is Lecturer in Psychology and Spirituality at Ripon College Cuddesdon, Oxford Diocesan Advisor for the Spiritual Care of Older People, and also ministers in a parish. Her other books include Jesus and the Gospel Women, The Dawkins Delusion? (with Alister McGrath) and Meeting Jesus (with Jeremy Duff).\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine (April 2018). Review by Gail Ballinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eJoanna Collicutt is an experienced clinical neuropsychologist who for many years has worked with people living with conditions affecting the brain, including dementia. An Anglican priest and Advisor for Spiritual Care for Older People in Oxford (Anglican) Diocese.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book first describes the medical, biological and social aspects of dementia. The biological aspects have excellent line drawings which help to explain various forms of dementia. I found it very accessible - e.g. likening changes in retrieval of memories to organising \/ finding things in an airing cupboard. Joanna conveys the reality of experiencing dementia and how it might feel: she tells of a person being afraid to enter some-one's front door because the doormat looked like a hole in the ground and they feared they might fall into it.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePart two is about the person - what might dementia feel like for them; what is the nature of human identity; how is it possible to have a full spiritual life with dementia. \u003cem\u003eI think therefore I am \u003c\/em\u003eleads to \u003cem\u003eGod thinks, therefore I am\u003c\/em\u003e. Part three is about spiritual care and being with the person with dementia. The final chapters give practical suggestions about dementia friendly churches, full inclusion, being connected, celebration and play. She also refers to support in residential homes. Might some of this information help Julian Meetings?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Gail Ballinger\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'The Door', June 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDementia is a topic which is regularly highlighted by the media, not only as a subject associated with the increasing number of elderly people in our society but also with reference to well-known individuals found to be suffering from the condition. Joanna Collicutt's inspiring book is a timely, carefully referenced and annotated publication providing helpful advice and dispelling misconceptions.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDivided into four distinct parts, this resource begins with a medical approach to understanding dementia, first making two important points; that in medical terms dementia is a symptom rather than a disease and that occasional confusion and failing memory, not uncommon in older people, need not be a sign of something more sinister. Using helpful diagrams, the writer describes clearly and succinctly the various types of dementia and their physical causes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePart two moves on from analysing the condition to considering the sufferer. Using the analogy of the airing cupboard, the writer discusses memory, implicit and explicit. She examines the phrase 'trapped in the present', comparing it to 'life in God's now' and asking, 'How are we to make sense of the experience of dementia theologically?'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn Part Three, dealing with the spiritual care of people with dementia, the word 're-membering' takes on a new significance, with references to 'person-centred' psychotherapy, the principle of authenticity, listening to body language and the importance of touch. Various aids to re-membering are suggested, including a this-is-my-life book and a memory box. Incidentally, it is recognised that 'being there' for a dementia sufferer has its cost, with a helpful section on dealing with one's own feelings.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn Part Four dementia-friendly churches are examined, the emphasis being on a community that is friendly to all. Practical suggestions, which will benefit both the physically and mentally impaired, are made to enable full inclusion. Also in this section is a suggested form of worship and a simple weekday service of celebration. Finally, in a chapter entitled 'Safe enough to play' the writer discusses types of abuse and the required response should there be evidence of this.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWritten from a Christian perspective, this book is both informative and challenging. It evidences great skill in dealing with complex concepts clearly and comprehensibly, and is a resource which should be on the bookshelves of all clergy and those involved with pastoral care.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Thelma Shacklady\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder, June 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 'Thinking of You: A resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia, Joanna Collicutt writes as a priest in the Church of England and as a clinical neuropsychologist. This book is an excellent introduction to the subject of dementia and a very practical spiritual resource for churches. An easy to understand, medical approach to dementia is outlined at the beginning.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI found Joanna's analogy of an airing cupboard to describe the experience of dementia very useful. Newly-weds are given household linen and these items are neatly and carefully stored on the bottom shelf of the airing cupboard. As the years go by, easy-care sheets are placed on top of these -- then underpants and socks are thrown on top. As long as the door opens easily, all is well and items can be retrieved. But what if the door slowly closes? You now reach in through a narrowing gap to find what you need; it will be much easier to access the orderly folded linen at the bottom and it will be pure luck if you find a sock.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn the same way, a person living with dementia will find that memories which are deeply embedded and laid down in an orderly fashion are easiest to access. Joanna makes a distinction between explicit memories and implicit ones: an example of an implicit memory would be a hymn you do not recognise until the music starts and you find you know it. A person with dementia might not remember a visit from a relative or friend (explicit memory), but may be aware of kindness and touch (implicit memory). God holds us in mind, as the father of the prodigal son holds his absent son in mind. Although his son is in a distant land he is never forgotten.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI found the most moving part of the book in the author's reminder about Easter in relation to dementia. On Good Friday Jesus is stripped of his capacities and on Holy Saturday he descends into the underworld to be with those forgotten by the world -- a profound solidarity. Joanna sees the calling of the churches to 'pick up the stitches which have been dropped'. There is practical advice on how to be with a person with dementia: we may allow a person their feelings of joy and despair, which can be incredibly intense.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAbove all, we need to cultivate 'an attitude of mindfulness to what we most fear'. Simple training is on offer to become a 'dementia friend'. Practical suggestions are offered, such as printing out Bible readings in large script, using traditional words to hymns and offering lifts.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI found this book easy to read and digest. It would make excellent material for house groups and I think it would be good for every Methodist church to have a copy!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Bob Whorton, Chaplain, Sobell House Hospice, Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Thinking of You: a resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia
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This book approaches dementia from a number of angles: biological, psychological, sociological, and theological. After an introduction explaining the multifaceted...
{"id":2439747600484,"title":"At the End of the Day: Enjoying life in the departure lounge","handle":"at-the-end-of-the-day-enjoying-life-in-the-departure-lounge","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn octogenarian takes a wryly humorous look at what it's like to be old in an era of the relentlessly new. Turning to the Bible, he explores its store of timeless wisdom, encouragement and reassurance about what it has always meant to grow old and be old. The book is structured around a series of fascinating biblical pictures, from the legendary Methuselah to the feisty Sarah and the great leader Moses, from the picture of inevitable decline as the Preacher saw it in Ecclesiastes to the glorious Nunc Dimittis of old Simeon in the temple.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e'At the end of the day' is a well-worn phrase - yet seeing life as a single day, with dawn, noon, sunny afternoon, twilight and then darkness and sleep, provides a sort of contracted chronology of a journey we are all taking. Those who are at, or beyond, tea-time - as well as their friends and family - may find this book offers an essentially optimistic, positive and attractive picture of both the present and the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDavid Winter introduces \u003cem\u003eAt the End of the Day\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI wrote \u003cem\u003eAt the End of the Day\u003c\/em\u003e because I wanted to address this situation not as a problem (which is how sociologists, politicians and media commentators seem to see it) but simply as yet another life experience. All through life we move more or less seamlessly from one stage to another, from childhood to adolescence, from that to young adulthood, from that to middle age, and from that to the retirement years. This book is an attempt to record what it is like finally to move into the departure lounge of life, awaiting the call to board our flight from this life to whatever it is that God has planned for us at its end.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe departure lounge is not as bad as it may look in prospect. Believe it or not, being old can be fun. Of course there are problems - aches and pains, sluggish memory and so on. But there are also enormous compensations in old age, including the freedom to be ourselves without any pressure to achieve or justify our existence. I was surprised to discover (when I got there myself) that the elderly don't endlessly discuss death. Compared with teenagers, young adults and even the middle-aged, they are not living with plans for the future but with the richness of the here and now.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAt the End of the Day \u003c\/em\u003etakes a quizzical look at some of the wonderful old men and women whose stories are part of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. Surprisingly, perhaps, their experiences seem to match many of ours. We look at them, of course, through the long perspective of time and also through the prism of our modern experiences, but there is wisdom, fulfilment and encouragement in those biblical records.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a 'heavy' book. How could it be when the elderly spend so much time laughing at themselves and at the whole business of being old! Nor is it depressing - again, how could it be, when we are seated in that departure lounge awaiting the final great adventure.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI wrote it not just for those who are already old, although I hope they'll find it both amusing and encouraging, but also for all those who want to know what it's going to be like to join our ranks. They may be surprised to find that the poet Robert Browning got it right when he said, 'The best is yet to be.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/kP4wFKmvMmg\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nDavid Winter is one of the UK's most popular and long-established Christian writers and broadcasters. He has written many books over the last sixty years, including Facing the Darkness and Finding the Light, Pilgrim's Way, Journey to Jerusalem and With Jesus in the Upper Room for BRF. He also writes for New Daylight and was a regular contributor to Radio 4's Thought for the Day from 1989 to 2012.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter has written a book for the elderly; those in their twilight years. With 1.4 million people in the U.K now over 85, this partly auto-biographical book is humorous and down to earth, taking a practical look at the benefits and pit-falls of old age. He looks at a number of Bible characters who are in or approaching old age, linking these with his own experiences and those of others known to him. With some delightful insights into the positive aspects of old age, and 'that (I love this line!) nothing is beyond redemption and no situation irretrievably hopeless' It can speak to those who feel their lives are worthless and aimless.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHe looks honestly at the downsides of old age, its fears, doubts and regrets and the problem of loneliness and physical limitations. With its useful headings, the reader can `dip back` as and when needed. The book might have benefited from more detail of how to enjoy a deeper relationship with Jesus, and for non church goers, a simple explanation of the basic Gospel message would have been useful.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI would give a recommendation to buy this well researched, topical book as it is easy to read, has plenty of humour and no Christian Jargon. As a person approaching `the departure lounge` I found this little book very interesting and full of hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Gill Mason for Preach Magazine September 28, 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter, now in his 80s, will be well known to many as a Christian writer, retreat leader and broadcaster. Readers should not be put off by the sub - title of his book, 'Enjoying life in the departure lounge', which is illustrative of the wry humour evident throughout. In fact, I have never laughed so much while reading a book on ageing. In his very personal introduction he declares that he no longer attempts a geriatric and breathtaking sprint when trying to catch a bus: 'After all, there will be another one in 30 minutes, and what's that in the eyes of eternity?' \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the early chapters Winter confronts the prevailing culture of what he terms 'geraphobia', against which he pitches the enormous value of life experience which provides the sap for a fruitful old age. The remainder of the book is structured around a succession of biblical characters, from Methusaleh via (among others) Sarah and Abraham, Moses and the Psalmists to Simeon and Anna, the Holy Family and St Paul in the New Testament. What I expected might be old - hat turned out to be truly enlightening and to have real contemporary relevance. En route, he raises a number of issues that tend to be overlooked or played down: the tension between a desirable serenity and 'the tantrums of the terrible 80s'; waiting as expectancy rather than passivity; the need for wisdom to be tinged with humility. He is particularly helpful on the mood swings of old age which can cloud our vision of God and on loneliness. He acknowledges the value for older people of modern technology, such as emails and Skype, but captures the bewilderment of many when asked for 'passwords you've forgotten, customer numbers you never knew you had, overdraft facility figures you've never used - and all before you get to speak to a human being'. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe final two chapters touch upon ultimate issues. He is perhaps right in suggesting that older people, living in the shadow of morality, do not in fact have death constantly in their thoughts nor are they over - concerned with the details of heaven. His concept of 'resurrection' and the after - life is movingly illustrated by the death of his wife which left him with the strong sense that she had not ceased to exist. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI found this short book personally helpful and pastorally valuable. It is an honest testimony of the author's life and faith journey. Any older person will read it with profit and younger people with a greater understanding of their elders. And, yes, he does quote from Browning's 'Rabbi ben Ezra'. We can be encouraged that the best is indeed yet to be. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rev Albert Jewell for The Methodist Recorded 21 Feb 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:28+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:31+00:00","vendor":"David Winter","type":"Paperback","tags":["KCLC","Nov-13","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired","Torch Trust"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769047572580,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857460578","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"At the End of the Day: Enjoying life in the departure lounge - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":151,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857460578","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/attheendofthedaygraphic.png?v=1742486920"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/attheendofthedaygraphic.png?v=1742486920","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":64212278542716,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/attheendofthedaygraphic.png?v=1742486920"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/attheendofthedaygraphic.png?v=1742486920","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eAn octogenarian takes a wryly humorous look at what it's like to be old in an era of the relentlessly new. Turning to the Bible, he explores its store of timeless wisdom, encouragement and reassurance about what it has always meant to grow old and be old. The book is structured around a series of fascinating biblical pictures, from the legendary Methuselah to the feisty Sarah and the great leader Moses, from the picture of inevitable decline as the Preacher saw it in Ecclesiastes to the glorious Nunc Dimittis of old Simeon in the temple.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e'At the end of the day' is a well-worn phrase - yet seeing life as a single day, with dawn, noon, sunny afternoon, twilight and then darkness and sleep, provides a sort of contracted chronology of a journey we are all taking. Those who are at, or beyond, tea-time - as well as their friends and family - may find this book offers an essentially optimistic, positive and attractive picture of both the present and the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDavid Winter introduces \u003cem\u003eAt the End of the Day\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI wrote \u003cem\u003eAt the End of the Day\u003c\/em\u003e because I wanted to address this situation not as a problem (which is how sociologists, politicians and media commentators seem to see it) but simply as yet another life experience. All through life we move more or less seamlessly from one stage to another, from childhood to adolescence, from that to young adulthood, from that to middle age, and from that to the retirement years. This book is an attempt to record what it is like finally to move into the departure lounge of life, awaiting the call to board our flight from this life to whatever it is that God has planned for us at its end.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe departure lounge is not as bad as it may look in prospect. Believe it or not, being old can be fun. Of course there are problems - aches and pains, sluggish memory and so on. But there are also enormous compensations in old age, including the freedom to be ourselves without any pressure to achieve or justify our existence. I was surprised to discover (when I got there myself) that the elderly don't endlessly discuss death. Compared with teenagers, young adults and even the middle-aged, they are not living with plans for the future but with the richness of the here and now.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAt the End of the Day \u003c\/em\u003etakes a quizzical look at some of the wonderful old men and women whose stories are part of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. Surprisingly, perhaps, their experiences seem to match many of ours. We look at them, of course, through the long perspective of time and also through the prism of our modern experiences, but there is wisdom, fulfilment and encouragement in those biblical records.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a 'heavy' book. How could it be when the elderly spend so much time laughing at themselves and at the whole business of being old! Nor is it depressing - again, how could it be, when we are seated in that departure lounge awaiting the final great adventure.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI wrote it not just for those who are already old, although I hope they'll find it both amusing and encouraging, but also for all those who want to know what it's going to be like to join our ranks. They may be surprised to find that the poet Robert Browning got it right when he said, 'The best is yet to be.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/kP4wFKmvMmg\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nDavid Winter is one of the UK's most popular and long-established Christian writers and broadcasters. He has written many books over the last sixty years, including Facing the Darkness and Finding the Light, Pilgrim's Way, Journey to Jerusalem and With Jesus in the Upper Room for BRF. He also writes for New Daylight and was a regular contributor to Radio 4's Thought for the Day from 1989 to 2012.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter has written a book for the elderly; those in their twilight years. With 1.4 million people in the U.K now over 85, this partly auto-biographical book is humorous and down to earth, taking a practical look at the benefits and pit-falls of old age. He looks at a number of Bible characters who are in or approaching old age, linking these with his own experiences and those of others known to him. With some delightful insights into the positive aspects of old age, and 'that (I love this line!) nothing is beyond redemption and no situation irretrievably hopeless' It can speak to those who feel their lives are worthless and aimless.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHe looks honestly at the downsides of old age, its fears, doubts and regrets and the problem of loneliness and physical limitations. With its useful headings, the reader can `dip back` as and when needed. The book might have benefited from more detail of how to enjoy a deeper relationship with Jesus, and for non church goers, a simple explanation of the basic Gospel message would have been useful.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI would give a recommendation to buy this well researched, topical book as it is easy to read, has plenty of humour and no Christian Jargon. As a person approaching `the departure lounge` I found this little book very interesting and full of hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Gill Mason for Preach Magazine September 28, 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Winter, now in his 80s, will be well known to many as a Christian writer, retreat leader and broadcaster. Readers should not be put off by the sub - title of his book, 'Enjoying life in the departure lounge', which is illustrative of the wry humour evident throughout. In fact, I have never laughed so much while reading a book on ageing. In his very personal introduction he declares that he no longer attempts a geriatric and breathtaking sprint when trying to catch a bus: 'After all, there will be another one in 30 minutes, and what's that in the eyes of eternity?' \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the early chapters Winter confronts the prevailing culture of what he terms 'geraphobia', against which he pitches the enormous value of life experience which provides the sap for a fruitful old age. The remainder of the book is structured around a succession of biblical characters, from Methusaleh via (among others) Sarah and Abraham, Moses and the Psalmists to Simeon and Anna, the Holy Family and St Paul in the New Testament. What I expected might be old - hat turned out to be truly enlightening and to have real contemporary relevance. En route, he raises a number of issues that tend to be overlooked or played down: the tension between a desirable serenity and 'the tantrums of the terrible 80s'; waiting as expectancy rather than passivity; the need for wisdom to be tinged with humility. He is particularly helpful on the mood swings of old age which can cloud our vision of God and on loneliness. He acknowledges the value for older people of modern technology, such as emails and Skype, but captures the bewilderment of many when asked for 'passwords you've forgotten, customer numbers you never knew you had, overdraft facility figures you've never used - and all before you get to speak to a human being'. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe final two chapters touch upon ultimate issues. He is perhaps right in suggesting that older people, living in the shadow of morality, do not in fact have death constantly in their thoughts nor are they over - concerned with the details of heaven. His concept of 'resurrection' and the after - life is movingly illustrated by the death of his wife which left him with the strong sense that she had not ceased to exist. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI found this short book personally helpful and pastorally valuable. It is an honest testimony of the author's life and faith journey. Any older person will read it with profit and younger people with a greater understanding of their elders. And, yes, he does quote from Browning's 'Rabbi ben Ezra'. We can be encouraged that the best is indeed yet to be. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rev Albert Jewell for The Methodist Recorded 21 Feb 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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At the End of the Day: Enjoying life in the departure lounge
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An octogenarian takes a wryly humorous look at what it's like to be old in an era of the relentlessly...
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{"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"}
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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":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
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Amy Boucher Pye and Leo Boucher return with a 40-day journey exploring the themes of hope and new life through...
{"id":7550558208191,"title":"Death and Life: A church's guide to exploring mortality","handle":"death-and-life-a-churchs-guide-to-exploring-mortality","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAs a society we aren’t good at talking about death, and as individuals we may try and avoid thinking about it. But death is part of life, and we must all face it eventually. For Christians, dying and death are not the end but a transition point in a story that continues. Reflecting well on our own mortality can help us to make peace with the prospect of death and to live more fully in the here and now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis research-based book includes all you need to plan and deliver a course enabling people – old or young, healthy or frail – to prepare practically, emotionally and spiritually for their last months on this earth. The course covers six topics: Legal practicalities; Life stories; Funeral planning; Physical aspects of dying; Spiritual aspects of dying; and The life to come. It also offers a range of materials on the theme of living well in the light of mortality: a creative workshop, sermon starters, Bible studies, meditations, and a set of prayer stations which combine to form a prayer walk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Death and Life Reflection Cards\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/collections\/anna-chaplaincy-courses\/products\/death-and-life-reflection-cards\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Death_and_Life_Reflection_Cards_2.png?v=1713518661\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eRevd Canon Dr Joanna Collicutt\u003c\/strong\u003e has a background in clinical psychology and academic psychology of religion. She was for many years the Oxford Diocesan Adviser for Older People, and it was in this role that she became interested in the spiritual and theological aspects of death and dying. She is an associate priest in an Oxfordshire parish and is currently studying for a PhD in the area of Christianity and the arts. Joanna has written or co-written ten books, including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThinking of you: A resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (BRF, 2017) and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSeriously Messy: Making space for families to talk together about death and life\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (BRF, 2019).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJo Ind\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVictoria Slater \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlison Webster\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, winter 2024. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eSubtitled ‘A church’s guide to exploring mortality’, this is designed as a six-session course book to help those who are dealing with bereavement and thinking through death and its effects. Amongst the techniques used are creative arts approaches as well as Bible studies, meditations, prayer walks and questionnaires. The authors present the course with a concern for the individual, finding a way that relates to each person of need. It offers several sermon starters which could be adapted or developed for a series in church to supplement the course. The breadth of this resource is really heartening. By using art in places, it will enable those who are left wordless at times by bereavement to find a way to respond. It has a wide range of musical suggestions from Graham Kendrick to Stormzy, presumably designed to appeal to different generations. Churches of all theological traditions will find this book an invaluable aid to dealing with the last great journey and its consequences on those left behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 21.07.24. Review by Dominic Walker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is a handbook to help and resource facilitators to plan and lead a six-session course on how to live and die well. The authors have provided a variety of material to prepare people practically, emotionally, and spiritually for the end of their lives on earth. We are told: 'The course covers six topics: Legal practicalities; Life stories; Funeral planning; Physical aspects of dying; and the Life to come. It also offers a range of materials on the theme of living well in the light of mortality; a creative workshop, sermon starters, Bible studies, meditations, and a set of prayer stations which combine to form a prayer walk.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is a good course and well researched, but its promotion may be a challenge, because most people, including Christians, avoid thinking about death. Nevertheless, the unwillingness to face the process of dying can have serious pastoral consequences and give rise to some unbiblical and strange ideas about life after death. Most clergy will have encountered bereaved people who imagine a parallel universe in which their departed relatives in bliss look down upon us poor souls below!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis course is broad in its range of topics, offering good practical and legal advice, besides drawing people into the mystery of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It encourages people to think, to reflect, and to face their innermost feelings and fears. The material is pastoral and honest in its tone, and, while not claiming to have all the answers, it affirms the love and goodness of God and why Christians can face death in 'sure and certain hope'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe funeral preface reminds us that, for God’s faithful people, life is changed, not ended, and when our mortal flesh is laid aside, an everlasting dwelling place is made ready for us in heaven. For churches with elderly folk in their congregations, this course will provide help for them to prepare for, and hopefully to embrace, that change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Rt Revd Dominic Walker OGS is a former Bishop of Monmouth\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-10-06T16:10:19+01:00","created_at":"2023-10-06T16:10:19+01:00","vendor":"Joanna Collicutt","type":"Paperback","tags":["Anna Chaplaincy books","Anna Chaplaincy Courses","Bereavement","Glassboxx","Grief","KCLC","Pastoral care"],"price":2499,"price_min":2499,"price_max":2499,"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":43664255549631,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392830","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34897174364351,"product_id":7550558208191,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-10-06T16:10:19+01:00","updated_at":"2023-10-06T16:10:21+01:00","alt":null,"width":2480,"height":3508,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DeathandLife.jpg?v=1696605021","variant_ids":[43664255549631]},"available":true,"name":"Death and Life: A church's guide to exploring mortality - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":2499,"weight":540,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392830","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":27605747826879,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"width":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DeathandLife.jpg?v=1696605021"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DeathandLife.jpg?v=1696605021","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DeathandLifeReflectionCards_2.png?v=1713518598"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DeathandLife.jpg?v=1696605021","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27605747826879,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"width":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DeathandLife.jpg?v=1696605021"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DeathandLife.jpg?v=1696605021","width":2480},{"alt":null,"id":28639584944319,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.193,"height":788,"width":940,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DeathandLifeReflectionCards_2.png?v=1713518598"},"aspect_ratio":1.193,"height":788,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DeathandLifeReflectionCards_2.png?v=1713518598","width":940}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAs a society we aren’t good at talking about death, and as individuals we may try and avoid thinking about it. But death is part of life, and we must all face it eventually. For Christians, dying and death are not the end but a transition point in a story that continues. Reflecting well on our own mortality can help us to make peace with the prospect of death and to live more fully in the here and now.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis research-based book includes all you need to plan and deliver a course enabling people – old or young, healthy or frail – to prepare practically, emotionally and spiritually for their last months on this earth. The course covers six topics: Legal practicalities; Life stories; Funeral planning; Physical aspects of dying; Spiritual aspects of dying; and The life to come. It also offers a range of materials on the theme of living well in the light of mortality: a creative workshop, sermon starters, Bible studies, meditations, and a set of prayer stations which combine to form a prayer walk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Death and Life Reflection Cards\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/collections\/anna-chaplaincy-courses\/products\/death-and-life-reflection-cards\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Death_and_Life_Reflection_Cards_2.png?v=1713518661\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eRevd Canon Dr Joanna Collicutt\u003c\/strong\u003e has a background in clinical psychology and academic psychology of religion. She was for many years the Oxford Diocesan Adviser for Older People, and it was in this role that she became interested in the spiritual and theological aspects of death and dying. She is an associate priest in an Oxfordshire parish and is currently studying for a PhD in the area of Christianity and the arts. Joanna has written or co-written ten books, including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThinking of you: A resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (BRF, 2017) and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSeriously Messy: Making space for families to talk together about death and life\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (BRF, 2019).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJo Ind\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVictoria Slater \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlison Webster\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, winter 2024. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eSubtitled ‘A church’s guide to exploring mortality’, this is designed as a six-session course book to help those who are dealing with bereavement and thinking through death and its effects. Amongst the techniques used are creative arts approaches as well as Bible studies, meditations, prayer walks and questionnaires. The authors present the course with a concern for the individual, finding a way that relates to each person of need. It offers several sermon starters which could be adapted or developed for a series in church to supplement the course. The breadth of this resource is really heartening. By using art in places, it will enable those who are left wordless at times by bereavement to find a way to respond. It has a wide range of musical suggestions from Graham Kendrick to Stormzy, presumably designed to appeal to different generations. Churches of all theological traditions will find this book an invaluable aid to dealing with the last great journey and its consequences on those left behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 21.07.24. Review by Dominic Walker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is a handbook to help and resource facilitators to plan and lead a six-session course on how to live and die well. The authors have provided a variety of material to prepare people practically, emotionally, and spiritually for the end of their lives on earth. We are told: 'The course covers six topics: Legal practicalities; Life stories; Funeral planning; Physical aspects of dying; and the Life to come. It also offers a range of materials on the theme of living well in the light of mortality; a creative workshop, sermon starters, Bible studies, meditations, and a set of prayer stations which combine to form a prayer walk.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is a good course and well researched, but its promotion may be a challenge, because most people, including Christians, avoid thinking about death. Nevertheless, the unwillingness to face the process of dying can have serious pastoral consequences and give rise to some unbiblical and strange ideas about life after death. Most clergy will have encountered bereaved people who imagine a parallel universe in which their departed relatives in bliss look down upon us poor souls below!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis course is broad in its range of topics, offering good practical and legal advice, besides drawing people into the mystery of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It encourages people to think, to reflect, and to face their innermost feelings and fears. The material is pastoral and honest in its tone, and, while not claiming to have all the answers, it affirms the love and goodness of God and why Christians can face death in 'sure and certain hope'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe funeral preface reminds us that, for God’s faithful people, life is changed, not ended, and when our mortal flesh is laid aside, an everlasting dwelling place is made ready for us in heaven. For churches with elderly folk in their congregations, this course will provide help for them to prepare for, and hopefully to embrace, that change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Rt Revd Dominic Walker OGS is a former Bishop of Monmouth\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Death and Life: A church's guide to exploring mortality
£24.99
As a society we aren’t good at talking about death, and as individuals we may try and avoid thinking about...
{"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":7929562103999,"title":"Living the Autumn of Life: Walking through retirement beginnings and endings","handle":"living-the-autumn-of-life-walking-with-jesus-through-retirement-beginnings-and-endings","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAutumn is a time of gains and losses: fruit being harvested, and leaves falling. This book charts the experience of living through both realities, drawn from the author’s own life and from the views of interviewees. Informed by historic and contemporary reading, it offers snapshots of later life, taken against a backdrop of ageism in society and church. George Lings reflects on the identity of the ‘active elderly’, and considers through a biblical lens the challenges and opportunities that this season brings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\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 class=\"preserve-white-space\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eCanon Dr George Lings has been a banker, student, vicar, writer, mentor and researcher. From 1997 to 2017 he led Church Army’s Research Unit specialising in fresh expressions of church and gaining a PhD. In 2017 he was awarded the Canterbury Cross for outstanding service to the Church of England. He now serves as a companion of Northumbria Community and vice-president of BRF Ministries.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘I’ve been privileged to have had many opportunities to sit and learn from George and Helen over the past 20 years. Reading \u003cem\u003eLiving the Autumn of Life\u003c\/em\u003e feels like those warm, hospitable, brain-stretching chats. It’s studded with honest, personal experiences and concepts to take away and ponder at leisure. I’m glad to have read it while it’s still summer for me, so there’s time for the rich choice of ideas and wisdom to take root for my own autumn.’ \u003cstrong\u003eLucy Moore, founder of Messy Church and head of the Growing Faith Foundation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘George Lings has written the book I should have read ten years ago when I was entering the third age of autumn. He makes a wonderfully readable companion to this important phase of life, giving us rich images and metaphors to help us value these special years as ones of both autumnal glory and inevitable loss, of adventure and letting go. \u003cem\u003eLiving the Autumn of Life\u003c\/em\u003e is packed with wisdom and humanity. It reveals an author with a well-stocked mind, a memory full of rich experience and a spirit full of desire to live autumn well and to commend its fruit to others. I loved it.’ \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Pritchard, former Bishop of Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘We live in a time of gifts, not least the gift of age. But the journey needs guidance. Out of his experience and rooted in scripture, George has given us a guide to these later seasons, which can be long and fruitful. Reading it I found myself better equipped to use the God-given time, and I believe this will be true for you too. Highly recommended!’ \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePaul Bayes, former Bishop of Liverpool\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘It is tempting to underline so many passages of this book. Drawing on an impressively wide range of authors, Lings has blended his own personal observations of living the autumn of life with those of carefully questioned interviewees. I valued his insights, especially, when it comes to living with regret, describing a significant early childhood bereavement as “one of the negative cards I am likely to have to hold”. It is an approach encapsulated in his invitation: “So, tread with me some sort of middle ground to hold these two themes – glory and loss – in tension with one another.”’ \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eDebbie Thrower, founder of Anna Chaplaincy\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘I can’t remember the last time I read a book that brought tears to my eyes or a smile to my lips more often than this one. I have read other books about “the autumn of life”; this is by far the best I have read, not least for the sane, wise, warm, balanced approach George Lings takes. I have a long (and growing) list of friends around my age to whom I am going to recommend – and if necessary give – this book!’ \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Bowen, emeritus professor of evangelism, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘One of the many good things about the book which George Lings has produced is the way in which it – or rather he – invites the reader into a conversation with him. In spite of its deeply theological core, it is nevertheless less of a treatise, more a meditation; not a series of essays but a reflection, a ruminative process which draws the reader in and invites response.’ \u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd Canon Sue Hope, priest, author, tertiary of the Order of the Holy Paraclete\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘George Lings helps us to be realistic about retirement with its challenges and opportunities. It is an easy read and well worth the time. It will help the reader approach retirement or continue living in retirement with a sense of realism, opportunity, and hopefully happiness and fulfilment. Each section of the book ends with a page of application points which are very helpful pointers for reflection and a guide on the way forward.’ \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePhilip Johanson OBE, chief secretary of Church Army, 1990–2006\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘This remarkable book is among the most informative and inspirational books I’ve ever read. It deals with a consequential but often overlooked aspect of our daily lives – old age! Wide-ranging in its scope, covering the different phases of living the autumn years, it is packed full of wisdom and spiritual insight, each of which is full of honesty, humility and humour. It is autobiographical in parts, covering issues of sociology, theology, ecology and urology! A book to read and re-read, so as to learn the art of living the autumn of life, walking through retirement with gratitude and trust, courage and hope. Highly recommended.’ \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eTrevor Miller, former abbot of the Northumbria Community\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘This book is written with disarming honesty and compassion, releasing us to reflect on our own autumn journey. With breadth and clarity it gives us both the wisdom we need to embrace the opportunities of this life season, and also spiritual insights to help us walk with God through its losses, in gratitude and trust. The questions offered at the close of each chapter make this a very useful resource for those involved in spiritual accompaniment and for small groups.’\u003cstrong\u003e \u003cem\u003eJenny Hellyer, spiritual director\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Once on holiday to France I stopped the car to stare at a field of sunflowers. They were sunflowers as I’d never seen them before: brown, dry, their heads drooping. I later did an online search for sunflowers. Sure enough, all the images that appeared were yellow and perky, their faces towards the sun. Then it struck me. This was simply a different season for the sunflower. This was when they were at their most fruitful, just before harvest. This season was why they were planted in the first place. The drooping sunflowers were not an image of loss or failure, but fulfilment and maturity. George Lings reflects on the autumn of life with characteristic insight, candour and spiritual wisdom. As I begin to see the leaves in my own life turn yellow, red and brown, and as I become a grandparent myself, I’m grateful to George and his cast of companions for these moving missives from the season of mists.’ \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMike Starkey, writer and Anglican priest\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eGeorge Lings has produced a wonderfully encouraging and reassuring book for anyone in the ‘autumn of life'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eReflecting on the theme of autumn to describe what others may call the ‘third stage of life’ or ‘retirement’, Lings focuses on the glory and the losses of the season: autumnal colour and falling of leaves. It is a worthy parallel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe author explores the glories of the season – time for others, new interests, revisiting the good things from the past. But is not afraid to acknowledge the falling leaves – the difficulties of aging, the loss of others and how our own ‘characteristics’ can make themselves more known too!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAs well as helpful biblical reflections, the author draws a lot on the work of Paul Tournier (his book \u003ci\u003eLearning to Grow Old\u003c\/i\u003e is one this reviewer will now be buying…). These are a rich bringing together of wisdom about the continuing value of human life, whatever age and stage we may be at.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAfter 22 years in parish ministry, the author spent two decades as a researcher for the Church Army before his own retirement. Drawing on the latter area of expertise, Lings makes a candid acknowledgment that his findings from sixteen qualitative interviews with others are not representative of the wider population of senior citizens. Nonetheless those interviews complement the author’s own experience and autobiographical accounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe research background also shows itself in lengthy chapters on society and the church, and different theological thinking about trust. For this reviewer, these sections didn’t quite fit with the overall focus of the book, whose strength is in the more person-centred elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAs one who is (apparently) in the autumn of life, I found it personally affirming. It also served to prompt my own thoughts and reflections on what is to come in the remaining years. I would recommend it to anyone living in or approaching autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. He is also the author of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003efive other books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\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\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" class=\"row avoid-break\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" class=\"col\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" id=\"productCardSubjectsAndAudience\" class=\"card\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","published_at":"2024-08-06T10:14:17+01:00","created_at":"2024-08-06T10:14:17+01:00","vendor":"George Lings","type":"Paperback","tags":["2024","Ageing and spiritual care","anna chaplaincy","Anna Chaplaincy books","For individuals","Glassboxx","KCLC","Retired and inspired"],"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":43664212885695,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392816","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":70835910279548,"product_id":7929562103999,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-10-01T11:42:15+01:00","updated_at":"2024-10-01T11:42:17+01:00","alt":null,"width":1535,"height":2339,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/LivingtheAutumnofLife.jpg?v=1727779337","variant_ids":[43664212885695]},"available":true,"name":"Living the Autumn of Life: Walking through retirement beginnings and endings - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1299,"weight":280,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392816","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":62511278588284,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/LivingtheAutumnofLife.jpg?v=1727779337"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/LivingtheAutumnofLife.jpg?v=1727779337"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/LivingtheAutumnofLife.jpg?v=1727779337","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62511278588284,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/LivingtheAutumnofLife.jpg?v=1727779337"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/LivingtheAutumnofLife.jpg?v=1727779337","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAutumn is a time of gains and losses: fruit being harvested, and leaves falling. This book charts the experience of living through both realities, drawn from the author’s own life and from the views of interviewees. Informed by historic and contemporary reading, it offers snapshots of later life, taken against a backdrop of ageism in society and church. George Lings reflects on the identity of the ‘active elderly’, and considers through a biblical lens the challenges and opportunities that this season brings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\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 class=\"preserve-white-space\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eCanon Dr George Lings has been a banker, student, vicar, writer, mentor and researcher. From 1997 to 2017 he led Church Army’s Research Unit specialising in fresh expressions of church and gaining a PhD. In 2017 he was awarded the Canterbury Cross for outstanding service to the Church of England. He now serves as a companion of Northumbria Community and vice-president of BRF Ministries.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘I’ve been privileged to have had many opportunities to sit and learn from George and Helen over the past 20 years. Reading \u003cem\u003eLiving the Autumn of Life\u003c\/em\u003e feels like those warm, hospitable, brain-stretching chats. It’s studded with honest, personal experiences and concepts to take away and ponder at leisure. I’m glad to have read it while it’s still summer for me, so there’s time for the rich choice of ideas and wisdom to take root for my own autumn.’ \u003cstrong\u003eLucy Moore, founder of Messy Church and head of the Growing Faith Foundation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘George Lings has written the book I should have read ten years ago when I was entering the third age of autumn. He makes a wonderfully readable companion to this important phase of life, giving us rich images and metaphors to help us value these special years as ones of both autumnal glory and inevitable loss, of adventure and letting go. \u003cem\u003eLiving the Autumn of Life\u003c\/em\u003e is packed with wisdom and humanity. It reveals an author with a well-stocked mind, a memory full of rich experience and a spirit full of desire to live autumn well and to commend its fruit to others. I loved it.’ \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Pritchard, former Bishop of Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘We live in a time of gifts, not least the gift of age. But the journey needs guidance. Out of his experience and rooted in scripture, George has given us a guide to these later seasons, which can be long and fruitful. Reading it I found myself better equipped to use the God-given time, and I believe this will be true for you too. Highly recommended!’ \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePaul Bayes, former Bishop of Liverpool\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘It is tempting to underline so many passages of this book. Drawing on an impressively wide range of authors, Lings has blended his own personal observations of living the autumn of life with those of carefully questioned interviewees. I valued his insights, especially, when it comes to living with regret, describing a significant early childhood bereavement as “one of the negative cards I am likely to have to hold”. It is an approach encapsulated in his invitation: “So, tread with me some sort of middle ground to hold these two themes – glory and loss – in tension with one another.”’ \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eDebbie Thrower, founder of Anna Chaplaincy\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘I can’t remember the last time I read a book that brought tears to my eyes or a smile to my lips more often than this one. I have read other books about “the autumn of life”; this is by far the best I have read, not least for the sane, wise, warm, balanced approach George Lings takes. I have a long (and growing) list of friends around my age to whom I am going to recommend – and if necessary give – this book!’ \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Bowen, emeritus professor of evangelism, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘One of the many good things about the book which George Lings has produced is the way in which it – or rather he – invites the reader into a conversation with him. In spite of its deeply theological core, it is nevertheless less of a treatise, more a meditation; not a series of essays but a reflection, a ruminative process which draws the reader in and invites response.’ \u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd Canon Sue Hope, priest, author, tertiary of the Order of the Holy Paraclete\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘George Lings helps us to be realistic about retirement with its challenges and opportunities. It is an easy read and well worth the time. It will help the reader approach retirement or continue living in retirement with a sense of realism, opportunity, and hopefully happiness and fulfilment. Each section of the book ends with a page of application points which are very helpful pointers for reflection and a guide on the way forward.’ \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePhilip Johanson OBE, chief secretary of Church Army, 1990–2006\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘This remarkable book is among the most informative and inspirational books I’ve ever read. It deals with a consequential but often overlooked aspect of our daily lives – old age! Wide-ranging in its scope, covering the different phases of living the autumn years, it is packed full of wisdom and spiritual insight, each of which is full of honesty, humility and humour. It is autobiographical in parts, covering issues of sociology, theology, ecology and urology! A book to read and re-read, so as to learn the art of living the autumn of life, walking through retirement with gratitude and trust, courage and hope. Highly recommended.’ \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eTrevor Miller, former abbot of the Northumbria Community\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘This book is written with disarming honesty and compassion, releasing us to reflect on our own autumn journey. With breadth and clarity it gives us both the wisdom we need to embrace the opportunities of this life season, and also spiritual insights to help us walk with God through its losses, in gratitude and trust. The questions offered at the close of each chapter make this a very useful resource for those involved in spiritual accompaniment and for small groups.’\u003cstrong\u003e \u003cem\u003eJenny Hellyer, spiritual director\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Once on holiday to France I stopped the car to stare at a field of sunflowers. They were sunflowers as I’d never seen them before: brown, dry, their heads drooping. I later did an online search for sunflowers. Sure enough, all the images that appeared were yellow and perky, their faces towards the sun. Then it struck me. This was simply a different season for the sunflower. This was when they were at their most fruitful, just before harvest. This season was why they were planted in the first place. The drooping sunflowers were not an image of loss or failure, but fulfilment and maturity. George Lings reflects on the autumn of life with characteristic insight, candour and spiritual wisdom. As I begin to see the leaves in my own life turn yellow, red and brown, and as I become a grandparent myself, I’m grateful to George and his cast of companions for these moving missives from the season of mists.’ \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMike Starkey, writer and Anglican priest\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eGeorge Lings has produced a wonderfully encouraging and reassuring book for anyone in the ‘autumn of life'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eReflecting on the theme of autumn to describe what others may call the ‘third stage of life’ or ‘retirement’, Lings focuses on the glory and the losses of the season: autumnal colour and falling of leaves. It is a worthy parallel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe author explores the glories of the season – time for others, new interests, revisiting the good things from the past. But is not afraid to acknowledge the falling leaves – the difficulties of aging, the loss of others and how our own ‘characteristics’ can make themselves more known too!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAs well as helpful biblical reflections, the author draws a lot on the work of Paul Tournier (his book \u003ci\u003eLearning to Grow Old\u003c\/i\u003e is one this reviewer will now be buying…). These are a rich bringing together of wisdom about the continuing value of human life, whatever age and stage we may be at.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAfter 22 years in parish ministry, the author spent two decades as a researcher for the Church Army before his own retirement. Drawing on the latter area of expertise, Lings makes a candid acknowledgment that his findings from sixteen qualitative interviews with others are not representative of the wider population of senior citizens. Nonetheless those interviews complement the author’s own experience and autobiographical accounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe research background also shows itself in lengthy chapters on society and the church, and different theological thinking about trust. For this reviewer, these sections didn’t quite fit with the overall focus of the book, whose strength is in the more person-centred elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAs one who is (apparently) in the autumn of life, I found it personally affirming. It also served to prompt my own thoughts and reflections on what is to come in the remaining years. I would recommend it to anyone living in or approaching autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. He is also the author of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003efive other books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\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\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" class=\"row avoid-break\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" class=\"col\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-v-5a160260=\"\" id=\"productCardSubjectsAndAudience\" class=\"card\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e"}
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Living the Autumn of Life: Walking through retirement beginnings and endings
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Autumn is a time of gains and losses: fruit being harvested, and leaves falling. This book charts the experience of...
{"id":15145088876924,"title":"Bible Reflections for Older People September-December 2025","handle":"bible-reflections-for-older-people-september-december-2025","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWritten by older people for older people, these reflections are designed to bring hope, assurance and sustenance, reminding the reader of the presence and love of God. Each issue contains 40 Bible reflections and prayer suggestions to use and revisit as often as is needed. In the central section, Debbie Thrower founder of BRF Ministries' Anna Chaplaincy ministry offers interviews and ideas to encourage and inspire. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTopics and contributors: \u003cem\u003eTramping with Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e – Erica Roberts\u003cem\u003e Jars of clay\u003c\/em\u003e – April McIntyre \u003cem\u003eTime to serve\u003c\/em\u003e – ‘Tricia Williams \u003cem\u003eThe hope of glory\u003c\/em\u003e – Angela Tilby\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEditor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEley McAinsh is a freelance writer, editor and communications consultant with a background in religious broadcasting and research into contemporary spirituality. She has a long-standing interest in retreats and spiritual direction and a particular concern for the spiritual care of those living with dementia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-03-28T14:17:42+00:00","created_at":"2025-03-28T14:17:42+00:00","vendor":"Editor: Eley McAinsh","type":"BRN","tags":["Bible reading notes","Bible Reflections for Older People","Biblical engagement","Devotional","Discipleship","For individuals","KCLC","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired","Torch Trust"],"price":575,"price_min":575,"price_max":575,"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":55065613468028,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800393660","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Bible Reflections for Older People September-December 2025","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":575,"weight":93,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800393660","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BibleReflectionsforOlderPeopleSep25.jpg?v=1743171499"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BibleReflectionsforOlderPeopleSep25.jpg?v=1743171499","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":64274422006140,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2480,"width":1748,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BibleReflectionsforOlderPeopleSep25.jpg?v=1743171499"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2480,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BibleReflectionsforOlderPeopleSep25.jpg?v=1743171499","width":1748}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWritten by older people for older people, these reflections are designed to bring hope, assurance and sustenance, reminding the reader of the presence and love of God. Each issue contains 40 Bible reflections and prayer suggestions to use and revisit as often as is needed. In the central section, Debbie Thrower founder of BRF Ministries' Anna Chaplaincy ministry offers interviews and ideas to encourage and inspire. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTopics and contributors: \u003cem\u003eTramping with Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e – Erica Roberts\u003cem\u003e Jars of clay\u003c\/em\u003e – April McIntyre \u003cem\u003eTime to serve\u003c\/em\u003e – ‘Tricia Williams \u003cem\u003eThe hope of glory\u003c\/em\u003e – Angela Tilby\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEditor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEley McAinsh is a freelance writer, editor and communications consultant with a background in religious broadcasting and research into contemporary spirituality. She has a long-standing interest in retreats and spiritual direction and a particular concern for the spiritual care of those living with dementia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Bible Reflections for Older People September-December 2025
£5.75
Written by older people for older people, these reflections are designed to bring hope, assurance and sustenance, reminding the reader...
{"id":15490616000892,"title":"Bible Reflections for Older People September-December 2025","handle":"bible-reflections-for-older-people-september-december-2026","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWritten by older people for older people, these reflections are designed to bring hope, assurance and sustenance, reminding the reader of the presence and love of God. Each issue contains 40 Bible reflections and prayer suggestions to use and revisit as often as is needed. In the central section, Debbie Thrower founder of BRF Ministries' Anna Chaplaincy ministry offers interviews and ideas to encourage and inspire. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTopics and contributors: \u003cem\u003eTramping with Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e – Erica Roberts\u003cem\u003e Jars of clay\u003c\/em\u003e – April McIntyre \u003cem\u003eTime to serve\u003c\/em\u003e – ‘Tricia Williams \u003cem\u003eThe hope of glory\u003c\/em\u003e – Angela Tilby\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEditor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEley McAinsh is a freelance writer, editor and communications consultant with a background in religious broadcasting and research into contemporary spirituality. She has a long-standing interest in retreats and spiritual direction and a particular concern for the spiritual care of those living with dementia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-08-05T17:08:22+01:00","created_at":"2025-08-05T16:56:46+01:00","vendor":"Editor: Eley McAinsh","type":"eBook","tags":["Bible reading notes","Bible Reflections for Older People","Biblical engagement","BRN ebook","Devotional","Discipleship","For individuals","Glassboxx","KCLC","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired","Torch Trust"],"price":575,"price_min":575,"price_max":575,"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":55610595574140,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394995","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":76124042297724,"product_id":15490616000892,"position":1,"created_at":"2025-08-05T16:57:41+01:00","updated_at":"2025-08-05T16:57:46+01:00","alt":null,"width":1303,"height":2000,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/443.png?v=1754409466","variant_ids":[55610595574140]},"available":true,"name":"Bible Reflections for Older People September-December 2025 - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":575,"weight":93,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394995","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":65551090876796,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/443.png?v=1754409466"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/443.png?v=1754409466","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/444.png?v=1754409466"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/443.png?v=1754409466","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":65551090876796,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/443.png?v=1754409466"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/443.png?v=1754409466","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":65551090909564,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/444.png?v=1754409466"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/444.png?v=1754409466","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWritten by older people for older people, these reflections are designed to bring hope, assurance and sustenance, reminding the reader of the presence and love of God. Each issue contains 40 Bible reflections and prayer suggestions to use and revisit as often as is needed. In the central section, Debbie Thrower founder of BRF Ministries' Anna Chaplaincy ministry offers interviews and ideas to encourage and inspire. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTopics and contributors: \u003cem\u003eTramping with Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e – Erica Roberts\u003cem\u003e Jars of clay\u003c\/em\u003e – April McIntyre \u003cem\u003eTime to serve\u003c\/em\u003e – ‘Tricia Williams \u003cem\u003eThe hope of glory\u003c\/em\u003e – Angela Tilby\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEditor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEley McAinsh is a freelance writer, editor and communications consultant with a background in religious broadcasting and research into contemporary spirituality. She has a long-standing interest in retreats and spiritual direction and a particular concern for the spiritual care of those living with dementia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Bible Reflections for Older People September-December 2025
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Written by older people for older people, these reflections are designed to bring hope, assurance and sustenance, reminding the reader...
{"id":15619109257596,"title":"Bible Reflections for Older People January-April 2026","handle":"bible-reflections-for-older-people-january-april-2026","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWritten by older people for older people, these reflections are designed to bring hope, assurance and sustenance, reminding the reader of the presence and love of God. Each issue contains 40 Bible reflections and prayer suggestions to use and revisit as often as is needed. In the central section, Debbie Thrower founder of BRF Ministries’ Anna Chaplaincy ministry offers interviews and ideas to encourage and inspire. Topics and contributors High places - Geoff Lowson Calling in later life - Sally Welch What did Jesus see? - Ro Willoughby In the midst of the night - John Rackley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEditor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEley McAinsh is a freelance writer, editor and communications consultant with a background in religious broadcasting and research into contemporary spirituality. She has a long-standing interest in retreats and spiritual direction and a particular concern for the spiritual care of those living with dementia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-10-03T18:34:46+01:00","created_at":"2025-10-03T18:34:44+01:00","vendor":"Editor: Eley McAinsh","type":"BRN","tags":["2026","Ageing and spiritual care","anna chaplaincy","Bible Reflections for Older People","Biblical engagement","Devotional","Discipleship","KCLC","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired"],"price":575,"price_min":575,"price_max":575,"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":55831645421948,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394926","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Bible Reflections for Older People January-April 2026","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":575,"weight":91,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394926","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BibleReflectionsforOlderPeople_Jan26_fb509d22-fc6f-4230-9a5b-7dcbe7707d5b.jpg?v=1759513142"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BibleReflectionsforOlderPeople_Jan26_fb509d22-fc6f-4230-9a5b-7dcbe7707d5b.jpg?v=1759513142","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":66077012787580,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2480,"width":1748,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BibleReflectionsforOlderPeople_Jan26_fb509d22-fc6f-4230-9a5b-7dcbe7707d5b.jpg?v=1759513142"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2480,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BibleReflectionsforOlderPeople_Jan26_fb509d22-fc6f-4230-9a5b-7dcbe7707d5b.jpg?v=1759513142","width":1748}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWritten by older people for older people, these reflections are designed to bring hope, assurance and sustenance, reminding the reader of the presence and love of God. Each issue contains 40 Bible reflections and prayer suggestions to use and revisit as often as is needed. In the central section, Debbie Thrower founder of BRF Ministries’ Anna Chaplaincy ministry offers interviews and ideas to encourage and inspire. Topics and contributors High places - Geoff Lowson Calling in later life - Sally Welch What did Jesus see? - Ro Willoughby In the midst of the night - John Rackley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEditor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEley McAinsh is a freelance writer, editor and communications consultant with a background in religious broadcasting and research into contemporary spirituality. She has a long-standing interest in retreats and spiritual direction and a particular concern for the spiritual care of those living with dementia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Bible Reflections for Older People January-April 2026
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Written by older people for older people, these reflections are designed to bring hope, assurance and sustenance, reminding the reader...
{"id":15665336156540,"title":"Dementia, God and the Church: Journeying with hope","handle":"dementia-god-and-the-church","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDementia is one of today’s most feared health conditions, and Christians with the condition may also worry about losing their faith and their connection to God. However, there is still hope: those living with dementia can still find meaning in their life and their faith.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWritten by two practitioners in this field, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDementia, God and the Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e aims to show how person-centred approaches to dementia can provide hope. Wendy Gleadle first examines the difficulties of maintaining religious beliefs as cognition declines, and the implications of this if faith is equally emotional as cognitive. She explores other forms of spiritual awareness, such as relationships, the arts and creativity. Frances Attwood asks how churches can better support those living with dementia, through examining what they and their families and carers find helpful and want most. Throughout, space is given to first-hand stories of those with dementia, those working with them and those caring for them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWendy Gleadle\u003c\/strong\u003e is a retired Christian counsellor, Anna Chaplain and secretary to an online dementia support group. In 2021 she attained a BA (First Class Hons) in Theology, Ministry and Evangelism with the Light College, Chester University. Wendy is widowed, with three children and four grandchildren.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrances Attwood\u003c\/strong\u003e has worked as a music teacher and music therapist with all ages and a variety of needs. Her music groups highlighted the challenges and lack of provision for families living with dementia. In 2023 she gained a Master’s in Applied Theology at Moorlands Bible College. She runs a reminiscence group for people with dementia and is an Anna Chaplain in Bournemouth. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2026-01-09T22:57:36+00:00","created_at":"2025-10-24T15:19:41+01:00","vendor":"Wendy Gleadle and Frances Attwood","type":"Paperback","tags":["2026","Ageing and spiritual care","For churches","For individuals","KCLC","Leadership","New Titles","Pastoral care","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Spiritual care","Upcoming titles"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":55901184065916,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394339","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Dementia, God and the Church: Journeying with hope","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1299,"weight":230,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394339","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Dementia_GodandtheChurch.jpg?v=1767999253"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Dementia_GodandtheChurch.jpg?v=1767999253","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":66884317806972,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Dementia_GodandtheChurch.jpg?v=1767999253"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Dementia_GodandtheChurch.jpg?v=1767999253","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDementia is one of today’s most feared health conditions, and Christians with the condition may also worry about losing their faith and their connection to God. However, there is still hope: those living with dementia can still find meaning in their life and their faith.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWritten by two practitioners in this field, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDementia, God and the Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e aims to show how person-centred approaches to dementia can provide hope. Wendy Gleadle first examines the difficulties of maintaining religious beliefs as cognition declines, and the implications of this if faith is equally emotional as cognitive. She explores other forms of spiritual awareness, such as relationships, the arts and creativity. Frances Attwood asks how churches can better support those living with dementia, through examining what they and their families and carers find helpful and want most. Throughout, space is given to first-hand stories of those with dementia, those working with them and those caring for them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWendy Gleadle\u003c\/strong\u003e is a retired Christian counsellor, Anna Chaplain and secretary to an online dementia support group. In 2021 she attained a BA (First Class Hons) in Theology, Ministry and Evangelism with the Light College, Chester University. Wendy is widowed, with three children and four grandchildren.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrances Attwood\u003c\/strong\u003e has worked as a music teacher and music therapist with all ages and a variety of needs. Her music groups highlighted the challenges and lack of provision for families living with dementia. In 2023 she gained a Master’s in Applied Theology at Moorlands Bible College. She runs a reminiscence group for people with dementia and is an Anna Chaplain in Bournemouth. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Dementia, God and the Church: Journeying with hope
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Dementia is one of today’s most feared health conditions, and Christians with the condition may also worry about losing their...
{"id":15665350017404,"title":"Enabling Spiritual Care: A guide for care home staff","handle":"enabling-spiritual-care","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrawing from expertise developed through Anna Chaplaincy, this book enables members of care home staff teams to understand and facilitate the provision of spiritual care for residents. It explains the need for religious care, focusing on older people who are Christians, and provides examples of prayers, hymns, and services that can be used. There are chapters on facilitating worship with groups and individuals, offering end-of-life spiritual care and supporting those who are unable to attend a funeral. There are also sections on self-care and attending to your own spiritual needs. This book focuses on spiritual care from a Christian perspective, but all faiths and belief systems are respected.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDebbie Thrower is the founder of BRF Ministries' Anna Chaplaincy, and a Vice President of the charity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJulia Burton-Jones is the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnna Chaplaincy Training and Development Lead at BRF Ministries.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2026-04-29T14:55:17+01:00","created_at":"2025-10-24T15:29:12+01:00","vendor":"Debbie Thrower, Sally Rees, Catriona Foster, Julia Burton-Jones","type":"Paperback","tags":["2026","Ageing and spiritual care","anna chaplaincy","Anna Chaplaincy books","For churches","KCLC","New Titles","Pastoral care","Spiritual care","Spirituality","Upcoming titles"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":55901205627260,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800395510","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Enabling Spiritual Care: A guide for care home staff","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":183,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800395510","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Enabling_Spiritual_Care.jpg?v=1777470681"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Enabling_Spiritual_Care.jpg?v=1777470681","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":68192479019388,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"width":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Enabling_Spiritual_Care.jpg?v=1777470681"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Enabling_Spiritual_Care.jpg?v=1777470681","width":2480}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrawing from expertise developed through Anna Chaplaincy, this book enables members of care home staff teams to understand and facilitate the provision of spiritual care for residents. It explains the need for religious care, focusing on older people who are Christians, and provides examples of prayers, hymns, and services that can be used. There are chapters on facilitating worship with groups and individuals, offering end-of-life spiritual care and supporting those who are unable to attend a funeral. There are also sections on self-care and attending to your own spiritual needs. This book focuses on spiritual care from a Christian perspective, but all faiths and belief systems are respected.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDebbie Thrower is the founder of BRF Ministries' Anna Chaplaincy, and a Vice President of the charity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJulia Burton-Jones is the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnna Chaplaincy Training and Development Lead at BRF Ministries.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Enabling Spiritual Care: A guide for care home staff
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Drawing from expertise developed through Anna Chaplaincy, this book enables members of care home staff teams to understand and facilitate...
{"id":15736560091516,"title":"Spiritual Care Series Online Training - September 2026","handle":"spiritual-care-series-online-training-september-2026","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeptember 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e The 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. \u003cstrong\u003eBook now for course starting: September 2026.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dnZ_JlsZSEw?si=BdDU_mnAgm9znUkT\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-12-12T11:46:07+00:00","created_at":"2025-11-25T10:08:31+00:00","vendor":"BRFonline","type":"Online Event","tags":["2026","Ageing and spiritual care","Anna Chaplaincy Courses","Anna Chaplaincy events","Courses","event","Events","For churches","For individuals","Online event","Pastoral care","Spiritual care","spiritual care series courses","Spirituality"],"price":18000,"price_min":18000,"price_max":18000,"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":56010669457788,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"SCSSEP26","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Spiritual Care Series Online Training - September 2026","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":18000,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":null,"barcode":"SCSSEP26","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SpiritualCareSeriesOnlinecourse_1.png?v=1733764487"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SpiritualCareSeriesOnlinecourse_1.png?v=1733764487","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63538909282684,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"width":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SpiritualCareSeriesOnlinecourse_1.png?v=1733764487"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SpiritualCareSeriesOnlinecourse_1.png?v=1733764487","width":1080}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeptember 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e The 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. \u003cstrong\u003eBook now for course starting: September 2026.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dnZ_JlsZSEw?si=BdDU_mnAgm9znUkT\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Spiritual Care Series Online Training - September 2026
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September 2026 The Spiritual Care Series is an eight-week comprehensive course for churches who want to provide good quality spiritual...
{"id":15792305996156,"title":"Bible Reflections for Older People January-April 2026","handle":"bible-reflections-for-older-people-january-april-2027","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWritten by older people for older people, these reflections are designed to bring hope, assurance and sustenance, reminding the reader of the presence and love of God. Each issue contains 40 Bible reflections and prayer suggestions to use and revisit as often as is needed. In the central section, Debbie Thrower founder of BRF Ministries’ Anna Chaplaincy ministry offers interviews and ideas to encourage and inspire. Topics and contributors High places - Geoff Lowson Calling in later life - Sally Welch What did Jesus see? - Ro Willoughby In the midst of the night - John Rackley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEditor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEley McAinsh is a freelance writer, editor and communications consultant with a background in religious broadcasting and research into contemporary spirituality. She has a long-standing interest in retreats and spiritual direction and a particular concern for the spiritual care of those living with dementia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-12-17T14:09:34+00:00","created_at":"2025-12-17T14:09:32+00:00","vendor":"Eley McAinsh","type":"eBook","tags":["2026","Ageing and spiritual care","Anna Chaplaincy books","bible reading notes eBooks","Bible Reflections for Older People","Biblical engagement","BRN ebook","Devotional","Discipleship","For churches","For individuals","Glassboxx","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired"],"price":575,"price_min":575,"price_max":575,"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":56129191870844,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394933","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Bible Reflections for Older People January-April 2026 - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":575,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394933","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/469.png?v=1768566419"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/469.png?v=1768566419","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":66960410607996,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/469.png?v=1768566419"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/469.png?v=1768566419","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWritten by older people for older people, these reflections are designed to bring hope, assurance and sustenance, reminding the reader of the presence and love of God. Each issue contains 40 Bible reflections and prayer suggestions to use and revisit as often as is needed. In the central section, Debbie Thrower founder of BRF Ministries’ Anna Chaplaincy ministry offers interviews and ideas to encourage and inspire. Topics and contributors High places - Geoff Lowson Calling in later life - Sally Welch What did Jesus see? - Ro Willoughby In the midst of the night - John Rackley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEditor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEley McAinsh is a freelance writer, editor and communications consultant with a background in religious broadcasting and research into contemporary spirituality. She has a long-standing interest in retreats and spiritual direction and a particular concern for the spiritual care of those living with dementia.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Bible Reflections for Older People January-April 2026
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{"id":15872277741948,"title":"Bible Reflections for Older People May-August 2026","handle":"bible-reflections-for-older-people-may-august-2026","description":"\u003cp\u003eWritten by older people for older people, these reflections are designed to bring hope, assurance and sustenance, reminding the reader of the presence and love of God. Each issue contains 40 Bible reflections and prayer suggestions to use and revisit as often as is needed. In the central section, Debbie Thrower founder of BRF’s Anna Chaplaincy ministry offers interviews and ideas to encourage and inspire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTopics and contributors:\u003cbr\u003eRoofstops and shelters – Clare O'Driscoll\u003cbr\u003eSurprise! Surprise! – David Butterfield\u003cbr\u003eAt the feet of Jesus – Mary Yates\u003cbr\u003eGod of all comfort – April McIntyre\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEley McAinsh is a freelance writer, editor and communications consultant with a background in religious broadcasting and research into contemporary spirituality. She has a long-standing interest in retreats and spiritual direction and a particular concern for the spiritual care of those living with dementia.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2026-01-30T09:11:54+00:00","created_at":"2026-01-29T15:38:08+00:00","vendor":"Editor: Eley McAinsh","type":"BRN","tags":["2026","Bible reading notes","Bible Reflections for Older People","Biblical engagement","Devotional","Discipleship","For individuals","KCLC","New Titles","subscription","Subscriptions"],"price":650,"price_min":650,"price_max":650,"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":56295626408316,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394940","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Bible Reflections for Older People May-August 2026","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":650,"weight":93,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394940","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BibleReflectionsforOlderPeople_May26.jpg?v=1769701109"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BibleReflectionsforOlderPeople_May26.jpg?v=1769701109","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":67049044574588,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2480,"width":1748,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BibleReflectionsforOlderPeople_May26.jpg?v=1769701109"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2480,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BibleReflectionsforOlderPeople_May26.jpg?v=1769701109","width":1748}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eWritten by older people for older people, these reflections are designed to bring hope, assurance and sustenance, reminding the reader of the presence and love of God. Each issue contains 40 Bible reflections and prayer suggestions to use and revisit as often as is needed. In the central section, Debbie Thrower founder of BRF’s Anna Chaplaincy ministry offers interviews and ideas to encourage and inspire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTopics and contributors:\u003cbr\u003eRoofstops and shelters – Clare O'Driscoll\u003cbr\u003eSurprise! Surprise! – David Butterfield\u003cbr\u003eAt the feet of Jesus – Mary Yates\u003cbr\u003eGod of all comfort – April McIntyre\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEley McAinsh is a freelance writer, editor and communications consultant with a background in religious broadcasting and research into contemporary spirituality. She has a long-standing interest in retreats and spiritual direction and a particular concern for the spiritual care of those living with dementia.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Bible Reflections for Older People May-August 2026
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{"id":15870986813820,"title":"Spiritual Care Series Self Learning Course","handle":"spiritual-care-series-self-learning-course","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe Spiritual Care Series is a comprehensive eight-session online course for care home professionals and volunteers, designed to support the delivery of high-quality spiritual care to older people in their local communities. It is now available as a Self-Learning Course, enabling learners to fit the course around a busy schedule. The course helps learners to understand the ageing process, support older people in reconnecting with their past, and cope with the losses that ageing can bring. It also covers the importance of good listening skills, effective communication, and appropriate boundaries in the provision of spiritual care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dnZ_JlsZSEw?si=1FbFm1z9d2Gx-AdA\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis includes 12 hours of high-quality video content, course notes and a certificate of achievement on completion. It is recommended that you allow 2 hours to complete each session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCourse outline\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col type=\"1\" start=\"1\" style=\"margin-top: 0cm;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eUnderstanding the ageing process\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eSpirituality in ageing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eGood communication\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe power of storytelling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eDementia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eA new home and a new way of life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eGrief, loss, death and dying\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eRoles, boundaries and self-care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe Spiritual Care Series has been designed by world-renowned experts to equip care home professionals and volunteers who support care home residents or older people in their local communities with the skills needed to help older people discover meaning and purpose at this stage of life.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2026-03-24T10:30:30+00:00","created_at":"2026-01-27T15:39:31+00:00","vendor":"Health TV Network and BRF Resources","type":"Online Event","tags":["2026","Ageing and spiritual care","anna chaplaincy","Anna Chaplaincy Courses","Courses","Events","For individuals","Pastoral care","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Spiritual care","spiritual care series courses","Spirituality"],"price":8000,"price_min":8000,"price_max":8000,"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":56289496367484,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"SCSSELFLRN","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Spiritual Care Series Self Learning Course","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":8000,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":null,"barcode":"SCSSELFLRN","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SpiritualCareSeriesselflearningOnlinecourse.png?v=1770217325"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SpiritualCareSeriesselflearningOnlinecourse.png?v=1770217325","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":67094299902332,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"width":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SpiritualCareSeriesselflearningOnlinecourse.png?v=1770217325"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/SpiritualCareSeriesselflearningOnlinecourse.png?v=1770217325","width":1080}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe Spiritual Care Series is a comprehensive eight-session online course for care home professionals and volunteers, designed to support the delivery of high-quality spiritual care to older people in their local communities. It is now available as a Self-Learning Course, enabling learners to fit the course around a busy schedule. The course helps learners to understand the ageing process, support older people in reconnecting with their past, and cope with the losses that ageing can bring. It also covers the importance of good listening skills, effective communication, and appropriate boundaries in the provision of spiritual care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dnZ_JlsZSEw?si=1FbFm1z9d2Gx-AdA\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis includes 12 hours of high-quality video content, course notes and a certificate of achievement on completion. It is recommended that you allow 2 hours to complete each session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCourse outline\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col type=\"1\" start=\"1\" style=\"margin-top: 0cm;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eUnderstanding the ageing process\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eSpirituality in ageing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eGood communication\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe power of storytelling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eDementia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eA new home and a new way of life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eGrief, loss, death and dying\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eRoles, boundaries and self-care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe Spiritual Care Series has been designed by world-renowned experts to equip care home professionals and volunteers who support care home residents or older people in their local communities with the skills needed to help older people discover meaning and purpose at this stage of life.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Spiritual Care Series Self Learning Course
£80.00
The Spiritual Care Series is a comprehensive eight-session online course for care home professionals and volunteers, designed to support the...
{"id":14683972567420,"title":"God among the Ruins: Trust and transformation in difficult times","handle":"god-among-the-ruins-trust-and-transformation-in-difficult-times-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWhere do we turn when our world is falling apart?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eIt takes courage to hope; to stand in our confusion and grief and still to believe that 'God is not helpless among the ruins'. Guided by Habakkuk and his prophetic landmarks, we are drawn on a reflective journey through the tangled landscape of bewildered faith, through places of wrestling and waiting, and on into the growth space of deepened trust and transformation. As you read, discover for yourself the value and practice of honest prayer, of surrender, of silence and listening, and of irrepressible hoping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt's a long and winding road\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWounded ragings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt wasn't meant to be like this\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't just do something, sit there!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOf plastic bottles, empty tin cans and trust\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrom the back door to the barn door - and beyond\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat's in a name?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWalking with the wounded\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wonder of this book is its searing honesty. Through the lens of her own life-changing loss and learning from Habbakuk's journey through profound pain, Mags helps us see how we might come to trust the goodness of God amidst heart-rending devastation and chaos. This is gentle, biblically-rooted, and carefully crafted wisdom that faces difficult questions and emotions of suffering head on yet persists in seeking God amongst it all. This is wisdom that has been lived. I trust that many might discover this book.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Tracy Cotterell, London Institute for Contemporary Christianity \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn 9\/11 when I saw the Twin Towers in New York, one after the other, pancake to the ground in a deafening explosion of devastation and heart-wrenching tragedy, it was hard to imagine God among those ruins. When I walked beside a couple whose only child had died at 10 months on Thanksgiving Day, they found it hard to imagine a God among their ruins. When my own hopes and dreams collapsed after trying everything imaginable to keep them alive, I too struggled with finding God in the ruins. In this beautifully written book and with a careful study of Habakkuk, Duggan unfolds the story of her own journey through haunting loss to the transforming comfort of God. So if you have struggled with believing in a loving God when your own world collapses, this book will serve you well. It certainly guided and helped me. Dr.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e MaryKate Morse, professor, author and spiritual director \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf only I had had this book when I looked for help with my own experience of deep and all-pervading disappointment with God in 1983 and could find nothing written on the subject! An interaction with the words of the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk based on Mags's own devastation, it is totally authentic in declaring the pain each of them went through and the ways in which they related to God in and through it. It is totally practical as well in offering guidance through activities that help one to recognise one's own difficulties and bring them before God. And, through it all, no matter how horrible the circumstances and the experience, Emmanuel, the God who is with us. It is wonderful to have such a resource available to those who are going through pain and anger with God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Dr Colin Bulley, Pioneers UK, Member Care Consultant, Spiritual Director \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was eagerly anticipating the release of 'God Among The Ruins', having sat under Mags Duggan's teaching on a number of occasions, and I was not disappointed. Although the book was birthed in the author's own journey of suffering, that does not become the main focus. Each chapter gently and compassionately brings the reader to God Himself through the faith journey of Habakkuk. Mags has not avoided the problems that suffering brings, nor has she offered trite answers where there are none. Rather she helps us learn to walk with the questions as we move towards God. The practical reflections suggested at the end of each chapter are so helpful for readers wanting to apply the truths they are encountering. So helpful. So good.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Valerie Murphy, Coordinator of Women's Bible Teaching Ministry, Crescent Church Belfast, Retreat Leader, Bible Teacher \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncisively yet simply written, there are lessons for us all, not just those who have suffered grief or earthquake.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Revd Canon Dr Steve Davie, Principal of the Bradford Hub of the Leeds School of Ministry \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"384\" width=\"288\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/MagsinFergusFalls_480x480.jpg?v=1676493905\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags Duggan has worked with the Navigators for 35 years, many of these as a cross-cultural missionary in East Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. More recently, she was on the faculty of Redcliffe College, Gloucester, where she lectured in two areas she is passionate about: Spiritual Formation and Soul Care. Currently, she is engaged in providing spiritual nurture and pastoral care to a diverse group of cross-cultural missionaries and ministry leaders, both here in the UK and around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Winter 2018. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an honest and moving book, with a message for everyone who has struggled or suffered. It is based on the book of Habakkuk, whose short prophecy tells of the prophet's despair, questioning and wrestling with God, and emergence as a wiser, more peaceful person. Duggan tells her own story of despair, questioning, wrestling and her emergence as a wiser, more peaceful person. God Among the Ruins is honest and gently emotive. It is not intended to be a happy story, but it is a tremendously encouraging one. Duggan's chapter on 'Walking with the wounded' is particularly moving. The writing is warm and compelling. It could suit a home group as well as an individual. Each chapter contains simple but practical suggestions to help the reader put the message into practice. It is a book of hope, which nearly everyone would benefit from. I recommend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Baptist Times, August 2018. Reviewed by David Stuckey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I was a lot younger my mum gave me her copy of God in The Slums written by Hugh Redwood in the 1930s. It was not an easy read for a young lad but I have revisited it several times in the intervening years and have come to appreciate its sincerity and its poignancy. It told of finding God's presence in unlikely places, in the midst of trial and tribulation, and at times it could be an achingly poignant read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have come across few accounts of loss and despair over the years to come close to Redwood's image of abiding faith - until now. Mags Duggan has similarly identified God's goodness and guidance in times of trial and torment. 'Trust and transformation in difficult times,' she suggests, as her opening reflection in God Among the Ruins repeats familiar words from Habakkuk: 'Even though ... even here ... Emmanuel'. At times when God seemed distant, when crops failed, when death and devastation abounded, Habakkuk was able to declare 'Yet I will rejoice'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags gives her readers an achingly personal reflection of coming to terms with the death of her young niece from cancer, and those words she found which resonated with her in these circumstances came from another who clung to his faith in God in harrowing circumstances. The words of Eric Liddell, the Olympic runner and missionary who died in a Japanese prisoner of war camp came to her, 'sparking the hope of healing and new life,' she writes. Liddell had declared 'Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God's plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book to savour, to dip into for comfort and support, to reflect on personal circumstances and to appreciate the rewards of faith and Christian support. And having unwrapped and dissected Habakkuk in many helpful and meaningful ways, the author then reveals that she too was diagnosed with breast cancer on the day she submitted the manuscript for publication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book to make you weep and wonder, as it gives the reader fresh insight not only into living with cancer but also submitting one's life into the caring arms of the Almighty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDavid Stuckey is a journalist and member of Maghull Baptist Church, Merseyside\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Mike Treneer, International President Emeritus, The Navigators (8 March 2018)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many reasons to commend Mags Duggan's beautifully written book 'God Among the Ruins'! I will mention just three:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis meditation on the Old Testament book of Habakkuk in the light of Mags' own experience of grief for her niece, powerfully brings Bible and life together in ways that help us to understand both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags combines profound insights into some of life's most challenging questions with simple practical suggestions for growing in our relationship with God through them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Mags opens up her own process of grief, she helpfully illustrates and guides us in how we too can 'comfort others with the comfort we too have received from God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Mike Treneer, International President Emeritus, The Navigators.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-21T14:28:40+01:00","created_at":"2024-10-21T14:27:30+01:00","vendor":"Mags Duggan","type":"eBook","tags":["Anna Chaplaincy books","Feb-18","Glassboxx","Pastoral care","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Women"],"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":53598010868092,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465764","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"God among the Ruins: Trust and transformation in difficult times - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":899,"weight":162,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465764","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/53.png?v=1729786396","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/54.png?v=1729786394"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/53.png?v=1729786396","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62917489295740,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/53.png?v=1729786396"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/53.png?v=1729786396","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62917489262972,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/54.png?v=1729786394"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/54.png?v=1729786394","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWhere do we turn when our world is falling apart?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eIt takes courage to hope; to stand in our confusion and grief and still to believe that 'God is not helpless among the ruins'. Guided by Habakkuk and his prophetic landmarks, we are drawn on a reflective journey through the tangled landscape of bewildered faith, through places of wrestling and waiting, and on into the growth space of deepened trust and transformation. As you read, discover for yourself the value and practice of honest prayer, of surrender, of silence and listening, and of irrepressible hoping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt's a long and winding road\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWounded ragings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt wasn't meant to be like this\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't just do something, sit there!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOf plastic bottles, empty tin cans and trust\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrom the back door to the barn door - and beyond\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat's in a name?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWalking with the wounded\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wonder of this book is its searing honesty. Through the lens of her own life-changing loss and learning from Habbakuk's journey through profound pain, Mags helps us see how we might come to trust the goodness of God amidst heart-rending devastation and chaos. This is gentle, biblically-rooted, and carefully crafted wisdom that faces difficult questions and emotions of suffering head on yet persists in seeking God amongst it all. This is wisdom that has been lived. I trust that many might discover this book.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Tracy Cotterell, London Institute for Contemporary Christianity \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn 9\/11 when I saw the Twin Towers in New York, one after the other, pancake to the ground in a deafening explosion of devastation and heart-wrenching tragedy, it was hard to imagine God among those ruins. When I walked beside a couple whose only child had died at 10 months on Thanksgiving Day, they found it hard to imagine a God among their ruins. When my own hopes and dreams collapsed after trying everything imaginable to keep them alive, I too struggled with finding God in the ruins. In this beautifully written book and with a careful study of Habakkuk, Duggan unfolds the story of her own journey through haunting loss to the transforming comfort of God. So if you have struggled with believing in a loving God when your own world collapses, this book will serve you well. It certainly guided and helped me. Dr.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e MaryKate Morse, professor, author and spiritual director \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf only I had had this book when I looked for help with my own experience of deep and all-pervading disappointment with God in 1983 and could find nothing written on the subject! An interaction with the words of the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk based on Mags's own devastation, it is totally authentic in declaring the pain each of them went through and the ways in which they related to God in and through it. It is totally practical as well in offering guidance through activities that help one to recognise one's own difficulties and bring them before God. And, through it all, no matter how horrible the circumstances and the experience, Emmanuel, the God who is with us. It is wonderful to have such a resource available to those who are going through pain and anger with God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Dr Colin Bulley, Pioneers UK, Member Care Consultant, Spiritual Director \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was eagerly anticipating the release of 'God Among The Ruins', having sat under Mags Duggan's teaching on a number of occasions, and I was not disappointed. Although the book was birthed in the author's own journey of suffering, that does not become the main focus. Each chapter gently and compassionately brings the reader to God Himself through the faith journey of Habakkuk. Mags has not avoided the problems that suffering brings, nor has she offered trite answers where there are none. Rather she helps us learn to walk with the questions as we move towards God. The practical reflections suggested at the end of each chapter are so helpful for readers wanting to apply the truths they are encountering. So helpful. So good.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Valerie Murphy, Coordinator of Women's Bible Teaching Ministry, Crescent Church Belfast, Retreat Leader, Bible Teacher \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncisively yet simply written, there are lessons for us all, not just those who have suffered grief or earthquake.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Revd Canon Dr Steve Davie, Principal of the Bradford Hub of the Leeds School of Ministry \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"384\" width=\"288\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/MagsinFergusFalls_480x480.jpg?v=1676493905\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags Duggan has worked with the Navigators for 35 years, many of these as a cross-cultural missionary in East Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. More recently, she was on the faculty of Redcliffe College, Gloucester, where she lectured in two areas she is passionate about: Spiritual Formation and Soul Care. Currently, she is engaged in providing spiritual nurture and pastoral care to a diverse group of cross-cultural missionaries and ministry leaders, both here in the UK and around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Winter 2018. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an honest and moving book, with a message for everyone who has struggled or suffered. It is based on the book of Habakkuk, whose short prophecy tells of the prophet's despair, questioning and wrestling with God, and emergence as a wiser, more peaceful person. Duggan tells her own story of despair, questioning, wrestling and her emergence as a wiser, more peaceful person. God Among the Ruins is honest and gently emotive. It is not intended to be a happy story, but it is a tremendously encouraging one. Duggan's chapter on 'Walking with the wounded' is particularly moving. The writing is warm and compelling. It could suit a home group as well as an individual. Each chapter contains simple but practical suggestions to help the reader put the message into practice. It is a book of hope, which nearly everyone would benefit from. I recommend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Baptist Times, August 2018. Reviewed by David Stuckey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I was a lot younger my mum gave me her copy of God in The Slums written by Hugh Redwood in the 1930s. It was not an easy read for a young lad but I have revisited it several times in the intervening years and have come to appreciate its sincerity and its poignancy. It told of finding God's presence in unlikely places, in the midst of trial and tribulation, and at times it could be an achingly poignant read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have come across few accounts of loss and despair over the years to come close to Redwood's image of abiding faith - until now. Mags Duggan has similarly identified God's goodness and guidance in times of trial and torment. 'Trust and transformation in difficult times,' she suggests, as her opening reflection in God Among the Ruins repeats familiar words from Habakkuk: 'Even though ... even here ... Emmanuel'. At times when God seemed distant, when crops failed, when death and devastation abounded, Habakkuk was able to declare 'Yet I will rejoice'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags gives her readers an achingly personal reflection of coming to terms with the death of her young niece from cancer, and those words she found which resonated with her in these circumstances came from another who clung to his faith in God in harrowing circumstances. The words of Eric Liddell, the Olympic runner and missionary who died in a Japanese prisoner of war camp came to her, 'sparking the hope of healing and new life,' she writes. Liddell had declared 'Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God's plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book to savour, to dip into for comfort and support, to reflect on personal circumstances and to appreciate the rewards of faith and Christian support. And having unwrapped and dissected Habakkuk in many helpful and meaningful ways, the author then reveals that she too was diagnosed with breast cancer on the day she submitted the manuscript for publication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book to make you weep and wonder, as it gives the reader fresh insight not only into living with cancer but also submitting one's life into the caring arms of the Almighty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDavid Stuckey is a journalist and member of Maghull Baptist Church, Merseyside\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Mike Treneer, International President Emeritus, The Navigators (8 March 2018)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many reasons to commend Mags Duggan's beautifully written book 'God Among the Ruins'! I will mention just three:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis meditation on the Old Testament book of Habakkuk in the light of Mags' own experience of grief for her niece, powerfully brings Bible and life together in ways that help us to understand both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags combines profound insights into some of life's most challenging questions with simple practical suggestions for growing in our relationship with God through them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile Mags opens up her own process of grief, she helpfully illustrates and guides us in how we too can 'comfort others with the comfort we too have received from God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Mike Treneer, International President Emeritus, The Navigators.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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God among the Ruins: Trust and transformation in difficult times
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