{"title":"Seasonal reading","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"cata-description\"\u003eOur collection of Lent and Advent titles, alongside a number of gifts appropriate for all seasons.\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"rules-for-reverends","title":"Rules for Reverends","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese 'rules' are not serious, really. Except the ones that are.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eClergy inhabit a fantastic, pressurised, privileged, frustrating and humbling role. They get to join in the highest and lowest points of people's lives, often on the same day. They have experiences. If they are very skilled they learn from them as well as laugh about them.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n \r\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is for to clergy like me, and anyone who does anything like the job of a parish priest. You might just recognise a few things, and you'll probably be able to think of some more. And it's for everyone we work with, minister among, share with, pray for and meet with. Normal people. If you're not quite sure what your ministers do all day, what they think about things, why they wear strange clothes, or what they really want to do with their congregation at the end of a busy Sunday, then \u003cstrong\u003eRules for Reverends\u003c\/strong\u003e will give you a clue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nWonderful stuff! An insider's notes on clergy experience. Heed the advice, watch the warnings, spot the wisdom. I dare you not to laugh. Nick Baines, Bishop of Bradford\r\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nJeremy Fletcher is Vicar of Beverley Minster in the East Riding of Yorkshire.\r\nHe has been a Curate, Associate Minister, Priest-in-Charge, Bishop's Chaplain and was Precentor of York for seven years. He blogs at http:\/\/jeremyfletcher.wordpress.com and is on Twitter at @RevJFletcher\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Peter Westfield - New Directions - October 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRules for Reverends \u003c\/em\u003ehas a flippant title, but while it is often light-hearted, it is far from being disrespectful or frivolous. Indeed, there is much practical (and quite a bit of theological) wisdom distilled into these small, attractively set out pages, with Dave Walker's black and white line drawings adding a wry visual twist to many of them. In fact, these rules are not just for reverends at all. Anyone inflicted with the habit of regular church-going would do well to read them, since they offer advice to all concerned which, if followed, would bring sunshine and smiles to many a parish.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSome of these rules are solidly practical: 'If you want something to thrive, threaten to abolish it'. 'Always accept a resignation'. 'If your church has lots of needy people, it's probably because it's doing the right thing. But that doesn't make it easier to handle'. 'You may not be designed for small talk. Watch a master, and steal three phrases which will help. Asking people about themselves is a good starter'. And the last rule in the book: 'No, it's not a job. Yes, it is the best in the world'. This is a good and clever little book. It would not be a bad thing if every parish had a library copy somewhere in church. Let me end with a rule of my own: 'Reviewing books is sometimes difficult. When there is nothing else to say, quoting large chunks of text will fill the page nicely, and with a bit of luck, nobody will notice'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eI have just finished reading this book in one sitting. I laughed aloud lots of times - a real tonic! So many of the sayings are so true. I am not a vicar, but know many vicars and ministers. This book should be given to every vicar and minister for them to read on days when things look dire. Then the day will look brighter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeter Zimmermann  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jeremy Fletcher","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":21769020604516,"sku":"9781841016573","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781841016573-l.jpg?v=1549043175"},{"product_id":"dust-and-glory-daily-bible-readings-from-ash-wednesday-to-easter-day","title":"Dust and Glory: Daily Bible readings from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day","description":"\u003cp\u003eLent is one of the three forty-day 'seasons' in the Church's year, besides Advent and the period from Easter to Pentecost. The name itself, Lent, derives from an ancient word meaning 'spring' or 'long', referring to the time of year when days are beginning to lengthen and the world is turning from winter cold and dark to the warmth and promise of spring. During this time, the Church calls us to a special period of prayer, self-examination and teaching - and this book has been written to accompany you through that period, a time of turning from winter to spring, from death to life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDust and Glory ranges across the whole business of living and believing, where the questions are as important as the answers, and may call us to deep heart-searching. The goal is always to draw us to authentic faith; a way of living and believing that is real and vulnerable, strong in knowing its limits, rooted in joy and wonder, blessed with the healing and merciful presence of God. Such faith acknowledges both the dust of our mortality and the glory that keeps breaking in with unexpected life, hope and new beginnings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of you will be familiar with David Runcorn's writing, and I am delighted to commend his new book Dust and Glory to accompany us on our journey through Lent. The path from Ash Wednesday to Easter day is one in which our frail humanity is met by God's immense love and grace. Questions continually rise within us and this book invites us to discover more of Self and God as we seek to live authentic lives as followers of Christ.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Right Reverend Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are looking for a companion for your journey through Lent this year, you can do no better than this book. Packed with gentle, rich and sustaining wisdom it really will provide deep nourishment as you journey onwards.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Paula Gooder, author and Theologian in Residence, Bible Society \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Runcorn is a popular writer, speaker, teacher, retreat leader and spiritual guide. His books include The Spirituality Workbook - a guide for pilgrims, explorers and seekers and Fear and Trust - God-centred leadership. He lives in Gloucester where he is involved with the selection, training and support of people called to Christian ministry of all kinds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have read \u003cem\u003eNew Daylight\u003c\/em\u003e - a BRF publication - for a number of years and have enjoyed the daily dialogue, so much so, that I wanted to develop my reading experiences further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDust \u0026amp; Glory\u003c\/em\u003e by David Runcorn seemed a very appropriate book to follow during the lead up to Easter. BRF published the first few extracts separately and the immediate reaction was - terrific. This was different, it spoke to me and I warmed to it. Result was ordering a copy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe daily format for a specific date, the printed extract from the Bible, David's commentary and following prayer\/reflection all came together in a flowing manner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, I would say this book is aimed more at a group rather than an individual. The questions at the end of each week were useful stimulations for me, but I wonder how much I was getting out of it, or indeed understanding ? Of course, I attempted to answer the questions but was left wondering what other people might have said.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere were also places where 'the going got tough' - Week 5 ? - where the philosophical ideas seemed to have dominated. It is a pity that I have waited until finishing the book before starting to write this review, but I did not wish to be too presumptuous in the early days of reading this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, the idea of such a reader has increased my knowledge, and hopefully my understanding of \/ thinking through Biblical issues, as well as that personal contact with God. Consequently, I am ordering another book from BRF that covers the period from Easter to Pentecost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have enjoyed reading and walking with God \u0026amp; David Runcorn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Johannes Buchanan \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom goodbookreviews.org.uk\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDust \u0026amp; Glory takes a wide ranging journey through the Bible in these 40 Lenten contemplations, and on that journey we really look at a wide range of questions that life puts before us and yet sometimes we don't stop to ponder on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe format of the book starts with a lovely short Bible passage (short enough to be used as a lectio divina even for a busy person), and then a contemplation I'd call it rather than a commentary on the passage that looks at its context in our lives as much as its meaning, and rounds out with either a one line prayer, a 'for reflection' , or both! My favourite 'for reflection' consisted of... 'Yes!'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is enough thought in these daily readings to last a day, but they can take only a couple of minutes to read if your life is very pressing on the time front... A very handy Lent book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Melanie Carroll\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 15 January 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Runcorn in \u003cem\u003eDust and Glory\u003c\/em\u003e provides us with 47 easy-to-read but substantial biblical reflections, loosely based on six intriguing themes: Becoming who I am; Excitement; In the midst of life; Hidden and revealed; Habits, reflexes and responses; and The shadow of the Cross. He tackles a wide-ranging selection of biblical material with a sure touch, with a galaxy of incisive quotations and conclusions. One of those quotes, from C. S. Lewis's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, is as apposite for Runcorn as it is for Aslan: 'Course he's not safe. But he's good.' Runcorn is very good indeed: a worthy companion for Lent and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd David Wilbourne \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch of England Newspaper 5 February 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDust and Glory\u003c\/em\u003e by David Runcorn offers a reading for each day of the six weeks of Lent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRuncorn says this is a book to accompany the work of 'turning'-'the journey from death to life', with an emphasis on self-examination, rather than a 'how to' of living and believing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is easy to read, and offers reading and reflection in a none-too laborious way, with passages that could easily be read in a daily pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","brand":"David Runcorn","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":21769170845796,"sku":"9780857463579","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/DustandGlory.jpg?v=1725028744"},{"product_id":"the-living-cross-exploring-gods-gift-of-forgiveness-and-new-life","title":"The Living Cross: Exploring God's gift of forgiveness and new life","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the freeing, life-changing nature of forgiveness...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we move from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day, daily reflections and prayers help us to experience the living power of the cross of Christ through biblical and modern-day stories of wrongdoing and forgiveness. Our journey through Lent will deepen our response to God's love and, as we allow the Holy Spirit to do his work, we will see spiritual transformation in our lives today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is quite the best of all the Lent books I've ever read. I just loved the way Amy takes us through the Bible, revealing God's forgiving heart and His burning desire that we should forgive one another.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Jennifer Rees Larcombe \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew topics are more central to the Christian life - and life in general - than forgiveness. In this Lenten guide, Amy Boucher Pye traces the forgiveness theme through the length and breadth of scripture, finding it in both expected and surprising places. Combining deep insight and practical exercises, The Living Cross will help you live free from offences both committed and suffered.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Sheridan Voysey, Resurrection Year \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fresh approach to a timeless necessity to remain healthy as a child of God. A book that helps you to bring forgiveness home to your heart and life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Russ Parker, Forgiveness is Healing \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReading this book was, for me, as if Amy had taken a highlighter pen to the Bible and skilfully brought colour and clarification to so many passages where forgiveness and hope are found. Every page is like another journey into the grace of God. Also, the prayers and creative responses are so helpful for both individuals and small groups - this really is a wonderful resource for the Lent season and beyond. Cathy Madavan, Digging for Diamonds Amy has a distinct knack of distilling great thought and insight into just a few words. Her study of the excerpts of both the Old and New Testaments will help any reader reflect on the concept of forgiveness in an age where this can be a struggle. Amy will lead you on a journey of discovery, where you will be led to the cross of Jesus Christ. You will be confronted by God's great generosity, where you find your true identity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e The Rt Revd Rob Wickham, the Bishop of Edmonton \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA Lenten journey you won't want to miss. From the Fall to the Cross and beyond, Amy Boucher Pye walks us down the centuries to meet the One she calls the \"Father of outstretched arms.\" With captivating writing and inspiring biblical insight, we are reassured from the stories of fallen heroes, fallible leaders and plain ordinary sinners that God's lavish forgiveness is available to each one of us. The more I read the more excited I became, and the more thankful I am for God's \"scandalous grace and love poured out.\" Simply superb. I can't wait to read it again!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Catherine Campbell, Chasing the Dawn \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book pleasantly surprised me. While it is essentially a book of daily reflections for Lent it is also a sensitive probing of the painful experiences people face and how the love of God through Christ can transform situations. The writer explores the depth and breadth of pain and hurt in life for many if not all. She crafts ancient Biblical stories with contemporary experience and draws insightful spiritual lessons and principles. While each day's reflection is brief there is depth in her understanding. The activities and questions mean this is a helpful resource for groups and individuals as well as hard pressed clergy or worship leaders looking for new ways to walk familiar paths. This could be a good resource for a discipleship course - Lent or not. It carefully exposes the human condition of brokenness before God and also presents the way forward in Christ by the Spirit.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Dianne Tidball, The Message of Women\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmy Boucher Pye is a writer, speaker and editor, and the author of Finding Myself in Britain: Our Search for Faith, Home \u0026amp; True Identity (Authentic Media, 2015). She runs the Woman Alive book club and enjoys writing Bible reading notes for Day by Day with God and Our Daily Bread, among others. She blogs at amyboucherpye.com.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003eHas it ever grated when you've been overlooked? Or when a close friend has betrayed you? Or when you struggle to guide unwilling children to the best course of life? If you have - and these are instances from this helpful book - you will appreciate Amy Boucher Pye's engagement with biblical guidance on living out forgiveness. In this Lent book, we are invited to shake the complacency which may have crept into our view of forgiveness, which is God's gift to be sought and lived as a recipe for effective Christian witness, as well as a good life. The book draws on the life experience and biblical knowledge of Amy Boucher Pye, who is styled as a 'writer, speaker and editor' and is a contributor to the Bible Reading Fellowship study notes.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e This study chooses six weeks' worth of daily Bible passages for Lent reading, linked to forgiveness. They range across the Testaments from the sibling rivalry of Cain and Abel in Genesis, to the embrace of convert Paul by Ananias in the Acts of the Apostles. To serve the nature of a Lent book, study of the events of Holy Week are placed last. This section contains a day-by-day meditation on the forgiveness established by the cross, 'the living cross', so named to emphasise the dynamic that flows by the Spirit through repentance and faith. This title is picked up in Bishop Chartres' foreword, quoting the Common Worship psalm prayer for Psalm 136: 'seeing the shadow of the life-giving cross in the turbulence of our time for his sake who died for all'.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e There are some graphic stories of forgiveness, or lack of it, from outside of the Bible including a salute to \u003cem\u003eThe Forgiveness Project\u003c\/em\u003e and its founder Marina Cantacuzimo who rightly says, 'Christians have no monopoly on forgiveness'. The author provides a good variety of leads like this into her Bible reflections, which are broken down into six groups, each concluded by imaginative spiritual exercises for individual or group use e.g. wiping a slate clean or using a palm cross as a meditative sword: 'Pray for nations... suffering from war... think of ways you've held a sword out against others... through piercing words or a sulking stare'.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e The author mentions the value of the penitential psalms (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143) and produces an excellent reflection on Psalm 32, drawing out three definitions of forgiveness. In addressing practical means of living in forgiveness, there is no mention of the value of one-to-one sacramental confession, though there is mention of the sacrament of communion among the spiritual exercises suggested.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe Living Cross\u003c\/em\u003e is a wake-up call on forgiveness suited to Lent, which should enrich its readers and deepen their reliance on the mercy that thrills through Scripture and should thrill more through Christian allegiance.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eCanon John Twisleton, Rector of St Giles, Horsted Keynes\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePopular author Amy Boucher Pye will take you through the Bible this Lend, revealing God's forgiving heart and His burning desire that we should forgive one another. Take time to be still and reflect on the living power of the cross of Christ as you explore the freeing life-changing nature of forgiveness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEmbrace the Middle East, Spring 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaking the theme of forgiveness through the Bible, and culminating in the ultimate act of forgiveness at Easter, Amy's easy-to-read style helps us connect with biblical characters and with modern-day issues on our journey through Lent. With just over two pages to read each day, including a bible reading prayer this will help us to focus on the one who said 'Father, forgive'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether magazine January - February 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Amy Boucher Pye","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":21769440329828,"sku":"9780857465122","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465122-l.jpg?v=1549043153"},{"product_id":"christmas-through-the-keyhole-lukes-glimpses-of-advent","title":"Christmas through the Keyhole: Luke's glimpses of Advent","description":"\u003cp\u003eSoaked in the older scriptures of the Jewish people, the songs Luke records in his inspired Gospel - the songs of Mary, Zechariah, Simeon and the angels at Bethlehem - reveal the wonderful truth that 'in the town of David a Saviour has been born to us'. Their words are often those of the Old Testament; their style one of passionate and reverent worship. Their tone is one of humility, yet their rhythm indicates confident praise.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAcclaimed writer and conference speaker Derek Tidball leads us through these songs, demonstrating the gracious purposes of God that they celebrate in the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas through the Keyhole is sure to turn Advent into a time of gratitude and worship as we think through these songs afresh.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eJesus  -  the hope of the needy\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 December: Daughter of grace\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e4 December: Warrior God\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e5 December: Holy God\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e6 December: Merciful God\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e7 December: Searching God\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e8 December: Revolutionary God\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e9 December: Faithful God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eJesus  -  the redeemer of the world\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 December: Inspired song\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e11 December: Servant king\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e12 December: Promising prophets\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e13 December: Sacred covenant\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e14 December: Willing servants\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e15 December: Pioneering prophet\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e16 December: Radical salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e17 December: Spreading light\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eJesus  -  the joy of the earth\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18 December: Angels\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e19 December: Glory\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e20 December: Heaven\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e21 December: Earth\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e22 December: Peace\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e23 December: Favour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eJesus  -  the light of the nations\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e24 December: Longing for salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e25 December: The arrival of salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e26 December: Witness to salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e27 December: The transparency of salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e28 December: The scope of salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e29 December: The cost of salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e30 December: Confirmation of salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eJesus  -  the splendour of the creation\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e31 December: In the beginning\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e1 January: The embodied Word\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e2 January: Firstborn of all creation\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e3 January: The pre-eminent one\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e4 January: God has spoken\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e5 January: The radiance of God's glory\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e6 January: Worship Jesus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nDerek Tidball is a Baptist pastor. He was formerly the Principal of London Bible College (now London School of Theology), the President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and the Chair of the Evangelical Alliance Council. He is a prolific writer and a speaker in demand around the world.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n","brand":"Derek Tidball","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":21769561178212,"sku":"9780857465207","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465207-l.jpg?v=1549043147"},{"product_id":"towards-jerusalem-a-pilgrims-regress-and-progress-to-gods-holy-city","title":"Towards Jerusalem: A pilgrim's regress and progress to God's Holy City","description":"\u003cp\u003eGod has an agenda for cities. Steve Brady is convinced of it. The Bible is full of significant cities and the biblical story is full of imagery of cities-culminating in God's 'holy city', birthed in and through his people. Towards Jerusalem is a unique Lent book, a call to live for a vision bigger than ourselves, marching to a different drumbeat towards 'Zion', God's New Jerusalem and all that this means in transformative terms for today's Christian believer.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eContents\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAsh Wednesday: Temptations\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThursday: Blessed are the balanced\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eFriday: The ultimate mission statement\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSaturday: Runners and spectators\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 1: Seeking a city: unfamiliar people and places\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSunday: From a garden to a city\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eMonday: Superheroes or villains?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eTuesday: Human potential and its hubris\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWednesday: A saved soul and a wasted life\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThursday: A place for tears\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eFriday: Mid-life crisis\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSaturday: Eisodus comes before exodus\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 2: Finding a home: undulating experiences of God\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSunday: Everybody needs good neighbours\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eMonday: Upwardly mobile\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eTuesday: The ideal home show\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWednesday: Strong foundations\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThursday: Life in perspective\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eFriday: Peace in the city\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSaturday: Troubled waters\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 3: Rebuilding a ruin: unpromising situations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSunday: Praying\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eMonday: Influencing\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eTuesday: Organising\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWednesday: Coping\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThursday: Rectifying\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eFriday: Completing\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSaturday: Reforming\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 4: Creating communities of faith: unpredictable churches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSunday: Sound Street Abbey  -  Ephesus\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eMonday: Crown Close Cathedral  -  Smyrna\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eTuesday: Martyr's Memorial Church  -  Pergamum\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWednesday: Loose Lane Fellowship  -  Thyatira\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThursday: Cemetery Junction Church  -  Sardis\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eFriday: Main Road Assembly  -  Philadelphia\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSaturday: Cool Court Chapel  -  Laodicea\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 5: Approaching Jerusalem: unexpected heroes and villains\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSunday: A short-sighted trio\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eMonday: Samaritans\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eTuesday: A midnight caller\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWednesday: Amazing grace\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThursday: Future shock\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eFriday: Open all hours?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSaturday: What's so dangerous about grace?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeek 6: Redeeming the world: the unrecognised builder\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePalm Sunday: Crossing the Rubicon\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eMonday: Givers and takers\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eTuesday: Back to the future\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWednesday: Red-letter day\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eMaundy Thursday: Gethsemane\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eGood Friday: A dying thief, a living hope\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eHoly Saturday: Dead and gone?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eEaster Day: The short walk to freedom \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eEpilogue: Easter Monday: Our man in heaven\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eNotes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nSteve Brady was born in Liverpool. He has been in full-time Christian ministry for over 40 years, is Principal of Moorlands College, holds a PhD in theology, and serves as a trustee of the Keswick Convention. He has authored several books, including BRF's Advent title, The Incredible Journey: Christmas from Genesis to Jesus. He is married to Brenda, and they have two children and four grandchildren.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times (19 Jan 2018). Review by Peter McGeary, vicar of St Mary's, Cable Street, London and a Priest-Vicar of Westminster Abbey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eLent is a journey on many levels towards, and the narrative of Holy Week pulls us into, the city of Jerusalem. Steve Brady engages in such a multi-layered journey in 'Towards Jerusalem'... Lent is a serious time and Brady takes Lent seriously.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEach day involves the discipline of reading a passage of scripture and reflecting on it, against an overarching background of pilgrimage, a journey towards a place of resurrection. This is the Bible Reading Fellowship's Lent book. I have long been impressed by BRF's ability to produce books of high quality and clarity, and this is no exception. Clear and thoughtful exposition of scripture, fed by pastoral experience and a knowledge of contemporary culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Peter McGeary\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Steve Brady","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":21769601187940,"sku":"9780857465603","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465603-l.jpg?v=1549043143"},{"product_id":"the-prince-of-peace-in-a-world-of-wars-applying-the-message-of-gods-love-to-a-needy-world","title":"The Prince of Peace in a World of Wars: Applying the message of God's love to a needy world","description":"\u003cp\u003eDavid Kerrigan sees the coming of Jesus at Christmas as central to the divine plan to bring peace to the world. Through daily reflection on biblical texts and mission stories, he locates God at the centre of our mission and encourages us to restore the peace, joy and hope that come from accompanying Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe biblical title 'Prince of Peace' leaves us in no doubt that God's purpose in Jesus Christ is to bring peace - universal peace, both with God and with our neighbours. But have we really understood what this peace might look like, especially in a world of wars and suffering?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a slim book which contains substantial material to make us think in new ways and may well lead us to act differently. The Methodist Recorder, November 2018\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUntil 2017, David Kerrigan was General Director of BMS World Mission. Previously, he and his wife Janet worked as missionaries in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He also pastored a church in Exeter. He is an elder in his local church, the Chair of the Council at Spurgeon's College, London, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Baptist World Alliance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times, 30.10.18. Review by Andrew Kleissner \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'David Kerrigan's excellent and realistic book takes its readers on an unusual Advent journey which offers no trite answers.'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Kerrigan was eight years old and he was scared. For it was 1962 and the Cuban missile crisis threatened to destroy the world. He cuddled his baby brother while listening to the radio and found his childhood peace being profoundly disturbed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe subject of peace is in the forefront of our minds as we commemorate the end of World War 1. Yet our world is not at peace: even in places where warfare is not raging there is conflict within nations, families and ourselves - alongside moments of great joy. In this short book of Advent reflections David shows us that peace is not just a fragile stillness but something which can envelop us as we ride the rollercoaster of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe begins with a section entitled 'Understanding peace'; this unexpectedly starts on the night of the Last Supper. But this is a strange night which exemplifies tension and unease, with the sense that a storm is about to break and the fear that Jesus will soon leave his disciples. To them - and to us - he promises his continuous peace-giving presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe then return to the beginning, to God who promises peace 'which passes all understanding'. The author challenges our small preconceptions by stating that this encompasses every atom and molecule, man and woman, animal and plant, mountain and river, every pale blue dot representing planet Earth in the cosmos and every other dot flung into the far reaches of space. The whole of creation has become unbalanced and only the coming of Jesus makes it possible for equilibrium to be restored.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second section of this book invites us to consider a variety of Bible characters who experienced divine peace. Among others we meet Joseph, who suffered the cruelty of his brothers; Ruth, who had to make life-changing decisions; Hannah, who found peace amidst her heartbreak; and Paul, who knew peace even when deserted and facing death. In each of these encounters the author leads us beyond the stories to broader principles which relate to life today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe continue with a progression through the story of the coming of the Prince of Peace. This naturally reaches a climax with the study for Christmas Day. But the author notes the irony of the situation: the arrival of a baby is universally welcomed, yet its midnight crying and incessant demands for attention destroy a family's peace. And we are brought firmly down to earth with the reading for Boxing Day, where we hear Simeon telling Mary that her new-born son will be the cause of a 'sword piercing her heart. Peace has to be sought even in pain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book concludes with a series of suggestions as to how Christians may bring peace in practical ways, including relationships, justice, politics and the care of creation: all very suitable for New Year's resolutions!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis excellent and realistic book takes its readers on an unusual Advent journey which offers no trite answers. Its author draws on his vast mission experience and knowledge to both challenge and encourage us. I commend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAndrew Kleissner is the minister of Christchurch United Church, Llanedeyrn, Cardiff \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.readers.cofe.anglican.org\/resources.php\"\u003ewebsite\u003c\/a\u003e. Review by Nick Mayhew-smith\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn Advent-themed collection of Bible readings and contemplations, this book offers a Christian perspective on our heavily troubled world that takes the reader from 1 December to 6 January, inviting personal reflection on issues both big (war) and small (personal regrets). It encourages the reader towards a spiritual response rather than a practical set of suggestions: if we fall out with people we should pray for them and try to see the good in them, we should respond to an influx of refugees with 'compassion'. As such, a little more of the author's own hands-on experience as a missionary leader in some of the world's most troubled areas would have been good, although it becomes clear he has seen and practised faith at the sharp end. A publication of the Bible Reading Fellowship, this book is well-founded in scripture, although readers might find it a little inconvenient to have to stop and turn to their Bible to find the day's reading before going back to this commentary. But some extracts are printed in full, and opening the New Testament, both literally and metaphorically, is the key to understanding a thoughtful book such as this.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by NICK MAYHEW-SMITH\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times 28 10.18. Advent book round-up by Lavinia Byrne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Baptist David Kerrigan's book, The Prince of Peace in a World of Wars, takes as its starting-point the need to understand peace. It moves on to seek out saints who have found peace; then the place of the Prince of Peace; and, finally, 11 days, leading up to the Epiphany, of hard-hitting reflections on creation, the poor, politics, justice, gender, race, and rank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform Advent book round-up November 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCeltic Advent\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Prince of Peace in a World of Wars \u003c\/em\u003e(and third title by another publisher: Pathway to the Stable by Ivor Thomas Rees)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWanting a new challenge for Advent? Then look no further. These ... books have a wealth of knowledge, sound biblical teaching, informative challenges to our thinking and reflecting, and relevance to our lives in this 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e-century world...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCeltic Advent \u003c\/em\u003eoffers us a 40-day trip, beginning on 15 November. It leads us through the story whilst sharing the beliefs and experiences of Celtic Christians, alongside scripture. Every day, there is an introductory comment, a contemplation on what has been introduced, a Bible reading and a prayer. The book is interesting, enlightening and accessible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Prince of Peace in a World of Wars \u003c\/em\u003eoffers us a different way to approach Advent. It begins on 1 December, ends on 6 January and is a book about peace. Each day includes a Bible text followed by comments from the author, who actively encourages us to reflect and build on what we have read and then to look outwards to the world. The book uses texts from both the Old and the New Testaments and takes us not only through the story of Jesus' birth but also before and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviews by Jenny Mills, minister of Newport Pagnell URC and West End United Church, Wolverton as well as Convenor of the URC children's and youth work committee.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"David Kerrigan","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":21769668001892,"sku":"9780857465702","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465702-l.jpg?v=1549043139"},{"product_id":"writes-of-the-church-gripes-and-grumbles-of-people-in-the-pews","title":"Writes of the Church: Gripes and grumbles of people in the pews","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhat would a church magazine letters page look like if the locals just wrote what they actually thought - and what does it tell us about how we think of our church? In Writes of the Church, the locals bicker, complain and wonder; the vicar is overworked and occasionally lets them know they're pushing him over the edge.But through it all, we learn something valuable about ourselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's an unusual and loving angle on the Church of England. The characters are odd, aggressive, frustrated or sometimes just plain stupid. But the depth of their love for the church comes through the threats to boycott the church over a tea towel, the obsession over saving money and the complaints that children are allowed into the church during an act of worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough laughing at ourselves, we learn about what really makes us tick. Through learning, we might change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWelcome\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe people\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSocial life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChildren\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMoney\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommittees\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSocial activities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe church year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe modern world\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe curate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe building\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChristmas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the best bits of writing about religion is having to read the news from Tremlett: shrewd, funny, and sometimes painful, it's a tap with a stiletto on the funny-bone.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Andrew Brown, Guardian Journalist \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA treat of a book. When I finished laughing out loud I realised that I had learned something. We all live in Tremlett.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e The Church Mouse \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm still giggling about your book, which is CLASSIC!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Eve Poole, author 'Leadersmithing' and Third Church Estates Commissioner \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGary Alderson studied Chemistry at Oxford, went into retail and has been a priest since 2009. He is currently working part-time in two churches in Wellingborough. He is married to Sharon, with two teenage sons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e","brand":"Gary Alderson","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":21769689366628,"sku":"9780857465771","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465771-l.jpg?v=1549043139"},{"product_id":"at-home-in-lent-an-exploration-of-lent-through-46-objects","title":"At Home in Lent: An exploration of Lent through 46 objects","description":"\u003cp\u003eHere is an original way of approaching Lent, one that will encourage you to consider your own faith journey in the light of the Easter story. Inspired by Neil MacGregor's Radio 4 programme, 'A History of the World in 100 Objects', Gordon Giles spends each week in a different room gleaning spiritual lessons from everyday household objects. As a result, you might discover that finding God in the normal pattern of life - even in the mundane - transforms how you approach each day. Running as a thread through it all are the seven Rs of Lent: regret, repentance, resolution, recognition, reconciliation, renewal and resurrection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 'At Home in Lent' Gordon Giles has elevated the everyday to the realm of spiritual reflection and meditation in a way which is both simple and profound. Gordon's reflections are helpfully reminiscent of expressions of Celtic Spirituality, where we find prayers for the cooking pot and for lighting a fire. A most accessible guide and accompaniment with which to navigate Lent, with just the right amount of challenge and affirmation, particularly for those leading busy lives. As Gordon has bravely used the toilet as an area for reflection, it is safe to say that this book might well be used in the smallest room as well on the train or in a prayer space.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd Prebendary Dr Neil Evans, Director of Ministry, Diocese of London\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/GordonGiles1_480x480.jpg?v=1676494801\" width=\"153\" height=\"271\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGordon Giles is Canon Chancellor of Rochester Cathedral. He is the author of several books, including \u003cem\u003eComings and Goings\u003c\/em\u003e (2015) and \u003cem\u003eAt Home in Lent\u003c\/em\u003e (2018).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader website, 6 March 2019. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book explores the journey of Lent through a series of 46 objects that are at large around most households. It is a great idea and an easy read, with a short daily Bible text, thoughtful and imaginative consideration of the objects concerned, and a message, bringing, in many cases, the challenge of a new way to see those items we all have around the home and how they can relate to our faith. I was particularly moved by the readings about shoes, keys, the dining table, newspapers, the alarm clock, towels and the toilet! The book would suit any individual or church group reading it through the Lenten period, and there are questions each week to prompt some good discussions. The book is well suited to picking up for a read outside Lent, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut this book is more than that - it is also a super resource for preaching. While the Bible passages are well known, the relating of texts to a household object, and Gordon Giles's exploration of each object is interesting and thoughtful enough to act as a springboard to many a good sermon. I will return to it again myself, and thoroughly recommend it to others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.readers.cofe.anglican.org\/resources\"\u003ewww.readers.cofe.anglican.org\/resources\u003c\/a\u003e\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\u003eMethodist Recorder 15.2.19 Lent book review by Adrian Burdon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor every day through Lent and Holy Week Gordon Giles brings us an everyday item to be found in our home to reflect upon. In his introduction Giles reflects upon the nature of home and upon the assertion of the abundant presence of God. While we might preserve the privacy of our space, our home, repelling all who would invade, we cannot, he suggests, resist the presence of this loving and living god. Thus, his invitation to spend time reflecting upon the presence of God in the most common and everyday of places - our home and our belongings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book which may sound a bit niche and random, but it is very well done and does cause us to open our eyes and minds to the things around us. Each chapter, each household item, is related to a spiritual theme, assigned an appropriate biblical passage, given time for substantial reflection and concluded with prayer. Our Lenten journey begins, sensibly enough, at the door of our house and then the threshold, before moving on to other items such as fireplace, mobile phone, items of clothing and furniture. Good Friday brings us to reflect upon the crucifix which might be found in our home and on Holy Saturday we reflect upon Christ in the tomb as we contemplate our bed. Easter Day breaks forth with radiance as we reflect upon the glory of light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWell written and thought provoking, this really is a book for personal devotion which will enable us to make an unusual, though worthwhile, journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Adrian Burdon\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times, 1 February 2019. Review by Philip Welsh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAt Home in Lent\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003etakes an everyday household object each day - mobile phone, wardrobe, spectacles - as the starting-point for wider thoughts and a prompt for prayer, and supplies in many cases curious information about the object's origins. In each case, Gordon Giles makes an ingenious link to a biblical passage - family photos and Jesus's question, 'Who is my mother?'; toothbrushes and compensation for knocking people's teeth out in Exodus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis style is easy-going, with a tendency rather to spell out connections than suggest possibilities, and on occasion the author slips from finding God in the commonplace to sounding commonplace - 'Perhaps there are short circuits your faith' (in the item on electricity).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut, overall, Giles has come up with an imaginative framework for a popular Lent book, 'an invitation to discover how [the Lord] is already in our homes'. There are questions for discussion, though the book is probably best used by individuals, and its daily sections would fit neatly into a short bus or train ride as an amiable, slightly talkative Lent companion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Revd Philip Welsh, a retired priest in the Diocese of London\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gordon Giles","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":21769746808932,"sku":"9780857465894","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465894-l.jpg?v=1549043136"},{"product_id":"celtic-lent-40-days-of-devotions-to-easter","title":"Celtic Lent: 40 days of devotions to Easter","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis inspirational book takes the reader through the 40 days of Lent to the celebration of Easter through the eyes and beliefs of Celtic Christianity. Drawing on primary sources of pastoral letters, monastic rules and the theological teaching of the Celtic church, the author presents a different perspective on the cross of Christ and draws us to see our own life journeys with a new and transforming vision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole is a careful, wise and skillful writer and guide. His books 40 Days with the Celtic Saints and Celtic Lent : 40 days of devotions to Easter are worth investing in. David shares his deep knowledge of the Celtic tradition and opens up history and practice in an accessible and illuminating way. At heart he has the spiritual well-being of the reader to mind as we are encouraged to pray, to look and perceive the spiritual with new eyes and so resource our pilgrimage. Your search and yearning for God will be deepened and enlarged through David's work.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd Canon Professor James Woodward, Principal Sarum College, Salisbury\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful book leads us beyond the tired platitudes of a faded Christendom. It brings insights that are whole and rooted, yet are fresh and relevant to life's journey.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRay Simpson, Founding Guardian of the international Community of Aidan and Hilda\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/DavidCole2_480x480.jpg?v=1676495811\" width=\"204\" height=\"363\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously a full-time church minister, David Cole is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader, an award-winning author and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is also the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message. He has written \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/40-days-with-the-celtic-saints-devotional-readings-for-a-time-of-preparation\"\u003e40 Days with the Celtic Saints\u003c\/a\u003e (BRF, 2017).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"David Cole","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":21769931587684,"sku":"9780857466372","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466372-l.jpg?v=1549043128"},{"product_id":"postcards-of-hope-words-and-pictures-to-breathe-life-into-your-heart","title":"Postcards of Hope: Words and pictures to breathe life into your heart","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom the author of \u003cem\u003ePostcards from Heaven\u003c\/em\u003e comes this unusual and beautiful gift. \u003cem\u003ePostcards of Hope\u003c\/em\u003e is a collection of original, beautiful watercolours by Ellie Hart, each with a short reflection aimed at helping the reader hear from God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the tired and weary and those who want to have God breathe new life into their relationship with him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePostcards of Hope\u003c\/em\u003e is a lovely book of water colour paintings accompanied by lovely musings borne out of every day living. Ellie writes in a very engaging way, almost as if she were sitting in the room with you and having a chat over a cuppa. I especially like that she offers reflection questions. As you contemplate the water colour paintings and reflect on what she writes, together they provide a wonderful opportunity to stop and listen to God, to posture oneself with open hands to receive what God wants to give - a fresh perspective, opportunity to process what life brings our way - and to offer our own prayers to Him. I can already see me giving these as gifts for Christmas.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRobyn Johnstone \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nEllie Hart is a writer and artist living in Nicosia, Cyprus, offering a ministry combining art and prayer. She previously served as a youth worker and retreat leader before studying for a graduate diploma in theology at St John's College, Nottingham. You can visit her blog at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/postcardsfromheaven.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Postcards from Heaven – Ellie Hart's blog\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003ePostcards from Heaven\u003c\/a\u003e.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e","brand":"Ellie Hart","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":21769965305956,"sku":"9780857466488","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466488-l.jpg?v=1549043127"},{"product_id":"bible-puzzles-for-fun","title":"Bible Puzzles for Fun","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e84 puzzles - crosswords, anagrams, word searches, mazes, spirals and others - will make you puzzle over the Bible, increase your biblical knowledge and give you hours of fun. Be ready for some surprises on the way!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Spiller lived, worked and taught for many years in central and east Manchester. After training in mechanical and structural engineering, he spent most of his career teaching technical drawing, maths and religious studies at a secondary school. To encourage pupils to read the Bible, he started inventing puzzles to teach them to look up the references.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tony Spiller","offers":[{"title":"eBook","offer_id":54875273724284,"sku":"9781800390256","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/400.png?v=1742386258"},{"product_id":"what-are-they-doing-down-there-a-gods-eye-view-of-the-world-or-whats-left-of-it","title":"What ARE They Doing Down There?: A God's Eye View of the World, or What's Left of It","description":"\u003cp\u003eVia jokes, quips, observations and short thoughts, comedian and writer Paul Kerensa shines a light on the bits of everyday life we probably wish we'd forgotten, or been glad no one was looking - except, well, God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mGPjNVSUQLM\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nPaul is a British Comedy Award-winning co-writer of BBC's Miranda, Not Going Out and Top Gear. He wrote for C4's TFI Friday revival, and script-edits sitcoms across various UK television channels. He has written several books including So a Comedian Walks into a Church, recommended by The Independent as one of their top eight comedy books for Christmas 2013. As a stand-up comedian, he performs in comedy clubs and churches, and won ITV's Take The Mike Award. He's taken seven solo shows to the Edinburgh Festival and has visited Montreal Comedy Festival and various other international venues.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Baptist Times, 16 Jan 2019. Review by Moira Kleissner\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Today there are quite a few excellent mainline stand-up comics and comedy writers who are Christians. Paul Kerensa is one such and is internationally known at festivals such as Edinburgh and Montreal. He also performs in comedy clubs and churches throughout Britain. As a writer, he has co-written \u003cem\u003eBBC's Miranda, Top Gear \u003c\/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e Not Going Out\u003c\/em\u003e. A regular on BBC Radios Sussex and Surrey and Radio 2, a recent venture was a tour for the Bible Society. Added to that, he has just completed his first book for children. It makes me exhausted just writing the list of things he has been involved in. Paul Kerensa is a very busy man with what seems like an unlimited supply of funny stories and one liners. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis small gem adds to his body of work. The book is split into a variety of sections that defy classification. On each page there is one joke\/story. It will keep you giggling throughout the dullest of sermons or church meetings!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Sections cover - 'Wisdom of Fools', 'The World Today', 'The Church', 'Happy Special Occasions - Christening Christmas and Cremations', 'There's a U and an I in Community', 'The Genesis of It All', 'The New(-ish) Testament (relatively speaking)', 'History the Later Years', 'Relationships, Family Life and Other Daily Pitfalls', 'The Future, where applicable' and 'Finally, some Passive-Aggressive Motivational Slogans'. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e The illustrations which are sprinkled throughout are by Dave Walker. I am a fan of his calendars, cartoons in a variety of different publications, including The Church Times and his on-line work. The book is split into a variety of sections that defy classification. On each page there is one joke\/story. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e For a laugh out loud, groan and a good belly laugh, this is well worth buying. Great material for sermons! It should be prescribed on the NHS. Sorry can't tell you any of the jokes now, I'm off to have another giggle...\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMrs Moira Kleissner is a retired Primary Deputy Head, storyteller and minister's wife \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_____________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Paul Kerensa","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":21770184196196,"sku":"9780857466938","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466938-l.jpg?v=1549043118"},{"product_id":"celtic-advent-40-days-of-devotions-to-christmas","title":"Celtic Advent: 40 days of devotions to Christmas","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis inspirational book takes the reader through Advent to the celebration of Christmas through the eyes and beliefs of Celtic Christianity. Starting in November and reflecting on Jesus' coming at his birth as well as into our lives by the Holy Spirit and at the world's end, the author offers a unique approach to the season to help you gain a new sense of wonder in the birth of Jesus, the Saviour of the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your pre-Christmas season has become too hectic (and whose isn't?), this book is a must. A brilliant tool to help us rediscover Advent, to reflect daily, personally, spiritually, and to learn abundantly from a truly inspired and dedicated author. Whether you're familiar with Celtic Christianity or it's never crossed your path, if you're a seeker of wisdom, peace and a fresh approach to seasonal contemplation, this book will be your constant companion through Advent. An inspirational read. Buy it, read it, and I'm sure you'll have a more peaceful Christmas.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Paul Kerensa, writer and comedian \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful book is clear. It is holy. It begins with the concept of Advent and ends with the celebration of Christmas. In between it spends three ten day periods exploring Christ's first coming, his present coming into our lives and his future coming. If you pay attention to each day's reflections you will become part of a life-changing Advent adventure and Christmas will become part of you.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Ray Simpson, Founding Guardian of the international Community of Aidan and Hilda \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole has provided us with a thoughtful and enlivening guide book as we make our way through the season of Advent.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Michael Mitton, author of 'Restoring the Woven Cord' and 'Seasoned by Seasons'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/DavidCole2_480x480.jpg?v=1676495811\" width=\"195\" height=\"346\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously a full-time church minister, David Cole is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader, an award-winning author and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is also the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message. He has written \u003ca href=\"\/products\/40-days-with-the-celtic-saints-devotional-readings-for-a-time-of-preparation\" title=\"40 Day with the Celtic Saints\"\u003e40 Days with the Celtic Saints\u003c\/a\u003e (BRF, 2017).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"David Cole","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":24422212665444,"sku":"9780857467447","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467447-l.jpg?v=1550659913"},{"product_id":"image-of-the-invisible-daily-bible-readings-from-advent-to-epiphany","title":"Image of the Invisible: Daily Bible readings from Advent to Epiphany","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen you hear the name ‘God’, does an image come into your head? Do you think of him as a shining light, or with a human shape, or as an anchor in the storm, a rock, a fortress?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs we look towards celebrating the incarnation at Christmas, we consider how God chose to express himself, in a moment in history, as a tiny baby. But what other images describe God in the Bible, and what can we learn about his character through them? How does an invisible God reveal himself to us in scripture and in Jesus? Amy Scott Robinson, a poet and storyteller, answers this question with imagination and a close reading of the text.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmy Scott Robinson is an author and performance storyteller. After studying English at Christ's College, Cambridge, she trained as a teacher and began writing for charities and providers of liturgical resources, before publishing her own works on puppetry and story. She is married to the rector of four rural parishes in Suffolk, where she is also the benefice children’s worker. She lives in the Rectory and has two children, two guinea pigs, and at any given moment, a half-finished cup of cold tea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Amy's lockdown blog click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/amy-scott-robinson-wrote-brfs-advent-book-for-2019-image-of-the-invisible-in-this-lockdown-blog-she-thinks-about-why-she-misses-being-in-church\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmy Scott Robinson’s selection of daily readings and commentary makes for a powerful and transformative Advent journey. Taking the hardest little word of all, that word 'God', a word that can be everything or nothing, a word that seems to carry no image with it and evades our understanding at every turn, Amy takes us on a journey through scripture in which she makes biblical image after image richly available to our imaginations so that we can come closer to God as he comes closer to us in Advent. I am particularly impressed by the way she thinks about the arts and engages the artistic imagination without ever losing the common touch or the simple but illuminating turn of phrase. Strongly recommended.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMalcolm Guite, priest and poet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Amy is an expert storyteller, a well of emotion and reflection, and a follower of Jesus with a deep, genuine hunger for the reality of God. This fine book, helping us reach out to the Father, is filled with who she is.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAdrian Plass, author and speaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Sometimes we need a poet’s eye to see the God of the Bible afresh. Poet, storyteller and theologian Amy Scott Robinson uses the Bible’s own metaphors of God as artisan, metalworker, consuming fire and others to lead us more deeply into our understanding of God. If you like C.S. Lewis, Malcolm Guite or Lauren Winner, you will love this outstanding book of thought-provoking, gasp-inducing, beautiful devotions to enrich your vision of God. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eTanya Marlow, author of \u003cem\u003eThose Who Wait: Finding God in disappointment, doubt and delay\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e What a stunning gift this book is! Open it day by day as you ponder the God who reveals himself as a burning bush, weaver, gardener, shepherd, king, and, of course, baby. Amy Robinson helps us to unwrap the images of the invisible, the God who became flesh. Her book is a masterpiece of metaphor, a creative unlocking of what we might have missed. Through her creative, thought-provoking, deep and winsome writing, she leads us to the God who makes himself known.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher Pye, author of \u003cem\u003eThe Living Cross\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by Lucy Rycroft in her blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/thehopefilledfamily.com\/20-best-books-to-read-during-advent\/\"\u003eThe Hope Filled Family\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThis extraordinary book, one of the best Advent Bible studies I’ve seen, is for those wishing to go deeper in their discipleship this Advent, and are prepared to set some time aside for the purpose. \u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/amyscottrobinson.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/amyscottrobinson.com\/\"\u003eAmy Scott Robinson\u003c\/a\u003e bases her devotions on different ways God appears or is described in the Bible – such as a burning bush or pillar of cloud, a potter or weaver, bread or rock. Taking something tangible and often so closely linked to our experience is a wonderful way of helping us get to know God better this Advent season. There are questions at the end of each section, as well as small group materials and plans at the back of the book, so it would work well as an Advent study for small groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/transformingministrymagazine.co.uk\/image-of-the-invisible\/%20\"\u003eonline\u003c\/a\u003e November 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDescribed as one of ‘four outstanding books from Advent 2019 which you may have missed and are still in print', this book '\u003cspan\u003eProvides daily readings helping us to find God using beautifully wrought scriptural metaphor.'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader online 21.11.19. Review by Roger Thornington\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an amazing book, subtitled ‘Finding God in scriptural metaphor’. After a few introductory biblical verses, Robinson transforms mundane observations from daily life into mesmerising accounts of God in action and potentially at work in our lives. The inventiveness and creativity of Robinson’s storytelling skill makes for a scintillating read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe writes – ‘the Bible is full of metaphors for God, images that help us to experience a little of his character’. Various metaphors are explored and how they take us into a deeper understanding of God’s nature and our relationship with Him. The influence of the early church’s ‘O Antiphons’ is acknowledged in Robinson’s personal selection of metaphors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer eye for the telling detail in her observations, coupled with the directness of her narrative style, make this an excellent guide for both individuals and small groups wanting a guide on the well-trodden path from Advent to Epiphany.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe five weeks are explored under individual themes: ‘When God appears’, ‘God the Creator’, ‘God the Owner’, ‘Veiled in flesh’ and finally ‘Visible in Creation’. Each day has a few biblical verses relating to the particular theme. There are twenty Old Testament and seventeen New Testament verse selections. The daily comments are followed by a question to ponder, a suggestion to consider and a brief closing prayer. At the end of each week there are a couple of general questions on the theme considered. The final pages include brief suggestions and guidelines for five weekly group Bible studies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found this an exciting book with unexpected links amidst the twists and turns in the narrative. Robinson comments ‘God does not give us what we’re looking for – He gives us what we need’. If you are searching for an Advent book this year, this is what you need!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eRoger Thornington\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 25.10.19 Advent Books Round Up by David Wilbourne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn her \u003cem\u003eImage of the Invisible\u003c\/em\u003e, Amy Scott Robinson explores 37 metaphors for God-in-Christ. She crafts a prose poem, ‘the best words in the best order’, from Advent Sunday to Epiphany, imaginatively putting flesh on her chosen biblical passage. Eschatology is realised when the Mayor of Coventry, after the devastating Luftwaffe raid, is surprised by King George VI, knocking on his back door: ‘Heavens above, it’s the King. We’d better look sharp.’ Scott Robinson’s God graciously ‘reads our poetry before it deserves to be seen’, greeting us, his brides, with a tearful ‘You look amazing!’ Elijah’s God of consuming fire graciously makes a little fire on Galilee’s beach to cook his friends breakfast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis excellent book provides a very valuable companion for the forthcoming seasons of Advent and Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing a theme of metaphors and images, Amy Scott Robinson provides many valuable insights into different facets of God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginning with an exploration of Old Testament figures, Amy explores how the metaphors involved reveal something about God – be that through a burning bush, a pillar of cloud and even a guinea pig. We are also introduced to the creative sides of God – not just the familiar ones of potter and inspirer of poetry but also of weaver and architect. A trip through the parables not only shows God as master, landowner and king but also explores a range of challenges about day to day living. The week which includes Christmas takes a slightly different approach, considering God in comparison to the characters of the nativity. The final period to Epiphany considers images of God as bread, water, door, rock and the gifts of the Magi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach reflection – one for every day of December and then up to Epiphany – also contains a suggestion for further reflection and a prayer. There are also other points at which to review our thinking and suggestions for group discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many authors who write about themselves but seem to do so just for the sake of it, Amy Scott Robinson knows when and how to include such examples. She writes of normal day to day life and, crucially, keeps them totally relevant to the topic. Just don’t buy her a house plant, that’s all. As the reviewer, reading a book of daily reflections one after the other without the benefit of 24 hours in-between, I look forward to re-reading it as my part of my own journey through the coming season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you enjoy and relate well to the use of metaphors and images, you will enjoy and relate well to this excellent book. If you’re one who finds using your imagination more difficult, then this book will open up that aspect of your mind to great effect. Whatever makes you you, \u003cem\u003eImage of the Invisible\u003c\/em\u003e will provide a very valuable and helpful way to deepen your faith and knowledge of God this Advent and Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Amy Scott Robinson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":26427520057444,"sku":"9780857467898","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467898-l.jpg?v=1554718505"},{"product_id":"you-are-mine-daily-bible-readings-from-ash-wednesday-to-easter-day","title":"You Are Mine: Daily Bible readings from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Again and again, as I have sought to look into both the scriptures and my own life, I have heard in the silence the one who assures me, ever more strongly, 'You are mine'. My hope and prayer is that you who read it will hear something of the same.'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt this time of Lent, David Walker explores different aspects of human belonging through the medium of scripture and story in order to help us recognise the different ways in which we are God’s beloved. And as we recognise ourselves and our own lives in the narrative of God’s engagement with humanity and his creation, he gently challenges us to engage for God’s sake with God’s world.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDavid Walker is Bishop of Manchester. He is a regular broadcaster on BBC radio, including the Daily Service and Sunday Programme. His interest in Christian belonging has grown from his involvement in the Housing Association movement and his membership of the Franciscan Third Order. He is also the author of God’s Belongers (BRF, 2017).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘This is a wonderful companion for Lent by David Walker. It is short but deep, and engages the reader in both prayer and reflection. A perfect way to explore what it means for all of us to belong to Christ in a challenging world.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJustin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery day during Lent Bishop David Walker invites us to look afresh at a Biblical character or saint. We gain new insights into their lives. He helps us journey through Lent with a deeper knowledge of how much God loves and treasures us. God reminds us ‘You are mine.’ David draws on his experience as an ordinary member of a family and a friend, a theologian and a Bishop. God’s desire is for us to belong to Jesus and to each other.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘I have a great admiration and respect for David Walker. It was so good to read these revealing reflections on the scriptures which he offers in the light of his experience. They are highly accessible while being theologically profound. I hope others will find them as illuminating and inspiring as I did.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Inge, Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘Using Lenten scriptural readings and rooted in his own personal journey, David Walker helps us to recognise the presence and activity of God in our own life, and as a consequence our connectedness and belonging to all God’s creation. This is down-to-earth, sound biblical and pastoral theology, as you would expect from Bishop David.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrother Benedict, Provincial Minister, The Society of St Francis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘In these thoughtful, touching and often candid reflections, David Walker reveals how he learned that we belong to God through other people. In his father, teachers, therapist, wife, parishioners, children and grandchildren, God becomes vividly present to him through fierce love, inspiring intellect, warm hospitality, quiet wisdom – and even the hatred of a suicide bomber’s attack on the city where Walker is much-loved bishop.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Vallely, author of \u003cem\u003ePope Francis: Untying the knots – the struggle for the soul of Catholicism\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘In this remarkable collection of devotions, David Walker combines deeply personal reflections with refreshingly practical observations on the Christian life. The message is humble and clear: in our Lenten battles for our better selves, we belong to God and to one another. This is writing as liberating as it is demanding – full of challenge, comfort and quiet joy.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoretta Minghella, First Church Estates Commissioner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews  \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry online, February 2020. Review by Sue Piper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis treasure of a Lent book has moved me deeply.  David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, has given us a very personal insight into his own journey of faith as well as encouraging us to understand the meaning of scripture as it may relate our own lives.  It has been very helpful to link directly with the God we worship and how He makes His presence felt to us, as individuals, each day, in all of our relationships with one another.  The language is honest and straightforward, and the Lenten season will be greatly enhanced by our understanding of belonging to God and belonging to one another as family and as community, both locally and globally.  There is much material for personal reflection and this book may well lend itself for study group sessions set over a period of time, not necessarily restricted to Lent.  The author offers us wisdom, honesty, joy, and understanding.  It teaches us to open our hearts with love for not only the chosen scriptures but will encourage us to use Bishop David’s wisdom in our everyday encounters with one another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Sue Piper\u003c\/em\u003e  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, February 2020. Review by Jenny Mills\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[In \u003cem\u003eYou Are Mine \u003c\/em\u003eby David Walker] each day there is a Bible text related to the theme of Christian belonging, and a reflection that is both personal and challenging, and both informative and engaging. Walker uses his wealth of faith experience. He opens with: ‘How do we belong with God and with Jesus? And how do our human lives help or hinder us along the way?’ Each day is no more than three pages. This book is relevant for the times in which we live, and addresses current topics as well as reflecting on biblical texts.\u003cem\u003eYou are Mine\u003c\/em\u003e requires setting aside a little more time [than normal Bible reading notes] in order to benefit from its content. I particularly valued the depth of [this book].\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenny Mills is Minister of Newport Pagnell United Reformed Church and West End United Church, Wolverton, Buckinghamshire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 17.01.20. Philip Welsh's Lent book roundup 2020 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eYou Are Mine\u003c\/em\u003e, David Walker invites his readers to join him at a popular level in the investigation of Christian belonging which has preoccupied him academically over a number of years. His daily reflections are loosely grouped into belonging with God, and belonging ‘with the people who are closest to us; with the great figures of the Bible and Christian faith; with the wider community and its special places; and with the big celebrations and events of the Christian cycle and human life’ — concluding with the events of Holy Week. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach day starts with a short Bible passage, which acts as a springboard for the notably personal reflections by the author — among other things, drawing on the experiences of his upbringing, of therapy, and of his life as parish priest, as bishop, and as grandfather. The daily prayer highlights the general theme within the individual story. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat emerges is a wise, humane, and generous spirituality. At times, it is a bit more affective than some of us feel comfortable with — producing these reflections is ‘like writing a series of love letters to God’; ‘I can feel the warmth of his smile’ – but there is also a strong and sharp commitment to social issues. He does not seek to shock, but quite often is pleasingly heterodox: he applauds Sunday-afternoon christenings; respects the faith of occasional churchgoers; hates changing the words of hymns; finds his faith encouraged by adherents of other faiths; and is ‘convinced that most politicians go into that work out of a deep and genuine desire to serve their community’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a Lent book for developing daily Bible-reading. It will appeal to those looking for a \u003cem\u003eThought for the Day\u003c\/em\u003e-style piece, linked to scripture, that builds into an attractive picture of Christian life as lived by an engaging representative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Philip Welsh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilding on his previous book, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/gods-belongers-how-people-engage-with-god-today-and-how-the-church-can-help?_pos=3\u0026amp;_sid=3076f9f36\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod’s Belongers\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, Bishop David Walker takes explores how activities, events, places and people enable us to know that we belong with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book explores what it means to belong with God – note, not belong \u003cem\u003eto\u003c\/em\u003e God but \u003cem\u003ewith\u003c\/em\u003e God. Using daily reflections, the Bishop of Manchester takes us through Lent and in to Holy Week. These weekly themes are interspersed, on Sundays, with thoughts on the Lectionary Gospel reading for the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of the weekday readings follows a particular theme within the overall topic of belonging. Bishop David considers how we belong to the Father and the Son, in relationships with others, and with the saints (primarily figures in the Old and New Testament but also Francis of Assisi and Ignatius Loyola). He also turns his attention to complex issues in the society in which we belong and the importance of celebrations and festivals such as Christmas and christenings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author acknowledges early on that he reveals more about his own faith and challenges than in anything else he has written and indeed there is a significant degree of autobiography contained in the book’s pages. Reading \u003cem\u003eYou Are Mine\u003c\/em\u003e with that context in mind will enable individual readers to do so in a way they find personally helpful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this reviewer, this is a book which clergy and those in paid ministry would find especially helpful. It offers some of David Walker’s own experience of the joys, frustrations and practicalities of ‘parish life’ as well as thought-provoking ideas about how churches can enable people, whether inside or outside their walls, to feel they belong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Holy Week, Bishop David takes what might be called a more ‘traditional’ Lent book approach. Following the events of the most important week in the year, he offers valuable comments and interpretations, old and new. In doing so, the book concludes on the strongest of notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"David Walker","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":26428169683044,"sku":"9780857467584","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467584-l.jpg?v=1554720628"},{"product_id":"journeying-through-lent-with-new-daylight-daily-bible-readings-and-group-study-material","title":"Journeying through Lent with New Daylight: Daily Bible readings and group study material","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis resource provides Lent material at an affordable price, using material by well-loved contributors from the New Daylight archive alongside specially written questions for group discussion. It encourages groups and individuals, whether existing readers of New Daylight or those who are new to using Bible reading notes, to share their experience and reflect together on the Lent journey as a church community. \u003cstrong\u003eFor bulk offers please see images and below.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Journeying_Through_Lent_Special_Offer_1000_x_300_px_1.png?v=1738677821\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith contributions from:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRachel Boulding\u003c\/strong\u003e - The sermon on the mount\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHelen Julian CSF\u003c\/strong\u003e - Feasting and fasting\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStephen Cottrell\u003c\/strong\u003e - Jesus' wisdom in Luke\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTony Horsfall\u003c\/strong\u003e - 1 Corinthians 13\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrother Ramon\u003c\/strong\u003e - From upper room to Easter Day\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003ePraise for Lent with New Daylight:\u003c\/em\u003e 'People are saying it's the best Lent book they've had and are asking for more! It brought them together across 7 small, rural churches and faith journeys were shared in a new way.' Church leader, Severn Loop Parishes, Shrewsbury\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSally Welch is the editor of BRF's New Daylight Bible reading notes. She is Vicar of Charlbury with Shorthampton and Area Dean of Chipping Norton in the Diocese of Oxford. A writer and lecturer on spirituality, she is particularly interested in pilgrimage and labyrinth and has made many pilgrimages both in England and Europe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry online, February 2020. Review by Sue Piper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis pocket sized Lent book has five well known contributors who provide us with a varied perspective of the weeks leading to Easter.  Each day we focus on a different short piece of scripture followed by a reflection from the contributor who then offers a prayer.  At the end of each week we are offered several questions to ponder and pray about.  This structure lends itself well to group study, with weekly time to discuss and reflect together about the preceding week’s focus.  One of the joys of this little treasure of a book is that it can suit an individual or a group.  Another is that we are offered a variety of very personal thoughts from a spread of churchmanship; here is wisdom to learn for everyone who wants to grow in their discipleship during Lent.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Sue Piper\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, February 2020. Review by Jenny Mills\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJourneying through Lent\u003c\/em\u003e is the work of five writers: Stephen Cottrell, the incoming Archbishop of York; Helen Julian, a Franciscan sister; Tony Horsfall, a spiritual retreat leader and trainer; the late Rachel Boulding, who was Deputy Editor of Church Times; and the late Brother Ramon, who was a Franciscan friar. The themes of these writers’ contributions are, according to Sally Welch, the book’s editor, ‘some of the most important elements of our faith’: feasting and fasting, the Beatitudes, the wisdom of Christ, the love poem of 1 Corinthians 13 and Holy Week. The book is a small one, with the text and reflection taking up no more than two pages each day. At the end of each week’s reflections there is a page of questions for group study.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Jenny Mills,  Minister of Newport Pagnell United Reformed Church and West End United Church, Wolverton, Buckinghamshire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 17.01.20. Philip Welsh's Lent book round up 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJourneying through Lent \u003c\/em\u003eprovides reflections by five ‘old friends of the Bible Reading Fellowship’ on short Bible passages under the themes: feasting and fasting, the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’s wisdom in Luke, 1 Corinthians 13, and Holy Week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe disparity of themes and the fact that two of the contributors have died — one of them two decades ago — suggest that we have here an ingenious repurposing of material that has been used elsewhere, which might explain occasional overlaps: the late Rachel Boulding and Stephen Cottrell both write on the Lord’s Prayer and on the lilies of the field, albeit in different versions. But the result is an attractive and straightforward popular resource, which also includes good questions on one of each week’s readings for those who are meeting for group study.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sally Welch","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":42813674815679,"sku":"9780857469656","price":3.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469656.jpg?v=1565770636"},{"product_id":"encountering-the-risen-christ","title":"Encountering the Risen Christ","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Encountering_the_Risen_Christ_banner_1.png?v=1712134873\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eHow can we encounter the risen Lord Jesus in a life-transforming way? How can we be equipped and strengthened to share the message of the resurrection with the world? The post-resurrection encounters between Jesus and the disciples provide us with some of the most profound and personal moments to be found in scripture. The risen Christ comes to his disciples in all their brokenness – their sadness, fear, doubt, shattered dreams and failure – and calls them to a future filled with hope, confidence, confirmed faith, new beginnings and restored lives. Encountering the Risen Christ reflects on the main characters in the post-resurrection accounts and shows how we too can encounter Jesus Christ in a life-transforming way. The seven chapters plus discussion material can be used across the seven weeks from Easter to Pentecost in individual reflection or group study, or at any time of year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark Bradford is vicar of St Cuthbert’s Fulwood. Previously he taught history and politics and has worked for the Oasis Trust in Leeds training and discipling 18–25-year-olds. He is married with three young children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersonal, perceptive, profound, provocative, well-resourced and well-written; Mark Bradford offers us an imaginative and encouraging exploration of encounter as the key and critical mode of Christian experience and discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd James Bell, Bishop of Ripon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stories in this book may be familiar, but we are offered a fresh insight. The journeys travelled by early disciples are fleshed out for a contemporary eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book takes you deeper into the Easter story by exposing the failures and successes, doubts and certainties, and above all the unashamed humanity of the cast of characters who follow Jesus to the cross and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJill Rowe, Oasis Ethos and Formation Director\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConnecting theology with experience, and mission with spirituality, Mark offers a careful reading of the New Testament encounters with Jesus, leading us into experiencing the transforming power of the resurrection for ourselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIan Paul, Theologian, writer and speaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReading Mark’s unfolding of the risen Christ, we are challenged to put the resurrection at the centre of who we are as Christians as well as what we do. This will orientate us to a discipleship that holds together death and new life, so we can know the victory of Christ without ignoring the reality of suffering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChristina Baxter, Former Principal of St John's College, Nottingham\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mark Bradford","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31810906194059,"sku":"9780857464286","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464286.jpg?v=1578912330"},{"product_id":"at-home-in-advent-a-domestic-journey-from-advent-to-epiphany","title":"At Home in Advent: A domestic journey from Advent to Epiphany","description":"\u003cp\u003eFollowing on from the success of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/at-home-in-lent-an-exploration-of-lent-through-46-objects\"\u003eAt Home in Lent\u003c\/a\u003e, Gordon Giles takes a journey through Advent to Christmas and beyond in the company of familiar seasonal and domestic objects and experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFocusing on the everyday stuff we typically associate with this time of year, including some things not so festive, he reflects on their spiritual significance, meaning and message in today’s world. Beginning with chapters on journeying and travel, the book moves through major Advent themes of expectation, waiting, mortality and hope to the joy of incarnation and salvation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/GordonGiles1_480x480.jpg?v=1676494801\" width=\"117\" height=\"208\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGordon Giles is Canon Chancellor of Rochester Cathedral. He is the author of several books, including \u003cem\u003eComings and Goings\u003c\/em\u003e (2015) and \u003cem\u003eAt Home in Lent\u003c\/em\u003e (2018).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdvent 2020 may turn out to be a journey of watching and waiting in unexpected ways. Gordon Giles’ timely reflections help turn these unexpected times into renewed expectation of the living God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRt Revd James Langstaff, Lord Bishop of Rochester and Bishop to HM Prisons\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/transformingministrymagazine.co.uk\/at-home-in-advent\/\"\u003eonline\u003c\/a\u003e November 2020. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book invites us to take Advent and the Christmas seasons seriously. By using a number of meditations based on commonplace articles like traffic lights, burglar alarms and even Christmas jumpers, Gordon Giles unlocks the meanings of the story that shapes the time of year. This is a well-written book, which includes prayers and practical actions for the reader to undertake during the month it is based around. These are challenging and helpful. He provides questions that can be used by home or other study groups. The book has a definite context, having been written during the tight lockdown of early2020, which makes it even more relevant. We have all become far more acquainted with our own houses, the commonplace, and a book that seeks to see the spiritual significance of this is therefore most valuable. The author tackles issues of expectation, waiting, mortality and hope as well as celebrating the joy of the incarnation and the salvation that Jesus brought. This is a first class read and a valuable aid for the Advent and Christmas seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePraise for At Home in Lent\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'It is a great idea and an easy read.' The Reader\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Well written and thought provoking, this really is a book for personal devotion which will enable us to make an unusual, though worthwhile, journey.' The Methodist Recorder\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'An amiable, slightly talkative companion.' Church Times\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gordon Giles","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":33574915735691,"sku":"9780857469809","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469809.jpg?v=1588348441"},{"product_id":"journeying-through-advent-with-new-daylight-daily-bible-readings-and-group-study-material","title":"Journeying through Advent with New Daylight: Daily Bible readings and group study material","description":"\u003cp\u003eFive weeks of Advent material for church groups and individuals, offering themed reflections by well-loved contributors from the New Daylight archive alongside specially written questions for group discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeek 1: The Advent antiphons – David Winter\u003cbr\u003eWeek 2: 2 and 3 John – Steve Aisthorpe\u003cbr\u003eWeek 3: Light in the darkness – Amy Boucher Pye\u003cbr\u003eWeek 4: Word incarnate: John 1:1–18 – Andy John\u003cbr\u003eWeek 5: Psalms of hope – Margaret Cundiff\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith an introduction by New Daylight editor Sally Welch.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECIAL OFFERS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eENTER DISCOUNT CODES AT CHECK OUT \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADVJOU100  =  20% OFF BULK ORDER 100 COPIES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADVJOU50 = 15% OFF BULK ORDER 50 COPIES \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADVJOU25 = 10% OFF BULK ORDER 25 COPIES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditor info \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch is the editor of BRF's New Daylight Bible reading notes. She is Vicar of Charlbury with Shorthampton and Area Dean of Chipping Norton in the Diocese of Oxford. A writer and lecturer on spirituality, she is particularly interested in pilgrimage and labyrinth and has made many pilgrimages both in England and Europe.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sally Welch","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":33575118340235,"sku":"9780857469670","price":3.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469670.jpg?v=1588600163"},{"product_id":"come-and-see-learning-from-the-life-of-peter","title":"Come and See: Learning from the life of Peter","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen we look at the life of Peter – fisherman, disciple, leader of the church – we find somebody who responded wholeheartedly to the call to ‘come and see’. Come and meet Jesus, come and follow him, come and find your life being transformed. This book focuses on Peter, not because he is the best-known of Jesus’ friends, nor the most loyal, but because he shows us what being a disciple of Jesus is actually like. Like us, he takes a step of faith and then flounders, and needs the saving touch of God to continue becoming the person he was created to be.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCome and See provides a pattern of Bible reading, reflection and prayer. Twenty-eight readings, arranged in four sections, offer short passages from the story of Peter, plus comment and questions for personal response or group discussion.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore his appointment as the 98th Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell was the Bishop of Chelmsford. He is a member of the House of Lords and served as a member of the Select Committee for Communication. He is a well-known writer and speaker on evangelism, spirituality and catechesis, and is one of the authors of the Pilgrim course.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Winter 2021. Review by Sue Piper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArchbishop Stephen has subtitled his book, ‘Learning from the Life of Peter’. He takes us through the life and calling of Peter in four sections which can be studied weekly or monthly, for use with a study group or as individuals. Drawing on scripture, we are helped to understand firstly Peter’s call, then how his character has been shaped, especially on the way of the cross, and finally in enduring hope. Each section ends with some searching questions. This book reveals Peter’s character in great detail, with all his weaknesses, fears and strengths, as Jesus supports him in his personal growth journey of faith. And this journey could be yours or mine as we explore our own shortcomings and strengths; but with prayer and study we learn to become the person God loves and the person God desires us to be. We are guided on a journey of growing closer to God by Peter as he eventually realises his potential and his true gifts. We can do this too either as new Christians or long-time believers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Sue Piper\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Matters. Paul Beasley-Murray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst published in 2003 as The Rock, this edition of 'Come and See: Learning from the Life of Peter' by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell is 'for new Christians who want to grow in their faith, and for more experienced Christians who want to reset the compass of their discipleship'. It has a fivefold aim: to help people “grow as followers of Jesus, develop a love for the Bible, understand more about the Bible, establish a regular pattern for Bible reading, and allow the word of God to shape their lives”. Each of the 28 sections comprises a Scripture passage – at times somewhat loosely linked to the life of Peter – followed by a comment and questions for personal reflection or for group discussion. This is a most helpful guide by a great communicator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Good Bookstall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eReading, reflection and prayer are helpfully visited in this revision of a former 2003 publication that is an effective first reader to the life of a struggling, true, first-follower of Jesus. This compact guide to Lenten weeks is an able accompaniment to life and learning from the life of Peter. There is a compelling reality to this discipleship journey in the breadth and searching in the New Testament sweep of scriptures offered here. These twenty-eight readings are accompanied by pithy, provoking and helpful resources for reflection. Clear and chewy!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom The Good Bookstall - March 2011 First published in as On This Rock - Bible Foundations for Christian Living (2003).\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Stephen Cottrell","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":34890052534424,"sku":"9781800390195","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800390195.jpg?v=1588594358"},{"product_id":"holy-habits-following-jesus","title":"Holy Habits: Following Jesus: Ideal for Lent and other times","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the Holy Habits through the life of Jesus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis resource provides seven weeks of material for church groups to use during Lent. Each session includes the printed Bible passage, a suggestion for a simple symbolic worship centre, music suggestions, reflection, poem, questions, prayer and take-home ideas. Additional material for Holy Week provides daily reflections that can be used as the basis of a gathered act of worship, or for personal devotion.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIMPORTANT product information for past purchasers, please click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Holy_Habits_FJ.pdf?v=1738934370\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003ehere\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Roberts is a husband, father, minister, writer and speaker. He is the author of the book \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits\u003c\/em\u003e (Malcolm Down Publishing, 2016) and co-editor of the BRF Holy Habits resource booklets. He was previously director of training for Fresh Expressions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on his work with Holy Habits, Andrew Roberts has produced some creative resources here for one of the most poignant seasons of the Christian calendar, Lent and Holy Week. There are things to do as well as things to think about, all presented in ways that will enrich individual spirituality as well as offering ideas for group engagement.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Drane and Olive Fleming-Drane\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am delighted to commend \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e by Andrew Roberts — a resource which builds on his earlier book, Holy Habits, but which is designed for use by small groups, especially through Lent and Holy Week. The material is accessible, yet challenging; truly imaginative, yet genuinely simple. It supplements words with images, to enable disciples of Jesus to be formed afresh in the likeness of the One who is both the Word and Image of the Living God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was captivated when I read the book Holy Habits and so I am now delighted to commend \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e, Lent Course and Holy Week Resource. It is accessible, relevant, practical and most importantly will lead new disciples into a deeper understanding of following Jesus and more mature disciples into greater depth of faith. I warmly commend it to be used not only during the special season of Lent but indeed anytime.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Richard J Teal, President of the Methodist Conference 2020\/21\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis might look like a book, it is... but it is much more than that, it helps you to engage in an experience... This is a great resource for people to experience the Christian season of Lent and the events of Holy Week. It is about the real fundamentals of the Jesus story. Go ahead and discover the call to follow Jesus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTim Lea, Network Animator of Fresh Expressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs always, Andrew’s writings are spiritual in content, scriptural in basis and inspirational in outworking. \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e is a creative and practical resource to help is lean into Lent personally and as a group.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVal Mylechreest (Major), Divisional Commander, South London Division, Salvation Army\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat a lovely resource book! These outlines are straightforward and versatile, easy to use and adaptable for a variety of small group settings. Christ-centred and applicable to everyday discipleship, this is a great way to spend Lent refocussing on Jesus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLucy Moore, founder and team leader of Messy Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a post-Christendom context, Holy Habits is a timely reminder of the centrality of shared practices to growth in Christian discipleship and its working out in daily life and witness. The encouragement to take that journey further by exploring holy habits through the lens of Jesus’ life and passion is a welcome opportunity to deepen discipleship at a personal, small group and congregational level. I know a number of congregations which have been greatly blessed by Holy Habits and I commend this resource to you with the prayer that it may bless you.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Richard Andrew, Chair of the Darlington Methodist District\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis resource helpfully links Holy Habits to following Jesus Christ. The text is accessible and easy to follow. The focus is on helping readers to unpack the stories around Jesus with helpful questions for personal and group reflection. I commend this as an aid for deeper meditation and discipleship.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Inderjit Bhogal OBE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCongregationalism has it’s roots in the early church, so what a delight to continue the Holy Habit series with this reflective study for the most “powerful” time of the year! Easter. The take home ideas will help us in our everyday life, bringing hope and kindness to those we encounter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYvonne Campbell, General Secretary, Congregational Federation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e is a wonderful new resource from Andrew Roberts. The accessible and easy to use material provides inspiration and encouragement for anyone at any stage on their discipleship journey. Use it in Lent and Holy Week, or at another time, and find yourself drawn in more deeply into the adventure that is following Christ. I warmly commend it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrancis Brienen, Deputy General Secretary (Mission) of the United Reformed Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChurch Times 22.01.21 Lent Book round up by Philip Welsh\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoly Habits is not the latest range from Wippell’s, but a series of resources embodying ‘a fresh way of engaging communities with missional discipleship’, based on the ten key practices advocated in Acts 2 of ‘biblical teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer, sharing resources, serving, eating together, gladness and generosity, worship and making more disciples’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Roberts, its originator, and a former Fresh Expressions trainer, uses these habits of Christian living as a framework for weekly sessions in Lent and daily sessions in Holy Week, with suggestions for group worship and singing, a Bible passage, a simple reflection, and questions for conversation and for reflection. Not everyone will appreciate some of the rubrics for worship — ‘Cover a table with some coarse cloth, such as hessian. Scatter some stones and then add symbols’ — but there is much to be said for a course on the basics of Christian life which is light on text, uses non-verbal resources, and includes questions such as ‘About whom do you mutter?’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAimed at ‘those who are already following Jesus’, \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e would work naturally with an established house group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eReview by Philip Welsh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Andrew Roberts","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":34890040770712,"sku":"9780857469946","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469946.jpg?v=1596636502"},{"product_id":"opening-our-lives","title":"Opening Our Lives: Devotional readings for Lent","description":"\u003cp\u003eLent is not about giving up or taking up, but a radical opening up: the opening up of our lives to God’s transformative kingdom.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat is the challenge Trystan Owain Hughes sets in Opening Our Lives. Through practical daily devotions he calls on us to open our eyes to God’s presence, our ears to his call, our hearts to his love, our ways to his will, our actions to his compassion and our pain to his peace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLuriCfRleXWxp6g5D4nqeb18EY8EtD8ff\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Opening Our Lives Video Series \" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Picture1_600x600.png?v=1667841091\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrystan Owain Hughes is Tutor in Applied Theology at St Padarn’s Institute, Cardiff and priest-in-charge of Christ Church, Roath Park, Cardiff. He is particularly interested in making theology and spirituality relevant and he has written, among other books, \u003cem\u003eReal God in the Real World\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eLiving the Prayer\u003c\/em\u003e for BRF. Trystan has also been a regular contributor to BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4, is an honorary senior lecturer at Cardiff University, and is Canon Theologian at Llandaff Cathedral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Trystan Owain Hughes offers material for each day of Lent through to Easter, drawing on literature, theology, scripture and easily appreciated events from his own daily life and the lives of others. The breadth of some of the sources upon which he draws is nor more evident than in the book’s bibliography. I thank him for the work which he has done to provide such an accessible, stimulating, and refreshing resource.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Davies, archbishop of Wales\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Using a rich blend of story, insight and commentary, Trystan guides us on a Lenten journey of grace. As he encourages us to open ourselves to God and his loving kingdom, he gently challenges us to yield to the One who loves us. Sign up to the journey – you won’t regret it!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher Pye, author of The Living Cross\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘These rich, accessible reflections are full of stories, insight, humour and wisdom that will enable you to truly open your eyes and heart to what God is doing around you as you explore the strange gifts that the disciplines of Lent brings.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGraham Tomlin, bishop of Kensington\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, digital edition 2. Review by Laura Hillier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a year of unwanted restrictions imposed on all our lives by the pandemic this book, subtitled \u003cem\u003eDevotional Readings for Lent\u003c\/em\u003e, will provide a welcome tonic. A Bible passage from the Old or New Testament for each day of Lent is followed by the author’s reflections with suggestions for ways to open up our lives to the leading of God’s Spirit. Each week has an overall theme as we are invited to open our eyes, ears, hearts, ways, actions, pain and finally our world to the power of hope. As we contemplate the world around us the author gently leads us to see the commonplace through God’s eyes so that the mundane is transformed into moments of goodness, truth and beauty. Active waiting in stillness and silence leads on to actions grounded in wisdom, peace and love. This is an immensely readable book enlivened with the author’s reminiscences and enriched with references to a wide variety of spiritual writers. Written with passing references to Covid, the wisdom and insight in this book should outlast the current situation and prove a valuable resource, not only for Lent. The book concludes with suggestions for its use in small group discussions, even though this year these might be online rather than in person.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillier \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 22.01.21 Lent book round up by Philip Welsh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eOpening Our Lives\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is organised around the conviction that Lent is not just a time to give up or to take up, but to open up. Trystan Owain Hughes provides for each day a short Bible passage, a personal reflection and a simple suggestion for prayer or meditation. These form a weekly series illustrating different dimensions of opening our lives: to God’s presence, his call, his love, his will, his compassion, and his peace and hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRanging widely within his controlling metaphor, his commentary is highly anecdotal and largely personal, often drawing on his family life and upbringing in Wales, frequently introducing other Christian thinkers, but always linked to the Bible passage. This makes for easy, attractive, and thought-provoking reading, and it comes as no surprise that the author is a regular radio contributor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOpening Our Lives\u003c\/em\u003e is not for those looking for Bible study or theological exploration, or resistant to hearing about the author’s children or bad back. But if you want to spend a few minutes each day reading the Bible in company with a thoughtful, amiable, and mildly garrulous Welshman, this might be just the thing. There are well-judged questions for group use.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Trystan Owain Hughes","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":34889865920664,"sku":"9780857468826","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468826.jpg?v=1588599599"},{"product_id":"green-reflections-biblical-inspiration-for-sustainable-living","title":"Green Reflections: Biblical inspiration for sustainable living","description":"\u003cp\u003eHow should we look after the world we inhabit?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartin and Margot Hodson bring together scientific and theological wisdom to offer 62 reflections inspired by passages from the Bible in a thoughtful exploration that encourages both reflection and response. Themes include The Wisdom of Trees, Landscapes of Promise and Sharing Resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/MartinandMargotHodsonlatestApril2021_480x480.jpg?v=1676493999\" width=\"252\" height=\"201\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDr. Martin Hodson\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis a plant scientist and environmental biologist and has over 100 publications mostly in international science journals. He teaches at both of the universities in Oxford and is the Principal Tutor for the distance learning course, Christian Rural and Environmental Studies (CRES). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRev. Margot Hodson\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis Theology and Education Director for the John Ray Initiative (JRI), an organisation connecting Environment, Science, and Christianity. She is also a Vicar in the Oxford Diocese. The Hodsons have published widely together on Christianity and the environment, and have several books including A Christian Guide to Environmental Issues (BRF, second edition).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Winter 2021. Review by Liz Pacey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis slim volume lives up to its subtitle and is packed with ‘Biblical inspiration for sustainable living’. A mixture of theological and pastoral themes, the subjects include: biblical guidelines for understanding the environment; Christian reflections on environmental issues; and sharing resources. Less obviously titled, but very intriguing, are the chapters labelled ‘Landscapes of promise’, ‘Storms and fair weather’, and ‘The wisdom of trees’. I found myself absolutely fascinated by the last one. All the reflections inspire us to take better care of God’s wonderful creation. If read as daily notes there are enough for two months, but potential uses extend much further: group studies, quiet days, sermon pointers. There is a useful index of Bible references, and a concise but thorough list of further reading and websites. With resources like these there is really no excuse for Readers to be ignorant of the state of our world. Martin Beek’s beautiful artwork scattered throughout the pages helps make the book one to treasure, and perhaps the thoughtful and energising pastoral gift you  were looking for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Liz Pacey\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices, issue 38, September 2021. Review by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartin and Margot Hodson bring together scientific and theological wisdom to offer 62 biblical reflections. Clearly laid out and accompanied by pictures by Martin Beek, it is an attractive guide for church groups, pastors, and young people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book celebrates the ‘world charged with the grandeur of God’ (from the poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins). The book alerts and reminds us of the fragility of the natural world and need for stewardship and responsibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey divide things into six categories (each made up of passages, commentaries, and prayers, each a double-page opening): Biblical guidelines, sharing resources, trees and weather and landscapes, and rounding up with Christian reflections on environmental issues. There are times when the metaphors are pushed to the limit (the almond tree stays active through time and so should we as we get older; rain falls on the desert, a symbol of hope if you suffer loss; rivers keep moving, so don’t look back with regret).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut most reflections make good sense as environmental theology, and are topical and grounded in good practical sense (like food banks, global debt, hospitality, what churches can do). Throughout quotations from OT and NT are used to make the point. We can trust in God yet we only have ourselves to blame if we don’t step up to the plate. God’s gift of creation is under threat, and Green Reflections is a timely resource offering hope and challenge. ‘This century is going to be tough’, they sign off.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaversham Bridge, August 2021. Review by Meryl Beek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot long ago, were you watching the BBC’s Springwatch TV programme? If so, you will have noticed a new feature. For a few moments, instead of the enthusiastic chatter of the presenters, we were asked to join in a ‘Mindful Moment’. This was a quiet time to enjoy a beautiful landscape, an animal at play or perhaps a close up of a bee entering a wild flower. Whatever part of the natural world was used, we were encouraged to feel part of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen we pick up a new book called ‘Green Reflections’, by Martin and Margot Hodson, we are invited to go one stage further. Here our natural world is linked with biblical interpretation. There are sixty short meditations, accompanied by colourful paintings of the countryside. This book contains something for everybody. Starting with ‘The wisdom of trees’ through to ‘Sharing resources’ and ‘Storms and fair weather’, it ends with ‘Christian reflections on environmental issues.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hodsons have been busy. A second edition of their book ‘A Christian guide to Environmental Issues’ has also been published this year. It has been fully revised and is absolutely oozing with information. This is presented under eight headings which include biodiversity, climate change, population and energy. It will be invaluable for study group leaders and others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCaversham Bridge is a church and community newspaper: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.cavershambridge.org\"\u003ewww.cavershambridge.org\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Kate Lemon: One25\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lovely small book for the creative amongst you as it offers a host of psalms, prayers and sections from the bible to inspire:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour own worship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe worship of others\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChristian events – harvest festival or activities focussed on climate change\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chapters are short and illustrated by Martin Beck. Altogether a great practical guide to living ethically.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Martin Hodson and Margot Hodson","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":37913264324799,"sku":"9781800390683","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"PDF","offer_id":37913264357567,"sku":"9781800390690","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800390683.jpg?v=1619189224"},{"product_id":"thewholechristmasstory","title":"The Whole Christmas Story: An Advent adventure through Genesis, Revelation, and points in between","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eAdvent is a time to remember and reflect on the Christmas story and the baby at its heart. But the virgin birth, the manger, the mysterious eastern visitors and their portentous gifts – all these hint at a much grander narrative. Come and explore the whole Christmas story, and find your place within it. For Advent 2023 BRF Ministries and \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"LICC\" href=\"https:\/\/licc.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eLICC (London Institute of Contemporary Christianity)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e are collaborating to \u003cstrong\u003eadapt The Whole Christmas Story into a 25 day devotional prayer journey\u003c\/strong\u003e which can be undertaken individually or as a church\/small group. Find out more about \u003ca title=\"The Whole Christmas Story Advent 2023 Devotional Prayer Journey\" href=\"https:\/\/licc.org.uk\/ourresources\/the-whole-christmas-story-devotional-journey-page\/\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Whole Christmas Story Advent 2023 Devotional Prayer Journey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/TheWholeChristmasStorygraphic_1_480x480.png?v=1695296122\" width=\"736\" height=\"221\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/TheWholeChristmasStorygraphic_1_480x480.png?v=1695296122\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJo Swinney is a UK-based author, speaker and editor, with an MA in theology from Regent College, Vancouver. She is director of communications for A-Rocha International and blogs at\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.joswinney.com\/\"\u003ejoswinney.com\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I have only read half of this book so far but that has been enough for me to endorse it as the best Advent book I have ever come across and to encourage the Ministry Team at our church to select and recommend it this year. This is a book I have \u003cu\u003ewanted \u003c\/u\u003eto read as distinct from \u003cu\u003eought \u003c\/u\u003eto read!  I love Jo’s style of writing .  She makes the profound so accessible and thought provoking.  I am going to start from the beginning again this Advent!'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJane Cowan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'You’ve got an Advent treat in store with \u003cem\u003eThe Whole Christmas Story\u003c\/em\u003e! I was educated, encouraged, challenged and moved. Our journey to Bethlehem begins in Eden, not Nazareth, and ends in a garden city, not Egypt. Jo Swinney reminds us that the Christmas story is part of God’s bigger story, and it’s one into which we are invited to play our part. It’s a whole story for the whole of life. I can’t think of a better way to prepare for Christmas.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Woolley, chief executive, LICC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Advent 2021. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJo Swinney has produced a thoughtful and very readable book for Advent. The subtitle says it is ‘An advent adventure through Genesis, Revelation and points in between’. The selection of readings, prayers and reflection that suggest ways to develop the spiritual life are well presented and are a challenging read. The book in part has been reshaped as the author came face to face with a personal tragedy. It will be with me during Advent, enabling me to stop and consider during the time of preparation for Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCAVAN WOOD\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 22.10.21. Review by Lavinia Byrne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere is a book that resolutely keeps the reader’s attention focused on Advent by gazing at the liturgical season through the lens of Christmas rather than the other way round.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled An Advent adventure through Genesis, Revelation and points in between, it has a full scriptural reach, bringing texts from both the Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament for exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith daily readings reaching from 1 December to 6 January, the book likewise embraces more than a calendar month, although the reader should be warned that Advent this year begins on 28 November. Along with the biblical texts, Jo Swinney provides a commentary, a reflection, and a prayer. As head of communications at A Rocha, an international charity specialising in ‘conservation and hope’, she has also worked for the Bible Society and the Scripture Union, using the MA in Theology which she gained from Regent College, Vancouver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo far, so straightforward. But, as she describes in her introduction, a personal tragedy occurred early on as she was writing it, namely the death of her mother in a car accident in South Africa. This could have put a stop to her writing, only, as she herself observes, Advent is a ‘time of anticipation’, and so it exposes the reader to the themes of ‘salvation and restoration’. What could have been an academic exercise becomes something alive and actual. This sense of the reality of what the incarnation brings into our world — both on a personal and a public level — is best reflected in the book’s prayers, which are beautifully and authoritatively written.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Advent will be unlike any other, in so far as the actual celebration of Christmas will seem more possible than it did a year ago. How timely to have a book that captures the moment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLavinia Byrne is a writer and broadcaster.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Lucy Rycroft in her blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/thehopefilledfamily.com\/20-best-books-to-read-during-advent\/\"\u003eThe Hope Filled Family\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’re looking for an Advent guide which will widen your experience beyond the gospel retellings, here it is. Like a grown-up version of the Jesse Tree, The Whole Christmas Story does just that: it ponders the whole Christmas story, starting with creation in Genesis and ending with the new heaven and new earth described in Revelation. The format is traditional: Bible passage (helpfully included in full), followed by articulate and warm commentary. \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.joswinney.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eJo Swinney \u003c\/a\u003eexpounds Scripture deeply and wisely, with nuance which stems from a recent tragedy. A worthy companion to your Advent.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jo Swinney","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":40313727516863,"sku":"9780857469410","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/thewholechristmasstory.jpg?v=1627502017"},{"product_id":"sharing-the-christmas-story","title":"Sharing the Christmas Story","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this year's BRF Advent book Sally Welch explores two questions: What is the Christmas story really about, and how do we share it? Through each week of Advent, a different aspect of the Christmas story is examined: light, promise, mystery, love, peace and hope. Within each week, the days are focused on the ways in which the Christmas story is shared: prophecies, journeys, new life, signs, poems, stories and conversations. Each day offers a Bible passage, followed by a reflection and prayer activity. Suggestions for group study and group study questions are also included.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSally Welch is a parish priest of 20 yearsʼ standing, having ministered in both rural and\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eurban contexts within the Diocese of Oxford. She is currently the diocesan spirituality\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eadviser and co-director of the Centre for Christian Pilgrimage. Sally is a committed pilgrim and has walked many pilgrim routes in the UK and Europe, with plans for many more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry Way Autumn 2022\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ydpd11d151bmsonormal\"\u003eSharing the Christmas Story by Sally Welch, is nice chunky paperback book with just under 160 pages. It takes you through Advent with a reading, a very clear and thought provoking reflection, a couple of questions and a prayer, for each day. On the Sunday of each week there are extra questions and a creative prayer to try out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ydpd11d151bmsonormal\"\u003eThe book has been published this year and so is dated as such. It doesn’t start on the first day of Advent but rather 1 December, which this year is a Thursday.  Personally I would have preferred it to just say ‘First of December’ etc but maybe I’m being pedantic as obviously it can still be used in any year. Each week focusses on a different aspect of the Christmas story, the themes being; promise, light, mystery, love, peace and hope.  Within each week, the days are then broken down to look at the way the Christmas story is shared such as through prophecy, signs or stories. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ydpd11d151bmsonormal\"\u003eMy first thought on reading the book was that this would be a great tool to use with my family (I have children aged 19, 12 and 11) around the dinner table possibly? The suggestion says to use the book for group study and I agree that this is the perfect all in one tool. What I love about the questions is that they aren’t theological questions about the text but rather ‘real life’ questions such as ‘Do you put God in a box?’ and ‘If you discovered you had only one day to live, what would you do?’. This means that the book would be suitable for someone who has only just started their journey in faith as well as being suitable for those further along in their journey. Priced at £8.99 this is definitely worth every penny.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"ydpd11d151bmsonormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry online November 2022. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor each day through the six weeks of Advent and the Christmas season, Sally Welch has chosen, and reflected on, a short Bible reading relating to the Christmas story. Within each week, she has considered the way the story is shared through prophecies, journeys, signs, poems, stories and conversations. Over these busy and exciting weeks, the book takes in the themes of promise, light, mystery, love, peace and hope. This autumn of 2022, with the nation and the world in turmoil, it feels like we need rather a lot of these things. Sally uses texts from Old and New Testaments, some well-known and others less well-known. At the end of each week Sally has suggested creative ideas for prayer.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThere must have been many books of daily readings for Advent which have been published over the years. This one comes across as fresh and new. It is thoughtful and intelligent, but not academic; warm and attractive but not corny. I commend it to readers as individuals and for use by small groups this Advent.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 28.10.22. Review by Peter McGeary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author of this kind of book faces a difficult set of tasks. Advent is a wonderful time of the Church’s year, filled with themes of history, judgement, and expectation. The trouble is that it is all too short, and takes place in a world that thinks that 'Christmas' is a time of commercial frenzy that for many people begins weeks before 1 December. How does an author instil a sense of prayerfulness and reflection into this season? Sally Welch is a director of the Centre for Christian Pilgrimage, in the diocese of Oxford, and her book is an attempt to do just that: to get us to slow down and think and pray. She takes us on a journey of exploration of the themes of the season. Sharing the Christmas Story is designed for individual or group use, and is a very good attempt to get the reader to carve out a short daily time for a scripture reading, a reflection, questions, and, finally, prayer. The material covers six weeks from the beginning of Advent until the feast of the Epiphany, and each week has an overarching theme to link the Bible passages. The great quality here is simplicity and brevity, although material can be easily expanded for group use (there are helpful suggestions at the beginning about how this might be done). The BRF has produced another fine volume that tells the Story with simplicity and clarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by The Revd Peter McGeary, Vicar of St Mary’s, Cable Street, London.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/thehopefilledfamily.com\/20-best-books-to-read-during-advent\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/thehopefilledfamily.com\/20-best-books-to-read-during-advent\/\u003c\/a\u003e  \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLucy Rycroft\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF’s Christmas devotional for 2022 takes you all the way through from Advent to Epiphany, with in-depth daily devotionals (which include the Bible reading presented in full – very handy), introductions to each week of readings, and questions\/creative prayer to use in groups. You do need to set aside a bit more time to read this devotional, as the print is small and the daily readings are a little longer than those in other books, but the sacrifice of time will more than make up for itself in terms of the richness of thought, depth of theological understanding, and challenge of personal application contained here.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sally Welch","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41235741049023,"sku":"9781800391062","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800391062.jpg?v=1642419912"},{"product_id":"when-they-crucified-my-lord","title":"When they Crucified My Lord","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOn this journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day, you are invited to become a pilgrim with Brother Ramon. Each day there is the opportunity to stop and reflect on the gospel story, drawing insight from the experiences of those who were there during the events of the first Easter, finding inspiration and strength for the greater journey of our lives. Suffering and glory are intermingled in real human experience in this book, which is designed for personal and group use, for Christians of all traditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBrother Ramon SSF was an Anglican Franciscan friar and a writer on everyday spirituality. His numerous books include \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Spirituality, The Heart of Prayer, My Questions – God’s Questions\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Flame of Sacred Love\u003c\/em\u003e. Brother Ramon died in June 2000.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry online February 2023. Review by Lindsay Tanner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an inviting text with a good balance of simplicity and depth. It is a republication of a classic Lenten devotional by an Anglican Franciscan friar and draws on his experiences, often of getting alongside others at their point of need. It is not outdated; lived examples are accessible and relevant to our everyday discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe focus is Holy Week and the crucifixion, but the reflections are much broader. The first days from Ash Wednesday bring context and challenge looking at the different players and groups engaged in some of the events of Holy Week. The next four weeks use the perspectives of John, Peter, Judas and Mary in turn, attending to passages of scripture in which they are involved from throughout the gospels. In Lent 5 there is a specific focus on the acts of faith shown by different people around the cross. At the culmination, through Holy Week, the author looks at the seven words of Jesus from the cross.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach daily devotion leads with a passage of scripture which is followed by a personal narrative connecting us to emotions and insights related to the events chosen. The narrative is reflective and questioning, challenging us to ask where we are in our openness to God, serving him and receiving from him. Each day’s reading closes with a prayer and reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are several ways to use this book. The author recommends setting aside up to an hour each day for the devotion and to take time letting the words of scripture speak to us. I support this and believe that the book will aid rich listening and meditation. However it will also work for those with less time available. It is an easy read and nudges, challenges and provides insights, even with a lighter approach. The book also includes some tips for use as a group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Lindsay Tanner\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Brother Ramon SFF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41549192364223,"sku":"9781800390898","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800390898.jpg?v=1650360258"},{"product_id":"images-of-grace","title":"Images of Grace: A journey from darkness to light at Easter","description":"\u003cp\u003e‘At the heart of the Christian message is a collection of abstract nouns: love; sin; forgiveness; grace. It is quite difficult to explain what the gospel message is without using some or all of those words. But the problem with abstract nouns is that when we use them, we assume that the person we are talking to understands them, and not only that, we assume that they have the same understanding of the word that we do…’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLent is traditionally a time of repentance, fasting and prayer as we prepare to celebrate our salvation at Easter. Through daily readings and reflections from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day, Amy Scott Robinson explores different biblical images of repentance, sin, forgiveness and grace, bringing them together in Holy Week as a lens through which to view Christ’s work of reconciliation on the cross.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kqn_CTRCtzY\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yGNTnqU6LHs\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IQ0wKSf1ZEM\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is rich in accessible biblical scholarship and insight. It brings the reader's attention to a variety of passages and it is refreshing to read a Lent Book that encourages the reader to look at a variety of passages from across the whole of Christian scripture. The combination of a well-considered reflection, a question and, a suitable prayer for each day make this book the perfect companion for Lent.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rev'd Canon Michael Robinson (no relation!)\u003cbr\u003eBishops’ Chaplain \u0026amp; Canon Theologian of St Edmundsbury Cathedral\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘Amy is an expert storyteller, a well of emotion and reflection, and a follower of Jesus with a deep, genuine hunger for the reality of God.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdrian Plass, author and speaker\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 online February 2023. Review by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe BRF Lent Book for 2023, sub-titled ‘A Journey from Darkness to Light at Easter’ takes the reader day by day on exactly that journey. Amy Scott Robinson was inspired to write this book because she felt that abstract nouns, such as sin and grace, although in frequent use, might be misunderstood – or given a different meaning - by many people. The book is based on the idea that the use of images helps this understanding. These images vary from a few words, to extended metaphors, to whole stories – but all help us to understand Christian concepts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into weekly sections, covering sin and repentance, forgiveness, atonement, restoration, reconciliation and ends with Holy Week. Each day has a Bible reading, commentary, a question and a prayer and, at the end of each week, there is a set of questions, which makes the book suitable for group activity. The commentary which Amy Scott Robinson gives each day is invariably pertinent and engaging and involves personal and literary examples, as well as providing a thoughtful interpretation of the passage. The question demands the reader applies the material to his\/her own life. As a Lent book I recommend this for personal or for group use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost, author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving previously reviewed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/image-of-the-invisible-daily-bible-readings-from-advent-to-epiphany?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=d107cbc7e\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage of the Invisible\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, Amy Scott-Robinson’s book for Advent through to Epiphany, I was looking forward to this offering for Lent, Holy Week and Easter. And I was not disappointed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with that previous book, she uses metaphors, stories and biblical examples to open up a wide range of themes. Initially, these images explore the traditional themes of Lent: sin, repentance and forgiveness. Dipping briefly and helpfully in the theological arguments about atonement, the author then continues with images of restoration and reconciliation. A final section for Holy Week finds us encountering a donkey, turning over tables and washing feet before standing by the tomb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin the book, we meet characters as diverse as David and Jonah, Jesus Barabbas and Joseph of Arimathea. Each aspect, each chapter, is explored and explained, using helpful contemporary stories and images alongside the biblical ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this reviewer, reading a book of daily reflections in a shorter timescale inevitably dilutes the full benefit of it (not least also that I read it during Advent!). Thus, for me, the focus on sin during the first half has a particular effect and it is from Week 4 onwards that readers are given a flood of hope as all the images combine to provide ones of grace. Grace which is sufficient for each day and for each one of us, in all times and seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. He is also the author of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003etwo other books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Scott Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e is an author and performance storyteller. After studying English at Christ's College, Cambridge, she trained as a teacher and began writing for charities and providers of liturgical resources, before publishing her own works on puppetry and story. She is married to the rector of four rural parishes in Suffolk, where she is also the benefice children’s worker. She lives in the Rectory and has two children, two guinea pigs, and at any given moment, a half-finished cup of cold tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e","brand":"Amy Scott Robinson","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":42199947903167,"sku":"9781800391178","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/ImagesofGrace.jpg?v=1664963723"},{"product_id":"the-christmas-story-1","title":"The Christmas Story","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eExplore the story of the first Christmas together as a family!\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Christmas Story\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis written for parents, grandparents and carers to share with their children through an interactive family Bible and prayer time. Each section provides a brief comment on the passage, questions to discuss, a visual aid to encourage engagement with the story, an activity idea, a prayer idea, a key verse and an Old Testament story link.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eMultipack offers are available, please do select the quantity you require below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuy 10 copies save 10%   XMASSTORY10\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuy 25 copies save 20%   XMASSTORY20\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuy 50 copies save 30%   XMASSTORY30\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBuy 100 copies save 40%  XMASSTORY40\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePraise for\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Easter Story\u003c\/em\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘A superb resource. If I were still a minister of a local church, I would ensure that every family in my church received a copy!’ Paul Beasley-Murray,\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChurch Matters\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e'A little gem which brings the Bible to life, introduces creativity and encourages family prayer.'  Elizabeth Hogg,\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTransforming Ministry  \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFormerly part of BRF’s Messy Church team, Martyn Payne is a gifted storyteller whose previous books The Big Story (2011) and Creative Ways to Tell a Bible Story (2012) demonstrate the variety of approaches he uses to bring the Bible alive for children and adults alike. He is passionate about the blessing that comes when generations explore faith together.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Advent 2021. Review by Sue Piper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis little book covers the Christmas story from the announcement to Zechariah of the coming of the Christ child, to the escape to Egypt of the Holy family. Each section offers a reading from scripture, followed by a commentary, questions, ideas and activities for families to do together. The author was part of BRF’s Messy Church team and is passionate about the richness experienced when families talk about faith together; this book would make an excellent inexpensive pre-Christmas gift and would generate new ideas and conversations about the importance of celebrating the Nativity and what it means to us today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Sue Piper\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Martyn Payne","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42085442519231,"sku":"9781800391208","price":2.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800391208_6b13ed73-6f98-4a4e-ad06-0a622c42b249.jpg?v=1668617937"},{"product_id":"an-advent-manifesto","title":"An Advent Manifesto","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe message of the kingdom of God: an ecology of equality and peace, and an economy of justice. Hope from beyond, sent to the present, is what Advent asks us to reckon with. Hope consists of God’s jump leads sent from the future through time and space, wired right into our present pains, panics, and predicaments. How can the light of Christ illuminate this present darkness? This book engages with two great Christmas hymns: the Magnificat and Benedictus. It is also rooted in poets, prophets and the theology and devotional writing of the black theologian and mentor to Martin Luther King Jr., Howard Thurman. Using the lectio divina approach to passages drawn from Isaiah and Luke, An Advent Manifesto is an invitation to pray and practise that most ancient Advent prayer, ‘Come, Lord Jesus, come.’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Very Revd Professor Martyn Percy is the former Dean of Christ Church, Oxford and from 2004 to 2014 was Principal of Ripon College, Cuddesdon. Prior to that he was Director of the Lincoln Theological Institute and has also been Chaplain and Director of Studies at Christ’s College, Cambridge. He writes and teaches on culture, faith, values and public life. \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, November 2023. Review by Betty Taylor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many good books which steer us through the Advent season, but this has a somewhat different approach and gives a fresh insight into this special time of year. The title presents us with a challenge from the outset. Will we take the manifesto of Jesus – love for absolutely everyone – out into the world, and play our part in establishing God’s kingdom?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartyn Percy’s language is blunt, soul-searching and not for the faint-hearted. We are to become immersed in penitence and expectancy, seeing Christianity as a political faith for the present, and a continuing of God’s work until Jesus comes again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those favouring a structured approach, you will not be disappointed. During the four weeks of Advent, beginning on the Monday leading up to Advent Sunday, each weekday has a reflection exclusively from the first few chapters of Luke’s gospel. These are examined from a Lectio Divina perspective, connecting us more intimately with the living God, and encouraging us to be transformed through the sacred reading of Scripture. Each weekend has a longer meditation centred on canticles from Isaiah, to be absorbed on both Saturday and Sunday – days of anticipation and resurrection. The Advent antiphons are appropriately included, and the twelve days of Christmas covered, taking us to Epiphany and onward to Candlemas. Each reflection comes with a prayer and ideas for further contemplation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat an achievement! Ancient traditions lifted into the present, beautiful songs of Magnificat and Benedictus revisited, poets and prophets interspersed, and modern devotional writers playing their part! A perfect choice for Advent study – do not let this one slip away!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Betty Taylor: \u003ca data-mce-fragment=\"1\" href=\"http:\/\/www.transfromingministry.co.uk\/book-reviews\/2023-4-winter-advent\/\" data-mce-href=\"http:\/\/www.transfromingministry.co.uk\/book-reviews\/2023-4-winter-advent\/\"\u003ewww.transformingministry.co.uk\/book-reviews\/2023-4-winter-advent\/\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Matters: Books for Today 17.11.23. Review by Paul Beasley-Murray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAn Advent Manifesto\u003c\/em\u003e by Martyn Percy, former dean of Christ Church, Oxford, consists of readings, prayers, and ‘contemplations’, which stretch from the beginning of Advent right through to Candlemas in February. This is a ‘political’ book for it engages with 'the business of who receives what, when, where and how'. The author has an attractive writing style. Without hesitation I warmly commend this study guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 27.10.23. Review by Peter McGeary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey say that less is more. The most memorable sermons in my experience have been concise and apparently spontaneous. Anyone can go on and on about a given subject; it takes real skill and time to boil down what one wants to say to a few paragraphs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdvent is in many ways my favourite part of the liturgical year. Frustratingly brief, it is bursting with themes of memory, presence, and expectation. There is too much to take in in the time available, it would seem, which can make Advent a tricky season to write about.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartyn Percy has spent a lot of his ministry in academic circles, but in this book he wears his learning lightly. The principle of ‘less is more’ applies here. In this series of daily reflections, Percy concentrates on drilling down into passages from the prophet Isaiah, and the beginning of St Luke’s Gospel. He resists the temptation to use a wide variety of scriptural texts (there is enough of that in the liturgical lectionary already), and this gives his book a deeper focus on particular texts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach week of Advent has a particular overarching text from Luke (annunciation, visitation, Magnificat, and Benedictus). Weekdays consist of a short reflection on a section of the text, followed by a prayer and some points for contemplation. A slight change of gear at the weekend comprises a canticle from Isaiah, reflection, prayer, and contemplation intended more to link up with that Sunday’s liturgy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a shift again in the days before and after Christmas, and there is material, too, for the new year and the feasts of the Epiphany and Candlemas. This format works well, because there is deliberately not too much to take in: the author knows that we will be busy with other things; so any Advent discipline that we give ourselves needs to be do-able.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book would be a good way of taking a short time each day to remind ourselves of the ancient themes of Advent, not as an exercise in spiritual archaeology, but as a way of making present the ancient challenges of the season: calls to repentance and change, that we might find again, in the author’s words, ‘the politics of paradise and consequences of God’s love’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Peter McGeary is the Vicar of St Mary’s, Cable Street, in east London, and a Priest-Vicar of Westminster Abbey.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times online. Reviewed by John Matthews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an interesting volume with some differences from other Advent books. One is that Percy uses the Revised New Jerusalem Bible. He explains why at the end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother is that, rather than ranging over a wide variety of scriptures, which he calls the ‘snacking approach’, Percy limits himself to the first two chapters of Luke’s gospel on weekdays and passages from Isaiah at weekends. On some days just a verse or two is offered for reflection. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA third difference is that Percy’s approach is not to exegete the text but to approach it from the point of view of ‘lectio divina’ or sacred reading. He explains the four steps of this, along with much else, in the 20 pages which precede the daily comments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFar from expounding the short passage for the day, many of Percy’s comments, although often insightful and worthwhile, make no reference at all to the text or its subject matter. This allows him to range more widely, including some interesting comments on Aramaic concerning the beatitudes and some new beatitudes from the poet, Scott Cairns, and Pope Francis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach day’s reflection is followed by a prayer, and a question and comment for contemplation. The inside covers include colour illustrations of two nativity paintings by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, which Percy discusses. These are good to have, though rather small.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the author’s phrases are striking, like ‘grace is expansive as well as expensive’ (124) and ‘John the Baptist did not prepare the way for something that would be conformist, comfortable or convenient’ (192).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOthers are more questionable. Is God really like a prowling lion, ready to pounce? (51) And did the angels really sing to the shepherds ‘because no one else was listening’? (177).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book takes us beyond Advent and Christmas into Epiphany and also includes a week beginning with Candlemas. So there is more material here than in most Advent books.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like a ‘day-by-day’ Advent book, and are open to something a bit different, this one is worth a try.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Matthews is a retired Baptist minister living in Rushden, Northants.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e","brand":"Martyn Percy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42347655069887,"sku":"9781800390942","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/AnAdventManifesto.jpg?v=1683651123"},{"product_id":"christmas-voices","title":"Christmas Voices","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25 short reflective pieces for the Christmas season written by Claire Musters, travelling through promise and preparation to joy, peace and finally love. Along the way we encounter a choir of diverse voices sharing their favourite carols, poems and prayers, illustrated throughout with original colour artwork. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncludes contributions from Naomi Aidoo, Andy Angel, Jonathan Arnold, Imogen Ball, Ruth Bancewicz, Carl Beech, John Bell, Andrew Boakye, Catherine Butcher, Lyndall Bywater, Mags Duggan, Hannah Fytche, Gordon Giles, Paul Goodliff, Isabelle Hamley, Clare Hayns, Liz Hoare, Trystan Hughes, Lakshmi Jeffreys, Andy Kind, David Kitchen, Esther Kuku, Martin Leckebusch, Bekah Legg, Ann Lewin, Tanya Marlow, Leone Martin, Chine McDonald, Lucy Moore, Michele Morrison, Charmaine Noble-McLean, Emma Pennington, Pam Rhodes, Amy Scott Robinson, Margaret Silf, Meric Srokosz, Jo Swinney, Evie Vernon, Sally Welch and Natalie Williams.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Joy Margetts author, blogger... \u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ewww.joymargetts.com 09.12.23\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou know when the cover of a book just grabs you, and makes you want to pick it up? The first time I saw Christmas Voices, with its rich red, green and gold Christmassy cover, I wanted desperately to see what was inside. The inside did not disappoint! Not least because the colour illustrations continue inside. But also because this little book contains a wealth of Christmas treasure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreparing for Christmas\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is designed to lead us through Advent, and prepare out hearts for Christmas. Claire Musters gives us 25 daily devotional thoughts, in four sections, reminding us that Jesus’ coming is about The Promise, The Preparation, Joy, Peace and Love. The scriptures Claire uses aren’t all the traditional Christmas ones, but each ties well into the theme. With her words are challenges and questions to ask ourselves, many of which spoke to me personally. There is encouragement too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVarious voices\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn between those reflective words are carols, poems and prayers selected by many other voices, some very familiar, some less so. These include Church leaders, ministry heads, and even some well known television personalities, all who come from a range of denominations and backgrounds. I am a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas music. Although there are a few good modern Christmas songs, lots of the familiar carols carry such beautiful truth filled messages. Many of these appear in the book, along with some less familiar and ancient Christmas songs. I did find one or two where the words were less biblical, but all made me want to put on the Christmas music, or find the less familiar ones on YouTube. The reasons given for the songs and poems chosen I found really interesting. There are some personal and revealing stories amongst those voices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight read with spiritual depth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough I guess this book is designed to be used during the Advent period, I don’t think it should be confined to that. It can be used as a daily devotional aid, or can be picked up and dipped into at any time. I used it this way. It would also be a great book to have out on the coffee table during the Christmas period, for friends and family to dip into. It is a light read but not without spiritual depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristmas Voices is a lovely book, and full of good things. Much like a well decorated Christmas tree, with its collections of old and new decorations, lights and treats, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And it looks good too!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJoy Margetts is a published author and blogger. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview by \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVicki Cottingham author, blogger, speaker…\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have thoroughly enjoyed reading this small, special Advent Devotional and so I am recommending it here to you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe twenty-five devotions are separated into five weekly themes on The Promise, The Preparation, Joy, Peace and Love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe daily reflections written by Claire are thought provoking, encouraging and challenging. Each day there is also a passage of Scripture to read, and Claire finishes each devotion with a prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes this devotional unique, in my eyes, are the voices of many others shared within the pages of this book. We hear which carol, or poem, or prayer is special to them and why it has a special place in their hearts. We hear from people such as Mags Duggan, Carl Beech and Pam Rhodes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love to sing carols at Christmas time (often starting very early in November!), but I don’t always concentrate on the words of the carol. Having the words of various carols within this book meant that I slowed down to really read the words. There are some wonderful truths within these carols that I had never noticed before. It has encouraged me to explore more of the carols we sing and really take note of the words I am singing and the truth that is proclaimed in verse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book which can be read daily throughout December and which can help us to focus on the one Christmas is all about and all that his birth means for us today. Or you may like to take time each day just to dip in and out of this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vickicottingham.wordpress.com\/2023\/11\/30\/book-review-christmas-voices-by-claire-musters\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/vickicottingham.wordpress.com\/2023\/11\/30\/book-review-christmas-voices-by-claire-musters\/\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BRFonline","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":43664188768447,"sku":"9781800392304","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/ChristmasVoices.jpg?v=1683651580"},{"product_id":"holding-onto-hope-40-days-of-god-s-encouragement-through-art-and-reflections","title":"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","brand":"Amy Boucher Pye \/ Leo Boucher","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":43664151380159,"sku":"9781800392007","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/HoldingontoHope.jpg?v=1694439999"},{"product_id":"loving-my-neighbour","title":"Loving My Neighbour: A Lenten Journey","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLenten readings and reflections consider how to love in truth, love the vulnerable and the suffering, embrace difference, care for our world, love ourselves, and love to the very end. It’s never been more important to understand how much God loves us and how much he wants us to love each other. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLoving My Neighbour\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e takes us on a journey through the challenging terrain of how we can truly love one another, individually and in our communities. Daily Bible readings and reflections from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day explore how we can love in truth, love the vulnerable and the suffering, embrace difference, care for our world, and love ourselves as God loves us. Holy Week brings us back to reflect on Christ on the cross, who loved us to the very end.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/t936eS2Q41Y?si=sWnhGUC1VFJX8ZIo\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/K_2ceGtotHU?si=_4xIaEAN0X_OZ8H7\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry online 19.02.24. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf all Christian books, one of the most difficult to write effectively is a Lent book, but this group project is a very helpful guide to the Lenten season and the personal reflection it should invoke. The book considers the topics of love: loving in truth, loving those who are vulnerable, loving those who are in suffering, loving oneself, loving those who are different, loving the world around us and finally loving to the end. It takes us on one of the most challenging of areas that we can truly love others who are not always lovable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a collection of daily Bible readings and reflections, it draws upon story and the experience of the writing team to develop its ideas. Despite having seven writers, it does cohere as a book, so credit goes to Olivia Warburton as the overall editor. It is important that we have little pen portraits of the writers so that we can understand a little of how they came to write and communicate in the way that they did. The use of Bible readings, reflections and prayers are useful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersonally, I would have included some questions which could be used by individuals and for home groups which could have made the text more directly influential on us as readers. The picture of the Palm Sunday entrance is not really a good summary of the wide-ranging nature of the text: if the focus had been more on Holy Week, then this might be appropriate. This will be a good guide to help you through Lent and could be a good resource for a group during the season. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times Lent book round up by Philip Welsh 19.01.24\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Loving My Neighbour, seven authors, from a range of Christian traditions, each take a week of daily Bible readings to immerse us in aspects of loving our neighbour, with Jonathan Swift’s sharp reminder that ‘We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSanjee Perera looks at loving in truth, in freewheeling theological meditations that are by turns challenging and overwrought. John Swinton writes outstandingly about loving the vulnerable. ‘When we reflect upon the upside-down kingdom, we come to realise that the broken . . . are more important than anything else. We also discover that ‘they’ are in fact ‘us’.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEsther Kuku strides into loving those who are suffering with the confidence of the saved. ‘We have been justified and we will be delivered out of every difficult circumstance we face.’ Sister Gemma Simmonds offers mature wisdom on the importance of loving oneself, and is sensitive to the ambivalence of love: ‘Knowing someone and being known by them at depth carries both grace and potential threat.’ She draws helpfully on Catholic tradition: for St Ignatius, ‘the heart of humility is not self-denigration but gratitude.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInderjit Bhogal writes powerfully about loving those who are different. The Old Testament tells us to love our neighbour as ourselves once, but to love the stranger 40 times. His exposition of Gospel stories is exemplary and thought-provoking, along with the way drawing on his own experience within white groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Gregory is a climate scientist and Baptist minister. He writes attractively about loving the world around us: ‘Next time you see a weather forecast, give thanks for the insights of scientists that enable us to understand some of how God has shaped creation.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring Holy Week — loving to the end — Joanna Collicutt takes a fresh approach to the last words from the Cross, as showing us how to die well, ‘to say our sad goodbyes to this precious and delicious earthly life, to the people we love, and to the grudges we bear and, like him, to entrust ourselves to our heavenly Father’. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA multi-author project is likely to be a mixed bag. Loving My Neighbour scores quite well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Revd Philip Welsh a retired priest in the \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003ediocese of London.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether magazine Jan-Feb 2024. Review by Fiona Lloyd\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoving My Neighbour – a Lenten Journey\u003c\/strong\u003e is BRF Ministries’ Lent book for 2024. Inspired by one of Jesus’ most famous parables, several well-known authors offer their perspectives on what loving our neighbour means in our modern world. Between them, they cover themes such as caring for our world, embracing difference and loving the vulnerable. I found it refreshing to have several different voices co-authoring this book, as it emphasised all the different ways we can find to love those around us. The book is set out in the form of a devotional, with a short Bible passage for each day along with a reflections and a prayer. These can easily be read in about five minutes, but still give plenty of food for thought, touching on other relevant scriptures and using personal anecdotes to paint images that linger in the mind. Warburton writes in the introduction that ‘it’s never been more important to understand how much God loves us and how much he wants us to love each other,’ and this is a book that will certainly help us in this endeavour.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Inderjit Bhogal, Joanna Collicutt, David Gregory, Esther Kuku, Sanjee Perera, Gemma Simmonds, John Swinton","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":43664174776511,"sku":"9781800392151","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/LovingMyNeighbour.jpg?v=1694441274"},{"product_id":"brf-ministries-gift-card","title":"BRF Ministries Gift Card","description":"\u003cp\u003eNot sure what to buy for a friend or family member? Don't worry, we've got the BRF Ministries Gift Card to help you out. You can purchase a digital gift card in varying amounts from \u003cstrong\u003e£10.00 - £100.00.  \u003c\/strong\u003ePlease select the amount from the dropdown below.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e*eGift cards are redeemable for 1 year from purchase date \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BRFonline","offers":[{"title":"£10.00","offer_id":42725143904447,"sku":"GIFT10","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"£15.00","offer_id":55922249236860,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"£20.00","offer_id":42725143937215,"sku":"GIFT20","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"£25.00","offer_id":55922249269628,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"£30.00","offer_id":42725186994367,"sku":"GIFT30","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"£40.00","offer_id":55719514145148,"sku":"GIFT40","price":40.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"£50.00","offer_id":42725143969983,"sku":"GIFT50","price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"£100.00","offer_id":42725144002751,"sku":"GIFT100","price":100.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/eGift_Card_Flat.png?v=1757326651"},{"product_id":"the-brf-advent-book-embracing-humanity","title":"Embracing Humanity: A journey towards becoming flesh","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIsabelle Hamley explores what it meant for God to become flesh and how this enables us to understand what it means to be human. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSeeing humanity in a new light. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-size: 1;\"\u003eGod became flesh at Christmas. But how does God, who created all things, live within the limitations of humanity – limitations that humanity itself often resents and tries to transcend? And what does it truly mean to be human?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAs contemporary society grapples with questions of identity, justice and medical ethics, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEmbracing Humanity\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e deftly explores how different aspects of being human are both inhabited and transformed in the incarnation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThrough the lens of Advent and Christmas, Isabelle Hamley guides us through daily reflections and prayers, encouraging us to meditate on being human in the light of God's choice to reach out to us in Jesus.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eIsabelle Hamley is a theologian, writer and broadcaster currently working as principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge. She was previously the theological adviser to the House of Bishops in the Church of England and chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury. She has also worked as a probation officer, lecturer, parish priest and university chaplain.\u003cbr style=\"mso-special-character: line-break;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReviews \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTransforming Ministry online 07.11.24. Review by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe BRF Advent Book for 2024, sub-titled ‘A journey towards becoming flesh’, is divided into days, covering the Advent period up to Christmas. The material for each day consists of a Bible passage, commentary, some ideas for reflection and a prayer. In addition, at the back of the book, there are suggestions for group study, handily divided into four sections, suitable for the four weeks of Advent. The commentary is both challenging and approachable. Isabelle Hamley focuses throughout on the amazing gift God gave to the world: Jesus becoming flesh and so taking upon himself all the dangers and the joys which living as a human being involves. Each day is an examination of the way God chose and embraced the human world, shown through the human birth and life of his Son. The passages and commentary explore themes such as loneliness and relationship, lament and hope, bodily resurrection, human uniqueness and limitations, to name but a few. What is clear throughout is that salvation comes by embracing humanity – hence the title – not by trying to renounce it. One delightful touch, reminding us of this humanity, is the fingerprint which appears on the front cover and at many points in the text. I heartily recommend this book as a useful and thought-provoking preparation for Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChurch Times 25.10.24. Review by Mike Starkey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThere is a nice touch on the cover of this Advent book from the Principal of the theological college Ridley Hall, Cambridge. In a starry Christmas sky above a snowy landscape, what first appears to be a moon turns out to be a human fingerprint. The fingerprint motif is continued in each of the daily Advent readings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley wryly reflects in her introduction that she is writing a book on God made flesh in an era when humans seem more eager than ever to escape the flesh. Virtual reality and a growing range of options for bodily modification allow us to change our given flesh. They even hold out the hope of casting off its limitations altogether.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley offers a Bible reading, reflection, questions for discussion, and a prayer for each day in Advent. At the end of the book are suggestions for group study. A core theme is the vigorous earthiness of the biblical hope. The Good News is for the whole person; the vision of eternity is bodily resurrection; in Hebrew thought, you don’t “have” a body: you are a body. Matter matters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eOther themes explored include contemporary loneliness and relationality; human fragility in an anxious culture; human limitations and localities; lament and hope; the Covid pandemic and the fear of death; violence and oppression; home and global migration. The author asks the reader to reflect on what it means for faith and spirituality not to somehow hover above the solidity of the world, but to be firmly rooted in places and bodies. God brings salvation not by removing us from our humanity, but by entering it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley’s real gift in this book is an intelligent pulling together of classic Advent biblical themes with contemporary cultural themes and references touching on human embodiment. It is a wonderful little book, in more senses than one.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe Revd Mike Starkey is a London-based writer, and former Head of Church Growth for the diocese of Manchester.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether Magazine September 2024. Advent round up by Daryl Wearring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHow does God, who created all things come down to earth to live within the limitations of the humanity he created? In this new BRF Ministries Advent book for 2024 Isabelle Hamley guides through daily reflections and prayers, encouraging us to meditate on being human in the light of God’s choice to reach out to us in Jesu – God with us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Isabelle Hamley","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":42974063165631,"sku":"9781800392267","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/EmbracingHumanity.jpg?v=1711548365"},{"product_id":"calendar-of-carols","title":"A Calendar of Carols: Christmas reflections, prayers and songs of praise","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChristmas is a musical destination as well as a spiritual one, yet when we reach the newborn Christ child in the manger, what do we see? What music do we hear in our hearts as we join our songs with those of the angels?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 25 short chapters, each concluding with a specially written prayer, Gordon Giles explores the spiritual and biblical allusions to be found within our best-loved Christmas carols. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA Calendar of Carols\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e can be used either as an Advent calendar up to Christmas, or more flexibly over the Christmas season and into January.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘A treasure trove for every lover of Christmas carols the delightful and sometimes unlikely stories of how our favourite carols came to be written, with insightful reflections on their deeper meaning.’ \u003cstrong\u003e - Sir John Rutter, composer and conductor \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘What a glorious book brimming with familiar carols, as well as overlooked treasures from down the years. We meet wonderful and talented characters who’ve created words or music, learn about the times they lived in, and hear engaging tales of their passion for singing to match their devotion to God. Filled with facts and faith, Gordon has provided an inspiring but practical reference book that surely is a “joy to the world”!’ -\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Pam Rhodes, presenter on Songs of Praise and author \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Gordon Giles is, in my opinion, one of the pre-eminent hymn and carol experts of today. His insightful analyses, deft musical understanding and erudite theology all combine with a fantastic sense of humanity and compassion. This work is bursting with Gordon's characteristic integrity, warmth and wit. I heartily recommend it.’\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e - Thomas Hewitt Jones, award-winning composer, music producer and songwriter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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 07.11.24. Review by Liz Pacey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAt last – the perfect way to celebrate the season of Advent, no chocolate necessary! This attractive volume takes us through Advent one day and one carol at a time. Each day accompanied by a prayer and the author’s well researched history in his delightful style. This book will be a valuable resource for those planning services both for regular attenders and for those who come for reasons various and sundry. There is plenty of information on the history and spirituality of the carols to make their introduction more interesting and meaningful - and to give us that frisson, that we have learnt something new and perhaps enchanting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eA Calendar of Carols \u003c\/i\u003eis also for anyone who finds joy in spending time singing the old favourites throughout December (accompanying You Tube if you so wish). We can revisit forgotten carols, and even discover previously unknown ones. An ideal way to spend a daily time of praise and reflection focusing on the reason for the season. It can be hard distancing ourselves from all the commercial pre-Christmas hullabaloo. Even a few minutes a day with this book will be a boon. Who needs chocolate?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Liz Pacey\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c!----\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gordon Giles","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":43664210395327,"sku":"9781800392793","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/CalendarofCarols.jpg?v=1721664999"},{"product_id":"garden-song-exploring-the-psalms-through-paintings-reflections-and-prayers","title":"Garden Song: Exploring the psalms through paintings, reflections and prayers","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA fresh, vibrant interpretation for today\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e. Garden Song\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e brings together original artwork by artist Micah Hayns and reflections and prayers by Reverend Clare Hayns. Leading the reader through 30 selected psalms, the mother-son duo capture the essence of this ancient text – the worship, the grieving and the joy – and open up new ways to engage with its riches. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is also a playlist of suggested music to accompany the reflections.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/n8zknrhaI-k?si=EvozVaPR-zTOUbuJ\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"134\" width=\"201\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Clare_Hayns_1.jpg?v=1636541386\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 20px; float: right;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClare Hayns\u003c\/strong\u003e is a vicar in the diocese of Oxford and was previously college chaplain at Christ Church, Oxford. Pre-ordination she worked as a social worker specialising in substance misuse, and for a while was an entertainment agent. She is married to John, a performer, and has three creative sons, the eldest of whom is the illustrator of this book. This is the second book collaboration between Clare and Micah, the first being \u003cem\u003eUnveiled: Women of the Old Testament and the choices they made\u003c\/em\u003e, also published by BRF.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMicah Hayns\u003c\/strong\u003e is a contemporary artist based in Oxford. Trained in Florence, he combines classical techniques with a contemporary style, inspired by the impressionists, street art and the Old Masters. Through his work, he hopes to share where he finds beauty, life and truth. He currently paints from his studio gallery in Oxford called the Jungle, which also operates as a community space run by a local charity.\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 \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview by Richard Frost, January 2025\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is a beautifully presented book containing illustrations by contemporary artist Micah Hayns and reflections and prayers by Oxford vicar, Clare Hayns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWith 30 reflections, this mother and son duo have provided a very helpful and insightful way of approaching many different aspects of all that the Psalms give to us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThrough selected Psalms of worship, grieving and joy, Micah’s paintings and artwork tap in to elements of \u003ci\u003evisio divina\u003c\/i\u003e. Sometimes soft focussed and easy on the eye, yet also at times detailed and striking, they are a valuable companion to Clare’s reflections. Those accompanying words are part short commentary and part reflection, often drawing our thoughts to key points within the psalm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe book also has a companion playlist of suggested music to accompany each of the 30 reflections. The link shown in the book is no longer functioning but they can be found here \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/playlist\/38IGBl3e8tOJ4epDkqOOCy?si=C8SRttb3TBCY709gvey5Yg\u0026amp;nd=1\u0026amp;dlsi=492a7fd73b444862\"\u003eon Spotify\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis book would make an excellent gift as well as a helpful daily practice over the course of a month.\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\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 29.11.24 Review by Peter McGeary\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAs a youth, newly shoehorned into the choir by a very perceptive music teacher, I can remember being fascinated by singing the psalms. What on earth was a potsherd? What does 'peradventure' mean? I hadn’t a clue; so I needed to come back for more to find out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eChristians have used the book of Psalms right from the beginning: it was, after all, the Lord’s prayer book; so it should be the Church’s, too. Anglicans were particularly lucky to have the baffling and wonderful translation of Miles Coverdale in the Book of Common Prayer — almost a literary genre independent of its Hebrew original — and generations of clergy were soaked in its language and spirituality by the daily recitation of Morning and Evening Prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eWe live in more prosaic times, sadly; so it is good to have this work by the mother-and-son team Clare and Micah Hayns. Micah, an artist based in Oxford, came across the book of Psalms almost by chance, and has been deeply affected by its variety and honesty before the reality of God. The backbone of Garden Song is a series of paintings (very well reproduced) that are a kind of visual response to a selection of 30 psalms. These are grouped according to their theme (worship, grieving, joy). Each painting is accompanied by a reflection by Clare (a parish priest), a short scripture reading, a suggested piece of music to listen to, and a prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThere is so much here that reading at a single sitting is unthinkable. This is a work to savour slowly and prayerfully, that we might come to these ancient prayers and hymns with eyes and ears renewed the next time we hear them sung in church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Revd Peter McGeary is the Vicar of St Mary’s, Cable Street, in east London.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"BRFonline","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":43664192405695,"sku":"9781800392373","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/GardenSong.jpg?v=1721729849"},{"product_id":"the-whole-easter-story-why-the-cross-is-good-news-for-all-creation","title":"The Whole Easter Story: Why the cross is good news for all creation","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the profound meaning of Easter beyond personal spirituality. There is no doubt that each of us has a place in the Easter story, but what happened on the cross is not just a story of me and Jesus. It is far deeper and wider than that. In this Lenten journey, Jo Swinney explores the broader impact of the Easter story on God’s relationship with creation. Through Bible readings, reflections and stories from A Rocha’s global conservation efforts, discover how the cross transforms not just our own individual connection with Jesus, but also our relationships with each other and our world. \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso available in eBook format click \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/collections\/ebooks\/products\/the-whole-easter-story-why-the-cross-is-good-news-for-all-creation-1\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eJoin the A Rocha lent book club for 2025 with author Jo Swinney and Jo Herbert from A Rocha. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou are warmly invited to be part of a six week Lent group exploring what the Bible has to say about the whole story of the cross, based on \"The Whole Easter Story\" by Jo Swinney  (BRF's Lent Book for 2025).  Join others from around the world for honest conversation, prayer and encouragement to go deeper in your life with God in the lead up to Easter. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tickettailor.com\/events\/arochainternational\/1480132\" title=\"A Rocha Lent Book Club\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBook now\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row avoid-break\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card\" id=\"productCardContributors\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\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\"\u003eJo Swinney is a UK-based author, speaker and editor, with an MA in theology from Regent College, Vancouver. She is the Director of Communications for A Rocha International.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I’m really looking forward to reading \u003ci\u003eThe Whole Easter Story \u003c\/i\u003ethis Lent. As a local Messy Church Goes Wild leader, I’m particularly drawn to this resource as it promises a holistic look at Jesus’s death and resurrection, exploring how this impacts not just the individual, but changes our relationship with the whole of creation. Filled with contemporary stories of faith and transformation, I particularly enjoyed reading Jo Swinney’s creative account of the events through the eyes of Mary Magdalene. Whilst I’ll be reading this book for personal devotion, there are discussion questions at the back for group settings. I do hope you’ll join me on this Lenten journey.' \u003cem\u003eAike Kennett-Brown BFR Ministries Messy Church lead\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Jo’s insights, stories and drawings illuminate the connections between God, people and the rest of creation, bringing them all together to demonstrate why looking after the planet is such a key part of the Christian life.’ \u003cem\u003eDr Ruth Bancewicz, church engagement director, The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Jo Swinney’s delightful, engaging and provocative Lenten devotional is aptly named. So often we tell a truncated Easter story, but this series of reflections opens us out to the depth, breadth and grandeur of God’s love for his whole creation, including us people. Narrated with honesty, warmth and the insightful perspective of a storyteller, The Whole Easter Story helps us see afresh the immense power and wisdom of the cross for the salvation of the whole world. Thoroughly recommended!’ \u003cem\u003eProfessor Paul S. Williams, chief executive, Bible Society\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Do something different this Lent! This is your chance to look at the relationships between God, people and the environment in an entirely new way. Join Jo Swinney of A Rocha as she takes us on a special journey through Lent, accompanied by birds, bugs, mammals, reptiles and, yes, people!’ \u003cem\u003eMartin Hodson, principal tutor of Christian Rural and Environmental Studies\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003ca name=\"_Hlk181277662\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e‘Digging into scripture from the starting point of God’s ongoing work of creation and not human sin – this is the Lenten journey the church needs to take for the sake of the world. Honest, accessible, deeply informed by practices of both faith and conservation, this is a book that really could reshape how contemporary Christians see the world and find their place in it.’ \u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-bookmark: _Hlk181277662;\"\u003eDr Ellen Davis, professor of Bible and Practical Theology, Duke Divinity School\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-bookmark: _Hlk181277662;\"\u003e‘The Whole Easter Story is both intensely personal and mind-bendingly cosmic, as well as being a really good read!’ \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-bookmark: _Hlk181277662;\"\u003eThe Revd Dr Dave Bookless, head of theology, A Rocha International\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘The Whole Easter Story is a series of thoughtful reflections on the story of God’s salvation through Israel and, ultimately, in Christ. Yet, at the same time, Jo Swinney delightfully weaves in her musings on the familiar rhythms of our ordinary lives and her pondering on the beauty which we all behold in creation. I warmly commend these Easter reflections to all!’ \u003cem\u003eDr Lai Pak-Wah, principal, Biblical Graduate School of Theology, Singapore\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘It is easy to feel small or powerless in tackling big questions of the environment. That is why this companion to Lent is essential reading for churches: it guides us in thinking through these problems, not only as individuals, but ultimately as communities that care and as people who have a joined-up way of telling the whole Easter story with a heart for the creation God loves. Beautifully timed, this book needs to be read, listened to, discussed, prayed with, carried in a pocket and acted on.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Ivan Khovacs, Canterbury Christ Church University and St James’s Church Piccadilly\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘This is a truly enjoyable devotional book, providing an excellent guide as we journey through our relationship with God, others and God’s wider creation, as well as God’s own relationship with his creation. It draws deeply from scripture, with insights that will have you wanting to re-read familiar Bible stories. Refreshingly honest, laugh out loud, attentive to all of God’s creation – your heart and soul will be fed.’ \u003cem\u003eJo Herbert-James, head of engagement, A Rocha UK\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry online March 2025. Review by Betty Taylor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eMaybe you are looking for a book to study during Lent which offers an in-depth look at the relationship of God with His creation and His people; then at our response to God, our world and its inhabitants. If so, then this could be the very book for you! Jo Swinney moves us beyond a personal salvation within the Easter story, to an intense longing to preserve our planet and all its creatures. She has a passionate involvement with ‘A Rocha’ and its conservation programme, first in Portugal and now on six continents. She includes stories from ‘A Rocha’ in her book, along with forty Bible readings, reflections and prayers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eJo has the ability to relate the profound truths of Easter in a fresh and readable way, sharing her own experiences and illustrating these with her pen-drawings of creatures and plants from around the world. There will be times you will smile, but also times of tearful regret as you soak up Jo’s poignant descriptions of the natural world, making it crucial to our Christian lives. This book comes at a critical time, propelling its readers to pray, to act and to discuss together how to make a difference. Included is a discussion guide for groups, extending over the six weeks of Lent. Here we have ‘The Whole Easter Story’; let’s embrace it and encourage others to do likewise, looking to the cross as it offers salvation to a struggling world and a needy people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Betty Taylor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preserve-white-space\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\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 class=\"row avoid-break\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card\" id=\"productCardSubjectsAndAudience\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Jo Swinney","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":43664202334399,"sku":"9781800392694","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/WholeEasterStory.jpg?v=1722937508"},{"product_id":"easter-inside-out-the-story-as-if-you-were-there","title":"Easter Inside Out: The story as if you were there","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStep into the Easter story… Acclaimed storyteller David Kitchen reimagines the Easter narrative through a varied cast of characters, from Mary Magdalene to Caiaphas. If you want to understand who might have been where and doing what as the Easter story unfolds, this book gives you answers. It also lets you sense what it could have been like to be one of those involved in the twists and turns of one of the most extraordinary stories in the whole of history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5xNDQII1o_U?si=LjZYnbVmjFl-bM17\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5MQMabxaet8?si=XZSEKe3yflgTl6ht\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor Info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"row avoid-break\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"col\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card\" id=\"productCardContributors\" data-v-5a160260=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card-body\"\u003e\n\u003cdl class=\"row\"\u003e\n\u003cdd class=\"col-sm-10\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Kitchen is an award-winning writer, broadcaster, teacher and storyteller who has been making the Bible come alive for longer than he cares to remember. In Bible in Ten he combines his down-to-earth writing skills with almost 50 years’ experience in church leadership and worship. His hobbies include music, poetry and playing crawling-up-stairs games with his grandson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Dave Kitchen is a genius! He has a knack for helping us see old stories with new eyes. Dave’s great insight is that he knows that there is a massive difference between being outside a story and inside one. His talent is to present to us the old and familiar stories of the Bible in a way that enables us to enter them in our imaginations. As we get inside the story, we notice things we never noticed before; the stories become richer, deeper and more meaningful. This book is a great resource for Christians and churches to use during Lent. It is also accessible for readers with no prior knowledge or experience in reading the Bible. The Easter story has been one of the foundational stories of western civilisation, here we have a resource that will help people to enter that story, to feel its significance and meaning, and, even more excitingly, to explore what their own response to that story might be!’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe Revd Stephen March, pioneer priest in Leicester Diocese\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘The greatest story ever told with an invitation to not just read it – but step into it. Get ready for an incredible journey.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eRob Parsons, founder of Care for the Family\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘In this very helpful book, David Kitchen brings us imaginatively into the events of Holy Week and Easter through a wide variety of witnesses. There is new insight on every page. Both individual readers and those who lead worship or study groups will find much to inspire.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe Revd Donald P. Ker, former secretary and president of the Methodist Church in Ireland\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Dave Kitchen has done it again. Having brought characters from scripture to life in Bible in Ten, Easter Inside Out does the same for the most significant week in history. If we ever forgot that Easter was about real people at a real time in a real country, Easter Inside Out reminds us in a lively, readable, creative and captivating way.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe Revd Dr Jennifer A. Hurd, chair of Wales Synod Cymru\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Dave Kitchen has been getting inside the hearts and minds of the first followers of Jesus and those he encountered for more than 50 years, enlightening and inspiring so many people through in the process. Now he has done it again with Easter Inside Out in which we are invited to journey with Jesus and those who knew him from Palm Sunday to Good Friday and then to Easter and beyond. Suitable for personal reflection and devotion, it will also make an excellent small group resource during Lent or even as a one-off book group read, with stimulating questions provided for both.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe Revd David Mullins, retired Methodist minister\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Holy Week is the most significant week in the Christian faith that has literally trans- formed the course of human history. Dave Kitchen approaches the gospel stories of this crucial week with creativity and imagination. In a series of vignettes, he brings the story to life and locates the overarching narrative on the hustling and bustling streets of Jerusalem. He does so in a way that is always accessible and engaging. It is my hope that Easter Inside Out would enable anyone to think afresh about this story and the impact it can have on our lives.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe Revd Andrew Charlesworth, chair of Wales Synod Cymru\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Easter Inside Out does exactly what the tag line says: it’s a fascinating retelling of the Easter story as if you were there. David weaves together biblical and imagined characters to take the reader through the events of Easter week in their own words, bringing them to life as they deal with all the ups and downs of their being part of the days that changed the world. A detailed timeline helps the reader keep pace with the fast moving moments. David has given us a truly original version of the greatest story.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eRoger Aubrey, PhD, MTh, writer and international Bible teacher\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTransforming Ministry online April 2025. Review by Betty Taylor.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAnother wonderful book by David Kitchen, written in his unique style, and published in the same appealing format as \u003ci\u003eBible in Ten\u003c\/i\u003e. This offering tells the Easter story from the perspective of the many characters involved, and his readers are drawn into each scenario as though taking part in the story itself. Senses are alerted and emotions heightened as a very familiar account takes on new meaning, and a wide variety of personalities take their turn on centre stage. Some are crucial and well-known, others on the margins and brought to life by careful research and considered assumption. Useful Bible references accompany each section. Complementing the narrative are the illustrations by Jonathan Williams. Black and white and probably of charcoal origin, they evoke a deep passion as the reader is drawn into each of the frames. David’s inspirational book will bring a blessing for all readers, including groups who are looking for a fresh approach to Lenten study. Maybe in the past you’ve been acquainted with these biblical characters on a surface level. Now you have the opportunity to dig deeper and come to know them in a more familiar way!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Betty Taylor\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresbyterian Herald April 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis latest offering from David Kitchen looks at the Easter story in a different way – imagining how it must have felt from those caught up in the events. As he explains: ‘When so many centuries have passed by, it’s easy to feel a sense of distance and to treat the story simply as a place to find lessons about faith and life. But these events took place. People’s lives played out with all their hopes and doubts, their faith and fears. I wanted to give people today a chance to sense what it could have been like if only we had been able to be there.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eFrom a soldier watching Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, to accounts from the disciples and Caiaphas, the high priest who presided over Jesus’ trial, \u003ci\u003eEaster InsideOut \u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis an opportunity to step into the story afresh, and consider how those involved must have felt without the perspective of knowing how it turns out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eI found the chapter ‘Dark skies: Johan takes Mary home’ particularly poignant. In it, the author imagines what it must have been like to have been present at the crucifixion and has John leading Jesus’ mother away from the frightful scene, saying, ‘As we walked slowly home, I couldn’t help thinking how grand and wonderful the hope had been, and how horrific and dismal this ending was.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eKitchen recognises that with the gap of 2000 years, people have slightly different timelines, however, he has based his descriptions on the evidence or reasonable assumptions. He also helpfully includes appropriate Bibel references at the end of each chapter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times online 14.04.25. Review by Jeannie Kendall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetelling the Bible stories as if we were there is a technique a few of us use in sermons or books. As David Kitchen points out however, it goes back at least as far as Ignatius of Loyola. Like any way of engaging with scripture, some personality types will find it easier or more appealing than others, but many people find it a refreshing way to engage with the bible, particularly the more well-known stories which are all too easy to gloss over in their familiarity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhat David has done here is slightly different. He has taken each day from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday (and a little beyond) and told the story not just through the eyes of the wider group of disciples (male and female), but also through others such as Caiaphas, and a soldier called Albus – as a named character he is of course imagined but there were many soldiers who formed part of the Easter story. Some days have more accounts than others, Good Friday and Easter Sunday understandably having the most.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInevitably in a book of this kind there will be some accounts we warm to more than others – I was slightly disappointed that ‘Honest Thomas’ (as I call him) was not named in a chapter heading but instead his meeting with Jesus and extraordinary outburst of faith come in one entitled ‘Doubt, Matthew anticipates a problem’.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThat aside, this is a very good book which would be excellent to use for devotions in Holy Week, although with six group study sessions outlined plus questions for a book club it could also be used in group settings, and the texts behind each section are listed. The background to the stories is carefully woven in without interrupting the narrative.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs the cover says, it is an opportunity to ‘see the story in your head, feel it in your heart and know that dead men don’t eat fish’.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf this kind of retelling scripture is something you have never tried, this is a great place to start, during this key time in the church’s year. If you already know it is something you enjoy, it is equally one to recommend.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Jeannie Kendall\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times 07.02.25 Lent book round up by Peter McGeary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003eThe author is known as a storyteller of some distinction. Here, he tries to reimagine the story of Holy Week and Easter through the perspectives of those caught up in the narrative. 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Each pack of six contains three each of two designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll cards are blank inside for your own message\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFunds raised from the sale of these cards will help us deliver BRF's ministries - Anna Chaplaincy, Messy Church and Parenting for Faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur greetings cards are made in the UK and are biodegradable, including the cellophane packaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BRFonline","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53583435956604,"sku":"EVERYDAYCARD16","price":1.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/16_63499ba2-d209-417a-ba71-6936fb7b7653.png?v=1733260405"},{"product_id":"celtic-lent-40-days-of-devotions-to-easter-1","title":"Celtic Lent: 40 days of devotions to Easter","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis inspirational book takes the reader through the 40 days of Lent to the celebration of Easter through the eyes and beliefs of Celtic Christianity. 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Your search and yearning for God will be deepened and enlarged through David's work.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd Canon Professor James Woodward, Principal Sarum College, Salisbury\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful book leads us beyond the tired platitudes of a faded Christendom. It brings insights that are whole and rooted, yet are fresh and relevant to life's journey.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRay Simpson, Founding Guardian of the international Community of Aidan and Hilda\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/DavidCole2_480x480.jpg?v=1676495811\" width=\"204\" height=\"363\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously a full-time church minister, David Cole is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader, an award-winning author and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is also the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message. He has written \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/40-days-with-the-celtic-saints-devotional-readings-for-a-time-of-preparation\"\u003e40 Days with the Celtic Saints\u003c\/a\u003e (BRF, 2017).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"David Cole","offers":[{"title":"eBook","offer_id":53595051000188,"sku":"9780857466389","price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/15_7b303dbe-a82f-47e8-a0af-01436e32abbb.png?v=1729770434"},{"product_id":"images-of-grace-a-journey-from-darkness-to-light-at-easter","title":"Images of Grace: A journey from darkness to light at Easter","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e‘At the heart of the Christian message is a collection of abstract nouns: love; sin; forgiveness; grace. It is quite difficult to explain what the gospel message is without using some or all of those words. But the problem with abstract nouns is that when we use them, we assume that the person we are talking to understands them, and not only that, we assume that they have the same understanding of the word that we do…’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLent is traditionally a time of repentance, fasting and prayer as we prepare to celebrate our salvation at Easter. Through daily readings and reflections from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day, Amy Scott Robinson explores different biblical images of repentance, sin, forgiveness and grace, bringing them together in Holy Week as a lens through which to view Christ’s work of reconciliation on the cross.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kqn_CTRCtzY\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yGNTnqU6LHs\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IQ0wKSf1ZEM\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is rich in accessible biblical scholarship and insight. It brings the reader's attention to a variety of passages and it is refreshing to read a Lent Book that encourages the reader to look at a variety of passages from across the whole of Christian scripture. The combination of a well-considered reflection, a question and, a suitable prayer for each day make this book the perfect companion for Lent.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rev'd Canon Michael Robinson (no relation!)\u003cbr\u003eBishops’ Chaplain \u0026amp; Canon Theologian of St Edmundsbury Cathedral\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘Amy is an expert storyteller, a well of emotion and reflection, and a follower of Jesus with a deep, genuine hunger for the reality of God.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdrian Plass, author and speaker\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 online February 2023. Review by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe BRF Lent Book for 2023, sub-titled ‘A Journey from Darkness to Light at Easter’ takes the reader day by day on exactly that journey. Amy Scott Robinson was inspired to write this book because she felt that abstract nouns, such as sin and grace, although in frequent use, might be misunderstood – or given a different meaning - by many people. The book is based on the idea that the use of images helps this understanding. These images vary from a few words, to extended metaphors, to whole stories – but all help us to understand Christian concepts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into weekly sections, covering sin and repentance, forgiveness, atonement, restoration, reconciliation and ends with Holy Week. Each day has a Bible reading, commentary, a question and a prayer and, at the end of each week, there is a set of questions, which makes the book suitable for group activity. The commentary which Amy Scott Robinson gives each day is invariably pertinent and engaging and involves personal and literary examples, as well as providing a thoughtful interpretation of the passage. The question demands the reader applies the material to his\/her own life. As a Lent book I recommend this for personal or for group use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost, author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving previously reviewed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/image-of-the-invisible-daily-bible-readings-from-advent-to-epiphany?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=d107cbc7e\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage of the Invisible\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, Amy Scott-Robinson’s book for Advent through to Epiphany, I was looking forward to this offering for Lent, Holy Week and Easter. And I was not disappointed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with that previous book, she uses metaphors, stories and biblical examples to open up a wide range of themes. Initially, these images explore the traditional themes of Lent: sin, repentance and forgiveness. Dipping briefly and helpfully in the theological arguments about atonement, the author then continues with images of restoration and reconciliation. A final section for Holy Week finds us encountering a donkey, turning over tables and washing feet before standing by the tomb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin the book, we meet characters as diverse as David and Jonah, Jesus Barabbas and Joseph of Arimathea. Each aspect, each chapter, is explored and explained, using helpful contemporary stories and images alongside the biblical ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this reviewer, reading a book of daily reflections in a shorter timescale inevitably dilutes the full benefit of it (not least also that I read it during Advent!). Thus, for me, the focus on sin during the first half has a particular effect and it is from Week 4 onwards that readers are given a flood of hope as all the images combine to provide ones of grace. Grace which is sufficient for each day and for each one of us, in all times and seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. He is also the author of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003etwo other books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Scott Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e is an author and performance storyteller. After studying English at Christ's College, Cambridge, she trained as a teacher and began writing for charities and providers of liturgical resources, before publishing her own works on puppetry and story. She is married to the rector of four rural parishes in Suffolk, where she is also the benefice children’s worker. She lives in the Rectory and has two children, two guinea pigs, and at any given moment, a half-finished cup of cold tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e","brand":"Amy Scott Robinson","offers":[{"title":"eBook","offer_id":53595067187580,"sku":"9781800391185","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/17_2dc6ef51-0275-4284-9920-892739ef26fc.png?v=1729770406"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/collections\/seasonal-reading.oembed?page=5","provider":"BRF Resources","version":"1.0","type":"link"}