Messy Hospitality: Changing communities through fun, food, friendship and faith
Messy Hospitality: Changing communities through fun, food, friendship and faith
Author
:
Lucy Moore
£9.99
A practical exploration of the Christian principle of hospitality from the founder of Messy Church
| Title | Messy Hospitality: Changing communities through fun, food, friendship and faith |
| Author | Lucy Moore |
| ISBN | |
| Description | A practical exploration of the Christian principle of hospitality from the founder of Messy Church In Messy Hospitality Lucy Moore demonstrates how hospitality can be practised in Messy Church and other church contexts to promote mission and faith formation, addressing the theology of hospitality and how it can be expressed at the welcome table, the activity table, the Lord's Table, the meal table, and in the home. Also included are insights from the secular hospitality industry, how to train Messy Church teams in hospitality, audit - style questions for the reader to apply in their own context, and five complete session outlines for Messy Churches. |
| Details |
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A practical exploration of the Christian principle of hospitality from the founder of Messy Church
In Messy Hospitality Lucy Moore demonstrates how hospitality can be practised in Messy Church and other church contexts to promote mission and faith formation, addressing the theology of hospitality and how it can be expressed at the welcome table, the activity table, the Lord's Table, the meal table, and in the home.
Also included are insights from the secular hospitality industry, how to train Messy Church teams in hospitality, audit - style questions for the reader to apply in their own context, and five complete session outlines for Messy Churches.
Lucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church, a rapidly-growing ministry that is now in over 20 countries worldwide. She is responsible for developing the work of Messy Church nationally and internationally - writing, speaking, reflecting and developing Messy projects. Before working full-time with Messy Church, Lucy was a member of BRF's Barnabas children's ministry team, offering training for those wanting to bring the Bible to life for children in churches and schools across the UK, and using drama and storytelling to explore the Bible with children herself. Her books include titles in the Messy Church series, as well as All-Age Worship, Colourful Creation, Bethlehem Carols Unpacked, The Lord's Prayer Unplugged and The Gospels Unplugged. She also presents Messy Church: the DVD. A secondary-school teacher by training, she enjoys acting, walking Minnie the dog, marvelling at the alien world of her two teenage children and guiltily watching unimproving television programmes. She is a Lay Canon of Portsmouth Cathedral.
Church Times 23 September 2016
LUCY MOORE, author of Messy Hospitality , is the founder of the Messy Church movement. Not all churches do Messy Church or even like its concept (I write as an impartial bystander, knowing about it, but never having partaken); but all practise hospitality in their own context. This book is as much about the how and why of hospitality as it is about Messy Church itself, and in places is very challenging about the status quo, rightly so.
Theology sits alongside practical suggestions and personal observations with an initial focus on the biblical basis for hospitality: 'We as individuals or as church should
always be the crossover place, being great hosts and great guests in our dealings with each other and with the world around us. We see this interplay in the overarching mission of Jesus that Paul describes in Philippians 2.6-11. . .'
The author reflects that in churches often the longstanding congregation see themselves as the host, with everything to give and nothing to take. Yet she points to Jesus as the ultimate host: being so sure of who he was, he could let go of everything. We read the familiar tale of the 'welcoming' church, where the congregation are so concerned about preparing for the service and laying out the right books that the arrival of a newcomer is completely overlooked.
The book does focus in parts on how hospitality fits into the four pillars of Messy Church - the welcome, the activities, the celebration, and the meal, with a chapter about hospitality in the home, and a focus on how to train and nurture teams finishing with five complete session outlines.
But the most pertinent points are those that affect us all, and not just the Messy-Church initiated. The welcome at the church door may seem like 'the trivial froth of hospitality', but the attitude that it symbolises is far harder to change, writes the author. At the end of this section is a practical check list with questions to consider right down to 'What type of biscuits do you offer?' This may sound silly, but in fact makes a fair point; what do your refreshments say about your church? After all, no one enjoys a soft rich tea.
There are also examples from the world of business, and a management consultant is quoted on how a good host makes the best leader. His observations are insightful. He concludes that a host wants to give everyone the best experience, but, knowing that he or she will not make everyone happy, always acts with both maturity and passion. There is also a well-written chapter on learning from the hospitality industry.
Looking at hospitality in the home, the author points out that the traits of hospitality which a church should demonstrate can and should be replicated on a personal level.
There are challenging examples from those who have opened up their homes with far more than the odd offer of Sunday lunch; but also the healthy perspective of personal
experience that we must know our own tipping-points.
Messy Church is not everyone's thing. My only criticism of the book is the title, as it may put readers off before they have started; but every church could benefit from a Messy Hospitality health check.
Rachel Harden
STAR News - Diocese of Peterborough - late June 2016
'True hospitality means risk.' This slightly provocative statement from the introduction sets out Lucy's view. Welcoming people who do not look the 'us' of the existing congregation is a challenge. The rest of the book explains why we need to face the risk - whether we lead Messy or any other kind of church. She points out that the role of guest and host is blurred in the Gospels and that Christians and churches must 'waltz happily' between the two roles. There is helpful checklist (on p43) for the key features of a good welcome.
This book should be read by leaders in every parish - not just those who run a Messy Church. You will be challenged to re-think how you welcome people to church and how you share Jesus' hospitality with your community. A good read!
Rona Orme
Child in the Midst - Church of England June 2016
Don't read Messy Hospitality unless you are prepared to be challenged! Lucy Moore doesn't pull her punches about the way we often limit the welcome we offer, and urges us to reconsider God's outrageous generosity as we reach out to our communities. Practical help, rooted in reality, offers churches a way to move towards becoming more hospitable spaces for all. Whether you are part of a Messy Church or not, this is well worth reading.
Mary Hawes
STAR News - Diocese of Peterborough April 2016
What is hospitality? It is not just about the refreshments we serve nor the way we welcome people at the door. It is about being generously open-hearted - as God is with us. Whilst written primarily for the Messy Church movement (it includes 5 Messy Church sessions), this book has much to say to traditional Sunday and mid-week congregations. This is not an 'add-on' for what we think church is about but something that should permeate our congregations, our planning, what we offer and how we view what we are about. Don't read this book unless you are willing to be challenged in your thinking and your practice! A fabulous book that forces us to consider the outrageous hospitality of God - and then to join in! You have been warned...
Rona Orme - Diocesan Children's Missioner
It's like church, but for everyone. Fr Richard Peers on his blog: Quodcumque
'What's Messy Church?' I asked one of my pupil guides, 'It's like church, but for everyone.' Was the telling response. I didn't get the opportunity to ask more.
Messy Church, a brand run through the Bible Reading Fellowship is creating quite a library of books. I reviewed one here. The latest that I have read is Messy Hospitality by Lucy Moore the founder of Messy Church.
Lucy writes in an engaging style which is never dull. She uses rich, poetic language and imagery, this is a deceptive book. It needs mulling over, perhaps a bit like Messy Church itself which can appear deceptively simple.
I loved Lucy's opening lines:
'Hospitality is where it's at. Hospitality is where God's at. It's a key that opens the door to the kingdom.'
For full review click here.
Related
{"id":3272119222372,"title":"You Are Mine: Daily Bible readings from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day","handle":"you-are-mine-daily-bible-readings-from-ash-wednesday-to-easter-day","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Again and again, as I have sought to look into both the scriptures and my own life, I have heard in the silence the one who assures me, ever more strongly, 'You are mine'. My hope and prayer is that you who read it will hear something of the same.'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt this time of Lent, David Walker explores different aspects of human belonging through the medium of scripture and story in order to help us recognise the different ways in which we are God’s beloved. And as we recognise ourselves and our own lives in the narrative of God’s engagement with humanity and his creation, he gently challenges us to engage for God’s sake with God’s world.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDavid Walker is Bishop of Manchester. He is a regular broadcaster on BBC radio, including the Daily Service and Sunday Programme. His interest in Christian belonging has grown from his involvement in the Housing Association movement and his membership of the Franciscan Third Order. He is also the author of God’s Belongers (BRF, 2017).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘This is a wonderful companion for Lent by David Walker. It is short but deep, and engages the reader in both prayer and reflection. A perfect way to explore what it means for all of us to belong to Christ in a challenging world.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJustin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery day during Lent Bishop David Walker invites us to look afresh at a Biblical character or saint. We gain new insights into their lives. He helps us journey through Lent with a deeper knowledge of how much God loves and treasures us. God reminds us ‘You are mine.’ David draws on his experience as an ordinary member of a family and a friend, a theologian and a Bishop. God’s desire is for us to belong to Jesus and to each other.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘I have a great admiration and respect for David Walker. It was so good to read these revealing reflections on the scriptures which he offers in the light of his experience. They are highly accessible while being theologically profound. I hope others will find them as illuminating and inspiring as I did.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Inge, Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘Using Lenten scriptural readings and rooted in his own personal journey, David Walker helps us to recognise the presence and activity of God in our own life, and as a consequence our connectedness and belonging to all God’s creation. This is down-to-earth, sound biblical and pastoral theology, as you would expect from Bishop David.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrother Benedict, Provincial Minister, The Society of St Francis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘In these thoughtful, touching and often candid reflections, David Walker reveals how he learned that we belong to God through other people. In his father, teachers, therapist, wife, parishioners, children and grandchildren, God becomes vividly present to him through fierce love, inspiring intellect, warm hospitality, quiet wisdom – and even the hatred of a suicide bomber’s attack on the city where Walker is much-loved bishop.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Vallely, author of \u003cem\u003ePope Francis: Untying the knots – the struggle for the soul of Catholicism\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘In this remarkable collection of devotions, David Walker combines deeply personal reflections with refreshingly practical observations on the Christian life. The message is humble and clear: in our Lenten battles for our better selves, we belong to God and to one another. This is writing as liberating as it is demanding – full of challenge, comfort and quiet joy.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoretta Minghella, First Church Estates Commissioner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry online, February 2020. Review by Sue Piper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis treasure of a Lent book has moved me deeply. David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, has given us a very personal insight into his own journey of faith as well as encouraging us to understand the meaning of scripture as it may relate our own lives. It has been very helpful to link directly with the God we worship and how He makes His presence felt to us, as individuals, each day, in all of our relationships with one another. The language is honest and straightforward, and the Lenten season will be greatly enhanced by our understanding of belonging to God and belonging to one another as family and as community, both locally and globally. There is much material for personal reflection and this book may well lend itself for study group sessions set over a period of time, not necessarily restricted to Lent. The author offers us wisdom, honesty, joy, and understanding. It teaches us to open our hearts with love for not only the chosen scriptures but will encourage us to use Bishop David’s wisdom in our everyday encounters with one another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Sue Piper\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, February 2020. Review by Jenny Mills\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[In \u003cem\u003eYou Are Mine \u003c\/em\u003eby David Walker] each day there is a Bible text related to the theme of Christian belonging, and a reflection that is both personal and challenging, and both informative and engaging. Walker uses his wealth of faith experience. He opens with: ‘How do we belong with God and with Jesus? And how do our human lives help or hinder us along the way?’ Each day is no more than three pages. This book is relevant for the times in which we live, and addresses current topics as well as reflecting on biblical texts.\u003cem\u003eYou are Mine\u003c\/em\u003e requires setting aside a little more time [than normal Bible reading notes] in order to benefit from its content. I particularly valued the depth of [this book].\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenny Mills is Minister of Newport Pagnell United Reformed Church and West End United Church, Wolverton, Buckinghamshire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 17.01.20. Philip Welsh's Lent book roundup 2020 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eYou Are Mine\u003c\/em\u003e, David Walker invites his readers to join him at a popular level in the investigation of Christian belonging which has preoccupied him academically over a number of years. His daily reflections are loosely grouped into belonging with God, and belonging ‘with the people who are closest to us; with the great figures of the Bible and Christian faith; with the wider community and its special places; and with the big celebrations and events of the Christian cycle and human life’ — concluding with the events of Holy Week. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach day starts with a short Bible passage, which acts as a springboard for the notably personal reflections by the author — among other things, drawing on the experiences of his upbringing, of therapy, and of his life as parish priest, as bishop, and as grandfather. The daily prayer highlights the general theme within the individual story. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat emerges is a wise, humane, and generous spirituality. At times, it is a bit more affective than some of us feel comfortable with — producing these reflections is ‘like writing a series of love letters to God’; ‘I can feel the warmth of his smile’ – but there is also a strong and sharp commitment to social issues. He does not seek to shock, but quite often is pleasingly heterodox: he applauds Sunday-afternoon christenings; respects the faith of occasional churchgoers; hates changing the words of hymns; finds his faith encouraged by adherents of other faiths; and is ‘convinced that most politicians go into that work out of a deep and genuine desire to serve their community’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a Lent book for developing daily Bible-reading. It will appeal to those looking for a \u003cem\u003eThought for the Day\u003c\/em\u003e-style piece, linked to scripture, that builds into an attractive picture of Christian life as lived by an engaging representative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Philip Welsh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilding on his previous book, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/gods-belongers-how-people-engage-with-god-today-and-how-the-church-can-help?_pos=3\u0026amp;_sid=3076f9f36\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod’s Belongers\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, Bishop David Walker takes explores how activities, events, places and people enable us to know that we belong with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book explores what it means to belong with God – note, not belong \u003cem\u003eto\u003c\/em\u003e God but \u003cem\u003ewith\u003c\/em\u003e God. Using daily reflections, the Bishop of Manchester takes us through Lent and in to Holy Week. These weekly themes are interspersed, on Sundays, with thoughts on the Lectionary Gospel reading for the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of the weekday readings follows a particular theme within the overall topic of belonging. Bishop David considers how we belong to the Father and the Son, in relationships with others, and with the saints (primarily figures in the Old and New Testament but also Francis of Assisi and Ignatius Loyola). He also turns his attention to complex issues in the society in which we belong and the importance of celebrations and festivals such as Christmas and christenings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author acknowledges early on that he reveals more about his own faith and challenges than in anything else he has written and indeed there is a significant degree of autobiography contained in the book’s pages. Reading \u003cem\u003eYou Are Mine\u003c\/em\u003e with that context in mind will enable individual readers to do so in a way they find personally helpful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this reviewer, this is a book which clergy and those in paid ministry would find especially helpful. It offers some of David Walker’s own experience of the joys, frustrations and practicalities of ‘parish life’ as well as thought-provoking ideas about how churches can enable people, whether inside or outside their walls, to feel they belong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Holy Week, Bishop David takes what might be called a more ‘traditional’ Lent book approach. Following the events of the most important week in the year, he offers valuable comments and interpretations, old and new. In doing so, the book concludes on the strongest of notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-03-16T16:01:44+00:00","created_at":"2019-04-08T11:49:34+01:00","vendor":"David Walker","type":"Paperback","tags":["Kindle","Lent","Nov-19"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":26428169683044,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857467584","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"You Are Mine: Daily Bible readings from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467584","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467584-l.jpg?v=1554720628"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467584-l.jpg?v=1554720628","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3264873332875,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467584-l.jpg?v=1554720628"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467584-l.jpg?v=1554720628","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Again and again, as I have sought to look into both the scriptures and my own life, I have heard in the silence the one who assures me, ever more strongly, 'You are mine'. My hope and prayer is that you who read it will hear something of the same.'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt this time of Lent, David Walker explores different aspects of human belonging through the medium of scripture and story in order to help us recognise the different ways in which we are God’s beloved. And as we recognise ourselves and our own lives in the narrative of God’s engagement with humanity and his creation, he gently challenges us to engage for God’s sake with God’s world.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDavid Walker is Bishop of Manchester. He is a regular broadcaster on BBC radio, including the Daily Service and Sunday Programme. His interest in Christian belonging has grown from his involvement in the Housing Association movement and his membership of the Franciscan Third Order. He is also the author of God’s Belongers (BRF, 2017).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘This is a wonderful companion for Lent by David Walker. It is short but deep, and engages the reader in both prayer and reflection. A perfect way to explore what it means for all of us to belong to Christ in a challenging world.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJustin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery day during Lent Bishop David Walker invites us to look afresh at a Biblical character or saint. We gain new insights into their lives. He helps us journey through Lent with a deeper knowledge of how much God loves and treasures us. God reminds us ‘You are mine.’ David draws on his experience as an ordinary member of a family and a friend, a theologian and a Bishop. God’s desire is for us to belong to Jesus and to each other.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘I have a great admiration and respect for David Walker. It was so good to read these revealing reflections on the scriptures which he offers in the light of his experience. They are highly accessible while being theologically profound. I hope others will find them as illuminating and inspiring as I did.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Inge, Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘Using Lenten scriptural readings and rooted in his own personal journey, David Walker helps us to recognise the presence and activity of God in our own life, and as a consequence our connectedness and belonging to all God’s creation. This is down-to-earth, sound biblical and pastoral theology, as you would expect from Bishop David.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrother Benedict, Provincial Minister, The Society of St Francis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘In these thoughtful, touching and often candid reflections, David Walker reveals how he learned that we belong to God through other people. In his father, teachers, therapist, wife, parishioners, children and grandchildren, God becomes vividly present to him through fierce love, inspiring intellect, warm hospitality, quiet wisdom – and even the hatred of a suicide bomber’s attack on the city where Walker is much-loved bishop.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Vallely, author of \u003cem\u003ePope Francis: Untying the knots – the struggle for the soul of Catholicism\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘In this remarkable collection of devotions, David Walker combines deeply personal reflections with refreshingly practical observations on the Christian life. The message is humble and clear: in our Lenten battles for our better selves, we belong to God and to one another. This is writing as liberating as it is demanding – full of challenge, comfort and quiet joy.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoretta Minghella, First Church Estates Commissioner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry online, February 2020. Review by Sue Piper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis treasure of a Lent book has moved me deeply. David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, has given us a very personal insight into his own journey of faith as well as encouraging us to understand the meaning of scripture as it may relate our own lives. It has been very helpful to link directly with the God we worship and how He makes His presence felt to us, as individuals, each day, in all of our relationships with one another. The language is honest and straightforward, and the Lenten season will be greatly enhanced by our understanding of belonging to God and belonging to one another as family and as community, both locally and globally. There is much material for personal reflection and this book may well lend itself for study group sessions set over a period of time, not necessarily restricted to Lent. The author offers us wisdom, honesty, joy, and understanding. It teaches us to open our hearts with love for not only the chosen scriptures but will encourage us to use Bishop David’s wisdom in our everyday encounters with one another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Sue Piper\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, February 2020. Review by Jenny Mills\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[In \u003cem\u003eYou Are Mine \u003c\/em\u003eby David Walker] each day there is a Bible text related to the theme of Christian belonging, and a reflection that is both personal and challenging, and both informative and engaging. Walker uses his wealth of faith experience. He opens with: ‘How do we belong with God and with Jesus? And how do our human lives help or hinder us along the way?’ Each day is no more than three pages. This book is relevant for the times in which we live, and addresses current topics as well as reflecting on biblical texts.\u003cem\u003eYou are Mine\u003c\/em\u003e requires setting aside a little more time [than normal Bible reading notes] in order to benefit from its content. I particularly valued the depth of [this book].\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenny Mills is Minister of Newport Pagnell United Reformed Church and West End United Church, Wolverton, Buckinghamshire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 17.01.20. Philip Welsh's Lent book roundup 2020 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eYou Are Mine\u003c\/em\u003e, David Walker invites his readers to join him at a popular level in the investigation of Christian belonging which has preoccupied him academically over a number of years. His daily reflections are loosely grouped into belonging with God, and belonging ‘with the people who are closest to us; with the great figures of the Bible and Christian faith; with the wider community and its special places; and with the big celebrations and events of the Christian cycle and human life’ — concluding with the events of Holy Week. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach day starts with a short Bible passage, which acts as a springboard for the notably personal reflections by the author — among other things, drawing on the experiences of his upbringing, of therapy, and of his life as parish priest, as bishop, and as grandfather. The daily prayer highlights the general theme within the individual story. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat emerges is a wise, humane, and generous spirituality. At times, it is a bit more affective than some of us feel comfortable with — producing these reflections is ‘like writing a series of love letters to God’; ‘I can feel the warmth of his smile’ – but there is also a strong and sharp commitment to social issues. He does not seek to shock, but quite often is pleasingly heterodox: he applauds Sunday-afternoon christenings; respects the faith of occasional churchgoers; hates changing the words of hymns; finds his faith encouraged by adherents of other faiths; and is ‘convinced that most politicians go into that work out of a deep and genuine desire to serve their community’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a Lent book for developing daily Bible-reading. It will appeal to those looking for a \u003cem\u003eThought for the Day\u003c\/em\u003e-style piece, linked to scripture, that builds into an attractive picture of Christian life as lived by an engaging representative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Philip Welsh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilding on his previous book, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/gods-belongers-how-people-engage-with-god-today-and-how-the-church-can-help?_pos=3\u0026amp;_sid=3076f9f36\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod’s Belongers\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, Bishop David Walker takes explores how activities, events, places and people enable us to know that we belong with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book explores what it means to belong with God – note, not belong \u003cem\u003eto\u003c\/em\u003e God but \u003cem\u003ewith\u003c\/em\u003e God. Using daily reflections, the Bishop of Manchester takes us through Lent and in to Holy Week. These weekly themes are interspersed, on Sundays, with thoughts on the Lectionary Gospel reading for the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of the weekday readings follows a particular theme within the overall topic of belonging. Bishop David considers how we belong to the Father and the Son, in relationships with others, and with the saints (primarily figures in the Old and New Testament but also Francis of Assisi and Ignatius Loyola). He also turns his attention to complex issues in the society in which we belong and the importance of celebrations and festivals such as Christmas and christenings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author acknowledges early on that he reveals more about his own faith and challenges than in anything else he has written and indeed there is a significant degree of autobiography contained in the book’s pages. Reading \u003cem\u003eYou Are Mine\u003c\/em\u003e with that context in mind will enable individual readers to do so in a way they find personally helpful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this reviewer, this is a book which clergy and those in paid ministry would find especially helpful. It offers some of David Walker’s own experience of the joys, frustrations and practicalities of ‘parish life’ as well as thought-provoking ideas about how churches can enable people, whether inside or outside their walls, to feel they belong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Holy Week, Bishop David takes what might be called a more ‘traditional’ Lent book approach. Following the events of the most important week in the year, he offers valuable comments and interpretations, old and new. In doing so, the book concludes on the strongest of notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2439795408996,"title":"Writes of the Church: Gripes and grumbles of people in the pews","handle":"writes-of-the-church-gripes-and-grumbles-of-people-in-the-pews","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhat would a church magazine letters page look like if the locals just wrote what they actually thought - and what does it tell us about how we think of our church? In Writes of the Church, the locals bicker, complain and wonder; the vicar is overworked and occasionally lets them know they're pushing him over the edge.But through it all, we learn something valuable about ourselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's an unusual and loving angle on the Church of England. The characters are odd, aggressive, frustrated or sometimes just plain stupid. But the depth of their love for the church comes through the threats to boycott the church over a tea towel, the obsession over saving money and the complaints that children are allowed into the church during an act of worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough laughing at ourselves, we learn about what really makes us tick. Through learning, we might change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWelcome\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe people\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSocial life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChildren\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMoney\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommittees\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSocial activities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe church year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe modern world\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe curate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe building\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChristmas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the best bits of writing about religion is having to read the news from Tremlett: shrewd, funny, and sometimes painful, it's a tap with a stiletto on the funny-bone.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Andrew Brown, Guardian Journalist \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA treat of a book. When I finished laughing out loud I realised that I had learned something. We all live in Tremlett.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e The Church Mouse \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm still giggling about your book, which is CLASSIC!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Eve Poole, author 'Leadersmithing' and Third Church Estates Commissioner \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGary Alderson studied Chemistry at Oxford, went into retail and has been a priest since 2009. He is currently working part-time in two churches in Wellingborough. He is married to Sharon, with two teenage sons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:31+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:33+00:00","vendor":"Gary Alderson","type":"Paperback","tags":["Gift","Sep-17"],"price":699,"price_min":699,"price_max":699,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769689366628,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465771","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Writes of the Church: Gripes and grumbles of people in the pews - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":699,"weight":128,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465771","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465771-l.jpg?v=1549043139"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465771-l.jpg?v=1549043139","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879559819,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.363,"height":650,"width":886,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465771-l.jpg?v=1549043139"},"aspect_ratio":1.363,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465771-l.jpg?v=1549043139","width":886}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eWhat would a church magazine letters page look like if the locals just wrote what they actually thought - and what does it tell us about how we think of our church? In Writes of the Church, the locals bicker, complain and wonder; the vicar is overworked and occasionally lets them know they're pushing him over the edge.But through it all, we learn something valuable about ourselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's an unusual and loving angle on the Church of England. The characters are odd, aggressive, frustrated or sometimes just plain stupid. But the depth of their love for the church comes through the threats to boycott the church over a tea towel, the obsession over saving money and the complaints that children are allowed into the church during an act of worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough laughing at ourselves, we learn about what really makes us tick. Through learning, we might change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWelcome\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe people\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSocial life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChildren\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMoney\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommittees\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSocial activities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe church year\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe modern world\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe curate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe building\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChristmas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the best bits of writing about religion is having to read the news from Tremlett: shrewd, funny, and sometimes painful, it's a tap with a stiletto on the funny-bone.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Andrew Brown, Guardian Journalist \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA treat of a book. When I finished laughing out loud I realised that I had learned something. We all live in Tremlett.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e The Church Mouse \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm still giggling about your book, which is CLASSIC!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Eve Poole, author 'Leadersmithing' and Third Church Estates Commissioner \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGary Alderson studied Chemistry at Oxford, went into retail and has been a priest since 2009. He is currently working part-time in two churches in Wellingborough. He is married to Sharon, with two teenage sons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
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{"id":7367026409663,"title":"World Turned Upside Down","handle":"world-turned-upside-down","description":"\u003cp\u003eThere are no simple answers to life’s challenges, so how do we integrate our most testing experiences into our faith in a way which strengthens rather than undermines it? When we are at our weakest, when we feel we most need God and yet have no idea how to talk to him, it is the Psalms which leap to our rescue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the psalmists as our guides, we learn to draw closer to God, to hear his voice in fresh ways, and to identify what it is that troubles us. Borrowing their words, we find that we are able to articulate our most painful feelings and walk through suffering with honesty, hope, and confidence in the God who travels beside us. Here is an opportunity to read the Psalms differently: an invitation to embark on a new journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"150\" width=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Alison_Morgan_1_480x480.jpg?v=1678322105\" style=\"margin-right: 20px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Alison_Morgan_1_480x480.jpg?v=1678322105\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 20px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRevd Dr Alison Morgan \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehas written widely on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eliterature, theology and the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChristian life. She \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eis \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003ean Associate of the Mathetes Trust, where she \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eoversees the Rooted in Jesus discipleship programme for Africa, now in use in 19 countries\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Alison has a PhD from Cambridge \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003efor her work on the Italian poet Dante, and in her spare time enjoys birdwatching, walking and photography.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eForeword by \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘The Psalms take us on a journey; and they take us on foot… in a sense walking is the dominant theme of the entire Psalter.’ So writes Alison Morgan in her highly perceptive, reflective and personal exploration of this great repository of timeless wisdom. Alison is the ideal walking companion and guide, walking not racing, never charging on ahead, always taking time to stop, to absorb the view and to ponder. She shares her personal experiences – of pregnancy, of rejection, of confusion, of bereavement, of times when her world has been turned upside down – in such a gentle manner as to invite the reader to call to mind the highs and lows they have similarly experienced, endured or enjoyed. As well as being intimately familiar with the landmarks, Alison is the kind of guide who inspires confidence: she has trodden this path before, she reads the map, she knows the direction, she is not daunted by difficult terrain, scree or scramble, not held back by headwind, storm or fog.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt each stage, Alison’s method is to draw attention to a particular fea- ture of the Psalmist’s landscape, then, as readers and author together rest their gaze on that aspect, readers come to see how the Psalmist’s hard-won insights into the human condition can be a source of under- standing, perseverance, faith, and hope in their own lives. In the process they come to know themselves more fully; they also come to know God more fully, the God who has ‘searched me out and known me’. The best guides, of course, do more than show people the way; they also enable them to find their own way. Anyone who follows Alison’s guidance will be better equipped to return to the Psalms again and again and discover fresh insights of their own – and become a guide to others.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom the very outset of this book, it becomes clear to the reader that this walk is not an amiable, aimless ramble. Rather, the journey on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewhich Alison is the guide is a pilgrimage; indeed, as she points out, several psalms were themselves composed to accompany the pilgrim. As a disciple of the one who called himself the Way, the Truth and the Life, Alison discerns the presence of Jesus every step of the way. What Alison offers the reader here is a \u003cem\u003ecamino \u003c\/em\u003ethrough the Psalms. It is telling that the heading of the final chapter is ‘Coming home’.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI hope you will enjoy your pilgrim walk with Alison, that you will marvel \u003cspan\u003eat the beauty along the way, and marvel even more at the Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of it all; I wish you a rewarding journey and a safe homecoming.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs ever, Alison Morgan manages to convey a wealth of academic study in a deeply personal and accessible way. In this hope-filled book she applies the Psalms to the reality of every-day life and shows how they can help us express our own thoughts and feelings to God as well as listen to his response. Along the way she tackles issues such as meaning, lament, identity – and especially pain which, like fire, can ‘burn or refine’. In her own poetic language she illustrates the poetry of the psalms which ‘demands to be felt more than thought about’ and expresses what it feels like to be human. ‘World Turned Upside Down’ is practical as well as inspirational. It points to the way in which the Psalms can help us to grow through our suffering rather than be crushed by it, and includes moving and profound meditations on creation and death. This book is all about looking at life differently, and its message could hardly be more apt in today’s culture: namely that, however hard it may sometimes be to believe, ‘God is sovereign, and God is with us’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBishop James Newcome\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Written with great insight and compassion, this deep dive into the Psalms is a much- needed book, at a time when suffering has come home to so many. Alison Morgan deftly explores the many ways in which the ancient poetry of the Psalms can speak into our own lives, so that we really understand what it means to say of these scrip- tures that “deep calls unto deep”.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMalcolm Guite, poet and life fellow of Girton College, Cambridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This book is stunningly \u003cem\u003ebeautiful\u003c\/em\u003e: as filled with light and shadow, and with energy and life, as the Psalms that form its subject and have power – so Alison Morgan argues – to turn things on their heads. But this is a book that is also \u003cem\u003efelt\u003c\/em\u003e. Alison “sees and sings” these ancient biblical songs, by mapping them onto the here and now of her own and others’ lived experience – and she does so with a visceral intensity, that invigorates the senses and discovers meaning in the sights, sounds and textures of places. This is a remarkable book, that brings memory, experience and theology into play with literature, art, music and even neuroscience, and does so with the lightest of touch and the sharpest of wit. It will surely inspire even those who have known the Psalms all their lives, as well as those for whom they are new or less familiar.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfessor\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eClare\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eA.P.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWillsdon,\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHistory\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eof\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eArt,\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSchool\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eof\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCulture\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eand\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCreative\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eArts, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUniversity of Glasgow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I found my journey through the Psalms with Alison Morgan eye-opening, encouraging and challenging. It was as though God was inviting me into a deeper level of com- munication and intimacy with him as Alison shared her reflections. She has given me tools and a desire to engage with the Psalms, and the God of the Psalms, more deeply and honestly.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBishop Martin Breytenbach, retired bishop of St Mark the Evangelist, Limpopo, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSouth Africa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘There is so much to enjoy throughout the book. Each chapter offers a stimulating breadth of literature, history, geography and natural sciences easily woven into the narrative. Many engaging stories illumine the text and demonstrate what may be involved in real, visceral engagement with God. There is a catholicity of scholarly perspectives deftly presented without being showy or obtrusive. Alison’s style is lucid and lyrical with occasional iridescence. There is evidence of substantial pastoral experience supporting people in different continents and cultures undergoing the common human condition of fiercely personal trials. This leads to realism in facing personal pain and the unreasonable reactions from others that can be so shocking in life’s adverse episodes.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRodney Green CBE, former chief executive, Leicester City Council, and author of \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e90,000 Hours: Managing the world of work\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This book is an excellent companion as you walk through the ups and downs of everyday life. It is a gentle yet deep reflection on personal and sometimes challenging experiences that can only strengthen and deepen one’s faith in God. Alison’s inter- cultural writing style will draw you in, whatever your cultural heritage or ethnicity. Her insights during this personal adventure through the Psalms will keep you engaged and genuinely bless you. In this book, you will find something which is critically rigorous, helpfully informative and personally meaningful and that you can use as part of your pattern of prayer. I wholeheartedly commend it to you.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRt Revd Dr Timothy Wambunya, honorary assistant bishop in the Diocese of Oxford and former bishop of Butere in Kenya\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This is a deeply personal book in which the author explores how the Psalms, in all their shades of light and dark, have illuminated and given shape to her own journey of faith. A most engaging read, vividly written.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon Patrick Woodhouse, former canon of Wells Cathedral and author of \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife in the Psalms\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Alison does not shrink either from the difficulties we face in life nor from the so-called difficult parts of the Psalms. Indeed she brings these two together, first by talking openly about the bad things that happen, some of them from her own life story, and then by using the words of the Psalms themselves to face, express and reassess our experience. A particular delight was reading Alison’s appreciation of the richness of the natural world, represented in the Psalms, illustrating their word pictures with her own examples full of awe and wonder.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Liz Hoare, tutor in spiritual formation, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Like the Psalms themselves, Alison’s book is refreshingly honest and abounds in insights from her extensive general knowledge and life experience. That makes it a very rich read. Alison draws the reader into their own journey of reflection on what it feels like to be human, with an understanding that we can only truly find ourselves as we discover God in all his multifaceted layers. I found this book immediately engaging, totally absorbing and ultimately healing and restorative.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon Andrew Evans, rector of Broughton Gifford, Great Chalfield and Holt, and rural dean of Bradford, Diocese of Salisbury\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘A book focused on pain could be a daunting prospect – and this one does make demands, inviting us to engage emotionally with our experience as well as in our thinking. But it does so with a lightness of touch, bringing numerous stories from personal experience, laced with wise reflection and playful humour. In all this the Psalms provide lenses through which to explore life’s hardest times and also words through which to express them. Inhabiting these ancient songs really can help turn our world the right way up.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Bill Goodman, assistant principal at St Peter’s College and director of ongoing ministerial development, Diocese of Sheffield\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry September 2023. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a powerful book which enables us to see the Psalms in all their glory. Alison Morgan has written a guide to the hymns of Israel that helps us to see their eternal relevance. They include making sense of life, dealing with pain, personal identity and the honesty we need to face suffering. Using her own experience and some powerful connecting analogies, the author helps us to see that we need a spirituality that is totally honest so that we might have a right relationship with God. Drawing on the work of Walter Brueggemann and others, she helps us to see how the Psalms can be about dislocation, feeling away from God – yet the very naming of our sins, doubts and fears is the way to help them lose their power as we can bring them to God. There is a great deal for a reader or preacher to learn from here – it can help us to develop an approach to pain and suffering which is both biblical and human.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2022-10-10T14:51:44+01:00","created_at":"2022-10-10T14:51:42+01:00","vendor":"Alison Morgan","type":"Paperback","tags":["Bereavement","Biblical engagement","Devotional","Pastoral care","Prayer","Spiritual care","Spirituality"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":41997426426047,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391666","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":33430612476095,"product_id":7367026409663,"position":1,"created_at":"2022-10-10T14:51:42+01:00","updated_at":"2022-10-10T14:51:44+01:00","alt":null,"width":1535,"height":2339,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorldTurnedUpsideDown.jpg?v=1665409904","variant_ids":[41997426426047]},"available":true,"name":"World Turned Upside Down - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1299,"weight":286,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391666","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":26020938743999,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorldTurnedUpsideDown.jpg?v=1665409904"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorldTurnedUpsideDown.jpg?v=1665409904"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorldTurnedUpsideDown.jpg?v=1665409904","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":26020938743999,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorldTurnedUpsideDown.jpg?v=1665409904"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorldTurnedUpsideDown.jpg?v=1665409904","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThere are no simple answers to life’s challenges, so how do we integrate our most testing experiences into our faith in a way which strengthens rather than undermines it? When we are at our weakest, when we feel we most need God and yet have no idea how to talk to him, it is the Psalms which leap to our rescue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the psalmists as our guides, we learn to draw closer to God, to hear his voice in fresh ways, and to identify what it is that troubles us. Borrowing their words, we find that we are able to articulate our most painful feelings and walk through suffering with honesty, hope, and confidence in the God who travels beside us. Here is an opportunity to read the Psalms differently: an invitation to embark on a new journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Info\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"150\" width=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Alison_Morgan_1_480x480.jpg?v=1678322105\" style=\"margin-right: 20px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Alison_Morgan_1_480x480.jpg?v=1678322105\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 20px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRevd Dr Alison Morgan \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehas written widely on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eliterature, theology and the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChristian life. She \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eis \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003ean Associate of the Mathetes Trust, where she \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003eoversees the Rooted in Jesus discipleship programme for Africa, now in use in 19 countries\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Alison has a PhD from Cambridge \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003efor her work on the Italian poet Dante, and in her spare time enjoys birdwatching, walking and photography.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eForeword by \u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘The Psalms take us on a journey; and they take us on foot… in a sense walking is the dominant theme of the entire Psalter.’ So writes Alison Morgan in her highly perceptive, reflective and personal exploration of this great repository of timeless wisdom. Alison is the ideal walking companion and guide, walking not racing, never charging on ahead, always taking time to stop, to absorb the view and to ponder. She shares her personal experiences – of pregnancy, of rejection, of confusion, of bereavement, of times when her world has been turned upside down – in such a gentle manner as to invite the reader to call to mind the highs and lows they have similarly experienced, endured or enjoyed. As well as being intimately familiar with the landmarks, Alison is the kind of guide who inspires confidence: she has trodden this path before, she reads the map, she knows the direction, she is not daunted by difficult terrain, scree or scramble, not held back by headwind, storm or fog.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt each stage, Alison’s method is to draw attention to a particular fea- ture of the Psalmist’s landscape, then, as readers and author together rest their gaze on that aspect, readers come to see how the Psalmist’s hard-won insights into the human condition can be a source of under- standing, perseverance, faith, and hope in their own lives. In the process they come to know themselves more fully; they also come to know God more fully, the God who has ‘searched me out and known me’. The best guides, of course, do more than show people the way; they also enable them to find their own way. Anyone who follows Alison’s guidance will be better equipped to return to the Psalms again and again and discover fresh insights of their own – and become a guide to others.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom the very outset of this book, it becomes clear to the reader that this walk is not an amiable, aimless ramble. Rather, the journey on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewhich Alison is the guide is a pilgrimage; indeed, as she points out, several psalms were themselves composed to accompany the pilgrim. As a disciple of the one who called himself the Way, the Truth and the Life, Alison discerns the presence of Jesus every step of the way. What Alison offers the reader here is a \u003cem\u003ecamino \u003c\/em\u003ethrough the Psalms. It is telling that the heading of the final chapter is ‘Coming home’.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI hope you will enjoy your pilgrim walk with Alison, that you will marvel \u003cspan\u003eat the beauty along the way, and marvel even more at the Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of it all; I wish you a rewarding journey and a safe homecoming.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs ever, Alison Morgan manages to convey a wealth of academic study in a deeply personal and accessible way. In this hope-filled book she applies the Psalms to the reality of every-day life and shows how they can help us express our own thoughts and feelings to God as well as listen to his response. Along the way she tackles issues such as meaning, lament, identity – and especially pain which, like fire, can ‘burn or refine’. In her own poetic language she illustrates the poetry of the psalms which ‘demands to be felt more than thought about’ and expresses what it feels like to be human. ‘World Turned Upside Down’ is practical as well as inspirational. It points to the way in which the Psalms can help us to grow through our suffering rather than be crushed by it, and includes moving and profound meditations on creation and death. This book is all about looking at life differently, and its message could hardly be more apt in today’s culture: namely that, however hard it may sometimes be to believe, ‘God is sovereign, and God is with us’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBishop James Newcome\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Written with great insight and compassion, this deep dive into the Psalms is a much- needed book, at a time when suffering has come home to so many. Alison Morgan deftly explores the many ways in which the ancient poetry of the Psalms can speak into our own lives, so that we really understand what it means to say of these scrip- tures that “deep calls unto deep”.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMalcolm Guite, poet and life fellow of Girton College, Cambridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This book is stunningly \u003cem\u003ebeautiful\u003c\/em\u003e: as filled with light and shadow, and with energy and life, as the Psalms that form its subject and have power – so Alison Morgan argues – to turn things on their heads. But this is a book that is also \u003cem\u003efelt\u003c\/em\u003e. Alison “sees and sings” these ancient biblical songs, by mapping them onto the here and now of her own and others’ lived experience – and she does so with a visceral intensity, that invigorates the senses and discovers meaning in the sights, sounds and textures of places. This is a remarkable book, that brings memory, experience and theology into play with literature, art, music and even neuroscience, and does so with the lightest of touch and the sharpest of wit. It will surely inspire even those who have known the Psalms all their lives, as well as those for whom they are new or less familiar.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfessor\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eClare\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eA.P.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWillsdon,\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHistory\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eof\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eArt,\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSchool\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eof\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCulture\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eand\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCreative\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eArts, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUniversity of Glasgow\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I found my journey through the Psalms with Alison Morgan eye-opening, encouraging and challenging. It was as though God was inviting me into a deeper level of com- munication and intimacy with him as Alison shared her reflections. She has given me tools and a desire to engage with the Psalms, and the God of the Psalms, more deeply and honestly.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBishop Martin Breytenbach, retired bishop of St Mark the Evangelist, Limpopo, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSouth Africa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘There is so much to enjoy throughout the book. Each chapter offers a stimulating breadth of literature, history, geography and natural sciences easily woven into the narrative. Many engaging stories illumine the text and demonstrate what may be involved in real, visceral engagement with God. There is a catholicity of scholarly perspectives deftly presented without being showy or obtrusive. Alison’s style is lucid and lyrical with occasional iridescence. There is evidence of substantial pastoral experience supporting people in different continents and cultures undergoing the common human condition of fiercely personal trials. This leads to realism in facing personal pain and the unreasonable reactions from others that can be so shocking in life’s adverse episodes.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRodney Green CBE, former chief executive, Leicester City Council, and author of \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e90,000 Hours: Managing the world of work\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This book is an excellent companion as you walk through the ups and downs of everyday life. It is a gentle yet deep reflection on personal and sometimes challenging experiences that can only strengthen and deepen one’s faith in God. Alison’s inter- cultural writing style will draw you in, whatever your cultural heritage or ethnicity. Her insights during this personal adventure through the Psalms will keep you engaged and genuinely bless you. In this book, you will find something which is critically rigorous, helpfully informative and personally meaningful and that you can use as part of your pattern of prayer. I wholeheartedly commend it to you.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRt Revd Dr Timothy Wambunya, honorary assistant bishop in the Diocese of Oxford and former bishop of Butere in Kenya\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This is a deeply personal book in which the author explores how the Psalms, in all their shades of light and dark, have illuminated and given shape to her own journey of faith. A most engaging read, vividly written.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon Patrick Woodhouse, former canon of Wells Cathedral and author of \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife in the Psalms\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Alison does not shrink either from the difficulties we face in life nor from the so-called difficult parts of the Psalms. Indeed she brings these two together, first by talking openly about the bad things that happen, some of them from her own life story, and then by using the words of the Psalms themselves to face, express and reassess our experience. A particular delight was reading Alison’s appreciation of the richness of the natural world, represented in the Psalms, illustrating their word pictures with her own examples full of awe and wonder.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Liz Hoare, tutor in spiritual formation, Wycliffe Hall, Oxford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Like the Psalms themselves, Alison’s book is refreshingly honest and abounds in insights from her extensive general knowledge and life experience. That makes it a very rich read. Alison draws the reader into their own journey of reflection on what it feels like to be human, with an understanding that we can only truly find ourselves as we discover God in all his multifaceted layers. I found this book immediately engaging, totally absorbing and ultimately healing and restorative.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon Andrew Evans, rector of Broughton Gifford, Great Chalfield and Holt, and rural dean of Bradford, Diocese of Salisbury\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘A book focused on pain could be a daunting prospect – and this one does make demands, inviting us to engage emotionally with our experience as well as in our thinking. But it does so with a lightness of touch, bringing numerous stories from personal experience, laced with wise reflection and playful humour. In all this the Psalms provide lenses through which to explore life’s hardest times and also words through which to express them. Inhabiting these ancient songs really can help turn our world the right way up.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Bill Goodman, assistant principal at St Peter’s College and director of ongoing ministerial development, Diocese of Sheffield\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry September 2023. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a powerful book which enables us to see the Psalms in all their glory. Alison Morgan has written a guide to the hymns of Israel that helps us to see their eternal relevance. They include making sense of life, dealing with pain, personal identity and the honesty we need to face suffering. Using her own experience and some powerful connecting analogies, the author helps us to see that we need a spirituality that is totally honest so that we might have a right relationship with God. Drawing on the work of Walter Brueggemann and others, she helps us to see how the Psalms can be about dislocation, feeling away from God – yet the very naming of our sins, doubts and fears is the way to help them lose their power as we can bring them to God. There is a great deal for a reader or preacher to learn from here – it can help us to develop an approach to pain and suffering which is both biblical and human.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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World Turned Upside Down
£12.99
There are no simple answers to life’s challenges, so how do we integrate our most testing experiences into our faith...
{"id":7481159221439,"title":"Working from a Place of Rest: Jesus and the key to sustaining ministry","handle":"working-from-a-place-of-rest","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExhaustion, burnout, tiredness, even breakdown... sadly, such conditions are all too common these days, not least among those involved in some kind of Christian ministry, whether full-time, part-time or voluntary. In striving to do our utmost for God, we can easily forget that there were many times when Jesus himself was willing to rest, to do nothing except wait for the Spirit's prompting, so that he demonstrated the vital principle of 'working from a place of rest'. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrawing on extensive experience of training and mentoring across the world, Tony Horsfall reflects on the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman to draw out practical guidance for sustainable Christian life and work. As he writes: 'Come and sit by the well for a while. Take some time out to reflect on how you are living and working. Watch Jesus and see how he does it. Listen to what the Spirit may be saying to you deep within, at the centre of your being; and maybe, just maybe, God will give you some insights that will change your life and sustain your ministry over the long haul.'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"272\" width=\"181\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/TonyHorsfall_2014_480x480.png?v=1676494125\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 20px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeople around the world have been inspired and refreshed by Tony Horsfall’s teaching and mentoring. As well as working as an international freelance trainer and retreat leader, he has written a number of other books for BRF, including Deep Calls to Deep, Rhythms of Grace and Mentoring for Spiritual Growth. He also contributes to BRF’s New Daylight Bible reading notes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall’s Working from a Place of Rest is probably the book I have recommended more than any other to Christian friends and students, so I am delighted that this updated version is now available. Too many Christians involved in ministry and leadership, perhaps especially since the Covid pandemic, are overworked, stressed, and frankly exhausted. This book, based around Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4, invites us to stop and sit by the well with Jesus for a while, and to learn to incorporate into our lives a habit, even a discipline, of rest. Drawing on the living water we can then fulfil our callings through relying on God’s strength and resources, not our own. This book is a timely gift to Christian workers everywhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRosie Button, lecturer in Staff care and Wellbeing and New Testament at All Nations Christian College.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis book can help us discern what God wants us to say 'yes' to, and when to say 'no'; it can help us learn to build margin into our lives so that we work from a place of rest. How are you? Busy? If so, and especially if you do not have time to read books, then this is the book for you. \u003cstrong\u003eDr Debbie Hawker, InterHealth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am very happy to endorse the book. It came at a very timely moment for me as I was thinking about what it looks like to have a balanced life, and how we support others to avoid burnout. The new angle on the story of the Samaritan woman was of great encouragement and challenged me personally. It was good to be reminded about rhythms of life and it has provoked me to look again at how we create margin. \u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBecky Hembery, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHead of Mission Personnel Operations, BMS World Mission\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach online August 2023. Review by Ali Hull\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eTony Horsfall has been writing books to encourage Christians, particularly leaders, for many years, and this one is a revised and reissued version of a previous book. It is definitely worth a read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eHis main thesis is that Jesus models a different way of working, that is not only counter-cultural in the sense that it goes against the way the western world works, but it also goes against the way the church tends to act in the Western world as well. Because as far as idolising hard work and over-commitment is concerned, the church and the Western world tend to be in lockstep.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eIt doesn’t have to be like this.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eTaking the John 4 story of Jesus meeting the woman at the well as his foundation, Horsfall explores what made Jesus different, his security in his identity and his ability to say ‘No’ – there is even a list in the back of occasions when he did so! He points out that we tend to believe the Protestant work ethic is God-ordained, piling pressure upon pressure, either upon ourselves or each other. Our measure of success is ‘numerical growth’ which leads, he believes, to greater pressure on those who work for the big successful churches – both to ‘keep producing results’ and through an ‘unacknowledged perfectionism’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eBut at the well, Jesus stopped. He rested.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eHe was tired and stopping was okay. Not only was it okay, it turned out to be fruitful. Stopping, says Horsfall, is a discipline – whether we want to do it or not, we need to intentionally build it into our lives, in order for our ministry to be sustainable. ‘As Christians,’ he writes, ‘we have a strong theology of work but virtually no theology of leisure’, and he sets out to reset the balance a little here, exploring what leisure does, the different types of leisure, and why it matters. But he goes beyond that, to point to a new way of working – allowing God to work in and through us, finding our security in him, leaving the results to him, and developing the spiritual disciplines necessary to integrate resting and working.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Ali Hull, book editor for Preach magazine.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost, September 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall is one of BRF’s most prolific writers and this book does not disappoint. First published in 2010, this revised version provides a thought-provoking exploration of one of the great encounters recorded in the Bible: Jesus’ meeting with the woman from Samaria.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaking as its starting point, Jesus’ need to have a rest after tiring walk, Tony Horsfall encourages all of us to ‘sit by the well’ for a while. He argues that Jesus used this rest not only for refreshment but to be the place from which his work would continue: on this occasion in the conversation he would have with the woman who came to collect water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt a time when burn out, exhaustion and other forms of physical and mental ill health are being experienced by many in church ministry and secular work environments, Horsfall warns against the ‘driven’ nature of many occupations and the often misjudged approaches by those who undertake them. ‘We are not machines; we are human beings,’ he writes. ‘We cannot keep producing the goods without respite. We need a break. We need to sit by the well.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book for its time. It is easy to read, and Horsfall’s writing draws out numerous points for us to reflect upon. Like threads in a tapestry, they serve to support the key theme of the book: working from a place of rest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost. A former mental health and employment specialist, Richard 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\/\"\u003ethree other books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMedia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA letter from a reader:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDear Tony\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm sure you get plenty of thank you emails. I simply wanted to add to them. Your books: Rhythms of Grace, Working from a Place of Rest, and Mentoring for Spiritual Growth are being used to redirect our ministry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn August last year, after six years of running our smallholding in Cornwall as a place of prayer and recovery from addiction, mental illness... we came very close to burnout. God stepped in, through a number of friends and supporting churches, and put us on a sabbatical break. Friends in Birmingham, who had been to one of your seminars, suggested we read your books. It's now my second time reading through them and my wife and I can feel God calling us back to his vision for this place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThank you for helping us get back on track.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Good Bookstall\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e- May 2010\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis slim book is a precious antidote to the overload excesses that corrode the heart and soul of all who serve Jesus. Tony Horsfall writes with great wisdom and warmth navigating core truths with great faithfulness and fresh insight!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe narrative of Jesus and the Samaritan woman are central to explorations offered.... I particularly treasured the clarity the author paints of how Jesus said, 'No' to people! Additionally the journey surrounding the cycle of grace offers real help. I would have loved more application, especially surrounding margins and boundaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreat book offered up by a wise guide!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by Johnny Douglas\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-04-21T20:37:51+01:00","created_at":"2023-04-21T20:37:51+01:00","vendor":"Tony Horsfall","type":"Paperback","tags":["Discipleship","Leadership","Pastoral care","Spiritual care","Tony Horsfall"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":42327492985023,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392205","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Working from a Place of Rest: Jesus and the key to sustaining ministry","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":165,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392205","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorkingfromaPlaceofRest.jpg?v=1682105872"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorkingfromaPlaceofRest.jpg?v=1682105872","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":26972322201791,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorkingfromaPlaceofRest.jpg?v=1682105872"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/WorkingfromaPlaceofRest.jpg?v=1682105872","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExhaustion, burnout, tiredness, even breakdown... sadly, such conditions are all too common these days, not least among those involved in some kind of Christian ministry, whether full-time, part-time or voluntary. In striving to do our utmost for God, we can easily forget that there were many times when Jesus himself was willing to rest, to do nothing except wait for the Spirit's prompting, so that he demonstrated the vital principle of 'working from a place of rest'. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrawing on extensive experience of training and mentoring across the world, Tony Horsfall reflects on the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman to draw out practical guidance for sustainable Christian life and work. As he writes: 'Come and sit by the well for a while. Take some time out to reflect on how you are living and working. Watch Jesus and see how he does it. Listen to what the Spirit may be saying to you deep within, at the centre of your being; and maybe, just maybe, God will give you some insights that will change your life and sustain your ministry over the long haul.'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"272\" width=\"181\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/TonyHorsfall_2014_480x480.png?v=1676494125\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 20px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeople around the world have been inspired and refreshed by Tony Horsfall’s teaching and mentoring. As well as working as an international freelance trainer and retreat leader, he has written a number of other books for BRF, including Deep Calls to Deep, Rhythms of Grace and Mentoring for Spiritual Growth. He also contributes to BRF’s New Daylight Bible reading notes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall’s Working from a Place of Rest is probably the book I have recommended more than any other to Christian friends and students, so I am delighted that this updated version is now available. Too many Christians involved in ministry and leadership, perhaps especially since the Covid pandemic, are overworked, stressed, and frankly exhausted. This book, based around Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4, invites us to stop and sit by the well with Jesus for a while, and to learn to incorporate into our lives a habit, even a discipline, of rest. Drawing on the living water we can then fulfil our callings through relying on God’s strength and resources, not our own. This book is a timely gift to Christian workers everywhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRosie Button, lecturer in Staff care and Wellbeing and New Testament at All Nations Christian College.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis book can help us discern what God wants us to say 'yes' to, and when to say 'no'; it can help us learn to build margin into our lives so that we work from a place of rest. How are you? Busy? If so, and especially if you do not have time to read books, then this is the book for you. \u003cstrong\u003eDr Debbie Hawker, InterHealth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am very happy to endorse the book. It came at a very timely moment for me as I was thinking about what it looks like to have a balanced life, and how we support others to avoid burnout. The new angle on the story of the Samaritan woman was of great encouragement and challenged me personally. It was good to be reminded about rhythms of life and it has provoked me to look again at how we create margin. \u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBecky Hembery, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHead of Mission Personnel Operations, BMS World Mission\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach online August 2023. Review by Ali Hull\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eTony Horsfall has been writing books to encourage Christians, particularly leaders, for many years, and this one is a revised and reissued version of a previous book. It is definitely worth a read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eHis main thesis is that Jesus models a different way of working, that is not only counter-cultural in the sense that it goes against the way the western world works, but it also goes against the way the church tends to act in the Western world as well. Because as far as idolising hard work and over-commitment is concerned, the church and the Western world tend to be in lockstep.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eIt doesn’t have to be like this.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eTaking the John 4 story of Jesus meeting the woman at the well as his foundation, Horsfall explores what made Jesus different, his security in his identity and his ability to say ‘No’ – there is even a list in the back of occasions when he did so! He points out that we tend to believe the Protestant work ethic is God-ordained, piling pressure upon pressure, either upon ourselves or each other. Our measure of success is ‘numerical growth’ which leads, he believes, to greater pressure on those who work for the big successful churches – both to ‘keep producing results’ and through an ‘unacknowledged perfectionism’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eBut at the well, Jesus stopped. He rested.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003eHe was tired and stopping was okay. Not only was it okay, it turned out to be fruitful. Stopping, says Horsfall, is a discipline – whether we want to do it or not, we need to intentionally build it into our lives, in order for our ministry to be sustainable. ‘As Christians,’ he writes, ‘we have a strong theology of work but virtually no theology of leisure’, and he sets out to reset the balance a little here, exploring what leisure does, the different types of leisure, and why it matters. But he goes beyond that, to point to a new way of working – allowing God to work in and through us, finding our security in him, leaving the results to him, and developing the spiritual disciplines necessary to integrate resting and working.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Ali Hull, book editor for Preach magazine.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost, September 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall is one of BRF’s most prolific writers and this book does not disappoint. First published in 2010, this revised version provides a thought-provoking exploration of one of the great encounters recorded in the Bible: Jesus’ meeting with the woman from Samaria.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaking as its starting point, Jesus’ need to have a rest after tiring walk, Tony Horsfall encourages all of us to ‘sit by the well’ for a while. He argues that Jesus used this rest not only for refreshment but to be the place from which his work would continue: on this occasion in the conversation he would have with the woman who came to collect water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt a time when burn out, exhaustion and other forms of physical and mental ill health are being experienced by many in church ministry and secular work environments, Horsfall warns against the ‘driven’ nature of many occupations and the often misjudged approaches by those who undertake them. ‘We are not machines; we are human beings,’ he writes. ‘We cannot keep producing the goods without respite. We need a break. We need to sit by the well.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book for its time. It is easy to read, and Horsfall’s writing draws out numerous points for us to reflect upon. Like threads in a tapestry, they serve to support the key theme of the book: working from a place of rest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost. A former mental health and employment specialist, Richard 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\/\"\u003ethree other books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMedia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA letter from a reader:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDear Tony\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm sure you get plenty of thank you emails. I simply wanted to add to them. Your books: Rhythms of Grace, Working from a Place of Rest, and Mentoring for Spiritual Growth are being used to redirect our ministry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn August last year, after six years of running our smallholding in Cornwall as a place of prayer and recovery from addiction, mental illness... we came very close to burnout. God stepped in, through a number of friends and supporting churches, and put us on a sabbatical break. Friends in Birmingham, who had been to one of your seminars, suggested we read your books. It's now my second time reading through them and my wife and I can feel God calling us back to his vision for this place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThank you for helping us get back on track.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Good Bookstall\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e- May 2010\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis slim book is a precious antidote to the overload excesses that corrode the heart and soul of all who serve Jesus. Tony Horsfall writes with great wisdom and warmth navigating core truths with great faithfulness and fresh insight!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe narrative of Jesus and the Samaritan woman are central to explorations offered.... I particularly treasured the clarity the author paints of how Jesus said, 'No' to people! Additionally the journey surrounding the cycle of grace offers real help. I would have loved more application, especially surrounding margins and boundaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreat book offered up by a wise guide!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by Johnny Douglas\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Working from a Place of Rest: Jesus and the key to sustaining ministry
£9.99
Exhaustion, burnout, tiredness, even breakdown... sadly, such conditions are all too common these days, not least among those involved in...
{"id":2439736492132,"title":"Whole Life, Whole Bible: 50 readings on living in the light of Scripture","handle":"whole-life-whole-bible-50-readings-on-living-in-the-light-of-scripture","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhere we spend most of our time - at home, at work, in the neighbourhood - matters to God and to his mission in and for the world. Far from restricting our faith to the 'personal' sphere, disengaged from everyday living, Scripture encourages us to take the Lord of life into the whole of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhole Life Whole Bible is written from the conviction that God's word illuminates every part of existence, enabling us to see differently and live differently - from Monday to Sunday, in public as well as in private. A walk through the unfolding story of the Bible in 50 readings and reflections shows how our lives are bound up with, and shaped by, God's plan to restore a broken universe. That big story forms our minds, fuels our imaginations and fashions our daily life and we live in God's world, in the light of God's word, wherever we are.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvides wonderful insights into the overarching story of the Bible and helps us consider how to live on the foundation of God's word.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Mark Meynell, Senior Associate Minister, All Souls, Langham Place, London \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePacks a powerful theological punch and will stretch and inspire your faith. A must for every whole-life disciple and disciplemaker!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Rachel Gardner, Director, Romance Academy \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeople can get lost in the Bible's structure - here are some exciting clues for joined-up Bible reading.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Greg Haslam, Pastor, Westminster Chapel, London \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAntony Billington, Margaret Killingray and Helen Parry work at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, which seeks to equip Christians and churches for the whole-life discipleship in today's world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLondon School of Theology Insight Magazine Vol 2 Issue 2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow do you create a good meal from the whole Bible in 50 readings? You take 7 parts of Genesis, 5 of Matthew, stir in sections from another 14 OT and 14 NT books and serve up with useful comments. Then you add the garnish of well thought out questions, which get the reader to apply the chosen passage to everyday life. While this tasty selection whets the palate of the individual reader, I think the book has even greater appeal for small group discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTake this question from reading 39 on the Day of Pentecost - 'If Acts 2 suggests that there is a prophethood of all believers then how should this encourage and challenge us?' There is a much richer and more satisfying meal when sharing collective wisdom about the way prophecy might work in church and society than simply trying to digest alone. Some of the tougher parts of the Bible have been put to one side as a little indigestible. A question arising from the call of Jeremiah in reading 20 asks to what extent are Christians called to challenge political rulers when God's laws are flouted? But reading 11 from Exodus is rather impressionistic in its comments on the law, so answering the question may need more detailed help from another source. Real enjoyment and enrichment is to be had from using this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy favourite teasing question among many comes from reading 42 on the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. 'Since the fruit of the Spirit appear to some to be more feminine than masculine virtues, where are courage, decisiveness, strength and discipline?' Now there's a brilliant small group discussion starter!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Mark Beaumont - Senior Lecturer in Islam and Mission, London School of Theology, and a council member of Arab World Ministries UK\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ele Bible.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Evangelicals Now - August 2012\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book consists of 50 short readings going through the unfolding story of the Bible with the aim of helping the reader to live in the light of God's word from Monday to Sunday, bringing biblical truths to bear on every aspect of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are questions at the end of each reading, typically two or three pages long, to help us consider what that might look like in practice in our lives and culture. Written with great warmth and clarity and without getting bogged down in too much detail, many helpful insights are packed into each short reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors' enthusiasm and passion for God's word clearly comes across, as does their conviction that when we see the sweep of Scripture through the gospel of Jesus it will have a huge impact on our whole lives. This is a great book for helping new Christians know how to read the Bible, get a handle on the big picture and see how it all fits together. It is also great for those who have been Christians much longer and who want to think seriously about how to live in the light of God's word. This is an excellent book which I have found hugely encouraging and inspiring. Since reading it, I have given several copies away as presents!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Andrea Trevenna, Associate for Women's Ministry at St. Nicholas Church, Sevenoaks, Kent\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Christianity Magazine - July 2012\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book, according to its foreword, is different. A risky assertion, but I tried to be open-minded. The 50 readings, which began life as a series of emails sent by the LICC, work through the Bible story from start to finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is well-written, aimed at established Christians, and examines how we can play our part in God's unfolding drama and allow him to work in all parts of our lives. For me its real strength lies in the questions for reflection: How do we keep our Christian identity in the workplace? Why do we struggle to deal with disappointment in church life?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm not sure how different it is. But as a thought-provoking read that challenges ordinary Christians to live extraordinary lives, it's very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom The Good Bookstall - May 2012\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI liked that this is such a little hand sized gem. The slimline size is needed, particularly in an era where people are reading from their phones and on their Kindles on the tube. I could just slip it into my handbag and read it easily when on a packed underground, but don't let the size fool you into thinking that this thought-provoking, almost self-help book is easy, or quick to browse!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I first started reading, it struck me that this book was written by somebody who really seemed to know their subject - and indeed, the author, Anthony Billington, is in fact Head of Theology for the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity. I loved that the writing was so theological, and so very sound. In fact, what really struck me was the sheer competence with which the author explored the Bible, from Genesis through to Revelation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the end of every chapter, there are carefully phrased questions under the heading 'for further reflection and action', which help take the reader through the relevant chapter. These questions also help the reader to relate the Biblical reading to the world around them, and they struck me as being potentially extremely valuable for Bible studies and church groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis serious little book encourages the reader on their Christian walk with various uplifting Bible verses; and on this point I will add that the book is aimed to pack serious punches. While perhaps \u003cem\u003eWhole Life, Whole Bible\u003c\/em\u003e is not for somebody looking specifically for a light-and-fluffy concoction, I think that any Christian will surely be more richly satisfied by taking a leaf out of this author's wise words.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Alice Collins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Dr Bex Lewis, St John's College, University of Durham \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurvey after survey in recent years - carried out with people in churches, leaders and non-leaders, as well as non-church people - has confirmed that there is an increasing lack of biblical literacy in the church, not only in society more generally. The surveys reveal that the vast majority of people in churches feel positive about the Bible and consider it to be a revelation from God, but fewer and fewer, it seems (even church leaders), are reading it for themselves. And when we do manage to read it, the surveys suggest, we're not always sure what to do with it. (pp25-26)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe London Institute of Christianity (LICC), set up by John Stott, seeks to encourage all Christians to be whole-life, whole-Bible disciples, breaking down the sacred-secular divide. This book, emerging from LICC's weekly 'Word for the Week' emails, which have reached up to 10,000 people a week since 2001, encourages \u003cstrong\u003eus to look at the whole Bible to get the bigger picture, the overarching narrative,\u003c\/strong\u003e rather than cherrypicking. We need the Bible to touch and transform our whole lives, affecting the world in which we live. Many seek quick answers to difficult issues, such as suffering, gender, etc. But those questions are better addressed, and more securely answered, when we have a larger framework in place\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving attended the transformative LICC Toolbox course, and having taken three years to read the Bible cover to cover, it's helpful to have a quicker overview. I was reading this section on a plane to Berlin as the map showed that we were flying over Bremen. Many history lessons means that bombing has shaped my thinking about that as a destination. As the plane came in to land over Berlin, I got an overview of the places that I was going to visit up close shortly, and this helped created my 'mental map of the destination', before I became absorbed in 'living' there.\u003cstrong\u003e This book is designed to offer a mental map to the whole story of the Bible. \u003c\/strong\u003eHow do we then ensure that we are partakers, and not spectators?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is designed for those who are already engaged in Bible reading, rather than those who have never picked up a Bible before, and encourages readers to continue afterwards to read other texts, hold up the author's interpretation up to challenge, and recognises that each individual will read something different into 'the story'. Reading alone is 'vital' but as they say:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReading with others helps to prevent privatized readings of the Bible and corrects some of the biases that we may bring to certain passages or topics. (p19)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs someone who is a bit of a butterfly brain, the book works for me, and it's designed to be read by all personality types - whether you like to study the maps before you jump in, or like to jump in at the deep end - the book works. It's not about a tick box exercise, but about \u003cstrong\u003eallowing the Word of God to 'reorder your existence'\u003c\/strong\u003e, so take your time reading the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a Media Studies Lecturer I'm always encouraging my students to understand that newspapers, films, etc. give us a lens through which we see the world, rather than objective fact. The Bible can give us a different worldview - through which we see God, the world and ourselves more clearly. \u003cstrong\u003eAs the Bible gets inside us, our thinking is transformed, and we begin to see things the way God sees them.\u003c\/strong\u003e Often we are encouraged to think that we must always read huge sections (I really struggled with the pressure to read the Bible in a year), but this book offers a series or short (and some longer) readings with which we can engage at our own pace: like a toffee that can be swallowed whole, or chewed over in a leisurely fashion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is written by three well-respected theologians with long term engagement with the LICC: Antony Billington, Margaret Killingray and Helen Parry, with a guest post by Mark Coffey, who I knew in my Manchester days.\u003cstrong\u003e It outlines the shape of the Bible in six words: Creation, Corruption, Covenant, Christ, Church, Consummation.\u003c\/strong\u003e They encourage us to consider \u003cem\u003ewhere\u003c\/em\u003e you read the Bible, that reading it in public spaces 'normalises' the Bible - allowing you to make connections with how it works in the everyday, not just with us, but with the people around us. They don't specifically mention digital spaces, but I like to think that those are included!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI read the book fairly fast, but would like to go back through, as suggested, and read a piece a week. The exercises offered in the text are a mix of further Bible readings, and practical thinking\/applications. As you'd expect, the thoughts and reflections engage us in the everyday (western) world in which we live. \u003cstrong\u003eTry it - it could transform your life!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:19:48+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:19:49+00:00","vendor":"Antony Billington","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","Jan-12","Kindle"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21768913059940,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857460172","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":16948117373080,"product_id":2439736492132,"position":1,"created_at":"2020-05-21T11:23:21+01:00","updated_at":"2020-05-21T11:23:27+01:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1524,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460172.jpg?v=1590056607","variant_ids":[21768913059940]},"available":true,"name":"Whole Life, Whole Bible: 50 readings on living in the light of Scripture - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":176,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857460172","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":9121967898776,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460172.jpg?v=1590056607"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460172.jpg?v=1590056607"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460172.jpg?v=1590056607","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":9121967898776,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460172.jpg?v=1590056607"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460172.jpg?v=1590056607","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eWhere we spend most of our time - at home, at work, in the neighbourhood - matters to God and to his mission in and for the world. Far from restricting our faith to the 'personal' sphere, disengaged from everyday living, Scripture encourages us to take the Lord of life into the whole of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhole Life Whole Bible is written from the conviction that God's word illuminates every part of existence, enabling us to see differently and live differently - from Monday to Sunday, in public as well as in private. A walk through the unfolding story of the Bible in 50 readings and reflections shows how our lives are bound up with, and shaped by, God's plan to restore a broken universe. That big story forms our minds, fuels our imaginations and fashions our daily life and we live in God's world, in the light of God's word, wherever we are.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvides wonderful insights into the overarching story of the Bible and helps us consider how to live on the foundation of God's word.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Mark Meynell, Senior Associate Minister, All Souls, Langham Place, London \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePacks a powerful theological punch and will stretch and inspire your faith. A must for every whole-life disciple and disciplemaker!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Rachel Gardner, Director, Romance Academy \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeople can get lost in the Bible's structure - here are some exciting clues for joined-up Bible reading.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Greg Haslam, Pastor, Westminster Chapel, London \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAntony Billington, Margaret Killingray and Helen Parry work at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, which seeks to equip Christians and churches for the whole-life discipleship in today's world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLondon School of Theology Insight Magazine Vol 2 Issue 2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow do you create a good meal from the whole Bible in 50 readings? You take 7 parts of Genesis, 5 of Matthew, stir in sections from another 14 OT and 14 NT books and serve up with useful comments. Then you add the garnish of well thought out questions, which get the reader to apply the chosen passage to everyday life. While this tasty selection whets the palate of the individual reader, I think the book has even greater appeal for small group discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTake this question from reading 39 on the Day of Pentecost - 'If Acts 2 suggests that there is a prophethood of all believers then how should this encourage and challenge us?' There is a much richer and more satisfying meal when sharing collective wisdom about the way prophecy might work in church and society than simply trying to digest alone. Some of the tougher parts of the Bible have been put to one side as a little indigestible. A question arising from the call of Jeremiah in reading 20 asks to what extent are Christians called to challenge political rulers when God's laws are flouted? But reading 11 from Exodus is rather impressionistic in its comments on the law, so answering the question may need more detailed help from another source. Real enjoyment and enrichment is to be had from using this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy favourite teasing question among many comes from reading 42 on the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. 'Since the fruit of the Spirit appear to some to be more feminine than masculine virtues, where are courage, decisiveness, strength and discipline?' Now there's a brilliant small group discussion starter!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Mark Beaumont - Senior Lecturer in Islam and Mission, London School of Theology, and a council member of Arab World Ministries UK\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ele Bible.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Evangelicals Now - August 2012\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book consists of 50 short readings going through the unfolding story of the Bible with the aim of helping the reader to live in the light of God's word from Monday to Sunday, bringing biblical truths to bear on every aspect of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are questions at the end of each reading, typically two or three pages long, to help us consider what that might look like in practice in our lives and culture. Written with great warmth and clarity and without getting bogged down in too much detail, many helpful insights are packed into each short reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors' enthusiasm and passion for God's word clearly comes across, as does their conviction that when we see the sweep of Scripture through the gospel of Jesus it will have a huge impact on our whole lives. This is a great book for helping new Christians know how to read the Bible, get a handle on the big picture and see how it all fits together. It is also great for those who have been Christians much longer and who want to think seriously about how to live in the light of God's word. This is an excellent book which I have found hugely encouraging and inspiring. Since reading it, I have given several copies away as presents!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Andrea Trevenna, Associate for Women's Ministry at St. Nicholas Church, Sevenoaks, Kent\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Christianity Magazine - July 2012\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book, according to its foreword, is different. A risky assertion, but I tried to be open-minded. The 50 readings, which began life as a series of emails sent by the LICC, work through the Bible story from start to finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is well-written, aimed at established Christians, and examines how we can play our part in God's unfolding drama and allow him to work in all parts of our lives. For me its real strength lies in the questions for reflection: How do we keep our Christian identity in the workplace? Why do we struggle to deal with disappointment in church life?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm not sure how different it is. But as a thought-provoking read that challenges ordinary Christians to live extraordinary lives, it's very good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom The Good Bookstall - May 2012\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI liked that this is such a little hand sized gem. The slimline size is needed, particularly in an era where people are reading from their phones and on their Kindles on the tube. I could just slip it into my handbag and read it easily when on a packed underground, but don't let the size fool you into thinking that this thought-provoking, almost self-help book is easy, or quick to browse!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I first started reading, it struck me that this book was written by somebody who really seemed to know their subject - and indeed, the author, Anthony Billington, is in fact Head of Theology for the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity. I loved that the writing was so theological, and so very sound. In fact, what really struck me was the sheer competence with which the author explored the Bible, from Genesis through to Revelation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the end of every chapter, there are carefully phrased questions under the heading 'for further reflection and action', which help take the reader through the relevant chapter. These questions also help the reader to relate the Biblical reading to the world around them, and they struck me as being potentially extremely valuable for Bible studies and church groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis serious little book encourages the reader on their Christian walk with various uplifting Bible verses; and on this point I will add that the book is aimed to pack serious punches. While perhaps \u003cem\u003eWhole Life, Whole Bible\u003c\/em\u003e is not for somebody looking specifically for a light-and-fluffy concoction, I think that any Christian will surely be more richly satisfied by taking a leaf out of this author's wise words.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Alice Collins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Dr Bex Lewis, St John's College, University of Durham \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurvey after survey in recent years - carried out with people in churches, leaders and non-leaders, as well as non-church people - has confirmed that there is an increasing lack of biblical literacy in the church, not only in society more generally. The surveys reveal that the vast majority of people in churches feel positive about the Bible and consider it to be a revelation from God, but fewer and fewer, it seems (even church leaders), are reading it for themselves. And when we do manage to read it, the surveys suggest, we're not always sure what to do with it. (pp25-26)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe London Institute of Christianity (LICC), set up by John Stott, seeks to encourage all Christians to be whole-life, whole-Bible disciples, breaking down the sacred-secular divide. This book, emerging from LICC's weekly 'Word for the Week' emails, which have reached up to 10,000 people a week since 2001, encourages \u003cstrong\u003eus to look at the whole Bible to get the bigger picture, the overarching narrative,\u003c\/strong\u003e rather than cherrypicking. We need the Bible to touch and transform our whole lives, affecting the world in which we live. Many seek quick answers to difficult issues, such as suffering, gender, etc. But those questions are better addressed, and more securely answered, when we have a larger framework in place\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving attended the transformative LICC Toolbox course, and having taken three years to read the Bible cover to cover, it's helpful to have a quicker overview. I was reading this section on a plane to Berlin as the map showed that we were flying over Bremen. Many history lessons means that bombing has shaped my thinking about that as a destination. As the plane came in to land over Berlin, I got an overview of the places that I was going to visit up close shortly, and this helped created my 'mental map of the destination', before I became absorbed in 'living' there.\u003cstrong\u003e This book is designed to offer a mental map to the whole story of the Bible. \u003c\/strong\u003eHow do we then ensure that we are partakers, and not spectators?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is designed for those who are already engaged in Bible reading, rather than those who have never picked up a Bible before, and encourages readers to continue afterwards to read other texts, hold up the author's interpretation up to challenge, and recognises that each individual will read something different into 'the story'. Reading alone is 'vital' but as they say:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReading with others helps to prevent privatized readings of the Bible and corrects some of the biases that we may bring to certain passages or topics. (p19)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs someone who is a bit of a butterfly brain, the book works for me, and it's designed to be read by all personality types - whether you like to study the maps before you jump in, or like to jump in at the deep end - the book works. It's not about a tick box exercise, but about \u003cstrong\u003eallowing the Word of God to 'reorder your existence'\u003c\/strong\u003e, so take your time reading the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a Media Studies Lecturer I'm always encouraging my students to understand that newspapers, films, etc. give us a lens through which we see the world, rather than objective fact. The Bible can give us a different worldview - through which we see God, the world and ourselves more clearly. \u003cstrong\u003eAs the Bible gets inside us, our thinking is transformed, and we begin to see things the way God sees them.\u003c\/strong\u003e Often we are encouraged to think that we must always read huge sections (I really struggled with the pressure to read the Bible in a year), but this book offers a series or short (and some longer) readings with which we can engage at our own pace: like a toffee that can be swallowed whole, or chewed over in a leisurely fashion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is written by three well-respected theologians with long term engagement with the LICC: Antony Billington, Margaret Killingray and Helen Parry, with a guest post by Mark Coffey, who I knew in my Manchester days.\u003cstrong\u003e It outlines the shape of the Bible in six words: Creation, Corruption, Covenant, Christ, Church, Consummation.\u003c\/strong\u003e They encourage us to consider \u003cem\u003ewhere\u003c\/em\u003e you read the Bible, that reading it in public spaces 'normalises' the Bible - allowing you to make connections with how it works in the everyday, not just with us, but with the people around us. They don't specifically mention digital spaces, but I like to think that those are included!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI read the book fairly fast, but would like to go back through, as suggested, and read a piece a week. The exercises offered in the text are a mix of further Bible readings, and practical thinking\/applications. As you'd expect, the thoughts and reflections engage us in the everyday (western) world in which we live. \u003cstrong\u003eTry it - it could transform your life!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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