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{"id":4853328380043,"title":"At Home in Advent: A domestic journey from Advent to Epiphany","handle":"at-home-in-advent-a-domestic-journey-from-advent-to-epiphany","description":"\u003cp\u003eFollowing on from the success of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/at-home-in-lent-an-exploration-of-lent-through-46-objects\"\u003eAt Home in Lent\u003c\/a\u003e, Gordon Giles takes a journey through Advent to Christmas and beyond in the company of familiar seasonal and domestic objects and experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFocusing on the everyday stuff we typically associate with this time of year, including some things not so festive, he reflects on their spiritual significance, meaning and message in today’s world. Beginning with chapters on journeying and travel, the book moves through major Advent themes of expectation, waiting, mortality and hope to the joy of incarnation and salvation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGordon Giles is Canon Chancellor of Rochester Cathedral. He is the author of several books, including \u003cem\u003eComings and Goings\u003c\/em\u003e (2015) and \u003cem\u003eAt Home in Lent\u003c\/em\u003e (2018).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdvent 2020 may turn out to be a journey of watching and waiting in unexpected ways. Gordon Giles’ timely reflections help turn these unexpected times into renewed expectation of the living God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRt Revd James Langstaff, Lord Bishop of Rochester and Bishop to HM Prisons\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/transformingministrymagazine.co.uk\/at-home-in-advent\/\"\u003eonline\u003c\/a\u003e November 2020. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book invites us to take Advent and the Christmas seasons seriously. By using a number of meditations based on commonplace articles like traffic lights, burglar alarms and even Christmas jumpers, Gordon Giles unlocks the meanings of the story that shapes the time of year. This is a well-written book, which includes prayers and practical actions for the reader to undertake during the month it is based around. These are challenging and helpful. He provides questions that can be used by home or other study groups. The book has a definite context, having been written during the tight lockdown of early2020, which makes it even more relevant. We have all become far more acquainted with our own houses, the commonplace, and a book that seeks to see the spiritual significance of this is therefore most valuable. The author tackles issues of expectation, waiting, mortality and hope as well as celebrating the joy of the incarnation and the salvation that Jesus brought. This is a first class read and a valuable aid for the Advent and Christmas seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePraise for At Home in Lent\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'It is a great idea and an easy read.' The Reader\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Well written and thought provoking, this really is a book for personal devotion which will enable us to make an unusual, though worthwhile, journey.' The Methodist Recorder\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'An amiable, slightly talkative companion.' Church Times\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-05-01T16:32:57+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-01T16:53:59+01:00","vendor":"Gordon Giles","type":"Paperback","tags":["Advent","Group reading","Kindle","Sep-20"],"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":33574915735691,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469809","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"At Home in Advent: A domestic journey from Advent to Epiphany","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":219,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469809","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469809.jpg?v=1588348441"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469809.jpg?v=1588348441","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":7669920694411,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469809.jpg?v=1588348441"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469809.jpg?v=1588348441","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eFollowing on from the success of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/at-home-in-lent-an-exploration-of-lent-through-46-objects\"\u003eAt Home in Lent\u003c\/a\u003e, Gordon Giles takes a journey through Advent to Christmas and beyond in the company of familiar seasonal and domestic objects and experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFocusing on the everyday stuff we typically associate with this time of year, including some things not so festive, he reflects on their spiritual significance, meaning and message in today’s world. Beginning with chapters on journeying and travel, the book moves through major Advent themes of expectation, waiting, mortality and hope to the joy of incarnation and salvation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGordon Giles is Canon Chancellor of Rochester Cathedral. He is the author of several books, including \u003cem\u003eComings and Goings\u003c\/em\u003e (2015) and \u003cem\u003eAt Home in Lent\u003c\/em\u003e (2018).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdvent 2020 may turn out to be a journey of watching and waiting in unexpected ways. Gordon Giles’ timely reflections help turn these unexpected times into renewed expectation of the living God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRt Revd James Langstaff, Lord Bishop of Rochester and Bishop to HM Prisons\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/transformingministrymagazine.co.uk\/at-home-in-advent\/\"\u003eonline\u003c\/a\u003e November 2020. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book invites us to take Advent and the Christmas seasons seriously. By using a number of meditations based on commonplace articles like traffic lights, burglar alarms and even Christmas jumpers, Gordon Giles unlocks the meanings of the story that shapes the time of year. This is a well-written book, which includes prayers and practical actions for the reader to undertake during the month it is based around. These are challenging and helpful. He provides questions that can be used by home or other study groups. The book has a definite context, having been written during the tight lockdown of early2020, which makes it even more relevant. We have all become far more acquainted with our own houses, the commonplace, and a book that seeks to see the spiritual significance of this is therefore most valuable. The author tackles issues of expectation, waiting, mortality and hope as well as celebrating the joy of the incarnation and the salvation that Jesus brought. This is a first class read and a valuable aid for the Advent and Christmas seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePraise for At Home in Lent\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'It is a great idea and an easy read.' The Reader\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Well written and thought provoking, this really is a book for personal devotion which will enable us to make an unusual, though worthwhile, journey.' The Methodist Recorder\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'An amiable, slightly talkative companion.' Church Times\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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At Home in Advent: A domestic journey from Advent to Epiphany
£8.99
Following on from the success of At Home in Lent, Gordon Giles takes a journey through Advent to Christmas and...
{"id":4853345976459,"title":"The Celtic Year: A rhythm of prayer and meditation for the eight points of the Celtic year","handle":"the-celtic-year-a-rhythm-of-prayer-and-meditation-for-the-eight-points-of-the-celtic-year","description":"\u003cp\u003e‘David Cole is a careful, wise and skilful writer and guide.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Revd Canon Professor James Woodward, Principal, Sarum College, Salisbury\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFollowing the ancient rhythm of the Celtic year, these prayers, meditations and liturgies will help you focus on the natural flow of life as it changes around you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on the eight points of the Celtic year – the four season changes, and the four midpoints of each season – and moving from winter to spring, summer and harvest, each of the eight sections includes a liturgy for a full service, a week of daily readings, guided contemplations and a selection of prayers and blessings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously a full-time church minister, David Cole is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader, an award-winning author and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is also the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the Celtic year and reconnecting with the cycles of the earth’s turning in relation to the sun, moon and seasons, David Cole provides a rich diet of biblically based daily devotions which will sustain, challenge and comfort all who follow them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfessor Ian Bradley, emeritus professor of cultural and spiritual history, University of St Andrews, and author of Following the Celtic Way\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCountless people have long been crying out for a book such as this. It is well researched, beautifully crafted, and will, I think, become a classic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRay Simpson, founding guardian of the International Community of Aidan and Hilda (aidanandhilda.org)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid has provided us with a beautifully crafted, richly resourced and easy-to-use worship book that will enable us to worship our God in tune with the seasons. I felt my heart lifted by the compelling blend of ancient stories of faith, enlivening scriptures, thoughtful reflections and earthy, yet heaven-touching, prayers and blessings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMichael Mitton, leader of international Celtic pilgrimages and author of Restoring the Woven Cord\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Celtic Year: A rhythm of prayer and meditation for the eight points of the Celtic year, \u003c\/em\u003eDavid Cole, Abingdon: 2020, 160 pp, £8.99, 9780857469687\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/transformingministrymagazine.co.uk\/the-celtic-year\/\"\u003eonline\u003c\/a\u003e November 2020. Review by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole is well known and respected for the books he has already produced on Celtic Advent, Celtic Saints and Celtic Lent. This new work focuses on the eight points of the Celtic year: the four seasons, and the midpoints of each season. Each of these sections contains an introduction, a liturgy, daily devotions and prayers and blessings. Perhaps, in these uncertain days, like our Celtic forebears, we need to connect more to the cycles of the year and appreciate the flow from samhain, or winter, to imbolc (spring) then to beltane or summer and, finally, lughnasa or lammas, which is autumn. Reading this book is an ideal way to do so, with meaningful and moving liturgies and daily devotions covering a theme for each day of the week, starting with creation on Mondays and leading us through incarnation, the Holy Spirit, community, the cross, the saints to the resurrection or new life. While this carefully researched book is of interest to all readers it is a wonderful resource for those taking services, like Forest Church, which reflect the Celtic tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIrish Methodist Newsletter, autumn 2020. Review by Stephen Skuce.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are people who pray, and one of our ongoing challenges is to find the ways and approaches to prayer that are most helpful to us to both meet with God and hear from God. Many find versions of how our Celtic forebears prayed to be increasingly helpful today, and this is where David Cole’s book comes in. It is an attempt to lay out a pattern or rhythm of prayer to assist us, using the Celtic year as the framework.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Celtic year isn’t really that much different to how we understand seasons today. It has a spring, summer, autumn and winter but with one increased emphasis. There are a further four points to the year that relate to the movement of the sun - the two solstices and two equinoxes. On each side of each of these four points there is either a waxing or waning. And so the Celtic year maps a little more overtly onto our usual understanding of the passage of time, which is of course focused on the movement of the earth around the sun in any case. An interesting little quirk is that the Celtic day started at dusk. We might find that strange, but it is the way our Jewish friends still orientate their sabbath and was the way of Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is split into 8 chapters with a chapter covering winter, a second chapter the winter solstice and so on through the seasons. Within each chapter there is a liturgy which could be used or adapted for a church service, a seven day rhythm of scripture, reflection and prayer with a short final section of appropriate prayers and blessings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Celtic Christianity the seven days of the week each had a focus. Monday is creation, Tuesday is incarnation, Wednesday is the Holy Spirit, Thursday is community, Friday is the cross, Saturday is the saints and Sunday is the resurrection and new life. Occasionally we misunderstand today what we mean regarding the saints. Today we see those who have gone before us as examples of faith and witness. We mine the life of the Wesley’s and so many others for examples to help us. We do the same with the Celtic heroes and heroines of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winter of 2020 into 2021 is one that will live long with us for the ongoing awfulness of the global pandemic. So I turn to a prayer for springtime to finish and like most Celtic prayers it is natural, realistic and observational. ‘God bless the earth that is beneath us, the growth that is around us, the spring that is before us, your image deep within us’ (p80).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Revd Dr Stephen Skuce, District Superintendent, the North Western district, the Methodist Church in Ireland\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-05-01T16:32:57+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-01T17:00:14+01:00","vendor":"David Cole","type":"Paperback","tags":["Celtic Christianity","Devotional","For individuals","Kindle","Prayer","Sep-20","Spirituality"],"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":33574966067339,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469687","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Celtic Year: A rhythm of prayer and meditation for the eight points of the Celtic year","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":165,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469687","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469687.jpg?v=1597143907"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469687.jpg?v=1597143907","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":10849066942616,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469687.jpg?v=1597143907"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469687.jpg?v=1597143907","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e‘David Cole is a careful, wise and skilful writer and guide.’\u003cbr\u003eThe Revd Canon Professor James Woodward, Principal, Sarum College, Salisbury\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFollowing the ancient rhythm of the Celtic year, these prayers, meditations and liturgies will help you focus on the natural flow of life as it changes around you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on the eight points of the Celtic year – the four season changes, and the four midpoints of each season – and moving from winter to spring, summer and harvest, each of the eight sections includes a liturgy for a full service, a week of daily readings, guided contemplations and a selection of prayers and blessings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously a full-time church minister, David Cole is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader, an award-winning author and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is also the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the Celtic year and reconnecting with the cycles of the earth’s turning in relation to the sun, moon and seasons, David Cole provides a rich diet of biblically based daily devotions which will sustain, challenge and comfort all who follow them.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProfessor Ian Bradley, emeritus professor of cultural and spiritual history, University of St Andrews, and author of Following the Celtic Way\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCountless people have long been crying out for a book such as this. It is well researched, beautifully crafted, and will, I think, become a classic.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRay Simpson, founding guardian of the International Community of Aidan and Hilda (aidanandhilda.org)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid has provided us with a beautifully crafted, richly resourced and easy-to-use worship book that will enable us to worship our God in tune with the seasons. I felt my heart lifted by the compelling blend of ancient stories of faith, enlivening scriptures, thoughtful reflections and earthy, yet heaven-touching, prayers and blessings.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMichael Mitton, leader of international Celtic pilgrimages and author of Restoring the Woven Cord\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Celtic Year: A rhythm of prayer and meditation for the eight points of the Celtic year, \u003c\/em\u003eDavid Cole, Abingdon: 2020, 160 pp, £8.99, 9780857469687\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/transformingministrymagazine.co.uk\/the-celtic-year\/\"\u003eonline\u003c\/a\u003e November 2020. Review by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole is well known and respected for the books he has already produced on Celtic Advent, Celtic Saints and Celtic Lent. This new work focuses on the eight points of the Celtic year: the four seasons, and the midpoints of each season. Each of these sections contains an introduction, a liturgy, daily devotions and prayers and blessings. Perhaps, in these uncertain days, like our Celtic forebears, we need to connect more to the cycles of the year and appreciate the flow from samhain, or winter, to imbolc (spring) then to beltane or summer and, finally, lughnasa or lammas, which is autumn. Reading this book is an ideal way to do so, with meaningful and moving liturgies and daily devotions covering a theme for each day of the week, starting with creation on Mondays and leading us through incarnation, the Holy Spirit, community, the cross, the saints to the resurrection or new life. While this carefully researched book is of interest to all readers it is a wonderful resource for those taking services, like Forest Church, which reflect the Celtic tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIrish Methodist Newsletter, autumn 2020. Review by Stephen Skuce.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are people who pray, and one of our ongoing challenges is to find the ways and approaches to prayer that are most helpful to us to both meet with God and hear from God. Many find versions of how our Celtic forebears prayed to be increasingly helpful today, and this is where David Cole’s book comes in. It is an attempt to lay out a pattern or rhythm of prayer to assist us, using the Celtic year as the framework.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Celtic year isn’t really that much different to how we understand seasons today. It has a spring, summer, autumn and winter but with one increased emphasis. There are a further four points to the year that relate to the movement of the sun - the two solstices and two equinoxes. On each side of each of these four points there is either a waxing or waning. And so the Celtic year maps a little more overtly onto our usual understanding of the passage of time, which is of course focused on the movement of the earth around the sun in any case. An interesting little quirk is that the Celtic day started at dusk. We might find that strange, but it is the way our Jewish friends still orientate their sabbath and was the way of Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is split into 8 chapters with a chapter covering winter, a second chapter the winter solstice and so on through the seasons. Within each chapter there is a liturgy which could be used or adapted for a church service, a seven day rhythm of scripture, reflection and prayer with a short final section of appropriate prayers and blessings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Celtic Christianity the seven days of the week each had a focus. Monday is creation, Tuesday is incarnation, Wednesday is the Holy Spirit, Thursday is community, Friday is the cross, Saturday is the saints and Sunday is the resurrection and new life. Occasionally we misunderstand today what we mean regarding the saints. Today we see those who have gone before us as examples of faith and witness. We mine the life of the Wesley’s and so many others for examples to help us. We do the same with the Celtic heroes and heroines of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winter of 2020 into 2021 is one that will live long with us for the ongoing awfulness of the global pandemic. So I turn to a prayer for springtime to finish and like most Celtic prayers it is natural, realistic and observational. ‘God bless the earth that is beneath us, the growth that is around us, the spring that is before us, your image deep within us’ (p80).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Revd Dr Stephen Skuce, District Superintendent, the North Western district, the Methodist Church in Ireland\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
The Celtic Year: A rhythm of prayer and meditation for the eight points of the Celtic year
£8.99
‘David Cole is a careful, wise and skilful writer and guide.’The Revd Canon Professor James Woodward, Principal, Sarum College, SalisburyFollowing...
{"id":4861579559051,"title":"Holy Habits: Following Jesus: Ideal for Lent and other times","handle":"holy-habits-following-jesus","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the Holy Habits through the life of Jesus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis resource provides seven weeks of material for church groups to use during Lent. Each session includes the printed Bible passage, a suggestion for a simple symbolic worship centre, music suggestions, reflection, poem, questions, prayer and take-home ideas. Additional material for Holy Week provides daily reflections that can be used as the basis of a gathered act of worship, or for personal devotion.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Roberts is a husband, father, minister, writer and speaker. He is the author of the book \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits\u003c\/em\u003e (Malcolm Down Publishing, 2016) and co-editor of the BRF Holy Habits resource booklets. He was previously director of training for Fresh Expressions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on his work with Holy Habits, Andrew Roberts has produced some creative resources here for one of the most poignant seasons of the Christian calendar, Lent and Holy Week. There are things to do as well as things to think about, all presented in ways that will enrich individual spirituality as well as offering ideas for group engagement.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Drane and Olive Fleming-Drane\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am delighted to commend \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e by Andrew Roberts — a resource which builds on his earlier book, Holy Habits, but which is designed for use by small groups, especially through Lent and Holy Week. The material is accessible, yet challenging; truly imaginative, yet genuinely simple. It supplements words with images, to enable disciples of Jesus to be formed afresh in the likeness of the One who is both the Word and Image of the Living God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was captivated when I read the book Holy Habits and so I am now delighted to commend \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e, Lent Course and Holy Week Resource. It is accessible, relevant, practical and most importantly will lead new disciples into a deeper understanding of following Jesus and more mature disciples into greater depth of faith. I warmly commend it to be used not only during the special season of Lent but indeed anytime.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Richard J Teal, President of the Methodist Conference 2020\/21\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis might look like a book, it is... but it is much more than that, it helps you to engage in an experience... This is a great resource for people to experience the Christian season of Lent and the events of Holy Week. It is about the real fundamentals of the Jesus story. Go ahead and discover the call to follow Jesus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTim Lea, Network Animator of Fresh Expressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs always, Andrew’s writings are spiritual in content, scriptural in basis and inspirational in outworking. \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e is a creative and practical resource to help is lean into Lent personally and as a group.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVal Mylechreest (Major), Divisional Commander, South London Division, Salvation Army\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat a lovely resource book! These outlines are straightforward and versatile, easy to use and adaptable for a variety of small group settings. Christ-centred and applicable to everyday discipleship, this is a great way to spend Lent refocussing on Jesus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLucy Moore, founder and team leader of Messy Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a post-Christendom context, Holy Habits is a timely reminder of the centrality of shared practices to growth in Christian discipleship and its working out in daily life and witness. The encouragement to take that journey further by exploring holy habits through the lens of Jesus’ life and passion is a welcome opportunity to deepen discipleship at a personal, small group and congregational level. I know a number of congregations which have been greatly blessed by Holy Habits and I commend this resource to you with the prayer that it may bless you.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Richard Andrew, Chair of the Darlington Methodist District\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis resource helpfully links Holy Habits to following Jesus Christ. The text is accessible and easy to follow. The focus is on helping readers to unpack the stories around Jesus with helpful questions for personal and group reflection. I commend this as an aid for deeper meditation and discipleship.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Inderjit Bhogal OBE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCongregationalism has it’s roots in the early church, so what a delight to continue the Holy Habit series with this reflective study for the most “powerful” time of the year! Easter. The take home ideas will help us in our everyday life, bringing hope and kindness to those we encounter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYvonne Campbell, General Secretary, Congregational Federation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e is a wonderful new resource from Andrew Roberts. The accessible and easy to use material provides inspiration and encouragement for anyone at any stage on their discipleship journey. Use it in Lent and Holy Week, or at another time, and find yourself drawn in more deeply into the adventure that is following Christ. I warmly commend it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrancis Brienen, Deputy General Secretary (Mission) of the United Reformed Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChurch Times 22.01.21 Lent Book round up by Philip Welsh\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoly Habits is not the latest range from Wippell’s, but a series of resources embodying ‘a fresh way of engaging communities with missional discipleship’, based on the ten key practices advocated in Acts 2 of ‘biblical teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer, sharing resources, serving, eating together, gladness and generosity, worship and making more disciples’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Roberts, its originator, and a former Fresh Expressions trainer, uses these habits of Christian living as a framework for weekly sessions in Lent and daily sessions in Holy Week, with suggestions for group worship and singing, a Bible passage, a simple reflection, and questions for conversation and for reflection. Not everyone will appreciate some of the rubrics for worship — ‘Cover a table with some coarse cloth, such as hessian. Scatter some stones and then add symbols’ — but there is much to be said for a course on the basics of Christian life which is light on text, uses non-verbal resources, and includes questions such as ‘About whom do you mutter?’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAimed at ‘those who are already following Jesus’, \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e would work naturally with an established house group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eReview by Philip Welsh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-05-04T14:33:40+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-04T14:35:45+01:00","vendor":"Andrew Roberts","type":"Paperback","tags":["Group reading","Holy Habits Bible Reflections","Holy Habits church handbooks","Holy Habits Group Studies","Kindle","Lent","Nov-20"],"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":34890040770712,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469946","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Holy Habits: Following Jesus: Ideal for Lent and other times - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":699,"weight":167,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469946","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469946.jpg?v=1596636502"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469946.jpg?v=1596636502","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":10723110813848,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469946.jpg?v=1596636502"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469946.jpg?v=1596636502","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the Holy Habits through the life of Jesus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis resource provides seven weeks of material for church groups to use during Lent. Each session includes the printed Bible passage, a suggestion for a simple symbolic worship centre, music suggestions, reflection, poem, questions, prayer and take-home ideas. Additional material for Holy Week provides daily reflections that can be used as the basis of a gathered act of worship, or for personal devotion.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Roberts is a husband, father, minister, writer and speaker. He is the author of the book \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits\u003c\/em\u003e (Malcolm Down Publishing, 2016) and co-editor of the BRF Holy Habits resource booklets. He was previously director of training for Fresh Expressions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on his work with Holy Habits, Andrew Roberts has produced some creative resources here for one of the most poignant seasons of the Christian calendar, Lent and Holy Week. There are things to do as well as things to think about, all presented in ways that will enrich individual spirituality as well as offering ideas for group engagement.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Drane and Olive Fleming-Drane\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am delighted to commend \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e by Andrew Roberts — a resource which builds on his earlier book, Holy Habits, but which is designed for use by small groups, especially through Lent and Holy Week. The material is accessible, yet challenging; truly imaginative, yet genuinely simple. It supplements words with images, to enable disciples of Jesus to be formed afresh in the likeness of the One who is both the Word and Image of the Living God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI was captivated when I read the book Holy Habits and so I am now delighted to commend \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e, Lent Course and Holy Week Resource. It is accessible, relevant, practical and most importantly will lead new disciples into a deeper understanding of following Jesus and more mature disciples into greater depth of faith. I warmly commend it to be used not only during the special season of Lent but indeed anytime.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Richard J Teal, President of the Methodist Conference 2020\/21\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis might look like a book, it is... but it is much more than that, it helps you to engage in an experience... This is a great resource for people to experience the Christian season of Lent and the events of Holy Week. It is about the real fundamentals of the Jesus story. Go ahead and discover the call to follow Jesus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTim Lea, Network Animator of Fresh Expressions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs always, Andrew’s writings are spiritual in content, scriptural in basis and inspirational in outworking. \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e is a creative and practical resource to help is lean into Lent personally and as a group.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVal Mylechreest (Major), Divisional Commander, South London Division, Salvation Army\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat a lovely resource book! These outlines are straightforward and versatile, easy to use and adaptable for a variety of small group settings. Christ-centred and applicable to everyday discipleship, this is a great way to spend Lent refocussing on Jesus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLucy Moore, founder and team leader of Messy Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a post-Christendom context, Holy Habits is a timely reminder of the centrality of shared practices to growth in Christian discipleship and its working out in daily life and witness. The encouragement to take that journey further by exploring holy habits through the lens of Jesus’ life and passion is a welcome opportunity to deepen discipleship at a personal, small group and congregational level. I know a number of congregations which have been greatly blessed by Holy Habits and I commend this resource to you with the prayer that it may bless you.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Richard Andrew, Chair of the Darlington Methodist District\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis resource helpfully links Holy Habits to following Jesus Christ. The text is accessible and easy to follow. The focus is on helping readers to unpack the stories around Jesus with helpful questions for personal and group reflection. I commend this as an aid for deeper meditation and discipleship.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Inderjit Bhogal OBE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCongregationalism has it’s roots in the early church, so what a delight to continue the Holy Habit series with this reflective study for the most “powerful” time of the year! Easter. The take home ideas will help us in our everyday life, bringing hope and kindness to those we encounter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYvonne Campbell, General Secretary, Congregational Federation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e is a wonderful new resource from Andrew Roberts. The accessible and easy to use material provides inspiration and encouragement for anyone at any stage on their discipleship journey. Use it in Lent and Holy Week, or at another time, and find yourself drawn in more deeply into the adventure that is following Christ. I warmly commend it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrancis Brienen, Deputy General Secretary (Mission) of the United Reformed Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChurch Times 22.01.21 Lent Book round up by Philip Welsh\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoly Habits is not the latest range from Wippell’s, but a series of resources embodying ‘a fresh way of engaging communities with missional discipleship’, based on the ten key practices advocated in Acts 2 of ‘biblical teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer, sharing resources, serving, eating together, gladness and generosity, worship and making more disciples’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Roberts, its originator, and a former Fresh Expressions trainer, uses these habits of Christian living as a framework for weekly sessions in Lent and daily sessions in Holy Week, with suggestions for group worship and singing, a Bible passage, a simple reflection, and questions for conversation and for reflection. Not everyone will appreciate some of the rubrics for worship — ‘Cover a table with some coarse cloth, such as hessian. Scatter some stones and then add symbols’ — but there is much to be said for a course on the basics of Christian life which is light on text, uses non-verbal resources, and includes questions such as ‘About whom do you mutter?’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAimed at ‘those who are already following Jesus’, \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits: Following Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e would work naturally with an established house group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eReview by Philip Welsh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Holy Habits: Following Jesus: Ideal for Lent and other times
£6.99
Explore the Holy Habits through the life of Jesus.This resource provides seven weeks of material for church groups to use...
{"id":4861586342027,"title":"Opening Our Lives: Devotional readings for Lent","handle":"opening-our-lives","description":"\u003cp\u003eLent is not about giving up or taking up, but a radical opening up: the opening up of our lives to God’s transformative kingdom.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat is the challenge Trystan Owain Hughes sets in Opening Our Lives. Through practical daily devotions he calls on us to open our eyes to God’s presence, our ears to his call, our hearts to his love, our ways to his will, our actions to his compassion and our pain to his peace.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrystan Owain Hughes is Tutor in Applied Theology at St Padarn’s Institute, Cardiff and priest-in-charge of Christ Church, Roath Park, Cardiff. He is particularly interested in making theology and spirituality relevant and he has written, among other books, \u003cem\u003eReal God in the Real World\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eLiving the Prayer\u003c\/em\u003e for BRF. Trystan has also been a regular contributor to BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4, is an honorary senior lecturer at Cardiff University, and is Canon Theologian at Llandaff Cathedral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Trystan Owain Hughes offers material for each day of Lent through to Easter, drawing on literature, theology, scripture and easily appreciated events from his own daily life and the lives of others. The breadth of some of the sources upon which he draws is nor more evident than in the book’s bibliography. I thank him for the work which he has done to provide such an accessible, stimulating, and refreshing resource.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Davies, archbishop of Wales\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Using a rich blend of story, insight and commentary, Trystan guides us on a Lenten journey of grace. As he encourages us to open ourselves to God and his loving kingdom, he gently challenges us to yield to the One who loves us. Sign up to the journey – you won’t regret it!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher Pye, author of The Living Cross\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘These rich, accessible reflections are full of stories, insight, humour and wisdom that will enable you to truly open your eyes and heart to what God is doing around you as you explore the strange gifts that the disciplines of Lent brings.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGraham Tomlin, bishop of Kensington\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, digital edition 2. Review by Laura Hillier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a year of unwanted restrictions imposed on all our lives by the pandemic this book, subtitled \u003cem\u003eDevotional Readings for Lent\u003c\/em\u003e, will provide a welcome tonic. A Bible passage from the Old or New Testament for each day of Lent is followed by the author’s reflections with suggestions for ways to open up our lives to the leading of God’s Spirit. Each week has an overall theme as we are invited to open our eyes, ears, hearts, ways, actions, pain and finally our world to the power of hope. As we contemplate the world around us the author gently leads us to see the commonplace through God’s eyes so that the mundane is transformed into moments of goodness, truth and beauty. Active waiting in stillness and silence leads on to actions grounded in wisdom, peace and love. This is an immensely readable book enlivened with the author’s reminiscences and enriched with references to a wide variety of spiritual writers. Written with passing references to Covid, the wisdom and insight in this book should outlast the current situation and prove a valuable resource, not only for Lent. The book concludes with suggestions for its use in small group discussions, even though this year these might be online rather than in person.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillier \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 22.01.21 Lent book round up by Philip Welsh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eOpening Our Lives\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is organised around the conviction that Lent is not just a time to give up or to take up, but to open up. Trystan Owain Hughes provides for each day a short Bible passage, a personal reflection and a simple suggestion for prayer or meditation. These form a weekly series illustrating different dimensions of opening our lives: to God’s presence, his call, his love, his will, his compassion, and his peace and hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRanging widely within his controlling metaphor, his commentary is highly anecdotal and largely personal, often drawing on his family life and upbringing in Wales, frequently introducing other Christian thinkers, but always linked to the Bible passage. This makes for easy, attractive, and thought-provoking reading, and it comes as no surprise that the author is a regular radio contributor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOpening Our Lives\u003c\/em\u003e is not for those looking for Bible study or theological exploration, or resistant to hearing about the author’s children or bad back. But if you want to spend a few minutes each day reading the Bible in company with a thoughtful, amiable, and mildly garrulous Welshman, this might be just the thing. There are well-judged questions for group use.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2021-04-14T10:36:39+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-04T14:39:58+01:00","vendor":"Trystan Owain Hughes","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","Kindle","Lent","Nov-20"],"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":34889865920664,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468826","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Opening Our Lives: Devotional readings for Lent - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":217,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468826","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468826.jpg?v=1588599599"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468826.jpg?v=1588599599","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":7711791284363,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468826.jpg?v=1588599599"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468826.jpg?v=1588599599","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eLent is not about giving up or taking up, but a radical opening up: the opening up of our lives to God’s transformative kingdom.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat is the challenge Trystan Owain Hughes sets in Opening Our Lives. Through practical daily devotions he calls on us to open our eyes to God’s presence, our ears to his call, our hearts to his love, our ways to his will, our actions to his compassion and our pain to his peace.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrystan Owain Hughes is Tutor in Applied Theology at St Padarn’s Institute, Cardiff and priest-in-charge of Christ Church, Roath Park, Cardiff. He is particularly interested in making theology and spirituality relevant and he has written, among other books, \u003cem\u003eReal God in the Real World\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eLiving the Prayer\u003c\/em\u003e for BRF. Trystan has also been a regular contributor to BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4, is an honorary senior lecturer at Cardiff University, and is Canon Theologian at Llandaff Cathedral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Trystan Owain Hughes offers material for each day of Lent through to Easter, drawing on literature, theology, scripture and easily appreciated events from his own daily life and the lives of others. The breadth of some of the sources upon which he draws is nor more evident than in the book’s bibliography. I thank him for the work which he has done to provide such an accessible, stimulating, and refreshing resource.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Davies, archbishop of Wales\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Using a rich blend of story, insight and commentary, Trystan guides us on a Lenten journey of grace. As he encourages us to open ourselves to God and his loving kingdom, he gently challenges us to yield to the One who loves us. Sign up to the journey – you won’t regret it!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher Pye, author of The Living Cross\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘These rich, accessible reflections are full of stories, insight, humour and wisdom that will enable you to truly open your eyes and heart to what God is doing around you as you explore the strange gifts that the disciplines of Lent brings.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGraham Tomlin, bishop of Kensington\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, digital edition 2. Review by Laura Hillier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a year of unwanted restrictions imposed on all our lives by the pandemic this book, subtitled \u003cem\u003eDevotional Readings for Lent\u003c\/em\u003e, will provide a welcome tonic. A Bible passage from the Old or New Testament for each day of Lent is followed by the author’s reflections with suggestions for ways to open up our lives to the leading of God’s Spirit. Each week has an overall theme as we are invited to open our eyes, ears, hearts, ways, actions, pain and finally our world to the power of hope. As we contemplate the world around us the author gently leads us to see the commonplace through God’s eyes so that the mundane is transformed into moments of goodness, truth and beauty. Active waiting in stillness and silence leads on to actions grounded in wisdom, peace and love. This is an immensely readable book enlivened with the author’s reminiscences and enriched with references to a wide variety of spiritual writers. Written with passing references to Covid, the wisdom and insight in this book should outlast the current situation and prove a valuable resource, not only for Lent. The book concludes with suggestions for its use in small group discussions, even though this year these might be online rather than in person.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillier \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 22.01.21 Lent book round up by Philip Welsh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eOpening Our Lives\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is organised around the conviction that Lent is not just a time to give up or to take up, but to open up. Trystan Owain Hughes provides for each day a short Bible passage, a personal reflection and a simple suggestion for prayer or meditation. These form a weekly series illustrating different dimensions of opening our lives: to God’s presence, his call, his love, his will, his compassion, and his peace and hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRanging widely within his controlling metaphor, his commentary is highly anecdotal and largely personal, often drawing on his family life and upbringing in Wales, frequently introducing other Christian thinkers, but always linked to the Bible passage. This makes for easy, attractive, and thought-provoking reading, and it comes as no surprise that the author is a regular radio contributor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOpening Our Lives\u003c\/em\u003e is not for those looking for Bible study or theological exploration, or resistant to hearing about the author’s children or bad back. But if you want to spend a few minutes each day reading the Bible in company with a thoughtful, amiable, and mildly garrulous Welshman, this might be just the thing. There are well-judged questions for group use.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Opening Our Lives: Devotional readings for Lent
£8.99
Lent is not about giving up or taking up, but a radical opening up: the opening up of our lives...
{"id":4853391294603,"title":"Journeying through Advent with New Daylight: Daily Bible readings and group study material","handle":"journeying-through-advent-with-new-daylight-daily-bible-readings-and-group-study-material","description":"\u003cp\u003eFive weeks of Advent material for church groups and individuals, offering themed reflections by well-loved contributors from the New Daylight archive alongside specially written questions for group discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeek 1: The Advent antiphons – David Winter\u003cbr\u003eWeek 2: 2 and 3 John – Steve Aisthorpe\u003cbr\u003eWeek 3: Light in the darkness – Amy Boucher Pye\u003cbr\u003eWeek 4: Word incarnate: John 1:1–18 – Andy John\u003cbr\u003eWeek 5: Psalms of hope – Margaret Cundiff\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith an introduction by New Daylight editor Sally Welch.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch is the editor of BRF's New Daylight Bible reading notes. She is Vicar of Charlbury with Shorthampton and Area Dean of Chipping Norton in the Diocese of Oxford. A writer and lecturer on spirituality, she is particularly interested in pilgrimage and labyrinth and has made many pilgrimages both in England and Europe.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-05-04T14:33:40+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-01T17:13:21+01:00","vendor":"Sally Welch","type":"Paperback","tags":["Advent","Group reading","New Daylight","Sep-20"],"price":299,"price_min":299,"price_max":299,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":33575118340235,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469670","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"Journeying through Advent with New Daylight: Daily Bible readings and group study material","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":299,"weight":90,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469670","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469670.jpg?v=1588600163"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469670.jpg?v=1588600163","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":7711886114955,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.718,"height":1392,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469670.jpg?v=1588600163"},"aspect_ratio":0.718,"height":1392,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469670.jpg?v=1588600163","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eFive weeks of Advent material for church groups and individuals, offering themed reflections by well-loved contributors from the New Daylight archive alongside specially written questions for group discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeek 1: The Advent antiphons – David Winter\u003cbr\u003eWeek 2: 2 and 3 John – Steve Aisthorpe\u003cbr\u003eWeek 3: Light in the darkness – Amy Boucher Pye\u003cbr\u003eWeek 4: Word incarnate: John 1:1–18 – Andy John\u003cbr\u003eWeek 5: Psalms of hope – Margaret Cundiff\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith an introduction by New Daylight editor Sally Welch.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch is the editor of BRF's New Daylight Bible reading notes. She is Vicar of Charlbury with Shorthampton and Area Dean of Chipping Norton in the Diocese of Oxford. A writer and lecturer on spirituality, she is particularly interested in pilgrimage and labyrinth and has made many pilgrimages both in England and Europe.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Journeying through Advent with New Daylight: Daily Bible readings and group study material
Out of Stock
Five weeks of Advent material for church groups and individuals, offering themed reflections by well-loved contributors from the New Daylight...
Out of Stock
{"id":4853409153163,"title":"Seven Sacred Spaces: Portals to deeper community life in Christ","handle":"seven-sacred-spaces-portals-to-deeper-community-life-in-christ","description":"\u003cp\u003eToo often people’s understanding of and engagement with ‘church’ is reduced to corporate worship, when it is so much more. George Lings identifies seven characteristic elements in Christian communities through the ages, which when held in balance enable a richer expression of discipleship, mission and community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the monastic tradition these elements have distinctive locations: cell (being alone with God), chapel (corporate public worship), chapter (making decisions), cloister (planned and surprising meetings), garden (the place of work), refectory (food and hospitality) and scriptorium (study and passing on knowledge). Through this lens George Lings explores how these seven elements relate to our individual and communal walk with God, hold good for church and family life, and appear in wider society.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHear more from George Lings in an interview with Fresh Expressions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe style=\"border: none; overflow: hidden;\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffreshexpression%2Fvideos%2F980536085782965%2F\u0026amp;show_text=0\u0026amp;width=560\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowtransparency=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCanon Dr George Lings has been a banker, student, vicar, writer, mentor and researcher. From 1997 to 2017 he led Church Army’s Research Unit specialising in fresh expressions of church and gaining a PhD. In 2017 he was awarded the Canterbury Cross for outstanding service to the Church of England. He now serves as a companion of Northumbria Community, vice-president of The Bible Reading Fellowship and consultant to a number of individuals and dioceses.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn weaving together ancient monastic wisdom, fresh insights from contemporary developments and the author’s rich experiences of the adventure of faith, Seven Sacred Spaces provides a valuable, timely and practical resource for all on the Jesus Way.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSteve Aisthorpe, author of The Invisible Church and mission development worker for the Church of Scotland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book is knowledgeable, quirky and inspirational. The seven sacred spaces are drawn from their monastic roots to provide a framework for discipleship, Christian community and wider human well-being. As someone who has long inhabited the seven sacred spaces in his own discipleship, George Lings enthuses about their potential, illustrating it from the experience of a variety of contemporary expressions of church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSally Gaze, archdeacon for rural mission and leader of the Lightwave Community, Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGeorge Lings is a radical, one who believes that we should explore the deep roots of faith if we are to live well. Seven Sacred Spaces distils the wisdom of decades of looking, listening, reflecting. Read it if you want to be a deep-rooted Christian today. I recommend it very, very highly.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Bayes, Bishop of Liverpool\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHere we are presented with the challenging proposal that the rhythm of monastic life with its seven sacred spaces – refectory, cell, scriptorium, chapel, garden, cloister and chapter – does not need to be confined to the monastery. Rather it can shape and enrich the lives of men and women of all ages and in all states of life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSister Frances Dominica OBE, DL, founder of the first children’s hospice, Helen House\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book drew me into a world of monastic spaces and monastic practices. Exploring these seven spaces, with current and historic examples, helped me to reflect on the value of these distinctive modes and ways of being church. I highly recommend Seven Sacred Spaces to those who are interested in finding out more about monasticism and those imagining how church can develop alongside and beyond the Sunday service. It has certainly helped me to imagine how these spaces and practices could enhance discipleship, community and mission within my own context of a suburban parish church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Beth Keith, Associate Vicar, All Saints Ecclesall Sheffield\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGeorge Lings is as perceptive and prophetic as ever, as he explores what the ancient idea of the seven sacred spaces means for us today. Much of this exploration comes out of George’s own experience and is all the richer for this. Whether you are thinking about your own life or your church community, this book is worth reading. There is a wealth of practical experience in this book which can bring change and transformation for you and your church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dave Male, director of evangelism and discipleship, Church of England\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn his typical thorough, imaginative and fair way, George Lings explores some essential disciplines from the ancient life and witness of the monastery, and he demonstrates how a grasp of these can radically affect how we live and witness for Christ in today’s culture. Anyone reading this will be inspired and challenged by reading George’s fascinating study of each of these sacred spaces.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon Michael Mitton, writer, speaker, spiritual director, and canon emeritus at Derby Cathedral\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur church and other ecclesial physical spaces are a crucial resource that we are once again beginning to value in our increasingly post-secular, post-Christendom context. I unreservedly recommend this book that draws on the story and purposes of Christians committed to radical community and Christian discipleship to reimagine church and church buildings for the reality of mission and ministry for today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIan Mobsby, assistant dean for fresh expressions in the Diocese of Southwark, guardian of the New Monastic Society of the Holy Trinity, and interim pioneer rector at Christ Church Southwark\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-05-01T16:32:57+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-01T17:19:13+01:00","vendor":"George Lings","type":"Paperback","tags":["Group reading","Kindle","Leadership","Sep-20","Spirituality"],"price":1099,"price_min":1099,"price_max":1099,"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":33575180533899,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469342","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Seven Sacred Spaces: Portals to deeper community life in Christ","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1099,"weight":260,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469342","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469342.jpg?v=1588349955"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469342.jpg?v=1588349955","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":7670218981515,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469342.jpg?v=1588349955"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469342.jpg?v=1588349955","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eToo often people’s understanding of and engagement with ‘church’ is reduced to corporate worship, when it is so much more. George Lings identifies seven characteristic elements in Christian communities through the ages, which when held in balance enable a richer expression of discipleship, mission and community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the monastic tradition these elements have distinctive locations: cell (being alone with God), chapel (corporate public worship), chapter (making decisions), cloister (planned and surprising meetings), garden (the place of work), refectory (food and hospitality) and scriptorium (study and passing on knowledge). Through this lens George Lings explores how these seven elements relate to our individual and communal walk with God, hold good for church and family life, and appear in wider society.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHear more from George Lings in an interview with Fresh Expressions:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe style=\"border: none; overflow: hidden;\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ffreshexpression%2Fvideos%2F980536085782965%2F\u0026amp;show_text=0\u0026amp;width=560\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowtransparency=\"true\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCanon Dr George Lings has been a banker, student, vicar, writer, mentor and researcher. From 1997 to 2017 he led Church Army’s Research Unit specialising in fresh expressions of church and gaining a PhD. In 2017 he was awarded the Canterbury Cross for outstanding service to the Church of England. He now serves as a companion of Northumbria Community, vice-president of The Bible Reading Fellowship and consultant to a number of individuals and dioceses.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn weaving together ancient monastic wisdom, fresh insights from contemporary developments and the author’s rich experiences of the adventure of faith, Seven Sacred Spaces provides a valuable, timely and practical resource for all on the Jesus Way.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSteve Aisthorpe, author of The Invisible Church and mission development worker for the Church of Scotland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book is knowledgeable, quirky and inspirational. The seven sacred spaces are drawn from their monastic roots to provide a framework for discipleship, Christian community and wider human well-being. As someone who has long inhabited the seven sacred spaces in his own discipleship, George Lings enthuses about their potential, illustrating it from the experience of a variety of contemporary expressions of church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSally Gaze, archdeacon for rural mission and leader of the Lightwave Community, Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGeorge Lings is a radical, one who believes that we should explore the deep roots of faith if we are to live well. Seven Sacred Spaces distils the wisdom of decades of looking, listening, reflecting. Read it if you want to be a deep-rooted Christian today. I recommend it very, very highly.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Bayes, Bishop of Liverpool\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHere we are presented with the challenging proposal that the rhythm of monastic life with its seven sacred spaces – refectory, cell, scriptorium, chapel, garden, cloister and chapter – does not need to be confined to the monastery. Rather it can shape and enrich the lives of men and women of all ages and in all states of life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSister Frances Dominica OBE, DL, founder of the first children’s hospice, Helen House\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book drew me into a world of monastic spaces and monastic practices. Exploring these seven spaces, with current and historic examples, helped me to reflect on the value of these distinctive modes and ways of being church. I highly recommend Seven Sacred Spaces to those who are interested in finding out more about monasticism and those imagining how church can develop alongside and beyond the Sunday service. It has certainly helped me to imagine how these spaces and practices could enhance discipleship, community and mission within my own context of a suburban parish church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Beth Keith, Associate Vicar, All Saints Ecclesall Sheffield\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGeorge Lings is as perceptive and prophetic as ever, as he explores what the ancient idea of the seven sacred spaces means for us today. Much of this exploration comes out of George’s own experience and is all the richer for this. Whether you are thinking about your own life or your church community, this book is worth reading. There is a wealth of practical experience in this book which can bring change and transformation for you and your church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dave Male, director of evangelism and discipleship, Church of England\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn his typical thorough, imaginative and fair way, George Lings explores some essential disciplines from the ancient life and witness of the monastery, and he demonstrates how a grasp of these can radically affect how we live and witness for Christ in today’s culture. Anyone reading this will be inspired and challenged by reading George’s fascinating study of each of these sacred spaces.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanon Michael Mitton, writer, speaker, spiritual director, and canon emeritus at Derby Cathedral\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur church and other ecclesial physical spaces are a crucial resource that we are once again beginning to value in our increasingly post-secular, post-Christendom context. I unreservedly recommend this book that draws on the story and purposes of Christians committed to radical community and Christian discipleship to reimagine church and church buildings for the reality of mission and ministry for today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIan Mobsby, assistant dean for fresh expressions in the Diocese of Southwark, guardian of the New Monastic Society of the Holy Trinity, and interim pioneer rector at Christ Church Southwark\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Seven Sacred Spaces: Portals to deeper community life in Christ
£10.99
Too often people’s understanding of and engagement with ‘church’ is reduced to corporate worship, when it is so much more....
{"id":4163033366667,"title":"Franciscan Footprints: Following Christ in the ways of Francis and Clare","handle":"franciscan-footprints-following-christ-in-the-ways-of-francis-and-clare","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are many ways of following Christ – each footprint is unique. One of these, the Franciscan spiritual journey, has been tried and tested over the centuries, and the experiences of St Francis and St Clare and all those who have been inspired by their lives still resonate with us. Helen Julian CSF explores the distinctive features of their spirituality and shows how these practices can be applied to, and become part of, our daily lives.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThrough stories of care for creation, social justice, mission, preaching, contemplative spirituality and simple living, discover your own pathway today.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHelen Julian CSF is an Anglican Franciscan sister and a priest, currently serving her community as Minister General. She has written three books for BRF and is a contributor to BRF’s New Daylight Bible reading notes and 'Fellowship' Holy Habits Bible Reflections and Group Studies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Helen Julian's blog about the writing of this book click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/franciscan-footprints-following-christ-in-the-ways-of-francis-and-clare-helen-julian-csf-tells-the-story-of-her-new-book-for-brf\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Sr Maranu Gascoigne, Tau, the journal of the Third Order Society of St Francis, Province of the Pacific (November 2021)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn memory of Sr. Helen Julian with whom I was a novice in CSF for several years I purchased a copy on my kindle and now wished I had a hard copy that I could hand on…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat is the kind of book she has written. You will want everyone who is a friend of Francis and Clare, a follower of SSF\/CSF\/TSSF \/Community of St. Clare \/FI (Franciscans International) to read it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is first and foremost an historical document. Helen’s detective approach and eye for detail throughout brings to life the followers of Francis and Clare tracing the stories of not only our Founders but also thinkers, mystics, martyrs, missionaries and those whose passion was for social justice. Many of whom found a home within the Third Order. She propels us forward with her inclusion of FI (Franciscan International). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaybe I am biased since I can almost hear Helen Julian reading it to me, her nuances, intonations and occasional rye giggle captures her spirit and dedication to CSF over 3 decades.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHelen Julian gifts us a legacy, what is clearly our whakapapa, a road map of where we have come from. By way of invitation she offers us a beautiful question on page 15, ‘what is yours to do’? So succinctly are a series of questions at the end of each chapter and a source for all of us to sit in prayer with. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI hope that we here in TSSF Aotearoa gift everyone who enquires a copy of this book (happy to fund it!). It is jam packed with Bibliography for further reading. A comprehensive section of websites and a complete index of all the Franciscans that she has named in the book. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOver recent months I have heard a similar phrase used, 'what is ours to do?' and I am honouring Sr. Helen Julian who may have been the inspiration to this ‘credo’ that we as TSSF Aotearoa have so identified with. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDon’t buy one copy buy at least two!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Maranu Gascoigne \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFairacres Chronicle Summer 2020. Review by John-Francis Friendship\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e This is a book about people whose lives were inspired by these two saints of Assisi. Through simple stories of martyrs and mystics, missionaries and thinkers, writers and others involved in pastoral care and social justice, Sr Helen Julian offers a series of compellingly-written and moving biographies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom thirteenth-century Italians to twentieth-century Congolese she weaves a rich and diverse tapestry of friars, sisters and Poor Clares, members of religious congregations, housewives and priests—mostly Roman Catholic but also Anglican—saints and ‘ordinary’ Christians. Some well-known, others less so; some have straddled the pages of history, others have remained hidden to all but a few. Christian heroes great and small whose lives will inspire you and leave you with the lingering taste of heaven.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn providing us with short accounts of lives inspired by Christ and the two saints of Assisi, Sr Helen Julian invites us to do what Clare advised her own sister, St Agnes: ‘Place your mind before the mirror of eternity! Place your soul in the brilliance of glory! And transform your entire being into the image of the Godhead Itself through contemplation.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Fr John-Francis Friendship\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2021. Review by Liz Pacey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled ‘Following Christ in the ways of Francis and Clare’, the main protagonists are of course these two founders of Franciscan spirituality. Much more than this, the book covers a breadth of experience down the years and across all walks of human life. Each chapter brings us examples lived out from the 13th century to modern times: the lives of mystics, martyrs, missionaries and many more. Each chapter ends with questions, causing us not only to reflect on the ways and situations of these holy people, but equally importantly on our own. The final chapter is titled ‘The witness of life: simply living’. Here are the ordinary people. Any lingering doubts we may have had about where we could fit in are dispelled. This is a truly inspirational book on many levels. We see so many times where a life truly devoted to God, and given the right encouragement on the way, can lead. And through it all we have the words of Francis himself in our heads. The importance of discerning and carrying out in our lives: ‘May Christ teach you what is yours (to do)’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eReview by Liz Pacey\u003c\/i\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times, 18 September 2020. Review by Lavinia Byrne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe subtitle sets the tone of this judicious little book. It makes clear that these accounts of the saints’ lives and those of their many followers are about following Christ, not imitating the founders’ personal sanctity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEighty-eight of these individual followers are listed in the index, and that is before the reader even makes contact with the founding charism through the inspiration of the religious orders, both Anglican and Roman Catholic. Sister Helen Julian is ideally equipped to write this book, as Minister General of the Anglican Community of St Francis. Founded in 1905 by Rosina Eleanor Rice, the Community has Sisters in England, San Francisco, and South Korea, and forms what is known technically as the Second Order of Franciscans, the first being the male religious, and the Third Order being their lay followers. There is also a group known as Franciscans International.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet the scope of the book’s appeal should go wider than members of the Franciscan family; for here is an unsentimental story of the many and varied ways in which the spirit of Francis and Clare has led people to simple heroism. The human face of this heroism is demonstrated through channels that the reader might readily have predicted: good works, a commitment to social justice, care of others, and the witness of living simply. Intriguingly, Sister Helen Julian takes her remit further and tells us about the vocations of thinkers and writers and the pursuit of learning. She is equally interested in the mystics and spiritual writers, missionaries and preachers, and martyrs and pastors who have all found inspiration in the Franciscan way of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of these accounts are historical: she starts of by telling the stories of Francis and Clare themselves, then of the Anglican founders who emerged in the early 20th century to carry the flame forward. But the book’s real impact comes from the many stories that bring it right up to date. Memories of the recently dead sit seamlessly alongside accounts from earlier centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result: a sense that Francis and Clare’s heritage is in good hands and that the charism deserves to survive. After all, it has served its purpose: it has enabled many to follow Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Lavinia Byrne\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003efranciscan\u003c\/em\u003e September 2020 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Hazel Berry TSSF\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e‘I have done what is mine, may Christ teach you what is yours’. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSr Helen Julian uses this advice that Francis gave to the brothers shortly before he died to set the scene for her fascinating profiles of the many Franciscan brothers, sisters and third order members down the ages who have responded to his dying message. She deftly traces Francis’ footprints across the centuries with descriptions of those who knew Francis and Clare up to the present day with a moving description of Mychal Judge, a 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e Century Franciscan, who died ministering to the firefighters in the South Tower of the World Trade Centre after the devastation of 9\/11.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first two chapters provide an interesting description of the founding fathers and mothers of the First and Second Orders. There is also a brief mention of the formation of the Third Order in the Catholic and Anglican Churches. I would particularly recommend these chapters to anyone interested in finding out more about the Franciscan life especially those looking to test their vocation in one of the three orders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater chapters focus on different categories of Franciscans: ‘Thinkers and Writers’; Mystics and Spiritual Writers’; Social Care and Justice’; ‘Martyrs’; ‘Missionaries and Preachers’; and Pastors. As someone who spent their working life in social services and the justice system in the UK, the section on social care and justice was of special interest. The work done by Franciscans in pursuit of social justice, with for example with those suffering with AIDs and with immigrant communities is inspirational. A great deal of this work is done under the umbrella of Franciscans International as well as by many individual Franciscans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book concludes with a chapter on ‘Simply Living’, which was and always will be a mark of the Franciscan life. I was intrigued to read that Pope John XXIII, a modern exemplar of simply living, joined the Third Order as a teenager and at one point considered becoming a friar. But as he said on a visit to a friary after becoming Pope: ‘a stronger wind blew me on another road’. Notwithstanding this change of direction, in his short tenure as Pope he did in fact embrace many Franciscan themes. And as Helen Julian, author of this excellent little book suggests, the Second Vatican Council could be seen as Pope John’s response to Christ’s call to Francis to, ‘Go rebuild my house!’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHazel Berry TSSF\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Salvationist 01.08.20\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Major Martin Hill\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSaint Francis and his spiritual companion, Saint Clare, have given more than 800 years of inspiration to Christians of all ages and backgrounds who yearn for pure and unadulterated devotion to Christ. In \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints\u003c\/em\u003e, Helen Julian reminds us that ‘Francis and Clare set examples of community life, of a deep spiritual life, of care for others in their need and for creation, of pastoral care, of preaching the word and taking it to places where it had not been heard, of simply living in the mundane reality of life and of being willing to lay down their lives even unto death.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSt Francis’s own story is one of transformation from seeking pleasure to embracing poverty, the poor, prayer, liturgy and lepers. \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints\u003c\/em\u003e contains brief biographies of individual lives shaped by Francis, Clare and the Franciscan ideal. Their stories prove that a passionate desire to follow Christ can be deeply attractive. They include thinkers, writers, mystics, carers, campaigners, martyrs, missionaries, preachers and pastors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBe inspired by Giles, a farm labourer and early companion of Francis, who was also a perceptive pastor, or by Duns Scotus, the eminent 13th-century theologian and philosopher. Admire Ramon Llull, who believed in converting Muslims through prayer, not crusade, and promoted dialogue between Abrahamic faiths. Meet royalty like Elizabeth of Hungary and orphans like Angela Merici.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead about Rosina Rice, a ‘slum sister’ in London from the late 19th century, or Jack Winslow and Algy Robertson, who in the 20th century developed a Christian ashram in India. Discover John Bradburne, who served lepers in Zimbabwe, Sister Ruth and Colin Wilfred, who served HIV\/Aids sufferers in the USA and UK respectively. Reflect on the thoughts of contemporary teacher and writer Richard Rohr, who combines spirituality, social justice, action and contemplation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen highlights unsung heroes, as well as acknowledging some well-known names. We see the footprints of men and women who rarely make the footnotes. It means there is every likelihood that somewhere in the pages of this book you will meet someone to relate to or even emulate. It proves ‘how many different ways there are to please God’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform July-A\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eugust 2020. Review by Diana Paulding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book charts the development and flourishing of the Franciscan tradition, from the 13th-century lives of Francis and Clare of Assisi to the modern-day Anglican Franciscan community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmploying an unusual but effective style, Helen Julian focuses on individuals who have embodied the teachings of Francis and Clare throughout the centuries, and those who have lived out lives devoted to Christ within the Franciscan tradition. These individuals are numerous and diverse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough biographies of each of their lives, Helen Julian seeks to illuminate the ways in which we too can live Christ-centric lives with the devotion and humility that the first founders modelled. Richly researched, \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints\u003c\/em\u003e contains dozens of brief biographies, grouped by the subjects’ defining characteristics, be that writers or mystics, martyrs or preachers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe great strength of this structure is that it allows the reader to view the tradition from many angles, rather than simply as a timeline of significant members. Nonetheless, Helen Julian also manages to cover the range of eras and cultures that the Franciscan tradition has spanned, taking us to medieval Italy, Reformation Europe, the seminaries of 20th-century China, among Peruvian guerrilla organisations, and to the Twin Towers on 9\/11.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn many ways, \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints \u003c\/em\u003eis a who’s who of the Franciscan tradition, although the brevity of each biography means that it only provides introductory information about each person. Reflective questions at the end of each chapter encourage the reader to consider how these disciples’ lives can inform and inspire their own. The common themes of service to others, humble lives, and devotion to God can provide inspiration for us all, regardless of our own religious tradition. The 17th century ‘flying friar’, however, may be best read as a good story about levitation rather than inspiration for our own preaching!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDiana Paulding is an Old Testament graduate based in Norfolk\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Ted Witham TSSF, on the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tssf.org.au\/2020\/05\/17\/following-the-followers-of-saint-francis-sister-helen-julians-new-book\/?fbclid=IwAR2KaES2ny0fw7r6aDhfG73clL76YCsk5kD22TJ1M8a9larejq2uvdwFWFo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ewebsite\u003c\/a\u003e of the Third Order, Society of St Francis Australia, May 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints\u003c\/em\u003e, like much of Franciscan spirituality, is deceptively simple. In this helpful and engaging book, Sister Helen Julian, Minister General of the Anglican Community of St Francis, tells the story of about 100 Franciscans over the last 800 years – from Saints Francis and Clare in the 12th Century to Padre Pio and Algy Robertson SSF in the 20th Century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stories of mainly individuals and some organisations are presented in nine thematic chapters. The first two chapters tell the stories of the original founders, the two Assisi saints, Francis and Clare, and the founders of the Anglican Franciscans, including Sister Rosina Mary CSF, who founded the Community of Saint Francis in 1905.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe titles of further chapters, ‘Thinkers and Writers’, ‘Mystics and Spiritual Writers’, ‘Social Care, Social Justice’, ‘Martyrs’, ‘Missionaries and Preachers’, ‘Pastors’ and ‘Simply Living’, display the breadth of the Franciscan way of life. Placing each of her characters into these themes allows Sister Helen to ‘follow the followers’ and explore the many paths along which Franciscans follow Jesus. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Franciscan intellectual tradition is represented strongly by the 13th Century Bonaventure and the 21st Century Sister Ilia Delio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of these Franciscans are new to me. Felix of Cantalice (born 1515) was a ploughman who became a lay Franciscan friar. He begged for the friars in Rome for many years, and was known as Brother Deo Gratias, because he exclaimed, ‘Thanks be to God’ (\u003cem\u003eDeo Gratias\u003c\/em\u003e) for every gift. He sang simple songs in the street and was beloved of children and the poor. His story is told under ‘Simply Living’: his life was seemingly uneventful, but by faithfully being who he was attracted many.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was good to see the United Nations NGO Franciscans International in its context as an expression of the Franciscan family’s social care and social justice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI commend Franciscan Footprints warmly. It is a good book to share within the Franciscan family and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt his death, Saint Francis said, ‘I have done what is mine to do. May Christ teach you what is yours.’ Helen Julian’s book will help both long-term Franciscans and the curious to learn what Christ is teaching them what their life might be. The characters in her book have made their Franciscan footprints. Readers will find much in this book to help them make their own Franciscan Footprints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eReviewed by Ted Witham TSSF\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost, BRF author and blogger, May 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Shortly before his death, Francis looked at the brothers gathered around him. ‘I have done what is mine,’ he said. ‘May Christ teach you what is yours.’ So begins Helen Julian’s excellent book about the gift left for us by Francis and Clare of Assisi and many who have made their own footprints for people to follow: ‘The gift is the inspiration of their lives and writings, and the fellowship of their prayers,’ she writes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter outlining the origins and development of Franciscan religious communities, Helen Julian tells the stories of many significant individuals from the time of Francis and Clare right through to the present day. She introduces the readers to some of who come from the author’s own Anglican Franciscan community as well as historical figures, some canonised and others who are simply saints. ‘You could think of it as arriving at a party: I’m standing next to you and telling you about the people gathered in the room. Then you can decide who you’d like to get to know better,’ she writes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Julian covers first, second and third order Franciscan writers and thinkers, mystics and spiritual writers, social care and justice influencers, martyrs and pastors and those who the author describes as ‘witnessing by simply living’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn many respects, \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints\u003c\/em\u003e is a book of stories and despite their variety and often inspirational nature, for this reviewer there were too many of them. But it’s not a book that needs to be read in one sitting nor in the order in which the chapters are presented. Each chapter ends with a thought-provoking suggestion for reflection which with careful selection could be used for small group discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn writing about the 13\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century Scottish Franciscan, Duns Scotus, Helen Julian writes in a way that sums up the whole book: ‘You may feel out of depth in their ideas. But I encourage you to at least paddle in the shallows of their thoughts: you may be surprised by what you discover.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComing in to the 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e century, here is a prayer by American friar Mychal Judge, who became the first officially recorded fatality in the Twins Towers attack on 11 September 2001 while helping others to escape:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLord, take me where you want me to go;\u003cbr\u003eLet me meet who you want me to meet;\u003cbr\u003eTell me what you want me to say;\u003cbr\u003eAnd keep me out of your way. \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\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview of Franciscan Footprints by Rona Bure: Third Order, Society of St Francis, European Province website \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.tssf.org.uk\"\u003ewww.tssf.org.uk\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis small book covers a great deal of ground – not only in time but in the grouping of the various men and women into Anglican founders, thinkers and writers, mystics and spiritual writers; social care, social justice, martyrs, missionaries and preachers, pastors and simply living. This enables the reader to realise the depth and scope of what these Franciscans did in their lives. Indeed Helen Julian CSF quotes from St Clare as follows:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘She said that they had been called to be like mirrors, in which people could look and see Christ. A mirror doesn’t exist to be looked at for itself; its whole purpose is to reflect back accurately what is in front of it.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a challenge for all Franciscans throughout time and today. Can we be a Mirror to the World? This is a question which many of the people in this book have tried to answer. You too can try and answer the questions posed at the end of every chapter. This could be a very useful exercise in exploring your interest in Francis and Clare. The very different themes of the chapters will resonate in different ways to you depending on your particular view. I see much debate ensuing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am not a theologian and read simply to learn and explore to develop my understanding of what it is to be a Franciscan. There were many names in this book with which I was not familiar with and it widened my perspective and put others into context. In this time when challenges abound this book reminds us how important it is to be servants of our communities in every way. However this is not an easy task and I was heartened with the honest comment that Helen Julian makes in the book in that she throws at us a perspective that says we can fail but demonstrates as one door closes another opens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the end of the Chapter on Pastors Helen Julian writes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘When that door opens and someone appears, I always send up a silent prayer, ‘Lord, let me listen with your ears and respond from your heart.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no doubt that the Franciscans in this book did so. Can we follow in the Footsteps? Read the book and ponder…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Rona Bure\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-09-25T12:16:12+01:00","created_at":"2019-09-25T12:16:12+01:00","vendor":"Helen Julian","type":"Paperback","tags":["Apr-20","For individuals","Kindle","Spirituality"],"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":30263391060107,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468116","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Franciscan Footprints: Following Christ in the ways of Francis and Clare","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468116","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468116.jpg?v=1569410256"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468116.jpg?v=1569410256","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":2274533965963,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468116.jpg?v=1569410256"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468116.jpg?v=1569410256","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are many ways of following Christ – each footprint is unique. One of these, the Franciscan spiritual journey, has been tried and tested over the centuries, and the experiences of St Francis and St Clare and all those who have been inspired by their lives still resonate with us. Helen Julian CSF explores the distinctive features of their spirituality and shows how these practices can be applied to, and become part of, our daily lives.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThrough stories of care for creation, social justice, mission, preaching, contemplative spirituality and simple living, discover your own pathway today.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHelen Julian CSF is an Anglican Franciscan sister and a priest, currently serving her community as Minister General. She has written three books for BRF and is a contributor to BRF’s New Daylight Bible reading notes and 'Fellowship' Holy Habits Bible Reflections and Group Studies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Helen Julian's blog about the writing of this book click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/franciscan-footprints-following-christ-in-the-ways-of-francis-and-clare-helen-julian-csf-tells-the-story-of-her-new-book-for-brf\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Sr Maranu Gascoigne, Tau, the journal of the Third Order Society of St Francis, Province of the Pacific (November 2021)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn memory of Sr. Helen Julian with whom I was a novice in CSF for several years I purchased a copy on my kindle and now wished I had a hard copy that I could hand on…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat is the kind of book she has written. You will want everyone who is a friend of Francis and Clare, a follower of SSF\/CSF\/TSSF \/Community of St. Clare \/FI (Franciscans International) to read it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is first and foremost an historical document. Helen’s detective approach and eye for detail throughout brings to life the followers of Francis and Clare tracing the stories of not only our Founders but also thinkers, mystics, martyrs, missionaries and those whose passion was for social justice. Many of whom found a home within the Third Order. She propels us forward with her inclusion of FI (Franciscan International). \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaybe I am biased since I can almost hear Helen Julian reading it to me, her nuances, intonations and occasional rye giggle captures her spirit and dedication to CSF over 3 decades.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHelen Julian gifts us a legacy, what is clearly our whakapapa, a road map of where we have come from. By way of invitation she offers us a beautiful question on page 15, ‘what is yours to do’? So succinctly are a series of questions at the end of each chapter and a source for all of us to sit in prayer with. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI hope that we here in TSSF Aotearoa gift everyone who enquires a copy of this book (happy to fund it!). It is jam packed with Bibliography for further reading. A comprehensive section of websites and a complete index of all the Franciscans that she has named in the book. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOver recent months I have heard a similar phrase used, 'what is ours to do?' and I am honouring Sr. Helen Julian who may have been the inspiration to this ‘credo’ that we as TSSF Aotearoa have so identified with. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDon’t buy one copy buy at least two!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Maranu Gascoigne \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFairacres Chronicle Summer 2020. Review by John-Francis Friendship\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e This is a book about people whose lives were inspired by these two saints of Assisi. Through simple stories of martyrs and mystics, missionaries and thinkers, writers and others involved in pastoral care and social justice, Sr Helen Julian offers a series of compellingly-written and moving biographies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom thirteenth-century Italians to twentieth-century Congolese she weaves a rich and diverse tapestry of friars, sisters and Poor Clares, members of religious congregations, housewives and priests—mostly Roman Catholic but also Anglican—saints and ‘ordinary’ Christians. Some well-known, others less so; some have straddled the pages of history, others have remained hidden to all but a few. Christian heroes great and small whose lives will inspire you and leave you with the lingering taste of heaven.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn providing us with short accounts of lives inspired by Christ and the two saints of Assisi, Sr Helen Julian invites us to do what Clare advised her own sister, St Agnes: ‘Place your mind before the mirror of eternity! Place your soul in the brilliance of glory! And transform your entire being into the image of the Godhead Itself through contemplation.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Fr John-Francis Friendship\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2021. Review by Liz Pacey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled ‘Following Christ in the ways of Francis and Clare’, the main protagonists are of course these two founders of Franciscan spirituality. Much more than this, the book covers a breadth of experience down the years and across all walks of human life. Each chapter brings us examples lived out from the 13th century to modern times: the lives of mystics, martyrs, missionaries and many more. Each chapter ends with questions, causing us not only to reflect on the ways and situations of these holy people, but equally importantly on our own. The final chapter is titled ‘The witness of life: simply living’. Here are the ordinary people. Any lingering doubts we may have had about where we could fit in are dispelled. This is a truly inspirational book on many levels. We see so many times where a life truly devoted to God, and given the right encouragement on the way, can lead. And through it all we have the words of Francis himself in our heads. The importance of discerning and carrying out in our lives: ‘May Christ teach you what is yours (to do)’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eReview by Liz Pacey\u003c\/i\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times, 18 September 2020. Review by Lavinia Byrne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe subtitle sets the tone of this judicious little book. It makes clear that these accounts of the saints’ lives and those of their many followers are about following Christ, not imitating the founders’ personal sanctity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEighty-eight of these individual followers are listed in the index, and that is before the reader even makes contact with the founding charism through the inspiration of the religious orders, both Anglican and Roman Catholic. Sister Helen Julian is ideally equipped to write this book, as Minister General of the Anglican Community of St Francis. Founded in 1905 by Rosina Eleanor Rice, the Community has Sisters in England, San Francisco, and South Korea, and forms what is known technically as the Second Order of Franciscans, the first being the male religious, and the Third Order being their lay followers. There is also a group known as Franciscans International.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet the scope of the book’s appeal should go wider than members of the Franciscan family; for here is an unsentimental story of the many and varied ways in which the spirit of Francis and Clare has led people to simple heroism. The human face of this heroism is demonstrated through channels that the reader might readily have predicted: good works, a commitment to social justice, care of others, and the witness of living simply. Intriguingly, Sister Helen Julian takes her remit further and tells us about the vocations of thinkers and writers and the pursuit of learning. She is equally interested in the mystics and spiritual writers, missionaries and preachers, and martyrs and pastors who have all found inspiration in the Franciscan way of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of these accounts are historical: she starts of by telling the stories of Francis and Clare themselves, then of the Anglican founders who emerged in the early 20th century to carry the flame forward. But the book’s real impact comes from the many stories that bring it right up to date. Memories of the recently dead sit seamlessly alongside accounts from earlier centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result: a sense that Francis and Clare’s heritage is in good hands and that the charism deserves to survive. After all, it has served its purpose: it has enabled many to follow Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Lavinia Byrne\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003efranciscan\u003c\/em\u003e September 2020 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Hazel Berry TSSF\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e‘I have done what is mine, may Christ teach you what is yours’. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSr Helen Julian uses this advice that Francis gave to the brothers shortly before he died to set the scene for her fascinating profiles of the many Franciscan brothers, sisters and third order members down the ages who have responded to his dying message. She deftly traces Francis’ footprints across the centuries with descriptions of those who knew Francis and Clare up to the present day with a moving description of Mychal Judge, a 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e Century Franciscan, who died ministering to the firefighters in the South Tower of the World Trade Centre after the devastation of 9\/11.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first two chapters provide an interesting description of the founding fathers and mothers of the First and Second Orders. There is also a brief mention of the formation of the Third Order in the Catholic and Anglican Churches. I would particularly recommend these chapters to anyone interested in finding out more about the Franciscan life especially those looking to test their vocation in one of the three orders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater chapters focus on different categories of Franciscans: ‘Thinkers and Writers’; Mystics and Spiritual Writers’; Social Care and Justice’; ‘Martyrs’; ‘Missionaries and Preachers’; and Pastors. As someone who spent their working life in social services and the justice system in the UK, the section on social care and justice was of special interest. The work done by Franciscans in pursuit of social justice, with for example with those suffering with AIDs and with immigrant communities is inspirational. A great deal of this work is done under the umbrella of Franciscans International as well as by many individual Franciscans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book concludes with a chapter on ‘Simply Living’, which was and always will be a mark of the Franciscan life. I was intrigued to read that Pope John XXIII, a modern exemplar of simply living, joined the Third Order as a teenager and at one point considered becoming a friar. But as he said on a visit to a friary after becoming Pope: ‘a stronger wind blew me on another road’. Notwithstanding this change of direction, in his short tenure as Pope he did in fact embrace many Franciscan themes. And as Helen Julian, author of this excellent little book suggests, the Second Vatican Council could be seen as Pope John’s response to Christ’s call to Francis to, ‘Go rebuild my house!’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHazel Berry TSSF\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Salvationist 01.08.20\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Major Martin Hill\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSaint Francis and his spiritual companion, Saint Clare, have given more than 800 years of inspiration to Christians of all ages and backgrounds who yearn for pure and unadulterated devotion to Christ. In \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints\u003c\/em\u003e, Helen Julian reminds us that ‘Francis and Clare set examples of community life, of a deep spiritual life, of care for others in their need and for creation, of pastoral care, of preaching the word and taking it to places where it had not been heard, of simply living in the mundane reality of life and of being willing to lay down their lives even unto death.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSt Francis’s own story is one of transformation from seeking pleasure to embracing poverty, the poor, prayer, liturgy and lepers. \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints\u003c\/em\u003e contains brief biographies of individual lives shaped by Francis, Clare and the Franciscan ideal. Their stories prove that a passionate desire to follow Christ can be deeply attractive. They include thinkers, writers, mystics, carers, campaigners, martyrs, missionaries, preachers and pastors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBe inspired by Giles, a farm labourer and early companion of Francis, who was also a perceptive pastor, or by Duns Scotus, the eminent 13th-century theologian and philosopher. Admire Ramon Llull, who believed in converting Muslims through prayer, not crusade, and promoted dialogue between Abrahamic faiths. Meet royalty like Elizabeth of Hungary and orphans like Angela Merici.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead about Rosina Rice, a ‘slum sister’ in London from the late 19th century, or Jack Winslow and Algy Robertson, who in the 20th century developed a Christian ashram in India. Discover John Bradburne, who served lepers in Zimbabwe, Sister Ruth and Colin Wilfred, who served HIV\/Aids sufferers in the USA and UK respectively. Reflect on the thoughts of contemporary teacher and writer Richard Rohr, who combines spirituality, social justice, action and contemplation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen highlights unsung heroes, as well as acknowledging some well-known names. We see the footprints of men and women who rarely make the footnotes. It means there is every likelihood that somewhere in the pages of this book you will meet someone to relate to or even emulate. It proves ‘how many different ways there are to please God’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform July-A\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eugust 2020. Review by Diana Paulding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book charts the development and flourishing of the Franciscan tradition, from the 13th-century lives of Francis and Clare of Assisi to the modern-day Anglican Franciscan community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmploying an unusual but effective style, Helen Julian focuses on individuals who have embodied the teachings of Francis and Clare throughout the centuries, and those who have lived out lives devoted to Christ within the Franciscan tradition. These individuals are numerous and diverse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThrough biographies of each of their lives, Helen Julian seeks to illuminate the ways in which we too can live Christ-centric lives with the devotion and humility that the first founders modelled. Richly researched, \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints\u003c\/em\u003e contains dozens of brief biographies, grouped by the subjects’ defining characteristics, be that writers or mystics, martyrs or preachers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe great strength of this structure is that it allows the reader to view the tradition from many angles, rather than simply as a timeline of significant members. Nonetheless, Helen Julian also manages to cover the range of eras and cultures that the Franciscan tradition has spanned, taking us to medieval Italy, Reformation Europe, the seminaries of 20th-century China, among Peruvian guerrilla organisations, and to the Twin Towers on 9\/11.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn many ways, \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints \u003c\/em\u003eis a who’s who of the Franciscan tradition, although the brevity of each biography means that it only provides introductory information about each person. Reflective questions at the end of each chapter encourage the reader to consider how these disciples’ lives can inform and inspire their own. The common themes of service to others, humble lives, and devotion to God can provide inspiration for us all, regardless of our own religious tradition. The 17th century ‘flying friar’, however, may be best read as a good story about levitation rather than inspiration for our own preaching!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDiana Paulding is an Old Testament graduate based in Norfolk\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Ted Witham TSSF, on the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tssf.org.au\/2020\/05\/17\/following-the-followers-of-saint-francis-sister-helen-julians-new-book\/?fbclid=IwAR2KaES2ny0fw7r6aDhfG73clL76YCsk5kD22TJ1M8a9larejq2uvdwFWFo\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ewebsite\u003c\/a\u003e of the Third Order, Society of St Francis Australia, May 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints\u003c\/em\u003e, like much of Franciscan spirituality, is deceptively simple. In this helpful and engaging book, Sister Helen Julian, Minister General of the Anglican Community of St Francis, tells the story of about 100 Franciscans over the last 800 years – from Saints Francis and Clare in the 12th Century to Padre Pio and Algy Robertson SSF in the 20th Century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stories of mainly individuals and some organisations are presented in nine thematic chapters. The first two chapters tell the stories of the original founders, the two Assisi saints, Francis and Clare, and the founders of the Anglican Franciscans, including Sister Rosina Mary CSF, who founded the Community of Saint Francis in 1905.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe titles of further chapters, ‘Thinkers and Writers’, ‘Mystics and Spiritual Writers’, ‘Social Care, Social Justice’, ‘Martyrs’, ‘Missionaries and Preachers’, ‘Pastors’ and ‘Simply Living’, display the breadth of the Franciscan way of life. Placing each of her characters into these themes allows Sister Helen to ‘follow the followers’ and explore the many paths along which Franciscans follow Jesus. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Franciscan intellectual tradition is represented strongly by the 13th Century Bonaventure and the 21st Century Sister Ilia Delio.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of these Franciscans are new to me. Felix of Cantalice (born 1515) was a ploughman who became a lay Franciscan friar. He begged for the friars in Rome for many years, and was known as Brother Deo Gratias, because he exclaimed, ‘Thanks be to God’ (\u003cem\u003eDeo Gratias\u003c\/em\u003e) for every gift. He sang simple songs in the street and was beloved of children and the poor. His story is told under ‘Simply Living’: his life was seemingly uneventful, but by faithfully being who he was attracted many.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was good to see the United Nations NGO Franciscans International in its context as an expression of the Franciscan family’s social care and social justice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI commend Franciscan Footprints warmly. It is a good book to share within the Franciscan family and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt his death, Saint Francis said, ‘I have done what is mine to do. May Christ teach you what is yours.’ Helen Julian’s book will help both long-term Franciscans and the curious to learn what Christ is teaching them what their life might be. The characters in her book have made their Franciscan footprints. Readers will find much in this book to help them make their own Franciscan Footprints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eReviewed by Ted Witham TSSF\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost, BRF author and blogger, May 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Shortly before his death, Francis looked at the brothers gathered around him. ‘I have done what is mine,’ he said. ‘May Christ teach you what is yours.’ So begins Helen Julian’s excellent book about the gift left for us by Francis and Clare of Assisi and many who have made their own footprints for people to follow: ‘The gift is the inspiration of their lives and writings, and the fellowship of their prayers,’ she writes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter outlining the origins and development of Franciscan religious communities, Helen Julian tells the stories of many significant individuals from the time of Francis and Clare right through to the present day. She introduces the readers to some of who come from the author’s own Anglican Franciscan community as well as historical figures, some canonised and others who are simply saints. ‘You could think of it as arriving at a party: I’m standing next to you and telling you about the people gathered in the room. Then you can decide who you’d like to get to know better,’ she writes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Julian covers first, second and third order Franciscan writers and thinkers, mystics and spiritual writers, social care and justice influencers, martyrs and pastors and those who the author describes as ‘witnessing by simply living’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn many respects, \u003cem\u003eFranciscan Footprints\u003c\/em\u003e is a book of stories and despite their variety and often inspirational nature, for this reviewer there were too many of them. But it’s not a book that needs to be read in one sitting nor in the order in which the chapters are presented. Each chapter ends with a thought-provoking suggestion for reflection which with careful selection could be used for small group discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn writing about the 13\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century Scottish Franciscan, Duns Scotus, Helen Julian writes in a way that sums up the whole book: ‘You may feel out of depth in their ideas. But I encourage you to at least paddle in the shallows of their thoughts: you may be surprised by what you discover.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComing in to the 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e century, here is a prayer by American friar Mychal Judge, who became the first officially recorded fatality in the Twins Towers attack on 11 September 2001 while helping others to escape:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLord, take me where you want me to go;\u003cbr\u003eLet me meet who you want me to meet;\u003cbr\u003eTell me what you want me to say;\u003cbr\u003eAnd keep me out of your way. \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\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview of Franciscan Footprints by Rona Bure: Third Order, Society of St Francis, European Province website \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.tssf.org.uk\"\u003ewww.tssf.org.uk\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis small book covers a great deal of ground – not only in time but in the grouping of the various men and women into Anglican founders, thinkers and writers, mystics and spiritual writers; social care, social justice, martyrs, missionaries and preachers, pastors and simply living. This enables the reader to realise the depth and scope of what these Franciscans did in their lives. Indeed Helen Julian CSF quotes from St Clare as follows:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘She said that they had been called to be like mirrors, in which people could look and see Christ. A mirror doesn’t exist to be looked at for itself; its whole purpose is to reflect back accurately what is in front of it.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a challenge for all Franciscans throughout time and today. Can we be a Mirror to the World? This is a question which many of the people in this book have tried to answer. You too can try and answer the questions posed at the end of every chapter. This could be a very useful exercise in exploring your interest in Francis and Clare. The very different themes of the chapters will resonate in different ways to you depending on your particular view. I see much debate ensuing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am not a theologian and read simply to learn and explore to develop my understanding of what it is to be a Franciscan. There were many names in this book with which I was not familiar with and it widened my perspective and put others into context. In this time when challenges abound this book reminds us how important it is to be servants of our communities in every way. However this is not an easy task and I was heartened with the honest comment that Helen Julian makes in the book in that she throws at us a perspective that says we can fail but demonstrates as one door closes another opens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the end of the Chapter on Pastors Helen Julian writes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘When that door opens and someone appears, I always send up a silent prayer, ‘Lord, let me listen with your ears and respond from your heart.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no doubt that the Franciscans in this book did so. Can we follow in the Footsteps? Read the book and ponder…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Rona Bure\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":3945366126686,"title":"Holy Habits in Messy Church: Discipleship sessions for churches","handle":"holy-habits-in-messy-church-discipleship-sessions-for-churches","description":"\u003cp\u003eHoly Habits meets Messy Church! The Holy Habits approach explores Luke’s model of church found in Acts 2:42–47, identifies ten habits and encourages the development of a way of life formed by them. This session material has been created to help churches explore the Holy Habits in a Messy Church context and live them out in whole-life, missional discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/plQgGTnZuwU\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church. She promotes Messy Church nationally and internationally through training and speaking events, and is the author of a number of books for BRF.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAndrew Roberts is a husband, father, minister, writer and speaker. He is the author of the book Holy Habits (Malcolm Down Publishing, 2016) and editor of the BRF Holy Habits original resource booklets, Bible Reflections and Group Studies. He was previously Director of Training for Fresh Expressions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 04.12.20. Review by Catherine Pickford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(See also: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/what-s-in-the-bible-for-me-50-readings-and-reflections?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=fb264ade7\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eWhat's in the Bible (for me)?\u003c\/a\u003e; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-bible-reflections-serving-40-readings-and-reflections?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=82589c7da\u0026amp;_ss=r\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-bible-reflections-serving-40-readings-and-reflections?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=82589c7da\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eHoly Habits Bible Reflections: Serving: 40 readings and reflections\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-group-studies-serving-leaders-guide?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=db314fabf\u0026amp;_ss=r\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-group-studies-serving-leaders-guide?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=db314fabf\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eHoly Habits Group Studies Serving: Leader’s guide\u003c\/a\u003e) \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll four of these books seek, in different ways, to help their readers to weave “holy habits”, such as generosity, servanthood, worship, and discipleship, deeper into their daily lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat’s in the Bible (For Me)?\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eexplores the theme of journey in 50 short sections. Each has a Bible reading, a reflection, a question, and a challenge or thought. The deceptively simple format covers a great deal of ground, from the reader’s personal faith journey with God to the social-justice themes of homelessness, the plight of asylum seekers, and the Church’s mission to the poorest in our society. In this little book, Moore connects Bible passages with issues in our modern world and asks what it means to be on a journey with Jesus and how this changes the way Christians live.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits in Messy Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis my favourite type of Messy Church book, one with plenty of practical\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003esessions. As part of the introduction, one co-author, Andrew Roberts, offers the analogy of Lego: the maker\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e‘might follow the booklet once, but then they throw it away and create all sorts of wonderful things.' One of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ethe great strengths of Messy Church is its creators’ commitment to giving it away, and letting churches make it their own. Holy Habits in Messy Church encourages exactly that. There are 11 sessions around holy habit themes, including gladness and generosity, serving, and worship, with a short Bible reading and a\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003estory, and then a selection of craft ideas to mix and match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe last quarter of the book is dedicated to ‘messy vintage’, which is Messy Church for older people.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eEach of the 11 sessions contains a Bible reading, a single activity, some questions for discussion, a prayer,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eand a song suggestion. They resemble a hybrid between a Bible study and a prayer station and could\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ebe easily adapted for mixed groups of adults and children, or incorporated into a larger act of worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eService is prominent in the national consciousness at present, as we celebrate and thank God for key\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eworkers, whose acts of service are necessary to our survival. These last two titles reflect on the nature of service as a holy habit, and how a willingness to serve may become embedded in the Christian’s daily life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits Bible Reflections: Serving\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eis one of a series of ten books designed to be used daily over an\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eeight-week period by an individual or group. It offers a two-page spread per day, with a Bible reading, reflection, and prayer. The format is simple and effective, and the four authors complement one another\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ewith clear voices and different styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits Group Studies: Serving\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis Bible-study material designed to support churches in offering service through mission, discipleship, and social action. The four authors move deftly from the theoretical to\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ethe practical, and encourage the group to wrestle with the question of how faith affects the way we live.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a parish priest, I would want to think carefully about how to use this book. The group is likely to come up with action points that are suggestions for the whole church. They will need a way of presenting their ideas to the church, perhaps through a slot in the PCC meeting. Another idea would be to use part of this study material at the PCC meeting itself to generate an action plan for the whole church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaken together, these four books challenge their readers, in different ways, to mould their lives to be more\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003elike that of Jesus by adopting holy habits so as to be of service to others as individuals and as a church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Ven. Catherine Pickford, Archdeacon of Northolt, London.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eURC Children and Youth Work Team’s bi-monthly e-update March 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits in Messy Church\u003c\/em\u003e is a collaborative work by Lucy Moore (Messy Church) and Andrew Roberts (Holy Habits) which quite neatly does as it says on the tin. Taking each of the Holy Habits in turn, there are suggestions for Messy Church teams, for specific sessions, for Vintage Messy Church. Some of the suggestions have a hint of the crazy but all are good and formative in exploring everyday discipleship. Is your Messy Church walking the Way?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Irish Methodist Newsletter, Jun\/July 2020. Review by Revd Stephen Skuce\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn recent years, ‘Messy Church’ (\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.messychurch.org.uk\"\u003ewww.messychurch.org.uk\u003c\/a\u003e) has had a very significant impact in a wide range of churches in enabling creative, imaginative all age worship that uses craft ideas to help communicate the Christian message. Lucy Moore has produced a wide range of resources that equip people to lead sessions and fully explains the ‘how to’ bits alongside the more theological ‘why’ aspects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the last couple of years, a British Methodist minister, Andrew Roberts, has developed a series of resources titled ‘Holy Habits’ (\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.holyhabits.org.uk\"\u003ewww.holyhabits.org.uk\u003c\/a\u003e). These are based on Luke 2:42-47 and help us recognise the practices or habits of the early church, and live them out today. The ‘Holy Habits’ movement has spread far beyond Methodism and is increasingly recognised as a straightforward and clear way to help us live our lives as followers of Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd as the title of this book sort of states, the two movements have combined here to give a ‘Holy Habits’ focus to ‘Messy Church’. It’s excellent. It combines the best of both to give us sessions covering Jesus, gladness, evangelism, sharing, serving, the Bible, eating together, worship, prayer, breaking bread and fellowship. Each session is fully detailed and is easy enough to use to help us explain to ourselves and others what it means to live out our faith. We rightly focus on evangelism, especially with children and young people. Sometimes though we can neglect to help new Christians develop solid habits that support faith development and show to others how our faith impacts our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon’t assume this book is only for work with children. It’s not. ‘Messy Church’s attraction lies partly in the way we are all ages together’ (p9). It is very much all age and while it’s an excellent approach for younger ones, it is especially helpful for families as an initial experience of Christian life and worship. The days of us communicating effectively through passively sitting in pews listening to a monologue are sort of gone. We rarely do that in other aspects of life, and this book is an easy to use resource that helps us put on sessions that can work for the whole worship service. The ideas and sessions will work particularly well with smaller congregations and numbers. And there is an excellent ‘Messy Vintage’ section to the book that is designed to work with a much older age group and is very usable in services in care homes and in other settings with older people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is one of those books that you can pick up and use. All is explained thoroughly and it isn’t gimmicky. The sessions communicate clear and comprehensive Christian understanding to build us up in our faith. It will be great to see such imaginative approaches increasingly used in our worship and outreach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Revd Dr Stephen Skuce, District Superintendent, the North Western Methodist District\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-08-13T10:12:46+01:00","created_at":"2019-08-13T10:14:59+01:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","Holy Habits church handbooks","Jan-20","Messy Church books"],"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":29434803716190,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469236","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Holy Habits in Messy Church: Discipleship sessions for churches","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":160,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469236","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469236.jpg?v=1565687710"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469236.jpg?v=1565687710","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3308711870603,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469236.jpg?v=1565687710"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469236.jpg?v=1565687710","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eHoly Habits meets Messy Church! The Holy Habits approach explores Luke’s model of church found in Acts 2:42–47, identifies ten habits and encourages the development of a way of life formed by them. This session material has been created to help churches explore the Holy Habits in a Messy Church context and live them out in whole-life, missional discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/plQgGTnZuwU\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church. She promotes Messy Church nationally and internationally through training and speaking events, and is the author of a number of books for BRF.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAndrew Roberts is a husband, father, minister, writer and speaker. He is the author of the book Holy Habits (Malcolm Down Publishing, 2016) and editor of the BRF Holy Habits original resource booklets, Bible Reflections and Group Studies. He was previously Director of Training for Fresh Expressions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 04.12.20. Review by Catherine Pickford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(See also: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/what-s-in-the-bible-for-me-50-readings-and-reflections?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=fb264ade7\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eWhat's in the Bible (for me)?\u003c\/a\u003e; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-bible-reflections-serving-40-readings-and-reflections?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=82589c7da\u0026amp;_ss=r\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-bible-reflections-serving-40-readings-and-reflections?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=82589c7da\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eHoly Habits Bible Reflections: Serving: 40 readings and reflections\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-group-studies-serving-leaders-guide?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=db314fabf\u0026amp;_ss=r\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-group-studies-serving-leaders-guide?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=db314fabf\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eHoly Habits Group Studies Serving: Leader’s guide\u003c\/a\u003e) \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll four of these books seek, in different ways, to help their readers to weave “holy habits”, such as generosity, servanthood, worship, and discipleship, deeper into their daily lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat’s in the Bible (For Me)?\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eexplores the theme of journey in 50 short sections. Each has a Bible reading, a reflection, a question, and a challenge or thought. The deceptively simple format covers a great deal of ground, from the reader’s personal faith journey with God to the social-justice themes of homelessness, the plight of asylum seekers, and the Church’s mission to the poorest in our society. In this little book, Moore connects Bible passages with issues in our modern world and asks what it means to be on a journey with Jesus and how this changes the way Christians live.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits in Messy Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis my favourite type of Messy Church book, one with plenty of practical\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003esessions. As part of the introduction, one co-author, Andrew Roberts, offers the analogy of Lego: the maker\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e‘might follow the booklet once, but then they throw it away and create all sorts of wonderful things.' One of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ethe great strengths of Messy Church is its creators’ commitment to giving it away, and letting churches make it their own. Holy Habits in Messy Church encourages exactly that. There are 11 sessions around holy habit themes, including gladness and generosity, serving, and worship, with a short Bible reading and a\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003estory, and then a selection of craft ideas to mix and match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe last quarter of the book is dedicated to ‘messy vintage’, which is Messy Church for older people.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eEach of the 11 sessions contains a Bible reading, a single activity, some questions for discussion, a prayer,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eand a song suggestion. They resemble a hybrid between a Bible study and a prayer station and could\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ebe easily adapted for mixed groups of adults and children, or incorporated into a larger act of worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eService is prominent in the national consciousness at present, as we celebrate and thank God for key\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eworkers, whose acts of service are necessary to our survival. These last two titles reflect on the nature of service as a holy habit, and how a willingness to serve may become embedded in the Christian’s daily life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits Bible Reflections: Serving\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eis one of a series of ten books designed to be used daily over an\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eeight-week period by an individual or group. It offers a two-page spread per day, with a Bible reading, reflection, and prayer. The format is simple and effective, and the four authors complement one another\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ewith clear voices and different styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits Group Studies: Serving\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis Bible-study material designed to support churches in offering service through mission, discipleship, and social action. The four authors move deftly from the theoretical to\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ethe practical, and encourage the group to wrestle with the question of how faith affects the way we live.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a parish priest, I would want to think carefully about how to use this book. The group is likely to come up with action points that are suggestions for the whole church. They will need a way of presenting their ideas to the church, perhaps through a slot in the PCC meeting. Another idea would be to use part of this study material at the PCC meeting itself to generate an action plan for the whole church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTaken together, these four books challenge their readers, in different ways, to mould their lives to be more\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003elike that of Jesus by adopting holy habits so as to be of service to others as individuals and as a church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Ven. Catherine Pickford, Archdeacon of Northolt, London.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eURC Children and Youth Work Team’s bi-monthly e-update March 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits in Messy Church\u003c\/em\u003e is a collaborative work by Lucy Moore (Messy Church) and Andrew Roberts (Holy Habits) which quite neatly does as it says on the tin. Taking each of the Holy Habits in turn, there are suggestions for Messy Church teams, for specific sessions, for Vintage Messy Church. Some of the suggestions have a hint of the crazy but all are good and formative in exploring everyday discipleship. Is your Messy Church walking the Way?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Irish Methodist Newsletter, Jun\/July 2020. Review by Revd Stephen Skuce\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn recent years, ‘Messy Church’ (\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.messychurch.org.uk\"\u003ewww.messychurch.org.uk\u003c\/a\u003e) has had a very significant impact in a wide range of churches in enabling creative, imaginative all age worship that uses craft ideas to help communicate the Christian message. Lucy Moore has produced a wide range of resources that equip people to lead sessions and fully explains the ‘how to’ bits alongside the more theological ‘why’ aspects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the last couple of years, a British Methodist minister, Andrew Roberts, has developed a series of resources titled ‘Holy Habits’ (\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.holyhabits.org.uk\"\u003ewww.holyhabits.org.uk\u003c\/a\u003e). These are based on Luke 2:42-47 and help us recognise the practices or habits of the early church, and live them out today. The ‘Holy Habits’ movement has spread far beyond Methodism and is increasingly recognised as a straightforward and clear way to help us live our lives as followers of Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd as the title of this book sort of states, the two movements have combined here to give a ‘Holy Habits’ focus to ‘Messy Church’. It’s excellent. It combines the best of both to give us sessions covering Jesus, gladness, evangelism, sharing, serving, the Bible, eating together, worship, prayer, breaking bread and fellowship. Each session is fully detailed and is easy enough to use to help us explain to ourselves and others what it means to live out our faith. We rightly focus on evangelism, especially with children and young people. Sometimes though we can neglect to help new Christians develop solid habits that support faith development and show to others how our faith impacts our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon’t assume this book is only for work with children. It’s not. ‘Messy Church’s attraction lies partly in the way we are all ages together’ (p9). It is very much all age and while it’s an excellent approach for younger ones, it is especially helpful for families as an initial experience of Christian life and worship. The days of us communicating effectively through passively sitting in pews listening to a monologue are sort of gone. We rarely do that in other aspects of life, and this book is an easy to use resource that helps us put on sessions that can work for the whole worship service. The ideas and sessions will work particularly well with smaller congregations and numbers. And there is an excellent ‘Messy Vintage’ section to the book that is designed to work with a much older age group and is very usable in services in care homes and in other settings with older people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is one of those books that you can pick up and use. All is explained thoroughly and it isn’t gimmicky. The sessions communicate clear and comprehensive Christian understanding to build us up in our faith. It will be great to see such imaginative approaches increasingly used in our worship and outreach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Revd Dr Stephen Skuce, District Superintendent, the North Western Methodist District\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Holy Habits in Messy Church: Discipleship sessions for churches
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Holy Habits meets Messy Church! The Holy Habits approach explores Luke’s model of church found in Acts 2:42–47, identifies ten...
{"id":5961109602495,"title":"Get Messy! January-April 2021: Session material, news, stories and inspiration for the Messy Church community","handle":"get-messy-january-april-2021-session-material-news-stories-and-inspiration-for-the-messy-church-community","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGet Messy!\u003c\/em\u003e is a four-monthly subscription resource for Messy Church leaders. Each issue contains four-session outlines (one per month), including planning sheets and take-home handouts, together with information on the latest resources and events. It also seeks to encourage and refresh Messy Church leaders by providing monthly Bible studies, a column on taking time to recharge, and a problem page. Other features include a youth column, a day in the life of a Regional Coordinator and stories from Messy Churches around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2020-10-19T09:33:01+01:00","created_at":"2020-10-19T09:29:31+01:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Get Messy!","Nov-20"],"price":470,"price_min":470,"price_max":470,"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":37115238645951,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390454","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":21538851291327,"product_id":5961109602495,"position":2,"created_at":"2020-10-19T10:26:53+01:00","updated_at":"2020-10-19T10:26:53+01:00","alt":null,"width":650,"height":920,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/DOWN0423.jpg?v=1603099613","variant_ids":[37115238645951]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! January-April 2021: Session material, news, stories and inspiration for the Messy Church community - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":470,"weight":116,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390454","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":13714183454911,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":920,"width":650,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/DOWN0423.jpg?v=1603099613"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800390423.jpg?v=1603099613","\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/DOWN0423.jpg?v=1603099613"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800390423.jpg?v=1603099613","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":13714035409087,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800390423.jpg?v=1603099613"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800390423.jpg?v=1603099613","width":1000},{"alt":null,"id":13714183454911,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":920,"width":650,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/DOWN0423.jpg?v=1603099613"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":920,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/DOWN0423.jpg?v=1603099613","width":650}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGet Messy!\u003c\/em\u003e is a four-monthly subscription resource for Messy Church leaders. Each issue contains four-session outlines (one per month), including planning sheets and take-home handouts, together with information on the latest resources and events. It also seeks to encourage and refresh Messy Church leaders by providing monthly Bible studies, a column on taking time to recharge, and a problem page. Other features include a youth column, a day in the life of a Regional Coordinator and stories from Messy Churches around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
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Get Messy! January-April 2021: Session material, news, stories and inspiration for the Messy Church community
£4.70
Get Messy! is a four-monthly subscription resource for Messy Church leaders. Each issue contains four-session outlines (one per month), including...
{"id":4861441441931,"title":"Come and See: Learning from the life of Peter","handle":"come-and-see-learning-from-the-life-of-peter","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen we look at the life of Peter – fisherman, disciple, leader of the church – we find somebody who responded wholeheartedly to the call to ‘come and see’. Come and meet Jesus, come and follow him, come and find your life being transformed. This book focuses on Peter, not because he is the best-known of Jesus’ friends, nor the most loyal, but because he shows us what being a disciple of Jesus is actually like. Like us, he takes a step of faith and then flounders, and needs the saving touch of God to continue becoming the person he was created to be.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCome and See provides a pattern of Bible reading, reflection and prayer. Twenty-eight readings, arranged in four sections, offer short passages from the story of Peter, plus comment and questions for personal response or group discussion.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore his appointment as the 98th Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell was the Bishop of Chelmsford. He is a member of the House of Lords and served as a member of the Select Committee for Communication. He is a well-known writer and speaker on evangelism, spirituality and catechesis, and is one of the authors of the Pilgrim course.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Winter 2021. Review by Sue Piper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArchbishop Stephen has subtitled his book, ‘Learning from the Life of Peter’. He takes us through the life and calling of Peter in four sections which can be studied weekly or monthly, for use with a study group or as individuals. Drawing on scripture, we are helped to understand firstly Peter’s call, then how his character has been shaped, especially on the way of the cross, and finally in enduring hope. Each section ends with some searching questions. This book reveals Peter’s character in great detail, with all his weaknesses, fears and strengths, as Jesus supports him in his personal growth journey of faith. And this journey could be yours or mine as we explore our own shortcomings and strengths; but with prayer and study we learn to become the person God loves and the person God desires us to be. We are guided on a journey of growing closer to God by Peter as he eventually realises his potential and his true gifts. We can do this too either as new Christians or long-time believers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Sue Piper\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Matters. Paul Beasley-Murray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst published in 2003 as The Rock, this edition of 'Come and See: Learning from the Life of Peter' by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell is 'for new Christians who want to grow in their faith, and for more experienced Christians who want to reset the compass of their discipleship'. It has a fivefold aim: to help people “grow as followers of Jesus, develop a love for the Bible, understand more about the Bible, establish a regular pattern for Bible reading, and allow the word of God to shape their lives”. Each of the 28 sections comprises a Scripture passage – at times somewhat loosely linked to the life of Peter – followed by a comment and questions for personal reflection or for group discussion. This is a most helpful guide by a great communicator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Good Bookstall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eReading, reflection and prayer are helpfully visited in this revision of a former 2003 publication that is an effective first reader to the life of a struggling, true, first-follower of Jesus. This compact guide to Lenten weeks is an able accompaniment to life and learning from the life of Peter. There is a compelling reality to this discipleship journey in the breadth and searching in the New Testament sweep of scriptures offered here. These twenty-eight readings are accompanied by pithy, provoking and helpful resources for reflection. Clear and chewy!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom The Good Bookstall - March 2011 First published in as On This Rock - Bible Foundations for Christian Living (2003).\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-05-04T11:53:49+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-04T13:12:37+01:00","vendor":"Stephen Cottrell","type":"Paperback","tags":["Kindle","Lent","Nov-20"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":34890052534424,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390195","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Come and See: Learning from the life of Peter - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":184,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390195","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800390195.jpg?v=1588594358"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800390195.jpg?v=1588594358","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":7710992072843,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800390195.jpg?v=1588594358"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800390195.jpg?v=1588594358","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eWhen we look at the life of Peter – fisherman, disciple, leader of the church – we find somebody who responded wholeheartedly to the call to ‘come and see’. Come and meet Jesus, come and follow him, come and find your life being transformed. This book focuses on Peter, not because he is the best-known of Jesus’ friends, nor the most loyal, but because he shows us what being a disciple of Jesus is actually like. Like us, he takes a step of faith and then flounders, and needs the saving touch of God to continue becoming the person he was created to be.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCome and See provides a pattern of Bible reading, reflection and prayer. Twenty-eight readings, arranged in four sections, offer short passages from the story of Peter, plus comment and questions for personal response or group discussion.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore his appointment as the 98th Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell was the Bishop of Chelmsford. He is a member of the House of Lords and served as a member of the Select Committee for Communication. He is a well-known writer and speaker on evangelism, spirituality and catechesis, and is one of the authors of the Pilgrim course.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Winter 2021. Review by Sue Piper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArchbishop Stephen has subtitled his book, ‘Learning from the Life of Peter’. He takes us through the life and calling of Peter in four sections which can be studied weekly or monthly, for use with a study group or as individuals. Drawing on scripture, we are helped to understand firstly Peter’s call, then how his character has been shaped, especially on the way of the cross, and finally in enduring hope. Each section ends with some searching questions. This book reveals Peter’s character in great detail, with all his weaknesses, fears and strengths, as Jesus supports him in his personal growth journey of faith. And this journey could be yours or mine as we explore our own shortcomings and strengths; but with prayer and study we learn to become the person God loves and the person God desires us to be. We are guided on a journey of growing closer to God by Peter as he eventually realises his potential and his true gifts. We can do this too either as new Christians or long-time believers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Sue Piper\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Matters. Paul Beasley-Murray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst published in 2003 as The Rock, this edition of 'Come and See: Learning from the Life of Peter' by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell is 'for new Christians who want to grow in their faith, and for more experienced Christians who want to reset the compass of their discipleship'. It has a fivefold aim: to help people “grow as followers of Jesus, develop a love for the Bible, understand more about the Bible, establish a regular pattern for Bible reading, and allow the word of God to shape their lives”. Each of the 28 sections comprises a Scripture passage – at times somewhat loosely linked to the life of Peter – followed by a comment and questions for personal reflection or for group discussion. This is a most helpful guide by a great communicator.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Good Bookstall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eReading, reflection and prayer are helpfully visited in this revision of a former 2003 publication that is an effective first reader to the life of a struggling, true, first-follower of Jesus. This compact guide to Lenten weeks is an able accompaniment to life and learning from the life of Peter. There is a compelling reality to this discipleship journey in the breadth and searching in the New Testament sweep of scriptures offered here. These twenty-eight readings are accompanied by pithy, provoking and helpful resources for reflection. Clear and chewy!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom The Good Bookstall - March 2011 First published in as On This Rock - Bible Foundations for Christian Living (2003).\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Come and See: Learning from the life of Peter
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When we look at the life of Peter – fisherman, disciple, leader of the church – we find somebody who...
{"id":4378486243467,"title":"At the Foot of the Cross with Julian of Norwich","handle":"at-the-foot-of-the-cross-with-julian-of-norwich","description":"\u003cp\u003e'All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.' This quotation may be all that many people know of Julian of Norwich, an anchoress from the fourteenth century. This book seeks to bring to a popular readership a devotional engagement with Julian’s work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe introduction gives a general background to Julian, the nature of visions in the 14th century and the type of text Julian gives us, namely a meditative text which intends to lead the reader to ‘beholding’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter centres on one aspect or image from Julian’s Revelation, which seeks to make the events of the Passion present to the reader’s imagination. The commentary incorporates reflection, the biblical narrative and Julian’s subsequent teachings to create a meditation that enables the reader to linger on the wonder of the cross, ending with a prayer that leads to silence and a thought or verse to carry into daily life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmma Pennington is the canon missioner for Canterbury Cathedral. Formerly vicar of Garsington, Cuddesdon and Horspath in the Oxford Diocese and chaplain of Worcester College, Oxford, she has also been a prayer and spirituality adviser for the diocese and an area dean. She speaks widely about the spirituality of Julian of Norwich.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Emma's blog about filming a series to accompany her book click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/lights-camera-action-emma-pennington-on-filming\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This is a wonderfully refreshing introduction to Julian of Norwich,\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ewhich conveys her spiritual toughness and the resilience and\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003efreedom she found through reflecting on the cross of Christ.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFor those who associate Julian only with her vision of the hazelnut,\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethis will be a revelation.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eAngela Tilby, canon emeritus, Christ Church, Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘I absolutely love this book. As the foreword explains, it aims to\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003edraw the reader into a profoundly meditative encounter with\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJulian’s visions and understanding of God. It manages this with\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ea beautiful simplicity that will draw in any reader. Informed by\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethe author’s deep scholarship, this a sure and reliable guide.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eSantha Bhattacharji, fellow emeritus, St Benet’s Hall, University\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eof Oxford, and president, Churches Fellowship for Psychical and\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eSpiritual Studies\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘Emma Pennington has opened the writings of Julian of Norwich to\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eus in a fresh and wonderful way. She has also given us, in this book,\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ea spiritual treasure which causes us to journey and explore and, in\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethat quest, to venture deeper and deeper into the love of God, with\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJulian as our companion.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRobert Willis, dean of Canterbury Cathedral\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘Emma Pennington has that rare gift of bringing theological and\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eliterary insights together. She transports us to a different world –\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJulian’s world of the 14th century – and yet makes it completely\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eand profoundly accessible to the modern reader. This is a very\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003emoving book, one to be read slowly and reflected on deeply. With\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eall its discomforts, as well as comfort, may I encourage you to\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eaccept her and Julian’s invitations to come and stand at the foot\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eof Christ’s cross.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eColin Fletcher OBE, Bishop of Dorchester\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Way, November 2021. Review by Luke Penkett CJN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the greatest and most delightful blessings of At the Foot of the Cross is the fact that Emma Pennington—who has been studying Julian of Norwich’s writings for almost twenty years and, latterly, lecturing on them—writes with such love of her subject. Those who are coming to Julian for the first time, as well as those of us who have known her for rather longer, cannot fail to be moved by Pennington’s text. It is totally approachable and absorbing. Throughout her ten chapters she invites and enables her readers to connect with Julian, and with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmma Pennington is the canon missioner at Canterbury Cathedral and holds a doctorate from Oxford University on ‘Julian and the Sacrament of Penance’. In her preface Pennington describes—honestly and vulnerably—her initial encounter with the fourteenth-century mystical theologian and her purpose in writing: ‘I seek to share with you this experience of encountering God through Julian’s words, crystallised within a medieval text’ (p.10). After this, and a contextualising introduction, we have ten chapters divided into six sections focusing on encounter, and then on Julian’s first, second, fourth, eighth and ninth revelations. There is a helpful, brief and up-to-date list of books for ‘Further Reading’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter centres on an aspect or image from the revelations which draws the present-day reader towards five visions of the passion: the crown of thorns, Jesus’ face, the blood flowing from Jesus, Jesus’ death on the cross, and paradise. It would thus make an excellent Lent study book. The chapters include a section, ‘Going Deeper’, in which we meditate words of Julian, a handful of ‘Questions to Ponder or Discuss’ and a biblical quotation ‘to carry into daily life’. Whether it is the quantity of the blood, or the colour of Christ’s dying face, we are challenged to express our response or reaction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe writer becomes even more vulnerable in the conclusion, and shares a long-term experience which gave her a deeper understanding of faith, church and prayer as ‘the darkness becomes our light’ (p.154). This year, as many have had an unprecedented experience of self-isolation, a great number of people have found, through Julian’s words, that Jesus can break through the walls of our pain and suffering, offering us love and hope. Pennington ends with the words: Julian’s writings offer us a revelation of divine love, and she speaks many beautiful and comfortable words that have been loved and valued over the years. But this book has not been about those words; instead it has focused on the heart of her revelation, which is a vision of the cross, and Julian’s invitation to sit with her at its foot until we, like her, behold the cross, our own cross, the cross of others, the cross of the world, the cross of Christ as a revelation of divine love.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Luke Penkett CJN\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2021. Review by Nancy May\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginning with a context-setting section, looking at Julian’s world and the influences upon her, this book goes on to examine the nature of her writings. In explaining what Julian’s visions are and what they are not, Emma Pennington contrasts them with the visions of her contemporary Margery Kempe. The way Julian processed her intense experience, and revisited it after reflecting prayerfully for many years, was key to her own spiritual development; and it continues to inspire and influence many today. Emma Pennington’s experience as a spiritual accompanier is evident in the way the book is constructed. In the main body of the book, eight chapters explore themes from five of the Revelations in a way that encourages the reader to visualize them from Julian’s point of view. Each chapter then ends with a short section encouraging readers to go deeper, to reflect and explore their own responses, before offering words of encouragement ‘for the journey’. The book has a short conclusion in which the author draws a parallel between Julian’s sickness and her own experience of intense physical pain which itself revealed something profound about God’s love. \u003cem\u003eReviewed by Nancy May \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulian Meetings Magazine December 2020. Review by Elizabeth Ruth Obbard ODC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis very attractively produced book is small and compact, but full of wisdom, as we are led ever more deeply into those chapters of her Revelations where Julian speaks of the Cross. There is much scholarship lightly worn as the author explores Julian’s words and their devotional context in 14\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century England. She sees one of Julian’s functions as enabling us to pray the Passion through Julian’s eyes as she, and we, contemplate the suffering Saviour. We discover, in our contemplation, the amazing love of God that the Cross reveals. As this book just focuses on Julian and the Cross it would be good (but not absolutely necessary) to have read the whole text so as to put the relevant chapters in a wider context. But I, for one, will never see Jesus’ face on the veil of Veronica, or the crown of thorns (the garland of both pain and victory), in the same way, as Julian leads us into this mystery of suffering and joy so closely combined. Each chapter ends with suggestions for ‘going deeper’, and questions to ponder or discuss - I would add to ‘journal with’ – plus a practical application such as ‘How can you bring love and life to someone who is suffering this week?’ A bonus is the section of full colour plates that show us the kind of pictures and devotional objects that would have influenced Julian as she pondered Christ’s Cross. An excellent book for Julian lovers to use again and again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Elizabeth Ruth Obbard ODC\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Frost, BRF author and blogger. 03.11.20\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMention the name Julian of Norwich and many of us would be able to recall her words, ‘All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.’ We may also know that this 14\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e Century anchoress experienced a number of revelations or showings of Christ, often described as the ‘Revelations of Divine Love’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the author of this book writes, ‘This book is not about Julian’s life, however intriguing that may be, nor does it seek to expound her thinking… instead it is a work that invites you to enter into the substance and language of Julian’s words, to hear her voice… and to stand with her at the foot of the cross so we may know and love God the better’. Emma Pennington succeeds on all accounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beauty of this book is the valuable way in which she explains the context of medieval beliefs and practices at the time in which Julian lives. This broader picture provides additional insight into how we can interpret, learn and benefit from the revelations that Julian experienced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter concludes with a guided reading exercise and questions to consider for our personal devotion. There are also helpful photos of items and places relating to the life of Julian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmma Pennington is Canon Missioner at Canterbury Cathedral and a co-founder of the successful Festival of Prayer run in association with BRF. Holding a doctorate about her subject, the author’s academic language presents, very occasionally, a similar struggle as that provoked by Julian’s own 14\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e Century English – but it’s worth persevering and re-reading as needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat most famous statement by Julian of Norwich is itself only briefly alluded to. But the author’s explanation and insights in these remarkable revelations, experienced by a seemingly ordinary person 650 years ago, make it very clear that in our life with Christ all shall indeed be well. \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\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 09.10.20. Review by Anne Spalding \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeople who have read only excerpts from Julian’s writings which focus on God’s love can be taken aback by the Revelations as a whole because of Julian’s intense attention to Christ on the cross. Pennington looks at exactly this, giving the context of medieval writing in general and the expectations of anchoresses and mystics around Julian’s time, and providing colour plates to illustrate some aspects still visible in churches today. Chapters include ‘The Crown of Thorns’, ‘Great Droplets of Blood’, and ‘The Face of Jesus’, and each has a discussion on the text in the light of scripture and of medieval life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJulian’s intention, and Pennington’s, is to give a devotional invitation; so, after the overview in part one, each chapter ends with a meditation, ‘Going Deeper’, then questions to ponder or discuss, and finally words for the journey from scripture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a book to skim-read. The medieval mind-set is a long way from a 21st-century outlook; so there is plenty of material to engage with and think through. Pennington is able to paint a rich picture of this difference. Also, Julian’s own focus on detail — for example, the texture of the blood, or the colour of the dying face of Christ — mean that readers of \u003cem\u003eAt the Foot of the Cross \u003c\/em\u003emust think and feel their response to these things, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut it is worth the effort of reading thoughtfully. Julian’s revelations came as part of her experience of illness and expectation of dying. And, through her revelations and reflection on Christ’s Passion, Julian found that Christ’s death was relevant for her circumstances. In our world, still filled with suffering and pain, Pennington’s book can help us to grasp, through Julian’s insights, something of how Jesus’s death on the cross can speak to our situation, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eReview by Dr Spalding a member of the Third Order SSF\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-01-02T10:08:59+00:00","created_at":"2019-12-09T13:03:19+00:00","vendor":"Emma Pennington","type":"Paperback","tags":["For individuals","Jul-20","Kindle","Spirituality"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":31437547765899,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465191","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"At the Foot of the Cross with Julian of Norwich","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465191","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/978857465191.jpg?v=1575896599"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/978857465191.jpg?v=1575896599","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":5781665611915,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/978857465191.jpg?v=1575896599"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/978857465191.jpg?v=1575896599","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e'All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.' This quotation may be all that many people know of Julian of Norwich, an anchoress from the fourteenth century. This book seeks to bring to a popular readership a devotional engagement with Julian’s work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe introduction gives a general background to Julian, the nature of visions in the 14th century and the type of text Julian gives us, namely a meditative text which intends to lead the reader to ‘beholding’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter centres on one aspect or image from Julian’s Revelation, which seeks to make the events of the Passion present to the reader’s imagination. The commentary incorporates reflection, the biblical narrative and Julian’s subsequent teachings to create a meditation that enables the reader to linger on the wonder of the cross, ending with a prayer that leads to silence and a thought or verse to carry into daily life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmma Pennington is the canon missioner for Canterbury Cathedral. Formerly vicar of Garsington, Cuddesdon and Horspath in the Oxford Diocese and chaplain of Worcester College, Oxford, she has also been a prayer and spirituality adviser for the diocese and an area dean. She speaks widely about the spirituality of Julian of Norwich.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Emma's blog about filming a series to accompany her book click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/lights-camera-action-emma-pennington-on-filming\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This is a wonderfully refreshing introduction to Julian of Norwich,\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ewhich conveys her spiritual toughness and the resilience and\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003efreedom she found through reflecting on the cross of Christ.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFor those who associate Julian only with her vision of the hazelnut,\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethis will be a revelation.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eAngela Tilby, canon emeritus, Christ Church, Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘I absolutely love this book. As the foreword explains, it aims to\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003edraw the reader into a profoundly meditative encounter with\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJulian’s visions and understanding of God. It manages this with\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ea beautiful simplicity that will draw in any reader. Informed by\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethe author’s deep scholarship, this a sure and reliable guide.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eSantha Bhattacharji, fellow emeritus, St Benet’s Hall, University\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eof Oxford, and president, Churches Fellowship for Psychical and\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eSpiritual Studies\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘Emma Pennington has opened the writings of Julian of Norwich to\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eus in a fresh and wonderful way. She has also given us, in this book,\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ea spiritual treasure which causes us to journey and explore and, in\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethat quest, to venture deeper and deeper into the love of God, with\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJulian as our companion.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRobert Willis, dean of Canterbury Cathedral\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘Emma Pennington has that rare gift of bringing theological and\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eliterary insights together. She transports us to a different world –\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eJulian’s world of the 14th century – and yet makes it completely\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eand profoundly accessible to the modern reader. This is a very\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003emoving book, one to be read slowly and reflected on deeply. With\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eall its discomforts, as well as comfort, may I encourage you to\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eaccept her and Julian’s invitations to come and stand at the foot\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eof Christ’s cross.’\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eColin Fletcher OBE, Bishop of Dorchester\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Way, November 2021. Review by Luke Penkett CJN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the greatest and most delightful blessings of At the Foot of the Cross is the fact that Emma Pennington—who has been studying Julian of Norwich’s writings for almost twenty years and, latterly, lecturing on them—writes with such love of her subject. Those who are coming to Julian for the first time, as well as those of us who have known her for rather longer, cannot fail to be moved by Pennington’s text. It is totally approachable and absorbing. Throughout her ten chapters she invites and enables her readers to connect with Julian, and with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmma Pennington is the canon missioner at Canterbury Cathedral and holds a doctorate from Oxford University on ‘Julian and the Sacrament of Penance’. In her preface Pennington describes—honestly and vulnerably—her initial encounter with the fourteenth-century mystical theologian and her purpose in writing: ‘I seek to share with you this experience of encountering God through Julian’s words, crystallised within a medieval text’ (p.10). After this, and a contextualising introduction, we have ten chapters divided into six sections focusing on encounter, and then on Julian’s first, second, fourth, eighth and ninth revelations. There is a helpful, brief and up-to-date list of books for ‘Further Reading’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter centres on an aspect or image from the revelations which draws the present-day reader towards five visions of the passion: the crown of thorns, Jesus’ face, the blood flowing from Jesus, Jesus’ death on the cross, and paradise. It would thus make an excellent Lent study book. The chapters include a section, ‘Going Deeper’, in which we meditate words of Julian, a handful of ‘Questions to Ponder or Discuss’ and a biblical quotation ‘to carry into daily life’. Whether it is the quantity of the blood, or the colour of Christ’s dying face, we are challenged to express our response or reaction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe writer becomes even more vulnerable in the conclusion, and shares a long-term experience which gave her a deeper understanding of faith, church and prayer as ‘the darkness becomes our light’ (p.154). This year, as many have had an unprecedented experience of self-isolation, a great number of people have found, through Julian’s words, that Jesus can break through the walls of our pain and suffering, offering us love and hope. Pennington ends with the words: Julian’s writings offer us a revelation of divine love, and she speaks many beautiful and comfortable words that have been loved and valued over the years. But this book has not been about those words; instead it has focused on the heart of her revelation, which is a vision of the cross, and Julian’s invitation to sit with her at its foot until we, like her, behold the cross, our own cross, the cross of others, the cross of the world, the cross of Christ as a revelation of divine love.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Luke Penkett CJN\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2021. Review by Nancy May\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginning with a context-setting section, looking at Julian’s world and the influences upon her, this book goes on to examine the nature of her writings. In explaining what Julian’s visions are and what they are not, Emma Pennington contrasts them with the visions of her contemporary Margery Kempe. The way Julian processed her intense experience, and revisited it after reflecting prayerfully for many years, was key to her own spiritual development; and it continues to inspire and influence many today. Emma Pennington’s experience as a spiritual accompanier is evident in the way the book is constructed. In the main body of the book, eight chapters explore themes from five of the Revelations in a way that encourages the reader to visualize them from Julian’s point of view. Each chapter then ends with a short section encouraging readers to go deeper, to reflect and explore their own responses, before offering words of encouragement ‘for the journey’. The book has a short conclusion in which the author draws a parallel between Julian’s sickness and her own experience of intense physical pain which itself revealed something profound about God’s love. \u003cem\u003eReviewed by Nancy May \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulian Meetings Magazine December 2020. Review by Elizabeth Ruth Obbard ODC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis very attractively produced book is small and compact, but full of wisdom, as we are led ever more deeply into those chapters of her Revelations where Julian speaks of the Cross. There is much scholarship lightly worn as the author explores Julian’s words and their devotional context in 14\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century England. She sees one of Julian’s functions as enabling us to pray the Passion through Julian’s eyes as she, and we, contemplate the suffering Saviour. We discover, in our contemplation, the amazing love of God that the Cross reveals. As this book just focuses on Julian and the Cross it would be good (but not absolutely necessary) to have read the whole text so as to put the relevant chapters in a wider context. But I, for one, will never see Jesus’ face on the veil of Veronica, or the crown of thorns (the garland of both pain and victory), in the same way, as Julian leads us into this mystery of suffering and joy so closely combined. Each chapter ends with suggestions for ‘going deeper’, and questions to ponder or discuss - I would add to ‘journal with’ – plus a practical application such as ‘How can you bring love and life to someone who is suffering this week?’ A bonus is the section of full colour plates that show us the kind of pictures and devotional objects that would have influenced Julian as she pondered Christ’s Cross. An excellent book for Julian lovers to use again and again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Elizabeth Ruth Obbard ODC\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Frost, BRF author and blogger. 03.11.20\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMention the name Julian of Norwich and many of us would be able to recall her words, ‘All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.’ We may also know that this 14\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e Century anchoress experienced a number of revelations or showings of Christ, often described as the ‘Revelations of Divine Love’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the author of this book writes, ‘This book is not about Julian’s life, however intriguing that may be, nor does it seek to expound her thinking… instead it is a work that invites you to enter into the substance and language of Julian’s words, to hear her voice… and to stand with her at the foot of the cross so we may know and love God the better’. Emma Pennington succeeds on all accounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beauty of this book is the valuable way in which she explains the context of medieval beliefs and practices at the time in which Julian lives. This broader picture provides additional insight into how we can interpret, learn and benefit from the revelations that Julian experienced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter concludes with a guided reading exercise and questions to consider for our personal devotion. There are also helpful photos of items and places relating to the life of Julian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmma Pennington is Canon Missioner at Canterbury Cathedral and a co-founder of the successful Festival of Prayer run in association with BRF. Holding a doctorate about her subject, the author’s academic language presents, very occasionally, a similar struggle as that provoked by Julian’s own 14\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e Century English – but it’s worth persevering and re-reading as needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat most famous statement by Julian of Norwich is itself only briefly alluded to. But the author’s explanation and insights in these remarkable revelations, experienced by a seemingly ordinary person 650 years ago, make it very clear that in our life with Christ all shall indeed be well. \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\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 09.10.20. Review by Anne Spalding \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeople who have read only excerpts from Julian’s writings which focus on God’s love can be taken aback by the Revelations as a whole because of Julian’s intense attention to Christ on the cross. Pennington looks at exactly this, giving the context of medieval writing in general and the expectations of anchoresses and mystics around Julian’s time, and providing colour plates to illustrate some aspects still visible in churches today. Chapters include ‘The Crown of Thorns’, ‘Great Droplets of Blood’, and ‘The Face of Jesus’, and each has a discussion on the text in the light of scripture and of medieval life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJulian’s intention, and Pennington’s, is to give a devotional invitation; so, after the overview in part one, each chapter ends with a meditation, ‘Going Deeper’, then questions to ponder or discuss, and finally words for the journey from scripture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a book to skim-read. The medieval mind-set is a long way from a 21st-century outlook; so there is plenty of material to engage with and think through. Pennington is able to paint a rich picture of this difference. Also, Julian’s own focus on detail — for example, the texture of the blood, or the colour of the dying face of Christ — mean that readers of \u003cem\u003eAt the Foot of the Cross \u003c\/em\u003emust think and feel their response to these things, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut it is worth the effort of reading thoughtfully. Julian’s revelations came as part of her experience of illness and expectation of dying. And, through her revelations and reflection on Christ’s Passion, Julian found that Christ’s death was relevant for her circumstances. In our world, still filled with suffering and pain, Pennington’s book can help us to grasp, through Julian’s insights, something of how Jesus’s death on the cross can speak to our situation, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eReview by Dr Spalding a member of the Third Order SSF\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":4853212348555,"title":"A Better Song to Sing: Finding life again through the invitations of Jesus","handle":"a-better-song-to-sing-finding-life-again-through-the-invitations-of-jesus","description":"\u003cp\u003eMany sincere followers of Jesus are secretly disappointed, dissatisfied and quietly desperate for more than they are currently experiencing. That more is found as we respond to the invitations of Jesus, which hold out to us the hope of dynamic change, of a truly vibrant, transformed life – a better song to sing. Each chapter explores one specific invitation, drawing out its possible implications for our lives, and suggests a spiritual practice or reflection to help us ground that invitation in our present-day reality.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags was a missionary in Asia for over 20 years before returning to the UK and joining the faculty at Redcliffe College where she lectured on Spiritual Formation and on Soul Care. A retreat leader and spiritual director, she is passionate about helping others nurture their relationship with God in life-giving, life-sustaining ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer critically acclaimed first book is \u003cem\u003eGod among the Ruins\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2018).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead Mags' Lockdown blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/mags-duggan-author-of-the-best-selling-god-among-the-ruins-and-the-soon-to-be-published-a-better-song-to-sing-muses-on-what-shes-achieved-during-lockdown\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTony Horsfall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersonal transformation is at the heart of discipleship yet so many experience only superficial change. Here is a book to take you deeper in the journey to wholeness and Christlikeness and blow away your spiritual blues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags Duggan first helps us to understand the call of Jesus to experience the abundant life he offers. Then she asks us to look inwards, gently inviting us to face up to the issues preventing us from real change. Finally, with much grace, and sharing examples from her own life, she gives us practical tools by which we can find freedom, healing and release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a small book but it packs a big punch. \u003cem\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/em\u003e will strike the right note for many who long to find greater fulfilment in their walk with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2021. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is not about hymns or worship songs. It is a book for those of us who know, deep down, that there must be more to life as a disciple than we are experiencing right now. Mags Duggan has clearly been there herself, and writes about searching for ‘a better song to sing’ in life through the invitations of Jesus – life in all its fullness, release from the grave, water for the thirsty, fulfilment of our deep desires, trusting and being at home with him. I was especially moved by the last chapter, where the author writes of Jesus inviting me to be at home with him – a place of heartfelt welcome and ease where I may sit down with him, love and be loved. Mags Duggan writes with grace. The theology is winning, thoughtful and intelligent, not academic. There are personal stories of success and failure, and ideas to try. We need more books like this. I recommend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIrish Methodist Newsletter. Review by Stephen Skuce\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I have listened to many sincere followers of Jesus as they’ve shared with me how worn out, bored, disappointed and frustrated they feel about the life they are living – and how ashamed and guilty they are for feeling this way’. We do not always experience life in all its fullness, and Mags Duggan writes to such as us to offer us counsel and pointers in how to follow the nudging of the Holy Spirit that there is indeed much more than many of us are experiencing. ‘Our lives can be full of good and helpful things, our time may be spent well and productively, and yet we can feel like our hearts, our souls, the very core of who we are, are sometimes achingly empty’.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuggan offers us four spiritual practices that can assist our journeys. She points us to prayers for release, to praying with and through the gospels, to stopping, and circle or Caim prayers that many of us will be familiar with as part of our Celtic Christian heritage. As I read this book I was reminded of Andrew Roberts’ \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits.\u003c\/em\u003e There are a number of such resources that remind us of the practices or habits that support and enhance our faith. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/em\u003e Duggan is helping us think specifically about when we have somehow lost the joy of our faith. It's far from a superficial ‘quick fix’ manual, but a text that is challenging as it causes us to look within, and find God’s strength to better emerge out. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer comments on ‘stopping’ particularly resonated with me and are based on Mark 6:31-32 where Jesus and the disciples head away to be alone, to find a still point in their day. I have cultivated a daily still point. Part of my fairly minimal contribution to the smooth running of the Skuce household is doing the dishes. There is a dishwasher, but it just sits and stares with reproach at me. I don’t care. When I do the dishes I switch off. I do a simple action that has a start, middle and end. I’ll do it again in the near future, but those particular few dishes are completed. I need to do the dishes on my own but that is likely part of my many personality issues. In the simple task I find stillness, and I know I need to find stillness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike a lot of recent BRF books, \u003cem\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/em\u003e is a fairly quick read, is straightforward but has depth. This is well worth reading for more than just encouragement in our faith, but pointers to what actually nourishes us. In the struggles of life that the pandemic has brought, our wellbeing has come a bit more to the fore. This is just the sort of book to help our faith better help our whole being.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Revd Dr Stephen Skuce, District Superintendent, North Western District\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatherine Young, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDirector, Global Language and Development Services\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e International Language Services \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSIL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe opening pages of this book recount a memorable scene from \u003cem\u003e'Educating Rita\u003c\/em\u003e' when Rita’s mother sobs 'There must be better songs to sing than this,' and my heart lurched because that has, on numerous occasions, been the cry of my heart – there must be more to life than what feels mundane and pedestrian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI follow the living God and I crave 'life in all its fullness'. Mags Duggan's book spoke to my heart, my soul and will, I trust, enable me to confidently, enthusiastically, willing and without fear put my trust in the One who has invited me to step to the edge and fly. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe invitations of Jesus, spread through the New Testament, encourage me to draw close to Him and grow in trust of the One who loves me and remind me that I am precious to Him. He yearns for me to respond. Why do I hesitate, I wonder? Each chapter of this book examines a different Biblical invitation and, in a wonderfully accessible style, challenges me to wholeness and new vibrancy in my walk with Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags’ writing – beautifully rich with metaphor - integrates rigorous theological reflection, reflections from her own extensive cross-cultural experience and references to popular culture which emphasises the holistic nature of the call to wholeness. I particularly appreciated the spiritual exercises that are included at the end of each chapter. They caused me to take each chapter and reflect – to consume each chapter carefully in small bites rather than guzzle the complete book hungrily in a few short sittings. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe image of the desert in Chapter 3 was particularly meaningful to me: the unproductive expanse that needs to be watered in order to yield the harvest that was intended. I feel thirsty, I know I am thirsty but I need to intentionally and deliberately drink to experience the 'hydrated soul' through which life and energy can flow to bring refreshment to the parched spirit of others. The final chapter brings the message of the book to a resounding crescendo underscoring that there is risk in commitment – but also joy, hope and freedom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Catherine Young\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-10-15T16:17:00+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-01T16:20:59+01:00","vendor":"Mags Duggan","type":"Paperback","tags":["For individuals","Jul-20","Pastoral care","Prayer","Spirituality","Women"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":33574600376459,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468765","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"A Better Song to Sing: Finding life again through the invitations of Jesus","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":600,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468765","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468765.jpg?v=1588346461"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468765.jpg?v=1588346461","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":7669477474443,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468765.jpg?v=1588346461"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468765.jpg?v=1588346461","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eMany sincere followers of Jesus are secretly disappointed, dissatisfied and quietly desperate for more than they are currently experiencing. That more is found as we respond to the invitations of Jesus, which hold out to us the hope of dynamic change, of a truly vibrant, transformed life – a better song to sing. Each chapter explores one specific invitation, drawing out its possible implications for our lives, and suggests a spiritual practice or reflection to help us ground that invitation in our present-day reality.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags was a missionary in Asia for over 20 years before returning to the UK and joining the faculty at Redcliffe College where she lectured on Spiritual Formation and on Soul Care. A retreat leader and spiritual director, she is passionate about helping others nurture their relationship with God in life-giving, life-sustaining ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer critically acclaimed first book is \u003cem\u003eGod among the Ruins\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2018).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead Mags' Lockdown blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/mags-duggan-author-of-the-best-selling-god-among-the-ruins-and-the-soon-to-be-published-a-better-song-to-sing-muses-on-what-shes-achieved-during-lockdown\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTony Horsfall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersonal transformation is at the heart of discipleship yet so many experience only superficial change. Here is a book to take you deeper in the journey to wholeness and Christlikeness and blow away your spiritual blues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags Duggan first helps us to understand the call of Jesus to experience the abundant life he offers. Then she asks us to look inwards, gently inviting us to face up to the issues preventing us from real change. Finally, with much grace, and sharing examples from her own life, she gives us practical tools by which we can find freedom, healing and release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a small book but it packs a big punch. \u003cem\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/em\u003e will strike the right note for many who long to find greater fulfilment in their walk with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2021. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is not about hymns or worship songs. It is a book for those of us who know, deep down, that there must be more to life as a disciple than we are experiencing right now. Mags Duggan has clearly been there herself, and writes about searching for ‘a better song to sing’ in life through the invitations of Jesus – life in all its fullness, release from the grave, water for the thirsty, fulfilment of our deep desires, trusting and being at home with him. I was especially moved by the last chapter, where the author writes of Jesus inviting me to be at home with him – a place of heartfelt welcome and ease where I may sit down with him, love and be loved. Mags Duggan writes with grace. The theology is winning, thoughtful and intelligent, not academic. There are personal stories of success and failure, and ideas to try. We need more books like this. I recommend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIrish Methodist Newsletter. Review by Stephen Skuce\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I have listened to many sincere followers of Jesus as they’ve shared with me how worn out, bored, disappointed and frustrated they feel about the life they are living – and how ashamed and guilty they are for feeling this way’. We do not always experience life in all its fullness, and Mags Duggan writes to such as us to offer us counsel and pointers in how to follow the nudging of the Holy Spirit that there is indeed much more than many of us are experiencing. ‘Our lives can be full of good and helpful things, our time may be spent well and productively, and yet we can feel like our hearts, our souls, the very core of who we are, are sometimes achingly empty’.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuggan offers us four spiritual practices that can assist our journeys. She points us to prayers for release, to praying with and through the gospels, to stopping, and circle or Caim prayers that many of us will be familiar with as part of our Celtic Christian heritage. As I read this book I was reminded of Andrew Roberts’ \u003cem\u003eHoly Habits.\u003c\/em\u003e There are a number of such resources that remind us of the practices or habits that support and enhance our faith. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/em\u003e Duggan is helping us think specifically about when we have somehow lost the joy of our faith. It's far from a superficial ‘quick fix’ manual, but a text that is challenging as it causes us to look within, and find God’s strength to better emerge out. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHer comments on ‘stopping’ particularly resonated with me and are based on Mark 6:31-32 where Jesus and the disciples head away to be alone, to find a still point in their day. I have cultivated a daily still point. Part of my fairly minimal contribution to the smooth running of the Skuce household is doing the dishes. There is a dishwasher, but it just sits and stares with reproach at me. I don’t care. When I do the dishes I switch off. I do a simple action that has a start, middle and end. I’ll do it again in the near future, but those particular few dishes are completed. I need to do the dishes on my own but that is likely part of my many personality issues. In the simple task I find stillness, and I know I need to find stillness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike a lot of recent BRF books, \u003cem\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/em\u003e is a fairly quick read, is straightforward but has depth. This is well worth reading for more than just encouragement in our faith, but pointers to what actually nourishes us. In the struggles of life that the pandemic has brought, our wellbeing has come a bit more to the fore. This is just the sort of book to help our faith better help our whole being.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Revd Dr Stephen Skuce, District Superintendent, North Western District\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCatherine Young, \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDirector, Global Language and Development Services\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e International Language Services \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSIL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe opening pages of this book recount a memorable scene from \u003cem\u003e'Educating Rita\u003c\/em\u003e' when Rita’s mother sobs 'There must be better songs to sing than this,' and my heart lurched because that has, on numerous occasions, been the cry of my heart – there must be more to life than what feels mundane and pedestrian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI follow the living God and I crave 'life in all its fullness'. Mags Duggan's book spoke to my heart, my soul and will, I trust, enable me to confidently, enthusiastically, willing and without fear put my trust in the One who has invited me to step to the edge and fly. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe invitations of Jesus, spread through the New Testament, encourage me to draw close to Him and grow in trust of the One who loves me and remind me that I am precious to Him. He yearns for me to respond. Why do I hesitate, I wonder? Each chapter of this book examines a different Biblical invitation and, in a wonderfully accessible style, challenges me to wholeness and new vibrancy in my walk with Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMags’ writing – beautifully rich with metaphor - integrates rigorous theological reflection, reflections from her own extensive cross-cultural experience and references to popular culture which emphasises the holistic nature of the call to wholeness. I particularly appreciated the spiritual exercises that are included at the end of each chapter. They caused me to take each chapter and reflect – to consume each chapter carefully in small bites rather than guzzle the complete book hungrily in a few short sittings. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe image of the desert in Chapter 3 was particularly meaningful to me: the unproductive expanse that needs to be watered in order to yield the harvest that was intended. I feel thirsty, I know I am thirsty but I need to intentionally and deliberately drink to experience the 'hydrated soul' through which life and energy can flow to bring refreshment to the parched spirit of others. The final chapter brings the message of the book to a resounding crescendo underscoring that there is risk in commitment – but also joy, hope and freedom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Catherine Young\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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A Better Song to Sing: Finding life again through the invitations of Jesus
£8.99
Many sincere followers of Jesus are secretly disappointed, dissatisfied and quietly desperate for more than they are currently experiencing. That...
{"id":4163031728267,"title":"Celtic Saints: 40 days of devotional readings","handle":"celtic-saints-40-days-of-devotions","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe life stories of the Celtic saints are inspirational. They demonstrate great and unassuming faith, often in the face of insurmountable difficulties. In Celtic Saints David Cole draws us to relate our own life journey and developing relationship with God into the life story of the Celtic saint of the day. A corresponding biblical text and blessing encourages and motivates us to transform our lives for today’s world in the light of such historic faith.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePreviously published as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/40-days-with-the-celtic-saints-devotional-readings-for-a-time-of-preparation\"\u003e40 Days with the Celtic Saints\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously a full-time church minister, David Cole is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader, an award-winning author and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is also the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read David's blog about his new book \u003cem\u003eThe Celtic Year \u003c\/em\u003ecoming out in September click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/award-winning-brf-author-david-cole-shares-some-of-the-themes-of-his-new-book-the-celtic-year-to-be-published-in-september\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry (winter 2020). Review by John Nicholls\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled ‘40 days of devotional readings’, this book offers both an insight into the lives and achievements of some of the many saints who pioneered the church in the early days in the British Isles and Brittany (Armorica in those days), and serves as a valuable tool for the examination of our own lives and the way they may be improved or inspired. For each of the saints, some well-known, others less so, the author provides a brief biography followed by a meditation inviting us to examine our own lives or reactions to being faced with situations or challenges similar to those faced by the saint in his or her life. There is then a short, relevant passage from scripture and finally a blessing focussed on inspiring us if we meet the sort of situations described and meditated on. Compact, well organised, informative about those who have gone before us, and helping us to learn from their responses to the challenges in life we often share with them, I commend this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by John Nicholls\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost, April 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole’s excellent book considers the lives of 40 saints and how the Celtic Christians observed three ‘Lenten’ periods in a year. Each lasting 40 days, these periods of devotion and spiritual preparation were Advent, Lent and a third spell following Pentecost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have to admit that I had not heard of this third period of 40 days nor, indeed, of three-quarters of the saints David Cole includes. So, from the start this book provides an educational perspective and not just a spiritual one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListed in alphabetical order, from Adamnan to Wilfrid, each day’s entry comprises a helpful biography of the saint in question (which is also short enough to be consumed easily). There is a daily meditation on some aspect of the saint’s life or teaching – and, reflecting the rhythm of Celtic spirituality, each entry uses the same words to invite the reader to become more aware of God’s presence and provides thoughts to ponder upon. There is also a daily Bible reading and a prayer. This rhythmic structure of each daily reading contains a helpful balance of information, inspiration and iteration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe way the book is structured also enables it to be read in different ways. One could use it as a straight, familiar, one reading a day for 40 days. It could also be used in a ‘pick and mix’ approach – allowing the reader to choose which saints to focus on. Thirdly, the entries could also be read on the appropriate feast day for each saint (an approach helped by the inclusion of a calendar).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving read a book about the early church fathers for Lent, this reviewer will certainly be using \u003cem\u003eCeltic Saints\u003c\/em\u003e for the period after Pentecost.\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","published_at":"2019-09-25T12:09:09+01:00","created_at":"2019-09-25T12:10:32+01:00","vendor":"David Cole","type":"Paperback","tags":["Celtic Christianity","Devotional","For individuals","Kindle","Mar-20","Spirituality"],"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":30263385096331,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469502","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Celtic Saints: 40 days of devotional readings","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469502","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469502.jpg?v=1569409832"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469502.jpg?v=1569409832","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":2274518401163,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469502.jpg?v=1569409832"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469502.jpg?v=1569409832","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe life stories of the Celtic saints are inspirational. They demonstrate great and unassuming faith, often in the face of insurmountable difficulties. In Celtic Saints David Cole draws us to relate our own life journey and developing relationship with God into the life story of the Celtic saint of the day. A corresponding biblical text and blessing encourages and motivates us to transform our lives for today’s world in the light of such historic faith.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePreviously published as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/40-days-with-the-celtic-saints-devotional-readings-for-a-time-of-preparation\"\u003e40 Days with the Celtic Saints\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously a full-time church minister, David Cole is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader, an award-winning author and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is also the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read David's blog about his new book \u003cem\u003eThe Celtic Year \u003c\/em\u003ecoming out in September click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/award-winning-brf-author-david-cole-shares-some-of-the-themes-of-his-new-book-the-celtic-year-to-be-published-in-september\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry (winter 2020). Review by John Nicholls\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled ‘40 days of devotional readings’, this book offers both an insight into the lives and achievements of some of the many saints who pioneered the church in the early days in the British Isles and Brittany (Armorica in those days), and serves as a valuable tool for the examination of our own lives and the way they may be improved or inspired. For each of the saints, some well-known, others less so, the author provides a brief biography followed by a meditation inviting us to examine our own lives or reactions to being faced with situations or challenges similar to those faced by the saint in his or her life. There is then a short, relevant passage from scripture and finally a blessing focussed on inspiring us if we meet the sort of situations described and meditated on. Compact, well organised, informative about those who have gone before us, and helping us to learn from their responses to the challenges in life we often share with them, I commend this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by John Nicholls\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost, April 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole’s excellent book considers the lives of 40 saints and how the Celtic Christians observed three ‘Lenten’ periods in a year. Each lasting 40 days, these periods of devotion and spiritual preparation were Advent, Lent and a third spell following Pentecost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have to admit that I had not heard of this third period of 40 days nor, indeed, of three-quarters of the saints David Cole includes. So, from the start this book provides an educational perspective and not just a spiritual one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eListed in alphabetical order, from Adamnan to Wilfrid, each day’s entry comprises a helpful biography of the saint in question (which is also short enough to be consumed easily). There is a daily meditation on some aspect of the saint’s life or teaching – and, reflecting the rhythm of Celtic spirituality, each entry uses the same words to invite the reader to become more aware of God’s presence and provides thoughts to ponder upon. There is also a daily Bible reading and a prayer. This rhythmic structure of each daily reading contains a helpful balance of information, inspiration and iteration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe way the book is structured also enables it to be read in different ways. One could use it as a straight, familiar, one reading a day for 40 days. It could also be used in a ‘pick and mix’ approach – allowing the reader to choose which saints to focus on. Thirdly, the entries could also be read on the appropriate feast day for each saint (an approach helped by the inclusion of a calendar).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving read a book about the early church fathers for Lent, this reviewer will certainly be using \u003cem\u003eCeltic Saints\u003c\/em\u003e for the period after Pentecost.\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"}
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Celtic Saints: 40 days of devotional readings
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The life stories of the Celtic saints are inspirational. They demonstrate great and unassuming faith, often in the face of...
{"id":4366309556363,"title":"Journey to Contentment: Pilgrimage principles for everyday life","handle":"journey-to-contentment","description":"\u003cp\u003eUsing the metaphor of pilgrimage, Sally Welch walks alongside us as leader and guide, but also fellow traveller, to explore how we can understand this biblical principle and make it our own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is divided into sections of a journey, beginning with the preparations necessary before setting out, exploring the obstacles which might be put in our path and sharing ways in which the journey can be made easier and more productive. At the end of each reflection there is a suggestion for an activity or prayer to enable the reader to apply the learning to their own life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch is the editor of BRF's \u003cem\u003eNew Daylight\u003c\/em\u003e Bible reading notes. She is Vicar of Charlbury with Shorthampton and diocesan spirituality adviser in the Diocese of Oxford. A writer and lecturer on spirituality, she is particularly interested in pilgrimage and labyrinth and has made many pilgrimages both in England and Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, digital edition 2. Review by Roger Thornington\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways wanted to go on a step-free pilgrimage? Then this is the book for you! Sally Welch takes us through 52 steps, all from the comfort of your favourite armchair, on a journey to explore how we might reach an inner contentment on our Christian journey through life. Her metaphor is taken from the life of John Bunyan’s pilgrim – ‘Christian’. Eight sections – ‘Before we begin’, ’Stepping out in faith’, ‘Finding the rhythm of the way’, ‘The dangers of discontent’, ’The path of contentment : living lightly’, ‘… keeping focussed’, ‘… facing affliction’, and finally ‘Finding contentment’ – contain the 52 steps. Each step is quite short – some Bible verses, maybe an anecdote, a spiritual application and finally an exercise – a practical task or an inner reflection and a focus for prayer. Even if there are no hills, bad weather or difficulties in finding our way, these aspects are presented as inner challenges – are we content to accept an easy path through life or are we serious in pursuit of our Christian discipleship? This challenging book will be my constant companion on my inner pilgrimage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Roger Thornington \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine, April 2021. Review by Helen Lems\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch edits and contributes to the Bible Reading Fellowship’s \u003cem\u003eNew Daylight \u003c\/em\u003eBible reading notes. This book is a rich and useful resource to help deepen your spiritual life. The central theme of contentment, particularly its biblical understanding, is approached using the metaphor of a pilgrimage journey. The author is your companion and guide along the way, rather than an expert with all the answers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe groups 52 reflections into eight sections, with headings such as 'Stepping out in faith' and 'The dangers of discontent’. She suggests reading one each week. They have much to offer both to those just starting out and those who are further along the way on the journey of spiritual exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach reflection relates to the section theme and precedes a short Bible passage. Then there are some suggestions for further personal reflection. Keeping a journal could be a useful aide to record these, so that they could be revisited later.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is one to keep revisiting, not only at different times of the year but at different stages of life. It would be a useful resource for a retreat or quiet day or to use at home. It could be used at the same season e.g. Advent or Lent, over several years rather than weekly over a year. Both would work equally well. It is tempting to look at headings and skip some sections and focus on others, but if you can resist this then the spiritual rewards could be deeper. I look forward to exploring it further at a more leisurely pace!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Helen Lems\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 13.11.20. Review by Leigh Hatts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘THE realisation creeps on us gradually that we are in this for the long haul, that life has changed and we may never return to how it was,’ Sally Welch writes in \u003cem\u003eJourney to Contentment\u003c\/em\u003e. This is one of the many moments when the book has both resonance and answers for living during the ongoing pandemic, and especially for those suddenly like Martha, with endless caring or domestic duties. Although written before the virus hit us, it manages to be a prescient book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch, a parish priest, is best known as a Bible Reading Fellowship editor [\u003cem\u003eNew Daylight\u003c\/em\u003e Bible reading notes] and pilgrimage leader. She is also the keeper of Oxford diocese’s giant travelling labyrinth, which is often thrown down at big events to encourage contemplation. But this book is initially for solo indoor reading along the road on which the author says that she, too, is seeking contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 52 short ‘sections’, it can be a two-month journey or a year-long exploration. Each section starts with a scripture quotation, including psalms, from the NRSV, followed by a reflection. The conclusion is always a suggested activity or exercise, which, the writer admits, some will skip, although planting seeds for our prayer space must appeal to many. The themes, such as ,Finding the rhythm of the way’, climax in various paths of contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo meditate on St Paul’s suggestion that we ‘run with perseverance’, there are surprising motivational quotations from Jesse Owens, Marilyn Monroe, and Oprah Winfrey. Towards the end, we are encouraged, like the pilgrim, to talk to fellow travellers and so find mutual support and companionship to do God’s work better. The reward, it is suggested, can be happiness and living longer. The book turns out to be an enjoyable and easy-to-read course for living in the new normal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Leigh Hatts, author of ‘Walking The Pilgrims’ Way’ (Cicerone, 2017).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Salvationist 25.7.20\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Major Noreen Batt\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReading this guide brought a helpful dimension to the prospect of going on a journey to contentment right in the midst of the rawness of life. As Sally Welch observes: ‘Contentment is not a secret, but it is a mystery… it is learned, and the lessons can be hard work.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are guided to prepare for the journey, to step out in faith, find the rhythm of how to walk well, encounter challenges on the way and discover the mystery of contentment as we go. Written in 52 short chapters, it feels like a pocketbook that you could take on a pilgrimage – thoughts to mull over at the beginning or end of the day, guidance to ponder over a cup of coffee and insights to wonder about in between.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Scriptures given for each step are carefully placed stepping stones that you don’t always expect, but that adds interest. In each chapter there is a suggested exercise that offers a variety of responses, from spiritual disciplines to artwork, from creative to practical responses, from gardening to decluttering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book you could use by yourself for daily devotions or – if you wanted to dwell on the insights for longer and exercise them in your life – as a weekly guide. Alternatively, you could use it as a pilgrimage guide with a small group of fellow pilgrims and enjoy companionship along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we gradually emerge from lockdown, Sally’s reflection on Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones particularly resonates: ‘Deprived of the structure that sustained his life, he must find a new way of thinking and believing. With the old supports destroyed, hope must be sought – and found – in a new place.’ This book offers a gentle, thoughtful companion on the pilgrim way. You just might want to pop it in your rucksack!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch is a well-established figure in the ministry and mission of BRF and her latest book reflects her skill as a writer, vocation as a priest and capacity as a spirituality advisor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing the metaphor of pilgrimage, she takes us on a journey from preparation to destination. Like any pilgrimage (literal or metaphorical) such journeys involve stepping out in faith, finding rhythms, carrying a load, overcoming difficulties and keeping focused on where God is leading us towards. Like any pilgrimage this is a book not to be rushed, nor to dawdle through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore setting out on a journey it is important to check one’s route and what that comprises of. The same is true of this book. The book is divided into 52 sections – but the reader should avoid thinking that means reading one per week. Indeed, Sally Welch encourages the reader to take one per day but, such is the depth of content and the nature of the exercise included in each section that, this reviewer would suggest, more time is needed to fully get the most out of the pilgrimage. Slightly confusingly, these 52 sections are divided in to 8 larger parts, also called sections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut that aside, there is plenty in these pages to get to grips with. It is both challenging and reassuring to know that many people thrive and struggle in the Christian life of pilgrimage and our journey towards contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-11-19T14:25:34+00:00","created_at":"2019-11-19T14:39:32+00:00","vendor":"Sally Welch","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","For individuals","Kindle","May-20","Spirituality"],"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":31388155478155,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465924","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Journey to Contentment: Pilgrimage principles for everyday life","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":100,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465924","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465924.jpg?v=1574174372"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465924.jpg?v=1574174372","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":5726745723019,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465924.jpg?v=1574174372"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465924.jpg?v=1574174372","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eUsing the metaphor of pilgrimage, Sally Welch walks alongside us as leader and guide, but also fellow traveller, to explore how we can understand this biblical principle and make it our own.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is divided into sections of a journey, beginning with the preparations necessary before setting out, exploring the obstacles which might be put in our path and sharing ways in which the journey can be made easier and more productive. At the end of each reflection there is a suggestion for an activity or prayer to enable the reader to apply the learning to their own life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch is the editor of BRF's \u003cem\u003eNew Daylight\u003c\/em\u003e Bible reading notes. She is Vicar of Charlbury with Shorthampton and diocesan spirituality adviser in the Diocese of Oxford. A writer and lecturer on spirituality, she is particularly interested in pilgrimage and labyrinth and has made many pilgrimages both in England and Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, digital edition 2. Review by Roger Thornington\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways wanted to go on a step-free pilgrimage? Then this is the book for you! Sally Welch takes us through 52 steps, all from the comfort of your favourite armchair, on a journey to explore how we might reach an inner contentment on our Christian journey through life. Her metaphor is taken from the life of John Bunyan’s pilgrim – ‘Christian’. Eight sections – ‘Before we begin’, ’Stepping out in faith’, ‘Finding the rhythm of the way’, ‘The dangers of discontent’, ’The path of contentment : living lightly’, ‘… keeping focussed’, ‘… facing affliction’, and finally ‘Finding contentment’ – contain the 52 steps. Each step is quite short – some Bible verses, maybe an anecdote, a spiritual application and finally an exercise – a practical task or an inner reflection and a focus for prayer. Even if there are no hills, bad weather or difficulties in finding our way, these aspects are presented as inner challenges – are we content to accept an easy path through life or are we serious in pursuit of our Christian discipleship? This challenging book will be my constant companion on my inner pilgrimage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Roger Thornington \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine, April 2021. Review by Helen Lems\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch edits and contributes to the Bible Reading Fellowship’s \u003cem\u003eNew Daylight \u003c\/em\u003eBible reading notes. This book is a rich and useful resource to help deepen your spiritual life. The central theme of contentment, particularly its biblical understanding, is approached using the metaphor of a pilgrimage journey. The author is your companion and guide along the way, rather than an expert with all the answers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe groups 52 reflections into eight sections, with headings such as 'Stepping out in faith' and 'The dangers of discontent’. She suggests reading one each week. They have much to offer both to those just starting out and those who are further along the way on the journey of spiritual exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach reflection relates to the section theme and precedes a short Bible passage. Then there are some suggestions for further personal reflection. Keeping a journal could be a useful aide to record these, so that they could be revisited later.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is one to keep revisiting, not only at different times of the year but at different stages of life. It would be a useful resource for a retreat or quiet day or to use at home. It could be used at the same season e.g. Advent or Lent, over several years rather than weekly over a year. Both would work equally well. It is tempting to look at headings and skip some sections and focus on others, but if you can resist this then the spiritual rewards could be deeper. I look forward to exploring it further at a more leisurely pace!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Helen Lems\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 13.11.20. Review by Leigh Hatts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘THE realisation creeps on us gradually that we are in this for the long haul, that life has changed and we may never return to how it was,’ Sally Welch writes in \u003cem\u003eJourney to Contentment\u003c\/em\u003e. This is one of the many moments when the book has both resonance and answers for living during the ongoing pandemic, and especially for those suddenly like Martha, with endless caring or domestic duties. Although written before the virus hit us, it manages to be a prescient book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch, a parish priest, is best known as a Bible Reading Fellowship editor [\u003cem\u003eNew Daylight\u003c\/em\u003e Bible reading notes] and pilgrimage leader. She is also the keeper of Oxford diocese’s giant travelling labyrinth, which is often thrown down at big events to encourage contemplation. But this book is initially for solo indoor reading along the road on which the author says that she, too, is seeking contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 52 short ‘sections’, it can be a two-month journey or a year-long exploration. Each section starts with a scripture quotation, including psalms, from the NRSV, followed by a reflection. The conclusion is always a suggested activity or exercise, which, the writer admits, some will skip, although planting seeds for our prayer space must appeal to many. The themes, such as ,Finding the rhythm of the way’, climax in various paths of contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo meditate on St Paul’s suggestion that we ‘run with perseverance’, there are surprising motivational quotations from Jesse Owens, Marilyn Monroe, and Oprah Winfrey. Towards the end, we are encouraged, like the pilgrim, to talk to fellow travellers and so find mutual support and companionship to do God’s work better. The reward, it is suggested, can be happiness and living longer. The book turns out to be an enjoyable and easy-to-read course for living in the new normal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Leigh Hatts, author of ‘Walking The Pilgrims’ Way’ (Cicerone, 2017).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Salvationist 25.7.20\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Major Noreen Batt\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReading this guide brought a helpful dimension to the prospect of going on a journey to contentment right in the midst of the rawness of life. As Sally Welch observes: ‘Contentment is not a secret, but it is a mystery… it is learned, and the lessons can be hard work.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are guided to prepare for the journey, to step out in faith, find the rhythm of how to walk well, encounter challenges on the way and discover the mystery of contentment as we go. Written in 52 short chapters, it feels like a pocketbook that you could take on a pilgrimage – thoughts to mull over at the beginning or end of the day, guidance to ponder over a cup of coffee and insights to wonder about in between.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Scriptures given for each step are carefully placed stepping stones that you don’t always expect, but that adds interest. In each chapter there is a suggested exercise that offers a variety of responses, from spiritual disciplines to artwork, from creative to practical responses, from gardening to decluttering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book you could use by yourself for daily devotions or – if you wanted to dwell on the insights for longer and exercise them in your life – as a weekly guide. Alternatively, you could use it as a pilgrimage guide with a small group of fellow pilgrims and enjoy companionship along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we gradually emerge from lockdown, Sally’s reflection on Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones particularly resonates: ‘Deprived of the structure that sustained his life, he must find a new way of thinking and believing. With the old supports destroyed, hope must be sought – and found – in a new place.’ This book offers a gentle, thoughtful companion on the pilgrim way. You just might want to pop it in your rucksack!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch is a well-established figure in the ministry and mission of BRF and her latest book reflects her skill as a writer, vocation as a priest and capacity as a spirituality advisor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsing the metaphor of pilgrimage, she takes us on a journey from preparation to destination. Like any pilgrimage (literal or metaphorical) such journeys involve stepping out in faith, finding rhythms, carrying a load, overcoming difficulties and keeping focused on where God is leading us towards. Like any pilgrimage this is a book not to be rushed, nor to dawdle through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore setting out on a journey it is important to check one’s route and what that comprises of. The same is true of this book. The book is divided into 52 sections – but the reader should avoid thinking that means reading one per week. Indeed, Sally Welch encourages the reader to take one per day but, such is the depth of content and the nature of the exercise included in each section that, this reviewer would suggest, more time is needed to fully get the most out of the pilgrimage. Slightly confusingly, these 52 sections are divided in to 8 larger parts, also called sections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut that aside, there is plenty in these pages to get to grips with. It is both challenging and reassuring to know that many people thrive and struggle in the Christian life of pilgrimage and our journey towards contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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