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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\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/GordonGiles1_480x480.jpg?v=1676494801\" width=\"117\" height=\"208\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGordon Giles is Canon Chancellor of Rochester Cathedral. He is the author of several books, including \u003cem\u003eComings and Goings\u003c\/em\u003e (2015) and \u003cem\u003eAt Home in Lent\u003c\/em\u003e (2018).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdvent 2020 may turn out to be a journey of watching and waiting in unexpected ways. Gordon Giles’ timely reflections help turn these unexpected times into renewed expectation of the living God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRt Revd James Langstaff, Lord Bishop of Rochester and Bishop to HM Prisons\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/transformingministrymagazine.co.uk\/at-home-in-advent\/\"\u003eonline\u003c\/a\u003e November 2020. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book invites us to take Advent and the Christmas seasons seriously. By using a number of meditations based on commonplace articles like traffic lights, burglar alarms and even Christmas jumpers, Gordon Giles unlocks the meanings of the story that shapes the time of year. This is a well-written book, which includes prayers and practical actions for the reader to undertake during the month it is based around. These are challenging and helpful. He provides questions that can be used by home or other study groups. The book has a definite context, having been written during the tight lockdown of early2020, which makes it even more relevant. We have all become far more acquainted with our own houses, the commonplace, and a book that seeks to see the spiritual significance of this is therefore most valuable. The author tackles issues of expectation, waiting, mortality and hope as well as celebrating the joy of the incarnation and the salvation that Jesus brought. This is a first class read and a valuable aid for the Advent and Christmas seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePraise for At Home in Lent\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'It is a great idea and an easy read.' The Reader\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Well written and thought provoking, this really is a book for personal devotion which will enable us to make an unusual, though worthwhile, journey.' The Methodist Recorder\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'An amiable, slightly talkative companion.' Church Times\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","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":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469809.jpg?v=1588348441"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469809.jpg?v=1588348441"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/GordonGiles1_480x480.jpg?v=1676494801\" width=\"117\" height=\"208\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGordon Giles is Canon Chancellor of Rochester Cathedral. He is the author of several books, including \u003cem\u003eComings and Goings\u003c\/em\u003e (2015) and \u003cem\u003eAt Home in Lent\u003c\/em\u003e (2018).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdvent 2020 may turn out to be a journey of watching and waiting in unexpected ways. Gordon Giles’ timely reflections help turn these unexpected times into renewed expectation of the living God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRt Revd James Langstaff, Lord Bishop of Rochester and Bishop to HM Prisons\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/transformingministrymagazine.co.uk\/at-home-in-advent\/\"\u003eonline\u003c\/a\u003e November 2020. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book invites us to take Advent and the Christmas seasons seriously. By using a number of meditations based on commonplace articles like traffic lights, burglar alarms and even Christmas jumpers, Gordon Giles unlocks the meanings of the story that shapes the time of year. This is a well-written book, which includes prayers and practical actions for the reader to undertake during the month it is based around. These are challenging and helpful. He provides questions that can be used by home or other study groups. The book has a definite context, having been written during the tight lockdown of early2020, which makes it even more relevant. We have all become far more acquainted with our own houses, the commonplace, and a book that seeks to see the spiritual significance of this is therefore most valuable. The author tackles issues of expectation, waiting, mortality and hope as well as celebrating the joy of the incarnation and the salvation that Jesus brought. This is a first class read and a valuable aid for the Advent and Christmas seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePraise for At Home in Lent\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'It is a great idea and an easy read.' The Reader\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Well written and thought provoking, this really is a book for personal devotion which will enable us to make an unusual, though worthwhile, journey.' The Methodist Recorder\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'An amiable, slightly talkative companion.' Church Times\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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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":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":{"id":18548232519832,"product_id":4861579559051,"position":1,"created_at":"2020-08-05T15:08:22+01:00","updated_at":"2020-08-05T15:08:22+01:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1419,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469946.jpg?v=1596636502","variant_ids":[34890040770712]},"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","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":10723110813848,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469946.jpg?v=1596636502"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469946.jpg?v=1596636502"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469946.jpg?v=1596636502"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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"}
You may also like:
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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLuriCfRleXWxp6g5D4nqeb18EY8EtD8ff\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Opening Our Lives Video Series \" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Picture1_600x600.png?v=1667841091\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrystan Owain Hughes is Tutor in Applied Theology at St Padarn’s Institute, Cardiff and priest-in-charge of Christ Church, Roath Park, Cardiff. He is particularly interested in making theology and spirituality relevant and he has written, among other books, \u003cem\u003eReal God in the Real World\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eLiving the Prayer\u003c\/em\u003e for BRF. Trystan has also been a regular contributor to BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4, is an honorary senior lecturer at Cardiff University, and is Canon Theologian at Llandaff Cathedral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Trystan Owain Hughes offers material for each day of Lent through to Easter, drawing on literature, theology, scripture and easily appreciated events from his own daily life and the lives of others. The breadth of some of the sources upon which he draws is nor more evident than in the book’s bibliography. I thank him for the work which he has done to provide such an accessible, stimulating, and refreshing resource.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Davies, archbishop of Wales\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Using a rich blend of story, insight and commentary, Trystan guides us on a Lenten journey of grace. As he encourages us to open ourselves to God and his loving kingdom, he gently challenges us to yield to the One who loves us. Sign up to the journey – you won’t regret it!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher Pye, author of The Living Cross\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘These rich, accessible reflections are full of stories, insight, humour and wisdom that will enable you to truly open your eyes and heart to what God is doing around you as you explore the strange gifts that the disciplines of Lent brings.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGraham Tomlin, bishop of Kensington\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, digital edition 2. Review by Laura Hillier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a year of unwanted restrictions imposed on all our lives by the pandemic this book, subtitled \u003cem\u003eDevotional Readings for Lent\u003c\/em\u003e, will provide a welcome tonic. A Bible passage from the Old or New Testament for each day of Lent is followed by the author’s reflections with suggestions for ways to open up our lives to the leading of God’s Spirit. Each week has an overall theme as we are invited to open our eyes, ears, hearts, ways, actions, pain and finally our world to the power of hope. As we contemplate the world around us the author gently leads us to see the commonplace through God’s eyes so that the mundane is transformed into moments of goodness, truth and beauty. Active waiting in stillness and silence leads on to actions grounded in wisdom, peace and love. This is an immensely readable book enlivened with the author’s reminiscences and enriched with references to a wide variety of spiritual writers. Written with passing references to Covid, the wisdom and insight in this book should outlast the current situation and prove a valuable resource, not only for Lent. The book concludes with suggestions for its use in small group discussions, even though this year these might be online rather than in person.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillier \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 22.01.21 Lent book round up by Philip Welsh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eOpening Our Lives\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is organised around the conviction that Lent is not just a time to give up or to take up, but to open up. Trystan Owain Hughes provides for each day a short Bible passage, a personal reflection and a simple suggestion for prayer or meditation. These form a weekly series illustrating different dimensions of opening our lives: to God’s presence, his call, his love, his will, his compassion, and his peace and hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRanging widely within his controlling metaphor, his commentary is highly anecdotal and largely personal, often drawing on his family life and upbringing in Wales, frequently introducing other Christian thinkers, but always linked to the Bible passage. This makes for easy, attractive, and thought-provoking reading, and it comes as no surprise that the author is a regular radio contributor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOpening Our Lives\u003c\/em\u003e is not for those looking for Bible study or theological exploration, or resistant to hearing about the author’s children or bad back. But if you want to spend a few minutes each day reading the Bible in company with a thoughtful, amiable, and mildly garrulous Welshman, this might be just the thing. There are well-judged questions for group use.\u003c\/p\u003e","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":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468826.jpg?v=1588599599"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468826.jpg?v=1588599599"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLuriCfRleXWxp6g5D4nqeb18EY8EtD8ff\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Opening Our Lives Video Series \" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Picture1_600x600.png?v=1667841091\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrystan Owain Hughes is Tutor in Applied Theology at St Padarn’s Institute, Cardiff and priest-in-charge of Christ Church, Roath Park, Cardiff. He is particularly interested in making theology and spirituality relevant and he has written, among other books, \u003cem\u003eReal God in the Real World\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eLiving the Prayer\u003c\/em\u003e for BRF. Trystan has also been a regular contributor to BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4, is an honorary senior lecturer at Cardiff University, and is Canon Theologian at Llandaff Cathedral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Trystan Owain Hughes offers material for each day of Lent through to Easter, drawing on literature, theology, scripture and easily appreciated events from his own daily life and the lives of others. The breadth of some of the sources upon which he draws is nor more evident than in the book’s bibliography. I thank him for the work which he has done to provide such an accessible, stimulating, and refreshing resource.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Davies, archbishop of Wales\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Using a rich blend of story, insight and commentary, Trystan guides us on a Lenten journey of grace. As he encourages us to open ourselves to God and his loving kingdom, he gently challenges us to yield to the One who loves us. Sign up to the journey – you won’t regret it!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher Pye, author of The Living Cross\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘These rich, accessible reflections are full of stories, insight, humour and wisdom that will enable you to truly open your eyes and heart to what God is doing around you as you explore the strange gifts that the disciplines of Lent brings.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGraham Tomlin, bishop of Kensington\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, digital edition 2. Review by Laura Hillier\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a year of unwanted restrictions imposed on all our lives by the pandemic this book, subtitled \u003cem\u003eDevotional Readings for Lent\u003c\/em\u003e, will provide a welcome tonic. A Bible passage from the Old or New Testament for each day of Lent is followed by the author’s reflections with suggestions for ways to open up our lives to the leading of God’s Spirit. Each week has an overall theme as we are invited to open our eyes, ears, hearts, ways, actions, pain and finally our world to the power of hope. As we contemplate the world around us the author gently leads us to see the commonplace through God’s eyes so that the mundane is transformed into moments of goodness, truth and beauty. Active waiting in stillness and silence leads on to actions grounded in wisdom, peace and love. This is an immensely readable book enlivened with the author’s reminiscences and enriched with references to a wide variety of spiritual writers. Written with passing references to Covid, the wisdom and insight in this book should outlast the current situation and prove a valuable resource, not only for Lent. The book concludes with suggestions for its use in small group discussions, even though this year these might be online rather than in person.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillier \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 22.01.21 Lent book round up by Philip Welsh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eOpening Our Lives\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e is organised around the conviction that Lent is not just a time to give up or to take up, but to open up. Trystan Owain Hughes provides for each day a short Bible passage, a personal reflection and a simple suggestion for prayer or meditation. These form a weekly series illustrating different dimensions of opening our lives: to God’s presence, his call, his love, his will, his compassion, and his peace and hope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRanging widely within his controlling metaphor, his commentary is highly anecdotal and largely personal, often drawing on his family life and upbringing in Wales, frequently introducing other Christian thinkers, but always linked to the Bible passage. This makes for easy, attractive, and thought-provoking reading, and it comes as no surprise that the author is a regular radio contributor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOpening Our Lives\u003c\/em\u003e is not for those looking for Bible study or theological exploration, or resistant to hearing about the author’s children or bad back. But if you want to spend a few minutes each day reading the Bible in company with a thoughtful, amiable, and mildly garrulous Welshman, this might be just the thing. There are well-judged questions for group use.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
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":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":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469342.jpg?v=1588349955"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469342.jpg?v=1588349955"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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"}
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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":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\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECIAL OFFERS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eENTER DISCOUNT CODES AT CHECK OUT \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADVJOU100 = 20% OFF BULK ORDER 100 COPIES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADVJOU50 = 15% OFF BULK ORDER 50 COPIES \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADVJOU25 = 10% OFF BULK ORDER 25 COPIES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditor info \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch is the editor of BRF's New Daylight Bible reading notes. She is Vicar of Charlbury with Shorthampton and Area Dean of Chipping Norton in the Diocese of Oxford. A writer and lecturer on spirituality, she is particularly interested in pilgrimage and labyrinth and has made many pilgrimages both in England and Europe.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","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"],"price":299,"price_min":299,"price_max":299,"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":33575118340235,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469670","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"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":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469670.jpg?v=1588600163"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469670.jpg?v=1588600163"},"aspect_ratio":0.718,"height":1392,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECIAL OFFERS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eENTER DISCOUNT CODES AT CHECK OUT \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADVJOU100 = 20% OFF BULK ORDER 100 COPIES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADVJOU50 = 15% OFF BULK ORDER 50 COPIES \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADVJOU25 = 10% OFF BULK ORDER 25 COPIES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditor info \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch is the editor of BRF's New Daylight Bible reading notes. She is Vicar of Charlbury with Shorthampton and Area Dean of Chipping Norton in the Diocese of Oxford. A writer and lecturer on spirituality, she is particularly interested in pilgrimage and labyrinth and has made many pilgrimages both in England and Europe.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Journeying through Advent with New Daylight: Daily Bible readings and group study material
£2.99
Five weeks of Advent material for church groups and individuals, offering themed reflections by well-loved contributors from the New Daylight...
{"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":"PDF Download","tags":["get messy archive","Nov-20","PDF"],"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":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0423.jpg?v=1603099613"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390423.jpg?v=1603099613","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0423.jpg?v=1603099613"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390423.jpg?v=1603099613"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390423.jpg?v=1603099613","width":1000},{"alt":null,"id":13714183454911,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":920,"width":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0423.jpg?v=1603099613"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":920,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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":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":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469236.jpg?v=1565687710"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469236.jpg?v=1565687710"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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":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":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468116.jpg?v=1569410256"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468116.jpg?v=1569410256"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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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Franciscan Footprints: Following Christ in the ways of Francis and Clare
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There are many ways of following Christ – each footprint is unique. One of these, the Franciscan spiritual journey, has...
{"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\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"240\" width=\"226\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/EmmaPennington_480x480.jpg?v=1676494988\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\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":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/978857465191.jpg?v=1575896599"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/978857465191.jpg?v=1575896599"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"240\" width=\"226\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/EmmaPennington_480x480.jpg?v=1676494988\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\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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At the Foot of the Cross with Julian of Norwich
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{"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":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390195.jpg?v=1588594358"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390195.jpg?v=1588594358"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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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{"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 Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/DavidCole2_480x480.jpg?v=1676495811\" width=\"173\" height=\"308\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously a full-time church minister, David Cole is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader, an award-winning author and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is also the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message. \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\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","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":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469502.jpg?v=1569409832"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469502.jpg?v=1569409832"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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 Info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/DavidCole2_480x480.jpg?v=1676495811\" width=\"173\" height=\"308\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously a full-time church minister, David Cole is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader, an award-winning author and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is also the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message. \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\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":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\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/MagsinFergusFalls_480x480.jpg?v=1676493905\" width=\"142\" height=\"189\"\u003e\u003c\/div\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":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468765.jpg?v=1588346461"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468765.jpg?v=1588346461"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/MagsinFergusFalls_480x480.jpg?v=1676493905\" width=\"142\" height=\"189\"\u003e\u003c\/div\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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{"id":5288004288664,"title":"Get Messy! September-December 2020: Session material, news, stories and inspiration for the Messy Church community","handle":"get-messy-september-december-2020-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":"2020-06-09T12:22:28+01:00","created_at":"2020-06-03T12:57:51+01:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"PDF Download","tags":["get messy archive","Jul-20","PDF"],"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":34602147807384,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469199","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":17838841004184,"product_id":5288004288664,"position":2,"created_at":"2020-07-07T11:55:16+01:00","updated_at":"2020-07-07T11:55:16+01:00","alt":null,"width":460,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN9076.jpg?v=1594119316","variant_ids":[34602147807384]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! September-December 2020: 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":null,"featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":10013072326808,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.708,"height":650,"width":460,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN9076.jpg?v=1594119316"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469076.jpg?v=1594119316","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN9076.jpg?v=1594119316"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469076.jpg?v=1594119316","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":9524470710424,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469076.jpg?v=1594119316"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469076.jpg?v=1594119316","width":1000},{"alt":null,"id":10013072326808,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.708,"height":650,"width":460,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN9076.jpg?v=1594119316"},"aspect_ratio":0.708,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN9076.jpg?v=1594119316","width":460}],"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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{"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":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465924.jpg?v=1574174372"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465924.jpg?v=1574174372"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/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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Journey to Contentment: Pilgrimage principles for everyday life
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Using the metaphor of pilgrimage, Sally Welch walks alongside us as leader and guide, but also fellow traveller, to explore...
{"id":3945911451742,"title":"Get Messy! May - August 2020: Session material, news, stories and inspiration for the Messy Church community","handle":"get-messy-may-august-2020-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\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2019-08-14T10:46:57+01:00","created_at":"2019-08-14T10:46:57+01:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"PDF Download","tags":["get messy archive","Mar-20","PDF"],"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":29436574007390,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469182","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":13932204294283,"product_id":3945911451742,"position":1,"created_at":"2020-01-14T17:19:39+00:00","updated_at":"2020-01-14T17:19:39+00:00","alt":null,"width":1000,"height":1415,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469069.jpg?v=1579022379","variant_ids":[29436574007390]},"available":true,"name":"Get Messy! May - August 2020: 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":"9780857469182","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":6105130401931,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469069.jpg?v=1579022379"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469069.jpg?v=1579022379"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469069.jpg?v=1579022379","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":6105130401931,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469069.jpg?v=1579022379"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":1415,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469069.jpg?v=1579022379","width":1000}],"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\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
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Get Messy! May - August 2020: Session material, news, stories and inspiration for the Messy Church community
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{"id":3945403252830,"title":"What’s in the Bible (for me)?: 50 readings and reflections","handle":"what-s-in-the-bible-for-me-50-readings-and-reflections","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhere do you start with reading the Bible? Here's the perfect gift for Messy Church families and others new to Bible reading – a booklet of 50 bite-sized Bible passages, selected to cover the wide span of the Bible story across Old and New Testaments, with a reflection on each passage by Messy Church founder Lucy Moore. Written in a user-friendly and jargon-free style, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eWhat’s in the Bible (for me)?\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is designed to encourage individuals and families alike to start reading the Bible and find out what it has to say to them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eWhat’s in the Bible (for me)?\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eexplores the big journey of the Bible. And maybe, as we see the bigger picture, it will help us understand our own journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/K_DzaZLLagw\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\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\/holy-habits-in-messy-church-discipleship-sessions-for-churches?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=468caaaa0\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eHoly Habits in Messy Church: Discipleship sessions for churches\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\"\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\"\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 explores 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 is my favourite type of Messy Church book, one with plenty of practical sessions. As part of the introduction, one co-author, Andrew Roberts, offers the analogy of Lego: the maker ‘might follow the booklet once, but then they throw it away and create all sorts of wonderful things.' One of the 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 story, 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. Each of the 11 sessions contains a Bible reading, a single activity, some questions for discussion, a prayer, and a song suggestion. They resemble a hybrid between a Bible study and a prayer station and could be 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 workers, 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 \u003c\/em\u003eis one of a series of ten books designed to be used daily over an eight-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 with clear voices and different styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits Group Studies: Serving\u003c\/em\u003e is 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 the 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 like 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\u003eProgressive Voices, June 2020 (PV33). Review by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt a time when we wonder whether the church is relevant and why people don’t read the Bible, Messy Church has found imaginative ways of presenting and interpreting scripture. Today’s consumerist message of ‘what’s in it for me?’, is adapted in her attractive and useful little book. Lucy presents fifty themes based on the Bible (one third Old Testament, two thirds New Testament) such as leaving home, making mistakes, feeling lost and being found.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis thematic approach, using a short Biblical passage followed by a reflection, makes the book immediate, practical, and useful for everyday encounters, as well as for discussion groups and, in the right context, schools. Little is lost and much is gained by using themes in this way. Nor is it trite to say that there is ‘strength in travelling together’ and in having ‘the stubbornness to keep you moving’, and ‘the compass, map and star to read’ (the final reflection in the book). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuch thoughts acknowledge the transforming impact of the Holy Spirit in everyday life. And it’s not Machiavellian of the Church to suggest that we all relate to metaphors, so why not recognise an effective communication channel where it exists. ‘The journey of a human being like you or me towards a destination that becomes clearer with each step’: that’s what’s in it for you and me and the rest of us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, May 2020. Review by Catherine Ball\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a delightful little book written by the founder of Messy Church. It is an eminently readable book, giving a sweeping survey of the entire Bible. Following the theme of journeys, Moore takes us from the story of Adam and Eve, the journey of a family leaving home, through the journey of the ancient nation of Israel, the journey of God coming from heaven to earth and back in Jesus the Messiah, the journey of a new way of life, the early Church and the journey of human beings in faith towards God. It includes women of the Bible and questions to invite further consideration. The language is accessible, concise and clear. Its brevity does not mean that it is simplistic or trite: it offers deeply thought out theology in understandable language. It would be ideal to give to those interested in Christianity, newish Christians or those who want to build upon their Bible knowledge as an aid to growth in discipleship. It has warmth and a human element to which anyone could relate. The broad framework gives an excellent foundation for a balanced and full understanding of Christian faith and life. In these days of short video clips, pictures and soundbites, this is a book that many people would easily read – and finish! It also gives great encouragement in times of difficulty and uncertainty, apt for our lives under the current Covid-19 restrictions. The book is positive, life enhancing and an easy read to curl up with while being stuck in the house.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Catherine Ball is Minister of The Free Church, St Ives, and Fenstanton United Reformed Church, Cambridgeshire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2019-08-13T11:10:49+01:00","created_at":"2019-08-13T11:12:12+01:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Feb-20","Messy Church books"],"price":499,"price_min":499,"price_max":499,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":499,"compare_at_price_min":499,"compare_at_price_max":499,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":29434864402526,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857467607","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"What’s in the Bible (for me)?: 50 readings and reflections","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":499,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":499,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467607","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467607.jpg?v=1565691135"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467607.jpg?v=1565691135","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3308723798155,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.718,"height":1392,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467607.jpg?v=1565691135"},"aspect_ratio":0.718,"height":1392,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467607.jpg?v=1565691135","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhere do you start with reading the Bible? Here's the perfect gift for Messy Church families and others new to Bible reading – a booklet of 50 bite-sized Bible passages, selected to cover the wide span of the Bible story across Old and New Testaments, with a reflection on each passage by Messy Church founder Lucy Moore. Written in a user-friendly and jargon-free style, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eWhat’s in the Bible (for me)?\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is designed to encourage individuals and families alike to start reading the Bible and find out what it has to say to them.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eWhat’s in the Bible (for me)?\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eexplores the big journey of the Bible. And maybe, as we see the bigger picture, it will help us understand our own journey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/K_DzaZLLagw\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\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\/holy-habits-in-messy-church-discipleship-sessions-for-churches?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=468caaaa0\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eHoly Habits in Messy Church: Discipleship sessions for churches\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\"\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\"\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 explores 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 is my favourite type of Messy Church book, one with plenty of practical sessions. As part of the introduction, one co-author, Andrew Roberts, offers the analogy of Lego: the maker ‘might follow the booklet once, but then they throw it away and create all sorts of wonderful things.' One of the 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 story, 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. Each of the 11 sessions contains a Bible reading, a single activity, some questions for discussion, a prayer, and a song suggestion. They resemble a hybrid between a Bible study and a prayer station and could be 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 workers, 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 \u003c\/em\u003eis one of a series of ten books designed to be used daily over an eight-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 with clear voices and different styles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHoly Habits Group Studies: Serving\u003c\/em\u003e is 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 the 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 like 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\u003eProgressive Voices, June 2020 (PV33). Review by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt a time when we wonder whether the church is relevant and why people don’t read the Bible, Messy Church has found imaginative ways of presenting and interpreting scripture. Today’s consumerist message of ‘what’s in it for me?’, is adapted in her attractive and useful little book. Lucy presents fifty themes based on the Bible (one third Old Testament, two thirds New Testament) such as leaving home, making mistakes, feeling lost and being found.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis thematic approach, using a short Biblical passage followed by a reflection, makes the book immediate, practical, and useful for everyday encounters, as well as for discussion groups and, in the right context, schools. Little is lost and much is gained by using themes in this way. Nor is it trite to say that there is ‘strength in travelling together’ and in having ‘the stubbornness to keep you moving’, and ‘the compass, map and star to read’ (the final reflection in the book). \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuch thoughts acknowledge the transforming impact of the Holy Spirit in everyday life. And it’s not Machiavellian of the Church to suggest that we all relate to metaphors, so why not recognise an effective communication channel where it exists. ‘The journey of a human being like you or me towards a destination that becomes clearer with each step’: that’s what’s in it for you and me and the rest of us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, May 2020. Review by Catherine Ball\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a delightful little book written by the founder of Messy Church. It is an eminently readable book, giving a sweeping survey of the entire Bible. Following the theme of journeys, Moore takes us from the story of Adam and Eve, the journey of a family leaving home, through the journey of the ancient nation of Israel, the journey of God coming from heaven to earth and back in Jesus the Messiah, the journey of a new way of life, the early Church and the journey of human beings in faith towards God. It includes women of the Bible and questions to invite further consideration. The language is accessible, concise and clear. Its brevity does not mean that it is simplistic or trite: it offers deeply thought out theology in understandable language. It would be ideal to give to those interested in Christianity, newish Christians or those who want to build upon their Bible knowledge as an aid to growth in discipleship. It has warmth and a human element to which anyone could relate. The broad framework gives an excellent foundation for a balanced and full understanding of Christian faith and life. In these days of short video clips, pictures and soundbites, this is a book that many people would easily read – and finish! It also gives great encouragement in times of difficulty and uncertainty, apt for our lives under the current Covid-19 restrictions. The book is positive, life enhancing and an easy read to curl up with while being stuck in the house.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Catherine Ball is Minister of The Free Church, St Ives, and Fenstanton United Reformed Church, Cambridgeshire\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
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What’s in the Bible (for me)?: 50 readings and reflections
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Where do you start with reading the Bible? Here's the perfect gift for Messy Church families and others new to...
{"id":4163032449163,"title":"Parenting as a Church Leader: Helping your family thrive","handle":"parenting-as-a-church-leader-helping-your-family-thrive","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen spiritual leadership is the day job, how does it affect family dynamics?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow do we spiritually parent our children while also needing to lead the church? How do we balance the many hats we wear? How do we live in a goldfish bowl and yet enable our children to flourish? How do we parent for faith without giving in to the pressure to perform for our congregations?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrawing on extensive research, this book explores the issues and builds a set of simple tools and approaches to help leaders and their families to flourish together.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRachel Turner is an author, speaker and the Parenting for Faith Pioneer for The Bible Reading Fellowship. She presents the Parenting for Faith course, a free video-based resource for church groups and individuals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"%20http:\/\/cathymadavan.com\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCathy Madavan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow I wish this book had been out a decade ago when our children were younger. Packed with wisdom, common sense and a good dose of humour, this book encourages us that God is with us in the journey as parents as well as leaders. It’s great. Highly recommended would be an understatement. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLucy Rycroft: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/thehopefilledfamily.com\/best-christian-books-for-moms\/\"\u003eThe Hope Filled Family\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs the wife of a pastor, I found this book spot-on. It is suitable for ALL those who work in church leadership – regardless of denomination or role – and their spouses. It’s empowering and encouraging, from an author who – after a lifetime in Christian work – understands the unique challenges faced by families who have an upfront ministry. The book contains practical tips, as well as advice for liaising graciously with your church children’s\/youth teams, and the whole thing remains optimistic about the benefits our children gain from this life, rather than focusing on the negatives of the ‘goldfish bowl’ experience.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCPAS Leadon monthly e-news, December 2021\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cpas.us8.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u=9c4386d25a49e13c1e4be3e09\u0026amp;id=93e7d2ec60\u0026amp;e=4f24864509\"\u003ewww.cpas.org.uk\/leadon\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview by Pam Macnaughton \u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book should be required reading for all those in full-time church leadership. It is realistic, sensible and Godly. Until you have lived the life of church leadership as a family, it is hard to understand the pressures and challenges it presents to both the adults and their children in that family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRachel Turner tackles the issues head on with compassion and understanding, and after full and careful research. She is also a natural story-teller, and so there are great stories throughout to illustrate her points.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat emerges from the book is an understanding that it is possible to do the two things well – to lead a church well and bring up family well. The two do not have to be mutually exclusive. However, it does take careful thought, generous hearts and willingness to learn and change. The pressures of church leadership are such that it's too easy to put the needs of those we lead first over and over again, until our families believe that they will always come second. It doesn't have to be like that, but we do sometimes need help, and great examples, to make wise decisions. And then to explain those decisions well to our families.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eParenting as a Church Leader\u003c\/em\u003e takes us on a journey of discovery as we consider our way through these potential minefields.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf, as would only be natural, we are keen to do our best so that our children grow up to be not just as rounded adults but also faithful followers of Christ in their own right, we need to examine ourselves, our actions and our words carefully, again and again. This book can help us do that. It's not one to just read and shelve, but to read, discuss and return to through the precious child-rearing years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eReviewed by Pam Macnaughton\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-09-25T12:13:28+01:00","created_at":"2019-09-25T12:13:28+01:00","vendor":"Rachel Turner","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","Leadership","Mar-20","Parenting","Parenting for Faith books"],"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":30263387488395,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469373","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Parenting as a Church Leader: Helping your family thrive","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":300,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469373","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469373.jpg?v=1569410072"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469373.jpg?v=1569410072","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":2274527281291,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469373.jpg?v=1569410072"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469373.jpg?v=1569410072","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen spiritual leadership is the day job, how does it affect family dynamics?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow do we spiritually parent our children while also needing to lead the church? How do we balance the many hats we wear? How do we live in a goldfish bowl and yet enable our children to flourish? How do we parent for faith without giving in to the pressure to perform for our congregations?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDrawing on extensive research, this book explores the issues and builds a set of simple tools and approaches to help leaders and their families to flourish together.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRachel Turner is an author, speaker and the Parenting for Faith Pioneer for The Bible Reading Fellowship. She presents the Parenting for Faith course, a free video-based resource for church groups and individuals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"%20http:\/\/cathymadavan.com\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCathy Madavan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow I wish this book had been out a decade ago when our children were younger. Packed with wisdom, common sense and a good dose of humour, this book encourages us that God is with us in the journey as parents as well as leaders. It’s great. Highly recommended would be an understatement. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLucy Rycroft: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/thehopefilledfamily.com\/best-christian-books-for-moms\/\"\u003eThe Hope Filled Family\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs the wife of a pastor, I found this book spot-on. It is suitable for ALL those who work in church leadership – regardless of denomination or role – and their spouses. It’s empowering and encouraging, from an author who – after a lifetime in Christian work – understands the unique challenges faced by families who have an upfront ministry. The book contains practical tips, as well as advice for liaising graciously with your church children’s\/youth teams, and the whole thing remains optimistic about the benefits our children gain from this life, rather than focusing on the negatives of the ‘goldfish bowl’ experience.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCPAS Leadon monthly e-news, December 2021\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cpas.us8.list-manage.com\/track\/click?u=9c4386d25a49e13c1e4be3e09\u0026amp;id=93e7d2ec60\u0026amp;e=4f24864509\"\u003ewww.cpas.org.uk\/leadon\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview by Pam Macnaughton \u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book should be required reading for all those in full-time church leadership. It is realistic, sensible and Godly. Until you have lived the life of church leadership as a family, it is hard to understand the pressures and challenges it presents to both the adults and their children in that family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRachel Turner tackles the issues head on with compassion and understanding, and after full and careful research. She is also a natural story-teller, and so there are great stories throughout to illustrate her points.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat emerges from the book is an understanding that it is possible to do the two things well – to lead a church well and bring up family well. The two do not have to be mutually exclusive. However, it does take careful thought, generous hearts and willingness to learn and change. The pressures of church leadership are such that it's too easy to put the needs of those we lead first over and over again, until our families believe that they will always come second. It doesn't have to be like that, but we do sometimes need help, and great examples, to make wise decisions. And then to explain those decisions well to our families.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eParenting as a Church Leader\u003c\/em\u003e takes us on a journey of discovery as we consider our way through these potential minefields.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf, as would only be natural, we are keen to do our best so that our children grow up to be not just as rounded adults but also faithful followers of Christ in their own right, we need to examine ourselves, our actions and our words carefully, again and again. This book can help us do that. It's not one to just read and shelve, but to read, discuss and return to through the precious child-rearing years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eReviewed by Pam Macnaughton\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Parenting as a Church Leader: Helping your family thrive
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{"id":3945364815966,"title":"The Essential Guide to Family Ministry: A practical guide for church-based family workers","handle":"the-essential-guide-to-family-ministry-a-practical-guide-for-church-based-family-workers","description":"\u003cp\u003eA comprehensive foundation for those working in the increasingly complex and diverse area of ministry with families, \u003cem\u003eThe Essential Guide to Family Ministry\u003c\/em\u003e presents an overview of contemporary family life, sets out the principles that underpin this work and offers strategic and practical approaches to working with families. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn essential read for all who are involved in this field and passionate about seeing God’s kingdom come in families, churches and communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGail Adcock is Family Ministry Development Officer with the Methodist Church GB, equipping and resourcing those working with families across the UK. She has a primary education background, was family pastor at Stopsley Baptist Church for ten years and completed an MA in Children and Family Ministry in 2013.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGail Adcock's \u003cem\u003eThe Essential Guide to Family Ministry\u003c\/em\u003e is just that. it is grounded in research, personal practitioning experience, deep listening and reflection and this is expressed in the content and structure of the book. The seven habits for highly successful family ministry are born out of insight and experience and are realistic and achievable. The book has reflective questions and theological reflections and can be used both as an exploration tool and a mirror to existing ministry. It is ideal for a book group, pastoral group, church, or leadership team to read and explore together to help develop new ministry with and among families or to review existing ministry. It is essential for those who want to understand context and where to start in family ministry as well as those who are already on the journey.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePenny Fuller, Children, Youth and Family Co-ordinator The Connexional Team \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFamilies don’t come in one size – nor does family ministry. In this much-needed book, Adcock lifts the lid on the theological underpinning and practical outworking of ministry with families of all shapes, stages and sizes. She lays out the map of family ministry and invites churches to explore theology and practice before planning their journey of ministry with families of all shapes, stages and sizes. Whether your church is just starting this journey, or has been on it for some time, there is plenty here to refresh your vision, understanding, strategy and practice.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMary Hawes, National Children and Youth Adviser, Church of England\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGail Adcock’s work is timely in a country facing uncertainty and turbulence, when we need to nurture unity. Scratch the surface, and we find that creating and building family remains of utmost importance to most people across all ages. The author’s emphasis on adopting a family-style intergenerational approach as a priority is prophetic and life-giving, not only for the flourishing of church community, but for the health of society as a whole.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaroline Dollard, Marriage and Family Life Adviser, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhether you’re starting out working with families or you’ve been working in the field for a while, this well-researched book of cultural and theological reflection combined with practical wisdom will help you develop impactful ministry with families.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVictoria Beech, creator of GodVenture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFamily ministry can be such a nebulous concept for churches to grapple with. What are it’s boundaries? Is there even anything left for the rest of the church leadership to focus on once we’ve listed everything we think the family ministry worker should be doing? In this clear and concise book, Gail Adcock helps churches think theologically and strategically to define family ministry for their setting. A must read for all church leaders as well as their family ministry teams.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSue Price, Hand in Hand Children’s and Family Ministry Conference Director, Kingsway CLC Trust\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGail’s extensive knowledge and experience offers strong foundational principles and examples of good working practice to resource family ministry. Covering aspects such as the changes within family life and its impact on church life and ministry is helpful to set a base from which the reader would be able to apply the material in a way that is relevant to their context. Whether a leader or church is just starting out or has years of experience, this book will be a valuable addition for use now and to be revisited as it offers such a wealth of material that can be referred back to, enabling family ministry to be reviewed and adapted to ensure it remains effective and relevant whatever the setting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJane Butcher, Children and Families Pioneer, BRF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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 Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book contains a wealth of valuable guidance to churches seeking to be effective in ministering to the family of God at every level. It is not about how to run family services, or about children and young parents, but about the whole family of God. There is so much thought and good advice in this book that it is difficult to imagine any church running out of things to be doing. In the early chapters, Adcock considers the nature of ‘family’ in the twenty-first century, and the opportunities and pitfalls for modern ministry in a church context. She then considers seven ‘habits’ in church practice which will help any ministry team grow in effectiveness. I found the chapter on being ‘intergenerational’ to be particularly thoughtful, and the chapter on being ‘church’ in the home similarly challenging. It is not a book that many will read from cover to cover, yet it is much more than a reference book. It is not a ‘how to do it’ guide, and it does not answer all the questions it poses. But if you and your colleagues care about the nature of the church and spend time with this book, you will be able to pray about and address family issues with a deeper level of understanding than before. I commend it to those engaged in leadership within the family of the church, and those whom God may be calling to such tasks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 24.07.20\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Philip Welsh\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book seeks to shape the approach of churches of all sorts towards families of all sorts, and Gail Adcock draws on wide experience as the Family Ministries Development Officer of the Methodist Church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the outset, she underlines the sheer diversity of contemporary family life, and then insists on the need to establish some theological perspectives. Here she looks at the home as the primary place of Christian nurture; the Trinity as paradigm of distinct persons dwelling in unity; and the challenge of Jesus’s inclusiveness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdcock points out the wide range of approaches to families inside and outside the congregation which can shelter under the umbrella of family ministry, and is emphatic that each church needs to clarify just what it is aiming to achieve before it starts setting up any initiatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMuch of the book then consists in introducing what she calls Seven Habits for Highly Effective Family Ministry: to be strategic, supportive, collaborative, intergenerational, missional, holy at home, and reflective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese chapters are full of sound advice, necessarily of a fairly generalised kind, offered in an easy-going style for the general reader. This is not a how-to-do-it book full of bright ideas and recommended activities. It aims, rather, to shape the basic attitudes and values that motivate ministry to families.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author is keen ‘to get away from the silo mentality of seeing family ministry as an isolated speciality’. It is refreshing that she recognises that single people and same-sex couples are part of the picture, though this is not developed. And she notes as a particular current trend ‘the rise of grandparents’. She is clear that being an intergenerational church is more about mind-set than programme, and will, no doubt, raise a weary cheer for her reserve about all-age services, ‘which in reality have become painful for everyone involved’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdcock does not claim originality, is generous in introducing the influential work of others, and offers a particularly helpful list of further resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Essential Guide to Family Ministry is not just a book for those who work with young families. It will also be of value to clergy and PCC members at the outset of any review of their church’s ministry in relation to the pluriform reality of contemporary family life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Philip Welsh is a retired priest in the diocese of London\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNicki Jemphrey, Family Ministry Coordinator of Knock Presbyterian Church, July 2020 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eThe Essential Guide\u003c\/em\u003e … is a bold claim for any author or publisher to make of their book. Up until now there has been no work published in the UK which equals \u003cem\u003eThe Essential Guide to Family Ministry\u003c\/em\u003e in its breadth of definition of the term, depth of scholarship, sound theology and wealth of practical suggestions, all in response to extensive research in which the author was personally involved. The points made in the Family Ministry Short Course at Cliff College that I attended are expanded and fleshed out. The author writes in a relaxed and readable style, often referencing her own experience of family and practice, which helps the reader to engage with the often complex issues she is describing.\n\u003cp\u003eIn the first part of the book Gail Adcock examines the changing nature of family life within the UK and stresses the urgency in understanding this and in creating new frameworks in response to it. The importance of family function over form with regard to how we approach family ministry is introduced here and is a recurring theme of the book; fewer and fewer families in the UK fit the nuclear model of the mid-twentieth century and this is something not to be lamented but actively engaged with. She helpfully proposes three different theological perspectives which can offer practitioners a foundation for our ministry with families: Holiness at home, Trinity as family and the Jesus shaped family, all of which should involve reaching out to and including the outsider and have an intergenerational aspect where possible. The first section of the book concludes with some of the findings of the \u003cem\u003eWe are Family\u003c\/em\u003e report, which recognises the need for a holistic approach to family ministry, one which provides the dual strands of ministry and support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second part of the book goes on to examine what this might look like in practice, under the heading of “Seven Habits for Highly Effective Family Ministry”. Each habit is examined in detail, with plenty of practical tips for its implementation. The habits I found particularly helpful and feel I need to develop most in my role were the need to Be Strategic, Be Collaborative and Be Reflective. There is some overlap in the points made in these sections but that is no bad thing; they are principles of which we need to be constantly reminding ourselves. The habit I found most challenging was the need to Be Reflective. I very much identified with the barriers to good reflective practice mentioned: time, other people, ourselves and no better way. I know I need to improve in this area in order to become a more effective practitioner and will consider the different suggestions offered: keeping a reflective journal, peer support and mentoring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo does \u003cem\u003eThe Essential Guide to Family Ministry\u003c\/em\u003e live up to its title? In the drawing together of other important writing and thinking on the subject, combined with the findings of recent UK research and the knowledge of a vast range of practitioners as well as her own considerable experience, Gail Adcock has created a handbook which no family worker in the UK should be without. So rich is it in concepts and practical suggestions that it would be impossible to take in everything in one reading. It is indeed an indispensable guide, which should be kept close to hand and consulted on a regular basis. I am planning to do just that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRachel Ridler March 2020 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rachelridlermumonamission.co.uk\/2020\/03\/spring-book-reviews\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/rachelridlermumonamission.co.uk\/2020\/03\/spring-book-reviews\/\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have found this book so fascinating, and for anyone who is involved in children’s or families ministry, or church leadership in general, I think this is a must read. The first part of the book sets up how family life has changed through the generations, leading us to the world we find ourselves in now. How the 'extended family' of the pre-1900’s where everyone lived close and was in and our of each others lives changed to the 'nuclear family' ideal of the 50’s and 60’s, to the many many different ways that families can be now, with more acceptance of step-families, working families and dispersed families.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author then goes on to talk about the theology behind family ministry and what it should look like in our churches today. That actually we need to encourage faith at home, be more inter-generational rather than always splitting off age groups, and be missional in our activities too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe last part of the book outlines 7 habits for highly effective family ministry, and these are all really thought provoking. It has certainly got me thinking about how I plan the activities in my new role. So if you are re-thinking how you reach families or just if it is even important, then this is one to read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIrish Methodist Newsletter Feb\/Mar 2020. Review by Revd Stephen Skuce\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s always a brave move to call your book ‘The Essential …’. You are saying that basically everything that is needed is in this book. And fair play to Gail Adcock. This excellent book covers the broad range of issues, is very readable and works really well as a one book resource for family ministry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book helpfully begins with a consideration of the changing shape of the family. The last 50 years have witnessed an increasing pace of change and as we reach out to all families, we engage with the myriad of family contexts. There is a good theological foundation laid, and then an overview chapter highlighting the variety of family ministry found in Britain today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the book is given to seven chapters that cover habits for highly effective family ministry. Some may react against this approach as the subtitle implies a formulaic ‘do this and excellent ministry will result’. But, once you get into the chapters you quickly recognise the importance of the habits or practices across a range of family ministry settings. Indeed, they are much more widely applicable than just family ministry. We are challenged to be strategic, be supportive, be collaborative, be intergenerational, be missional, be holy at home, and be reflective. Quite a bit of the insight in this book is drawn out of the influential ‘We are Family’ research project into family ministry from 2014. This helps to give a very objective and solid basis to the insights that are developed. There are very helpful ‘questions for reflection’ and ‘further reading section’ at the end of each chapter, with both books and easily accessible online material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the chapter titled ‘Be Strategic’ the author argues for developing priorities that are focused on achieving what has been discerned as the key objectives. Most of us don’t, as ‘we’re keen to just get on and do the work of family ministry’ (p75). However, ‘by adopting a plan for our ministry, we can avoid the danger of jumping in too quickly before having a clear sense of what the goals are or how these might be accomplished’ (p76). This is clearly important in family ministry, but of course is much more widely applicable and stands as a good challenge to the activism of Irish Methodism where we are keen to do stuff, but often don’t develop strategy and consequently don’t always (or even usually?) see the results we are hoping for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerhaps two final things to note here. Gail Adcock is Family Ministry Development Officer for the British Methodist church and it’s good to see a British Methodist colleague leading the way in family ministry. And this excellent book is just £8.99. BRF are producing an increasingly significant range of resources for the Church, and are managing to keep these are a fairly low cost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRevd Dr Stephen Skuce,\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eDistrict Superintendent, the North Western\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eMethodist \u003c\/em\u003eDistrict\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-08-13T10:03:32+01:00","created_at":"2019-08-13T10:09:57+01:00","vendor":"Gail Adcock","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","Jan-20","Kindle"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":29434801127518,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465788","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Essential Guide to Family Ministry: A practical guide for church-based family workers","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":210,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465788","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465788.jpg?v=1569234809"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465788.jpg?v=1569234809","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":1514673176715,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465788.jpg?v=1569234809"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465788.jpg?v=1569234809","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eA comprehensive foundation for those working in the increasingly complex and diverse area of ministry with families, \u003cem\u003eThe Essential Guide to Family Ministry\u003c\/em\u003e presents an overview of contemporary family life, sets out the principles that underpin this work and offers strategic and practical approaches to working with families. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn essential read for all who are involved in this field and passionate about seeing God’s kingdom come in families, churches and communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGail Adcock is Family Ministry Development Officer with the Methodist Church GB, equipping and resourcing those working with families across the UK. She has a primary education background, was family pastor at Stopsley Baptist Church for ten years and completed an MA in Children and Family Ministry in 2013.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGail Adcock's \u003cem\u003eThe Essential Guide to Family Ministry\u003c\/em\u003e is just that. it is grounded in research, personal practitioning experience, deep listening and reflection and this is expressed in the content and structure of the book. The seven habits for highly successful family ministry are born out of insight and experience and are realistic and achievable. The book has reflective questions and theological reflections and can be used both as an exploration tool and a mirror to existing ministry. It is ideal for a book group, pastoral group, church, or leadership team to read and explore together to help develop new ministry with and among families or to review existing ministry. It is essential for those who want to understand context and where to start in family ministry as well as those who are already on the journey.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePenny Fuller, Children, Youth and Family Co-ordinator The Connexional Team \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFamilies don’t come in one size – nor does family ministry. In this much-needed book, Adcock lifts the lid on the theological underpinning and practical outworking of ministry with families of all shapes, stages and sizes. She lays out the map of family ministry and invites churches to explore theology and practice before planning their journey of ministry with families of all shapes, stages and sizes. Whether your church is just starting this journey, or has been on it for some time, there is plenty here to refresh your vision, understanding, strategy and practice.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMary Hawes, National Children and Youth Adviser, Church of England\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGail Adcock’s work is timely in a country facing uncertainty and turbulence, when we need to nurture unity. Scratch the surface, and we find that creating and building family remains of utmost importance to most people across all ages. The author’s emphasis on adopting a family-style intergenerational approach as a priority is prophetic and life-giving, not only for the flourishing of church community, but for the health of society as a whole.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaroline Dollard, Marriage and Family Life Adviser, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhether you’re starting out working with families or you’ve been working in the field for a while, this well-researched book of cultural and theological reflection combined with practical wisdom will help you develop impactful ministry with families.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVictoria Beech, creator of GodVenture\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFamily ministry can be such a nebulous concept for churches to grapple with. What are it’s boundaries? Is there even anything left for the rest of the church leadership to focus on once we’ve listed everything we think the family ministry worker should be doing? In this clear and concise book, Gail Adcock helps churches think theologically and strategically to define family ministry for their setting. A must read for all church leaders as well as their family ministry teams.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSue Price, Hand in Hand Children’s and Family Ministry Conference Director, Kingsway CLC Trust\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGail’s extensive knowledge and experience offers strong foundational principles and examples of good working practice to resource family ministry. Covering aspects such as the changes within family life and its impact on church life and ministry is helpful to set a base from which the reader would be able to apply the material in a way that is relevant to their context. Whether a leader or church is just starting out or has years of experience, this book will be a valuable addition for use now and to be revisited as it offers such a wealth of material that can be referred back to, enabling family ministry to be reviewed and adapted to ensure it remains effective and relevant whatever the setting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJane Butcher, Children and Families Pioneer, BRF\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\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 Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book contains a wealth of valuable guidance to churches seeking to be effective in ministering to the family of God at every level. It is not about how to run family services, or about children and young parents, but about the whole family of God. There is so much thought and good advice in this book that it is difficult to imagine any church running out of things to be doing. In the early chapters, Adcock considers the nature of ‘family’ in the twenty-first century, and the opportunities and pitfalls for modern ministry in a church context. She then considers seven ‘habits’ in church practice which will help any ministry team grow in effectiveness. I found the chapter on being ‘intergenerational’ to be particularly thoughtful, and the chapter on being ‘church’ in the home similarly challenging. It is not a book that many will read from cover to cover, yet it is much more than a reference book. It is not a ‘how to do it’ guide, and it does not answer all the questions it poses. But if you and your colleagues care about the nature of the church and spend time with this book, you will be able to pray about and address family issues with a deeper level of understanding than before. I commend it to those engaged in leadership within the family of the church, and those whom God may be calling to such tasks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 24.07.20\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Philip Welsh\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book seeks to shape the approach of churches of all sorts towards families of all sorts, and Gail Adcock draws on wide experience as the Family Ministries Development Officer of the Methodist Church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the outset, she underlines the sheer diversity of contemporary family life, and then insists on the need to establish some theological perspectives. Here she looks at the home as the primary place of Christian nurture; the Trinity as paradigm of distinct persons dwelling in unity; and the challenge of Jesus’s inclusiveness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdcock points out the wide range of approaches to families inside and outside the congregation which can shelter under the umbrella of family ministry, and is emphatic that each church needs to clarify just what it is aiming to achieve before it starts setting up any initiatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMuch of the book then consists in introducing what she calls Seven Habits for Highly Effective Family Ministry: to be strategic, supportive, collaborative, intergenerational, missional, holy at home, and reflective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese chapters are full of sound advice, necessarily of a fairly generalised kind, offered in an easy-going style for the general reader. This is not a how-to-do-it book full of bright ideas and recommended activities. It aims, rather, to shape the basic attitudes and values that motivate ministry to families.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author is keen ‘to get away from the silo mentality of seeing family ministry as an isolated speciality’. It is refreshing that she recognises that single people and same-sex couples are part of the picture, though this is not developed. And she notes as a particular current trend ‘the rise of grandparents’. She is clear that being an intergenerational church is more about mind-set than programme, and will, no doubt, raise a weary cheer for her reserve about all-age services, ‘which in reality have become painful for everyone involved’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdcock does not claim originality, is generous in introducing the influential work of others, and offers a particularly helpful list of further resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Essential Guide to Family Ministry is not just a book for those who work with young families. It will also be of value to clergy and PCC members at the outset of any review of their church’s ministry in relation to the pluriform reality of contemporary family life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Philip Welsh is a retired priest in the diocese of London\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNicki Jemphrey, Family Ministry Coordinator of Knock Presbyterian Church, July 2020 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eThe Essential Guide\u003c\/em\u003e … is a bold claim for any author or publisher to make of their book. Up until now there has been no work published in the UK which equals \u003cem\u003eThe Essential Guide to Family Ministry\u003c\/em\u003e in its breadth of definition of the term, depth of scholarship, sound theology and wealth of practical suggestions, all in response to extensive research in which the author was personally involved. The points made in the Family Ministry Short Course at Cliff College that I attended are expanded and fleshed out. The author writes in a relaxed and readable style, often referencing her own experience of family and practice, which helps the reader to engage with the often complex issues she is describing.\n\u003cp\u003eIn the first part of the book Gail Adcock examines the changing nature of family life within the UK and stresses the urgency in understanding this and in creating new frameworks in response to it. The importance of family function over form with regard to how we approach family ministry is introduced here and is a recurring theme of the book; fewer and fewer families in the UK fit the nuclear model of the mid-twentieth century and this is something not to be lamented but actively engaged with. She helpfully proposes three different theological perspectives which can offer practitioners a foundation for our ministry with families: Holiness at home, Trinity as family and the Jesus shaped family, all of which should involve reaching out to and including the outsider and have an intergenerational aspect where possible. The first section of the book concludes with some of the findings of the \u003cem\u003eWe are Family\u003c\/em\u003e report, which recognises the need for a holistic approach to family ministry, one which provides the dual strands of ministry and support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second part of the book goes on to examine what this might look like in practice, under the heading of “Seven Habits for Highly Effective Family Ministry”. Each habit is examined in detail, with plenty of practical tips for its implementation. The habits I found particularly helpful and feel I need to develop most in my role were the need to Be Strategic, Be Collaborative and Be Reflective. There is some overlap in the points made in these sections but that is no bad thing; they are principles of which we need to be constantly reminding ourselves. The habit I found most challenging was the need to Be Reflective. I very much identified with the barriers to good reflective practice mentioned: time, other people, ourselves and no better way. I know I need to improve in this area in order to become a more effective practitioner and will consider the different suggestions offered: keeping a reflective journal, peer support and mentoring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo does \u003cem\u003eThe Essential Guide to Family Ministry\u003c\/em\u003e live up to its title? In the drawing together of other important writing and thinking on the subject, combined with the findings of recent UK research and the knowledge of a vast range of practitioners as well as her own considerable experience, Gail Adcock has created a handbook which no family worker in the UK should be without. So rich is it in concepts and practical suggestions that it would be impossible to take in everything in one reading. It is indeed an indispensable guide, which should be kept close to hand and consulted on a regular basis. I am planning to do just that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRachel Ridler March 2020 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/rachelridlermumonamission.co.uk\/2020\/03\/spring-book-reviews\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/rachelridlermumonamission.co.uk\/2020\/03\/spring-book-reviews\/\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have found this book so fascinating, and for anyone who is involved in children’s or families ministry, or church leadership in general, I think this is a must read. The first part of the book sets up how family life has changed through the generations, leading us to the world we find ourselves in now. How the 'extended family' of the pre-1900’s where everyone lived close and was in and our of each others lives changed to the 'nuclear family' ideal of the 50’s and 60’s, to the many many different ways that families can be now, with more acceptance of step-families, working families and dispersed families.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author then goes on to talk about the theology behind family ministry and what it should look like in our churches today. That actually we need to encourage faith at home, be more inter-generational rather than always splitting off age groups, and be missional in our activities too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe last part of the book outlines 7 habits for highly effective family ministry, and these are all really thought provoking. It has certainly got me thinking about how I plan the activities in my new role. So if you are re-thinking how you reach families or just if it is even important, then this is one to read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIrish Methodist Newsletter Feb\/Mar 2020. Review by Revd Stephen Skuce\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s always a brave move to call your book ‘The Essential …’. You are saying that basically everything that is needed is in this book. And fair play to Gail Adcock. This excellent book covers the broad range of issues, is very readable and works really well as a one book resource for family ministry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book helpfully begins with a consideration of the changing shape of the family. The last 50 years have witnessed an increasing pace of change and as we reach out to all families, we engage with the myriad of family contexts. There is a good theological foundation laid, and then an overview chapter highlighting the variety of family ministry found in Britain today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the book is given to seven chapters that cover habits for highly effective family ministry. Some may react against this approach as the subtitle implies a formulaic ‘do this and excellent ministry will result’. But, once you get into the chapters you quickly recognise the importance of the habits or practices across a range of family ministry settings. Indeed, they are much more widely applicable than just family ministry. We are challenged to be strategic, be supportive, be collaborative, be intergenerational, be missional, be holy at home, and be reflective. Quite a bit of the insight in this book is drawn out of the influential ‘We are Family’ research project into family ministry from 2014. This helps to give a very objective and solid basis to the insights that are developed. There are very helpful ‘questions for reflection’ and ‘further reading section’ at the end of each chapter, with both books and easily accessible online material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the chapter titled ‘Be Strategic’ the author argues for developing priorities that are focused on achieving what has been discerned as the key objectives. Most of us don’t, as ‘we’re keen to just get on and do the work of family ministry’ (p75). However, ‘by adopting a plan for our ministry, we can avoid the danger of jumping in too quickly before having a clear sense of what the goals are or how these might be accomplished’ (p76). This is clearly important in family ministry, but of course is much more widely applicable and stands as a good challenge to the activism of Irish Methodism where we are keen to do stuff, but often don’t develop strategy and consequently don’t always (or even usually?) see the results we are hoping for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerhaps two final things to note here. Gail Adcock is Family Ministry Development Officer for the British Methodist church and it’s good to see a British Methodist colleague leading the way in family ministry. And this excellent book is just £8.99. BRF are producing an increasingly significant range of resources for the Church, and are managing to keep these are a fairly low cost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRevd Dr Stephen Skuce,\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eDistrict Superintendent, the North Western\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eMethodist \u003c\/em\u003eDistrict\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The Essential Guide to Family Ministry: A practical guide for church-based family workers
£8.99
A comprehensive foundation for those working in the increasingly complex and diverse area of ministry with families, The Essential Guide...
{"id":4853444214923,"title":"Mentoring Conversations: 30 key topics to explore together","handle":"mentoring-conversations-30-key-topics-to-explore-together","description":"\u003cp\u003eA core resource for anyone involved in spiritual mentoring, Mentoring Conversations provides a basis for spiritual conversation in a mentoring context through 30 short chapters structured around six key topic areas: Foundations; Steps to growth; Living out your faith; Going deeper; Staying strong; and Living with mystery. Each chapter begins with a Bible passage or text, followed by the author’s comment on the topic, questions for discussion, scriptures for further reflection and suggestions for further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SmhsuAecoyc\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall is a well-respected author and retreat leader with a lifetime’s experience in mentoring others, including church leaders and missionaries, in Britain as well as overseas. His book \u003cem\u003eMentoring for Spiritual Growth\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2016) has helped many to understand the importance of mentoring in today’s church, and to take their first steps in mentoring others. For the last ten years he has convened an annual Spiritual Mentoring Forum for those wishing to develop their interest in this vital area of disciple-making.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/212958208834\/user\/1649153580\/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUryqrtr80pGc7U2GStVjsrGkaOvlZfWoAccNy3bV7kSCAx9Oog8d4u6Zv0x0HyOktkJP-D-BlUH4gLgw-B9iWVDEdbw7y1gDbdUq-_rYBNTIfiD3PnrY1cIotx9H7AX3rUp7A2oxAs5gwu30z3ifFj-IbIYzGnnFifrtPMitFxxZrCOPZ8K1jC-bKdxiXgGGY\u0026amp;__tn__=-UC%2CP-R\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I want to thank Tony for this amazing resource. A lot of my time now is spent offering Spiritual Direction and in spite of excellent training both for ordination and later for Spiritual Direction, I often feel in need of help! And here it is - thoughtful and thought provoking, easy to use, a wonderful resource and a mine of helpful ideas and questions. Even if you don't mentor others, I can recommend this as a resource for your own spiritual journey and growth; each section has some excellent input based on Scripture and ideas and questions to help you to go deeper with God and think about transformation in your own life.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePenelope Swithinbank, Woman Alive Book Club\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'For anyone involved in spiritual mentoring, this book provides a basis for conversations through 30 short chapters around 6 key themes in the Christian life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter begins with a Bible passage, Tony’s comment, then questions to use with someone as starting points for conversation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany pastors\/clergy have been looking for a resource\/framework\/tool for ongoing discussion with church members to help them grow in faith, through mentoring. Well, Tony has given us all a huge gift in this book and, at just £9.99, I can see it being one of the most dipped into books on our shelves for many years to come.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Paul Eddy, Vicar of Stanford in the Vale, Oxfordshire and Researcher into Male Identity, Spirituality and Discipleship.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I thoroughly and wholeheartedly recommend this book by Tony Horsfall. It will be such a blessing for all engaged in such conversations. It is outstanding and will be such a help to all who walk with others in the making of disciples and growing in Christlikeness. Thank you Tony. CHOOSE IT AND USE IT!!!'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBishop Ken Clarke\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'A treasury of wisdom and practical help\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTony Horsfall has a gift for effortlessly combining the profound truths of Scripture with grounded, practical application for our everyday lives. His new book, Mentoring Conversations, is a treasury of wisdom and practical help for both the experienced mentor and those who are just beginning to accompany others on their journey of faith. Drawing from his many years of rich experience as a mentor, the thirty topics Tony presents cover the key areas which all of us need to engage with in order to grow more surely into a deeper relationship with God and into a transformed life. I found the section on ‘Staying Strong’ particularly helpful in these Covid riven days; the questions following the topics of ‘building resilience’ and ‘the importance of self-care’ were incisive and relevant ones for me, and I’m looking forward to exploring these topics even more with the women I’m currently mentoring. I so appreciate the real- world wisdom of this book and I have a feeling I’ll be drawing from the depths of resources this book provides for many years to come.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMags Duggan, author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/god-among-the-ruins-trust-and-transformation-in-difficult-times?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=8589002da\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eGod Among the Ruins\u003c\/a\u003e and\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/a-better-song-to-sing-finding-life-again-through-the-invitations-of-jesus?_pos=3\u0026amp;_sid=10b0ff8a8\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘There are many books about mentoring but few books for mentoring. Tony Horsfall, after 20 years of practice and reflection, now provides such a book. This is not a book about how mentoring should (or shouldn’t) be done, but a kind of atlas of potential conversation starters, charting the many personal and theological issues that may arise within a journey of faith. Each chapter is short and snappy, as well as being both biblically rooted and pastorally sensitive. The chapters also provide plenty of opportunities for going deeper into specific issues, with insightful discussion questions and recommended reading. This book will be a handy resource for mentors and mentees as they explore the great issues of Christian discipleship together.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAaron Edwards, lecturer and programme lead for the MA Mission and Christian Mentoring pathway at Cliff College, Derbyshire\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘In this insightful book, Tony Horsfall reminds us that conversation is at the heart of a spiritual mentoring relationship. Tony invites us to reflect upon the conversations we enter into with our mentoring practice, asking us to engage in “holy conversation”. Covering topics foundational to Christian formation with clarity, this book is an essential practical resource to draw upon and a must read for all those who are serving as a mentor today.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJennie Fytche, training provider and mentor, Christian Coach and Mentor Network\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This wonderful book will make an excellent tool, enabling both mentor and mentee to walk together with God. It will provoke conversation, reminding them of what God has already done in their lives, and offer practical teaching to increase a sense of his presence and purpose for the future. Rooted in scripture, it will help answer the heart cry of many for a deeper walk with Jesus. I am delighted to commend this volume to anyone who is serious about following Christ.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndy Lancaster, pastoral care leader, Bridge Community Church, Leeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Another gem of a book from Tony. It is written in a conversational style that is easy to read and yet has some deep thoughts on the area of mentoring. I loved the questions at the end of each chapter to help mentor and mentee alike move on in their spiritual journey. Definitely a must for my “holy conversations” in mentoring – I will definitely be using this book with all of my mentees.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSharon Prior, senior lecturer, Moorlands College\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘\u003cem\u003eMentoring Conversations\u003c\/em\u003e will be an invaluable resource for Christian mentors who want to engage their mentees in searching and transformative dialogue. The wide range of topics make it suitable for use with Christians at any stage of faith who have a desire to grow as disciples of Jesus. Although it is written primarily with a one-to-one mentoring relationship in mind, I can also see this book being useful for those engaged in peer mentoring or even small spiritual formation groups. Each topic has the potential to be a catalyst for transformation and growth. I am excited about adding this to my own mentoring resources.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMajor Jane Alton, Salvation Army officer, church leader and Christian mentor\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Tony Horsfall is recognised and respected as an elder statesman in the area of mentoring, and this book is a gift to those of us who have been inspired and encouraged by him. In its down-to-earth and biblically based focus on the growth of the individual, it mirrors Tony’s own approach to any conversation you have with him – you leave feeling encouraged, challenged and that you have had his undivided attention! I shall use this mentoring tool, which is riddled with insights and wisdom, widely in my own mentoring, both formally and informally.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Wilcox, The Christian Coach and Mentor Network and author of Intentional Mentoring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Another rich yet practical book from Tony Horsfall. As more churches and missions become aware of the value of mentoring relationships, this book is a timely gift with the comprehensive range of topics included. The conversation starters will assist experienced mentors to take interactions to a deeper level and will be a godsend to people new to mentoring.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChristine Perkins, Pioneers UK member care for single women\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Matters. Review by Paul Beasley-Murray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMentoring Conversations: 30 Key topics to explore together \u003c\/em\u003eis a great resource by an experienced mentor. The focus of the book is on producing mature disciples. Although it can be used in small groups, the primary intention is for the book to be used in a one-to-one setting where both mentor and mentoree each have a copy. Helpful quotations abound: e.g. 'For optimal spiritual health, conversations on spiritual matters matter. They speak to our desire to know and be known by God and one another, and to do so in community.' Each chapter has a series of ‘conversation starters’ as also a guide to further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Paul Beasley-Murray, author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/make-the-most-of-retirement?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=700927f23\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eMake the Most of Retirement \u003c\/a\u003eand editor of \u003ca href=\"www.paulbeasleymurray.com\"\u003eChurch Matters.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-05-01T16:32:57+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-01T17:28:28+01:00","vendor":"Tony Horsfall","type":"Paperback","tags":["Discipleship","For individuals","Group reading","Kindle","Oct-20","Pastoral care","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":33575301152907,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469250","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Mentoring Conversations: 30 key topics to explore together","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":241,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469250","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469250.jpg?v=1588350510"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469250.jpg?v=1588350510","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":7670340681867,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469250.jpg?v=1588350510"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469250.jpg?v=1588350510","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eA core resource for anyone involved in spiritual mentoring, Mentoring Conversations provides a basis for spiritual conversation in a mentoring context through 30 short chapters structured around six key topic areas: Foundations; Steps to growth; Living out your faith; Going deeper; Staying strong; and Living with mystery. Each chapter begins with a Bible passage or text, followed by the author’s comment on the topic, questions for discussion, scriptures for further reflection and suggestions for further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SmhsuAecoyc\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Horsfall is a well-respected author and retreat leader with a lifetime’s experience in mentoring others, including church leaders and missionaries, in Britain as well as overseas. His book \u003cem\u003eMentoring for Spiritual Growth\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2016) has helped many to understand the importance of mentoring in today’s church, and to take their first steps in mentoring others. For the last ten years he has convened an annual Spiritual Mentoring Forum for those wishing to develop their interest in this vital area of disciple-making.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/212958208834\/user\/1649153580\/?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUryqrtr80pGc7U2GStVjsrGkaOvlZfWoAccNy3bV7kSCAx9Oog8d4u6Zv0x0HyOktkJP-D-BlUH4gLgw-B9iWVDEdbw7y1gDbdUq-_rYBNTIfiD3PnrY1cIotx9H7AX3rUp7A2oxAs5gwu30z3ifFj-IbIYzGnnFifrtPMitFxxZrCOPZ8K1jC-bKdxiXgGGY\u0026amp;__tn__=-UC%2CP-R\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I want to thank Tony for this amazing resource. A lot of my time now is spent offering Spiritual Direction and in spite of excellent training both for ordination and later for Spiritual Direction, I often feel in need of help! And here it is - thoughtful and thought provoking, easy to use, a wonderful resource and a mine of helpful ideas and questions. Even if you don't mentor others, I can recommend this as a resource for your own spiritual journey and growth; each section has some excellent input based on Scripture and ideas and questions to help you to go deeper with God and think about transformation in your own life.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePenelope Swithinbank, Woman Alive Book Club\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'For anyone involved in spiritual mentoring, this book provides a basis for conversations through 30 short chapters around 6 key themes in the Christian life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter begins with a Bible passage, Tony’s comment, then questions to use with someone as starting points for conversation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany pastors\/clergy have been looking for a resource\/framework\/tool for ongoing discussion with church members to help them grow in faith, through mentoring. Well, Tony has given us all a huge gift in this book and, at just £9.99, I can see it being one of the most dipped into books on our shelves for many years to come.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Paul Eddy, Vicar of Stanford in the Vale, Oxfordshire and Researcher into Male Identity, Spirituality and Discipleship.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I thoroughly and wholeheartedly recommend this book by Tony Horsfall. It will be such a blessing for all engaged in such conversations. It is outstanding and will be such a help to all who walk with others in the making of disciples and growing in Christlikeness. Thank you Tony. CHOOSE IT AND USE IT!!!'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBishop Ken Clarke\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'A treasury of wisdom and practical help\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTony Horsfall has a gift for effortlessly combining the profound truths of Scripture with grounded, practical application for our everyday lives. His new book, Mentoring Conversations, is a treasury of wisdom and practical help for both the experienced mentor and those who are just beginning to accompany others on their journey of faith. Drawing from his many years of rich experience as a mentor, the thirty topics Tony presents cover the key areas which all of us need to engage with in order to grow more surely into a deeper relationship with God and into a transformed life. I found the section on ‘Staying Strong’ particularly helpful in these Covid riven days; the questions following the topics of ‘building resilience’ and ‘the importance of self-care’ were incisive and relevant ones for me, and I’m looking forward to exploring these topics even more with the women I’m currently mentoring. I so appreciate the real- world wisdom of this book and I have a feeling I’ll be drawing from the depths of resources this book provides for many years to come.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMags Duggan, author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/god-among-the-ruins-trust-and-transformation-in-difficult-times?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=8589002da\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eGod Among the Ruins\u003c\/a\u003e and\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/a-better-song-to-sing-finding-life-again-through-the-invitations-of-jesus?_pos=3\u0026amp;_sid=10b0ff8a8\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eA Better Song to Sing\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘There are many books about mentoring but few books for mentoring. Tony Horsfall, after 20 years of practice and reflection, now provides such a book. This is not a book about how mentoring should (or shouldn’t) be done, but a kind of atlas of potential conversation starters, charting the many personal and theological issues that may arise within a journey of faith. Each chapter is short and snappy, as well as being both biblically rooted and pastorally sensitive. The chapters also provide plenty of opportunities for going deeper into specific issues, with insightful discussion questions and recommended reading. This book will be a handy resource for mentors and mentees as they explore the great issues of Christian discipleship together.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAaron Edwards, lecturer and programme lead for the MA Mission and Christian Mentoring pathway at Cliff College, Derbyshire\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘In this insightful book, Tony Horsfall reminds us that conversation is at the heart of a spiritual mentoring relationship. Tony invites us to reflect upon the conversations we enter into with our mentoring practice, asking us to engage in “holy conversation”. Covering topics foundational to Christian formation with clarity, this book is an essential practical resource to draw upon and a must read for all those who are serving as a mentor today.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJennie Fytche, training provider and mentor, Christian Coach and Mentor Network\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This wonderful book will make an excellent tool, enabling both mentor and mentee to walk together with God. It will provoke conversation, reminding them of what God has already done in their lives, and offer practical teaching to increase a sense of his presence and purpose for the future. Rooted in scripture, it will help answer the heart cry of many for a deeper walk with Jesus. I am delighted to commend this volume to anyone who is serious about following Christ.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndy Lancaster, pastoral care leader, Bridge Community Church, Leeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Another gem of a book from Tony. It is written in a conversational style that is easy to read and yet has some deep thoughts on the area of mentoring. I loved the questions at the end of each chapter to help mentor and mentee alike move on in their spiritual journey. Definitely a must for my “holy conversations” in mentoring – I will definitely be using this book with all of my mentees.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSharon Prior, senior lecturer, Moorlands College\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘\u003cem\u003eMentoring Conversations\u003c\/em\u003e will be an invaluable resource for Christian mentors who want to engage their mentees in searching and transformative dialogue. The wide range of topics make it suitable for use with Christians at any stage of faith who have a desire to grow as disciples of Jesus. Although it is written primarily with a one-to-one mentoring relationship in mind, I can also see this book being useful for those engaged in peer mentoring or even small spiritual formation groups. Each topic has the potential to be a catalyst for transformation and growth. I am excited about adding this to my own mentoring resources.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMajor Jane Alton, Salvation Army officer, church leader and Christian mentor\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Tony Horsfall is recognised and respected as an elder statesman in the area of mentoring, and this book is a gift to those of us who have been inspired and encouraged by him. In its down-to-earth and biblically based focus on the growth of the individual, it mirrors Tony’s own approach to any conversation you have with him – you leave feeling encouraged, challenged and that you have had his undivided attention! I shall use this mentoring tool, which is riddled with insights and wisdom, widely in my own mentoring, both formally and informally.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Wilcox, The Christian Coach and Mentor Network and author of Intentional Mentoring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Another rich yet practical book from Tony Horsfall. As more churches and missions become aware of the value of mentoring relationships, this book is a timely gift with the comprehensive range of topics included. The conversation starters will assist experienced mentors to take interactions to a deeper level and will be a godsend to people new to mentoring.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChristine Perkins, Pioneers UK member care for single women\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Matters. Review by Paul Beasley-Murray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMentoring Conversations: 30 Key topics to explore together \u003c\/em\u003eis a great resource by an experienced mentor. The focus of the book is on producing mature disciples. Although it can be used in small groups, the primary intention is for the book to be used in a one-to-one setting where both mentor and mentoree each have a copy. Helpful quotations abound: e.g. 'For optimal spiritual health, conversations on spiritual matters matter. They speak to our desire to know and be known by God and one another, and to do so in community.' Each chapter has a series of ‘conversation starters’ as also a guide to further reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Paul Beasley-Murray, author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/make-the-most-of-retirement?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=700927f23\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eMake the Most of Retirement \u003c\/a\u003eand editor of \u003ca href=\"www.paulbeasleymurray.com\"\u003eChurch Matters.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Mentoring Conversations: 30 key topics to explore together
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{"id":4853424980107,"title":"The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So: Why you don’t have to submit to domestic abuse and coercive control","handle":"the-bible-doesn-t-tell-me-so-why-you-don-t-have-to-submit-to-domestic-abuse-and-coercive-control","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis book is addressed directly to women experiencing domestic abuse, and to those who seek to support them, including pastoral leaders, friends and support organisations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt debunks the myths – perpetuated by some abusers and, unwittingly, by many churches – which prevent women from getting out of harm’s way. It helps them realise that the Bible does not belong to their abuser but is a text of liberation. Written with careful attention to pastoral issues, it closely examines and clearly explains the relevant scriptural texts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlso available from the Centre for the Study of Bible \u0026amp; Violence, a six-week video course for use by church small groups \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.csbvbristol.org.uk\/study-videos\/\" title=\"The Bible Doesn't Tell Me So\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.csbvbristol.org.uk\/study-videos\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iRWOUDQBFXc\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter is Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence. A Baptist minister and biblical specialist, she has published at popular and scholarly levels, including \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?\u003c\/em\u003e (2019) for BRF. She speaks nationally and internationally about the interpretation of biblical violence and the abuse of the Bible to promote violence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This book is important. Helen Paynter’s expertise with scripture, her approachability and her engagement with the reality of abuse ensure The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So is extremely helpful, both for Christians who have been subjected to abuse and for those wanting a strong biblical approach to addressing domestic abuse issues. It is both theological and practical and offers an authoritative and ultimately healing approach to scripture for women who have been abused. I know it will make a positive difference to women’s lives!’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatalie Collins, author of Out of Control: Couples, conflict and the capacity for change\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘I have all too often seen the Bible I love weaponised by men to control and subordinate their wives. The sad truth is that domestic abuse is as prevalent in the church as it is in the world outside. I am deeply grateful for this book and Helen’s detailed study and balanced explanation of the texts that have been used throughout the centuries to “bash” women. It is an academically excellent book, which sheds light on the complex scriptures it covers, yet remains immensely readable. It is thorough and profound and enables the reader to not just wrestle with these verses, but also to consider God's original plan for the relationship between men and women. This book shows the Bible is liberating for women and challenging for some men, and I pray The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So will become a core text for leaders as they learn to recognise and respond to domestic abuse within their churches.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBekah Legg, director of Restored\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach magazine, Autumn 2023. Review by Charmaine Yip\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eWe don’t talk about domestic abuse: we close our eyes and pretend it’s not happening. The shocking truth is that in the UK, a woman is killed by a current or previous partner every four days, and domestic abuse is as prevalent in the church as in wider society. Worse, the Bible is deliberately ‘weaponised’ to facilitate this abuse. The main aim of this book is to show that nowhere does the Bible license abuse and violation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAddressed primarily to women experiencing domestic abuse but also to churches seeking to support them, this book is written from a pastoral perspective and with a cogency befitting its subject. Paynter explores the whole biblical narrative as well as specific texts to build a watertight case that abuse is never permitted by scripture. She shows, for example, that Paul’s exhortation to women to submit to their husbands applies only in a loving supportive marriage, and does not authorise men to force their wives into submission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis applies even if we consider the doctrine of male headship and female submission to be timeless. While not convinced by the so-called ‘trajectory hermeneutic’, I found the chapter highlighting the less obvious misuses of scripture, such as passages around forgiveness, suffering and divorce, which can trap women in toxic marriages, incredibly insightful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter does not shy away from calling out abuse committed by pastors. One of the chief obstacles to bringing accusations is the fallacy that the ‘Lord’s anointed’ is above censure, but Paynter goes to great lengths to establish that it is our God-given duty to call out abusive pastors. A minister herself, Paynter argues for robust accountability structures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a must-read for church leaders. The chapter outlining how churches might collude in the abuse by closing ranks and keeping silent is a real eye-opener. There is another chapter addressed directly to church leaders warning against potential pitfalls, such as misdiagnosing abuse. Leaders are instead encouraged to believe the woman, exercise church discipline and cultivate a culture in which all may flourish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo explore this issue as a whole church, there is a six-session video resource, ideal for small groups. The interview format video resource, ideal for small groups. The interview format of these videos is compelling and the final session, focusing on next steps, pastoral care and preaching insights, particularly healing. This is a high-quality resource, offering lots of thought-provoking material as well as sensitive pauses. It is available at www.csbvbristol.org.uk\/study-videos\/ for a small donation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Charmaine Yip, who writes for Preach magazine, occasionally preaches short \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003esermons for Premier Radio, and is the 2022 winner of Sermon of the Year.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInspire magazine, New Zealand Spring 2021. Review by John Meredith\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is addressed to women experiencing domestic abuse or coercive control within a church setting and people, including church leaders, supporting women who are being abused. Why is such a book needed? Abuse by clergy has been well publicised but domestic abuse and coercive control within church families is wider than is often recognised. I have painful memories of three daughters asking me not to refer to their father as a loving husband at his funeral. They claimed that their mother, who had suffered from his behaviour, had remained within the marriage only because she felt trapped financially. They said their father, who considered himself a man of Christian virtue, emphasised repeatedly it was a wife’s duty to obey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is estimated that around 80% of domestic abuse is never reported. As well as physical or sexual violence, abusive relationships may include various forms of personal or social control, threats, accusations and intimidation. Overwhelmingly abusers are male. Domestic abuse and coercive control will often be denied by men and accepted by their female partners as just the way things are. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter’s book is arranged in three parts. Part 1 deals with what she terms the weaponization of scripture. Passages in Ephesians 5, 1 Corinthians 11 and 1 Peter 3 have been used as weapons against women. Using scholarly exegesis Paynter shows how even if one believes that a wife should submit to her husband as head of the household this is intended to be within a mutually loving, supportive and affirming relationship. It is argued that to use biblical texts to discourage a woman from divorcing an abusive husband is to contravene biblical teaching about respect for human dignity. And it is a misuse of scripture to argue that Christian faith requires a wife to keep on forgiving an abusive husband, or that pastoral care for a parishioner can be expressed through a sexual relationship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 2 is titled ‘The truth will set you free.’ Abusive husbands strip their wives of power, but Paynter shows how throughout scripture God is for the powerless and oppressed. Scripture affirms that all people have a God-given dignity. In the gospels women’s dignity is affirmed by Jesus. There is nothing in scripture that justifies the subordination of wives or women.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor too long women have not been believed or have been hushed up. But scripture affirms that God is neither indifferent nor concerned to help anyone exercise power over another. In the light of God’s word injustice will always be revealed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 3 includes three personal addresses: to those trapped by an abuser, to church leaders and to the perpetrator. Abused women are urged to have a safety plan and a helpful list is provided. Church leaders are encouraged to listen, to name what is wrong and never to promote gender roles or a theology that creates a sense of male entitlement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDomestic abuse and coercion are a travesty of relationships and the subordination of women is a biblical distortion. As stated on the cover this book debunks myths that prevent women from getting out of harm’s way. By helping clarify how church leaders need to act to protect women from abuse and free them from guilt and fear the book is a valuable pastoral resource.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by John Meredith\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.baptist.org.uk\/Articles\/592122\/The_Bible_Doesn.aspx\"\u003eBaptist Times 18.11.20\u003c\/a\u003e. Review by Jenni Entrican\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an important book, and even more so during this time of COVID pandemic when levels of domestic abuse have significantly increased. As the title suggests, it is clear that specific interpretations of the Bible are used to validate totally unacceptable violations against women by their partners. Helen names this as ‘scripture being weaponised against women’, and her aim is to show that the Bible does not support the abuse of anyone.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is an important book too because of the hidden nature of domestic abuse, particularly within Christian communities who believe that ‘it doesn’t happen here’, or that it is simply a relationship issue where counselling can help, or that it is the fault of the person being abused who needs to deal with low self esteem, or forgive the abuser. If this sounds simplistic, the reality is that these reactions are not uncommon, and thus perpetuate behaviour that is so contrary to God’s intention for humankind.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThus, Helen’s book, addressed primarily to those suffering abuse, but also to those who support them and church leaders, does an excellent job of unpacking, both the whole sweep of the Biblical narrative, as well as specific scripture passages which are used to validate abusive behaviour. She addresses the Genesis account of the creation of men and women and their relationship; Paul’s exhortation to submit to one another, alongside the revolutionary injunction for men to love their wives as Christ loves the church; truths about what forgiveness looks like; how Jesus viewed and treated women and what God’s heart is for those who are abused.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShe finishes briefly by addressing those trapped by an abuser, church leaders on how they can support such, and lastly, she addresses someone who is an abuser.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book, standing alongside other important books, has an important place in recognising and helping us to deal with what is a hugely important Kingdom and justice issue. It is time for us to grapple with the reality of violence and coercion of women within society as a whole, and particularly within the Christian church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn one way it is not an easy read as Helen draws on the lived experiences of women who have been in contact with her and we should weep at their stories. However it is carefully crafted to be both deeply theological, yet simple to read. I highly recommend reading this book and offering it to others, as a resource, but also to bind up some very real wounds.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs I have travelled through the UK and Europe these past five years as Baptists Together and European Baptist Federation Presidents, I have met many fascinating and wonderful women, but I have also been aware of how often women are not given the opportunities to use their gifts freely. The more I hear and read of the way the female gender is treated worldwide, the more my heart cries out for more books like these, and for more people to engage with issues of gender justice. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenni Entrican was European Baptist Federation President 2017-19, and is a member of the Baptist World Alliance Commission on Racial, Gender and Economic Justice 2020 -2025\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Kate Lemon, Services Manager One 25: a Bristol based charity supporting women who have experience trauma, helping them to 'heal and thrive'.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is crucial in opening up conversations about domestic abuse within the church. For a long time domestic abuse has not been recognised and this has left women who were being abused isolated and totally unsupported. Moreover this system protected perpetrators of abuse. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter’s book plays a vital role in demonstrating that abuse happens everywhere, including within Christianity, that it is not acceptable and crucially that the bible does not advocate abuse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI also support the audiences that the author has targeted: \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Women who are experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control: this is so important. They need to know that their voices are heard and their experiences recognised as part of the church community. They need to see evidence that the bible does not advocate the abuse they are experiencing. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Others in the Christian community who accept, allow or ignore instances of domestic abuse, and particularly church leaders. They are the people in power who need to listen to women and acknowledge what is happening in their church, community and the wider world. They are the people who must put in systems to challenge and stop domestic abuse at a local, national and international level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen’s detailed explanation of what the bible states and what this means is essential in challenging the discourse around women’s place and safety in society. Her position as a knowledgeable minister and biblical specialist gives clear authority to this element of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as victims of domestic abuse and church leaders, there are other target audiences for this book: the Christian community as a whole, including volunteers, pastoral assistants and lay leaders. I would also add academics who train ministers and Christian workers, to ensure that this topic is covered in training and staff development. And finally, academics and researchers who study gender politics, women’s rights, sexual violence and abuse, and coercive control. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy key takeaways from this book are these:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst, the overriding message that God is for all who are oppressed and that includes women experiencing domestic abuse: God is for them and supports them. God does not advocate their abuse nor condone it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd second, the safety plan: practical list of what women should do if they are planning to leave their abusers in order to keep themselves as safe as possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Kate Lemon, Services Manager, One25 \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-05-01T16:32:57+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-01T17:23:36+01:00","vendor":"Helen Paynter","type":"Paperback","tags":["Kindle","Oct-20","Pastoral care","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":33575220379787,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469892","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So: Why you don’t have to submit to domestic abuse and coercive control","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":203,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469892","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469892.jpg?v=1588350218"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469892.jpg?v=1588350218","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":7670273114251,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469892.jpg?v=1588350218"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469892.jpg?v=1588350218","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThis book is addressed directly to women experiencing domestic abuse, and to those who seek to support them, including pastoral leaders, friends and support organisations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt debunks the myths – perpetuated by some abusers and, unwittingly, by many churches – which prevent women from getting out of harm’s way. It helps them realise that the Bible does not belong to their abuser but is a text of liberation. Written with careful attention to pastoral issues, it closely examines and clearly explains the relevant scriptural texts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlso available from the Centre for the Study of Bible \u0026amp; Violence, a six-week video course for use by church small groups \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.csbvbristol.org.uk\/study-videos\/\" title=\"The Bible Doesn't Tell Me So\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.csbvbristol.org.uk\/study-videos\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iRWOUDQBFXc\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter is Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence. A Baptist minister and biblical specialist, she has published at popular and scholarly levels, including \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?\u003c\/em\u003e (2019) for BRF. She speaks nationally and internationally about the interpretation of biblical violence and the abuse of the Bible to promote violence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This book is important. Helen Paynter’s expertise with scripture, her approachability and her engagement with the reality of abuse ensure The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So is extremely helpful, both for Christians who have been subjected to abuse and for those wanting a strong biblical approach to addressing domestic abuse issues. It is both theological and practical and offers an authoritative and ultimately healing approach to scripture for women who have been abused. I know it will make a positive difference to women’s lives!’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatalie Collins, author of Out of Control: Couples, conflict and the capacity for change\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘I have all too often seen the Bible I love weaponised by men to control and subordinate their wives. The sad truth is that domestic abuse is as prevalent in the church as it is in the world outside. I am deeply grateful for this book and Helen’s detailed study and balanced explanation of the texts that have been used throughout the centuries to “bash” women. It is an academically excellent book, which sheds light on the complex scriptures it covers, yet remains immensely readable. It is thorough and profound and enables the reader to not just wrestle with these verses, but also to consider God's original plan for the relationship between men and women. This book shows the Bible is liberating for women and challenging for some men, and I pray The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So will become a core text for leaders as they learn to recognise and respond to domestic abuse within their churches.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBekah Legg, director of Restored\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach magazine, Autumn 2023. Review by Charmaine Yip\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eWe don’t talk about domestic abuse: we close our eyes and pretend it’s not happening. The shocking truth is that in the UK, a woman is killed by a current or previous partner every four days, and domestic abuse is as prevalent in the church as in wider society. Worse, the Bible is deliberately ‘weaponised’ to facilitate this abuse. The main aim of this book is to show that nowhere does the Bible license abuse and violation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAddressed primarily to women experiencing domestic abuse but also to churches seeking to support them, this book is written from a pastoral perspective and with a cogency befitting its subject. Paynter explores the whole biblical narrative as well as specific texts to build a watertight case that abuse is never permitted by scripture. She shows, for example, that Paul’s exhortation to women to submit to their husbands applies only in a loving supportive marriage, and does not authorise men to force their wives into submission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis applies even if we consider the doctrine of male headship and female submission to be timeless. While not convinced by the so-called ‘trajectory hermeneutic’, I found the chapter highlighting the less obvious misuses of scripture, such as passages around forgiveness, suffering and divorce, which can trap women in toxic marriages, incredibly insightful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter does not shy away from calling out abuse committed by pastors. One of the chief obstacles to bringing accusations is the fallacy that the ‘Lord’s anointed’ is above censure, but Paynter goes to great lengths to establish that it is our God-given duty to call out abusive pastors. A minister herself, Paynter argues for robust accountability structures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a must-read for church leaders. The chapter outlining how churches might collude in the abuse by closing ranks and keeping silent is a real eye-opener. There is another chapter addressed directly to church leaders warning against potential pitfalls, such as misdiagnosing abuse. Leaders are instead encouraged to believe the woman, exercise church discipline and cultivate a culture in which all may flourish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo explore this issue as a whole church, there is a six-session video resource, ideal for small groups. The interview format video resource, ideal for small groups. The interview format of these videos is compelling and the final session, focusing on next steps, pastoral care and preaching insights, particularly healing. This is a high-quality resource, offering lots of thought-provoking material as well as sensitive pauses. It is available at www.csbvbristol.org.uk\/study-videos\/ for a small donation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Charmaine Yip, who writes for Preach magazine, occasionally preaches short \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003esermons for Premier Radio, and is the 2022 winner of Sermon of the Year.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInspire magazine, New Zealand Spring 2021. Review by John Meredith\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is addressed to women experiencing domestic abuse or coercive control within a church setting and people, including church leaders, supporting women who are being abused. Why is such a book needed? Abuse by clergy has been well publicised but domestic abuse and coercive control within church families is wider than is often recognised. I have painful memories of three daughters asking me not to refer to their father as a loving husband at his funeral. They claimed that their mother, who had suffered from his behaviour, had remained within the marriage only because she felt trapped financially. They said their father, who considered himself a man of Christian virtue, emphasised repeatedly it was a wife’s duty to obey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is estimated that around 80% of domestic abuse is never reported. As well as physical or sexual violence, abusive relationships may include various forms of personal or social control, threats, accusations and intimidation. Overwhelmingly abusers are male. Domestic abuse and coercive control will often be denied by men and accepted by their female partners as just the way things are. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter’s book is arranged in three parts. Part 1 deals with what she terms the weaponization of scripture. Passages in Ephesians 5, 1 Corinthians 11 and 1 Peter 3 have been used as weapons against women. Using scholarly exegesis Paynter shows how even if one believes that a wife should submit to her husband as head of the household this is intended to be within a mutually loving, supportive and affirming relationship. It is argued that to use biblical texts to discourage a woman from divorcing an abusive husband is to contravene biblical teaching about respect for human dignity. And it is a misuse of scripture to argue that Christian faith requires a wife to keep on forgiving an abusive husband, or that pastoral care for a parishioner can be expressed through a sexual relationship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 2 is titled ‘The truth will set you free.’ Abusive husbands strip their wives of power, but Paynter shows how throughout scripture God is for the powerless and oppressed. Scripture affirms that all people have a God-given dignity. In the gospels women’s dignity is affirmed by Jesus. There is nothing in scripture that justifies the subordination of wives or women.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor too long women have not been believed or have been hushed up. But scripture affirms that God is neither indifferent nor concerned to help anyone exercise power over another. In the light of God’s word injustice will always be revealed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 3 includes three personal addresses: to those trapped by an abuser, to church leaders and to the perpetrator. Abused women are urged to have a safety plan and a helpful list is provided. Church leaders are encouraged to listen, to name what is wrong and never to promote gender roles or a theology that creates a sense of male entitlement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDomestic abuse and coercion are a travesty of relationships and the subordination of women is a biblical distortion. As stated on the cover this book debunks myths that prevent women from getting out of harm’s way. By helping clarify how church leaders need to act to protect women from abuse and free them from guilt and fear the book is a valuable pastoral resource.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by John Meredith\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.baptist.org.uk\/Articles\/592122\/The_Bible_Doesn.aspx\"\u003eBaptist Times 18.11.20\u003c\/a\u003e. Review by Jenni Entrican\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an important book, and even more so during this time of COVID pandemic when levels of domestic abuse have significantly increased. As the title suggests, it is clear that specific interpretations of the Bible are used to validate totally unacceptable violations against women by their partners. Helen names this as ‘scripture being weaponised against women’, and her aim is to show that the Bible does not support the abuse of anyone.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is an important book too because of the hidden nature of domestic abuse, particularly within Christian communities who believe that ‘it doesn’t happen here’, or that it is simply a relationship issue where counselling can help, or that it is the fault of the person being abused who needs to deal with low self esteem, or forgive the abuser. If this sounds simplistic, the reality is that these reactions are not uncommon, and thus perpetuate behaviour that is so contrary to God’s intention for humankind.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThus, Helen’s book, addressed primarily to those suffering abuse, but also to those who support them and church leaders, does an excellent job of unpacking, both the whole sweep of the Biblical narrative, as well as specific scripture passages which are used to validate abusive behaviour. She addresses the Genesis account of the creation of men and women and their relationship; Paul’s exhortation to submit to one another, alongside the revolutionary injunction for men to love their wives as Christ loves the church; truths about what forgiveness looks like; how Jesus viewed and treated women and what God’s heart is for those who are abused.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShe finishes briefly by addressing those trapped by an abuser, church leaders on how they can support such, and lastly, she addresses someone who is an abuser.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book, standing alongside other important books, has an important place in recognising and helping us to deal with what is a hugely important Kingdom and justice issue. It is time for us to grapple with the reality of violence and coercion of women within society as a whole, and particularly within the Christian church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn one way it is not an easy read as Helen draws on the lived experiences of women who have been in contact with her and we should weep at their stories. However it is carefully crafted to be both deeply theological, yet simple to read. I highly recommend reading this book and offering it to others, as a resource, but also to bind up some very real wounds.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs I have travelled through the UK and Europe these past five years as Baptists Together and European Baptist Federation Presidents, I have met many fascinating and wonderful women, but I have also been aware of how often women are not given the opportunities to use their gifts freely. The more I hear and read of the way the female gender is treated worldwide, the more my heart cries out for more books like these, and for more people to engage with issues of gender justice. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenni Entrican was European Baptist Federation President 2017-19, and is a member of the Baptist World Alliance Commission on Racial, Gender and Economic Justice 2020 -2025\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Kate Lemon, Services Manager One 25: a Bristol based charity supporting women who have experience trauma, helping them to 'heal and thrive'.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is crucial in opening up conversations about domestic abuse within the church. For a long time domestic abuse has not been recognised and this has left women who were being abused isolated and totally unsupported. Moreover this system protected perpetrators of abuse. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter’s book plays a vital role in demonstrating that abuse happens everywhere, including within Christianity, that it is not acceptable and crucially that the bible does not advocate abuse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI also support the audiences that the author has targeted: \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Women who are experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control: this is so important. They need to know that their voices are heard and their experiences recognised as part of the church community. They need to see evidence that the bible does not advocate the abuse they are experiencing. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Others in the Christian community who accept, allow or ignore instances of domestic abuse, and particularly church leaders. They are the people in power who need to listen to women and acknowledge what is happening in their church, community and the wider world. They are the people who must put in systems to challenge and stop domestic abuse at a local, national and international level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen’s detailed explanation of what the bible states and what this means is essential in challenging the discourse around women’s place and safety in society. Her position as a knowledgeable minister and biblical specialist gives clear authority to this element of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as victims of domestic abuse and church leaders, there are other target audiences for this book: the Christian community as a whole, including volunteers, pastoral assistants and lay leaders. I would also add academics who train ministers and Christian workers, to ensure that this topic is covered in training and staff development. And finally, academics and researchers who study gender politics, women’s rights, sexual violence and abuse, and coercive control. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy key takeaways from this book are these:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst, the overriding message that God is for all who are oppressed and that includes women experiencing domestic abuse: God is for them and supports them. God does not advocate their abuse nor condone it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd second, the safety plan: practical list of what women should do if they are planning to leave their abusers in order to keep themselves as safe as possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Kate Lemon, Services Manager, One25 \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So: Why you don’t have to submit to domestic abuse and coercive control
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{"id":4448256000139,"title":"Encountering the Risen Christ","handle":"encountering-the-risen-christ","description":"\u003cp\u003eHow can we encounter the risen Lord Jesus in a life-transforming way? How can we be equipped and strengthened to share the message of the resurrection with the world? The post-resurrection encounters between Jesus and the disciples provide us with some of the most profound and personal moments to be found in scripture. The risen Christ comes to his disciples in all their brokenness – their sadness, fear, doubt, shattered dreams and failure – and calls them to a future filled with hope, confidence, confirmed faith, new beginnings and restored lives. Encountering the Risen Christ reflects on the main characters in the post-resurrection accounts and shows how we too can encounter Jesus Christ in a life-transforming way. The seven chapters plus discussion material can be used across the seven weeks from Easter to Pentecost in individual reflection or group study, or at any time of year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark Bradford is vicar of St Cuthbert’s Fulwood. Previously he taught history and politics and has worked for the Oasis Trust in Leeds training and discipling 18–25-year-olds. He is married with three young children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersonal, perceptive, profound, provocative, well-resourced and well-written; Mark Bradford offers us an imaginative and encouraging exploration of encounter as the key and critical mode of Christian experience and discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd James Bell, Bishop of Ripon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stories in this book may be familiar, but we are offered a fresh insight. The journeys travelled by early disciples are fleshed out for a contemporary eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book takes you deeper into the Easter story by exposing the failures and successes, doubts and certainties, and above all the unashamed humanity of the cast of characters who follow Jesus to the cross and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJill Rowe, Oasis Ethos and Formation Director\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConnecting theology with experience, and mission with spirituality, Mark offers a careful reading of the New Testament encounters with Jesus, leading us into experiencing the transforming power of the resurrection for ourselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIan Paul, Theologian, writer and speaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReading Mark’s unfolding of the risen Christ, we are challenged to put the resurrection at the centre of who we are as Christians as well as what we do. This will orientate us to a discipleship that holds together death and new life, so we can know the victory of Christ without ignoring the reality of suffering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChristina Baxter, Former Principal of St John's College, Nottingham\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-01-13T10:08:39+00:00","created_at":"2020-01-13T10:45:29+00:00","vendor":"Mark Bradford","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","Feb-20","Group reading","Kindle","Lent"],"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":31810906194059,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464286","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Encountering the Risen Christ","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":180,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464286","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464286.jpg?v=1578912330"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464286.jpg?v=1578912330","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":6090967711883,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1800,"width":1181,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464286.jpg?v=1578912330"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1800,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464286.jpg?v=1578912330","width":1181}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eHow can we encounter the risen Lord Jesus in a life-transforming way? How can we be equipped and strengthened to share the message of the resurrection with the world? The post-resurrection encounters between Jesus and the disciples provide us with some of the most profound and personal moments to be found in scripture. The risen Christ comes to his disciples in all their brokenness – their sadness, fear, doubt, shattered dreams and failure – and calls them to a future filled with hope, confidence, confirmed faith, new beginnings and restored lives. Encountering the Risen Christ reflects on the main characters in the post-resurrection accounts and shows how we too can encounter Jesus Christ in a life-transforming way. The seven chapters plus discussion material can be used across the seven weeks from Easter to Pentecost in individual reflection or group study, or at any time of year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMark Bradford is vicar of St Cuthbert’s Fulwood. Previously he taught history and politics and has worked for the Oasis Trust in Leeds training and discipling 18–25-year-olds. He is married with three young children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersonal, perceptive, profound, provocative, well-resourced and well-written; Mark Bradford offers us an imaginative and encouraging exploration of encounter as the key and critical mode of Christian experience and discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd James Bell, Bishop of Ripon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stories in this book may be familiar, but we are offered a fresh insight. The journeys travelled by early disciples are fleshed out for a contemporary eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book takes you deeper into the Easter story by exposing the failures and successes, doubts and certainties, and above all the unashamed humanity of the cast of characters who follow Jesus to the cross and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJill Rowe, Oasis Ethos and Formation Director\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConnecting theology with experience, and mission with spirituality, Mark offers a careful reading of the New Testament encounters with Jesus, leading us into experiencing the transforming power of the resurrection for ourselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIan Paul, Theologian, writer and speaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReading Mark’s unfolding of the risen Christ, we are challenged to put the resurrection at the centre of who we are as Christians as well as what we do. This will orientate us to a discipleship that holds together death and new life, so we can know the victory of Christ without ignoring the reality of suffering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChristina Baxter, Former Principal of St John's College, Nottingham\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Encountering the Risen Christ
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{"id":3945398992990,"title":"Make the Most of Retirement","handle":"make-the-most-of-retirement","description":"\u003cp\u003e‘Retire’ means to ‘withdraw’, to ‘retreat’, to ‘give ground’, to ‘cease to compete’. In one sense that is true: retirement does involve a leaving of office or employment. Yet retirement is also about new beginnings and new opportunities. In this helpful book, grounded both in personal experience and in extensive research among retired ministers, and rich in quotations from an eclectic range of writers, Paul Beasley-Murray explores how retirement is part of God’s rhythm for our lives and provides encouragement and insights for this next stage of the journey. A must-read for lay and ordained Christians alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePaul Beasley-Murray is the chairman of the College of Baptist Ministers. Formerly Senior Minister of Central Baptist Church, Chelmsford and prior to that Principal of Spurgeon’s College, London, he is a prolific author and blogger. His most recent publications include his autobiography This Is My Story: A story of life, faith and ministry (Wipf \u0026amp; Stock, 2018).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe used to know what 'retirement' meant. These days it is a more elastic term, and particularly so for retired ministers whose calling recognises no distinction between drawing a stipend or a pension.Paul Beasley-Murray presents a practical and engaging guide to retirement. While written with the retiring minister in mind, much of what Paul offers will be of relevance to anyone asking the questions of who they are, and how they might live out their vocation, in the later summer and autumn of their years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Ball, Chief Executive, The Church of England Pensions Board\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Like all the writings of Paul Beasley-Murray, this refreshing book is thoroughly researched and generously illustrated from personal experience, and never shrinks from reflecting on the shadow side of this period of life.' \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDavid Coffey OBE, Global Ambassador for BMS World Mission and past President of the Baptist World Alliance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'An invaluable aid for ministers of religion, in particular, and other people, generally, as they prepare for retirement.' \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Richard Jackson, Methodist minister and pioneer (in retirement) of the Cliff College International Training Centre\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRural Theology. Review by Malcolm Grundy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsed with permission. Rural Theology, 19:1, 63-64, DOI: 10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo link to this article: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\"\u003ehttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is now a growing number of books which will help clergy and their spouses to prepare for and live in retirement. Among those recently published the subject is approached from many different angles. Where most guides and helps are produced using a variety of contributors, Paul Beasley-Murray is a sole author giving a very personal account to enrich this pool of resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author writes from a varied ministry in academic work as Principal of Spurgeon’s College, in national and ecumenical circles as Chair of the College of Baptist Ministers, as a missionary in Congo\/Zaire and for his final posting as minister at the Central Baptist Church in Chelmsford. His retirement responsibilities and activities would fill more than half a page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book, Beasley-Murray tells us, has its origins in a research project with both qualitative and quantitative content published in Retirement matters for ministers. He has already published an autobiography in 2018 and in a similar way this is quite a personal book. It has clear sections beginning with the need for personal and practical preparation for retirement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is followed by sections on the discernment of a new vocational purpose. The third section encourages wider thinking and activity and the fourth explores preparation for the ‘final journey’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is filled with practical advice, backed generously with biblical references and illustrations. Equally, each section, and the sub-sections within them point to considerable wide reading and make generous use of quotation and anecdote from others who have written about retirement. Mention of other writers is done with the eye of a critical scholar, ‘I confess that much of the author’s careful engagement with scripture left me cold – it just seemed totally irrelevant’ (p. 75).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is both strength and weakness in a single author attempting such a broad subject. Beasley-Murray writes in a very personal way in many sections and we learn much about a man who has contributed generously to the ministerial development of so many. He speaks stridently about the need for a retired minister active in a congregation to engage in a ‘ministry of encouragement’ especially being supportive to their own and the surrounding ministers. His own personal public activities are described with reflective enthusiasm. Most intriguing among so much is the description of why he and his wife have chosen to worship not in a local Baptist Church but at Chelmsford Cathedral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn honest book of this kind will have inevitable weaknesses. Among the helpful practicalities listed are the need to make sure someone had all your computer and bank account passwords and that it is essential to make both a Will and Power of Attorney provision, but do we really need to know what hymns and readings he has planned for his own funeral? For the less biblically focussed there might be a little hesitation within the important need to value and nurture grandchildren, that before opening their presents on Christmas Day, he insists on reading them Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis well-resourced, comprehensive, and individualistic book is a welcome addition to a growing library. It speaks in an assured way to all who need to know about retirement ministries. It will be useful across the denominations to clergy and their families whose lives are shaped and enriched by constant reference to their bibles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMalcolm Grundy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYork St John University\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e© 2020 Malcolm Grundy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo cite this article: Malcolm Grundy (2021) Make the most of retirement, Rural Theology, 19:1, 63-64, DOI: 10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry (winter 2020) Review by Laura Hillman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetirement brings opportunities as well as challenges. The author is a retired Baptist minister and former principal of Spurgeon’s college who now worships at Chelmsford Cathedral. He has written a helpful guide with full-time church leaders in mind although he has sound advice for the general reader too. He writes with sensitivity and understanding, drawing on a research project with retired ministers as well as his own experience and the work of a range of authors. While being aware that there are many different models of successful retirement he makes recommendations that are helpful to all. ‘Take time to settle down’, ‘Keep your mind fresh’, ‘Relax and play’ are typical chapter headings. Many will find a new calling in later life, not necessarily church based, although as lay ministers we often come into our own when free from paid employment. This would make a good present for a friend on the point of retirement; it is also a book to return to in the later stages of life with sound advice on preparing for a good death.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillman \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Minister’s Journal April 2020. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Michael Bochenski\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a really helpful book. All the more so because it is a rare Christian contribution to retirement studies from a UK perspective, rather than a North American one. Undergirding it are face to face interviews, a lengthy questionnaire, and the author’s characteristic commitment to theological reflection on personal experience. It is admirably practical, very readable, well researched and, yes, really helpful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMake the Most of Retirement \u003c\/em\u003eis a book brim full of quotes and references from a range of sources – Paul Tournier, David Adams’ wonderful greeting car reflection \u003cem\u003eThe Terminus\u003c\/em\u003e, CS Lewis, Eugene Peterson, David Winter, Henri Nouwen, Sr Margaret Magdalen, and John Bunyan – among many others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into four sections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eBeginning a New Journey \u003c\/em\u003eexplores issues such as resolving to continue to develop, settling down, maintaining a spiritual and life discipline, and ongoing relationships.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003col start=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFinding New Purpose \u003c\/em\u003efocuses on issues such as our ongoing call to minister, learning to let go of the past, continuing to ‘… keep our minds fresh with a book always on the go,’ and supporting our new minister\/s as ‘angels’ advocates’. Paul has little time for a solely functional understanding of ministry: ‘Ordination’, he affirms, ‘is for life, so God continues to have a call on my life.’\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003col start=\"3\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eLiving a Full Life \u003c\/em\u003econtains pleas to find new ways to relax, exercise, reconnect with some of those we have known over the years, cultivate time with grandchildren (if so blessed), and to share our testimony to God in Christ. This section is infused with something of the personal joy Paul has found, after retirement from pastoring a local church and discovering instead ‘…new and changing way of serving God and others.’\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003col start=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePreparing for the Final Journey \u003c\/em\u003edoes what it says on the tin! Intimations of mortality – not least in the back, hip or knees (!) – are part of this but so are things like alerting our executors in advance to important documents and funeral wishes, confronting past hurts, and looking forward to what lies beyond.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no weak sections in the book. Consider, for example, this powerful (Carl Jung) quote on the cruelty of death: ‘Death is indeed a piece of brutality. There is no sense in pretending otherwise. It is brutal not only as a physical event but far more so psychically: a human being is torn away from us, and what remains is the icy stillness of death.’ Or this magnificent quote from the Swiss physician and author Paul Tournier (one of the first pastoral theologians I ever read and still one of the best): ‘What is important for the aged is not what they are still able to do nor yet what they have accumulated and cannot take with them. It is what they are.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was especially good to be reminded of the wonderful Nun’s Prayer (Google it!): ‘Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not what to be a saint – some of them are hard to live with – but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil.’ I agree, however, with Paul’s observation on it (note 156): ‘This prayer, often said to be from the 17\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century, is more likely to be a 20\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century creation.’ It remains of course an excellent tool for tying to live well in old age, whatever its provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul’s various reflections on past, present and future ministry are also exceptionally helpful, such as this one: ‘I dare to believe that my ministry has eternal consequences. Precisely what those consequences are I do not know… for the most part we have little, if any, knowledge of what has been wrought in other people’s lives.’ To read someone so clearly continuing to love being a pastor in his seventh decade is so refreshing; it shows: ‘The privilege of having been a pastor… is undoubtedly the most wonderful calling in the world.’ Paul’s awareness of ‘the many different patterns of retirement’ is also welcome. This is, mercifully, not a one blueprint kind of a book; it is instead a very practical guidelines and options one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA quote from James Woodward takes us to this book’s heart: ‘There is a difference between living and being alive. Growing older is about adding life to years rather than just adding years to our lives.’ Chapter 13 is entitled \u003cem\u003eBecome a Sage. \u003c\/em\u003eOn the evidence of this book, Paul Beasley-Murray is clearly practising what he preaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Michael Bochenski\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRetired Clergy Association newsletter Summer 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Mike Parsons\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul is a retired Baptist minister and probably familiar to many as the Beasley Murray family (father \u0026amp; son) have been prominent in Baptist circles for many years. However, his non-Anglican background should not dissuade any reader as after retiring as senior minister of Central Baptist Church Chelmsford he decided to join the congregation of Chelmsford Cathedral. In fact, he has produced a paper on why retired Baptist ministers end up worshiping with the Church of England. I look forward to a similar one, from somebody, as to why so many retired Church of England priests become Quakers!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a slim book, easily read and with a light style. Divided into four sections (Beginning a new journey, Finding a new purpose, Living a full life, Preparing for the final journey) each of which has seven or eight sections, it reads rather like a set of notes to accompany a series of compline addresses or the like. Each one can be read in its own right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book takes issue with the idea that retirement is the waiting room for death, a final destination that all arrive at. Rather he sees retirement as the terminus from which you set off on a new journey, ‘it is the beginning of a new journey . . .it opens up new vista, it is the gateway to eternity.’ (quoting ‘Terminus’, a poem by David Adam.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book has its origins in a research project to discover how ministers (and he carefully uses this term throughout as the most inclusive) experience retirement; published in his book \u003cem\u003eRetirement Matters for Ministers\u003c\/em\u003e. Here he discovered that while many retired ministers were glad to be retired and were experiencing new opportunities, a significant proportion felt discarded, undervalued, and reduced in their opportunities in life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the former category this book will provide new idea and suggestions as to how to live an even fuller life. Each section is formed round a particular biblical text and is full of examples and illustrations. The book is, in itself, a resource of sermon illustrations! For the latter category there are many challenges. It is not a mere exercise in positive thinking for the retired, but wise godly advice and biblical insights to enable growth. It is also very well referenced so you can chase up his quotes if you wish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOld age used to be thought of as starting with retirement, 65 as it used to be for men, 60 for women. The government has changed all that (to many women’s disadvantage) to 66 for all. But that is not how we think. From October 2011 there is no mandatory retirement age and, except for the Church of England, retirement cannot be imposed by employers. It has been said that 70 is the new 60; most of us have many more expectations of active life post retirement. The Church of England is lagging behind here. I asked a question in General Synod in 2015 as to what progress there was in changing clergy retirement rules. The reply was that the house of bishops was unaware of any groundswell of opinion: they cannot be so unaware now. In terms of ministry, at least as an incumbent or senior cleric, there is good case for handing on a post by 70 and ministering in some other way. For most of us, that will involve PTO (Permission to Officiate). Progress is being made it terms of positive engagement with the retired, but there is a long way to go. It is demeaning and insulting to make assumptions on behalf of the retired ‘in their best interests’ without consultation. The largest number of active retired clergy in England are in their 80s, a large pool of voluntary ministry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetirement is something of a shock to many clergy, we are psychologically unprepared: you go suddenly from being in the centre of everything, consulted, listened to, kept in touch (and how much more so for senior clergy). Then the next day it can seem as if you have been pushed off a cliff and no longer exist. In one chapter he explores the issue of clerical identity; how so often it is centred in our functions rather than who we are in Christ. He quotes approvingly Archbishop Justin Welby, who discovered greatly to his surprise recently that his biological father was not the man he called father but another. This is a discovery which could easily strike to the roots of one’s sense of identity and worth, yet Justin Welby said ‘I know that I find who I am in Jesus Christ, not in genetics, and my identity in him never changes’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is much that can be done to prepare for retirement. Most dioceses offer some form of pre-retirement course, but it is often very sketchy and can sometimes do little more than cover the administrative bones of the various options on retirement housing and how will you be paid. This book, in itself, read through perhaps with a small group reaching retirement at similar points will provide a much richer fare. Involving others (and of course partners) will give added perspectives: not everyone’s retirement is the same. Beasley-Murray encourages using a mentor or soul friend. This could also be described as a work consultant for the retired. We may not realise it, but we are now on our own. We don’t automatically have to report to anyone, we can do our own thing. But we’ve not done this before and we know that in starting in ministry there were various people to help and advise: there were also groups where you could moan about how bad the vicar was – and discover fellow sufferers! I believe every diocese has a Retirement Officer, but how much of a voice they have varies widely and, in some cases, very little seems to be done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will not be long retired before friends and colleagues start dying (if they have not already) and thoughts of our own mortality become more common. How will we meet it, will we ‘die well’? In his penultimate chapter, ‘Letting go and holding on’, Beasley-Murray paints a picture of death as not only ‘going’ but also ‘arriving’; this is what the Christian should hope for, while acknowledging that the reality is not always like that. Many of us fear the process of dying, fear not just the pain and loss of bodily functions but also the loss of the mind and the personality changes that can come with dementia. There could – perhaps should – have been a reminder here to discuss an end of life plan with family members and how you can ensure that those caring for you at the end are aware of it. This could be part of a small portfolio of preparation. Not just ensuring a will is written, charitable gifts assigned, but also what sort of funeral you would like (always remembering the funeral is mainly for the benefit of those left behind!) as it will both make a statement about your deepest belief and also be a personal growth experience. Who do you most want to be with you as you die?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA H Clough’s famous doublet ‘Thou shalt not kill; but need'st not strive officiously to keep alive’ is not only a palliative care dictum; it is also a spiritual one. Beasley-Murray quotes cases of three experienced charismatic Christian leaders who were convinced they would be miraculously healed: in one case it ended badly, the other two ‘came to the reluctant and dislocating conclusion that’ somehow, they had got it wrong, but were able, peacefully, to let go into the hands of the God they didn’t now understand’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is, I have found, a book that repays reading – and then reading again (it’s very short!); there is much wisdom here. Beasley-Murray’s experience is summed up, he writes, in David Adam’s poem\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The Terminus’:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Terminus is not where we stay,\u003cbr\u003eIt is the beginning of a new journey.\u003cbr\u003eIt is where we reach out beyond,\u003cbr\u003eWhere we experience new adventures.\u003cbr\u003eIt is where we get off to enter new territory,\u003cbr\u003eTo explore new horizons, to extend our whole being.\u003cbr\u003eIt is a place touching the future.\u003cbr\u003eIt opens up new vistas.\u003cbr\u003eIt is the gateway to eternity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices June 2020 (PV33), Review by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a timely book. As in our lives generally, there are seasons of ministry, and Paul argues in this encouraging book that we should make the most of the season of retirement. Paul’s wise advice is optimistic and realistic (and nondenominational), and will find echoes for everyone in the church, not just ‘retired’ pastors and church leaders. Concise and logically organised, this guide sees retirement as ‘beginning a new journey’ and ‘finding new purpose’ and ‘living a full life’. He grounds these themes on firm foundations, intelligently avoiding any ‘goody two-shoes’ tone of voice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSensibly, too, and sensitively, he faces up to the challenge of ‘preparing for the final journey’. There are three firm foundations for this advice. First is his own life. Without any egotism, he describes how he has grown in retirement. It has been a period of self-discovery, of reflecting on key values and people that have shaped his life. The second draws on relevant studies and his own substantial research. Often evidence of how faith communities flourish, grow and change is based on unreliable anecdotes and subjective impressions. Having more reliable qualitative data is much needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third foundation is based on the Christian life, where in retirement the importance of discipleship and forgiveness is more central than ever. Retirement can be a time of resentful marginalisation, nourishing past hurts, fearing mortality and bereavement. Paul reminds us that, while it is a time to put things in order and even to ‘let go’, it is also a time to face ‘the challenge of being’, and to seek contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing honest to God and to yourself as you age and change is probably the most challenging part of the internal narrative we have with ourselves. Paul’s book is all about how a Christian pastor or minister can choose to retire, and, how older people still can do so too. A timely book for personal reflection and group exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, May 2020. Review by James Breslin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is aimed at retired ministers or, more usefully, at ministers about to retire. It seeks to address a gap in the market, for while there are many general books on retirement, and many books on ministry, there is very little on ministerial retirement. With considerable success, Beasley-Murray manages to blend three elements into one relatively short book. It contains much wisdom. Much of the book is a reflection on and retelling of his own experience of retirement, some is an evaluation of the limited amount of research in this field, and some is the repetition of somewhat anecdotal evidence. It is not a book that will appeal to every retired minister and Beasley-Murray fully recognises that. It is very personal, and, as such, may seem alien to some. All ministers are different, the retired as much as the active. Beasley-Murray says that ‘writing and research is one way in which I seek to live out my calling’. Committees and charitable trusteeships alongside preaching currently fill that role for me. He quotes with approval a comment from an Anglican source: ‘Priests never retire but vicars do.’ Although he himself has chosen to worship in a setting that does not offer regular opportunities for leading Sunday services, he notes that 85% of the retired Baptist ministers who took part in his survey regularly led worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeasley-Murray is not shy of disagreeing with others who have written on retirement, noting that where such writing appears as a part of a general study, the tone has often been negative. This book sees retirement as positive but recognises that this is not everyone’s experience. He is clear that his book should be considered alongside the pre-retirement courses run by many denominations. The author fully recognises the value of such courses but suggests that by their nature they focus mainly on the practical elements of retirement (housing, health, pensions etc) and less on the spiritual dimension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by James Breslin\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ea retired minister living in Nottingham\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e‘Plus’, quarterly magazine of Christians on Ageing Vol 36 issue 1, Spring 2020. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Rev Malcolm Smith (retired)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first sight, and declared specifically so by the author, this is a book for a niche market – Christian ministers (of all denominations) approaching or already arrived at retirement. Yet at the same time it speaks encouragingly, provokingly to all older Christians, lay or ordained. The author acknowledges that Christian ministers do have special needs at the time because their life's work has been a calling that never ceases until death, yet the normal opportunity to exercise that calling by leading a congregation or parish is taken from them. For some this can be a bereavement experience, for many its coupling with the requirement to move away from people who have become close friends is a major upheaval. Much has been written in recent years about various aspects of retirement; this book succeeds in gathering the whole range of issues together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is ordered in four main sections: Beginning a new journey, Finding new purpose, Living a full fife, Preparing for the final journey; plus a brief Preface and Introduction, and a Final word. This could sound like heavy going; rather, the author's touch is light because his words and personal experience are so lucid. Each main section is made up of seven or eight nutshell chapters of a mere three of four pages; the whole can be read in a couple of sessions, though like me you will want to go back to much of it again; familiar quotations jostle with arresting insights and practical suggestions such as ‘retirement is the last opportunity to rise to the challenge of being (rather than doing)’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no shrinking from the darker sides of life: ‘trials are to be welcomed, for the truth is that “all sunshine makes a desert” …’; profound issues are faced with depth: ‘dying well involves accepting the reality of our situation’. Above all, the whole focuses on living relationship with our Lord: ‘let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus’ – the use of the simple personal name, Jesus, shows that the accent is upon his humanity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Rev Malcolm Smith (ret).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 06.03.20. Review by John Lampard.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I 'sat down' 14 years ago I read a number of books about retirement, which offered guidance on how to live the following years. It was interesting therefore to read, in the light of experience, \u003cem\u003eMaking the Most of Retirement \u003c\/em\u003eby Paul Beasley-Murray, which is mainly written (although it is not in the title) for retired ministers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author is a Baptist minister, who now worships at Chelmsford Cathedral. He is fortunate to have had a healthy and fulfilling retirement which has involved writing and research, continuing leadership on Church committees, travel, church activities and family life. He divides the book, which consists of 31 short chapters, under four headings. First there is ‘Beginning a new journey’. In these chapters he encourages a new sense of adventure and adjusting to a new pace of life while maintaining spiritual disciplines which can weaken without the regular pattern of preparation and pastoral care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second heading is ‘Finding new purpose’. Here he writes of the need to discover a new identity now that you are no longer ‘the minister’, to do something worthwhile in the local church and, importantly, to be an encouragement to your minister. Something a retired minister can occasionally stumble over!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third section, entitled ‘Living a full life’, offers sound advice on enriching your life with exercise, making new friends, enjoying your grandchildren (if you have them) and sharing your faith story with others. The author has taken the risky step of publishing his own autobiography, which he refers to frequently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final section, ‘Preparing for the final journey’, reminds readers about making practical steps in terms of wills, powers of attorney, leaving your affairs in good and clear order, with spiritual reflections on the journey into death. Of value in this section is the important reminder to continue to be grateful to God, to let go of past hurts and be prepared to let go.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery part of the book is supported by the author’s wide reading on retirement issues, wise words from both secular and Christian writers and information on his own life journey. All these make the book an easy read. If I have any reservation, it is the fact that it is refracted through the lens of what he sees as a very successful ministry and a worthwhile, rich and diverse retirement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI wonder how it would appeal to a minister who arrives at retirement broken after a hard ministry, dispirited and in poor health – and some do. The author’s bright ‘can do’ approach might not be so encouraging to some.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by \u003c\/em\u003eT\u003cem\u003ehe Rev Dr John\u003c\/em\u003e Lampard, a\u003cem\u003e supernumerary minister in the City Road \u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eMethodist circuit.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing just over one year in to my own ‘retirement’, this was a book I had to read – and it did not disappoint. Paul Beasley-Murray is a retired but still very active Baptist minister and it is a delight to read about his very positive experience of and views on the post-employment, next stage of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong many other titles about retirement from both Christian and secular perspectives, this book is aimed specifically at those in or preparing for retirement from paid church ministry, something which the author claims is a first. All that said, the book does contain very helpful insights, suggestions and advice for those who, like myself, have moved on from non-Church based employment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Hopefully this book will help address the imbalance which is present on some retirement courses,’ he writes, ‘where much of the content seems to be devoted to practical matters such as pensions and housing, with little reference to all the other issues which are part of the ministerial retirement experience.’ An observation which is true of many moving on from non-ministerial occupations too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its short chapters and the author’s relaxed writing style, this book is easy to read. Developed from interviews and qualitative research carried out by the author among retired ministers – findings of which are published elsewhere – Paul Beasley-Murray uses this as a basis on which to build, complementing it with examples of his own personal experience. These provide helpful illustrations and although very autobiographical (something which the author acknowledges) they are practical and realistic. More examples drawn from the research would have strengthened the book even further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin its pages, the author covers preparing for the next stage of life and the importance of doing so, giving time for adjustment, finding new purposes, relaxing and doing ‘non-work’ things. He also tackles head-on the difficulties of ill health and facing death. Not everything in the retirement garden is rosy but there are ways of dealing with the aphids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I was preparing for my own ‘retirement’ I, like the author, avoided using the R word preferring instead to think of it as the ‘next stage of life’:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The word “retirement” has such negative connotations,’ writes Paul Beasley-Murray. ‘Perhaps not surprisingly, Ernest Hemingway said that “retirement is the filthiest word in the language.”… Retirement offers an opportunity to be more alive than ever.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith many people living longer and enjoying an active third age this book provides a very positive, encouraging and valuable resource and is to be recommended reading for anyone at this stage of life.\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":"2019-08-13T11:07:07+01:00","created_at":"2019-08-13T11:08:39+01:00","vendor":"Paul Beasley-Murray","type":"Paperback","tags":["Anna Chaplaincy books","Feb-20","Kindle","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy","Retired and inspired"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":29434856964190,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468642","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Make the Most of Retirement","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":600,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468642","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468642.jpg?v=1565690922"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468642.jpg?v=1565690922","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3308723470475,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468642.jpg?v=1565690922"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468642.jpg?v=1565690922","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e‘Retire’ means to ‘withdraw’, to ‘retreat’, to ‘give ground’, to ‘cease to compete’. In one sense that is true: retirement does involve a leaving of office or employment. Yet retirement is also about new beginnings and new opportunities. In this helpful book, grounded both in personal experience and in extensive research among retired ministers, and rich in quotations from an eclectic range of writers, Paul Beasley-Murray explores how retirement is part of God’s rhythm for our lives and provides encouragement and insights for this next stage of the journey. A must-read for lay and ordained Christians alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePaul Beasley-Murray is the chairman of the College of Baptist Ministers. Formerly Senior Minister of Central Baptist Church, Chelmsford and prior to that Principal of Spurgeon’s College, London, he is a prolific author and blogger. His most recent publications include his autobiography This Is My Story: A story of life, faith and ministry (Wipf \u0026amp; Stock, 2018).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe used to know what 'retirement' meant. These days it is a more elastic term, and particularly so for retired ministers whose calling recognises no distinction between drawing a stipend or a pension.Paul Beasley-Murray presents a practical and engaging guide to retirement. While written with the retiring minister in mind, much of what Paul offers will be of relevance to anyone asking the questions of who they are, and how they might live out their vocation, in the later summer and autumn of their years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Ball, Chief Executive, The Church of England Pensions Board\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Like all the writings of Paul Beasley-Murray, this refreshing book is thoroughly researched and generously illustrated from personal experience, and never shrinks from reflecting on the shadow side of this period of life.' \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDavid Coffey OBE, Global Ambassador for BMS World Mission and past President of the Baptist World Alliance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'An invaluable aid for ministers of religion, in particular, and other people, generally, as they prepare for retirement.' \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Richard Jackson, Methodist minister and pioneer (in retirement) of the Cliff College International Training Centre\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRural Theology. Review by Malcolm Grundy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsed with permission. Rural Theology, 19:1, 63-64, DOI: 10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo link to this article: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\"\u003ehttps:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is now a growing number of books which will help clergy and their spouses to prepare for and live in retirement. Among those recently published the subject is approached from many different angles. Where most guides and helps are produced using a variety of contributors, Paul Beasley-Murray is a sole author giving a very personal account to enrich this pool of resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author writes from a varied ministry in academic work as Principal of Spurgeon’s College, in national and ecumenical circles as Chair of the College of Baptist Ministers, as a missionary in Congo\/Zaire and for his final posting as minister at the Central Baptist Church in Chelmsford. His retirement responsibilities and activities would fill more than half a page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book, Beasley-Murray tells us, has its origins in a research project with both qualitative and quantitative content published in Retirement matters for ministers. He has already published an autobiography in 2018 and in a similar way this is quite a personal book. It has clear sections beginning with the need for personal and practical preparation for retirement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is followed by sections on the discernment of a new vocational purpose. The third section encourages wider thinking and activity and the fourth explores preparation for the ‘final journey’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is filled with practical advice, backed generously with biblical references and illustrations. Equally, each section, and the sub-sections within them point to considerable wide reading and make generous use of quotation and anecdote from others who have written about retirement. Mention of other writers is done with the eye of a critical scholar, ‘I confess that much of the author’s careful engagement with scripture left me cold – it just seemed totally irrelevant’ (p. 75).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is both strength and weakness in a single author attempting such a broad subject. Beasley-Murray writes in a very personal way in many sections and we learn much about a man who has contributed generously to the ministerial development of so many. He speaks stridently about the need for a retired minister active in a congregation to engage in a ‘ministry of encouragement’ especially being supportive to their own and the surrounding ministers. His own personal public activities are described with reflective enthusiasm. Most intriguing among so much is the description of why he and his wife have chosen to worship not in a local Baptist Church but at Chelmsford Cathedral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn honest book of this kind will have inevitable weaknesses. Among the helpful practicalities listed are the need to make sure someone had all your computer and bank account passwords and that it is essential to make both a Will and Power of Attorney provision, but do we really need to know what hymns and readings he has planned for his own funeral? For the less biblically focussed there might be a little hesitation within the important need to value and nurture grandchildren, that before opening their presents on Christmas Day, he insists on reading them Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis well-resourced, comprehensive, and individualistic book is a welcome addition to a growing library. It speaks in an assured way to all who need to know about retirement ministries. It will be useful across the denominations to clergy and their families whose lives are shaped and enriched by constant reference to their bibles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMalcolm Grundy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYork St John University\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e© 2020 Malcolm Grundy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo cite this article: Malcolm Grundy (2021) Make the most of retirement, Rural Theology, 19:1, 63-64, DOI: 10.1080\/14704994.2020.1818404\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry (winter 2020) Review by Laura Hillman\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetirement brings opportunities as well as challenges. The author is a retired Baptist minister and former principal of Spurgeon’s college who now worships at Chelmsford Cathedral. He has written a helpful guide with full-time church leaders in mind although he has sound advice for the general reader too. He writes with sensitivity and understanding, drawing on a research project with retired ministers as well as his own experience and the work of a range of authors. While being aware that there are many different models of successful retirement he makes recommendations that are helpful to all. ‘Take time to settle down’, ‘Keep your mind fresh’, ‘Relax and play’ are typical chapter headings. Many will find a new calling in later life, not necessarily church based, although as lay ministers we often come into our own when free from paid employment. This would make a good present for a friend on the point of retirement; it is also a book to return to in the later stages of life with sound advice on preparing for a good death.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Laura Hillman \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Minister’s Journal April 2020. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Michael Bochenski\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a really helpful book. All the more so because it is a rare Christian contribution to retirement studies from a UK perspective, rather than a North American one. Undergirding it are face to face interviews, a lengthy questionnaire, and the author’s characteristic commitment to theological reflection on personal experience. It is admirably practical, very readable, well researched and, yes, really helpful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMake the Most of Retirement \u003c\/em\u003eis a book brim full of quotes and references from a range of sources – Paul Tournier, David Adams’ wonderful greeting car reflection \u003cem\u003eThe Terminus\u003c\/em\u003e, CS Lewis, Eugene Peterson, David Winter, Henri Nouwen, Sr Margaret Magdalen, and John Bunyan – among many others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into four sections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eBeginning a New Journey \u003c\/em\u003eexplores issues such as resolving to continue to develop, settling down, maintaining a spiritual and life discipline, and ongoing relationships.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003col start=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFinding New Purpose \u003c\/em\u003efocuses on issues such as our ongoing call to minister, learning to let go of the past, continuing to ‘… keep our minds fresh with a book always on the go,’ and supporting our new minister\/s as ‘angels’ advocates’. Paul has little time for a solely functional understanding of ministry: ‘Ordination’, he affirms, ‘is for life, so God continues to have a call on my life.’\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003col start=\"3\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eLiving a Full Life \u003c\/em\u003econtains pleas to find new ways to relax, exercise, reconnect with some of those we have known over the years, cultivate time with grandchildren (if so blessed), and to share our testimony to God in Christ. This section is infused with something of the personal joy Paul has found, after retirement from pastoring a local church and discovering instead ‘…new and changing way of serving God and others.’\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003col start=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePreparing for the Final Journey \u003c\/em\u003edoes what it says on the tin! Intimations of mortality – not least in the back, hip or knees (!) – are part of this but so are things like alerting our executors in advance to important documents and funeral wishes, confronting past hurts, and looking forward to what lies beyond.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are no weak sections in the book. Consider, for example, this powerful (Carl Jung) quote on the cruelty of death: ‘Death is indeed a piece of brutality. There is no sense in pretending otherwise. It is brutal not only as a physical event but far more so psychically: a human being is torn away from us, and what remains is the icy stillness of death.’ Or this magnificent quote from the Swiss physician and author Paul Tournier (one of the first pastoral theologians I ever read and still one of the best): ‘What is important for the aged is not what they are still able to do nor yet what they have accumulated and cannot take with them. It is what they are.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was especially good to be reminded of the wonderful Nun’s Prayer (Google it!): ‘Keep me reasonably sweet; I do not what to be a saint – some of them are hard to live with – but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil.’ I agree, however, with Paul’s observation on it (note 156): ‘This prayer, often said to be from the 17\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century, is more likely to be a 20\u003csup\u003eth\u003c\/sup\u003e century creation.’ It remains of course an excellent tool for tying to live well in old age, whatever its provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul’s various reflections on past, present and future ministry are also exceptionally helpful, such as this one: ‘I dare to believe that my ministry has eternal consequences. Precisely what those consequences are I do not know… for the most part we have little, if any, knowledge of what has been wrought in other people’s lives.’ To read someone so clearly continuing to love being a pastor in his seventh decade is so refreshing; it shows: ‘The privilege of having been a pastor… is undoubtedly the most wonderful calling in the world.’ Paul’s awareness of ‘the many different patterns of retirement’ is also welcome. This is, mercifully, not a one blueprint kind of a book; it is instead a very practical guidelines and options one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA quote from James Woodward takes us to this book’s heart: ‘There is a difference between living and being alive. Growing older is about adding life to years rather than just adding years to our lives.’ Chapter 13 is entitled \u003cem\u003eBecome a Sage. \u003c\/em\u003eOn the evidence of this book, Paul Beasley-Murray is clearly practising what he preaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Michael Bochenski\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRetired Clergy Association newsletter Summer 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Mike Parsons\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul is a retired Baptist minister and probably familiar to many as the Beasley Murray family (father \u0026amp; son) have been prominent in Baptist circles for many years. However, his non-Anglican background should not dissuade any reader as after retiring as senior minister of Central Baptist Church Chelmsford he decided to join the congregation of Chelmsford Cathedral. In fact, he has produced a paper on why retired Baptist ministers end up worshiping with the Church of England. I look forward to a similar one, from somebody, as to why so many retired Church of England priests become Quakers!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a slim book, easily read and with a light style. Divided into four sections (Beginning a new journey, Finding a new purpose, Living a full life, Preparing for the final journey) each of which has seven or eight sections, it reads rather like a set of notes to accompany a series of compline addresses or the like. Each one can be read in its own right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book takes issue with the idea that retirement is the waiting room for death, a final destination that all arrive at. Rather he sees retirement as the terminus from which you set off on a new journey, ‘it is the beginning of a new journey . . .it opens up new vista, it is the gateway to eternity.’ (quoting ‘Terminus’, a poem by David Adam.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book has its origins in a research project to discover how ministers (and he carefully uses this term throughout as the most inclusive) experience retirement; published in his book \u003cem\u003eRetirement Matters for Ministers\u003c\/em\u003e. Here he discovered that while many retired ministers were glad to be retired and were experiencing new opportunities, a significant proportion felt discarded, undervalued, and reduced in their opportunities in life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the former category this book will provide new idea and suggestions as to how to live an even fuller life. Each section is formed round a particular biblical text and is full of examples and illustrations. The book is, in itself, a resource of sermon illustrations! For the latter category there are many challenges. It is not a mere exercise in positive thinking for the retired, but wise godly advice and biblical insights to enable growth. It is also very well referenced so you can chase up his quotes if you wish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOld age used to be thought of as starting with retirement, 65 as it used to be for men, 60 for women. The government has changed all that (to many women’s disadvantage) to 66 for all. But that is not how we think. From October 2011 there is no mandatory retirement age and, except for the Church of England, retirement cannot be imposed by employers. It has been said that 70 is the new 60; most of us have many more expectations of active life post retirement. The Church of England is lagging behind here. I asked a question in General Synod in 2015 as to what progress there was in changing clergy retirement rules. The reply was that the house of bishops was unaware of any groundswell of opinion: they cannot be so unaware now. In terms of ministry, at least as an incumbent or senior cleric, there is good case for handing on a post by 70 and ministering in some other way. For most of us, that will involve PTO (Permission to Officiate). Progress is being made it terms of positive engagement with the retired, but there is a long way to go. It is demeaning and insulting to make assumptions on behalf of the retired ‘in their best interests’ without consultation. The largest number of active retired clergy in England are in their 80s, a large pool of voluntary ministry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRetirement is something of a shock to many clergy, we are psychologically unprepared: you go suddenly from being in the centre of everything, consulted, listened to, kept in touch (and how much more so for senior clergy). Then the next day it can seem as if you have been pushed off a cliff and no longer exist. In one chapter he explores the issue of clerical identity; how so often it is centred in our functions rather than who we are in Christ. He quotes approvingly Archbishop Justin Welby, who discovered greatly to his surprise recently that his biological father was not the man he called father but another. This is a discovery which could easily strike to the roots of one’s sense of identity and worth, yet Justin Welby said ‘I know that I find who I am in Jesus Christ, not in genetics, and my identity in him never changes’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is much that can be done to prepare for retirement. Most dioceses offer some form of pre-retirement course, but it is often very sketchy and can sometimes do little more than cover the administrative bones of the various options on retirement housing and how will you be paid. This book, in itself, read through perhaps with a small group reaching retirement at similar points will provide a much richer fare. Involving others (and of course partners) will give added perspectives: not everyone’s retirement is the same. Beasley-Murray encourages using a mentor or soul friend. This could also be described as a work consultant for the retired. We may not realise it, but we are now on our own. We don’t automatically have to report to anyone, we can do our own thing. But we’ve not done this before and we know that in starting in ministry there were various people to help and advise: there were also groups where you could moan about how bad the vicar was – and discover fellow sufferers! I believe every diocese has a Retirement Officer, but how much of a voice they have varies widely and, in some cases, very little seems to be done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will not be long retired before friends and colleagues start dying (if they have not already) and thoughts of our own mortality become more common. How will we meet it, will we ‘die well’? In his penultimate chapter, ‘Letting go and holding on’, Beasley-Murray paints a picture of death as not only ‘going’ but also ‘arriving’; this is what the Christian should hope for, while acknowledging that the reality is not always like that. Many of us fear the process of dying, fear not just the pain and loss of bodily functions but also the loss of the mind and the personality changes that can come with dementia. There could – perhaps should – have been a reminder here to discuss an end of life plan with family members and how you can ensure that those caring for you at the end are aware of it. This could be part of a small portfolio of preparation. Not just ensuring a will is written, charitable gifts assigned, but also what sort of funeral you would like (always remembering the funeral is mainly for the benefit of those left behind!) as it will both make a statement about your deepest belief and also be a personal growth experience. Who do you most want to be with you as you die?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA H Clough’s famous doublet ‘Thou shalt not kill; but need'st not strive officiously to keep alive’ is not only a palliative care dictum; it is also a spiritual one. Beasley-Murray quotes cases of three experienced charismatic Christian leaders who were convinced they would be miraculously healed: in one case it ended badly, the other two ‘came to the reluctant and dislocating conclusion that’ somehow, they had got it wrong, but were able, peacefully, to let go into the hands of the God they didn’t now understand’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is, I have found, a book that repays reading – and then reading again (it’s very short!); there is much wisdom here. Beasley-Murray’s experience is summed up, he writes, in David Adam’s poem\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The Terminus’:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Terminus is not where we stay,\u003cbr\u003eIt is the beginning of a new journey.\u003cbr\u003eIt is where we reach out beyond,\u003cbr\u003eWhere we experience new adventures.\u003cbr\u003eIt is where we get off to enter new territory,\u003cbr\u003eTo explore new horizons, to extend our whole being.\u003cbr\u003eIt is a place touching the future.\u003cbr\u003eIt opens up new vistas.\u003cbr\u003eIt is the gateway to eternity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices June 2020 (PV33), Review by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a timely book. As in our lives generally, there are seasons of ministry, and Paul argues in this encouraging book that we should make the most of the season of retirement. Paul’s wise advice is optimistic and realistic (and nondenominational), and will find echoes for everyone in the church, not just ‘retired’ pastors and church leaders. Concise and logically organised, this guide sees retirement as ‘beginning a new journey’ and ‘finding new purpose’ and ‘living a full life’. He grounds these themes on firm foundations, intelligently avoiding any ‘goody two-shoes’ tone of voice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSensibly, too, and sensitively, he faces up to the challenge of ‘preparing for the final journey’. There are three firm foundations for this advice. First is his own life. Without any egotism, he describes how he has grown in retirement. It has been a period of self-discovery, of reflecting on key values and people that have shaped his life. The second draws on relevant studies and his own substantial research. Often evidence of how faith communities flourish, grow and change is based on unreliable anecdotes and subjective impressions. Having more reliable qualitative data is much needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third foundation is based on the Christian life, where in retirement the importance of discipleship and forgiveness is more central than ever. Retirement can be a time of resentful marginalisation, nourishing past hurts, fearing mortality and bereavement. Paul reminds us that, while it is a time to put things in order and even to ‘let go’, it is also a time to face ‘the challenge of being’, and to seek contentment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing honest to God and to yourself as you age and change is probably the most challenging part of the internal narrative we have with ourselves. Paul’s book is all about how a Christian pastor or minister can choose to retire, and, how older people still can do so too. A timely book for personal reflection and group exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Stuart Hannabuss\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, May 2020. Review by James Breslin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is aimed at retired ministers or, more usefully, at ministers about to retire. It seeks to address a gap in the market, for while there are many general books on retirement, and many books on ministry, there is very little on ministerial retirement. With considerable success, Beasley-Murray manages to blend three elements into one relatively short book. It contains much wisdom. Much of the book is a reflection on and retelling of his own experience of retirement, some is an evaluation of the limited amount of research in this field, and some is the repetition of somewhat anecdotal evidence. It is not a book that will appeal to every retired minister and Beasley-Murray fully recognises that. It is very personal, and, as such, may seem alien to some. All ministers are different, the retired as much as the active. Beasley-Murray says that ‘writing and research is one way in which I seek to live out my calling’. Committees and charitable trusteeships alongside preaching currently fill that role for me. He quotes with approval a comment from an Anglican source: ‘Priests never retire but vicars do.’ Although he himself has chosen to worship in a setting that does not offer regular opportunities for leading Sunday services, he notes that 85% of the retired Baptist ministers who took part in his survey regularly led worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeasley-Murray is not shy of disagreeing with others who have written on retirement, noting that where such writing appears as a part of a general study, the tone has often been negative. This book sees retirement as positive but recognises that this is not everyone’s experience. He is clear that his book should be considered alongside the pre-retirement courses run by many denominations. The author fully recognises the value of such courses but suggests that by their nature they focus mainly on the practical elements of retirement (housing, health, pensions etc) and less on the spiritual dimension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by James Breslin\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003ea retired minister living in Nottingham\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e‘Plus’, quarterly magazine of Christians on Ageing Vol 36 issue 1, Spring 2020. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Rev Malcolm Smith (retired)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first sight, and declared specifically so by the author, this is a book for a niche market – Christian ministers (of all denominations) approaching or already arrived at retirement. Yet at the same time it speaks encouragingly, provokingly to all older Christians, lay or ordained. The author acknowledges that Christian ministers do have special needs at the time because their life's work has been a calling that never ceases until death, yet the normal opportunity to exercise that calling by leading a congregation or parish is taken from them. For some this can be a bereavement experience, for many its coupling with the requirement to move away from people who have become close friends is a major upheaval. Much has been written in recent years about various aspects of retirement; this book succeeds in gathering the whole range of issues together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is ordered in four main sections: Beginning a new journey, Finding new purpose, Living a full fife, Preparing for the final journey; plus a brief Preface and Introduction, and a Final word. This could sound like heavy going; rather, the author's touch is light because his words and personal experience are so lucid. Each main section is made up of seven or eight nutshell chapters of a mere three of four pages; the whole can be read in a couple of sessions, though like me you will want to go back to much of it again; familiar quotations jostle with arresting insights and practical suggestions such as ‘retirement is the last opportunity to rise to the challenge of being (rather than doing)’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no shrinking from the darker sides of life: ‘trials are to be welcomed, for the truth is that “all sunshine makes a desert” …’; profound issues are faced with depth: ‘dying well involves accepting the reality of our situation’. Above all, the whole focuses on living relationship with our Lord: ‘let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus’ – the use of the simple personal name, Jesus, shows that the accent is upon his humanity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Rev Malcolm Smith (ret).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 06.03.20. Review by John Lampard.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I 'sat down' 14 years ago I read a number of books about retirement, which offered guidance on how to live the following years. It was interesting therefore to read, in the light of experience, \u003cem\u003eMaking the Most of Retirement \u003c\/em\u003eby Paul Beasley-Murray, which is mainly written (although it is not in the title) for retired ministers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author is a Baptist minister, who now worships at Chelmsford Cathedral. He is fortunate to have had a healthy and fulfilling retirement which has involved writing and research, continuing leadership on Church committees, travel, church activities and family life. He divides the book, which consists of 31 short chapters, under four headings. First there is ‘Beginning a new journey’. In these chapters he encourages a new sense of adventure and adjusting to a new pace of life while maintaining spiritual disciplines which can weaken without the regular pattern of preparation and pastoral care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second heading is ‘Finding new purpose’. Here he writes of the need to discover a new identity now that you are no longer ‘the minister’, to do something worthwhile in the local church and, importantly, to be an encouragement to your minister. Something a retired minister can occasionally stumble over!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third section, entitled ‘Living a full life’, offers sound advice on enriching your life with exercise, making new friends, enjoying your grandchildren (if you have them) and sharing your faith story with others. The author has taken the risky step of publishing his own autobiography, which he refers to frequently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final section, ‘Preparing for the final journey’, reminds readers about making practical steps in terms of wills, powers of attorney, leaving your affairs in good and clear order, with spiritual reflections on the journey into death. Of value in this section is the important reminder to continue to be grateful to God, to let go of past hurts and be prepared to let go.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery part of the book is supported by the author’s wide reading on retirement issues, wise words from both secular and Christian writers and information on his own life journey. All these make the book an easy read. If I have any reservation, it is the fact that it is refracted through the lens of what he sees as a very successful ministry and a worthwhile, rich and diverse retirement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI wonder how it would appeal to a minister who arrives at retirement broken after a hard ministry, dispirited and in poor health – and some do. The author’s bright ‘can do’ approach might not be so encouraging to some.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by \u003c\/em\u003eT\u003cem\u003ehe Rev Dr John\u003c\/em\u003e Lampard, a\u003cem\u003e supernumerary minister in the City Road \u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eMethodist circuit.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing just over one year in to my own ‘retirement’, this was a book I had to read – and it did not disappoint. Paul Beasley-Murray is a retired but still very active Baptist minister and it is a delight to read about his very positive experience of and views on the post-employment, next stage of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong many other titles about retirement from both Christian and secular perspectives, this book is aimed specifically at those in or preparing for retirement from paid church ministry, something which the author claims is a first. All that said, the book does contain very helpful insights, suggestions and advice for those who, like myself, have moved on from non-Church based employment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Hopefully this book will help address the imbalance which is present on some retirement courses,’ he writes, ‘where much of the content seems to be devoted to practical matters such as pensions and housing, with little reference to all the other issues which are part of the ministerial retirement experience.’ An observation which is true of many moving on from non-ministerial occupations too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its short chapters and the author’s relaxed writing style, this book is easy to read. Developed from interviews and qualitative research carried out by the author among retired ministers – findings of which are published elsewhere – Paul Beasley-Murray uses this as a basis on which to build, complementing it with examples of his own personal experience. These provide helpful illustrations and although very autobiographical (something which the author acknowledges) they are practical and realistic. More examples drawn from the research would have strengthened the book even further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin its pages, the author covers preparing for the next stage of life and the importance of doing so, giving time for adjustment, finding new purposes, relaxing and doing ‘non-work’ things. He also tackles head-on the difficulties of ill health and facing death. Not everything in the retirement garden is rosy but there are ways of dealing with the aphids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I was preparing for my own ‘retirement’ I, like the author, avoided using the R word preferring instead to think of it as the ‘next stage of life’:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The word “retirement” has such negative connotations,’ writes Paul Beasley-Murray. ‘Perhaps not surprisingly, Ernest Hemingway said that “retirement is the filthiest word in the language.”… Retirement offers an opportunity to be more alive than ever.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith many people living longer and enjoying an active third age this book provides a very positive, encouraging and valuable resource and is to be recommended reading for anyone at this stage of life.\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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{"id":4378473431179,"title":"Discovering the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius","handle":"discovering-the-spiritual-exercises-of-saint-ignatius","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis book is an adaptation of the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius Loyola, to help you to embark on a life-transforming journey toward Christlikeness. For nearly 500 years, the Exercises have been a tool for spiritual formation. During those years their popularity has ebbed and flowed, but they are now experiencing something of a revival across the breadth of the church. This is not a book about the methods or techniques of Christian formation but one that enables you to come before God through the gospel narratives in order to encounter Jesus afresh. If you hunger for something deeper, yearn to walk with Jesus (not just read about him) and desire to embrace more of what God is doing in and through you, then this is the book for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally published in 2011.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarry Warner is the founder and executive director of 'b', an organisation that develops and provides spiritual formation experiences and retreats. He is also an adjunct professor at Bethel Seminary in San Diego and a member of Spiritual Directors International.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine, April 2021. Review by Ann Morris\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, Warner shares his passion for the holistic, life-transforming journey to Christlikeness which he discovered contained in the Ignatian way of meeting Jesus through the gospel narratives. He mixes faithfulness to Ignatius’ structure and concepts with explanations of the tradition and of the technical language of the Exercises, such as desolation, indifference, and intention. He includes extra prayer exercises and questions more familiar to spiritual searchers today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWarner emphasises the crucial importance of preparation before beginning the Exercises, examining the commitment both in time put aside daily for many months, and in a personal, deep acceptance of the depth and breadth of God’s love for creation, and self. Discernment is needed to check that this is the right path at this point in the searcher’s life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a self-help manual. The Exercises (envisaged by St Ignatius to be undertaken during a 30-day retreat) are a formidable tool, fraught with dangers, only to be undertaken with an experienced spiritual companion to offer encouragement, affirmation, and challenge. If undertaken whole-heartedly, the searcher can expect the unexpected, both joyful and painful, as life and relationships are examined to reveal the truth. This book will help the spiritual seeker discover if this is the way for them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also useful for any who companion disciples through the to reveal the truth. This book will help the spiritual seeker discover if this is the way for them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also useful for any who companion disciples through the so called ‘19th Annotation’ (a way of working through the Spiritual Exercises extended over several months, for those who cannot commit to 30 continuous days). It will also help those who have previously undertaken the Exercises and want to revisit, refresh and review.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book has resource material that could be used during Advent, Lent, on a Quiet Day or Retreat, so could be kept close at hand for many months; maybe a lifetime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Ann Morris \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2021. Review by Veronica Bright\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost 500 years ago Ignatius of Loyola developed a set of spiritual exercises which helped people draw closer to God. Ignatius used the scriptures imaginatively to encounter God, and to grow as a more Christ-like person. The author’s aim is to present the spiritual training of Saint Ignatius to a 21st century audience. He begins by explaining the format of the exercises, along with the benefits of having a spiritual director, plus tips on how to approach the exercises. The whole course is demanding of time. The author suggests 50-75 minutes a day, and this includes thoughtful consideration of one or more verses of scripture, keeping a journal, and prayer in the morning, at midday and in the evening; this over a course of 9 months. It would be difficult, if not impossible, for people with jobs, responsibilities, and a busy family life. The challenging exercises focus on how sinful we are, but let us always remember Isaiah 44.22. ‘I have swept away your offences like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me for I have redeemed you.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Veronica Bright \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom The Church Times, review of the first edition.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Ignatius's text is re-presented in a modern format and with the needs of people today in mind. Warner himself is an experienced Ignatian retreat-giver, and there is a solidity and assurance to his presentation which inspires confidence. As in the case of the original, this is not a book for armchair spiritual reading, but a manual for those who wish to incorporate the Exercises into their life. But Warner is merciful to those whose time is limited, and rich in suggestions for alternative modes of practice where necessary.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost, author and blogger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously published in the USA, this book provides very clear explanations and instructions about how to use this well-recognised Ignatian approach. The author’s experience as a spiritual director and provider of retreats is plain to see.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is also helpful – and rather unusual in many respects – is that Larry Warner makes it equally plain that his book may not be right for everyone. He describes how the book is not a ‘watered down’ version of the Exercises but that his approach is to make them relevant for today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe provides a clear explanation about how to use the book and the Exercises with helpful and practical guidance. If you are acquainted with contemplative approaches then some of the content may be known to you but, as Warner himself emphasizes, don’t be tempted to skip over the familiar as there are valuable reminders and insights to be found. Indeed, the first third of the book is all about preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reader is taken through each step of the preparation, principle and foundation of the Exercises themselves. Warner addresses the need to manage expectations, to be patient with oneself and the reality that undertaking the exercises will be ‘an up and down’ experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWarner’s style is clear, practical, dogmatic and sometimes repetitive. But this clear, unambiguous approach suits the purpose envisaged by Ignatius. The author is clear to acknowledge on many occasions that the content could be overwhelming – and in a sense yes, it is (but there again, I was reading it for review and not over several months as required). He also tries to dissuade the reader from doing the Exercises alone and paints a very clear picture about how they should be approached, in the company of an experienced spiritual director – but that is adequately balanced by encouragement, support and having the best for the reader in mind. ‘Remember, the goal is not to reach the end of the Exercises,’ he writes, ‘but to experience God in the midst of them.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's not a book for the faint-hearted but is an excellent guide to this most valuable and life-transforming journey towards Christlikeness… oh, and you can blow bubbles and use whipped cream in the process too.\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":"2019-12-09T12:21:01+00:00","created_at":"2019-12-09T12:37:40+00:00","vendor":"Larry Warner","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","For individuals","May-20","Spirituality"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":31437385465995,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469779","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Discovering the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1299,"weight":300,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469779","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469779.jpg?v=1575895060"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469779.jpg?v=1575895060","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":5781590114443,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469779.jpg?v=1575895060"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469779.jpg?v=1575895060","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThis book is an adaptation of the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius Loyola, to help you to embark on a life-transforming journey toward Christlikeness. For nearly 500 years, the Exercises have been a tool for spiritual formation. During those years their popularity has ebbed and flowed, but they are now experiencing something of a revival across the breadth of the church. This is not a book about the methods or techniques of Christian formation but one that enables you to come before God through the gospel narratives in order to encounter Jesus afresh. If you hunger for something deeper, yearn to walk with Jesus (not just read about him) and desire to embrace more of what God is doing in and through you, then this is the book for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally published in 2011.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarry Warner is the founder and executive director of 'b', an organisation that develops and provides spiritual formation experiences and retreats. He is also an adjunct professor at Bethel Seminary in San Diego and a member of Spiritual Directors International.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine, April 2021. Review by Ann Morris\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, Warner shares his passion for the holistic, life-transforming journey to Christlikeness which he discovered contained in the Ignatian way of meeting Jesus through the gospel narratives. He mixes faithfulness to Ignatius’ structure and concepts with explanations of the tradition and of the technical language of the Exercises, such as desolation, indifference, and intention. He includes extra prayer exercises and questions more familiar to spiritual searchers today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWarner emphasises the crucial importance of preparation before beginning the Exercises, examining the commitment both in time put aside daily for many months, and in a personal, deep acceptance of the depth and breadth of God’s love for creation, and self. Discernment is needed to check that this is the right path at this point in the searcher’s life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a self-help manual. The Exercises (envisaged by St Ignatius to be undertaken during a 30-day retreat) are a formidable tool, fraught with dangers, only to be undertaken with an experienced spiritual companion to offer encouragement, affirmation, and challenge. If undertaken whole-heartedly, the searcher can expect the unexpected, both joyful and painful, as life and relationships are examined to reveal the truth. This book will help the spiritual seeker discover if this is the way for them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also useful for any who companion disciples through the to reveal the truth. This book will help the spiritual seeker discover if this is the way for them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also useful for any who companion disciples through the so called ‘19th Annotation’ (a way of working through the Spiritual Exercises extended over several months, for those who cannot commit to 30 continuous days). It will also help those who have previously undertaken the Exercises and want to revisit, refresh and review.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book has resource material that could be used during Advent, Lent, on a Quiet Day or Retreat, so could be kept close at hand for many months; maybe a lifetime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Ann Morris \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Spring 2021. Review by Veronica Bright\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost 500 years ago Ignatius of Loyola developed a set of spiritual exercises which helped people draw closer to God. Ignatius used the scriptures imaginatively to encounter God, and to grow as a more Christ-like person. The author’s aim is to present the spiritual training of Saint Ignatius to a 21st century audience. He begins by explaining the format of the exercises, along with the benefits of having a spiritual director, plus tips on how to approach the exercises. The whole course is demanding of time. The author suggests 50-75 minutes a day, and this includes thoughtful consideration of one or more verses of scripture, keeping a journal, and prayer in the morning, at midday and in the evening; this over a course of 9 months. It would be difficult, if not impossible, for people with jobs, responsibilities, and a busy family life. The challenging exercises focus on how sinful we are, but let us always remember Isaiah 44.22. ‘I have swept away your offences like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me for I have redeemed you.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Veronica Bright \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom The Church Times, review of the first edition.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Ignatius's text is re-presented in a modern format and with the needs of people today in mind. Warner himself is an experienced Ignatian retreat-giver, and there is a solidity and assurance to his presentation which inspires confidence. As in the case of the original, this is not a book for armchair spiritual reading, but a manual for those who wish to incorporate the Exercises into their life. But Warner is merciful to those whose time is limited, and rich in suggestions for alternative modes of practice where necessary.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Richard Frost, author and blogger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously published in the USA, this book provides very clear explanations and instructions about how to use this well-recognised Ignatian approach. The author’s experience as a spiritual director and provider of retreats is plain to see.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is also helpful – and rather unusual in many respects – is that Larry Warner makes it equally plain that his book may not be right for everyone. He describes how the book is not a ‘watered down’ version of the Exercises but that his approach is to make them relevant for today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe provides a clear explanation about how to use the book and the Exercises with helpful and practical guidance. If you are acquainted with contemplative approaches then some of the content may be known to you but, as Warner himself emphasizes, don’t be tempted to skip over the familiar as there are valuable reminders and insights to be found. Indeed, the first third of the book is all about preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reader is taken through each step of the preparation, principle and foundation of the Exercises themselves. Warner addresses the need to manage expectations, to be patient with oneself and the reality that undertaking the exercises will be ‘an up and down’ experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWarner’s style is clear, practical, dogmatic and sometimes repetitive. But this clear, unambiguous approach suits the purpose envisaged by Ignatius. The author is clear to acknowledge on many occasions that the content could be overwhelming – and in a sense yes, it is (but there again, I was reading it for review and not over several months as required). He also tries to dissuade the reader from doing the Exercises alone and paints a very clear picture about how they should be approached, in the company of an experienced spiritual director – but that is adequately balanced by encouragement, support and having the best for the reader in mind. ‘Remember, the goal is not to reach the end of the Exercises,’ he writes, ‘but to experience God in the midst of them.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's not a book for the faint-hearted but is an excellent guide to this most valuable and life-transforming journey towards Christlikeness… oh, and you can blow bubbles and use whipped cream in the process too.\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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Discovering the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius
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This book is an adaptation of the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius Loyola, to help you to embark on a...
{"id":3945368387678,"title":"How to Read the Bible... so that it makes a difference","handle":"how-to-read-the-bible-so-that-it-makes-a-difference","description":"\u003cp\u003eTo read and engage with the Bible, we first need to understand the story, the styles of writing and the approaches we find in the text. Michael Parsons encourages readers to look at the whole biblical storyline before demonstrating ways of approaching individual texts. Topics along the way include understanding different genres, the importance of narrative, imaginative reading, praying the Bible, difficult passages and what to do with them, and how to apply scripture to our own lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMichael Parsons is Minister for Discipleship at Lechlade Baptist Church and has previously been a theology lecturer in the UK and Australia, and commissioning editor for Paternoster and The Bible Reading Fellowship. He is the author of books on the Reformation and an Associate Research Fellow at Spurgeon’s College, London.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘Michael Parsons is passionate about the Bible – and it shows! He is also passionate about helping people engage with the Bible in ways that draw them into personal and transformative encounters with the God revealed in its pages. This book is bursting with resources to help us understand what the Bible is, how to read and study it for ourselves, and how to know God better as we do so; it is a richly rewarded read!’\u003cbr\u003eMags Duggan, author and speaker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, September 2020. Review by Veronica Bright\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘We read scripture to hear God speak to us, to relate to us in and through Christ.’ The author emphasises engaging with the text, rather than merely reading it, and he sets out to explain and demonstrate how his readers may do this, in a number of different ways. He offers exercises at chapter ends, so that individuals or groups may further their experience of the topic presented. As a writer I found the chapter on poetic language interesting. We are so used to imagery in the novels we read now, but when the psalmist uses imagery, for example, it would probably have been the first time a phrase or word was used creatively. Parsons is an experienced minister and theology lecturer, and he writes clearly and encouragingly. Sometimes I feel he leads readers towards his own viewpoint, rather than guiding them to form their own. The concluding chapter in the book considers the reasons we want to be biblically literate. By the end I was conscious that behind each book in the Bible there is a writer, and beside each writer there is God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Veronica Bright\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTouchstone, the monthly newspaper of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, July 2020. Review by John Meredith\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe intention of the book is to help readers who want to read the Bible with comprehension and application to life today. In this, it achieves its aim. Readers are invited to be prepared to think things through as they read and to try out the strategies the author suggests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is presented in four parts: \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst, the foundation for reading the Bible today. Rather than every word being dictated by God, the Bible has come to us through human authors and editors all of whom were seeking to convey their experience of God as a presence in the midst of life. Through their words we may hear God speaking as one who addresses us in the life of our day. As we listen we discover that the Bible has a voice directed to us. God speaks to those who read the Bible in this way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecond, macro strategies: how to read the narratives. It may be argued that the major coordinates shaping the whole Bible are creation, the fall, redemption and the new creation. We are pulled into these narratives as we read and listen. The Bible does not give us definitive answers on issues such as divorce, nuclear war, use of the internet, gay rights or animal testing. As we engage with God’s word, however, we learn to respond in ways that are consistent with God’s character. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThird, micro strategies: how to read the text. This section includes a number of helpful exercises for reading imaginatively and reflectively. While we will find in the Bible expressions of God’s judgement the author stresses how we should always be looking for hints of God’s grace even if this means questioning a text as we read. Each of the ten chapters in part three ends with an exercise where readers are invited to put into practice the steps for reading specific texts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFour, things to take into account that will inform thoughtful engagement with the text. The chapters in this section also include practical exercises. The author directs attention to the words in the text, the writer’s emotions, the literary devices used by writers, how to regard long and tedious lists of names and details and the way the gospels present Jesus and invite us to respond to him within the context of our own lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book ends by asking why read the Bible? In summary, reading the Bible is an essential aspect of worship, from the Bible we learn about the grace and mercy of God, especially of God’s love in Jesus Christ, it offers strength and hope for the most trying circumstances and inspires us to act with Spirit-filled justice and compassion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHow to Read the Bible \u003c\/em\u003epresents a scholarly approach in a non-threatening way. The practical exercises suggested are an invaluable resource for those who wish to improve their biblical literacy. It is especially recommended for group study.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by John Meredith, editor of Word \u0026amp; Worship the quarterly publication of the New Zealand Lay Preachers Association\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing a Minister for Discipleship at Lechlade Baptist Church, former theology lecturer both here and in Australia and former Commissioning Editor at BRF, Michael Parsons knows what he’s talking about. From rigorous analysis to comparing life as a Christian with shooting ‘the rapids’ at Centre Parcs, in this book he explores a heady mixture of practical, Biblical insights and academic theology in a readable, usable and at times challenging way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInitially considering what he calls ‘macro’ strategies of how to read and understand the Bible, he offers practical ways of exploring these for ourselves either alone or in groups. The book then moves from the academic to the practical by considering a variety of ‘micro’ strategies such as Ignatian imagination-based meditation and variations of \u003cem\u003electio divina\u003c\/em\u003e (spiritual reading) through to engaging with the narrative by focusing on specific sentences or verses and how that enriches our understanding - and how the Bible itself encourages us to ‘turn being in to doing’. Final sections consider the poetic language of the Bible, its use of rhetoric and repetition, and the more difficult and, to be frank, boring bits that these scriptures contain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The Bible, then, is a post-fall witness to God’s revelation of himself, of his presence, intentions and historical activity,’ Michael Parsons writes. ‘The Bible is a continuing, written witness to how the Lord has revealed himself to the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘If the authors of the biblical books find it terribly difficult – nearly impossible – to describe the God who speaks to them, then on reading scripture we shouldn’t be dismayed that we sometimes can’t picture what they are saying to us. If they struggled with the original revelation, how much more will we with the imperfect representation of it?’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plethora of approaches to reading the Bible that are explored in this book is helpful and, lest it becomes overwhelming, each reader will need to determine for themselves which method may or may not work for them. Helpful to that is the way each chapter finishes with some suggestions about how to put the ‘strategy’ as Michael Parsons calls them, in to practice for oneself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book to take one’s time over and the learning will be all the richer for that.\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":"2019-08-13T10:19:15+01:00","created_at":"2019-08-13T10:22:41+01:00","vendor":"Michael Parsons","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Group reading","Jan-20","Kindle"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":29434810695774,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468093","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"How to Read the Bible... so that it makes a difference","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":600,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468093","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468093.jpg?v=1576241803"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468093.jpg?v=1576241803","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":5811756400779,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468093.jpg?v=1576241803"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468093.jpg?v=1576241803","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eTo read and engage with the Bible, we first need to understand the story, the styles of writing and the approaches we find in the text. Michael Parsons encourages readers to look at the whole biblical storyline before demonstrating ways of approaching individual texts. Topics along the way include understanding different genres, the importance of narrative, imaginative reading, praying the Bible, difficult passages and what to do with them, and how to apply scripture to our own lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMichael Parsons is Minister for Discipleship at Lechlade Baptist Church and has previously been a theology lecturer in the UK and Australia, and commissioning editor for Paternoster and The Bible Reading Fellowship. He is the author of books on the Reformation and an Associate Research Fellow at Spurgeon’s College, London.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e‘Michael Parsons is passionate about the Bible – and it shows! He is also passionate about helping people engage with the Bible in ways that draw them into personal and transformative encounters with the God revealed in its pages. This book is bursting with resources to help us understand what the Bible is, how to read and study it for ourselves, and how to know God better as we do so; it is a richly rewarded read!’\u003cbr\u003eMags Duggan, author and speaker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, September 2020. Review by Veronica Bright\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘We read scripture to hear God speak to us, to relate to us in and through Christ.’ The author emphasises engaging with the text, rather than merely reading it, and he sets out to explain and demonstrate how his readers may do this, in a number of different ways. He offers exercises at chapter ends, so that individuals or groups may further their experience of the topic presented. As a writer I found the chapter on poetic language interesting. We are so used to imagery in the novels we read now, but when the psalmist uses imagery, for example, it would probably have been the first time a phrase or word was used creatively. Parsons is an experienced minister and theology lecturer, and he writes clearly and encouragingly. Sometimes I feel he leads readers towards his own viewpoint, rather than guiding them to form their own. The concluding chapter in the book considers the reasons we want to be biblically literate. By the end I was conscious that behind each book in the Bible there is a writer, and beside each writer there is God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Veronica Bright\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTouchstone, the monthly newspaper of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, July 2020. Review by John Meredith\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe intention of the book is to help readers who want to read the Bible with comprehension and application to life today. In this, it achieves its aim. Readers are invited to be prepared to think things through as they read and to try out the strategies the author suggests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is presented in four parts: \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst, the foundation for reading the Bible today. Rather than every word being dictated by God, the Bible has come to us through human authors and editors all of whom were seeking to convey their experience of God as a presence in the midst of life. Through their words we may hear God speaking as one who addresses us in the life of our day. As we listen we discover that the Bible has a voice directed to us. God speaks to those who read the Bible in this way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecond, macro strategies: how to read the narratives. It may be argued that the major coordinates shaping the whole Bible are creation, the fall, redemption and the new creation. We are pulled into these narratives as we read and listen. The Bible does not give us definitive answers on issues such as divorce, nuclear war, use of the internet, gay rights or animal testing. As we engage with God’s word, however, we learn to respond in ways that are consistent with God’s character. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThird, micro strategies: how to read the text. This section includes a number of helpful exercises for reading imaginatively and reflectively. While we will find in the Bible expressions of God’s judgement the author stresses how we should always be looking for hints of God’s grace even if this means questioning a text as we read. Each of the ten chapters in part three ends with an exercise where readers are invited to put into practice the steps for reading specific texts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFour, things to take into account that will inform thoughtful engagement with the text. The chapters in this section also include practical exercises. The author directs attention to the words in the text, the writer’s emotions, the literary devices used by writers, how to regard long and tedious lists of names and details and the way the gospels present Jesus and invite us to respond to him within the context of our own lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book ends by asking why read the Bible? In summary, reading the Bible is an essential aspect of worship, from the Bible we learn about the grace and mercy of God, especially of God’s love in Jesus Christ, it offers strength and hope for the most trying circumstances and inspires us to act with Spirit-filled justice and compassion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHow to Read the Bible \u003c\/em\u003epresents a scholarly approach in a non-threatening way. The practical exercises suggested are an invaluable resource for those who wish to improve their biblical literacy. It is especially recommended for group study.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by John Meredith, editor of Word \u0026amp; Worship the quarterly publication of the New Zealand Lay Preachers Association\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeing a Minister for Discipleship at Lechlade Baptist Church, former theology lecturer both here and in Australia and former Commissioning Editor at BRF, Michael Parsons knows what he’s talking about. From rigorous analysis to comparing life as a Christian with shooting ‘the rapids’ at Centre Parcs, in this book he explores a heady mixture of practical, Biblical insights and academic theology in a readable, usable and at times challenging way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInitially considering what he calls ‘macro’ strategies of how to read and understand the Bible, he offers practical ways of exploring these for ourselves either alone or in groups. The book then moves from the academic to the practical by considering a variety of ‘micro’ strategies such as Ignatian imagination-based meditation and variations of \u003cem\u003electio divina\u003c\/em\u003e (spiritual reading) through to engaging with the narrative by focusing on specific sentences or verses and how that enriches our understanding - and how the Bible itself encourages us to ‘turn being in to doing’. Final sections consider the poetic language of the Bible, its use of rhetoric and repetition, and the more difficult and, to be frank, boring bits that these scriptures contain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘The Bible, then, is a post-fall witness to God’s revelation of himself, of his presence, intentions and historical activity,’ Michael Parsons writes. ‘The Bible is a continuing, written witness to how the Lord has revealed himself to the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘If the authors of the biblical books find it terribly difficult – nearly impossible – to describe the God who speaks to them, then on reading scripture we shouldn’t be dismayed that we sometimes can’t picture what they are saying to us. If they struggled with the original revelation, how much more will we with the imperfect representation of it?’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plethora of approaches to reading the Bible that are explored in this book is helpful and, lest it becomes overwhelming, each reader will need to determine for themselves which method may or may not work for them. Helpful to that is the way each chapter finishes with some suggestions about how to put the ‘strategy’ as Michael Parsons calls them, in to practice for oneself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book to take one’s time over and the learning will be all the richer for that.\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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How to Read the Bible... so that it makes a difference
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To read and engage with the Bible, we first need to understand the story, the styles of writing and the...
{"id":4853282570379,"title":"Messy Nativity: How to run your very own Messy Nativity Advent project","handle":"messy-nativity-how-to-run-your-very-own-messy-nativity-advent-project","description":"\u003cp\u003eCelebrate Christmas in your community while following the Covid-19 regulations in your area. In this second edition of \u003cem\u003eMessy Nativity\u003c\/em\u003e you’ll find handy ‘how-to’ guides for two projects your church can carry out, whatever situation we find ourselves in this Advent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. Messy Churches and parishes pass nativity sets from home to home and each host receives a small knitted sheep to keep and remind them of the nativity story and the real meaning of Christmas. The nativity set travels around town through the season of Advent and ends up back at church on Christmas Eve for an all-age service or event.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. Hide knitted sheep in designated stores (or house windows!) around town and ask your community to complete the leaflet, entering their details for the prize draw and taking home a colouring picture, maze and the nativity story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Nativity gives all the information and resources needed for a church to embark on their own Messy Nativity project.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecond edition of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/messy-nativity-how-to-run-your-very-own-messy-nativity-advent-project\"\u003eMessy Nativity\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJane Leadbetter is part of the BRF Messy Church team, has worked as a primary school teacher and was Children's Work Adviser in the Diocese of Liverpool for twelve years. She runs L19: Messy Church once a month.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-05-01T16:32:57+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-01T16:39:44+01:00","vendor":"Jane Leadbetter","type":"Paperback","tags":["Aug-20","Christmas","Messy Church books"],"price":499,"price_min":499,"price_max":499,"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":35529998172312,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390188","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Nativity: How to run your very own Messy Nativity Advent project - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":499,"weight":65,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390188","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":35529998205080,"title":"PDF download","option1":"PDF download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390201","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Nativity: How to run your very own Messy Nativity Advent project - PDF download","public_title":"PDF download","options":["PDF download"],"price":499,"weight":65,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390201","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390188.jpg?v=1588347586","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0188.jpg?v=1610980719"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390188.jpg?v=1588347586","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":7669709701259,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390188.jpg?v=1588347586"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390188.jpg?v=1588347586","width":1000},{"alt":null,"id":15638115319999,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0188.jpg?v=1610980719"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWN0188.jpg?v=1610980719","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eCelebrate Christmas in your community while following the Covid-19 regulations in your area. In this second edition of \u003cem\u003eMessy Nativity\u003c\/em\u003e you’ll find handy ‘how-to’ guides for two projects your church can carry out, whatever situation we find ourselves in this Advent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. Messy Churches and parishes pass nativity sets from home to home and each host receives a small knitted sheep to keep and remind them of the nativity story and the real meaning of Christmas. The nativity set travels around town through the season of Advent and ends up back at church on Christmas Eve for an all-age service or event.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. Hide knitted sheep in designated stores (or house windows!) around town and ask your community to complete the leaflet, entering their details for the prize draw and taking home a colouring picture, maze and the nativity story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMessy Nativity gives all the information and resources needed for a church to embark on their own Messy Nativity project.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecond edition of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/messy-nativity-how-to-run-your-very-own-messy-nativity-advent-project\"\u003eMessy Nativity\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJane Leadbetter is part of the BRF Messy Church team, has worked as a primary school teacher and was Children's Work Adviser in the Diocese of Liverpool for twelve years. She runs L19: Messy Church once a month.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Messy Nativity: How to run your very own Messy Nativity Advent project
£4.99
Celebrate Christmas in your community while following the Covid-19 regulations in your area. In this second edition of Messy Nativity you’ll...
{"id":3945393553502,"title":"Holy Habits Group Studies: Worship: Leader's Guide","handle":"holy-habits-group-studies-worship-leaders-guide","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorship can arise from a glad heart, but it can also be the deliberate choice of a hurting one. All of life can be worship when lived for love of God. Learning to make everything we do in our daily lives a worship offering to God is about 24\/7 life, everyday discipleship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoly Habits is an adventure in Christian discipleship. Inspired by Luke’s model of church found in Acts 2:42–47, it identifies ten habits and encourages the development of a way of life formed by them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe habits are: Biblical Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking Bread, Prayer, Sharing Resources, Serving, Eating Together, Gladness and Generosity, Worship, and Making More Disciples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Bible study group material has been developed to help churches and individuals explore the Holy Habits through prayerful engagement with the Bible and live them out in whole-life, missional discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/c-gULtd1QnE\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDave Hopwood\u003cbr\u003eClaire Musters\u003cbr\u003eLiz Hoare\u003cbr\u003eEmma Pennington\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2019-08-13T11:03:55+01:00","created_at":"2019-08-13T11:03:55+01:00","vendor":"Andrew Roberts","type":"Paperback","tags":["Feb-20","Group reading","Holy Habits Group Studies","Holy Habits: Worship","PDF"],"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":29434845855838,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468543","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":12049416093790,"product_id":3945393553502,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-08-13T11:05:09+01:00","updated_at":"2020-06-12T17:19:24+01:00","alt":null,"width":458,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468543-l.jpg?v=1591978764","variant_ids":[29434845855838]},"available":true,"name":"Holy Habits Group Studies: Worship: Leader's Guide - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":699,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468543","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3308723241099,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468543-l.jpg?v=1591978764"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":29434845888606,"title":"PDF download","option1":"PDF download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468956","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":17411574202520,"product_id":3945393553502,"position":2,"created_at":"2020-06-12T17:19:24+01:00","updated_at":"2020-06-12T17:19:24+01:00","alt":null,"width":458,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468956.jpg?v=1591978764","variant_ids":[29434845888606]},"available":true,"name":"Holy Habits Group Studies: Worship: Leader's Guide - PDF download","public_title":"PDF download","options":["PDF download"],"price":699,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468956","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":9585597513880,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468956.jpg?v=1591978764"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468543-l.jpg?v=1591978764","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468956.jpg?v=1591978764"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468543-l.jpg?v=1591978764","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3308723241099,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468543-l.jpg?v=1591978764"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468543-l.jpg?v=1591978764","width":458},{"alt":null,"id":9585597513880,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468956.jpg?v=1591978764"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468956.jpg?v=1591978764","width":458}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorship can arise from a glad heart, but it can also be the deliberate choice of a hurting one. All of life can be worship when lived for love of God. Learning to make everything we do in our daily lives a worship offering to God is about 24\/7 life, everyday discipleship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoly Habits is an adventure in Christian discipleship. Inspired by Luke’s model of church found in Acts 2:42–47, it identifies ten habits and encourages the development of a way of life formed by them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe habits are: Biblical Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking Bread, Prayer, Sharing Resources, Serving, Eating Together, Gladness and Generosity, Worship, and Making More Disciples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Bible study group material has been developed to help churches and individuals explore the Holy Habits through prayerful engagement with the Bible and live them out in whole-life, missional discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/c-gULtd1QnE\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDave Hopwood\u003cbr\u003eClaire Musters\u003cbr\u003eLiz Hoare\u003cbr\u003eEmma Pennington\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
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Holy Habits Group Studies: Worship: Leader's Guide
£6.99
Worship can arise from a glad heart, but it can also be the deliberate choice of a hurting one. All...
{"id":3945386279006,"title":"Holy Habits Group Studies: Gladness and Generosity: Leader's Guide","handle":"holy-habits-group-studies-gladness-and-generosity-leaders-guide","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGladness and generosity go together in this Holy Habit because they are inextricably linked. A generously forgiving and trusting nature is often - though not necessarily - a cheerful one. But the root of giving that is generous and cheerful is thankfulness, as we realise what God has done for us and respond with gladness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoly Habits is an adventure in Christian discipleship. Inspired by Luke’s model of church found in Acts 2:42–47, it identifies ten habits and encourages the development of a way of life formed by them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe habits are: Biblical Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking Bread, Prayer, Sharing Resources, Serving, Eating Together, Gladness and Generosity, Worship, and Making More Disciples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Bible study group material has been developed to help churches and individuals explore the Holy Habits through prayerful engagement with the Bible and live them out in whole-life, missional discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iBCv-KMD5E0\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteve Aisthorpe\u003cbr\u003eJo Swinney\u003cbr\u003eDavid Spriggs\u003cbr\u003eDavid Gilmore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2019-08-13T10:52:37+01:00","created_at":"2019-08-13T10:52:37+01:00","vendor":"Andrew Roberts","type":"Paperback","tags":["Feb-20","Group reading","Holy Habits Group Studies","Holy Habits: Gladness and Generosity","PDF"],"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":29434827997278,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468574","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":12049393516638,"product_id":3945386279006,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-08-13T10:54:20+01:00","updated_at":"2020-06-12T17:20:45+01:00","alt":null,"width":458,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468574-l.jpg?v=1591978845","variant_ids":[29434827997278]},"available":true,"name":"Holy Habits Group Studies: Gladness and Generosity: Leader's Guide - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":699,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468574","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3308722749579,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468574-l.jpg?v=1591978845"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":29434828030046,"title":"PDF download","option1":"PDF download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468987","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":17411597435032,"product_id":3945386279006,"position":2,"created_at":"2020-06-12T17:20:45+01:00","updated_at":"2020-06-12T17:20:45+01:00","alt":null,"width":458,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468987.jpg?v=1591978845","variant_ids":[29434828030046]},"available":true,"name":"Holy Habits Group Studies: Gladness and Generosity: Leader's Guide - PDF download","public_title":"PDF download","options":["PDF download"],"price":699,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468987","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":9585620779160,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468987.jpg?v=1591978845"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468574-l.jpg?v=1591978845","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468987.jpg?v=1591978845"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468574-l.jpg?v=1591978845","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3308722749579,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468574-l.jpg?v=1591978845"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468574-l.jpg?v=1591978845","width":458},{"alt":null,"id":9585620779160,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468987.jpg?v=1591978845"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468987.jpg?v=1591978845","width":458}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGladness and generosity go together in this Holy Habit because they are inextricably linked. A generously forgiving and trusting nature is often - though not necessarily - a cheerful one. But the root of giving that is generous and cheerful is thankfulness, as we realise what God has done for us and respond with gladness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoly Habits is an adventure in Christian discipleship. Inspired by Luke’s model of church found in Acts 2:42–47, it identifies ten habits and encourages the development of a way of life formed by them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe habits are: Biblical Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking Bread, Prayer, Sharing Resources, Serving, Eating Together, Gladness and Generosity, Worship, and Making More Disciples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Bible study group material has been developed to help churches and individuals explore the Holy Habits through prayerful engagement with the Bible and live them out in whole-life, missional discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iBCv-KMD5E0\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteve Aisthorpe\u003cbr\u003eJo Swinney\u003cbr\u003eDavid Spriggs\u003cbr\u003eDavid Gilmore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
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Holy Habits Group Studies: Gladness and Generosity: Leader's Guide
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Gladness and generosity go together in this Holy Habit because they are inextricably linked. A generously forgiving and trusting nature...
{"id":3945383428190,"title":"Holy Habits Bible Reflections: Worship: 40 readings and reflections","handle":"holy-habits-bible-reflections-worship-40-readings-and-reflections","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorship can arise from a glad heart, but it can also be the deliberate choice of a hurting one. All of life can be worship when lived for love of God. Learning to make everything we do in our daily lives a worship offering to God is about 24\/7 life, everyday discipleship\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoly Habits is an adventure in Christian discipleship. Inspired by Luke’s model of church found in Acts 2:42–47, it identifies ten habits and encourages the development of a way of life formed by them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe habits are: Biblical Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking Bread, Prayer, Sharing Resources, Serving, Eating Together, Gladness and Generosity, Worship, and Making More Disciples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese Bible reading notes have been developed to help churches and individuals explore the Holy Habits through prayerful engagement with the Bible and live them out in whole-life, missional discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/c-gULtd1QnE\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Roberts is a husband, father, minister, writer and speaker. He is the author of the book Holy Habits (Malcolm Down Publishing, 2016) and co-editor of the BRF Holy Habits resource booklets. He was previously Director of Training for Fresh Expressions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDave Hopwood\u003cbr\u003eClaire Musters\u003cbr\u003eLiz Hoare\u003cbr\u003eEmma Pennington\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-08-13T10:44:53+01:00","created_at":"2019-08-13T10:44:53+01:00","vendor":"Andrew Roberts","type":"Paperback","tags":["Feb-20","Holy Habits Bible Reflections","Holy Habits: Worship"],"price":399,"price_min":399,"price_max":399,"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":29434823278686,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468345","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Holy Habits Bible Reflections: Worship: 40 readings and reflections","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":399,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468345","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468345-l.jpg?v=1565689562"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468345-l.jpg?v=1565689562","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3308722585739,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.718,"height":650,"width":467,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468345-l.jpg?v=1565689562"},"aspect_ratio":0.718,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468345-l.jpg?v=1565689562","width":467}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorship can arise from a glad heart, but it can also be the deliberate choice of a hurting one. All of life can be worship when lived for love of God. Learning to make everything we do in our daily lives a worship offering to God is about 24\/7 life, everyday discipleship\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoly Habits is an adventure in Christian discipleship. Inspired by Luke’s model of church found in Acts 2:42–47, it identifies ten habits and encourages the development of a way of life formed by them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe habits are: Biblical Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking Bread, Prayer, Sharing Resources, Serving, Eating Together, Gladness and Generosity, Worship, and Making More Disciples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese Bible reading notes have been developed to help churches and individuals explore the Holy Habits through prayerful engagement with the Bible and live them out in whole-life, missional discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/c-gULtd1QnE\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Roberts is a husband, father, minister, writer and speaker. He is the author of the book Holy Habits (Malcolm Down Publishing, 2016) and co-editor of the BRF Holy Habits resource booklets. He was previously Director of Training for Fresh Expressions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDave Hopwood\u003cbr\u003eClaire Musters\u003cbr\u003eLiz Hoare\u003cbr\u003eEmma Pennington\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Holy Habits Bible Reflections: Worship: 40 readings and reflections
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Worship can arise from a glad heart, but it can also be the deliberate choice of a hurting one. All...
{"id":3945376841822,"title":"Holy Habits Bible Reflections: Gladness and Generosity: 40 readings and reflections","handle":"holy-habits-bible-reflections-gladness-and-generosity-40-readings-and-reflections","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGladness and generosity go together in this Holy Habit because they are inextricably linked. A generously forgiving and trusting nature is often - though not necessarily - a cheerful one. But the root of giving that is generous and cheerful is thankfulness, as we realise what God has done for us and respond with gladness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoly Habits is an adventure in Christian discipleship. Inspired by Luke’s model of church found in Acts 2:42–47, it identifies ten habits and encourages the development of a way of life formed by them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe habits are: Biblical Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking Bread, Prayer, Sharing Resources, Serving, Eating Together, Gladness and Generosity, Worship, and Making More Disciples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese Bible reading notes have been developed to help churches and individuals explore the Holy Habits through prayerful engagement with the Bible and live them out in whole-life, missional discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iBCv-KMD5E0\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Roberts is a husband, father, minister, writer and speaker. He is the author of the book Holy Habits (Malcolm Down Publishing, 2016) and co-editor of the BRF Holy Habits resource booklets. He was previously Director of Training for Fresh Expressions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteve Aisthorpe\u003cbr\u003eJo Swinney\u003cbr\u003eDavid Spriggs\u003cbr\u003eDavid Gilmore \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-08-13T10:35:54+01:00","created_at":"2019-08-13T10:35:54+01:00","vendor":"Andrew Roberts","type":"Paperback","tags":["Feb-20","Holy Habits Bible Reflections","Holy Habits: Gladness and Generosity"],"price":399,"price_min":399,"price_max":399,"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":29434818461790,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468376","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Holy Habits Bible Reflections: Gladness and Generosity: 40 readings and reflections","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":399,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468376","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468376-l.jpg?v=1565689048"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468376-l.jpg?v=1565689048","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3308719800459,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.718,"height":650,"width":467,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468376-l.jpg?v=1565689048"},"aspect_ratio":0.718,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468376-l.jpg?v=1565689048","width":467}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGladness and generosity go together in this Holy Habit because they are inextricably linked. A generously forgiving and trusting nature is often - though not necessarily - a cheerful one. But the root of giving that is generous and cheerful is thankfulness, as we realise what God has done for us and respond with gladness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHoly Habits is an adventure in Christian discipleship. Inspired by Luke’s model of church found in Acts 2:42–47, it identifies ten habits and encourages the development of a way of life formed by them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe habits are: Biblical Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking Bread, Prayer, Sharing Resources, Serving, Eating Together, Gladness and Generosity, Worship, and Making More Disciples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese Bible reading notes have been developed to help churches and individuals explore the Holy Habits through prayerful engagement with the Bible and live them out in whole-life, missional discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iBCv-KMD5E0\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Roberts is a husband, father, minister, writer and speaker. He is the author of the book Holy Habits (Malcolm Down Publishing, 2016) and co-editor of the BRF Holy Habits resource booklets. He was previously Director of Training for Fresh Expressions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSteve Aisthorpe\u003cbr\u003eJo Swinney\u003cbr\u003eDavid Spriggs\u003cbr\u003eDavid Gilmore \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Holy Habits Bible Reflections: Gladness and Generosity: 40 readings and reflections
£3.99
Gladness and generosity go together in this Holy Habit because they are inextricably linked. A generously forgiving and trusting nature...
{"id":5424600678552,"title":"A Carer's Guide: How to take care of yourself in stressful times","handle":"a-carers-guide-how-to-take-care-of-yourself-in-stressful-times","description":"\u003cp\u003eHow do we look after ourselves and others better in the wake of a health crisis such as Covid-19? This Carer’s Guide series offers practical help and guidance to carers who find themselves needing to provide spiritual support to older people or others in residential care. The aim of these guides is to give you the confidence and skills to enable those in your care not only to cope emotionally and spiritually but even to thrive, despite challenging circumstances.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis guide explores how stress can affect our body, mind, emotions and spirit, offering ways to combat fatigue and increase resilience.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDebbie Thrower, Founder and Pioneer of Anna Chaplaincy for Older People, says: ‘Some of the lessons learned by Anna Chaplains are shared here so that spiritual care – along with medical, practical and emotional care – becomes accessible to all.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAlso available in this series\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/a-carers-guide-how-to-have-a-memorial-service-at-home-when-you-are-unable-to-attend-the-funeral\"\u003eA Carer's Guide: How to have a memorial service at home when you are unable to attend the funeral\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/a-carers-guide-how-to-help-someone-spiritually-towards-the-end-of-life\"\u003eA Carer's Guide: How to help someone spiritually towards the end of life\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/a-carers-guide-how-to-worship-with-a-group-of-residents\"\u003eA Carer's Guide: How to worship with a group of residents\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/a-carers-guide-how-to-worship-with-individuals-in-your-care\"\u003eA Carer's Guide: How to worship with individuals in your care\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRevd Sally Rees has been involved in pastoral ministry for 20 years. In 2014 Sally was ordained as deacon in the Church in Wales, with a responsibility to minister to older people in the community, in the St Catwg’s, Crickhowell, ministry area (ten churches and locations, five care homes and two retirement facilities). In 2018, Sally was appointed as Bishop’s Officer for Older People’s Ministry in the Swansea and Brecon Diocese. In 2020, Sally has taken on the role of Anna Chaplain Lead for Wales. Sally lives and worships in Crickhowell in the Brecon Beacons. She is married to Gareth and has three grown-up children and seven grandchildren. Her mum, who is 95, has been living with dementia for over a decade.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-07-02T09:36:22+01:00","created_at":"2020-07-02T09:36:22+01:00","vendor":"Sally Rees","type":"Paperback","tags":["Anna Chaplaincy books","Anna Chaplaincy Carer's Guides","Jul-20","Pastoral care"],"price":250,"price_min":250,"price_max":250,"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":35051438702744,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390768","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"A Carer's Guide: How to take care of yourself in stressful times","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":250,"weight":63,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390768","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390768.jpg?v=1594303736","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390768-bc.jpg?v=1594303737"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390768.jpg?v=1594303736","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":10060390432920,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390768.jpg?v=1594303736"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390768.jpg?v=1594303736","width":1000},{"alt":null,"id":10060391088280,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390768-bc.jpg?v=1594303737"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390768-bc.jpg?v=1594303737","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eHow do we look after ourselves and others better in the wake of a health crisis such as Covid-19? This Carer’s Guide series offers practical help and guidance to carers who find themselves needing to provide spiritual support to older people or others in residential care. The aim of these guides is to give you the confidence and skills to enable those in your care not only to cope emotionally and spiritually but even to thrive, despite challenging circumstances.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis guide explores how stress can affect our body, mind, emotions and spirit, offering ways to combat fatigue and increase resilience.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDebbie Thrower, Founder and Pioneer of Anna Chaplaincy for Older People, says: ‘Some of the lessons learned by Anna Chaplains are shared here so that spiritual care – along with medical, practical and emotional care – becomes accessible to all.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAlso available in this series\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/a-carers-guide-how-to-have-a-memorial-service-at-home-when-you-are-unable-to-attend-the-funeral\"\u003eA Carer's Guide: How to have a memorial service at home when you are unable to attend the funeral\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/a-carers-guide-how-to-help-someone-spiritually-towards-the-end-of-life\"\u003eA Carer's Guide: How to help someone spiritually towards the end of life\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/a-carers-guide-how-to-worship-with-a-group-of-residents\"\u003eA Carer's Guide: How to worship with a group of residents\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/a-carers-guide-how-to-worship-with-individuals-in-your-care\"\u003eA Carer's Guide: How to worship with individuals in your care\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRevd Sally Rees has been involved in pastoral ministry for 20 years. In 2014 Sally was ordained as deacon in the Church in Wales, with a responsibility to minister to older people in the community, in the St Catwg’s, Crickhowell, ministry area (ten churches and locations, five care homes and two retirement facilities). In 2018, Sally was appointed as Bishop’s Officer for Older People’s Ministry in the Swansea and Brecon Diocese. In 2020, Sally has taken on the role of Anna Chaplain Lead for Wales. Sally lives and worships in Crickhowell in the Brecon Beacons. She is married to Gareth and has three grown-up children and seven grandchildren. Her mum, who is 95, has been living with dementia for over a decade.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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