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{"id":3271954956388,"title":"Life with St Benedict: The Rule reimagined for everyday living","handle":"life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo discover the \u003cem\u003eRule of St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e is to encounter something that is at once inspiring, supporting, reassuring, challenging. Let this book be an introduction to the writing of a man who will change your life.\u003cbr\u003eEsther de Waal, author of \u003cem\u003eSeeking God: The way of St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eRule of St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e has much to say about faith, work and daily living. In a time when many are seeking space, silence and spiritual depth, the \u003cem\u003eRule\u003c\/em\u003e retains relevance in a world where change is often feared, stability can be elusive and busyness interferes with listening to God. \u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e provides daily reflections on the \u003cem\u003eRule\u003c\/em\u003e as an aid to enabling personal spiritual growth and prayer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBenedictine communities use a well-established pattern of daily readings to enable the entire \u003cem\u003eRule\u003c\/em\u003e to be considered over a four-month period. \u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e follows this pattern. Each four-month-long period begins on 1 January, 2 May and 1 September and each entry shows three dates on which it can be read. There are 122 readings and reflections in each period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Frost is a Reader in the Church of England and an Oblate of the Anglican Benedictine Community at Alton Abbey in Hampshire. Formerly an Employment Specialist helping people with mental health conditions, he writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.workrestpray.com\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Richard's lockdown blog click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/richard-frost-author-of-life-with-st-benedict-reflects-on-new-beginnings\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOremus (Westminster Cathedral Magazine) December 2020. Review by Donato Tallo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a Benedictine Oblate, spiritual reading is extremely important to me and so I recently purchased a copy of Richard Frost’s recent book on St Benedict’s Rule. As an addition to my daily prayer, the book is extremely helpful and a real tool to aid silence, reflection and stillness in a challenging, busy and often stressful world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rule has much to teach us all today and while it is not particularly long, reflection on the text is essential to gain real insight and appreciation of its spiritual content. That there are many wide and varied commentaries on the Rule exemplifies just how much it has to teach us, for throughout the centuries many Christian people, both monastic and non-monastic, people of varying faiths and indeed people of no faith, have all gained inspiration from St Benedict.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Frost has prepared this book for anyone, whether monastic, oblate or neither, who wants to immerse themselves in spiritual reflection on the Rule and link it to everyday living. Benedictine communities generally have a structured manner for reading – often by hearing – the Rule and this is quite often undertaken at mealtimes. When read over a four-month period, this means that in its entirety it is read communally three times each year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, for each day of the year there is a section of the Rule and a short reflection afterwards It is a simple yet powerful way for the Rule to be read and then for the text to be pondered on. The beauty of these short reflections is that they are linked to everyday life and situations and can really help the reader to consider how the meaning and context of the Rule can be applied in our own day. The pointers given for prayer are helpful and are a real treasure in aiding our turning to the Lord. For those who would seek some new inspiration on the journey of life in a simple yet powerful manner, this book will do just that. Whether the reader is new to St Benedict or not, this book can help us become closer to Christ through the Rule in a practical and accessible manner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Donato Tallo\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, April 2020. Review by Marie Paterson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a handbook for those who would like to incorporate the discipline of the Rule of St Benedict into their lives. These teachings are divided into ‘everyday reflections’ with each one beginning with Benedict’s instructions for those living in monastic communities, followed by a reflection for ‘ordinary, everyday Christians’. Emphasising the importance of the reading and recitation of the psalms for the Benedictines, each day ends with a psalm to read, followed by a suggestion for reflection and prayer. Readers may find some of Benedict’s instructions to those living in community rather harsh; for instance, those making mistakes in a psalm ‘must make satisfaction there before all’, and likewise if arriving late for meals or prayers. The author does not always address these issues but rather modifies them to suit modern life. Nevertheless there is much to learn here about how we should live a balanced and disciplined Christian life, which is exemplified with the helpful checklist of the five areas of life in which we can find that balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e Reviewed by Marie Paterson \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach, Spring 2020. Review by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author is a Reader in the Church of England and an oblate (a lay or ordained person formally associated to a particular monastic community) connected to the Anglican Benedictine Community. Therefore he is well-placed to share the practical application of St Benedict’s Rule of Life with people who are not members of a monastic community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict \u003c\/em\u003eintroduces us to the writings of a man who was inspirational 1500 years ago and who continues to invoke changes in lives today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rule of Life is a personal rule that can be tailored to Christians, whatever their circumstances, who witness to the Gospel through their relationships with those with whom they live and work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rules may include praying daily, attending church, almsgiving, as well as making provision for study, recreation, and family. The vows of St Benedict of stability, conversatio morum (fidelity to the monastic life) and obedience to the heads of the community relate specifically to life in a Benedictine community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book provides daily study in the form of 73 short chapters that look at aspects such as ‘The tools for good works’ (Ch 4) and ‘Restraint of speech’ (Ch 6). The study is repeated on a four-monthly cycle as ‘reinforcement of the Rules for the lives of the student’. It includes study and reflections and the Psalms and (very) short prayers. The pertinent questions in the reflections could provide a useful basis for Bible study, meditation or contemplation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLanguage and culture have certainly changed over 1500 years. The reader (and UK legislation) may not necessarily agree with corporal punishment or enforced fasting for the misdeeds of children (Ch 30)!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict \u003c\/em\u003euses a translation of more inclusive language and is written with ordinary Christians in mind to assist in our faith, work and daily living. It retains a relevance where change is often feared, stability is elusive, and the hectic nature of our lives interferes with listening to God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many similar books, but this one is well written and makes the Rule of St Benedict accessible to all, regardless of the stage of your journey of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(As a bonus, this book explains some of the actions of Father Cadfael played by Derek Jacobi in the TV series).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 25.10.19. R\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eeview by John-Francis Friendship\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenedict’s Rule, written in the sixth century and called by Arnold Toynbee the ‘mustard seed from which the great tree of Western civilisation has sprung’, had an enormous impact on the development of the Church of England and continues to be a source of inspired wisdom for people in our own times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, Richard Frost, a Reader, retreat-giver, and (Anglican) Benedictine Oblate of Alton Abbey, provides short, simple reflections on each of its 73 chapters, which, he says, provide a ‘whole-life balance’. The Rule is formulated so that a portion is read daily over a four-month period, repeated three times during the year, and the version that he uses is an inclusive-language translation by the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. Each reflection is followed by a suggested psalm and ejaculatory prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rule is an extended commentary on how Benedict’s monks are to live in this ‘school for God’s service’ (Prologue) in which they are to ‘prefer nothing whatever to Christ’. Its observance ‘can show that we have some degree of virtue and the beginnings of monastic life . . . which will lead . . . to the very heights of perfection’. The author compares it to a ‘toolbox’ from which we chose the tool, taking up one and then another, practising our skills with them, and not worrying if we make mistakes, provided we confess our faults: ‘It is love that impels them to pursue everlasting life.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis thoughtful reflections on each chapter, concluding with a suggested framework to develop a personal Rule of Life, will help anyone who wants help on the journey of faith. Although there are a couple of spelling mistakes and a somewhat contentious reference to James as being the ‘son’ of Mary and Joseph, Frost’s style is direct and simple, inviting his readers to consider how Benedict’s words address their condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Revd John-Francis Friendship, a senior team member at the London Centre for Spiritual Direction. He is the author of Enfolded in Christ (Canterbury Press, 2018).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUK Benedictine Oblates Team, October 2019. Review by Neil Zoladkiewicz \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Frost is a Reader in the Church of England and an oblate of the Benedictine community at Alton Abbey in Hampshire. His recent book provides reflections on the daily readings from the Holy Rule and is prefaced by an excellent short introduction to Benedictine Spirituality and a useful glossary. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe subtitle to this volume is ‘The Rule re-imagined for everyday living’ and that is exactly what the author has achieved in his reflections on each daily reading from the Holy Rule, which explore relationships, the workplace, our own church and our attitudes and actions towards others in a modern context. The reflections also include searching questions for the reader to think about and there is also a short prayer at the end of each section.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe also provides an opportunity for the reader to work through the 150 psalms in order over the four months of reading the Holy Rule.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall this is an excellent introduction to the Holy Rule and the author bridges the gap between a 1,500 years old spiritual document and modern lives. It helps the reader to get into the habit of trying to apply St Benedict’s teaching to their own life, that process of daily reflection which is so essential to our progress on the Benedictine way. It is therefore an ideal volume for the novice oblate and all who are beginning the Oblate life. I certainly wish Richard Frost’s book was available when I took my own first steps towards becoming an oblate. It is also an ideal volume for the busy oblate of whatever experience! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Neil Zoladkiewicz of Ealing Abbey \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.benedictine-oblates.net\/news-2\/\"\u003ehttp:\/\/www.benedictine-oblates.net\/news-2\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-04-08T11:17:46+01:00","created_at":"2019-04-08T11:21:08+01:00","vendor":"Richard Frost","type":"Paperback","tags":["Devotional","For individuals","Kindle","Sep-19","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":26427642052708,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468130","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Life with St Benedict: The Rule reimagined for everyday living","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468130","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468130-l.jpg?v=1554718871"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468130-l.jpg?v=1554718871","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3264872513675,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468130-l.jpg?v=1554718871"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857468130-l.jpg?v=1554718871","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo discover the \u003cem\u003eRule of St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e is to encounter something that is at once inspiring, supporting, reassuring, challenging. Let this book be an introduction to the writing of a man who will change your life.\u003cbr\u003eEsther de Waal, author of \u003cem\u003eSeeking God: The way of St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eRule of St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e has much to say about faith, work and daily living. In a time when many are seeking space, silence and spiritual depth, the \u003cem\u003eRule\u003c\/em\u003e retains relevance in a world where change is often feared, stability can be elusive and busyness interferes with listening to God. \u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e provides daily reflections on the \u003cem\u003eRule\u003c\/em\u003e as an aid to enabling personal spiritual growth and prayer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBenedictine communities use a well-established pattern of daily readings to enable the entire \u003cem\u003eRule\u003c\/em\u003e to be considered over a four-month period. \u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e follows this pattern. Each four-month-long period begins on 1 January, 2 May and 1 September and each entry shows three dates on which it can be read. There are 122 readings and reflections in each period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Frost is a Reader in the Church of England and an Oblate of the Anglican Benedictine Community at Alton Abbey in Hampshire. Formerly an Employment Specialist helping people with mental health conditions, he writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.workrestpray.com\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Richard's lockdown blog click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/richard-frost-author-of-life-with-st-benedict-reflects-on-new-beginnings\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOremus (Westminster Cathedral Magazine) December 2020. Review by Donato Tallo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a Benedictine Oblate, spiritual reading is extremely important to me and so I recently purchased a copy of Richard Frost’s recent book on St Benedict’s Rule. As an addition to my daily prayer, the book is extremely helpful and a real tool to aid silence, reflection and stillness in a challenging, busy and often stressful world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rule has much to teach us all today and while it is not particularly long, reflection on the text is essential to gain real insight and appreciation of its spiritual content. That there are many wide and varied commentaries on the Rule exemplifies just how much it has to teach us, for throughout the centuries many Christian people, both monastic and non-monastic, people of varying faiths and indeed people of no faith, have all gained inspiration from St Benedict.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Frost has prepared this book for anyone, whether monastic, oblate or neither, who wants to immerse themselves in spiritual reflection on the Rule and link it to everyday living. Benedictine communities generally have a structured manner for reading – often by hearing – the Rule and this is quite often undertaken at mealtimes. When read over a four-month period, this means that in its entirety it is read communally three times each year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, for each day of the year there is a section of the Rule and a short reflection afterwards It is a simple yet powerful way for the Rule to be read and then for the text to be pondered on. The beauty of these short reflections is that they are linked to everyday life and situations and can really help the reader to consider how the meaning and context of the Rule can be applied in our own day. The pointers given for prayer are helpful and are a real treasure in aiding our turning to the Lord. For those who would seek some new inspiration on the journey of life in a simple yet powerful manner, this book will do just that. Whether the reader is new to St Benedict or not, this book can help us become closer to Christ through the Rule in a practical and accessible manner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Donato Tallo\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, April 2020. Review by Marie Paterson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a handbook for those who would like to incorporate the discipline of the Rule of St Benedict into their lives. These teachings are divided into ‘everyday reflections’ with each one beginning with Benedict’s instructions for those living in monastic communities, followed by a reflection for ‘ordinary, everyday Christians’. Emphasising the importance of the reading and recitation of the psalms for the Benedictines, each day ends with a psalm to read, followed by a suggestion for reflection and prayer. Readers may find some of Benedict’s instructions to those living in community rather harsh; for instance, those making mistakes in a psalm ‘must make satisfaction there before all’, and likewise if arriving late for meals or prayers. The author does not always address these issues but rather modifies them to suit modern life. Nevertheless there is much to learn here about how we should live a balanced and disciplined Christian life, which is exemplified with the helpful checklist of the five areas of life in which we can find that balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e Reviewed by Marie Paterson \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach, Spring 2020. Review by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author is a Reader in the Church of England and an oblate (a lay or ordained person formally associated to a particular monastic community) connected to the Anglican Benedictine Community. Therefore he is well-placed to share the practical application of St Benedict’s Rule of Life with people who are not members of a monastic community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict \u003c\/em\u003eintroduces us to the writings of a man who was inspirational 1500 years ago and who continues to invoke changes in lives today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rule of Life is a personal rule that can be tailored to Christians, whatever their circumstances, who witness to the Gospel through their relationships with those with whom they live and work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rules may include praying daily, attending church, almsgiving, as well as making provision for study, recreation, and family. The vows of St Benedict of stability, conversatio morum (fidelity to the monastic life) and obedience to the heads of the community relate specifically to life in a Benedictine community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book provides daily study in the form of 73 short chapters that look at aspects such as ‘The tools for good works’ (Ch 4) and ‘Restraint of speech’ (Ch 6). The study is repeated on a four-monthly cycle as ‘reinforcement of the Rules for the lives of the student’. It includes study and reflections and the Psalms and (very) short prayers. The pertinent questions in the reflections could provide a useful basis for Bible study, meditation or contemplation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLanguage and culture have certainly changed over 1500 years. The reader (and UK legislation) may not necessarily agree with corporal punishment or enforced fasting for the misdeeds of children (Ch 30)!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict \u003c\/em\u003euses a translation of more inclusive language and is written with ordinary Christians in mind to assist in our faith, work and daily living. It retains a relevance where change is often feared, stability is elusive, and the hectic nature of our lives interferes with listening to God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many similar books, but this one is well written and makes the Rule of St Benedict accessible to all, regardless of the stage of your journey of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(As a bonus, this book explains some of the actions of Father Cadfael played by Derek Jacobi in the TV series).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 25.10.19. R\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eeview by John-Francis Friendship\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenedict’s Rule, written in the sixth century and called by Arnold Toynbee the ‘mustard seed from which the great tree of Western civilisation has sprung’, had an enormous impact on the development of the Church of England and continues to be a source of inspired wisdom for people in our own times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, Richard Frost, a Reader, retreat-giver, and (Anglican) Benedictine Oblate of Alton Abbey, provides short, simple reflections on each of its 73 chapters, which, he says, provide a ‘whole-life balance’. The Rule is formulated so that a portion is read daily over a four-month period, repeated three times during the year, and the version that he uses is an inclusive-language translation by the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. Each reflection is followed by a suggested psalm and ejaculatory prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rule is an extended commentary on how Benedict’s monks are to live in this ‘school for God’s service’ (Prologue) in which they are to ‘prefer nothing whatever to Christ’. Its observance ‘can show that we have some degree of virtue and the beginnings of monastic life . . . which will lead . . . to the very heights of perfection’. The author compares it to a ‘toolbox’ from which we chose the tool, taking up one and then another, practising our skills with them, and not worrying if we make mistakes, provided we confess our faults: ‘It is love that impels them to pursue everlasting life.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis thoughtful reflections on each chapter, concluding with a suggested framework to develop a personal Rule of Life, will help anyone who wants help on the journey of faith. Although there are a couple of spelling mistakes and a somewhat contentious reference to James as being the ‘son’ of Mary and Joseph, Frost’s style is direct and simple, inviting his readers to consider how Benedict’s words address their condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Revd John-Francis Friendship, a senior team member at the London Centre for Spiritual Direction. He is the author of Enfolded in Christ (Canterbury Press, 2018).\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUK Benedictine Oblates Team, October 2019. Review by Neil Zoladkiewicz \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Frost is a Reader in the Church of England and an oblate of the Benedictine community at Alton Abbey in Hampshire. His recent book provides reflections on the daily readings from the Holy Rule and is prefaced by an excellent short introduction to Benedictine Spirituality and a useful glossary. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe subtitle to this volume is ‘The Rule re-imagined for everyday living’ and that is exactly what the author has achieved in his reflections on each daily reading from the Holy Rule, which explore relationships, the workplace, our own church and our attitudes and actions towards others in a modern context. The reflections also include searching questions for the reader to think about and there is also a short prayer at the end of each section.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe also provides an opportunity for the reader to work through the 150 psalms in order over the four months of reading the Holy Rule.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall this is an excellent introduction to the Holy Rule and the author bridges the gap between a 1,500 years old spiritual document and modern lives. It helps the reader to get into the habit of trying to apply St Benedict’s teaching to their own life, that process of daily reflection which is so essential to our progress on the Benedictine way. It is therefore an ideal volume for the novice oblate and all who are beginning the Oblate life. I certainly wish Richard Frost’s book was available when I took my own first steps towards becoming an oblate. It is also an ideal volume for the busy oblate of whatever experience! \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Neil Zoladkiewicz of Ealing Abbey \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.benedictine-oblates.net\/news-2\/\"\u003ehttp:\/\/www.benedictine-oblates.net\/news-2\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":3413756412004,"title":"Holy Habits Full Course Pack","handle":"holy-habits-full-course-pack","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne copy of each \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/collections\/holy-habits-church-handbooks\"\u003eHoly Habits Church handbook\u003c\/a\u003e, plus a free copy of the Introductory Guide.\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 resources are designed to help churches explore the habits creatively in a range of contexts and live them out in whole-life, intergenerational, missional discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePack includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-introductory-guide-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habits Introductory Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-biblical-teaching-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habits Church Handbook: Biblical Teaching\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-fellowship-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habit Church Handbook: Fellowship\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-breaking-bread-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habits Church Handbook: Breaking Bread\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-prayer-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habits Church Handbook: Prayer\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-sharing-resources-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habits Church Handbook: Sharing Resources\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-serving-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habits Church Handbook: Serving\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-eating-together-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habits Church Handbook: Eating Together\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-gladness-and-generosity-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habits Church Handbook: Gladness and Generosity\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-worship-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habits Church Handbook: Worship\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-making-more-disciples-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habits Church Handbook: Making More Disciples\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-05-01T11:27:32+01:00","created_at":"2019-05-01T11:30:53+01:00","vendor":"Andrew Roberts","type":"Paperback","tags":["Holy Habits packs","Jan-18","Pack"],"price":4990,"price_min":4990,"price_max":4990,"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":26945201733732,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"HOLYHABITSPACK","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Holy Habits Full Course Pack","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":4990,"weight":2200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":null,"barcode":"HOLYHABITSPACK","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/HOLYHABITSPK17-l.jpg?v=1556706656"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/HOLYHABITSPK17-l.jpg?v=1556706656","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3265870463115,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"width":458,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/HOLYHABITSPK17-l.jpg?v=1556706656"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/HOLYHABITSPK17-l.jpg?v=1556706656","width":458}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eOne copy of each \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/collections\/holy-habits-church-handbooks\"\u003eHoly Habits Church handbook\u003c\/a\u003e, plus a free copy of the Introductory Guide.\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 resources are designed to help churches explore the habits creatively in a range of contexts and live them out in whole-life, intergenerational, missional discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePack includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-introductory-guide-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habits Introductory Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-biblical-teaching-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habits Church Handbook: Biblical Teaching\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-fellowship-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habit Church Handbook: Fellowship\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-breaking-bread-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habits Church Handbook: Breaking Bread\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-prayer-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habits Church Handbook: Prayer\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-sharing-resources-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habits Church Handbook: Sharing Resources\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-serving-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habits Church Handbook: Serving\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-eating-together-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habits Church Handbook: Eating Together\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-gladness-and-generosity-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habits Church Handbook: Gladness and Generosity\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-worship-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habits Church Handbook: Worship\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/holy-habits-making-more-disciples-missional-discipleship-resources-for-churches\"\u003eHoly Habits Church Handbook: Making More Disciples\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2439800324196,"title":"It Takes a Church to Raise a Parent: Creating a culture where parenting for faith can flourish","handle":"it-takes-a-church-to-raise-a-parent-creating-a-culture-where-parenting-for-faith-can-flourish","description":"\u003cp\u003eParents are the primary disciplers of their children, but we as a church are called to be their community who supports them as a family, equips them to succeed, and cheers them on the path of parenting for faith. This book will help children's, youth and senior leaders to learn how to position themselves for maximum impact, develop foundational values and practices to operate out of, and establish practical steps to shape a culture where parenting for faith can flourish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nRachel Turner has been a full-time children's and families worker and the National Children's Work Coordinator for New Wine, and continues to consult, speak at conferences and run training days for parents, children and youth workers around the UK and Europe. She is the author of the Parenting Children for a Life of Faith series.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.readers.cofe.anglican.org\/resources.php\"\u003ewebsite\u003c\/a\u003e. Review by Susanne Mitchell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title is a twist on the old adage 'It takes a village to raise a child', but the twist is key to the book. Parents spend 2,000 to 3,000 hours a year with their children compared with the 100 hours a Church youth worker might have. So, it makes more sense to focus on serving the parents than the children if you want to disciple the children. The next key message is that there is no one right way to parent for faith. Turner does not offer a formula but writes from distilled experience. Dividing the book into three sections, Vision, Skills, Church Culture, her advice is well structured and easy to follow. Just when you think she is stating common sense you recognise a pitfall you might well have fallen in. Her points are grounded in topical, relevant and humorous comparisons - M\u0026amp;S adverts, IKEA, the station helpdesk, sports coaching. She constantly reminds us to offer rather than instruct; to suggest and draw on existing skills; to build rather than set up for a fall. Some of what she says might apply to other areas of ministry but in the section on Church Culture she makes a useful distinction between children's and youth ministry. This book is for church leaders and is a pretty comprehensive, though compact, volume to accompany prayer and planning around this particular ministry, before perhaps using BRF's \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.parentingforfaith.org.uk\"\u003ewww.parentingforfaith.org.uk\u003c\/a\u003e website and course. The book itself explains why parenting for faith is a 'whole church' task and suggests how to encourage those who do not think they have a part to play, as well as how to work with families where only the children have faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Susanne Mitchell\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times, 1 June 2018. Review by Dana Delap\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis exciting book challenges the adage that it takes a village to raise a child. Rachel Turner, the Bible Reading Fellowship's Parenting for Faith Pioneer, suggests that parents have the most significant impact on the faith and discipleship of their children and young people, but that only one third of parents feel confident about passing on their faith within the family. The village or church should not try to replace the family, but provide encouragement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTurner longs for churches to have the skills to mentor and empower parents to raise God-conscious children. She argues that they need to lay the foundations of a church culture in which communities journey alongside parents, carers and grandparents, nurturing, equipping and encouraging them to be confident about their faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the past decade, resources aimed at enabling churches and their leaders to help children become disciples have proliferated. But 'experts' on evangelism, clergy, Readers and children's and youth workers have disempowered the family members who live with the children and young people whom the Church wants to influence. The people who make the most difference in the lives of the young are the adults who can feel least equipped to do so.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChildren and teenagers need to see what a real relationship with God looks like in the everyday highs and lows of life, and the church community needs to learn how to create a vision of what parenting that nurtures faith can be, raising expectations among parents while offering the affirmation that there is no 'right way' to do it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf churches can summon up enough humility to admit that parents, carers, and grandparents have more impact on the faith of the children than they have, then the multi-generational support that they offer will inspire parenting of that kind. But that is easier in a large church than a small one. In many contexts, a multi-generational church community is only an aspiration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book and its accompanying website give a vision of what families helping their children to learn faith can look like, and how the church can help. It might not be possible to offer a full programme in every church context, but it is a vision towards which all should be striving. Every congregation has a member who knows how to hold a baby, walk with a toddler, or hold a song-book for a child; if this book does no more than encourage a generous welcome to a family in church, it has begun to fulfil its promise to enable a church to raise a parent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCanon Delap is Team Missioner and Vicar of Blockley, in Gloucestershire.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresbyterian Herald, October 2018 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a parenting book that is not for parents. Rather, it is a book for church leaders and other volunteers within children's ministry to think about how to support parents as they share their faith at home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt aims to encourage those who journey alongside parents as they are on the frontline of raising children. It is a book that gives us ideas and practical advice of how we can keep the promise that we make at a child's baptism to support those parents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is written in three parts: part one is about creating the vision for parents so that they know that sharing their faith is a vital part of being a Christian parent, but in a way that is accessible and allows for choice. Part two is about setting out skills that are necessary for the job to help parents see how they can share their faith in the everyday. Part three is about creating a culture within the church that supports parents but also shows how everyone has a role to play in the journey of faith of children and young people. This last part is also about reminding everyone that they have a part to play in supporting, encouraging and teaching faith as a community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is yet another great book by Rachel Turner; it is easy to read and full of practical ideas, as well as big-picture thinking. A definite must-read for church leaders in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:51+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:52+00:00","vendor":"Rachel Turner","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","Feb-18","Kindle","Parenting","Parenting for Faith books","Torch Trust"],"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":21769774661732,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466259","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"It Takes a Church to Raise a Parent: Creating a culture where parenting for faith can flourish - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":197,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466259","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466259-l.jpg?v=1549043135"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466259-l.jpg?v=1549043135","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879920267,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466259-l.jpg?v=1549043135"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466259-l.jpg?v=1549043135","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eParents are the primary disciplers of their children, but we as a church are called to be their community who supports them as a family, equips them to succeed, and cheers them on the path of parenting for faith. This book will help children's, youth and senior leaders to learn how to position themselves for maximum impact, develop foundational values and practices to operate out of, and establish practical steps to shape a culture where parenting for faith can flourish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nRachel Turner has been a full-time children's and families worker and the National Children's Work Coordinator for New Wine, and continues to consult, speak at conferences and run training days for parents, children and youth workers around the UK and Europe. She is the author of the Parenting Children for a Life of Faith series.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.readers.cofe.anglican.org\/resources.php\"\u003ewebsite\u003c\/a\u003e. Review by Susanne Mitchell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe title is a twist on the old adage 'It takes a village to raise a child', but the twist is key to the book. Parents spend 2,000 to 3,000 hours a year with their children compared with the 100 hours a Church youth worker might have. So, it makes more sense to focus on serving the parents than the children if you want to disciple the children. The next key message is that there is no one right way to parent for faith. Turner does not offer a formula but writes from distilled experience. Dividing the book into three sections, Vision, Skills, Church Culture, her advice is well structured and easy to follow. Just when you think she is stating common sense you recognise a pitfall you might well have fallen in. Her points are grounded in topical, relevant and humorous comparisons - M\u0026amp;S adverts, IKEA, the station helpdesk, sports coaching. She constantly reminds us to offer rather than instruct; to suggest and draw on existing skills; to build rather than set up for a fall. Some of what she says might apply to other areas of ministry but in the section on Church Culture she makes a useful distinction between children's and youth ministry. This book is for church leaders and is a pretty comprehensive, though compact, volume to accompany prayer and planning around this particular ministry, before perhaps using BRF's \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.parentingforfaith.org.uk\"\u003ewww.parentingforfaith.org.uk\u003c\/a\u003e website and course. The book itself explains why parenting for faith is a 'whole church' task and suggests how to encourage those who do not think they have a part to play, as well as how to work with families where only the children have faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Susanne Mitchell\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times, 1 June 2018. Review by Dana Delap\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis exciting book challenges the adage that it takes a village to raise a child. Rachel Turner, the Bible Reading Fellowship's Parenting for Faith Pioneer, suggests that parents have the most significant impact on the faith and discipleship of their children and young people, but that only one third of parents feel confident about passing on their faith within the family. The village or church should not try to replace the family, but provide encouragement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTurner longs for churches to have the skills to mentor and empower parents to raise God-conscious children. She argues that they need to lay the foundations of a church culture in which communities journey alongside parents, carers and grandparents, nurturing, equipping and encouraging them to be confident about their faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the past decade, resources aimed at enabling churches and their leaders to help children become disciples have proliferated. But 'experts' on evangelism, clergy, Readers and children's and youth workers have disempowered the family members who live with the children and young people whom the Church wants to influence. The people who make the most difference in the lives of the young are the adults who can feel least equipped to do so.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChildren and teenagers need to see what a real relationship with God looks like in the everyday highs and lows of life, and the church community needs to learn how to create a vision of what parenting that nurtures faith can be, raising expectations among parents while offering the affirmation that there is no 'right way' to do it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf churches can summon up enough humility to admit that parents, carers, and grandparents have more impact on the faith of the children than they have, then the multi-generational support that they offer will inspire parenting of that kind. But that is easier in a large church than a small one. In many contexts, a multi-generational church community is only an aspiration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book and its accompanying website give a vision of what families helping their children to learn faith can look like, and how the church can help. It might not be possible to offer a full programme in every church context, but it is a vision towards which all should be striving. Every congregation has a member who knows how to hold a baby, walk with a toddler, or hold a song-book for a child; if this book does no more than encourage a generous welcome to a family in church, it has begun to fulfil its promise to enable a church to raise a parent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCanon Delap is Team Missioner and Vicar of Blockley, in Gloucestershire.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresbyterian Herald, October 2018 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a parenting book that is not for parents. Rather, it is a book for church leaders and other volunteers within children's ministry to think about how to support parents as they share their faith at home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt aims to encourage those who journey alongside parents as they are on the frontline of raising children. It is a book that gives us ideas and practical advice of how we can keep the promise that we make at a child's baptism to support those parents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is written in three parts: part one is about creating the vision for parents so that they know that sharing their faith is a vital part of being a Christian parent, but in a way that is accessible and allows for choice. Part two is about setting out skills that are necessary for the job to help parents see how they can share their faith in the everyday. Part three is about creating a culture within the church that supports parents but also shows how everyone has a role to play in the journey of faith of children and young people. This last part is also about reminding everyone that they have a part to play in supporting, encouraging and teaching faith as a community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is yet another great book by Rachel Turner; it is easy to read and full of practical ideas, as well as big-picture thinking. A definite must-read for church leaders in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":6880553992383,"title":"The Christmas Story","handle":"the-christmas-story","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eExplore the story of the first Christmas together as a family!\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Christmas Story\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis written for parents, grandparents and carers to share with their children through an interactive family Bible and prayer time. Each section provides a brief comment on the passage, questions to discuss, a visual aid to encourage engagement with the story, an activity idea, a prayer idea, a key verse and an Old Testament story link.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMultipack offers are available, please do select the quantity you require below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePraise for\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Easter Story\u003c\/em\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘A superb resource. If I were still a minister of a local church, I would ensure that every family in my church received a copy!’ Paul Beasley-Murray,\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChurch Matters\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e'A little gem which brings the Bible to life, introduces creativity and encourages family prayer.' Elizabeth Hogg,\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTransforming Ministry \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFormerly part of BRF’s Messy Church team, Martyn Payne is a gifted storyteller whose previous books The Big Story (2011) and Creative Ways to Tell a Bible Story (2012) demonstrate the variety of approaches he uses to bring the Bible alive for children and adults alike. He is passionate about the blessing that comes when generations explore faith together.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Advent 2021. Review by Sue Piper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis little book covers the Christmas story from the announcement to Zechariah of the coming of the Christ child, to the escape to Egypt of the Holy family. Each section offers a reading from scripture, followed by a commentary, questions, ideas and activities for families to do together. The author was part of BRF’s Messy Church team and is passionate about the richness experienced when families talk about faith together; this book would make an excellent inexpensive pre-Christmas gift and would generate new ideas and conversations about the importance of celebrating the Nativity and what it means to us today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Sue Piper\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2021-08-12T09:00:04+01:00","created_at":"2021-08-12T08:47:49+01:00","vendor":"Martyn Payne","type":"Paperback","tags":["Advent","Children and family ministry","Parenting","Sep-21"],"price":250,"price_min":250,"price_max":15000,"available":true,"price_varies":true,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":40881449238719,"title":"1","option1":"1","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391208","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Christmas Story - 1","public_title":"1","options":["1"],"price":250,"weight":100,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391208","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":40881449271487,"title":"10","option1":"10","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"TCS10","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Christmas Story - 10","public_title":"10","options":["10"],"price":2250,"weight":100,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":40881449304255,"title":"25","option1":"25","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"TCS25","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Christmas Story - 25","public_title":"25","options":["25"],"price":5000,"weight":100,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":40881449337023,"title":"50","option1":"50","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"TCS50","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Christmas Story - 50","public_title":"50","options":["50"],"price":8750,"weight":100,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":40881449369791,"title":"100","option1":"100","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"TCS100","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Christmas Story - 100","public_title":"100","options":["100"],"price":15000,"weight":100,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800391208_d0c5e4e4-8a7b-4a91-b088-79df857d904e.jpg?v=1628754471"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800391208_d0c5e4e4-8a7b-4a91-b088-79df857d904e.jpg?v=1628754471","options":["Quantity"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":22072265212095,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1000,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800391208_d0c5e4e4-8a7b-4a91-b088-79df857d904e.jpg?v=1628754471"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1000,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781800391208_d0c5e4e4-8a7b-4a91-b088-79df857d904e.jpg?v=1628754471","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eExplore the story of the first Christmas together as a family!\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Christmas Story\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis written for parents, grandparents and carers to share with their children through an interactive family Bible and prayer time. Each section provides a brief comment on the passage, questions to discuss, a visual aid to encourage engagement with the story, an activity idea, a prayer idea, a key verse and an Old Testament story link.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMultipack offers are available, please do select the quantity you require below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePraise for\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Easter Story\u003c\/em\u003e: \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘A superb resource. If I were still a minister of a local church, I would ensure that every family in my church received a copy!’ Paul Beasley-Murray,\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChurch Matters\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e'A little gem which brings the Bible to life, introduces creativity and encourages family prayer.' Elizabeth Hogg,\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTransforming Ministry \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFormerly part of BRF’s Messy Church team, Martyn Payne is a gifted storyteller whose previous books The Big Story (2011) and Creative Ways to Tell a Bible Story (2012) demonstrate the variety of approaches he uses to bring the Bible alive for children and adults alike. He is passionate about the blessing that comes when generations explore faith together.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Advent 2021. Review by Sue Piper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis little book covers the Christmas story from the announcement to Zechariah of the coming of the Christ child, to the escape to Egypt of the Holy family. Each section offers a reading from scripture, followed by a commentary, questions, ideas and activities for families to do together. The author was part of BRF’s Messy Church team and is passionate about the richness experienced when families talk about faith together; this book would make an excellent inexpensive pre-Christmas gift and would generate new ideas and conversations about the importance of celebrating the Nativity and what it means to us today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Sue Piper\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The Christmas Story
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Explore the story of the first Christmas together as a family! The Christmas Story is written for parents, grandparents and carers to...
{"id":2439826473060,"title":"80 Reflective Prayer Ideas: A creative resource for church and group use","handle":"80-reflective-prayer-ideas-a-creative-resource-for-church-and-group-use","description":"\u003cp\u003ePrayer remains a vital part of Christian discipleship. Following the success of the author's 80 Creative Prayer Ideas, this ready-to-use resource book contains 80 further ideas on setting up reflective and creative prayer stations or responses. Claire Daniel shows us how to pray with our whole being - our senses as well as our voice, our hearts as much as our minds. Tried and tested, these ideas will enhance the praying of small groups, churches and individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire Daniels' book not only offers us a wide variety of ways to engage with God, but opens up experiences that ignite our senses and help us step right into an enhanced understanding of God and of our journey with him.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Rachel Turner, Parenting for Faith Pioneer \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that is so needed in our word filled world!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Jane Holloway, World Prayer Centre, Birmingham\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire Daniel is author of 80 Creative Prayer Ideas and Prayer Journey into Parenthood. She is passionate about encouraging others to use creative prayer methods and speaks at conferences and leads workshops on the subject of prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGodVenture blog: review by Victoria Beech, February 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreat for: people organising prayer in any group setting, including those wanting to inspire family prayers at home\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest bit: Loads of simple, creative ideas for reflective prayer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorst bit: No pictures\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe instructions for the prayer activities are simple and easy to follow, and most activities need minimal resources, which is fab. If you're a church leader or childrens' worker or anyone who plans times of prayer for a group of people, the ideas in this book are simple and easy to do and, with a little preparation, you could create take-home versions to inspire family prayer at home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI didn't feel the activities were age-limited, which is great, as it means they could be used in a toddler group or an all-age service, giving everyone a way of connecting with God in a creative way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prayer ideas are grouped together so you could use a different one each week or create a variety of prayer stations with a similar theme. I particularly like that many of them use nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first, I was disappointed the strapline didn't mention families, but the activities are all written for those organising prayer times for a group, and it's hard to make the text work for people doing things in a family and a group (I've tried!). If I was planning to make take-home packs, I'd be tempted to shorten the instruction text, maybe picking one or two of the suggestions for reflection to make it quicker to read and get on to actually praying. I find families tend to have less time to read instructions, and things which are 'good to go' are best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs I said above, it's a shame there's no pictures, especially as the author says she's used lots of the activities herself. It would be fab to have a colour photo of each activity, but that would be a pricey book I guess.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Victoria Beech in her blog GodVenture\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_____________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:29+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:31+00:00","vendor":"Claire Daniel","type":"Paperback","tags":["For churches","Group reading","Jan-19","Kindle","Prayer"],"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":21770194681956,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466730","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"80 Reflective Prayer Ideas: A creative resource for church and group use - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":254,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466730","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466730-l.jpg?v=1559576089"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466730-l.jpg?v=1559576089","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3271241859211,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":600,"width":423,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466730-l.jpg?v=1559576089"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":600,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466730-l.jpg?v=1559576089","width":423}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003ePrayer remains a vital part of Christian discipleship. Following the success of the author's 80 Creative Prayer Ideas, this ready-to-use resource book contains 80 further ideas on setting up reflective and creative prayer stations or responses. Claire Daniel shows us how to pray with our whole being - our senses as well as our voice, our hearts as much as our minds. Tried and tested, these ideas will enhance the praying of small groups, churches and individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire Daniels' book not only offers us a wide variety of ways to engage with God, but opens up experiences that ignite our senses and help us step right into an enhanced understanding of God and of our journey with him.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Rachel Turner, Parenting for Faith Pioneer \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that is so needed in our word filled world!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Jane Holloway, World Prayer Centre, Birmingham\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire Daniel is author of 80 Creative Prayer Ideas and Prayer Journey into Parenthood. She is passionate about encouraging others to use creative prayer methods and speaks at conferences and leads workshops on the subject of prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGodVenture blog: review by Victoria Beech, February 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreat for: people organising prayer in any group setting, including those wanting to inspire family prayers at home\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest bit: Loads of simple, creative ideas for reflective prayer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorst bit: No pictures\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe instructions for the prayer activities are simple and easy to follow, and most activities need minimal resources, which is fab. If you're a church leader or childrens' worker or anyone who plans times of prayer for a group of people, the ideas in this book are simple and easy to do and, with a little preparation, you could create take-home versions to inspire family prayer at home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI didn't feel the activities were age-limited, which is great, as it means they could be used in a toddler group or an all-age service, giving everyone a way of connecting with God in a creative way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prayer ideas are grouped together so you could use a different one each week or create a variety of prayer stations with a similar theme. I particularly like that many of them use nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first, I was disappointed the strapline didn't mention families, but the activities are all written for those organising prayer times for a group, and it's hard to make the text work for people doing things in a family and a group (I've tried!). If I was planning to make take-home packs, I'd be tempted to shorten the instruction text, maybe picking one or two of the suggestions for reflection to make it quicker to read and get on to actually praying. I find families tend to have less time to read instructions, and things which are 'good to go' are best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs I said above, it's a shame there's no pictures, especially as the author says she's used lots of the activities herself. It would be fab to have a colour photo of each activity, but that would be a pricey book I guess.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Victoria Beech in her blog GodVenture\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_____________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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80 Reflective Prayer Ideas: A creative resource for church and group use
£9.99
Prayer remains a vital part of Christian discipleship. Following the success of the author's 80 Creative Prayer Ideas, this ready-to-use...
{"id":2439758217316,"title":"Outdoor Church: 20 sessions to take church outside the building for children and families","handle":"outdoor-church-20-sessions-to-take-church-outside-the-building-for-children-and-families","description":"\u003cp\u003eHelping churches to reconnect and value their environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA creative worship and activity resource for churches to use outside the church building, Outdoor Church functions in any green space and is suitable for churches in urban, suburban and rural contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour sessions for each season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour stand-alone service outlines, one for each season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial based on Bible stories and parables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll-age activities and seasonal prayers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIndoor alternatives for rainy days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nSally Welch is a parish priest in the Diocese of Oxford who has spent many years working with families and young children. Her interest in church outdoors springs from a concern for the declining quality of relationship between people and their natural environment.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eCountry Way\u003c\/em\u003e magazine - September 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eOutdoor Church,\u003c\/em\u003e Sally Welch has given us a creative and user-friendly book which is an excellent new addition to her collection of worship resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis book offers a thoughtful approach and contains lots of practical help to enable churches to make use of the outdoor environment for Christian activities and worship. It is aimed at work with families and children, but the service outlines and activities could easily be adapted for other ages and groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a helpful introductory section, with a persuasive theological and environmental rationale for taking church outdoors. The section on 'Getting Started' includes advice on choosing and arranging a suitable site for a particular group or activity. There are also chapters on the important themes of safety and equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe heart of the book is a year's programme of themes and activities arranged around four key markers in the Christian year - Rogation (spring), Pentecost (summer), Michaelmas (autumn) and Candlemas (winter). Each season contains outlines for four sessions and a celebration event based on stories from the Gospels, many of them parables.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e Each event has the same basic outline, which will help to make them accessible both for regular or occasional visitors to the sessions: a time of sharing the Bible passage is followed by a reflection and then a related activity. After this, there is collecting (often natural objects); creating (with the items that have been collected); feasting (making something edible to share and enjoy) and celebrating (a game, craft or group activity).\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book includes short liturgies for the beginning and end of each session, which can be photocopied for use with a group. There is a further section at the back of the book with suggestions for an extended range of prayer activities.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e This is a welcome and practical book. I bought copies for our Forest Church team as soon as it was published, and I have no doubt that Sally Welch's wisdom and suggestions will inspire us when we plan for next year.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Caroline Hewlett\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder - 1 April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOutdoor Church\u003c\/em\u003e by Sally Welch (Barnabas for Children, GBP8.99), subtitled '20 sessions to take church outside the building for children and families', is appropriate for use in urban, suburban and rural contexts. The book is organised in two parts, the first containing information and advice on the preparation and delivery of outdoor projects, and the second offering seasonal activities and crafts based on the parables of Jesus. And if the heavens should open, there are even indoor alternatives for rainy days.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEvery church that is serious about developing its work with children and families should include this book in its resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Singleton\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:07+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:08+00:00","vendor":"Sally Welch","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","Church life","Feb-16"],"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":21769165209700,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464163","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Outdoor Church: 20 sessions to take church outside the building for children and families - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":235,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464163","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464163-l.jpg?v=1549043167"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464163-l.jpg?v=1549043167","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238876545163,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":993,"width":650,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464163-l.jpg?v=1549043167"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":993,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464163-l.jpg?v=1549043167","width":650}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eHelping churches to reconnect and value their environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA creative worship and activity resource for churches to use outside the church building, Outdoor Church functions in any green space and is suitable for churches in urban, suburban and rural contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour sessions for each season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour stand-alone service outlines, one for each season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaterial based on Bible stories and parables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll-age activities and seasonal prayers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIndoor alternatives for rainy days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nSally Welch is a parish priest in the Diocese of Oxford who has spent many years working with families and young children. Her interest in church outdoors springs from a concern for the declining quality of relationship between people and their natural environment.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eCountry Way\u003c\/em\u003e magazine - September 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eOutdoor Church,\u003c\/em\u003e Sally Welch has given us a creative and user-friendly book which is an excellent new addition to her collection of worship resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis book offers a thoughtful approach and contains lots of practical help to enable churches to make use of the outdoor environment for Christian activities and worship. It is aimed at work with families and children, but the service outlines and activities could easily be adapted for other ages and groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a helpful introductory section, with a persuasive theological and environmental rationale for taking church outdoors. The section on 'Getting Started' includes advice on choosing and arranging a suitable site for a particular group or activity. There are also chapters on the important themes of safety and equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe heart of the book is a year's programme of themes and activities arranged around four key markers in the Christian year - Rogation (spring), Pentecost (summer), Michaelmas (autumn) and Candlemas (winter). Each season contains outlines for four sessions and a celebration event based on stories from the Gospels, many of them parables.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e Each event has the same basic outline, which will help to make them accessible both for regular or occasional visitors to the sessions: a time of sharing the Bible passage is followed by a reflection and then a related activity. After this, there is collecting (often natural objects); creating (with the items that have been collected); feasting (making something edible to share and enjoy) and celebrating (a game, craft or group activity).\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book includes short liturgies for the beginning and end of each session, which can be photocopied for use with a group. There is a further section at the back of the book with suggestions for an extended range of prayer activities.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e This is a welcome and practical book. I bought copies for our Forest Church team as soon as it was published, and I have no doubt that Sally Welch's wisdom and suggestions will inspire us when we plan for next year.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Caroline Hewlett\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder - 1 April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOutdoor Church\u003c\/em\u003e by Sally Welch (Barnabas for Children, GBP8.99), subtitled '20 sessions to take church outside the building for children and families', is appropriate for use in urban, suburban and rural contexts. The book is organised in two parts, the first containing information and advice on the preparation and delivery of outdoor projects, and the second offering seasonal activities and crafts based on the parables of Jesus. And if the heavens should open, there are even indoor alternatives for rainy days.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEvery church that is serious about developing its work with children and families should include this book in its resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Singleton\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e"}
You may also like:
Outdoor Church: 20 sessions to take church outside the building for children and families
£8.99
Helping churches to reconnect and value their environment. A creative worship and activity resource for churches to use outside the...
{"id":2439750189156,"title":"80 Creative Prayer Ideas: A resource for church and group use","handle":"80-creative-prayer-ideas-a-resource-for-church-and-group-use","description":"\u003cp\u003ePrayer is a vital part of the Christian life but people often struggle with actually getting on and doing it. This book offers 80 imaginative and creative ideas for setting up 'prayer stations', practical ways of praying that involve the senses - touching, tasting, smelling, seeing, and hearing, rather than simply reflecting, as we bring our hopes, fears, dreams and doubts to God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeveloped from material tried and tested with small groups, the ideas here provide activities ranging from bubble prayers to clay pot prayers (via just about everything else in between), and have been designed to be used with grown-ups - of all ages!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eForeword\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that is so needed in our word filled world! It is wonderfully creative, helping us to engage with all of our being in the whole business of listening to, walking with, waiting for and talking with God. It provides biblically based ideas to make prayer accessible to an individual, small group or church congregation in ways that are engaging, stimulating and fun!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo many people find getting down to pray and praying hard, whether they try on their own or with others in a small group or in a church setting. Often this is because we rely solely on using verbal tools to 'pray'. And while that does work for some of us, others need to engage more actively in the doing and so be able to connect with the Bible passage, themes or issues in more interactive ways which enable our praying to flow for ourselves and for others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI hope this book will spur on leaders who want to include creative praying in church services and home groups as well as individuals who want to explore new ways of encountering God in the place of prayer. Jesus clearly showed us what our responsibilities are as his followers: to pray for his kingdom to come and for his will to be done in and for our families and our neighbours; in our communities , our nation and our world. Let's use these creative methods of prayer and see where God leads us as we sense our own prayer journey developing and reaching up to God and out to those he puts on our heart to pray for and about.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJane Holloway, World Prayer Centre, Birmingham\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire Daniels' book not only offers us a wide variety of ways to engage with God, but opens up experiences that ignite our senses and help us step right into an enhanced understanding of God and of our journey with him. This is a book that is so needed in our word filled world!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJane Holloway, World Prayer Centre, Birmingham \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nClaire Daniel has led creative prayer sessions for a variety of age groups at Aldridge Parish Church, near Birmingham and also for The Hothouse, a fresh expression of church and growing worshipping community in the West Midlands. She is passionate about encouraging others to explore different ways of praying and supporting groups and churches to use creative prayer ideas in ministry.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the Diocese of Lichfield Magazine July\/August 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreative Prayer 'it enables you to respond to God in practical and very personal ways. When the words won't come - because you feel inadequate or don't know what to say, you can do something and physically give it to God.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire Daniel wrote her new book, 80 Creative Prayer Ideas, either side of the birth of her son. The book features prayer ideas and approaches that involve all the senses. Each prayer idea is built around a bible reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'The thing with creative prayer is it gives the chance to spend time with God. It is not just about a list of requests, thanks or things you've done wrong, it is listening to God.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'People can develop through creative prayer because it gives you the time and space to listen and let God work. There is a place for liturgical prayer, but also something significant in doing things a different way.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire leads prayer sessions at Aldridge Parish Church and also at The Hothouse, a fresh expression of church and growing worship community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'We do creative prayer as part of the Hothouse services once a fortnight. Prayer stations are firmly something for adults, not just children. When I personally started creative prayer, I found it brilliant, and powerful - especially where you can take something away as a keep sake of faith and return to it again.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'People are really excited, and raring to use it. Our youth fellowship can't wait to get their hands on it. I would love to speak or lead workshops for churches that are passionate about different ways of praying, bringing alive their prayer life.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a youth and children's worker I am always looking out for ideas for creative ways to encourage people to pray, so I have seen many resource books on how to engage people in prayer. I came to this book wondering what could be said that has not already been said and what new ideas might be included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. The book is divided into various sections looking at different areas of walking with God - walking with the Bible, walking in our world, walking as a church, walking together with God and our personal walk with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder each of these headings are a series of chapters looking at prayer for different people and different seasons. Each idea is then divided into a prayer focus, Bible reflection and personal reflection. There is also a section highlighting what materials you would need to have ready in order to make your prayer session interactive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout the book are ideas using all our senses and having already used several of the ideas I can testify to the fact that they work well with different age groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo I would highly recommend this book for people who lead prayers in their church, house groups, schools or in youth and children's ministry. There is a wealth of different ideas here and for GBP8.99 it is excellent value for money.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Sharon Prior. Co-founder and Chair of the Sophia Network.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:39+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:41+00:00","vendor":"Claire Daniel","type":"Paperback","tags":["For churches","Group reading","Jun-14","Kindle","Prayer"],"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":21769083355236,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841016887","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"80 Creative Prayer Ideas: A resource for church and group use - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":254,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841016887","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781841016887-l.jpg?v=1549043172"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781841016887-l.jpg?v=1549043172","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238875136139,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":622,"width":440,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781841016887-l.jpg?v=1549043172"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":622,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9781841016887-l.jpg?v=1549043172","width":440}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003ePrayer is a vital part of the Christian life but people often struggle with actually getting on and doing it. This book offers 80 imaginative and creative ideas for setting up 'prayer stations', practical ways of praying that involve the senses - touching, tasting, smelling, seeing, and hearing, rather than simply reflecting, as we bring our hopes, fears, dreams and doubts to God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeveloped from material tried and tested with small groups, the ideas here provide activities ranging from bubble prayers to clay pot prayers (via just about everything else in between), and have been designed to be used with grown-ups - of all ages!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eForeword\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that is so needed in our word filled world! It is wonderfully creative, helping us to engage with all of our being in the whole business of listening to, walking with, waiting for and talking with God. It provides biblically based ideas to make prayer accessible to an individual, small group or church congregation in ways that are engaging, stimulating and fun!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo many people find getting down to pray and praying hard, whether they try on their own or with others in a small group or in a church setting. Often this is because we rely solely on using verbal tools to 'pray'. And while that does work for some of us, others need to engage more actively in the doing and so be able to connect with the Bible passage, themes or issues in more interactive ways which enable our praying to flow for ourselves and for others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI hope this book will spur on leaders who want to include creative praying in church services and home groups as well as individuals who want to explore new ways of encountering God in the place of prayer. Jesus clearly showed us what our responsibilities are as his followers: to pray for his kingdom to come and for his will to be done in and for our families and our neighbours; in our communities , our nation and our world. Let's use these creative methods of prayer and see where God leads us as we sense our own prayer journey developing and reaching up to God and out to those he puts on our heart to pray for and about.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJane Holloway, World Prayer Centre, Birmingham\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire Daniels' book not only offers us a wide variety of ways to engage with God, but opens up experiences that ignite our senses and help us step right into an enhanced understanding of God and of our journey with him. This is a book that is so needed in our word filled world!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJane Holloway, World Prayer Centre, Birmingham \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nClaire Daniel has led creative prayer sessions for a variety of age groups at Aldridge Parish Church, near Birmingham and also for The Hothouse, a fresh expression of church and growing worshipping community in the West Midlands. She is passionate about encouraging others to explore different ways of praying and supporting groups and churches to use creative prayer ideas in ministry.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the Diocese of Lichfield Magazine July\/August 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreative Prayer 'it enables you to respond to God in practical and very personal ways. When the words won't come - because you feel inadequate or don't know what to say, you can do something and physically give it to God.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire Daniel wrote her new book, 80 Creative Prayer Ideas, either side of the birth of her son. The book features prayer ideas and approaches that involve all the senses. Each prayer idea is built around a bible reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'The thing with creative prayer is it gives the chance to spend time with God. It is not just about a list of requests, thanks or things you've done wrong, it is listening to God.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'People can develop through creative prayer because it gives you the time and space to listen and let God work. There is a place for liturgical prayer, but also something significant in doing things a different way.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaire leads prayer sessions at Aldridge Parish Church and also at The Hothouse, a fresh expression of church and growing worship community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'We do creative prayer as part of the Hothouse services once a fortnight. Prayer stations are firmly something for adults, not just children. When I personally started creative prayer, I found it brilliant, and powerful - especially where you can take something away as a keep sake of faith and return to it again.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'People are really excited, and raring to use it. Our youth fellowship can't wait to get their hands on it. I would love to speak or lead workshops for churches that are passionate about different ways of praying, bringing alive their prayer life.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a youth and children's worker I am always looking out for ideas for creative ways to encourage people to pray, so I have seen many resource books on how to engage people in prayer. I came to this book wondering what could be said that has not already been said and what new ideas might be included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. The book is divided into various sections looking at different areas of walking with God - walking with the Bible, walking in our world, walking as a church, walking together with God and our personal walk with God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder each of these headings are a series of chapters looking at prayer for different people and different seasons. Each idea is then divided into a prayer focus, Bible reflection and personal reflection. There is also a section highlighting what materials you would need to have ready in order to make your prayer session interactive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout the book are ideas using all our senses and having already used several of the ideas I can testify to the fact that they work well with different age groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo I would highly recommend this book for people who lead prayers in their church, house groups, schools or in youth and children's ministry. There is a wealth of different ideas here and for GBP8.99 it is excellent value for money.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Sharon Prior. Co-founder and Chair of the Sophia Network.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
80 Creative Prayer Ideas: A resource for church and group use
£8.99
Prayer is a vital part of the Christian life but people often struggle with actually getting on and doing it....
{"id":2854037618788,"title":"Bethlehem Carols Unpacked: Creative ideas for Christmas carol services","handle":"bethlehem-carols-unpacked-creative-ideas-for-christmas-carol-services","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhat makes for an exciting and involving carol service? Bethlehem Carols Unpacked has many creative answers to that question.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBethlehem Carols Unpacked\u003c\/em\u003e, published in partnership with BibleLands, offers all those planning a Christmas carol service with the opportunity to create a vibrant service through a wealth of pick-and-mix ideas, including creative storytelling, poetry, prayer, drama and worship. Taking eleven popular carols as its starting point, the material explores the different aspects of the Christmas message and gives you the chance to create a truly memorable carol service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBethlehem Carols Unpacked\u003c\/em\u003e is ideal for clergy, lay ministers, children's workers and service leaders. It is also well suited for primary school teachers, RE coordinators and head teachers, and all those who are planning a carol service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Moore has been part of the BRF staff team since 2001. Her published work include \u003cem\u003eThe Lord's Prayer Unplugged\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/em\u003e, among others, all published by BRF.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartyn Payne joined the BRF team in January 2003. Martyn is the author of \u003cem\u003eA-cross the World\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eFootsteps to the Feast\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Embrace the Middle East\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embraceme.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eEmbrace the Midlde East\u003c\/a\u003e works in partnership with more than 50 projects in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Lebanon and Egypt.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-20T13:45:05+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-20T13:46:06+00:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Christmas","PDF"],"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":24427154735204,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857461810","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"Bethlehem Carols Unpacked: Creative ideas for Christmas carol services - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":190,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857461810","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24427218894948,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"Down1810","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8942727856228,"product_id":2854037618788,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-20T13:50:30+00:00","updated_at":"2020-05-20T17:19:15+01:00","alt":null,"width":443,"height":676,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/DOWNLOAD1810.jpg?v=1589991555","variant_ids":[24427218894948]},"available":true,"name":"Bethlehem Carols Unpacked: Creative ideas for Christmas carol services - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":899,"weight":190,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"DOWNLOAD1810","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3259455013003,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":676,"width":443,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/DOWNLOAD1810.jpg?v=1589991555"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/DOWNLOAD1810.jpg?v=1589991555","\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857461810-l.jpg?v=1589991555"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/DOWNLOAD1810.jpg?v=1589991555","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3259455013003,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":676,"width":443,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/DOWNLOAD1810.jpg?v=1589991555"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":676,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/DOWNLOAD1810.jpg?v=1589991555","width":443},{"alt":null,"id":3259452489867,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":676,"width":443,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857461810-l.jpg?v=1589991555"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":676,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857461810-l.jpg?v=1589991555","width":443}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eWhat makes for an exciting and involving carol service? Bethlehem Carols Unpacked has many creative answers to that question.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBethlehem Carols Unpacked\u003c\/em\u003e, published in partnership with BibleLands, offers all those planning a Christmas carol service with the opportunity to create a vibrant service through a wealth of pick-and-mix ideas, including creative storytelling, poetry, prayer, drama and worship. Taking eleven popular carols as its starting point, the material explores the different aspects of the Christmas message and gives you the chance to create a truly memorable carol service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBethlehem Carols Unpacked\u003c\/em\u003e is ideal for clergy, lay ministers, children's workers and service leaders. It is also well suited for primary school teachers, RE coordinators and head teachers, and all those who are planning a carol service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Moore has been part of the BRF staff team since 2001. Her published work include \u003cem\u003eThe Lord's Prayer Unplugged\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eMessy Church\u003c\/em\u003e, among others, all published by BRF.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartyn Payne joined the BRF team in January 2003. Martyn is the author of \u003cem\u003eA-cross the World\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eFootsteps to the Feast\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"Embrace the Middle East\" href=\"https:\/\/www.embraceme.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"\u003eEmbrace the Midlde East\u003c\/a\u003e works in partnership with more than 50 projects in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Lebanon and Egypt.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Bethlehem Carols Unpacked: Creative ideas for Christmas carol services
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What makes for an exciting and involving carol service? Bethlehem Carols Unpacked has many creative answers to that question. Bethlehem...
{"id":2439776075876,"title":"Thinking of You: a resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia","handle":"thinking-of-you-a-resource-for-the-spiritual-care-of-people-with-dementia","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis book approaches dementia from a number of angles: biological, psychological, sociological, and theological. After an introduction explaining the multifaceted nature of this set of conditions, some possible theological responses are offered to such questions as: what is the nature of human identity? How can someone with severely impaired cognition have a full spiritual life? The book's final two sections are predominantly practical, addressing the spiritual care of the affected individual and how to help churches support affected individuals and their carers. This final section includes resources for ministry in residential care homes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 1: Thinking about dementia\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 1 A medical approach to dementia: 'Old-timer's disease'?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 2 A biological approach to dementia: the fading brain\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 3 A social approach to dementia: not gone but forgotten\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 2: Thinking about the person with dementia\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 4 I think therefore I am?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 5 Beyond 'I think therefore I am'\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 6 God thinks therefore I am\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 3: Thinking of you: the spiritual care of people with dementia\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 7 Being present to the person with dementia\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 8 Meaning-making in dementia\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 9 Re-membering the person with dementia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 4: Thinking about us: dementia-friendly churches\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 10 Full inclusion\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 11 Real belonging\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 12 Celebration\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 13 Connection\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 14 Safe enough to play\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nThe Revd Dr Joanna Collicutt is Lecturer in Psychology and Spirituality at Ripon College Cuddesdon, Oxford Diocesan Advisor for the Spiritual Care of Older People, and also ministers in a parish. Her other books include Jesus and the Gospel Women, The Dawkins Delusion? (with Alister McGrath) and Meeting Jesus (with Jeremy Duff).\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine (April 2018). Review by Gail Ballinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eJoanna Collicutt is an experienced clinical neuropsychologist who for many years has worked with people living with conditions affecting the brain, including dementia. An Anglican priest and Advisor for Spiritual Care for Older People in Oxford (Anglican) Diocese.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book first describes the medical, biological and social aspects of dementia. The biological aspects have excellent line drawings which help to explain various forms of dementia. I found it very accessible - e.g. likening changes in retrieval of memories to organising \/ finding things in an airing cupboard. Joanna conveys the reality of experiencing dementia and how it might feel: she tells of a person being afraid to enter some-one's front door because the doormat looked like a hole in the ground and they feared they might fall into it.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePart two is about the person - what might dementia feel like for them; what is the nature of human identity; how is it possible to have a full spiritual life with dementia. \u003cem\u003eI think therefore I am \u003c\/em\u003eleads to \u003cem\u003eGod thinks, therefore I am\u003c\/em\u003e. Part three is about spiritual care and being with the person with dementia. The final chapters give practical suggestions about dementia friendly churches, full inclusion, being connected, celebration and play. She also refers to support in residential homes. Might some of this information help Julian Meetings?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Gail Ballinger\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'The Door', June 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDementia is a topic which is regularly highlighted by the media, not only as a subject associated with the increasing number of elderly people in our society but also with reference to well-known individuals found to be suffering from the condition. Joanna Collicutt's inspiring book is a timely, carefully referenced and annotated publication providing helpful advice and dispelling misconceptions.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDivided into four distinct parts, this resource begins with a medical approach to understanding dementia, first making two important points; that in medical terms dementia is a symptom rather than a disease and that occasional confusion and failing memory, not uncommon in older people, need not be a sign of something more sinister. Using helpful diagrams, the writer describes clearly and succinctly the various types of dementia and their physical causes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePart two moves on from analysing the condition to considering the sufferer. Using the analogy of the airing cupboard, the writer discusses memory, implicit and explicit. She examines the phrase 'trapped in the present', comparing it to 'life in God's now' and asking, 'How are we to make sense of the experience of dementia theologically?'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn Part Three, dealing with the spiritual care of people with dementia, the word 're-membering' takes on a new significance, with references to 'person-centred' psychotherapy, the principle of authenticity, listening to body language and the importance of touch. Various aids to re-membering are suggested, including a this-is-my-life book and a memory box. Incidentally, it is recognised that 'being there' for a dementia sufferer has its cost, with a helpful section on dealing with one's own feelings.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn Part Four dementia-friendly churches are examined, the emphasis being on a community that is friendly to all. Practical suggestions, which will benefit both the physically and mentally impaired, are made to enable full inclusion. Also in this section is a suggested form of worship and a simple weekday service of celebration. Finally, in a chapter entitled 'Safe enough to play' the writer discusses types of abuse and the required response should there be evidence of this.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWritten from a Christian perspective, this book is both informative and challenging. It evidences great skill in dealing with complex concepts clearly and comprehensibly, and is a resource which should be on the bookshelves of all clergy and those involved with pastoral care.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Thelma Shacklady\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder, June 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 'Thinking of You: A resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia, Joanna Collicutt writes as a priest in the Church of England and as a clinical neuropsychologist. This book is an excellent introduction to the subject of dementia and a very practical spiritual resource for churches. An easy to understand, medical approach to dementia is outlined at the beginning.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI found Joanna's analogy of an airing cupboard to describe the experience of dementia very useful. Newly-weds are given household linen and these items are neatly and carefully stored on the bottom shelf of the airing cupboard. As the years go by, easy-care sheets are placed on top of these -- then underpants and socks are thrown on top. As long as the door opens easily, all is well and items can be retrieved. But what if the door slowly closes? You now reach in through a narrowing gap to find what you need; it will be much easier to access the orderly folded linen at the bottom and it will be pure luck if you find a sock.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn the same way, a person living with dementia will find that memories which are deeply embedded and laid down in an orderly fashion are easiest to access. Joanna makes a distinction between explicit memories and implicit ones: an example of an implicit memory would be a hymn you do not recognise until the music starts and you find you know it. A person with dementia might not remember a visit from a relative or friend (explicit memory), but may be aware of kindness and touch (implicit memory). God holds us in mind, as the father of the prodigal son holds his absent son in mind. Although his son is in a distant land he is never forgotten.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI found the most moving part of the book in the author's reminder about Easter in relation to dementia. On Good Friday Jesus is stripped of his capacities and on Holy Saturday he descends into the underworld to be with those forgotten by the world -- a profound solidarity. Joanna sees the calling of the churches to 'pick up the stitches which have been dropped'. There is practical advice on how to be with a person with dementia: we may allow a person their feelings of joy and despair, which can be incredibly intense.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAbove all, we need to cultivate 'an attitude of mindfulness to what we most fear'. Simple training is on offer to become a 'dementia friend'. Practical suggestions are offered, such as printing out Bible readings in large script, using traditional words to hymns and offering lifts.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI found this book easy to read and digest. It would make excellent material for house groups and I think it would be good for every Methodist church to have a copy!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Bob Whorton, Chaplain, Sobell House Hospice, Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:11+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:13+00:00","vendor":"Joanna Collicutt","type":"Paperback","tags":["Kindle","Mar-17","Pastoral care","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769413722212,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464910","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Thinking of You: a resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":230,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464910","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464910-l.jpg?v=1549043155"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464910-l.jpg?v=1549043155","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877724811,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464910-l.jpg?v=1549043155"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857464910-l.jpg?v=1549043155","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThis book approaches dementia from a number of angles: biological, psychological, sociological, and theological. After an introduction explaining the multifaceted nature of this set of conditions, some possible theological responses are offered to such questions as: what is the nature of human identity? How can someone with severely impaired cognition have a full spiritual life? The book's final two sections are predominantly practical, addressing the spiritual care of the affected individual and how to help churches support affected individuals and their carers. This final section includes resources for ministry in residential care homes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 1: Thinking about dementia\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 1 A medical approach to dementia: 'Old-timer's disease'?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 2 A biological approach to dementia: the fading brain\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 3 A social approach to dementia: not gone but forgotten\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 2: Thinking about the person with dementia\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 4 I think therefore I am?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 5 Beyond 'I think therefore I am'\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 6 God thinks therefore I am\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 3: Thinking of you: the spiritual care of people with dementia\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 7 Being present to the person with dementia\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 8 Meaning-making in dementia\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 9 Re-membering the person with dementia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 4: Thinking about us: dementia-friendly churches\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 10 Full inclusion\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 11 Real belonging\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 12 Celebration\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 13 Connection\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChapter 14 Safe enough to play\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nThe Revd Dr Joanna Collicutt is Lecturer in Psychology and Spirituality at Ripon College Cuddesdon, Oxford Diocesan Advisor for the Spiritual Care of Older People, and also ministers in a parish. Her other books include Jesus and the Gospel Women, The Dawkins Delusion? (with Alister McGrath) and Meeting Jesus (with Jeremy Duff).\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine (April 2018). Review by Gail Ballinger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eJoanna Collicutt is an experienced clinical neuropsychologist who for many years has worked with people living with conditions affecting the brain, including dementia. An Anglican priest and Advisor for Spiritual Care for Older People in Oxford (Anglican) Diocese.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book first describes the medical, biological and social aspects of dementia. The biological aspects have excellent line drawings which help to explain various forms of dementia. I found it very accessible - e.g. likening changes in retrieval of memories to organising \/ finding things in an airing cupboard. Joanna conveys the reality of experiencing dementia and how it might feel: she tells of a person being afraid to enter some-one's front door because the doormat looked like a hole in the ground and they feared they might fall into it.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePart two is about the person - what might dementia feel like for them; what is the nature of human identity; how is it possible to have a full spiritual life with dementia. \u003cem\u003eI think therefore I am \u003c\/em\u003eleads to \u003cem\u003eGod thinks, therefore I am\u003c\/em\u003e. Part three is about spiritual care and being with the person with dementia. The final chapters give practical suggestions about dementia friendly churches, full inclusion, being connected, celebration and play. She also refers to support in residential homes. Might some of this information help Julian Meetings?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Gail Ballinger\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'The Door', June 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDementia is a topic which is regularly highlighted by the media, not only as a subject associated with the increasing number of elderly people in our society but also with reference to well-known individuals found to be suffering from the condition. Joanna Collicutt's inspiring book is a timely, carefully referenced and annotated publication providing helpful advice and dispelling misconceptions.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDivided into four distinct parts, this resource begins with a medical approach to understanding dementia, first making two important points; that in medical terms dementia is a symptom rather than a disease and that occasional confusion and failing memory, not uncommon in older people, need not be a sign of something more sinister. Using helpful diagrams, the writer describes clearly and succinctly the various types of dementia and their physical causes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePart two moves on from analysing the condition to considering the sufferer. Using the analogy of the airing cupboard, the writer discusses memory, implicit and explicit. She examines the phrase 'trapped in the present', comparing it to 'life in God's now' and asking, 'How are we to make sense of the experience of dementia theologically?'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn Part Three, dealing with the spiritual care of people with dementia, the word 're-membering' takes on a new significance, with references to 'person-centred' psychotherapy, the principle of authenticity, listening to body language and the importance of touch. Various aids to re-membering are suggested, including a this-is-my-life book and a memory box. Incidentally, it is recognised that 'being there' for a dementia sufferer has its cost, with a helpful section on dealing with one's own feelings.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn Part Four dementia-friendly churches are examined, the emphasis being on a community that is friendly to all. Practical suggestions, which will benefit both the physically and mentally impaired, are made to enable full inclusion. Also in this section is a suggested form of worship and a simple weekday service of celebration. Finally, in a chapter entitled 'Safe enough to play' the writer discusses types of abuse and the required response should there be evidence of this.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWritten from a Christian perspective, this book is both informative and challenging. It evidences great skill in dealing with complex concepts clearly and comprehensibly, and is a resource which should be on the bookshelves of all clergy and those involved with pastoral care.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Thelma Shacklady\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder, June 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 'Thinking of You: A resource for the spiritual care of people with dementia, Joanna Collicutt writes as a priest in the Church of England and as a clinical neuropsychologist. This book is an excellent introduction to the subject of dementia and a very practical spiritual resource for churches. An easy to understand, medical approach to dementia is outlined at the beginning.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI found Joanna's analogy of an airing cupboard to describe the experience of dementia very useful. Newly-weds are given household linen and these items are neatly and carefully stored on the bottom shelf of the airing cupboard. As the years go by, easy-care sheets are placed on top of these -- then underpants and socks are thrown on top. As long as the door opens easily, all is well and items can be retrieved. But what if the door slowly closes? You now reach in through a narrowing gap to find what you need; it will be much easier to access the orderly folded linen at the bottom and it will be pure luck if you find a sock.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn the same way, a person living with dementia will find that memories which are deeply embedded and laid down in an orderly fashion are easiest to access. Joanna makes a distinction between explicit memories and implicit ones: an example of an implicit memory would be a hymn you do not recognise until the music starts and you find you know it. A person with dementia might not remember a visit from a relative or friend (explicit memory), but may be aware of kindness and touch (implicit memory). God holds us in mind, as the father of the prodigal son holds his absent son in mind. Although his son is in a distant land he is never forgotten.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI found the most moving part of the book in the author's reminder about Easter in relation to dementia. On Good Friday Jesus is stripped of his capacities and on Holy Saturday he descends into the underworld to be with those forgotten by the world -- a profound solidarity. Joanna sees the calling of the churches to 'pick up the stitches which have been dropped'. There is practical advice on how to be with a person with dementia: we may allow a person their feelings of joy and despair, which can be incredibly intense.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAbove all, we need to cultivate 'an attitude of mindfulness to what we most fear'. Simple training is on offer to become a 'dementia friend'. Practical suggestions are offered, such as printing out Bible readings in large script, using traditional words to hymns and offering lifts.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI found this book easy to read and digest. It would make excellent material for house groups and I think it would be good for every Methodist church to have a copy!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Bob Whorton, Chaplain, Sobell House Hospice, Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":4372424589451,"title":"Parenting for Faith: The Course - Leader’s Handbook","handle":"parenting-for-faith-the-course-leader-s-handbook","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Leader's Handbook is an essential companion for those running a Parenting for Faith course, a video-based resource for parents, godparents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, foster parents, children’s and youth leaders, church leaders and family friends – in fact, anyone who wants to support a child or teen (of any age) in their spiritual development.You don’t need any formal qualifications to run a Parenting for Faith course – just enthusiasm, a bit of preparation, and a passion to see those parenting and supporting children equipped and inspired.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParenting for Faith provides skills and ideas for raising God-connected kids. Pioneered by Rachel Turner, the Parenting for Faith course is a video-based resource that helps parents and carers discover that they are perfectly positioned to show their children – of whatever age – the reality of a life with God, and empower them to have their own, vibrant, two-way relationship with him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis handbook will give you all the information you need to know to successfully lead a Parenting for Faith course. It includes session timings and questions for individual reflection and group discussion, as well as lots of top tips on how to promote and run your course.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRachel Turner is an author, a speaker and BRF’s Parenting for Faith Pioneer. She presents the Parenting for Faith course, a free eight-session video-based resource for church groups and individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-11-29T10:27:03+00:00","created_at":"2019-11-29T10:15:11+00:00","vendor":"Rachel Turner","type":"Paperback","tags":["Jan-20","Parenting","Parenting for Faith 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":31412715061387,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469854","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Parenting for Faith: The Course - Leader’s Handbook","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":499,"weight":100,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469854","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469854.jpg?v=1579022488"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469854.jpg?v=1579022488","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":6105139347595,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469854.jpg?v=1579022488"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469854.jpg?v=1579022488","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThis Leader's Handbook is an essential companion for those running a Parenting for Faith course, a video-based resource for parents, godparents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, foster parents, children’s and youth leaders, church leaders and family friends – in fact, anyone who wants to support a child or teen (of any age) in their spiritual development.You don’t need any formal qualifications to run a Parenting for Faith course – just enthusiasm, a bit of preparation, and a passion to see those parenting and supporting children equipped and inspired.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParenting for Faith provides skills and ideas for raising God-connected kids. Pioneered by Rachel Turner, the Parenting for Faith course is a video-based resource that helps parents and carers discover that they are perfectly positioned to show their children – of whatever age – the reality of a life with God, and empower them to have their own, vibrant, two-way relationship with him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis handbook will give you all the information you need to know to successfully lead a Parenting for Faith course. It includes session timings and questions for individual reflection and group discussion, as well as lots of top tips on how to promote and run your course.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRachel Turner is an author, a speaker and BRF’s Parenting for Faith Pioneer. She presents the Parenting for Faith course, a free eight-session video-based resource for church groups and individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2439781122148,"title":"Pilgrim Journeys: Pilgrimage for walkers and armchair travellers","handle":"pilgrim-journeys-pilgrimage-for-walkers-and-armchair-travellers","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhy do pilgrims walk so much?\u003cbr\u003eWhat do they learn?\u003cbr\u003eWhat lasting good does it do?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn \u003cem\u003ePilgrim Journeys\u003c\/em\u003e, experienced pilgrim and writer Sally Welch explores the less-travelled pilgrim routes of the UK and beyond, through the eyes of the pilgrims who walk them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter explores a different aspect of pilgrimage, offering reflections and indicating some of the spiritual lessons to be learned that may be practised at home. This absorbing book shows how insights gained on the journey can be incorporated into the spiritual life of every day, bringing new ways of relationship with God and with our fellow Christians, offering support and encouragement as we face the joys and challenges of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA brief history of pilgrimage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Routes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 \u003cstrong\u003eBe true to your journey:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St Columba's Way - Iona to St Andrews\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 \u003cstrong\u003eCarry only what is necessary:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Via Ingles - Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 \u003cstrong\u003eBe open to Go:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Via Limovigensis - V lay to Limoges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 \u003cstrong\u003eRejoice in your companions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Pilgrim's Way - Winchester to Canterbury\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 \u003cstrong\u003eInhabit the moment:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St David's Way - Holywell to Bardsey Island\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 \u003cstrong\u003eTread lightly upon the earth:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sentiero Francescano della Pace - Assisi to Gubbio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 \u003cstrong\u003eRelease your burdens:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Jesus Trail - Tabgha to Capernaum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 \u003cstrong\u003eTrust yourself:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St James Way - Worcester to Bristol\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 \u003cstrong\u003eRespect the community:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Thames Pilgrim Way - Oxford to Binsey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 \u003cstrong\u003eRejoice in the journey:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St Olav's Way - Stiklestad to Trondheim\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA practical guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInformation for pilgrims\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nSally Welch is the Vicar of Charlbury and Area Dean of Chipping Norton. An active pilgrim for over 20 years, she has lectured and led workshops on the nature and spirituality of pilgrimage and labyrinth throughout the UK. She is the editor of New Daylight and author of several books on pilgrimage. She worked with Bishop John Pritchard on the establishment of the Thames Pilgrim Way and is currently working on a Cotswold Pilgrimage Network.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Summer 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Jeremy Harvey\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWelch takes the reader on an unexpected journey with this slim but thought-provoking companion to ten pilgrim routes in Europe and the Holy Land. Avoiding such practical details as can be found on the internet, she instead offers a themed meditation on the spiritual steps that lead on a walk towards holiness. The opening description of St Columba's Way, from Iona to St Andrew's, becomes an extended discussion of what it means to be called, including a heartfelt appraisal of her own sense of mission. Driven by a self-confessed feeling of restlessness, her attachment to pilgrimage has an authentic ring to it: the word pilgrim was first used to describe a type of perpetual wanderer, a self-imposed exile whose journey was far removed from the later understanding of a return trip to a holy site and back. She concludes by describing a talk about an expedition planned with almost military precision along a Norwegian pilgrimage route to Trondheim, which left the audience impressed but unmoved by its spiritual content. Instead her book offers a more reflective and profitable meander along pilgrim ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine (April 2018) Review by Anne Stamper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch, Vicar of Charlbury and Area Dean of Chipping Norton, defines pilgrimage as 'a spiritual journey to a sacred place. For hundreds of years men and women have made these journeys, hoping for healing, revelation or spiritual insight. They go to places where it is felt the gap between heaven and earth is smaller, where the action of saints may break into the lives of ordinary people, transforming them.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn active pilgrim for over 20 years, in this book she draws on those experiences of pilgrimages at home and abroad, for distances long and short, and travelling with others or by herself. This is not a travel book but at the end she gives readers practical hints and sources of information should they wish to undertake a pilgrimage themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn each section Sally takes one pilgrim route and describes an episode from her experience of it; this then leads into a reflection. In some reflections she gives the reader, as an armchair traveller, a practical task (possibly using pencil and paper) that encourages thought about their own path in life and God's call 'to be a pilgrim'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of her pilgrim routes are well known, such as the Via Ingles, to Santiago de Compostela, or the Pilgrims Way from Winchester to Canterbury. Others were new to me: St James Way, from Worcester to Bristol and The Thames Pilgrim Way, from Oxford to Binsey - one Sally helped to set out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn excellent synopsis of the book is given by the chapter headings: Be true to your journey; Carry only what is necessary; Be open to God; Rejoice in your companions; Inhabit the moment; Tread lightly upon the earth; Release your burdens; Trust yourself; Respect the community; Rejoice in the journey. They are also not a bad pattern for life!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Anne Stamper\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:32+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:34+00:00","vendor":"Sally Welch","type":"Paperback","tags":["For individuals","Jul-17","Kindle","Spirituality"],"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":21769499246692,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465139","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Pilgrim Journeys: Pilgrimage for walkers and armchair travellers - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":166,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465139","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465139-l.jpg?v=1549043150"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465139-l.jpg?v=1549043150","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238878314635,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465139-l.jpg?v=1549043150"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857465139-l.jpg?v=1549043150","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eWhy do pilgrims walk so much?\u003cbr\u003eWhat do they learn?\u003cbr\u003eWhat lasting good does it do?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn \u003cem\u003ePilgrim Journeys\u003c\/em\u003e, experienced pilgrim and writer Sally Welch explores the less-travelled pilgrim routes of the UK and beyond, through the eyes of the pilgrims who walk them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter explores a different aspect of pilgrimage, offering reflections and indicating some of the spiritual lessons to be learned that may be practised at home. This absorbing book shows how insights gained on the journey can be incorporated into the spiritual life of every day, bringing new ways of relationship with God and with our fellow Christians, offering support and encouragement as we face the joys and challenges of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA brief history of pilgrimage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Routes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 \u003cstrong\u003eBe true to your journey:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St Columba's Way - Iona to St Andrews\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 \u003cstrong\u003eCarry only what is necessary:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Via Ingles - Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 \u003cstrong\u003eBe open to Go:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Via Limovigensis - V lay to Limoges\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 \u003cstrong\u003eRejoice in your companions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Pilgrim's Way - Winchester to Canterbury\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 \u003cstrong\u003eInhabit the moment:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St David's Way - Holywell to Bardsey Island\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 \u003cstrong\u003eTread lightly upon the earth:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Sentiero Francescano della Pace - Assisi to Gubbio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 \u003cstrong\u003eRelease your burdens:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Jesus Trail - Tabgha to Capernaum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 \u003cstrong\u003eTrust yourself:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St James Way - Worcester to Bristol\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 \u003cstrong\u003eRespect the community:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Thames Pilgrim Way - Oxford to Binsey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 \u003cstrong\u003eRejoice in the journey:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e St Olav's Way - Stiklestad to Trondheim\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA practical guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInformation for pilgrims\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nSally Welch is the Vicar of Charlbury and Area Dean of Chipping Norton. An active pilgrim for over 20 years, she has lectured and led workshops on the nature and spirituality of pilgrimage and labyrinth throughout the UK. She is the editor of New Daylight and author of several books on pilgrimage. She worked with Bishop John Pritchard on the establishment of the Thames Pilgrim Way and is currently working on a Cotswold Pilgrimage Network.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Summer 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReview by Jeremy Harvey\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWelch takes the reader on an unexpected journey with this slim but thought-provoking companion to ten pilgrim routes in Europe and the Holy Land. Avoiding such practical details as can be found on the internet, she instead offers a themed meditation on the spiritual steps that lead on a walk towards holiness. The opening description of St Columba's Way, from Iona to St Andrew's, becomes an extended discussion of what it means to be called, including a heartfelt appraisal of her own sense of mission. Driven by a self-confessed feeling of restlessness, her attachment to pilgrimage has an authentic ring to it: the word pilgrim was first used to describe a type of perpetual wanderer, a self-imposed exile whose journey was far removed from the later understanding of a return trip to a holy site and back. She concludes by describing a talk about an expedition planned with almost military precision along a Norwegian pilgrimage route to Trondheim, which left the audience impressed but unmoved by its spiritual content. Instead her book offers a more reflective and profitable meander along pilgrim ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine (April 2018) Review by Anne Stamper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch, Vicar of Charlbury and Area Dean of Chipping Norton, defines pilgrimage as 'a spiritual journey to a sacred place. For hundreds of years men and women have made these journeys, hoping for healing, revelation or spiritual insight. They go to places where it is felt the gap between heaven and earth is smaller, where the action of saints may break into the lives of ordinary people, transforming them.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn active pilgrim for over 20 years, in this book she draws on those experiences of pilgrimages at home and abroad, for distances long and short, and travelling with others or by herself. This is not a travel book but at the end she gives readers practical hints and sources of information should they wish to undertake a pilgrimage themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn each section Sally takes one pilgrim route and describes an episode from her experience of it; this then leads into a reflection. In some reflections she gives the reader, as an armchair traveller, a practical task (possibly using pencil and paper) that encourages thought about their own path in life and God's call 'to be a pilgrim'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of her pilgrim routes are well known, such as the Via Ingles, to Santiago de Compostela, or the Pilgrims Way from Winchester to Canterbury. Others were new to me: St James Way, from Worcester to Bristol and The Thames Pilgrim Way, from Oxford to Binsey - one Sally helped to set out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn excellent synopsis of the book is given by the chapter headings: Be true to your journey; Carry only what is necessary; Be open to God; Rejoice in your companions; Inhabit the moment; Tread lightly upon the earth; Release your burdens; Trust yourself; Respect the community; Rejoice in the journey. They are also not a bad pattern for life!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Anne Stamper\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Pilgrim Journeys: Pilgrimage for walkers and armchair travellers
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Why do pilgrims walk so much?What do they learn?What lasting good does it do?In Pilgrim Journeys, experienced pilgrim and writer...
{"id":2439826800740,"title":"Praying the Way: with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John","handle":"praying-the-way-with-matthew-mark-luke-and-john","description":"\u003cp\u003eThrough raw and authentic prayers, based on the gospel stories, Terry Hinks leads readers into the heart of the gospels the more clearly to see the needs and joys of today's world. This highly original book helps readers to pray out of, and with, the words of Jesus and to discover the joy of prayer as a two-way conversation - listening as much as speaking to God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks' book is a multi-layered gift. At once, it both offers prayers that can enrich personal devotions and public worship and enables insightfully novel theological reflection upon some very familiar material. I am grateful for it myself and warmly commend it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Nigel Uden, URC General Assembly Moderator 2018 - 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks is a gifted wordsmith. His latest book, Praying the Way with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John consists of 160 amazingly fresh prayers - 40 for each gospel - in which Scripture becomes the springboard for the soul. I know of no other prayer resource quite like it. I found these prayers not just stimulating and broadening, but also deeply challenging. This is a book not to be read - but to be used. I warmly commend it to anyone looking for a more authentic relationship with God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Beasley-Murray, 'Church Matters'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks has thought and written over many years about ways that the gospels can inspire and inform our praying. Now this mature collection of prayers draws on important texts from across the four gospels and from all around the themes of the Christian year. The primary tone is reflective, coming near to God in measured, thoughtful praise, and with deep confidence and hope. The language is both reverent and accessible, moving yet not complicated. These prayers would work very well in a church service, and would be equally helpful in a small house group or in private devotion. This book deserves to circulate widely, and I suspect that many copies will become well-worn in the course of the years. This is a resource to return to, time and again, for one's own faith and in the service of others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd John Proctor, General Secretary, The United Reformed Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks' thoughtful and useful prayers help us better understand the Jesus presented in each of the gospels. The book is very helpful for personal devotional use, but also an invaluable resource for leaders of worship.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndy Braunston, Coordinator of URC Daily Devotion Project\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry writes with freshness and honesty to all those who, like him, are trying to walk Christ's way. Like a seasoned traveller, he crafts prayers - inspired by the four gospels - that act as a way marker for his fellow travellers. I warmly commend this resource to enable us all to pray the way before turning back to the challenges that await us on the road.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Richard Church, Deputy General Secretary (Discipleship) of The United Reformed Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Praying the Way, Terry Hinks has developed his work around the four gospels into a thoughtful and accessible resource for prayer. He takes Jesus' life and relationship with his heavenly Father as a starting point for exploring our own life of prayer. This book, while primarily designed as an aid to personal devotion, will, I am sure, be a source of material for many worship leaders.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Clare Downing, Moderator of the Wessex Synod\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks is a United Reformed Church minister, serving churches in Hereford, Reading and Romsey before moving to two churches in the High Wycombe area. He served as Secretary to the URC Doctrine Prayer and Worship Committee and contributed the Order of Daily Worship to the URC's Service Book Worship. He is the author of a number of books on prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader website, 6 March 2019. Review by Laura Hillman.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis collection of prayers and meditations is firmly anchored in the four gospels. An introduction to each section highlights the characteristics of prayer in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The reader is invited to follow 'the way', a life based on prayer leading to action and changed attitudes. The author has obviously thought hard and long about the lessons to be learned and the strength to be gained from meditating on the scriptures. Each prayer is introduced by a sentence from the relevant gospel with a reference to the longer passage from which it is drawn. The language is refreshingly simple and direct with sparing and effective use of imagery. Although rooted in the Bible, the text has multiple references to life in the 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ecentury. As well as being a springboard for personal prayer these readings will provide new insights for preachers and study group leaders looking for a fresh take on a well-known text.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Laura Hillman\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.readers.cofe.anglican.org\/resources\"\u003ewww.readers.cofe.anglican.org\/resources\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_______________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform Magazine, Dec 2018-Jan2019, reviewed by John Proctor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks has thought and written over many years about ways in which the gospels can inspire and shape our praying. His long ministry, across four United Reformed Church pastorates, has certainly deepened and developed this work, and now he has provided us with a rich collection of mature prayers, drawing on important texts from across the four gospels and around the themes of the Christian year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePraying the Way \u003c\/em\u003econtains 160 prayers in all - 40 based on passages in each of the gospels. Most of them are short - between about 100 and 150 words in length - and, while Hinks has a recognisable mood and approach, there is definitely no single pattern of length, rhythm or style. The primary tone is reflective, drawing near to God in measured, thoughtful praise, with deep confidence and hope, yet often with searching humility too. The language is both reverent and accessible, often moving, never complex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prayers in \u003cem\u003ePraying the Way\u003c\/em\u003e would work well in church worship and could be equally helpful in a house group or for private use. They would connect most deeply with Christians who were reasonably familiar with the bibilcal material, and who were glad to have their thoughts taken to new places in their praying. Worship leaders will welcome the book, not least because the prayers relate so directly and obviously to scripture passages, many of which appear in the Revised Common Lectionary used in Sunday services.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA few sample snippets from the book with show the counterpoint of freshness and familiarity. The prayer based on Matthew 18:12-13 talks of 'sheep, ready to be counted, not to send us to sleep, but to waken us to your kingdom'. The one on Mark 2:1-12 says: 'Let us praise God for friends who carry us through the darkest of times'. The prayer for Luke 15:8-10 asks: 'Holy Spirit, sweep through the dust of my life'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book deserves to be widely known and well used, and many copies will surely become well-worn in the course of the years. This is a resource to return to, time and again, for one's own faith and in the service of others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Proctor is General Secretary of the United Reformed Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e This is a real treasure trove. Here are 40 readings and prayers for each of the 4 Gospels; 160 pages of wisdom, illumination, inspiration and motivation with helpful introductions and an Appendix suggesting ways in which these jewels can be made to sparkle. What is found here is not just the product of academic study but of rich pastoral experience in grass-roots ministry serving churches in Hereford, Reading, Romsey and High Wycombe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe value of these crisp reflections is that they can be used systematically to travel through the Gospels or they can be dipped into. They are also a valuable starting point for sermon preparation because of their pithy headings and the prayers which give further insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI warmly commend this creative devotional book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Tom Stuckey, a Former President of the Methodist Church in Britain\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Baptist Times, 16.01.19. Reviewed by Keith Parr\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found myself in a rather beautiful place in late October.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is this beautiful little Baptist church in beautiful Bunessan on the beautiful Isle of Mull in beautiful Scotland. Everything about it is, well beautiful! The people smile an outrageous amount, the weather is always clement (unless it's cold and raining which happens quite a lot) and the view from the pulpit... oh my, I could wax lyrical about the view from the pulpit for hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found myself in this beautiful place clutching this book I'd promised to review. I don't normally use much liturgy or many written prayers when I lead worship, but decided to take \u003cem\u003ePraying the Way\u003c\/em\u003e for a trial run this Sunday morning, knowing after the service I could ask all of the congregation if it helped or hindered their encounter with Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is how it works: Terry Hinks has written prayers around various passages in the four Gospels. As I was preaching on John 4:1-42 (Jesus and the woman at the well) after the reading, I used the prayer based on that passage. Leading the prayer felt a little odd, but that could be put down to my lack of practice with this form of praying. The congregation, though, all seemed to appreciate the structure and pauses (which I put in), especially because it related to the reading and the sermon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI probably wouldn't have purchased this, but it is the kind of book that I will know I can dip into if needs be. If your church uses liturgical language you will like this a lot. If you don't, then it isn't a bad idea to have these resources around, and this is not a bad place to start.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Keith Parr, the minister at Maghull Baptist Church north of Liverpool\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:31+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:33+00:00","vendor":"Terry Hinks","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","For individuals","Kindle","Oct-18","Prayer"],"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":21770206347364,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857467164","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Praying the Way: with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1099,"weight":248,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467164","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467164-l.jpg?v=1549043118"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467164-l.jpg?v=1549043118","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238881788043,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467164-l.jpg?v=1549043118"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857467164-l.jpg?v=1549043118","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThrough raw and authentic prayers, based on the gospel stories, Terry Hinks leads readers into the heart of the gospels the more clearly to see the needs and joys of today's world. This highly original book helps readers to pray out of, and with, the words of Jesus and to discover the joy of prayer as a two-way conversation - listening as much as speaking to God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks' book is a multi-layered gift. At once, it both offers prayers that can enrich personal devotions and public worship and enables insightfully novel theological reflection upon some very familiar material. I am grateful for it myself and warmly commend it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Nigel Uden, URC General Assembly Moderator 2018 - 2020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks is a gifted wordsmith. His latest book, Praying the Way with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John consists of 160 amazingly fresh prayers - 40 for each gospel - in which Scripture becomes the springboard for the soul. I know of no other prayer resource quite like it. I found these prayers not just stimulating and broadening, but also deeply challenging. This is a book not to be read - but to be used. I warmly commend it to anyone looking for a more authentic relationship with God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Beasley-Murray, 'Church Matters'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks has thought and written over many years about ways that the gospels can inspire and inform our praying. Now this mature collection of prayers draws on important texts from across the four gospels and from all around the themes of the Christian year. The primary tone is reflective, coming near to God in measured, thoughtful praise, and with deep confidence and hope. The language is both reverent and accessible, moving yet not complicated. These prayers would work very well in a church service, and would be equally helpful in a small house group or in private devotion. This book deserves to circulate widely, and I suspect that many copies will become well-worn in the course of the years. This is a resource to return to, time and again, for one's own faith and in the service of others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd John Proctor, General Secretary, The United Reformed Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks' thoughtful and useful prayers help us better understand the Jesus presented in each of the gospels. The book is very helpful for personal devotional use, but also an invaluable resource for leaders of worship.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndy Braunston, Coordinator of URC Daily Devotion Project\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry writes with freshness and honesty to all those who, like him, are trying to walk Christ's way. Like a seasoned traveller, he crafts prayers - inspired by the four gospels - that act as a way marker for his fellow travellers. I warmly commend this resource to enable us all to pray the way before turning back to the challenges that await us on the road.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Richard Church, Deputy General Secretary (Discipleship) of The United Reformed Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Praying the Way, Terry Hinks has developed his work around the four gospels into a thoughtful and accessible resource for prayer. He takes Jesus' life and relationship with his heavenly Father as a starting point for exploring our own life of prayer. This book, while primarily designed as an aid to personal devotion, will, I am sure, be a source of material for many worship leaders.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Clare Downing, Moderator of the Wessex Synod\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks is a United Reformed Church minister, serving churches in Hereford, Reading and Romsey before moving to two churches in the High Wycombe area. He served as Secretary to the URC Doctrine Prayer and Worship Committee and contributed the Order of Daily Worship to the URC's Service Book Worship. He is the author of a number of books on prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader website, 6 March 2019. Review by Laura Hillman.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis collection of prayers and meditations is firmly anchored in the four gospels. An introduction to each section highlights the characteristics of prayer in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The reader is invited to follow 'the way', a life based on prayer leading to action and changed attitudes. The author has obviously thought hard and long about the lessons to be learned and the strength to be gained from meditating on the scriptures. Each prayer is introduced by a sentence from the relevant gospel with a reference to the longer passage from which it is drawn. The language is refreshingly simple and direct with sparing and effective use of imagery. Although rooted in the Bible, the text has multiple references to life in the 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ecentury. As well as being a springboard for personal prayer these readings will provide new insights for preachers and study group leaders looking for a fresh take on a well-known text.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Laura Hillman\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.readers.cofe.anglican.org\/resources\"\u003ewww.readers.cofe.anglican.org\/resources\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_______________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform Magazine, Dec 2018-Jan2019, reviewed by John Proctor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerry Hinks has thought and written over many years about ways in which the gospels can inspire and shape our praying. His long ministry, across four United Reformed Church pastorates, has certainly deepened and developed this work, and now he has provided us with a rich collection of mature prayers, drawing on important texts from across the four gospels and around the themes of the Christian year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePraying the Way \u003c\/em\u003econtains 160 prayers in all - 40 based on passages in each of the gospels. Most of them are short - between about 100 and 150 words in length - and, while Hinks has a recognisable mood and approach, there is definitely no single pattern of length, rhythm or style. The primary tone is reflective, drawing near to God in measured, thoughtful praise, with deep confidence and hope, yet often with searching humility too. The language is both reverent and accessible, often moving, never complex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe prayers in \u003cem\u003ePraying the Way\u003c\/em\u003e would work well in church worship and could be equally helpful in a house group or for private use. They would connect most deeply with Christians who were reasonably familiar with the bibilcal material, and who were glad to have their thoughts taken to new places in their praying. Worship leaders will welcome the book, not least because the prayers relate so directly and obviously to scripture passages, many of which appear in the Revised Common Lectionary used in Sunday services.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA few sample snippets from the book with show the counterpoint of freshness and familiarity. The prayer based on Matthew 18:12-13 talks of 'sheep, ready to be counted, not to send us to sleep, but to waken us to your kingdom'. The one on Mark 2:1-12 says: 'Let us praise God for friends who carry us through the darkest of times'. The prayer for Luke 15:8-10 asks: 'Holy Spirit, sweep through the dust of my life'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book deserves to be widely known and well used, and many copies will surely become well-worn in the course of the years. This is a resource to return to, time and again, for one's own faith and in the service of others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Proctor is General Secretary of the United Reformed Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e This is a real treasure trove. Here are 40 readings and prayers for each of the 4 Gospels; 160 pages of wisdom, illumination, inspiration and motivation with helpful introductions and an Appendix suggesting ways in which these jewels can be made to sparkle. What is found here is not just the product of academic study but of rich pastoral experience in grass-roots ministry serving churches in Hereford, Reading, Romsey and High Wycombe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe value of these crisp reflections is that they can be used systematically to travel through the Gospels or they can be dipped into. They are also a valuable starting point for sermon preparation because of their pithy headings and the prayers which give further insight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI warmly commend this creative devotional book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Tom Stuckey, a Former President of the Methodist Church in Britain\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Baptist Times, 16.01.19. Reviewed by Keith Parr\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found myself in a rather beautiful place in late October.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is this beautiful little Baptist church in beautiful Bunessan on the beautiful Isle of Mull in beautiful Scotland. Everything about it is, well beautiful! The people smile an outrageous amount, the weather is always clement (unless it's cold and raining which happens quite a lot) and the view from the pulpit... oh my, I could wax lyrical about the view from the pulpit for hours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found myself in this beautiful place clutching this book I'd promised to review. I don't normally use much liturgy or many written prayers when I lead worship, but decided to take \u003cem\u003ePraying the Way\u003c\/em\u003e for a trial run this Sunday morning, knowing after the service I could ask all of the congregation if it helped or hindered their encounter with Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is how it works: Terry Hinks has written prayers around various passages in the four Gospels. As I was preaching on John 4:1-42 (Jesus and the woman at the well) after the reading, I used the prayer based on that passage. Leading the prayer felt a little odd, but that could be put down to my lack of practice with this form of praying. The congregation, though, all seemed to appreciate the structure and pauses (which I put in), especially because it related to the reading and the sermon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI probably wouldn't have purchased this, but it is the kind of book that I will know I can dip into if needs be. If your church uses liturgical language you will like this a lot. If you don't, then it isn't a bad idea to have these resources around, and this is not a bad place to start.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Keith Parr, the minister at Maghull Baptist Church north of Liverpool\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Praying the Way: with Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
£10.99
Through raw and authentic prayers, based on the gospel stories, Terry Hinks leads readers into the heart of the gospels...
{"id":2439811334244,"title":"Home by Another Route: Reimagining today's church","handle":"home-by-another-route-reimagining-todays-church","description":"\u003cp\u003ePaul Bradbury believes that a movement of the Holy Spirit is beginning to renew and reform today's church - a church marginalised and 'in exile'. Following on from Stepping into Grace, Bradbury takes the prophet's powerful image of dry skeletal human remains coming to life through the miraculous work of the Spirit of God to encourage and inspire the contemporary church to seek renewal through the Spirit. This is a compelling and prophetic book - a must-read for today's church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Bradbury is a pioneer minister in the Church of England. He leads a missional community, based in Poole, with a vision to connect with unchurched people and support and train others involved in new forms of church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Paul's lockdown blog click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/paul-bradbury-guest-blog\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is powerful stuff from Paul Bradbury holding out Ezekiel as an example for leadership and pioneer ministry in our times. He draws wonderful insights from this old Bible prophet for a church that has essentially been exiled. His writing is really well crafted with lovely turns of phrase and it's a book that is both a fairly easy read but also runs deep. I found it inspiring and challenging in equal measure.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJonny Baker, Director of Mission Education, CMS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHome by Another Route uses the metaphor of exile to describe the place of the 21st Century Church in a post Christendom world. It argues that a new ecclesial narrative can be found by understanding who we were, the acceptance of what we have lost and through this the discovery of who we might be. This book offers a valuable framework for those seeking to pioneer a future expression of church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Ed Olsworth-Peter, National Adviser for Pioneer Development\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy creatively using metaphors of exile and home, along with insights from Ezekiel, Paul explores how exile can encourage our imaginations to rethink and retool what church might look like. I found this book to be challenging and hopeful for the place of the church in our world, encouraging a humble and decentered posture that might just make church more attractive to a generation that craves authenticity and integrity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCathy Ross, Lecturer in Contextual Theology, Ripon College, Cuddesdon, and MA Coordinator for Pioneer Leadership Training at CMS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times, 13 March 2020. Review by the Rt Rev Paul Bayes, the Bishop of Liverpool\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Bradbury has a vision for the future of the Church. His account recognises and accepts the reality of the chaotic, fluid culture of the West. In such a context, he says, ‘Perhaps… the most fruitful way to explore our place as the Church in the maelstrom of the world is to play with story.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bible is a good resource for playing with story – this complicated library of books which, certainly in the case of the Hebrew scriptures, has nothing direct to say about the preferred shape of the Christian Church. In its stories it is possible to find many echoes and pre-echoes of the way we might want to do things today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, similar reflections have found their home in the Book of Nehemiah, which can be read as a series of helpful hints on building a Church as well as building a wall. Managerial and devotional lessons – vision, perseverance, prayer, teamwork – can be found in Nehemiah for the Churches and their leaders, if you can skate over some of the less politically correct stories in that interesting book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBradbury, on the other hand, draws on bleaker stories – in particular the image of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37. He seeks to discern the Spirit moving among the bones today. As he does so, he shapes an attractive vision of the Church – a light, innovative, relational community, counter-cultural in its radical sharing, critical of consumerism and of an instrumental obsession with growth and prosperity. He finds in Ezekiel both the motivation for his own preferred way of being the Church, and the reassurance that God’s inspired word prefigures the choices that he and his community have made.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBradbury’s approach rhymes interestingly with that of more conservative defenders of the inherited parish system, those who ask us simply to hold our nerve in hope, faithful to that which we have received, not changing a thing, waiting for the bones to reconnect. Like them, Bradbury is critical of an anxious Church that simply wants to find a winning formula and clone it. Unlike them, he sees the need to explore a radical ‘re-imagination’ of the ways things are, and could be, when Christians gather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis book will therefore rattle many bones among those of us who explore and debate the renewing and reforming of the Church. For this reason, I recommend it gladly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Rt Rev Paul Bayes, the Bishop of Liverpool\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Autumn 2019. Review by Rosemary Medhurst\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDoes contemporary British Christianity, and the loss of influence of the church as an institution, have much in common with the experience of exile? This comparison focuses on Ezekiel, and particularly the vision of dry bones. ‘Can these bones live?’ is the question, and Ezekiel watches them restored. But God is doing a new thing, then beyond the structures of monarchy and temple, now beyond the structures of inherited church. Bradbury encourages us to venture out to participate in God’s initiatives – ‘missio dei’ – rather than continuing to try to pull people in. He warns provocatively against denial, even against overvaluing large busy churches, and promotes nurturing the various fresh expressions along the spectrum away from traditional church. This is a short book, but well supported by references, many from Brueggemann, including the health warning that ‘the usefulness of a metaphor for rereading our own context is that it is not claimed to be a one-to-one match’. Indeed, but an encouragement to share Ezekiel’s step into the unknown with the response: ‘Sovereign Lord, you alone know’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Rosemary Medhurst\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, May 2019. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Ruth Maxey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Bradbury is an Anglican pioneer minister who started a fascinating fresh expression in Poole – a missional community called ‘Reconnect’ that is living out a new way of being Church. He therefore brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to the topic of ‘reimagining today’s Church’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a misleadingly thin book, as the content is anything but thin! It’s heart is an in-depth analysis of the exilic period, with a particular focus on Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones in Ezekiel 37. From this detailed biblical and historical analysis, Bradbury draws parallels with the context the Church finds itself in today. As Christian communities, we are also in exile, often looking back longingly and trying to recreate and maintain our old ways in a foreign land. We are often either in despair at the loss of the past, or looking to some kind of assimilation. Bradbury maintains that we need to see the creative opportunities that our present context offers us, as we allow the Spirit to work through us in new and exciting ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe phrase ‘home by another route’ comes from the story of the journey of the magi in Matthew’s Gospel. The magi do return home, but they are changed by their encounter and return by another route. The Church is also called to ‘return by another route’, we cannot simply try to do the old things better, we need to find another route. Bradbury rightly claims that ‘recreating Jerusalem in the landscape of Babylon is not an option’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs someone who is part of a community that is seeking to reimagine the Church, I was very much drawn to the topic. But this is not a practical ‘how to’ book, it is one to take time with, to chew over, to re-read. It is not a book for someone looking for simple answers on how to reimagine the Church today. This is a book for those who are prepared to think deeply and theologically about the context in which we find ourselves, and to look to the wealth of biblical tradition for wisdom and inspiration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRuth Maxey is a pioneer minister at Church without Walls, Milton Keynes\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInspire, March 2019. Review by John Woods\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a readable reflection on Ezekiel’s Dry Bones passage in Ezekiel Chapter 37. The author sees the prophet as a pioneer, who has a fresh God-given take on what can be done on the present and the future. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Paul Bradbury leads what he calls a missional community attached to the Church of England; he views the UK Church as a community in exile. By this the author means that the Church should operate within a society where Christianity does not provide the primary language or narrative for most people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBradbury finds a breath-taking hope of a homecoming in Ezekiel’s message to the exiles. Yet this homecoming, if it is to occur, might involve coming back by another route.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author provides a useful spectrum for assessing the nature of church leadership: Church Replicators, who repeat that which has always been done; Pioneer Adaptors, who use things like Messy Church and Café Church to create fresh zones for people to explore Christianity, and Pioneer Innovators who use more explorative, low-key ways to get alongside those who are seeking to make sense of life, God and the universe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found this book to be a stimulating read but wondered if at times it fell between the stools of being an academic or a popular treatment. I think I would also have liked a little bit more meat on the bones concerning how Pioneer innovators “venture into the edges of postmodern culture”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat said here is a timely invitation to reimagine the way we do church, that is open to the breath of the Spirit and seeks to be shaped to come alongside those beyond the “usual suspects”!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Woods is pastor of Lancing Tabernacle in West Sussex\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIrish Methodist Newsletter. Review by Stephen Skuce, \u003cspan\u003eDistrict Superintendent, North Western District\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe world has changed significantly over the past 50 years. The church has not necessarily changed as much. Consequently, the two are a bit more disconnected than they previously were. This isn’t a breaking news story but it’s how we understand and respond to this that is crucial. Paul Bradbury reflects on this with an understanding that the church today finds itself in exile, albeit that society has moved on and the church is somewhat marooned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEzekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones is the thread that holds this book together. Each chapter takes a different aspect of the prophet’s vision, with the recurring questions as to whether the bones (or church) can live again. Based on his experience as a pioneer minister, Bradbury avoids platitudes or somewhat mechanical solutions. He views the problem as primarily a spiritual problem that needs a spiritual answer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book’s title recognises that the church is not able to return to what it was. The visit of the Wise Men to Jesus changed their lives and following God’s warning, they went home by a different route. Bradbury argues that church restoration and renewal of the past is no longer for today, and we as the church need to find another route to our home, or place of peace, safety and prosperity. ‘Recreating Jerusalem in the landscape of Babylon is not an option’ (p.85). Those in exile start to understand how God is with them, not in the ways of the past which are gone, but in the new strange world they find themselves a bit reluctantly in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday people are still interested in spirituality and understanding who God is. They no longer focus this search on the church but rather follow numerous alternative ways. Indeed, perhaps this is now the norm and the church is one of the alternatives. This is all part of the uncomfortable place that is exile. Bradbury reflects on his pioneer ministry with the Church of England in Poole in southern England. I don’t think this shows us a model as to how to respond. It does show us one response and challenges us to find our own ways to respond to living in exile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUltimately ‘all our efforts at refounding, renewal, reform will be nothing unless they are built on a renewal of our reliance on God’ (p105). That is both our challenge and direction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Rev’d Dr Stephen Skuce, District Superintendent, North Western District\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:24:32+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:24:34+00:00","vendor":"Paul Bradbury","type":"Paperback","tags":["Church life","Feb-19","For churches","For individuals","Kindle","Spirituality"],"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":21769940107364,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466310","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Home by Another Route: Reimagining today's church - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":151,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466310","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466310-l.jpg?v=1549043128"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466310-l.jpg?v=1549043128","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238880641163,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466310-l.jpg?v=1549043128"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857466310-l.jpg?v=1549043128","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003ePaul Bradbury believes that a movement of the Holy Spirit is beginning to renew and reform today's church - a church marginalised and 'in exile'. Following on from Stepping into Grace, Bradbury takes the prophet's powerful image of dry skeletal human remains coming to life through the miraculous work of the Spirit of God to encourage and inspire the contemporary church to seek renewal through the Spirit. This is a compelling and prophetic book - a must-read for today's church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Bradbury is a pioneer minister in the Church of England. He leads a missional community, based in Poole, with a vision to connect with unchurched people and support and train others involved in new forms of church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo read Paul's lockdown blog click \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/blogs\/collections\/paul-bradbury-guest-blog\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is powerful stuff from Paul Bradbury holding out Ezekiel as an example for leadership and pioneer ministry in our times. He draws wonderful insights from this old Bible prophet for a church that has essentially been exiled. His writing is really well crafted with lovely turns of phrase and it's a book that is both a fairly easy read but also runs deep. I found it inspiring and challenging in equal measure.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJonny Baker, Director of Mission Education, CMS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHome by Another Route uses the metaphor of exile to describe the place of the 21st Century Church in a post Christendom world. It argues that a new ecclesial narrative can be found by understanding who we were, the acceptance of what we have lost and through this the discovery of who we might be. This book offers a valuable framework for those seeking to pioneer a future expression of church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Ed Olsworth-Peter, National Adviser for Pioneer Development\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy creatively using metaphors of exile and home, along with insights from Ezekiel, Paul explores how exile can encourage our imaginations to rethink and retool what church might look like. I found this book to be challenging and hopeful for the place of the church in our world, encouraging a humble and decentered posture that might just make church more attractive to a generation that craves authenticity and integrity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCathy Ross, Lecturer in Contextual Theology, Ripon College, Cuddesdon, and MA Coordinator for Pioneer Leadership Training at CMS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times, 13 March 2020. Review by the Rt Rev Paul Bayes, the Bishop of Liverpool\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Bradbury has a vision for the future of the Church. His account recognises and accepts the reality of the chaotic, fluid culture of the West. In such a context, he says, ‘Perhaps… the most fruitful way to explore our place as the Church in the maelstrom of the world is to play with story.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bible is a good resource for playing with story – this complicated library of books which, certainly in the case of the Hebrew scriptures, has nothing direct to say about the preferred shape of the Christian Church. In its stories it is possible to find many echoes and pre-echoes of the way we might want to do things today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor example, similar reflections have found their home in the Book of Nehemiah, which can be read as a series of helpful hints on building a Church as well as building a wall. Managerial and devotional lessons – vision, perseverance, prayer, teamwork – can be found in Nehemiah for the Churches and their leaders, if you can skate over some of the less politically correct stories in that interesting book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBradbury, on the other hand, draws on bleaker stories – in particular the image of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37. He seeks to discern the Spirit moving among the bones today. As he does so, he shapes an attractive vision of the Church – a light, innovative, relational community, counter-cultural in its radical sharing, critical of consumerism and of an instrumental obsession with growth and prosperity. He finds in Ezekiel both the motivation for his own preferred way of being the Church, and the reassurance that God’s inspired word prefigures the choices that he and his community have made.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBradbury’s approach rhymes interestingly with that of more conservative defenders of the inherited parish system, those who ask us simply to hold our nerve in hope, faithful to that which we have received, not changing a thing, waiting for the bones to reconnect. Like them, Bradbury is critical of an anxious Church that simply wants to find a winning formula and clone it. Unlike them, he sees the need to explore a radical ‘re-imagination’ of the ways things are, and could be, when Christians gather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis book will therefore rattle many bones among those of us who explore and debate the renewing and reforming of the Church. For this reason, I recommend it gladly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Rt Rev Paul Bayes, the Bishop of Liverpool\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Autumn 2019. Review by Rosemary Medhurst\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDoes contemporary British Christianity, and the loss of influence of the church as an institution, have much in common with the experience of exile? This comparison focuses on Ezekiel, and particularly the vision of dry bones. ‘Can these bones live?’ is the question, and Ezekiel watches them restored. But God is doing a new thing, then beyond the structures of monarchy and temple, now beyond the structures of inherited church. Bradbury encourages us to venture out to participate in God’s initiatives – ‘missio dei’ – rather than continuing to try to pull people in. He warns provocatively against denial, even against overvaluing large busy churches, and promotes nurturing the various fresh expressions along the spectrum away from traditional church. This is a short book, but well supported by references, many from Brueggemann, including the health warning that ‘the usefulness of a metaphor for rereading our own context is that it is not claimed to be a one-to-one match’. Indeed, but an encouragement to share Ezekiel’s step into the unknown with the response: ‘Sovereign Lord, you alone know’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Rosemary Medhurst\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform, May 2019. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Ruth Maxey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Bradbury is an Anglican pioneer minister who started a fascinating fresh expression in Poole – a missional community called ‘Reconnect’ that is living out a new way of being Church. He therefore brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to the topic of ‘reimagining today’s Church’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a misleadingly thin book, as the content is anything but thin! It’s heart is an in-depth analysis of the exilic period, with a particular focus on Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones in Ezekiel 37. From this detailed biblical and historical analysis, Bradbury draws parallels with the context the Church finds itself in today. As Christian communities, we are also in exile, often looking back longingly and trying to recreate and maintain our old ways in a foreign land. We are often either in despair at the loss of the past, or looking to some kind of assimilation. Bradbury maintains that we need to see the creative opportunities that our present context offers us, as we allow the Spirit to work through us in new and exciting ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe phrase ‘home by another route’ comes from the story of the journey of the magi in Matthew’s Gospel. The magi do return home, but they are changed by their encounter and return by another route. The Church is also called to ‘return by another route’, we cannot simply try to do the old things better, we need to find another route. Bradbury rightly claims that ‘recreating Jerusalem in the landscape of Babylon is not an option’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs someone who is part of a community that is seeking to reimagine the Church, I was very much drawn to the topic. But this is not a practical ‘how to’ book, it is one to take time with, to chew over, to re-read. It is not a book for someone looking for simple answers on how to reimagine the Church today. This is a book for those who are prepared to think deeply and theologically about the context in which we find ourselves, and to look to the wealth of biblical tradition for wisdom and inspiration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRuth Maxey is a pioneer minister at Church without Walls, Milton Keynes\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInspire, March 2019. Review by John Woods\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a readable reflection on Ezekiel’s Dry Bones passage in Ezekiel Chapter 37. The author sees the prophet as a pioneer, who has a fresh God-given take on what can be done on the present and the future. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Paul Bradbury leads what he calls a missional community attached to the Church of England; he views the UK Church as a community in exile. By this the author means that the Church should operate within a society where Christianity does not provide the primary language or narrative for most people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBradbury finds a breath-taking hope of a homecoming in Ezekiel’s message to the exiles. Yet this homecoming, if it is to occur, might involve coming back by another route.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author provides a useful spectrum for assessing the nature of church leadership: Church Replicators, who repeat that which has always been done; Pioneer Adaptors, who use things like Messy Church and Café Church to create fresh zones for people to explore Christianity, and Pioneer Innovators who use more explorative, low-key ways to get alongside those who are seeking to make sense of life, God and the universe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found this book to be a stimulating read but wondered if at times it fell between the stools of being an academic or a popular treatment. I think I would also have liked a little bit more meat on the bones concerning how Pioneer innovators “venture into the edges of postmodern culture”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat said here is a timely invitation to reimagine the way we do church, that is open to the breath of the Spirit and seeks to be shaped to come alongside those beyond the “usual suspects”!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Woods is pastor of Lancing Tabernacle in West Sussex\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIrish Methodist Newsletter. Review by Stephen Skuce, \u003cspan\u003eDistrict Superintendent, North Western District\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe world has changed significantly over the past 50 years. The church has not necessarily changed as much. Consequently, the two are a bit more disconnected than they previously were. This isn’t a breaking news story but it’s how we understand and respond to this that is crucial. Paul Bradbury reflects on this with an understanding that the church today finds itself in exile, albeit that society has moved on and the church is somewhat marooned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEzekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones is the thread that holds this book together. Each chapter takes a different aspect of the prophet’s vision, with the recurring questions as to whether the bones (or church) can live again. Based on his experience as a pioneer minister, Bradbury avoids platitudes or somewhat mechanical solutions. He views the problem as primarily a spiritual problem that needs a spiritual answer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book’s title recognises that the church is not able to return to what it was. The visit of the Wise Men to Jesus changed their lives and following God’s warning, they went home by a different route. Bradbury argues that church restoration and renewal of the past is no longer for today, and we as the church need to find another route to our home, or place of peace, safety and prosperity. ‘Recreating Jerusalem in the landscape of Babylon is not an option’ (p.85). Those in exile start to understand how God is with them, not in the ways of the past which are gone, but in the new strange world they find themselves a bit reluctantly in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday people are still interested in spirituality and understanding who God is. They no longer focus this search on the church but rather follow numerous alternative ways. Indeed, perhaps this is now the norm and the church is one of the alternatives. This is all part of the uncomfortable place that is exile. Bradbury reflects on his pioneer ministry with the Church of England in Poole in southern England. I don’t think this shows us a model as to how to respond. It does show us one response and challenges us to find our own ways to respond to living in exile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUltimately ‘all our efforts at refounding, renewal, reform will be nothing unless they are built on a renewal of our reliance on God’ (p105). That is both our challenge and direction\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Rev’d Dr Stephen Skuce, District Superintendent, North Western District\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Home by Another Route: Reimagining today's church
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Paul Bradbury believes that a movement of the Holy Spirit is beginning to renew and reform today's church - a...
{"id":4372427014283,"title":"Parenting for Faith: The Course - Participant’s Handbook","handle":"parenting-for-faith-the-course-participant-s-handbook","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Participant's Handbook is a useful companion to people using the Parenting for Faith course, a video-based resource for parents, godparents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, foster parents, children’s and youth leaders, church leaders and family friends – in fact, anyone who wants to support a child or teen (of any age) in their spiritual development. Intended to be used alongside the Leader's Guide and the Parenting for Faith course DVD or the online course, this handbook guides participants through the course with plenty of space for note-taking and reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParenting for Faith provides skills and ideas for raising God-connected kids. Pioneered by Rachel Turner, the Parenting for Faith course is a video-based resource that helps parents and carers discover that they are perfectly positioned to show their children – of whatever age – the reality of a life with God, and empower them to have their own, vibrant, two-way relationship with him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis handbook is designed for participants to use as they go through the course. With space for your own notes and reflections, it also acts as a reminder of the key points from each session, together with some suggested next steps to help you explore the topic more deeply or try it out with your family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRachel Turner is an author, a speaker and BRF’s Parenting for Faith Pioneer. She presents the Parenting for Faith course, a free eight-session video-based resource for church groups and individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-11-29T10:26:22+00:00","created_at":"2019-11-29T10:24:38+00:00","vendor":"Rachel Turner","type":"Paperback","tags":["Jan-20","Parenting","Parenting for Faith books"],"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":31412728987787,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469861","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Parenting for Faith: The Course - Participant’s Handbook","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":399,"weight":100,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469861","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469861.jpg?v=1579022504"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469861.jpg?v=1579022504","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":6105140854923,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"width":1000,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469861.jpg?v=1579022504"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":1419,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857469861.jpg?v=1579022504","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThis Participant's Handbook is a useful companion to people using the Parenting for Faith course, a video-based resource for parents, godparents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, foster parents, children’s and youth leaders, church leaders and family friends – in fact, anyone who wants to support a child or teen (of any age) in their spiritual development. Intended to be used alongside the Leader's Guide and the Parenting for Faith course DVD or the online course, this handbook guides participants through the course with plenty of space for note-taking and reflection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParenting for Faith provides skills and ideas for raising God-connected kids. Pioneered by Rachel Turner, the Parenting for Faith course is a video-based resource that helps parents and carers discover that they are perfectly positioned to show their children – of whatever age – the reality of a life with God, and empower them to have their own, vibrant, two-way relationship with him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis handbook is designed for participants to use as they go through the course. With space for your own notes and reflections, it also acts as a reminder of the key points from each session, together with some suggested next steps to help you explore the topic more deeply or try it out with your family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRachel Turner is an author, a speaker and BRF’s Parenting for Faith Pioneer. She presents the Parenting for Faith course, a free eight-session video-based resource for church groups and individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":4378621804683,"title":"Parenting for Faith Course Participant's Handbooks","handle":"parenting-for-faith-course-participants-handbook-pack","description":"\u003cp\u003eSave 15% when you buy this pack of Participant's Handbooks for your Parenting for Faith course.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePack includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"Parenting%20for%20Faith:%20The%20Course%20-%20Participant%E2%80%99s%20Handbook\"\u003eParticipant's Handbook\u003c\/a\u003e x5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-12-17T09:43:07+00:00","created_at":"2019-12-09T15:58:54+00:00","vendor":"Rachel Turner","type":"Paperback","tags":["Jan-20","Parenting","Parenting for Faith books","Parenting for Faith packs"],"price":1695,"price_min":1695,"price_max":1695,"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":31438304739467,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"PFFPARTICIPANT","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Parenting for Faith Course Participant's Handbooks","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1695,"weight":500,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"PFFPARTICIPANT","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/PFFPARTICIPANT.png?v=1579166893"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/PFFPARTICIPANT.png?v=1579166893","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":6129395957899,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":270,"width":270,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/PFFPARTICIPANT.png?v=1579166893"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":270,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/PFFPARTICIPANT.png?v=1579166893","width":270}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eSave 15% when you buy this pack of Participant's Handbooks for your Parenting for Faith course.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePack includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"Parenting%20for%20Faith:%20The%20Course%20-%20Participant%E2%80%99s%20Handbook\"\u003eParticipant's Handbook\u003c\/a\u003e x5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2439756054628,"title":"Living Liturgies: Transition time resources for services, prayer and conversation with older people","handle":"living-liturgies-transition-time-resources-for-services-prayer-and-conversation-with-older-people","description":"\u003cp\u003eA creative and original book of liturgies and reflections for use in worship and also pastoral ministry with older people, who are moving from the 'third age' to the more dependent 'fourth age' of life. Developed by the author after many years of working in church and community settings with older people, the book provides an invaluable resource for those embarking on this ministry as well as those wanting inspiration for their ongoing work. The book also includes wider reflections on ageing and spirituality.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaroline George writes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWorship resources to use with people in what we now know as the fourth stage of life, the period where independence begins to move to dependence, require a different approach to regular worship resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCaroline George introduces her new resource to help leaders meet this need.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\r\n\u003chave you ever had that sinking feeling after enthusiastically saying to something later feel not sure of\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt was just so when I agreed to lead worship for a group of older people who met at the St Peter's Women's Fellowship in Hall Green, Birmingham. I wrongly assumed resources would abound in local Christian bookshops and in desperation began rummaging around the corners of my mind and ruminating on words from secular and biblical contexts, familiar prayers, creative prayers and visual aids, and then weaving them together for worship. It was a process that began in desperation and ended with delight as thoughts developed in the quiet nooks and crannies of busy days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiving Liturgies evolved from my relationship with the Hall Green Fellowship where I had the privilege of leading their monthly devotional service for over ten years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it became apparent that the group would close, there was a need to create services that were not just for their closing meetings but had the potential to be a prompt for prayer in the weeks and months ahead as the group members worshipped alone or in other places. Familiar features and furniture found in homes, hospital and hospice offered the foundation for themes that might easily be recalled and could cross boundaries from independent to dependent living. The services captured the imagination of the group, conversation rolled, laughter and tears were shared and worship was relevant and reverent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nLike the best worship, these ideas help open our eyes, both to what is 'beyond' and what is right in our midst. Debbie Thrower, Team Leader of The Gift of Years and Anna Chaplain to Older People\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nCaroline George is a Non-Stipendiary Minister, working as Assistant Priest in Moseley, Birmingham. She previously spent four years as a chaplain to a city 'community hub', the base for organisations from the private, public and voluntary sector. During ten years as a Reader in a suburban parish, she worked extensively with older adults, women's fellowship, residential and nursing homes, and ran a home group for senior citizens.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry Way - May 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn her helpful introduction, Caroline George makes the point that since the majority of older people do not have dementia there is a real need for 'carefully prepared worship for those whose bodies are frail but who wish to engage and participate in worshipping God'(p10). This book then goes on to provide examples of such worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWe are reminded how the physical space can shape the worship and we are shown ways of using familiar traditional worship resources, as well as introducing new ideas. Each liturgy begins with something familiar and this is used to begin conversations, which then lead into and are part of worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is nothing simplistic or patronising about these liturgies; Caroline is not afraid to confront the difficult issues. People who are moving from the activity of the third age to the dependence of the fourth are grappling with difficult issues and need support as they do so. Older people have just as diverse and complex spiritual needs as any other group and if we want to minister to this group and we need to take that seriously.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe liturgies are well described with helpful additional notes for those leading worship. Anyone who regularly leads worship for groups of older people either in church or in a residential setting will find this book invaluable.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Clark\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/have\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eCaroline George has spent many years creating times of worship which provide the opportunity for people to befriend the elderly stranger within themselves, while making sense of the changes happening to them as they begin to move from independence to dependence. Living Liturgies (BRF) is a collection of resources for services, prayer and conversation, honed for use especially for older people who are no longer able to attend Sunday worship. Her services contain familiar elements, in terms of prayers, language and hymns, but also more tactile or visual elements to enable groups in residential homes and church contexts to use a multisensory or reminiscence-based approach, in order to give voice to past, present and future and help provide people with the tools to find grace in the complexity of lives which may be growing ever more isolated or fragmented.\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRichard Greatrex in Manna - Diocese of Bath and Wells Autumn 2015\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone in the Church who works with elderly people and leads their worship should have a copy of Caroline George's book on their shelves. Or rather, they should have it in their hands, to read, re-read and use. The Introduction contains much wisdom, and the liturgies that take up almost the whole of the rest of the book are excellent. They arose from Caroline's work with a particular women's fellowship over many years. She tells us she found the members an inspiring bunch, and that is clear from the book. There is nothing condescending or patronising about it. It is magnificently down-to-earth and full of God.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eShe speaks of 'bringing to God the ashes of our discomfort and pain, and the flames of our anxieties about ageing and dying,' and near the end of the book she poses an important question: 'I wonder how well we understand the dragons of fear for elderly people, and whether we create opportunities for them to name those fears.' Her little book suggests she herself understands those dragons pretty well, and her liturgies themselves offer plenty of examples where they are named. I was especially encouraged to see 'A service of lament; 'Anger and tears''. For years I have been quoting to anyone who will listen the devastating remark of the great Old Testament scholar, Walter Brueggemann, made in a paper published in 1986 called 'The Costly Loss of Lament', about how the church 'goes on singing 'happy songs' in the face of raw reality.' Despite what Caroline says about the church 'once again recognising the need to lament', I do not see many signs of it, but Living Liturgies is one of them. Alleluia!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOne small complaint . . . about complaint . . . or rather, the lack of it. 'The psalmists,' writes George, 'give a wonderful insight into the process of anger and lament worked out in submission to God.' I find the psalmists more often hurling their anger and lament into God's face (such is their profound trust in his mercy) - and just think for a moment of Job! George's 'conversation starters' in her service of lament include some highly pertinent questions about people's anger. But what about their anger with God? That too needs to be named, and opportunities given for its guilt-free expression. But that is only a small complaint. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCaroline George has written a fine book, and given the church a great gift.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Trevor Dennis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:00+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:01+00:00","vendor":"Caroline George","type":"Paperback","tags":["Anna Chaplaincy books","Jan-15","Pastoral care","Recommended for Anna Chaplaincy"],"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":21769144336484,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857463234","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Living Liturgies: Transition time resources for services, prayer and conversation with older people - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":114,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857463234","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857463234-l.jpg?v=1549043168"],"featured_image":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857463234-l.jpg?v=1549043168","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238875463819,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":790,"width":518,"src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857463234-l.jpg?v=1549043168"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":790,"media_type":"image","src":"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/products\/9780857463234-l.jpg?v=1549043168","width":518}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eA creative and original book of liturgies and reflections for use in worship and also pastoral ministry with older people, who are moving from the 'third age' to the more dependent 'fourth age' of life. Developed by the author after many years of working in church and community settings with older people, the book provides an invaluable resource for those embarking on this ministry as well as those wanting inspiration for their ongoing work. The book also includes wider reflections on ageing and spirituality.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaroline George writes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWorship resources to use with people in what we now know as the fourth stage of life, the period where independence begins to move to dependence, require a different approach to regular worship resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCaroline George introduces her new resource to help leaders meet this need.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\r\n\u003chave you ever had that sinking feeling after enthusiastically saying to something later feel not sure of\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt was just so when I agreed to lead worship for a group of older people who met at the St Peter's Women's Fellowship in Hall Green, Birmingham. I wrongly assumed resources would abound in local Christian bookshops and in desperation began rummaging around the corners of my mind and ruminating on words from secular and biblical contexts, familiar prayers, creative prayers and visual aids, and then weaving them together for worship. It was a process that began in desperation and ended with delight as thoughts developed in the quiet nooks and crannies of busy days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiving Liturgies evolved from my relationship with the Hall Green Fellowship where I had the privilege of leading their monthly devotional service for over ten years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen it became apparent that the group would close, there was a need to create services that were not just for their closing meetings but had the potential to be a prompt for prayer in the weeks and months ahead as the group members worshipped alone or in other places. Familiar features and furniture found in homes, hospital and hospice offered the foundation for themes that might easily be recalled and could cross boundaries from independent to dependent living. The services captured the imagination of the group, conversation rolled, laughter and tears were shared and worship was relevant and reverent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nLike the best worship, these ideas help open our eyes, both to what is 'beyond' and what is right in our midst. Debbie Thrower, Team Leader of The Gift of Years and Anna Chaplain to Older People\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nCaroline George is a Non-Stipendiary Minister, working as Assistant Priest in Moseley, Birmingham. She previously spent four years as a chaplain to a city 'community hub', the base for organisations from the private, public and voluntary sector. During ten years as a Reader in a suburban parish, she worked extensively with older adults, women's fellowship, residential and nursing homes, and ran a home group for senior citizens.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry Way - May 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn her helpful introduction, Caroline George makes the point that since the majority of older people do not have dementia there is a real need for 'carefully prepared worship for those whose bodies are frail but who wish to engage and participate in worshipping God'(p10). This book then goes on to provide examples of such worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWe are reminded how the physical space can shape the worship and we are shown ways of using familiar traditional worship resources, as well as introducing new ideas. Each liturgy begins with something familiar and this is used to begin conversations, which then lead into and are part of worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere is nothing simplistic or patronising about these liturgies; Caroline is not afraid to confront the difficult issues. People who are moving from the activity of the third age to the dependence of the fourth are grappling with difficult issues and need support as they do so. Older people have just as diverse and complex spiritual needs as any other group and if we want to minister to this group and we need to take that seriously.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe liturgies are well described with helpful additional notes for those leading worship. Anyone who regularly leads worship for groups of older people either in church or in a residential setting will find this book invaluable.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eElizabeth Clark\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/have\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eCaroline George has spent many years creating times of worship which provide the opportunity for people to befriend the elderly stranger within themselves, while making sense of the changes happening to them as they begin to move from independence to dependence. Living Liturgies (BRF) is a collection of resources for services, prayer and conversation, honed for use especially for older people who are no longer able to attend Sunday worship. Her services contain familiar elements, in terms of prayers, language and hymns, but also more tactile or visual elements to enable groups in residential homes and church contexts to use a multisensory or reminiscence-based approach, in order to give voice to past, present and future and help provide people with the tools to find grace in the complexity of lives which may be growing ever more isolated or fragmented.\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRichard Greatrex in Manna - Diocese of Bath and Wells Autumn 2015\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone in the Church who works with elderly people and leads their worship should have a copy of Caroline George's book on their shelves. Or rather, they should have it in their hands, to read, re-read and use. The Introduction contains much wisdom, and the liturgies that take up almost the whole of the rest of the book are excellent. They arose from Caroline's work with a particular women's fellowship over many years. She tells us she found the members an inspiring bunch, and that is clear from the book. There is nothing condescending or patronising about it. It is magnificently down-to-earth and full of God.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eShe speaks of 'bringing to God the ashes of our discomfort and pain, and the flames of our anxieties about ageing and dying,' and near the end of the book she poses an important question: 'I wonder how well we understand the dragons of fear for elderly people, and whether we create opportunities for them to name those fears.' Her little book suggests she herself understands those dragons pretty well, and her liturgies themselves offer plenty of examples where they are named. I was especially encouraged to see 'A service of lament; 'Anger and tears''. For years I have been quoting to anyone who will listen the devastating remark of the great Old Testament scholar, Walter Brueggemann, made in a paper published in 1986 called 'The Costly Loss of Lament', about how the church 'goes on singing 'happy songs' in the face of raw reality.' Despite what Caroline says about the church 'once again recognising the need to lament', I do not see many signs of it, but Living Liturgies is one of them. Alleluia!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eOne small complaint . . . about complaint . . . or rather, the lack of it. 'The psalmists,' writes George, 'give a wonderful insight into the process of anger and lament worked out in submission to God.' I find the psalmists more often hurling their anger and lament into God's face (such is their profound trust in his mercy) - and just think for a moment of Job! George's 'conversation starters' in her service of lament include some highly pertinent questions about people's anger. But what about their anger with God? That too needs to be named, and opportunities given for its guilt-free expression. But that is only a small complaint. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eCaroline George has written a fine book, and given the church a great gift.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Trevor Dennis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Living Liturgies: Transition time resources for services, prayer and conversation with older people
£7.99
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