Ministry
Resources to support your Christian ministry wherever that may be.
{"id":2439823786084,"title":"Living Differently to Make a Difference: The beatitudes and countercultural lifestyle","handle":"living-differently-to-make-a-difference-the-beatitudes-and-countercultural-lifestyle","description":"\u003cp\u003eFew would doubt that we live in a wounded and broken world. But God has sent a Saviour, Jesus Christ, who calls us, in the beatitudes, to live an authentic, countercultural lifestyle. By being different we can make a difference, becoming the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Through living the beatitudes, we could make the world a better place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/l-woNgQmdBA\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving been in parish ministry for 25 years, Will Donaldson is Chaplain and Senior Welfare Officer of St Edmund Hall, Oxford University. He is also Area Dean of Oxford and Director of Pastoral Care at St Aldates Church. He is the author of Word and Spirit (BRF, 2011).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulian Meetings Magazine, April 2019. Review by Felicity Bayne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn his foreword Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, writes that ‘There are signs that the beatitudes are coming back into focus in the life of the church as a text for the 21st century.’ Will Donaldson suggests that all our social, political and technological problems connect to the same root cause – chronic lifestyle dysfunction – and then explores a solution based on Jesus’ teaching in the beatitudes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter sets one of the beatitudes in its biblical context, particularly as it relates to Isaiah 61, the Old Testament passage that Jesus read in the synagogue at Nazareth to announce the arrival of the Messiah. In each chapter one beatitude is put alongside a current or historical character or context, before leading the reader into considering how that beatitude might apply in their own lives, to the benefit of the world. Chapters 8 and 9 lead us to reflect on Jesus’ words of encouragement to his followers to be salt and light in the world. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapters end with thoughtful, helpful questions, and suggestions for reflection alone, or within a small group. This would work well for a Lent group, taking two chapters each week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDonaldson’s writing is both informative and challenging: an opportunity for serious study and reflection. He provides a pithy guide to Christians who wish their faith in Jesus to make a difference, becoming the salt of the earth and the light of the world, a step at a time. It’s not always a comfortable read, but practising our faith in line with the beatitudes is always an uncomfortable, but hopefully creative, challenge towards building the church of the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Felicity Bayne \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Spring 2019. Review by Ben Brown\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beatitudes are the series of teachings by Jesus at the start of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew's gospel. They are sayings where the hierarchies of the world and the hierarchies of the heart are turned upside down. We are called to become people who are poor, meek (or gentle), merciful and pure in heart. Will Donaldson has written a passionate and engaging study of how we are called to live the beatitudes in a world where the idols of power and status are prevalent. The book has some probing questions to ask of aspects of our modern society and our modern selves. Why are we fixated on ideals of success? Why is so much modern culture obsessed with revenge? Donaldson shows how living out of the beatitudes, embracing vulnerability and spiritual poverty in our lives, embodies a joyful alternative to our cultural norms. Occasionally I found the presentation a little moralistic. His interpretation, for example that being pure in heart meant simply living with integrity struck me as reductive. Being pure can also mean being uncluttered and therefore able to see the divine more clearly. But this is a book which makes you ask transformative questions of yourself and your society and gives you, or a reading group, the opportunity to take Christi's teaching personally and embark on the daily adventure of following him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Ben Brown\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiocese of Oxford. Review by Kate Seagrave\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.oxford.anglican.org\/living-differently-to-make-a-difference\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.oxford.anglican.org\/living-differently-to-make-a-difference\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would appear to be a brave undertaking to write a book on such a famous passage as the beatitudes and on such topics that so many have tackled before, but Will does so with originality and confidence. This easy to read book follows the standard mixed format of so many of BRF's publications, being a combination of an individual devotional read, a small group Bible study, and an introductory guide to this famous passage of scripture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis extensive experience in pastoral care and discipleship shines through his approach and his challenge to the reader to a more distinctively and holistic Christian life. Topics covered challenge both our inner lives and 'secret' attitudes as well as our more outward and visible actions and service. The structure of each chapter stands alone, which makes dipping in and out as well as selecting chapters of particular interest entirely possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe format makes this a quick and easy read, with plenty of illustrations from history, politics, culture, sport and literature. The individual devotions and group discussion questions provide ample invitation and space for pausing and thinking, even when read outside of a more intentional devotional or group study setting. The group questions are particularly accessible and appropriate to a group which had never done a similar study before, with a range of suggested options catering to timings from 15 minutes to an hour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe strength of this book is in the pastoral experience of the writer. His intuitive understanding and deep conviction that the presence of inner faith must be accompanied by a transformational impact upon the world around us (however big or small that world may be) shapes the way that he guides the reader through the chapters. If you are looking for an approach to the beatitudes which is easy to read, yet challenges you to pause and think and examine the lifestyle choices we make day to day, then this is for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Revd Kate Seagrave, Mission Priest at the Community of St Frideswide in Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresbyterian Herald, October 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, Will Donaldson, a chaplain in Oxford University, explores the beatitudes taught by Jesus during his sermon on the mount, and suggests ways in which we can apply them today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat struck me about this book is that every chapter is so well researched and, as a result, Donaldson is able to explain each beatitude in the context of our history and the world in which we exist today. Scripture is woven throughout each chapter and the author draws heavily from Isaiah 61 throughout the book, as the Old Testament basis of the beatitudes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter concludes with prompts for personal reflection, prayerful response and discussion for small groups, including a starter (questions to be considered over a 15-minute period), a main course (allowing for a 60-minute discussion) and concluding with dessert (another 15 minutes of discussion). While I used this book to aid my own time of devotion, I believe it would be an excellent basis for a book group or discipleship group to study the beatitudes together and decipher what the application of them looks like in their daily lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found this to be a very challenging and beneficial read. It reinforced that as Christians, it is not for us to conform to the cultural narrative but rather to be 'set apart' for God, as has always been his desire for his people. This book is one of the most helpful books I have read for a long time.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:18+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:19+00:00","vendor":"Will Donaldson","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Group reading","KCLC","Kindle","May-18","Mission"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21770140188772,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466716","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7437017972836,"product_id":2439823786084,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:19+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:20+00:00","alt":null,"width":426,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466716-l.jpg?v=1549043120","variant_ids":[21770140188772]},"available":false,"name":"Living Differently to Make a Difference: The beatitudes and countercultural lifestyle - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":166,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466716","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238881558667,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466716-l.jpg?v=1549043120"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466716-l.jpg?v=1549043120"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466716-l.jpg?v=1549043120","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238881558667,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466716-l.jpg?v=1549043120"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466716-l.jpg?v=1549043120","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eFew would doubt that we live in a wounded and broken world. But God has sent a Saviour, Jesus Christ, who calls us, in the beatitudes, to live an authentic, countercultural lifestyle. By being different we can make a difference, becoming the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Through living the beatitudes, we could make the world a better place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/l-woNgQmdBA\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving been in parish ministry for 25 years, Will Donaldson is Chaplain and Senior Welfare Officer of St Edmund Hall, Oxford University. He is also Area Dean of Oxford and Director of Pastoral Care at St Aldates Church. He is the author of Word and Spirit (BRF, 2011).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulian Meetings Magazine, April 2019. Review by Felicity Bayne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn his foreword Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, writes that ‘There are signs that the beatitudes are coming back into focus in the life of the church as a text for the 21st century.’ Will Donaldson suggests that all our social, political and technological problems connect to the same root cause – chronic lifestyle dysfunction – and then explores a solution based on Jesus’ teaching in the beatitudes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter sets one of the beatitudes in its biblical context, particularly as it relates to Isaiah 61, the Old Testament passage that Jesus read in the synagogue at Nazareth to announce the arrival of the Messiah. In each chapter one beatitude is put alongside a current or historical character or context, before leading the reader into considering how that beatitude might apply in their own lives, to the benefit of the world. Chapters 8 and 9 lead us to reflect on Jesus’ words of encouragement to his followers to be salt and light in the world. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapters end with thoughtful, helpful questions, and suggestions for reflection alone, or within a small group. This would work well for a Lent group, taking two chapters each week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDonaldson’s writing is both informative and challenging: an opportunity for serious study and reflection. He provides a pithy guide to Christians who wish their faith in Jesus to make a difference, becoming the salt of the earth and the light of the world, a step at a time. It’s not always a comfortable read, but practising our faith in line with the beatitudes is always an uncomfortable, but hopefully creative, challenge towards building the church of the future.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Felicity Bayne \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Spring 2019. Review by Ben Brown\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beatitudes are the series of teachings by Jesus at the start of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew's gospel. They are sayings where the hierarchies of the world and the hierarchies of the heart are turned upside down. We are called to become people who are poor, meek (or gentle), merciful and pure in heart. Will Donaldson has written a passionate and engaging study of how we are called to live the beatitudes in a world where the idols of power and status are prevalent. The book has some probing questions to ask of aspects of our modern society and our modern selves. Why are we fixated on ideals of success? Why is so much modern culture obsessed with revenge? Donaldson shows how living out of the beatitudes, embracing vulnerability and spiritual poverty in our lives, embodies a joyful alternative to our cultural norms. Occasionally I found the presentation a little moralistic. His interpretation, for example that being pure in heart meant simply living with integrity struck me as reductive. Being pure can also mean being uncluttered and therefore able to see the divine more clearly. But this is a book which makes you ask transformative questions of yourself and your society and gives you, or a reading group, the opportunity to take Christi's teaching personally and embark on the daily adventure of following him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Ben Brown\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiocese of Oxford. Review by Kate Seagrave\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.oxford.anglican.org\/living-differently-to-make-a-difference\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.oxford.anglican.org\/living-differently-to-make-a-difference\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would appear to be a brave undertaking to write a book on such a famous passage as the beatitudes and on such topics that so many have tackled before, but Will does so with originality and confidence. This easy to read book follows the standard mixed format of so many of BRF's publications, being a combination of an individual devotional read, a small group Bible study, and an introductory guide to this famous passage of scripture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis extensive experience in pastoral care and discipleship shines through his approach and his challenge to the reader to a more distinctively and holistic Christian life. Topics covered challenge both our inner lives and 'secret' attitudes as well as our more outward and visible actions and service. The structure of each chapter stands alone, which makes dipping in and out as well as selecting chapters of particular interest entirely possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe format makes this a quick and easy read, with plenty of illustrations from history, politics, culture, sport and literature. The individual devotions and group discussion questions provide ample invitation and space for pausing and thinking, even when read outside of a more intentional devotional or group study setting. The group questions are particularly accessible and appropriate to a group which had never done a similar study before, with a range of suggested options catering to timings from 15 minutes to an hour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe strength of this book is in the pastoral experience of the writer. His intuitive understanding and deep conviction that the presence of inner faith must be accompanied by a transformational impact upon the world around us (however big or small that world may be) shapes the way that he guides the reader through the chapters. If you are looking for an approach to the beatitudes which is easy to read, yet challenges you to pause and think and examine the lifestyle choices we make day to day, then this is for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Revd Kate Seagrave, Mission Priest at the Community of St Frideswide in Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePresbyterian Herald, October 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book, Will Donaldson, a chaplain in Oxford University, explores the beatitudes taught by Jesus during his sermon on the mount, and suggests ways in which we can apply them today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat struck me about this book is that every chapter is so well researched and, as a result, Donaldson is able to explain each beatitude in the context of our history and the world in which we exist today. Scripture is woven throughout each chapter and the author draws heavily from Isaiah 61 throughout the book, as the Old Testament basis of the beatitudes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter concludes with prompts for personal reflection, prayerful response and discussion for small groups, including a starter (questions to be considered over a 15-minute period), a main course (allowing for a 60-minute discussion) and concluding with dessert (another 15 minutes of discussion). While I used this book to aid my own time of devotion, I believe it would be an excellent basis for a book group or discipleship group to study the beatitudes together and decipher what the application of them looks like in their daily lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found this to be a very challenging and beneficial read. It reinforced that as Christians, it is not for us to conform to the cultural narrative but rather to be 'set apart' for God, as has always been his desire for his people. This book is one of the most helpful books I have read for a long time.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Living Differently to Make a Difference: The beatitudes and countercultural lifestyle
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Few would doubt that we live in a wounded and broken world. But God has sent a Saviour, Jesus Christ,...
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{"id":2439782105188,"title":"All-Age Worship","handle":"all-age-worship","description":"\u003cp\u003eNoooooo! The prospect of all-age worship can produce a cry of anguish from many people. It's time to admit that worship with all ages present is easy to do appallingly and difficult to do well. But it's also time to admit that a church which unthinkingly packs off any group, old or young, to worship and learn in another space every week could well be completely daft...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is for those who sense that worshipping God together is probably a good thing, but are nervous of trying to lead their church towards that vision. It acknowledges that we don't live in a perfect world - or church - and that no one has all the answers. It also argues that you are the expert for the ways in which your church can best worship God, and helps you start to find those ways and adapt them for your local setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/LucyMoore_480x480.jpg?v=1676494651\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" width=\"174\" height=\"174\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/LucyMoore_480x480.jpg?v=1676494651\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\nLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church. Prior to working full-time with Messy Church, Lucy was a member of BRF's children's ministry team, offering training for those wanting to bring the Bible to life for children in churches and schools across the UK, and using drama and storytelling to explore the Bible with children herself.\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinistry Today - Summer 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the number one book for giving you a vision and philosophy for All Age Worship. Written with depth, passion, respect, practicality, and simplicity, I have given one of these to each member of our All Age Teams so that we all know what we're aiming for. This is not an 'ideas' book, although there are plenty of examples which you can pick up and use. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe first three chapters prepare the ground: 'Should Church Be All Age?'; 'How Does Worship Happen?'; 'What Matters Most?' You may think you know the answers to these questions, but these 66 pages provide an excellent refresher. The last three chapters are more practical: 'Rules of Thumb for All Age Services'; 'Coping With Change'; 'Planning An All Age Service.' Having worked out your All Age Philosophy, you need to monitor what you are doing so that you remain constant to the vision, so these chapters provide checklists and sample planning grids (How many of our five senses are we engaging throughout this service? What different modes of learning are we employing? Do we want many little items (magazine style) or do we want to focus on one, core, shared experience? Are we connecting with vehicles for worship which have evolved through the centuries? How do we make sure that 'wonder' isn't lost amid chaos?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter is clearly laid out, easy to read and content rich. This is the go-to book if you want to introduce All Age Worship, but it also an outstanding refresher course. 5\/5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Dormandy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:36+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:37+00:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","Church life","KCLC","Oct-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":21769507602532,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465221","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436754419812,"product_id":2439782105188,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:37+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:50+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465221-l.jpg?v=1549043150","variant_ids":[21769507602532]},"available":true,"name":"All-Age Worship - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":218,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465221","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238878412939,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465221-l.jpg?v=1549043150"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465221-l.jpg?v=1549043150"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465221-l.jpg?v=1549043150","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238878412939,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465221-l.jpg?v=1549043150"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465221-l.jpg?v=1549043150","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eNoooooo! The prospect of all-age worship can produce a cry of anguish from many people. It's time to admit that worship with all ages present is easy to do appallingly and difficult to do well. But it's also time to admit that a church which unthinkingly packs off any group, old or young, to worship and learn in another space every week could well be completely daft...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is for those who sense that worshipping God together is probably a good thing, but are nervous of trying to lead their church towards that vision. It acknowledges that we don't live in a perfect world - or church - and that no one has all the answers. It also argues that you are the expert for the ways in which your church can best worship God, and helps you start to find those ways and adapt them for your local setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/LucyMoore_480x480.jpg?v=1676494651\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" width=\"174\" height=\"174\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/LucyMoore_480x480.jpg?v=1676494651\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\nLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church. Prior to working full-time with Messy Church, Lucy was a member of BRF's children's ministry team, offering training for those wanting to bring the Bible to life for children in churches and schools across the UK, and using drama and storytelling to explore the Bible with children herself.\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinistry Today - Summer 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the number one book for giving you a vision and philosophy for All Age Worship. Written with depth, passion, respect, practicality, and simplicity, I have given one of these to each member of our All Age Teams so that we all know what we're aiming for. This is not an 'ideas' book, although there are plenty of examples which you can pick up and use. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eThe first three chapters prepare the ground: 'Should Church Be All Age?'; 'How Does Worship Happen?'; 'What Matters Most?' You may think you know the answers to these questions, but these 66 pages provide an excellent refresher. The last three chapters are more practical: 'Rules of Thumb for All Age Services'; 'Coping With Change'; 'Planning An All Age Service.' Having worked out your All Age Philosophy, you need to monitor what you are doing so that you remain constant to the vision, so these chapters provide checklists and sample planning grids (How many of our five senses are we engaging throughout this service? What different modes of learning are we employing? Do we want many little items (magazine style) or do we want to focus on one, core, shared experience? Are we connecting with vehicles for worship which have evolved through the centuries? How do we make sure that 'wonder' isn't lost amid chaos?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter is clearly laid out, easy to read and content rich. This is the go-to book if you want to introduce All Age Worship, but it also an outstanding refresher course. 5\/5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Dormandy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e"}
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All-Age Worship
£8.99
Noooooo! The prospect of all-age worship can produce a cry of anguish from many people. It's time to admit that...
{"id":2854982549604,"title":"Story Assemblies of 24 Saints: 24 off-the-peg assemblies for the school year","handle":"story-assemblies-of-24-saints-24-off-the-peg-assemblies-for-the-school-year","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eStory Assemblies of 24 Saints\u003c\/em\u003e features a wealth of saints' days spread across the school year from September to July, making it an ideal ongoing resource and enabling teachers to opt in at any time. The material contains 24 complete assembly plans ready for teachers to pick off the shelf and deliver as a whole school, year group or classroom assembly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for KS1 and KS2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe material is designed to meet the needs of busy teachers looking for flexible and creative material to take them through the school year. Each assembly plan includes a creative mix of elements, designed to put the life of the featured saint in context and, through differentiated storytelling and focused reflection, help children think about what the message of the saint's story might mean to their own lives today. A suggestion for a relevant symbol is provided with each story, designed to highlight a special feature about the saint and help children use their imaginations to ground the story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach assembly provides Teacher's notes, giving background details and essential information to help set the scene and ensure that the teacher has everything to hand for the smooth running of the assembly. Information includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Theme: A short phrase to instantly identify what the assembly is about.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Bible link: Helpful Bible verses written out in full, with a short commentary about how the Bible story fits into the theme of the storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Resources: Suggestions for visual aids and props to help bring the story to life during the storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Saint in context: Background information to place the saint in the context of his or her culture and time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Entry point: Topical introduction to the theme of the story and questions to help children see how the theme is relevant to their own lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Reflection: Imaginative guide to help children reflect on the story and what its message might mean for them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Suggested songs: Songs that reflect the theme of the assembly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Optional prayer: Suggestions for a Christian prayer, picking out the main themes of the story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- 'Build a saint' activity: Classroom follow-up to help build a full picture of the saint, explore a symbol to help children remember how he or she is traditionally recognised, and create a classroom display. In general, the activities use simple, readily available objects, drawing and colouring materials, air-dry modelling clay or play dough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach assembly also offers a differentiated story, offering a choice of two storytelling methods: a simple retelling, ideal for younger children, and an interactive questioning alternative for older children. Many of the interactive options also include ideas for children to act out the story as it unfolds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeather Butler has taught at primary level for over 25 years, with a particular emphasis on special needs, and has been involved with the teaching and nurturing of children within the local church for over 21 years. She now teaches part time, leads story writing workshops in primary schools and is involved with several charities working with traumatised children across the world. She is author of a number of books for children, including Stories to Make You Think, Stories to Make You Think and Further Stories to Make You Think.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-01-14T10:07:12+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-20T16:02:04+00:00","vendor":"Heather Butler","type":"eBook","tags":["For schools","Glassboxx","RE","Worship"],"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":24431468544100,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394674","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Story Assemblies of 24 Saints: 24 off-the-peg assemblies for the school year - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":799,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394674","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/390.png?v=1742383393","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/391.png?v=1742383393"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/390.png?v=1742383393","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":64201601548668,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/390.png?v=1742383393"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/390.png?v=1742383393","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":64201601843580,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/391.png?v=1742383393"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/391.png?v=1742383393","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eStory Assemblies of 24 Saints\u003c\/em\u003e features a wealth of saints' days spread across the school year from September to July, making it an ideal ongoing resource and enabling teachers to opt in at any time. The material contains 24 complete assembly plans ready for teachers to pick off the shelf and deliver as a whole school, year group or classroom assembly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for KS1 and KS2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe material is designed to meet the needs of busy teachers looking for flexible and creative material to take them through the school year. Each assembly plan includes a creative mix of elements, designed to put the life of the featured saint in context and, through differentiated storytelling and focused reflection, help children think about what the message of the saint's story might mean to their own lives today. A suggestion for a relevant symbol is provided with each story, designed to highlight a special feature about the saint and help children use their imaginations to ground the story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach assembly provides Teacher's notes, giving background details and essential information to help set the scene and ensure that the teacher has everything to hand for the smooth running of the assembly. Information includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Theme: A short phrase to instantly identify what the assembly is about.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Bible link: Helpful Bible verses written out in full, with a short commentary about how the Bible story fits into the theme of the storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Resources: Suggestions for visual aids and props to help bring the story to life during the storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Saint in context: Background information to place the saint in the context of his or her culture and time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Entry point: Topical introduction to the theme of the story and questions to help children see how the theme is relevant to their own lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Reflection: Imaginative guide to help children reflect on the story and what its message might mean for them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Suggested songs: Songs that reflect the theme of the assembly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Optional prayer: Suggestions for a Christian prayer, picking out the main themes of the story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- 'Build a saint' activity: Classroom follow-up to help build a full picture of the saint, explore a symbol to help children remember how he or she is traditionally recognised, and create a classroom display. In general, the activities use simple, readily available objects, drawing and colouring materials, air-dry modelling clay or play dough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach assembly also offers a differentiated story, offering a choice of two storytelling methods: a simple retelling, ideal for younger children, and an interactive questioning alternative for older children. Many of the interactive options also include ideas for children to act out the story as it unfolds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeather Butler has taught at primary level for over 25 years, with a particular emphasis on special needs, and has been involved with the teaching and nurturing of children within the local church for over 21 years. She now teaches part time, leads story writing workshops in primary schools and is involved with several charities working with traumatised children across the world. She is author of a number of books for children, including Stories to Make You Think, Stories to Make You Think and Further Stories to Make You Think.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Story Assemblies of 24 Saints: 24 off-the-peg assemblies for the school year
£7.99
Digital eBook Only - Story Assemblies of 24 Saints features a wealth of saints' days spread across the school year...
{"id":2439767851108,"title":"The Recovery of Hope: Bible reflections for sensing God's presence and hearing God's call","handle":"the-recovery-of-hope-bible-reflections-for-sensing-gods-presence-and-hearing-gods-call","description":"\u003cp\u003eWe live in the hope of experiencing first-hand the all-sufficient grace, love and forgiveness which is God's alone, a hope that we may know with our heads long before we feel it in our hearts. This book is centred on a hope that means encountering God not only as consoling presence in the darkness but as one who challenges us to respond to his call. That call may prove to be costly, but as we respond, we will find ourselves transformed as we discover and rediscover not only that we are known exactly as we are, but loved beyond understanding as God's precious children.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n \r\n\u003cp\u003eIn a series of Bible reflections - and some poems - the theme of this hope is explored in different ways, from the yearning of the Psalmist to walking the gentle journey of the Good Shepherd's leading. \r\n\u003c\/p\u003e \n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nNaomi Starkey is a full-time ordained minister in the Church in Wales, living on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales. From 1997 - 2015 she was a commissioning editor for BRF as well as editing New Daylight and Quiet Spaces over a number of years. She has also written The Recovery of Love, Pilgrims to the Manger and Good Enough Mother for BRF.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 24 March 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNAOMI STARKEY's \u003cem\u003eThe Recovery of Hope\u003c\/em\u003e cobbles together 103 wide ranging Bible reading notes, all with hope in common, originally published in sundry editions of BRF's New Daylight . A mature writer with a sure touch, her soign commentary on any biblical text never exceeds 300 words, and her balanced hermeneutic is well resourced and sparky.\u003cbr\u003eHer book includes four beautifully crafted poems, with all her writing having the high quality of a prose poem. She is never afraid to be hard-hitting, with comments such as 'Unlimited power carries with it unlimited responsibility rather than unlimited veniality,'and 'Leaders should care for their flock rather than simply grandstand on issues.' I will try to grandstand less and care more!\u003cbr\u003eThe three sub-themes, 'Coping with Darkness', 'Challenged to Journey', and 'In Resurrection Light', boldly take us into some unusual territory. There are 14 studies on 2 Kings 13-17, 14 on Stephen's speech in Acts, and 12 on the latter chapters of Mark (including the shorter and longer endings); a further seven studies are offered on Psalm 37, Jonah, and Ezekiel. Themes on 'The Absence of God', 'Gardens and God', and 'Holy Fire' draw material from across the scriptures. Starkey is the most pleasant of fellow travellers throughout, a sheer joy to be with. She draws examples from her ministerial context in glorious North Wales, seasoning the text with the occasional Welsh word - can it get any better than this?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd David Wilbourne; Assistant Bishop of Llandaff.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003eDiocese of Bangor News February 2016\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the psalms and prophets of the Old Testament to the gospels and epistles of the New Testament, chapters are opened up to draw us to read more deeply. Naomi presents each section with an introduction and then taking a few verses at a time explores at greater depth the meaning behind the words. This is not offered as a commentary but in a way that draws the reader into the passage being read, and how that may be 'read' within our own lives. Hope is important for every person, and here, through the ups and downs of the biblical stories, we can find again the hope that is given to us in God. Naomi writes very simply, but is not simplistic. She encourages further reading and offers plenty of thought provoking questions.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone who enjoys an Advent or Lent book and feels bereft through the rest of the year, will find much in this book to help fill that gap.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI enjoyed reading Naomi's book, and found plenty within its pages which made me stop, think and pray.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJanet Fletcher \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiocese of Bangor Spirituality Officer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCambrian News; 11 February 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eJULIE MCNICHOLLS VALE follows cleric-in-training Naomi Starkey's journey from the Channel Islands to the Llyn Peninsula and her beliefs through her book...\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor the last eight months, cleric-in-training Naomi Starkey has made Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula her home.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA full-time ordained minister in the Church in Wales, Naomi works in the Bro Enlli Ministry area, which covers the south-west coast of the Llyn Peninsula and takes in six churches, including St Hywyn, Aberdaron;St Pedrog, Llanbedrog and St Cian, Llangian.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAberdaron is undoubtedly beautiful, but far from her previous home, near Llanidloes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnd becoming a full-time member of the ministry also seems far removed from her previous work in publishing, but the 50-year-old mother-of-three knew the time was right to make the move to Gwynedd, and to the church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'I had a strong sense that it was time to move from publishing - a field I had worked in for 21 years - to full-time church work and there was a job in Aberdaron that I felt was right for me.The area of publishing I worked in was related in a way, as I had been editor of the BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship) for many years, but that's not the same as leading services and getting out there meeting people.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi started working for the church as a part-time cleric in Machnylleth and the surrounding villages. Then a cleric-in-training post came up in Gwynedd and Naomi made the move in June 2015. Also that month, Naomi was ordained as a priest in Bangor. She was previously ordained as a deacon in June 2014.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi says it wasn't her childhood dream to become a priest - indeed, it wasn't possible for women to do so at the time - but there had always been a leaning towards the church, as she explained. 'According to me mother I used to line up my teddies and give church services to them like my father, who was a vicar.But I never thought of becoming a vicar myself. I didn't think I could as a woman because women couldn't be ordained at the time. But my mother reminded me that I used to do this when I was about five years old, so I guess there's always been something there.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi was raised on the Channel Islands, and believes growing up there has helped her to fall in love with Aberdaron. 'My father was a vicar on the Channel Islands, on Jersey, and there are so many similarities to the Llyn,' Naomi said. 'It's almost like being on an island here in Aberdaron and there is some bilingualism, as there is on Jersey. There is also a lot of farming, tourism and of course, beautiful beaches.' As a cleric in training, Naomi says she is happy to be learning more about the church, and about the Llyn, and would like to stay in the area if possible. 'It depends if work is available but I have been learning Welsh for six years and I lead services and preach in Welsh, so I would definitely like to be able to use the language in a future post. And Aberdaron is lovely, as is the Llyn. I love the beaches on the Llyn in particular, and the mountains. It feels such a privilege to live somewhere that people want to go to on their holidays.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as working for the Bro Enlli Ministry and exploring the Llyn, Naomi has also just released her fourth book. \u003cem\u003eThe Recovery of Hope\u003c\/em\u003e contains a series of Bible passages, along with reflections on them and some poems written by Naomi. The theme of hope is explored throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'Even if people are not fully paid-up members of the church, there is a lot in the Bible that can give comfort, especially in dark times,' said Naomi. 'In the book there are readings and words to encourage, and to help, even if you don't believe what those words imply. Even if you are not a Christian, the Bible is still full of wisdom and that can be helpful.' She went on: 'In the 1960s there was a sense that science would prove everything and religion was for the elderly or the weak. Now I think people are more spiritual. There's mindfulness and gratitude, and faith. There's a lot in the Bible that's hard to understand and to wrestle with and that needs reflection and interpretation. Through the book, and my work, I share what I know. I won't tell you what to believe in, but I will start a conversation. I hope that, for those who already read the Bible and go to church, this book might give them access to lesser-known parts they may not have read before. For others, I think, and I hope, that this book is a gentle way in.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-14T16:37:29+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:42+00:00","vendor":"Naomi Starkey","type":"Paperback","tags":["For individuals","KCLC","Kindle","Pastoral care","Spirituality"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769287663716,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464170","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436664242276,"product_id":2439767851108,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:42+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:01+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161","variant_ids":[21769287663716]},"available":false,"name":"The Recovery of Hope: Bible reflections for sensing God's presence and hearing God's call - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":280,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464170","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238877134987,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877134987,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464170-l.jpg?v=1549043161","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eWe live in the hope of experiencing first-hand the all-sufficient grace, love and forgiveness which is God's alone, a hope that we may know with our heads long before we feel it in our hearts. This book is centred on a hope that means encountering God not only as consoling presence in the darkness but as one who challenges us to respond to his call. That call may prove to be costly, but as we respond, we will find ourselves transformed as we discover and rediscover not only that we are known exactly as we are, but loved beyond understanding as God's precious children.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n \r\n\u003cp\u003eIn a series of Bible reflections - and some poems - the theme of this hope is explored in different ways, from the yearning of the Psalmist to walking the gentle journey of the Good Shepherd's leading. \r\n\u003c\/p\u003e \n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nNaomi Starkey is a full-time ordained minister in the Church in Wales, living on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales. From 1997 - 2015 she was a commissioning editor for BRF as well as editing New Daylight and Quiet Spaces over a number of years. She has also written The Recovery of Love, Pilgrims to the Manger and Good Enough Mother for BRF.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 24 March 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNAOMI STARKEY's \u003cem\u003eThe Recovery of Hope\u003c\/em\u003e cobbles together 103 wide ranging Bible reading notes, all with hope in common, originally published in sundry editions of BRF's New Daylight . A mature writer with a sure touch, her soign commentary on any biblical text never exceeds 300 words, and her balanced hermeneutic is well resourced and sparky.\u003cbr\u003eHer book includes four beautifully crafted poems, with all her writing having the high quality of a prose poem. She is never afraid to be hard-hitting, with comments such as 'Unlimited power carries with it unlimited responsibility rather than unlimited veniality,'and 'Leaders should care for their flock rather than simply grandstand on issues.' I will try to grandstand less and care more!\u003cbr\u003eThe three sub-themes, 'Coping with Darkness', 'Challenged to Journey', and 'In Resurrection Light', boldly take us into some unusual territory. There are 14 studies on 2 Kings 13-17, 14 on Stephen's speech in Acts, and 12 on the latter chapters of Mark (including the shorter and longer endings); a further seven studies are offered on Psalm 37, Jonah, and Ezekiel. Themes on 'The Absence of God', 'Gardens and God', and 'Holy Fire' draw material from across the scriptures. Starkey is the most pleasant of fellow travellers throughout, a sheer joy to be with. She draws examples from her ministerial context in glorious North Wales, seasoning the text with the occasional Welsh word - can it get any better than this?\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd David Wilbourne; Assistant Bishop of Llandaff.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003eDiocese of Bangor News February 2016\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the psalms and prophets of the Old Testament to the gospels and epistles of the New Testament, chapters are opened up to draw us to read more deeply. Naomi presents each section with an introduction and then taking a few verses at a time explores at greater depth the meaning behind the words. This is not offered as a commentary but in a way that draws the reader into the passage being read, and how that may be 'read' within our own lives. Hope is important for every person, and here, through the ups and downs of the biblical stories, we can find again the hope that is given to us in God. Naomi writes very simply, but is not simplistic. She encourages further reading and offers plenty of thought provoking questions.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone who enjoys an Advent or Lent book and feels bereft through the rest of the year, will find much in this book to help fill that gap.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI enjoyed reading Naomi's book, and found plenty within its pages which made me stop, think and pray.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJanet Fletcher \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiocese of Bangor Spirituality Officer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCambrian News; 11 February 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eJULIE MCNICHOLLS VALE follows cleric-in-training Naomi Starkey's journey from the Channel Islands to the Llyn Peninsula and her beliefs through her book...\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFor the last eight months, cleric-in-training Naomi Starkey has made Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula her home.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eA full-time ordained minister in the Church in Wales, Naomi works in the Bro Enlli Ministry area, which covers the south-west coast of the Llyn Peninsula and takes in six churches, including St Hywyn, Aberdaron;St Pedrog, Llanbedrog and St Cian, Llangian.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAberdaron is undoubtedly beautiful, but far from her previous home, near Llanidloes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAnd becoming a full-time member of the ministry also seems far removed from her previous work in publishing, but the 50-year-old mother-of-three knew the time was right to make the move to Gwynedd, and to the church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'I had a strong sense that it was time to move from publishing - a field I had worked in for 21 years - to full-time church work and there was a job in Aberdaron that I felt was right for me.The area of publishing I worked in was related in a way, as I had been editor of the BRF (Bible Reading Fellowship) for many years, but that's not the same as leading services and getting out there meeting people.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi started working for the church as a part-time cleric in Machnylleth and the surrounding villages. Then a cleric-in-training post came up in Gwynedd and Naomi made the move in June 2015. Also that month, Naomi was ordained as a priest in Bangor. She was previously ordained as a deacon in June 2014.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi says it wasn't her childhood dream to become a priest - indeed, it wasn't possible for women to do so at the time - but there had always been a leaning towards the church, as she explained. 'According to me mother I used to line up my teddies and give church services to them like my father, who was a vicar.But I never thought of becoming a vicar myself. I didn't think I could as a woman because women couldn't be ordained at the time. But my mother reminded me that I used to do this when I was about five years old, so I guess there's always been something there.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eNaomi was raised on the Channel Islands, and believes growing up there has helped her to fall in love with Aberdaron. 'My father was a vicar on the Channel Islands, on Jersey, and there are so many similarities to the Llyn,' Naomi said. 'It's almost like being on an island here in Aberdaron and there is some bilingualism, as there is on Jersey. There is also a lot of farming, tourism and of course, beautiful beaches.' As a cleric in training, Naomi says she is happy to be learning more about the church, and about the Llyn, and would like to stay in the area if possible. 'It depends if work is available but I have been learning Welsh for six years and I lead services and preach in Welsh, so I would definitely like to be able to use the language in a future post. And Aberdaron is lovely, as is the Llyn. I love the beaches on the Llyn in particular, and the mountains. It feels such a privilege to live somewhere that people want to go to on their holidays.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as working for the Bro Enlli Ministry and exploring the Llyn, Naomi has also just released her fourth book. \u003cem\u003eThe Recovery of Hope\u003c\/em\u003e contains a series of Bible passages, along with reflections on them and some poems written by Naomi. The theme of hope is explored throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e'Even if people are not fully paid-up members of the church, there is a lot in the Bible that can give comfort, especially in dark times,' said Naomi. 'In the book there are readings and words to encourage, and to help, even if you don't believe what those words imply. Even if you are not a Christian, the Bible is still full of wisdom and that can be helpful.' She went on: 'In the 1960s there was a sense that science would prove everything and religion was for the elderly or the weak. Now I think people are more spiritual. There's mindfulness and gratitude, and faith. There's a lot in the Bible that's hard to understand and to wrestle with and that needs reflection and interpretation. Through the book, and my work, I share what I know. I won't tell you what to believe in, but I will start a conversation. I hope that, for those who already read the Bible and go to church, this book might give them access to lesser-known parts they may not have read before. For others, I think, and I hope, that this book is a gentle way in.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003chr\u003e"}
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{"id":4375524212875,"title":"Growing Leaders: Reflections on leadership, life and Jesus","handle":"growing-leaders-reflections-on-leadership-life-and-jesus-2020","description":"\u003cp\u003eHow do we keep growing as a leader? And how do we ensure others around us grow in their leadership?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese twin themes run throughout this book, exploring the joys and challenges of leading at a time when we need Christians to lead well wherever they are.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuch leadership is always about more than just skills. It includes a clearer sense of call, growth in Christlike character, an ability to lead well with others and, at heart, a deepening relationship with God. This book offer practical ideas and insights into how to grow as this sort of leader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book contains twelve chapters, in six sections, plus a resources section:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 1: Engage with today's context\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 2: Know you're chosen\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 3: Discern God's call\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 4: Develop Christlike character\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 5: Cultivate core competencies\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 6: Lead in communities \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst published in 2004.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJames Lawrence is CPAS’s Director for Arrow. He is an ordained Anglican minister and has been a core member of Springboard, the evangelism initiative. He is author of \u003cem\u003eGrowing Leaders\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2004), \u003cem\u003eLost for Words\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 1999) and \u003cem\u003eMen: The challenge of change\u003c\/em\u003e (CPAS,1997).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews of new edition\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry (winter 2020). Review by Veronica Bright\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe subtitle of this new edition could be ‘How to understand your vicar’, but it is so much more than that. ‘Growing Leaders’ is for every Christian who leads in any way – whether you are a teacher, a parent or an ordained minister, whether you are a leader or helper in a playgroup, a youth group, or a chorister. We live in a changing world and are part of a changing church. Our primary responsibilities are to be followers of Jesus and to keep growing. This book is a detailed exposition of how we can all become better leaders. It is very readable, but not a book to hurry through. Lawrence gives advice from his own experience, and bravely exposes his own shortcomings in order to help us address ours. We are encouraged as flawed human beings to be the best we can be, knowing that we live with God’s perpetual forgiveness. Whatever kind of leader you are now, I urge you to take time to read this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Veronica Bright\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Salvationist, April 2020. Review by Major Mal Davies (Editor-in-Chief)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1992 US pastor Leighton Ford founded a training and mentoring course for Christian leaders that became referred to as the Arrow Leadership Programme. It is a worldwide and well-respected course in which leaders of all denominations, including The Salvation Army, have participated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e In the UK it is administered by CPAS (Church Pastoral Aid Society) and its leadership principal is Anglican minister and writer James Lawrence. This book – a key text in the Arrow course – was first released in 2004 and has now been fully revised and updated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e The book focuses on two simple questions. How do we grow effective leaders for today’s Church? And how do we help Christian leaders safeguard and grow their faith? Early in the book, Lawrence reflects on the need for yet another book on Christian leadership and ‘how much our leadership thinking is genuinely from a reflection on the Scriptures and how much is simply a baptising of secular theories within the Church’. While he recognises we can learn much about leadership from the corporate world, he says there is much we can glean directly from Scripture and, even more directly, from observing the life of Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e What unfolds is a book with clear theological aims to explore the call to leadership, the character of a leader, the skills required for leadership and the attitude of a leader – all based on observations from the life of Christ. One core teaching, for example, is that ‘the first priority of every Christian leader is not to be a leader but to be a follower’, as the author expands on the notion of servant leadership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e While some readers will see elements of the International Doctrine Council book \u003cem\u003eServants Together\u003c\/em\u003e and others will see hints of Major Peter McGuigan’s \u003cem\u003eThe Leadership Of Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e, this new edition of Growing Leaders offers a broader theological reflection on the leadership of Jesus, especially in relation to the call and character required to lead in Christian ministry. This is a thoughtful and well-written book, especially helpful for those who feel God may be calling them to lead.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by \u003cspan\u003eMajor Mal Davies (Editor-in-Chief)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements of the first edition\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA comprehensive, practical and very readable analysis of the art of leadership.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eJ John \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most thoughtful, rigorous and engaging study of Christian leadership that I have read.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eJill Garrett, former MD of Gallup UK and Director of Caret Consulting \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBiblically solid and organisationally aware, rich in resources and practical help.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eLeighton Ford, founder of the Arrow Leadership Programme \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe combines the latest research and literature with an understanding of church leadership and won't let either run away from scripture.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eHugh Palmer, Christ Church, Fulwood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Pure gold! A treasure trove of practical wisdom for leaders and those who aspire to be leaders. I wish this book had been written twenty years ago.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eIan Parkinson, Vicar in Marple, and Co-ordinator the New Wine Network in the North West.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews of the first edition\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eChurch of England Newspaper\u003c\/em\u003e 13 August 2004\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This is a superb book on leadership. It is easily one of the best, if not the best, book on the subject I have ever read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJames Lawrence is the Director of the Arrow Training Programme run by the Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS). He has also been a core member of Springboard. He has been meeting and interacting with and helping ministers of all denominations, but particularly Anglican ones, for many years. He has great insight and understands what it is like to run a busy parish or church agency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book has 12 chapters divided into six sections.\u003cbr\u003e In the first section, Lawrence looks at leadership today. 'One of the chief characteristics of healthy, growing churches is leadership,' he writes. 'It isn't the only mark of a healthy church, but a vital one. 'It is with that concern that he then develops the marks of growing leaders - they know they are chosen, they discern God's call, they develop Christ-like character, they cultivate competence (his largest section), and they lead in the community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of these areas are explored in a humble, practical and scriptural manner. The result is a highly readable, very challenging, but extremely helpful book, especially for pressurised leaders. There is a whole chapter on 'Living in the Red Zone' which every minister, Bishop and Archdeacon in the Church of England ought to read! Why? Because 'within churches the character of the minister is often reflected in the life of the congregation' - and if the minister is in danger of not coping well, what of the church?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book to own, not borrow. It needs to be read a chapter at a time with the opportunity to reflect on what Lawrence is saying, and to wrestle with his arguments, and search scripture afresh. This is not a book to scan and forget, but a book to enable you to cope with the future. He writes, 'Today I spoke on the phone with a 37 year-old minister. 'James, I don't know how I am going to survive. I am working 12 to 14-hour days. I don't see my family enough, and I feel constantly on the edge of burn-out. I don't feel trained for the job I do and I don't know where to get help. I'm wearing so many hats. The church is growing, exciting things are happening, but if I look down the road of the next 30 years I know I am not going to make it.' ' If you are in this ministers shoes, with the help of this book, you might!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003e Reviewed by Peter Brierley, Executive Director, Christian Research\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eChristian Herald\u003c\/em\u003e, 05 June 2004\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e By coincidence I was reading this book on a train while travelling to a conference in which the main theme was training leaders. This is clearly an idea whose time has come. James Lawrence is to be commended for making this contribution to the process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGrowing Leaders\u003c\/em\u003e is comprehensive, accessible and realistic. The book covers a huge amount of ground. Its six sections deal with issues like defining leadership in the context of God's choice and call and considering how leaders can be developed to operate more effectively in their relationship to others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI appreciated the mix of biblical reflection, personal anecdote and practical application. This mix helps to keep the book readable and relevant. Also welcome is the author's honesty concerning his own struggles and mistakes. The realism of these sections reminds the reader that failure need not be final, but can be an opportunity for growth and change.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003e Reviewed by John Woods\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-12-09T09:46:44+00:00","created_at":"2019-12-05T14:40:50+00:00","vendor":"James Lawrence","type":"Paperback","tags":["KCLC","Leadership","Mar-20"],"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":31422348689547,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468888","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Growing Leaders: Reflections on leadership, life and Jesus","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1099,"weight":318,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468888","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841012469.jpg?v=1583316155"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841012469.jpg?v=1583316155","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":6731441209483,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841012469.jpg?v=1583316155"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841012469.jpg?v=1583316155","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eHow do we keep growing as a leader? And how do we ensure others around us grow in their leadership?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese twin themes run throughout this book, exploring the joys and challenges of leading at a time when we need Christians to lead well wherever they are.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuch leadership is always about more than just skills. It includes a clearer sense of call, growth in Christlike character, an ability to lead well with others and, at heart, a deepening relationship with God. This book offer practical ideas and insights into how to grow as this sort of leader.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book contains twelve chapters, in six sections, plus a resources section:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 1: Engage with today's context\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 2: Know you're chosen\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 3: Discern God's call\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 4: Develop Christlike character\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 5: Cultivate core competencies\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 6: Lead in communities \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst published in 2004.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJames Lawrence is CPAS’s Director for Arrow. He is an ordained Anglican minister and has been a core member of Springboard, the evangelism initiative. He is author of \u003cem\u003eGrowing Leaders\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2004), \u003cem\u003eLost for Words\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 1999) and \u003cem\u003eMen: The challenge of change\u003c\/em\u003e (CPAS,1997).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews of new edition\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry (winter 2020). Review by Veronica Bright\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe subtitle of this new edition could be ‘How to understand your vicar’, but it is so much more than that. ‘Growing Leaders’ is for every Christian who leads in any way – whether you are a teacher, a parent or an ordained minister, whether you are a leader or helper in a playgroup, a youth group, or a chorister. We live in a changing world and are part of a changing church. Our primary responsibilities are to be followers of Jesus and to keep growing. This book is a detailed exposition of how we can all become better leaders. It is very readable, but not a book to hurry through. Lawrence gives advice from his own experience, and bravely exposes his own shortcomings in order to help us address ours. We are encouraged as flawed human beings to be the best we can be, knowing that we live with God’s perpetual forgiveness. Whatever kind of leader you are now, I urge you to take time to read this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Veronica Bright\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Salvationist, April 2020. Review by Major Mal Davies (Editor-in-Chief)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1992 US pastor Leighton Ford founded a training and mentoring course for Christian leaders that became referred to as the Arrow Leadership Programme. It is a worldwide and well-respected course in which leaders of all denominations, including The Salvation Army, have participated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e In the UK it is administered by CPAS (Church Pastoral Aid Society) and its leadership principal is Anglican minister and writer James Lawrence. This book – a key text in the Arrow course – was first released in 2004 and has now been fully revised and updated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e The book focuses on two simple questions. How do we grow effective leaders for today’s Church? And how do we help Christian leaders safeguard and grow their faith? Early in the book, Lawrence reflects on the need for yet another book on Christian leadership and ‘how much our leadership thinking is genuinely from a reflection on the Scriptures and how much is simply a baptising of secular theories within the Church’. While he recognises we can learn much about leadership from the corporate world, he says there is much we can glean directly from Scripture and, even more directly, from observing the life of Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e What unfolds is a book with clear theological aims to explore the call to leadership, the character of a leader, the skills required for leadership and the attitude of a leader – all based on observations from the life of Christ. One core teaching, for example, is that ‘the first priority of every Christian leader is not to be a leader but to be a follower’, as the author expands on the notion of servant leadership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e While some readers will see elements of the International Doctrine Council book \u003cem\u003eServants Together\u003c\/em\u003e and others will see hints of Major Peter McGuigan’s \u003cem\u003eThe Leadership Of Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e, this new edition of Growing Leaders offers a broader theological reflection on the leadership of Jesus, especially in relation to the call and character required to lead in Christian ministry. This is a thoughtful and well-written book, especially helpful for those who feel God may be calling them to lead.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by \u003cspan\u003eMajor Mal Davies (Editor-in-Chief)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements of the first edition\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA comprehensive, practical and very readable analysis of the art of leadership.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eJ John \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most thoughtful, rigorous and engaging study of Christian leadership that I have read.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eJill Garrett, former MD of Gallup UK and Director of Caret Consulting \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBiblically solid and organisationally aware, rich in resources and practical help.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eLeighton Ford, founder of the Arrow Leadership Programme \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe combines the latest research and literature with an understanding of church leadership and won't let either run away from scripture.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003eHugh Palmer, Christ Church, Fulwood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Pure gold! A treasure trove of practical wisdom for leaders and those who aspire to be leaders. I wish this book had been written twenty years ago.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eIan Parkinson, Vicar in Marple, and Co-ordinator the New Wine Network in the North West.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews of the first edition\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eChurch of England Newspaper\u003c\/em\u003e 13 August 2004\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This is a superb book on leadership. It is easily one of the best, if not the best, book on the subject I have ever read.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJames Lawrence is the Director of the Arrow Training Programme run by the Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS). He has also been a core member of Springboard. He has been meeting and interacting with and helping ministers of all denominations, but particularly Anglican ones, for many years. He has great insight and understands what it is like to run a busy parish or church agency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book has 12 chapters divided into six sections.\u003cbr\u003e In the first section, Lawrence looks at leadership today. 'One of the chief characteristics of healthy, growing churches is leadership,' he writes. 'It isn't the only mark of a healthy church, but a vital one. 'It is with that concern that he then develops the marks of growing leaders - they know they are chosen, they discern God's call, they develop Christ-like character, they cultivate competence (his largest section), and they lead in the community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of these areas are explored in a humble, practical and scriptural manner. The result is a highly readable, very challenging, but extremely helpful book, especially for pressurised leaders. There is a whole chapter on 'Living in the Red Zone' which every minister, Bishop and Archdeacon in the Church of England ought to read! Why? Because 'within churches the character of the minister is often reflected in the life of the congregation' - and if the minister is in danger of not coping well, what of the church?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book to own, not borrow. It needs to be read a chapter at a time with the opportunity to reflect on what Lawrence is saying, and to wrestle with his arguments, and search scripture afresh. This is not a book to scan and forget, but a book to enable you to cope with the future. He writes, 'Today I spoke on the phone with a 37 year-old minister. 'James, I don't know how I am going to survive. I am working 12 to 14-hour days. I don't see my family enough, and I feel constantly on the edge of burn-out. I don't feel trained for the job I do and I don't know where to get help. I'm wearing so many hats. The church is growing, exciting things are happening, but if I look down the road of the next 30 years I know I am not going to make it.' ' If you are in this ministers shoes, with the help of this book, you might!\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003e Reviewed by Peter Brierley, Executive Director, Christian Research\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eChristian Herald\u003c\/em\u003e, 05 June 2004\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e By coincidence I was reading this book on a train while travelling to a conference in which the main theme was training leaders. This is clearly an idea whose time has come. James Lawrence is to be commended for making this contribution to the process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGrowing Leaders\u003c\/em\u003e is comprehensive, accessible and realistic. The book covers a huge amount of ground. Its six sections deal with issues like defining leadership in the context of God's choice and call and considering how leaders can be developed to operate more effectively in their relationship to others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI appreciated the mix of biblical reflection, personal anecdote and practical application. This mix helps to keep the book readable and relevant. Also welcome is the author's honesty concerning his own struggles and mistakes. The realism of these sections reminds the reader that failure need not be final, but can be an opportunity for growth and change.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cem\u003e Reviewed by John Woods\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Growing Leaders: Reflections on leadership, life and Jesus
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{"id":2854759727204,"title":"Collective Worship Unwrapped: 33 tried and tested story-based assemblies for primary schools","handle":"collective-worship-unwrapped-33-tried-and-tested-story-based-assemblies-for-primary-schools","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCollective worship provides an important opportunity at the beginning of the school day to address the 'awe and wonder' part of learning. With this in mind, this book offers tried and tested primary assemblies with a Christian focus for Key Stages One and Two. Each assembly is complete and ready to run, with memorable stories, Bible links written in full, ideas for visual aids, helpful hints, prayers, suggested songs and follow-up material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe assemblies cover a host of themes, some topical, some on moral and personal development, citizenship, or spiritual values, and some linking in to seasons of the Christian year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of the stories use a specific storytelling technique (such as telling a story from an unusual angle, using a 'tag-line', repetition and audience participation), making this a flexible and practical resource, ideal for newly qualified teachers seeking to grasp the key principles of collective worship as quickly and as effectively as possible-but equally valuable for experienced teachers, RE co-ordinators and those invited into schools to lead collective worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Guest is an ordained minister with 25 years' experience in parish ministry, and a professional clown. With over a quarter of a century behind him, working in local primary and secondary schools, he loves telling stories (particularly to children) and spends much of his time in the ten schools around his parish. John enjoys cooking, travel, languages and creative writing and occasionally admits to playing the piano accordion. He is Rector of St Margaret's Parish Church, Stanford-le-Hope, in Essex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom: \u003cem\u003eRE News\u003c\/em\u003e - Autumn 2005\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a useful collection of 33 assemblies with a Christian focus written for key satge1 and key stage 2 pupils. Each assembly is clearly structured through a story or play, biblical link, suggested visual aids and songs, a prayer, and follow up suggestions. Permission to photocopy the stories and other relevant sections is included as well as 11 pages which can be used on an overhead projector. The assemblies are divided into three categories: key stage 1, key stage 2, and those which are appropriate for both key stages. Many relevant themes are introduced relating to values, the Christian year, and citizenship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom: \u003cem\u003eREACH\u003c\/em\u003e Autumn 2005\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn guest has a passion for his ministry with local schools, so the sub-title, '33 tried and tested story based assemblies' is the fruit of 22 years of experience in parish ministry as well as clowning as Gof the clown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeet the Tool Shed Gang, the two Johns - East End lads in shades - and a crowd of other characters. Explore themes onnected with children's daily lives, their relationship with God and issues affecting them. Bravely and effectively, (for many teachers duck it) explore the resurrection in three stories entitled 'The man who wasn't there'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn's story telling style is immediate and attractive. Each session includes a biblical link, visual aid, prayers and songs, and ideas for follow-up. The book starts with a chapter of advice for beginners: nervous clergy and leaders will find a treasure trove of sensible suggestions and hints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis would be an excellent resource for family services and children's clubs as well as schools. There is only one question: '\u003cem\u003eJohn, why didn't you write this years ago?\u003c\/em\u003e'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom: \u003cem\u003eThe Methodist Recorder\u003c\/em\u003e - 13\/10\/2005\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust in time to be used in the first term of the new school year, \u003cem\u003eCollective Worship Unwrapped\u003c\/em\u003e contains '33 tried and tested story-based assemblies for primary schools', described as 'Ideal for Key Stages 1 and 2'. Written by John Guest, an ordained minister and professional clown with 25 years' experience in parish ministry and story-telling in the 10 primary and secondary schools around his parish in Essex, the photocopiable material contains words and music of the song 'God loves all of his children'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are varied means of conveying the messages: character and costume, questions and answers or visual aids and conjuring to choose from for the story of the road to Emmaus: 'The man who wasn't there', for example; two 'confident and imaginative actors dressed in dinner jackets and shades' for 'The Two Johns: An offer you can't refuse' in Advent - and much, much more of similarly imaginative material. Overhead visuals are supplied and there are two comprehensive indexes of themes and Bible links. A wise investment!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Margaret Daniels\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eDiocese of Gloucester Summer reading suggestions\u003c\/em\u003e Summer 2005\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore you skip this because you don't lead school assemblies, STOP! A lot of the pieces here would be brilliant for all-age worship or - especially - that Sunday afternoon slot some of our parishes are experimenting with.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthor John Guest is Rector of a parish in Essex and has 25 years experience of visiting schools. More important, he has a great sense of humour!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach talk has a Bible passage, suggestions for songs and - what makes this very useable for an all-age situation- a Follow-Up box with discussion ideas. If you have read one of the two books above and want some material that's a sure-fire winner, try this. (Of course, you could also use it for assemblies!)\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-01-14T10:09:26+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-20T15:24:16+00:00","vendor":"John Guest","type":"eBook","tags":["For schools","Glassboxx"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24430295580772,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394636","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Collective Worship Unwrapped: 33 tried and tested story-based assemblies for primary schools - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":1299,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394636","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/392.png?v=1742380484","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/393.png?v=1742380428"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/392.png?v=1742380484","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":64201602040188,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/392.png?v=1742380484"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/392.png?v=1742380484","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":64201596567932,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/393.png?v=1742380428"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/393.png?v=1742380428","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCollective worship provides an important opportunity at the beginning of the school day to address the 'awe and wonder' part of learning. With this in mind, this book offers tried and tested primary assemblies with a Christian focus for Key Stages One and Two. Each assembly is complete and ready to run, with memorable stories, Bible links written in full, ideas for visual aids, helpful hints, prayers, suggested songs and follow-up material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe assemblies cover a host of themes, some topical, some on moral and personal development, citizenship, or spiritual values, and some linking in to seasons of the Christian year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany of the stories use a specific storytelling technique (such as telling a story from an unusual angle, using a 'tag-line', repetition and audience participation), making this a flexible and practical resource, ideal for newly qualified teachers seeking to grasp the key principles of collective worship as quickly and as effectively as possible-but equally valuable for experienced teachers, RE co-ordinators and those invited into schools to lead collective worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Guest is an ordained minister with 25 years' experience in parish ministry, and a professional clown. With over a quarter of a century behind him, working in local primary and secondary schools, he loves telling stories (particularly to children) and spends much of his time in the ten schools around his parish. John enjoys cooking, travel, languages and creative writing and occasionally admits to playing the piano accordion. He is Rector of St Margaret's Parish Church, Stanford-le-Hope, in Essex.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom: \u003cem\u003eRE News\u003c\/em\u003e - Autumn 2005\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a useful collection of 33 assemblies with a Christian focus written for key satge1 and key stage 2 pupils. Each assembly is clearly structured through a story or play, biblical link, suggested visual aids and songs, a prayer, and follow up suggestions. Permission to photocopy the stories and other relevant sections is included as well as 11 pages which can be used on an overhead projector. The assemblies are divided into three categories: key stage 1, key stage 2, and those which are appropriate for both key stages. Many relevant themes are introduced relating to values, the Christian year, and citizenship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom: \u003cem\u003eREACH\u003c\/em\u003e Autumn 2005\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn guest has a passion for his ministry with local schools, so the sub-title, '33 tried and tested story based assemblies' is the fruit of 22 years of experience in parish ministry as well as clowning as Gof the clown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeet the Tool Shed Gang, the two Johns - East End lads in shades - and a crowd of other characters. Explore themes onnected with children's daily lives, their relationship with God and issues affecting them. Bravely and effectively, (for many teachers duck it) explore the resurrection in three stories entitled 'The man who wasn't there'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn's story telling style is immediate and attractive. Each session includes a biblical link, visual aid, prayers and songs, and ideas for follow-up. The book starts with a chapter of advice for beginners: nervous clergy and leaders will find a treasure trove of sensible suggestions and hints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis would be an excellent resource for family services and children's clubs as well as schools. There is only one question: '\u003cem\u003eJohn, why didn't you write this years ago?\u003c\/em\u003e'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom: \u003cem\u003eThe Methodist Recorder\u003c\/em\u003e - 13\/10\/2005\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust in time to be used in the first term of the new school year, \u003cem\u003eCollective Worship Unwrapped\u003c\/em\u003e contains '33 tried and tested story-based assemblies for primary schools', described as 'Ideal for Key Stages 1 and 2'. Written by John Guest, an ordained minister and professional clown with 25 years' experience in parish ministry and story-telling in the 10 primary and secondary schools around his parish in Essex, the photocopiable material contains words and music of the song 'God loves all of his children'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are varied means of conveying the messages: character and costume, questions and answers or visual aids and conjuring to choose from for the story of the road to Emmaus: 'The man who wasn't there', for example; two 'confident and imaginative actors dressed in dinner jackets and shades' for 'The Two Johns: An offer you can't refuse' in Advent - and much, much more of similarly imaginative material. Overhead visuals are supplied and there are two comprehensive indexes of themes and Bible links. A wise investment!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Margaret Daniels\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eDiocese of Gloucester Summer reading suggestions\u003c\/em\u003e Summer 2005\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore you skip this because you don't lead school assemblies, STOP! A lot of the pieces here would be brilliant for all-age worship or - especially - that Sunday afternoon slot some of our parishes are experimenting with.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthor John Guest is Rector of a parish in Essex and has 25 years experience of visiting schools. More important, he has a great sense of humour!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach talk has a Bible passage, suggestions for songs and - what makes this very useable for an all-age situation- a Follow-Up box with discussion ideas. If you have read one of the two books above and want some material that's a sure-fire winner, try this. (Of course, you could also use it for assemblies!)\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Collective Worship Unwrapped: 33 tried and tested story-based assemblies for primary schools
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Digital eBook Only - Collective worship provides an important opportunity at the beginning of the school day to address the...
{"id":2439829749860,"title":"Stories of Everyday Saints: 40 stories with Bible links and related activities","handle":"stories-of-everyday-saints-40-stories-with-bible-links-and-related-activities","description":"The forty men and women whose stories are told in this book may not have started out as perfect people, but they were used by God to do his work. Saints are people who listen to God and try to do what he wants.\u003cp\u003eThe saints included in the book fall into four categories:\u003cbr\u003eBible saints from the New Testament, such as St Paul\u003cbr\u003eHistorical and legendary saints, such as St George\u003cbr\u003eWorldwide saints, such as St Francis of Assisi\u003cbr\u003eMore recent and contemporary saints, such as Mother Teresa\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach story is accompanied by:\u003cbr\u003eKey date and brief description of the saint\u003cbr\u003eBible link\u003cbr\u003ePrayer\u003cbr\u003eRelated activities\u003cbr\u003eSymbol\u003cbr\u003eSuggested songs that might be used\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSome of the people have been formally named as saints by their church. In such cases, their name will appear with 'St' before it, as in St Patrick. Others have not been recognized publicly in this way, but are included in this book because God used them to carry out a particular task. These people are referred to simply by their ordinary names such as Florence Nightingale.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nVeronica Heley has taught in Junior Church, and Youth Clubs, and been Events Organiser for the Association of Christian Writers. She now gives talks and runs workshops for writers of all ages. She is author of approximately forty books including Who, Me? Paul and The Easter Tree both published under the Barnabas imprint.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:42+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:44+00:00","vendor":"Veronica Heley","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","For schools","KCLC","RE","Sep-02"],"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":21770244685924,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857460721","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Stories of Everyday Saints: 40 stories with Bible links and related activities - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":321,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857460721","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460721-l.jpg?v=1549043116"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460721-l.jpg?v=1549043116","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238882082955,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.677,"height":650,"width":440,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460721-l.jpg?v=1549043116"},"aspect_ratio":0.677,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460721-l.jpg?v=1549043116","width":440}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"The forty men and women whose stories are told in this book may not have started out as perfect people, but they were used by God to do his work. Saints are people who listen to God and try to do what he wants.\u003cp\u003eThe saints included in the book fall into four categories:\u003cbr\u003eBible saints from the New Testament, such as St Paul\u003cbr\u003eHistorical and legendary saints, such as St George\u003cbr\u003eWorldwide saints, such as St Francis of Assisi\u003cbr\u003eMore recent and contemporary saints, such as Mother Teresa\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach story is accompanied by:\u003cbr\u003eKey date and brief description of the saint\u003cbr\u003eBible link\u003cbr\u003ePrayer\u003cbr\u003eRelated activities\u003cbr\u003eSymbol\u003cbr\u003eSuggested songs that might be used\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSome of the people have been formally named as saints by their church. In such cases, their name will appear with 'St' before it, as in St Patrick. Others have not been recognized publicly in this way, but are included in this book because God used them to carry out a particular task. These people are referred to simply by their ordinary names such as Florence Nightingale.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nVeronica Heley has taught in Junior Church, and Youth Clubs, and been Events Organiser for the Association of Christian Writers. She now gives talks and runs workshops for writers of all ages. She is author of approximately forty books including Who, Me? Paul and The Easter Tree both published under the Barnabas imprint.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n"}
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Stories of Everyday Saints: 40 stories with Bible links and related activities
£9.99
The forty men and women whose stories are told in this book may not have started out as perfect people,...
{"id":2439789183076,"title":"Eat, Pray, Tell: A relational approach to 21st-century mission","handle":"eat-pray-tell-a-relational-approach-to-21st-century-mission","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eJesus told his disciples to go to a town and to find someone who would receive them as a guest. They were encouraged to eat within the community, build friendships, make contacts and teach the gospel. In this exciting book, Andrew Francis urges us to notice the order. The disciples were to seek the welfare of others by praying for and healing them - in other words, by meeting their obvious needs. It was only then that teaching and telling about the 'reign of God' would begin. This was Jesus' strategy for mission. Andrew Francis suggests that it should be ours today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntroduction: Jesus' instruction to his disciples\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWelcome\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe growing understanding of Christian hospitality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEating together in Jesus-shaped mission\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBearing one another's burdens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePray on all occasions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBe still and know\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThere is good news!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearning by experience\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrowing as a Jesus-shaped community\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBecoming Jesus-shaped people\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShake the dust off your feet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrinciples for a missionary community\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEat, pray, tell: the shape of things to come\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Francis is a community theologian, conference speaker, writer and published poet. He is a retired United Reformed Church minister and joyful cook.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times, August 2018. Reviewed by: Simon Werrett\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEat, pray, tell: we perhaps do all these three things most days, but this book is about combining the three. It is an interesting book which combines theological insight with practical application. Despite the title of 'a relational approach to 21st century mission', which might put some off reading, it is actually an easy book to read and digest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is split into four parts: eat, pray, tell and becoming Jesus-shaped people. The fourth part is really drawing the first three parts together. As the introduction reminds us 'we all eat'. If we don't then we would not survive long; we often share meals whether with friends in a local caf , family meals or shared work cafeteria tables. As one who likes to eat alone, in quiet, reading it was a challenge to think how can I use the experience within the work context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter each chapter there are questions for the reader to consider, so the book could be used for individual or group Bible study or a book reading group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthor Andrew Francis, a retired United Reformed Church minister and 'joyful cook', draws his examples from a variety of denominations including Mennonite\/Anabaptist as well as his own experience. There is a considerable amount of reference to scripture and outreach methods Jesus used. He suggests that the 'eat, pray, tell' model is often used by Jesus: the feeding of the 5000 and Last Supper, for example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe outlines how we have come the full circle, from anniversary meals, harvest suppers to caf church and Alpha meeting. Everything is focused on the shared meal, from which we then progress to fellowship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the section on prayer he explores the psalms and the examples of Jesus before moving onto modern day examples and looking at 'devotio moderna'. There is a simple expounding of Galatians and Ephesians in relation to prayer and its effect on our busy modern lives. He suggests we should dwell in a 'habitat of prayer'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tell section focuses on how we share the good news, whether in a formal situation like Alpha or a conversation over tea with friends. The command of Jesus is to tell others and we can do that in many different ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final chapters bring it all together and suggest that if we can do this then we will become a Jesus-shaped community. We do need to re-assess our activities, try new ways and move forward, but the foundation is telling people about Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA really enjoyable book, in which I picked up some new ideas I may try out. Highly recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSimon Werrett is a BUGB Specialist Advisor and Senior Minister Eastwood Evangelical Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Autumn 2018. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a very practical book, with a message which, if followed, would enliven the Church. Jesus told his disciples to go to a town and find someone who would receive them. They were to eat with their new friends, pray for them and tell them the news of God's kingdom. Eat, pray and tell is the simple but vital message of this book. Francis calls it 'a relational approach to 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e-century mission', an approach which ought to be obvious, and a way of life for the kingdom, but in many churches isn't. Francis explores practical aspects of eating with believers and not-yet-believers, understanding each other's needs and praying for each other, and telling what we know with gentleness and respect. The book is an easy read and would suit a home group or church council as well as an individual. There are group discussion questions at the end of each chapter. I recommend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Irish Methodist Newsletter, July 2018. Review by Revd Dr Stephen Skuce, Director of Global Relationships, the British Methodist Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe know that there is a problem with some traditional approaches to mission and evangelism. Methods of communicating and sharing the Christian faith that made a significant impact a generation or more ago, don't have the same impact today. That's the easy bit. Understanding missional approaches appropriate to today is more challenging. Andrew Francis, a retired United Reform Church minister and cook, offers a straightforward and attractive response. What we need to do, he suggests, is eat together, pray together and tell the good news of Jesus. It's really not very complicated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe premise is that many of our most enjoyable and life affirming moments are found around meal tables with family and friends. We move from superficial friendships to knowing people at a deeper level when we eat together. Over the table we can more freely share what is important and vital to us. There can be specific ways to use this approach as an evangelistic tactic, but that isn't the direction of the book. It's all about being normal, real, natural and authentic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapters recount the ministry of Jesus that constantly featured meal times with friends and disciples. The community life of the early church was built around the shared meal, but as the church developed this was increasingly lost, and the shared meal replaced with the more stylised service of Holy Communion. There have been numerous movements that have sought to restore a shared meal, such as early Methodism's love feasts. In our generation we note that Alpha, Messy Church and caf church all feature eating together. But note that I'm excluding any instant coffee and plain biscuits after a service. That doesn't quite do it. Hopefully we meet either before or after worship services, and hopefully it's a more exuberant sharing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the small Methodist Church that I'm currently part of, perhaps the two significant bits of our life are a monthly men's group that involves about a dozen or so of us. For most this is their only contact with the church. We do the usual round of darts nights, snooker and so on, but it always involves food. The other event is a monthly Sunday lunch that one couple have put on for the past 10 years with up to 16 participating. While it might have raised over GBP10,000 for a Zambian charity so far, its biggest impact is in sharing faith around the meal table.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Francis is on to something good. He is reminding us of a core element of missional hospitality in the ministry of Jesus and the life of the Church that we too often forget. The success of the Great British Bake Off and the like, show the value we put on food. We all need to eat. Perhaps we can increasingly use these opportunities to show and share Christ's love and good news with many so that even more can eventually share in the 'heavenly banquet prepared for all humanity'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Revd Dr Stephen Skuce, Director of Global Relationships, the British Methodist Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform April 2018. Review by Andrew Willett\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI write this review in the wake of Billy Graham's death, after a lifetime of evangelism - most famously through large gatherings where he preached and called people to repentance. Nowadays, we rarely see such large-scale, evangelistic campaigns (although J John did organise an event last year at the Emirates Stadium). \u003cem\u003eEat, Pray, Tell\u003c\/em\u003e is about one of several different and smaller approaches to evangelism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book's title goes a long way to explain what the book is about. Andrew Francis, a retired United Reformed Church minister, encourages the reader to share the Gospel by first developing a relationship with the other person. This is now a common teaching from many authors. The method that Francis prompts us to use starts with eating together. He reminds us that a quarter of Jesus' ministry revolved around food, so for those seeking to be a Jesus-shaped community, eating together should come naturally. Francis gives examples of sharing food in the context of mission, for instance the Alpha course and Messy Church. In this friendly, foody environment, people may be readier to engage spiritually through prayer (pray) and in conversation (tell) - hence 'eat, pray, tell'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found this book helpful and the author's approach a positive method of evangelism. Francis writes in an accessible style which is enjoyable to read, but for me it could have been a little shorter and still the message would have been conveyed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book could have a wide appeal within the URC. Francis proposes using his 'eat, pray, tell' method without ordained ministers being involved, which would be helpful in those situations where ministerial deployment is an issue. There are questions at the end of each chapter, so Francis' book might be useful to groups that want to consider this form of mission. Francis also points out that the ideas in this book can be found too in Holy Habits, the key resource for the URC's 'Walking the Way: Living the life of Jesus today' emphasis on discipleship. With this in mind, \u003cem\u003eEat, Pray, Tell\u003c\/em\u003e could be useful in assisting URC and Methodist churches in deepening discipleship work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAndrew Willett is a church minister and an evangelism advocate\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-30T08:10:00+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:10+00:00","vendor":"Andrew Francis","type":"eBook","tags":["Glassboxx","Jan-18","Mission"],"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":21769606922340,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465665","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Eat, Pray, Tell: A relational approach to 21st-century mission - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":799,"weight":180,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465665","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/261.png?v=1730980307","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/262.png?v=1730980381"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/261.png?v=1730980307","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63001483379068,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/261.png?v=1730980307"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/261.png?v=1730980307","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":63001500221820,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/262.png?v=1730980381"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/262.png?v=1730980381","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eJesus told his disciples to go to a town and to find someone who would receive them as a guest. They were encouraged to eat within the community, build friendships, make contacts and teach the gospel. In this exciting book, Andrew Francis urges us to notice the order. The disciples were to seek the welfare of others by praying for and healing them - in other words, by meeting their obvious needs. It was only then that teaching and telling about the 'reign of God' would begin. This was Jesus' strategy for mission. Andrew Francis suggests that it should be ours today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntroduction: Jesus' instruction to his disciples\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWelcome\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe growing understanding of Christian hospitality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEating together in Jesus-shaped mission\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBearing one another's burdens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePray on all occasions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBe still and know\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThere is good news!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearning by experience\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrowing as a Jesus-shaped community\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBecoming Jesus-shaped people\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShake the dust off your feet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrinciples for a missionary community\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEat, pray, tell: the shape of things to come\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Francis is a community theologian, conference speaker, writer and published poet. He is a retired United Reformed Church minister and joyful cook.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times, August 2018. Reviewed by: Simon Werrett\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEat, pray, tell: we perhaps do all these three things most days, but this book is about combining the three. It is an interesting book which combines theological insight with practical application. Despite the title of 'a relational approach to 21st century mission', which might put some off reading, it is actually an easy book to read and digest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is split into four parts: eat, pray, tell and becoming Jesus-shaped people. The fourth part is really drawing the first three parts together. As the introduction reminds us 'we all eat'. If we don't then we would not survive long; we often share meals whether with friends in a local caf , family meals or shared work cafeteria tables. As one who likes to eat alone, in quiet, reading it was a challenge to think how can I use the experience within the work context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter each chapter there are questions for the reader to consider, so the book could be used for individual or group Bible study or a book reading group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthor Andrew Francis, a retired United Reformed Church minister and 'joyful cook', draws his examples from a variety of denominations including Mennonite\/Anabaptist as well as his own experience. There is a considerable amount of reference to scripture and outreach methods Jesus used. He suggests that the 'eat, pray, tell' model is often used by Jesus: the feeding of the 5000 and Last Supper, for example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe outlines how we have come the full circle, from anniversary meals, harvest suppers to caf church and Alpha meeting. Everything is focused on the shared meal, from which we then progress to fellowship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the section on prayer he explores the psalms and the examples of Jesus before moving onto modern day examples and looking at 'devotio moderna'. There is a simple expounding of Galatians and Ephesians in relation to prayer and its effect on our busy modern lives. He suggests we should dwell in a 'habitat of prayer'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tell section focuses on how we share the good news, whether in a formal situation like Alpha or a conversation over tea with friends. The command of Jesus is to tell others and we can do that in many different ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final chapters bring it all together and suggest that if we can do this then we will become a Jesus-shaped community. We do need to re-assess our activities, try new ways and move forward, but the foundation is telling people about Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA really enjoyable book, in which I picked up some new ideas I may try out. Highly recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSimon Werrett is a BUGB Specialist Advisor and Senior Minister Eastwood Evangelical Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Autumn 2018. Review by Howard Rowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a very practical book, with a message which, if followed, would enliven the Church. Jesus told his disciples to go to a town and find someone who would receive them. They were to eat with their new friends, pray for them and tell them the news of God's kingdom. Eat, pray and tell is the simple but vital message of this book. Francis calls it 'a relational approach to 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e-century mission', an approach which ought to be obvious, and a way of life for the kingdom, but in many churches isn't. Francis explores practical aspects of eating with believers and not-yet-believers, understanding each other's needs and praying for each other, and telling what we know with gentleness and respect. The book is an easy read and would suit a home group or church council as well as an individual. There are group discussion questions at the end of each chapter. I recommend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Howard Rowe\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Irish Methodist Newsletter, July 2018. Review by Revd Dr Stephen Skuce, Director of Global Relationships, the British Methodist Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe know that there is a problem with some traditional approaches to mission and evangelism. Methods of communicating and sharing the Christian faith that made a significant impact a generation or more ago, don't have the same impact today. That's the easy bit. Understanding missional approaches appropriate to today is more challenging. Andrew Francis, a retired United Reform Church minister and cook, offers a straightforward and attractive response. What we need to do, he suggests, is eat together, pray together and tell the good news of Jesus. It's really not very complicated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe premise is that many of our most enjoyable and life affirming moments are found around meal tables with family and friends. We move from superficial friendships to knowing people at a deeper level when we eat together. Over the table we can more freely share what is important and vital to us. There can be specific ways to use this approach as an evangelistic tactic, but that isn't the direction of the book. It's all about being normal, real, natural and authentic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapters recount the ministry of Jesus that constantly featured meal times with friends and disciples. The community life of the early church was built around the shared meal, but as the church developed this was increasingly lost, and the shared meal replaced with the more stylised service of Holy Communion. There have been numerous movements that have sought to restore a shared meal, such as early Methodism's love feasts. In our generation we note that Alpha, Messy Church and caf church all feature eating together. But note that I'm excluding any instant coffee and plain biscuits after a service. That doesn't quite do it. Hopefully we meet either before or after worship services, and hopefully it's a more exuberant sharing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the small Methodist Church that I'm currently part of, perhaps the two significant bits of our life are a monthly men's group that involves about a dozen or so of us. For most this is their only contact with the church. We do the usual round of darts nights, snooker and so on, but it always involves food. The other event is a monthly Sunday lunch that one couple have put on for the past 10 years with up to 16 participating. While it might have raised over GBP10,000 for a Zambian charity so far, its biggest impact is in sharing faith around the meal table.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Francis is on to something good. He is reminding us of a core element of missional hospitality in the ministry of Jesus and the life of the Church that we too often forget. The success of the Great British Bake Off and the like, show the value we put on food. We all need to eat. Perhaps we can increasingly use these opportunities to show and share Christ's love and good news with many so that even more can eventually share in the 'heavenly banquet prepared for all humanity'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Revd Dr Stephen Skuce, Director of Global Relationships, the British Methodist Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform April 2018. Review by Andrew Willett\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI write this review in the wake of Billy Graham's death, after a lifetime of evangelism - most famously through large gatherings where he preached and called people to repentance. Nowadays, we rarely see such large-scale, evangelistic campaigns (although J John did organise an event last year at the Emirates Stadium). \u003cem\u003eEat, Pray, Tell\u003c\/em\u003e is about one of several different and smaller approaches to evangelism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book's title goes a long way to explain what the book is about. Andrew Francis, a retired United Reformed Church minister, encourages the reader to share the Gospel by first developing a relationship with the other person. This is now a common teaching from many authors. The method that Francis prompts us to use starts with eating together. He reminds us that a quarter of Jesus' ministry revolved around food, so for those seeking to be a Jesus-shaped community, eating together should come naturally. Francis gives examples of sharing food in the context of mission, for instance the Alpha course and Messy Church. In this friendly, foody environment, people may be readier to engage spiritually through prayer (pray) and in conversation (tell) - hence 'eat, pray, tell'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI found this book helpful and the author's approach a positive method of evangelism. Francis writes in an accessible style which is enjoyable to read, but for me it could have been a little shorter and still the message would have been conveyed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book could have a wide appeal within the URC. Francis proposes using his 'eat, pray, tell' method without ordained ministers being involved, which would be helpful in those situations where ministerial deployment is an issue. There are questions at the end of each chapter, so Francis' book might be useful to groups that want to consider this form of mission. Francis also points out that the ideas in this book can be found too in Holy Habits, the key resource for the URC's 'Walking the Way: Living the life of Jesus today' emphasis on discipleship. With this in mind, \u003cem\u003eEat, Pray, Tell\u003c\/em\u003e could be useful in assisting URC and Methodist churches in deepening discipleship work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAndrew Willett is a church minister and an evangelism advocate\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Eat, Pray, Tell: A relational approach to 21st-century mission
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{"id":2439772897380,"title":"God's Belongers: How people engage with God today and how the church can help","handle":"gods-belongers-how-people-engage-with-god-today-and-how-the-church-can-help","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis book transforms thinking about church membership by replacing the division between 'members' and 'non-members' with a four-fold model of belonging. Based in extensive practical research, David Walker shows how 'belonging' can encompass a far wider group of people than those who attend weekly services. He examines belonging through relationship, through place and through events, as well as the traditional belonging through activities. He goes on to explore the opportunities for mission that emerge as a result - while also acknowledging the challenges posed for issues such as church financing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction: an aid for mission\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 1: How we belong\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Belonging: a theological concept\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Reliably regular: belonging through church activities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 People power: belonging through relationships\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 Only the once: belonging through events\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Location, location: belonging through place\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 The mystery of the missing vicar: an example of belonging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 2: Belonging for mission\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 What's the difference? Understanding occasional churchgoers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 Together in mission: the Five Marks of Mission\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 Paying the piper: what has become of Anglican governance and finance?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 3: Who else is missing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 Types and temperaments: what is Psychological Type?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11 Models for motivation: exploring the world of Religious Orientation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 Never on Sunday: the opportunities and challenges of Sunday worship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eForeword\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhenever the church gets to talking about numbers, sooner or later someone will protest that it is not all about bums on seats, is it? Well, yes and no. As this readable and insightful book from David Walker makes clear, belonging cannot simply be measured by your attendance record. There are multiple ways of belonging to any organisation or community, and especially the church. But if instead of 'bums on seats' the church talked about 'hearts being changed' or 'lives being transformed', and once we realise that there can be no impact in our local communities and wider society unless there are at least some people who not only belong, but whose belonging shapes and directs the whole of their lives, i.e. their hearts are being changed and their lives are being transformed, then we begin to see that understanding how people belong and ministering to people in their different ways of belonging is something worth thinking about. This book will help you.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/BishopDavidWalker_480x480.jpg?v=1676497548\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" width=\"219\" height=\"269\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/BishopDavidWalker_480x480.jpg?v=1676497548\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\nAfter a Maths degree at Cambridge, David Walker trained in theology in Birmingham. He served in churches in the dioceses of Sheffield before becoming Bishop of Dudley in 2000 and then in 2013 Bishop of Manchester. He is involved in writing a continuing series of papers for peer review journals and the International Society of Empirical Research in Theology, using quantitative methods to analyse aspects of rural Anglicanism. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a member of the Rural Theology Association, the Church of England Ministry Council and one of the Church Commissioners for England. He has contributed chapters to a number of books including Changing Rural Life: A Christian response to key rural issues (Canterbury Press, 2004), Rural Life and Rural Church: theological and empirical perspectives (Equinox, 2012), Exploring Ordinary Theology: everyday Christian believing and the Church (Ashgate, 2013). He has written papers for (amongst other journals) Rural Theology, the Journal of Beliefs \u0026amp; Values and the Journal of Anglican Studies. In 2014 he was awarded a PhD from the University of Warwick for the studies on which this book will be based.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 21.7.17\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReview by Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford of \u003cem\u003eGod's Belongers: How people engage with God today and how the Church can help\u003c\/em\u003e by David Walker and \u003cem\u003eReproducing Churches \u003c\/em\u003eby George Lings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce in a while, a book comes along that changes the way you look at things. Here are two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Walker's delightfully titled \u003cem\u003eGod's Belongers\u003c\/em\u003e analyses the different ways in which people express their belonging to church and their engagement with God, and suggests new strategies that will help the local church understand and provide for this belonging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on extensive research of church attendance at rural harvest festivals and Christmas carol services, the central thesis of this book is that regular churchgoing is not the only way in which Christian belonging is expressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn one level, this is completely obvious. Most churches, however, persist with a gold standard of 'every-Sunday-morning' belonging, and all evangelistic endeavour is geared towards achieving this. But, as Walker's well-researched and well-argued book unfolds, we find that belonging can be measured in other ways, and this is more to do with personality and circumstance than commitment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, the one who comes less often is not necessarily less committed. Someone whose primary belonging comes through relationships, and who wishes to express this in service, may never come every week. But his or her 'lived-out' discipleship, day by day, demonstrates a commitment equal to any weekly communicant. If weekly attendance is the only goal, this person's faith development may be stymied, and the church's ability and flexibility to grow in different ways diminished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePut this alongside the vastly changed pattern of work, leisure, and family life in Britain today, and the impact on church life is plain to see. Strategies for evangelism and discipleship need to work with the grain of these different types of belonging, not against them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe development of Fresh Expressions in the Church of England is one such example of helping people to belong differently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFresh Expressions of Church is not a stepping-stone towards the so-called 'real church' of Sunday morning. Worshipping in a variety of cultural styles, meeting in different places and different formats and at different times, Fresh Expressions have enabled the Church to broaden its reach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis has been a remarkable story of missional and ecclesiological enterprise, and, although many people have played a significant part in this story, none has done more than George Lings. His ministry as theologian, researcher and church-planter has provided the impetus and inspiration for the Church to try new things. He has also led the way in enabling the Church to reflect on and learn from these experiments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll this is brought together in \u003cem\u003eReproducing Churches\u003c\/em\u003e. Lings explains and develops the basic thesis that reproduction is inherent in what it means to be the Church, not merely an optional function that some may choose. In other words, for the Church to be the Church it must reproduce. Based, again, on extensive research and vast experience, this book is probably the best available handbook for understanding church-planting and Fresh Expressions, and seeing how the Church can become what it is meant to be be. Put these two books together, and every church will be rethinking its evangelistic strategy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArthur Rank Centre Resources. Review by Revd Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this challenging book David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, argues that people belong to their community and to church in different ways. Some belong through activities and are often regular churchgoers and office holders in the church, the sort of person everyone knows and likes. This person helps others to relate to God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 'God's Belongers' these ways of belonging are offered as a framework within which we might consider how to shape and focus the mission of the church beyond 'people like us.' So often mission is based around the things that those already in the church are comfortable with. Walker challenges us to look at how we can do things differently so that other ways of belonging can be welcomed and accommodated, and people can grow in faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn short, this book encourages us to look seriously at those not like us so that we can welcome them. It also challenges us to learn from others because 'the evidence we've found of a rich and complex pattern of belonging challenges the often implicit assumption that occasional church goers are 'nominal' Christians'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile 'God's Belongers' inevitably reflects Bishop David's Anglican perspective, his insights are more widely applicable are easy to translate for other denominational contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader (Spring 2018). Review by Janice Price\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an important research based examination of how people belong to church. Based on two surveys taken in 2007 and 2009 in the Dioceses of Worcester and Lichfield, Walker outlines four ways - through people, places, one-off events and regular activities - that people belong to the Church. The samples were taken at rural harvest services and Christmas carol services and show information about the attitudes or regular churchgoers to those who attend occasionally. Walker argues that people, places or one-off events are co-workers with regular attendees and not objects of mission. He also asks whether it is possible to be a good Christian and not go to church very often. 'God's Belongers' is full of important questions and issues for PCCs, ministry teams and others to consider. It challenges stereotypes of the 'not-often-there' church attendees and deserves wide and careful consideration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Janice Price\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:59+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:01+00:00","vendor":"David Walker","type":"Paperback","tags":["Church life","KCLC","Kindle","Leadership","Mission","Torch Trust"],"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":21769369256036,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464675","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436693766244,"product_id":2439772897380,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:01+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:57+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464675-l.jpg?v=1549043157","variant_ids":[21769369256036]},"available":true,"name":"God's Belongers: How people engage with God today and how the church can help - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":180,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464675","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238877495435,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464675-l.jpg?v=1549043157"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464675-l.jpg?v=1549043157","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/59_d53f0ad3-f934-490f-84ef-26363311753e.png?v=1734095680"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464675-l.jpg?v=1549043157","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877495435,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464675-l.jpg?v=1549043157"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464675-l.jpg?v=1549043157","width":427},{"alt":null,"id":63560964866428,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/59_d53f0ad3-f934-490f-84ef-26363311753e.png?v=1734095680"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/59_d53f0ad3-f934-490f-84ef-26363311753e.png?v=1734095680","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThis book transforms thinking about church membership by replacing the division between 'members' and 'non-members' with a four-fold model of belonging. Based in extensive practical research, David Walker shows how 'belonging' can encompass a far wider group of people than those who attend weekly services. He examines belonging through relationship, through place and through events, as well as the traditional belonging through activities. He goes on to explore the opportunities for mission that emerge as a result - while also acknowledging the challenges posed for issues such as church financing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction: an aid for mission\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 1: How we belong\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 Belonging: a theological concept\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 Reliably regular: belonging through church activities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 People power: belonging through relationships\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 Only the once: belonging through events\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 Location, location: belonging through place\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 The mystery of the missing vicar: an example of belonging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 2: Belonging for mission\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 What's the difference? Understanding occasional churchgoers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 Together in mission: the Five Marks of Mission\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 Paying the piper: what has become of Anglican governance and finance?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePart 3: Who else is missing?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 Types and temperaments: what is Psychological Type?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11 Models for motivation: exploring the world of Religious Orientation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 Never on Sunday: the opportunities and challenges of Sunday worship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eForeword\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhenever the church gets to talking about numbers, sooner or later someone will protest that it is not all about bums on seats, is it? Well, yes and no. As this readable and insightful book from David Walker makes clear, belonging cannot simply be measured by your attendance record. There are multiple ways of belonging to any organisation or community, and especially the church. But if instead of 'bums on seats' the church talked about 'hearts being changed' or 'lives being transformed', and once we realise that there can be no impact in our local communities and wider society unless there are at least some people who not only belong, but whose belonging shapes and directs the whole of their lives, i.e. their hearts are being changed and their lives are being transformed, then we begin to see that understanding how people belong and ministering to people in their different ways of belonging is something worth thinking about. This book will help you.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/BishopDavidWalker_480x480.jpg?v=1676497548\" alt=\"\" style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" width=\"219\" height=\"269\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/BishopDavidWalker_480x480.jpg?v=1676497548\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\nAfter a Maths degree at Cambridge, David Walker trained in theology in Birmingham. He served in churches in the dioceses of Sheffield before becoming Bishop of Dudley in 2000 and then in 2013 Bishop of Manchester. He is involved in writing a continuing series of papers for peer review journals and the International Society of Empirical Research in Theology, using quantitative methods to analyse aspects of rural Anglicanism. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a member of the Rural Theology Association, the Church of England Ministry Council and one of the Church Commissioners for England. He has contributed chapters to a number of books including Changing Rural Life: A Christian response to key rural issues (Canterbury Press, 2004), Rural Life and Rural Church: theological and empirical perspectives (Equinox, 2012), Exploring Ordinary Theology: everyday Christian believing and the Church (Ashgate, 2013). He has written papers for (amongst other journals) Rural Theology, the Journal of Beliefs \u0026amp; Values and the Journal of Anglican Studies. In 2014 he was awarded a PhD from the University of Warwick for the studies on which this book will be based.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 21.7.17\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReview by Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford of \u003cem\u003eGod's Belongers: How people engage with God today and how the Church can help\u003c\/em\u003e by David Walker and \u003cem\u003eReproducing Churches \u003c\/em\u003eby George Lings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce in a while, a book comes along that changes the way you look at things. Here are two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Walker's delightfully titled \u003cem\u003eGod's Belongers\u003c\/em\u003e analyses the different ways in which people express their belonging to church and their engagement with God, and suggests new strategies that will help the local church understand and provide for this belonging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on extensive research of church attendance at rural harvest festivals and Christmas carol services, the central thesis of this book is that regular churchgoing is not the only way in which Christian belonging is expressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn one level, this is completely obvious. Most churches, however, persist with a gold standard of 'every-Sunday-morning' belonging, and all evangelistic endeavour is geared towards achieving this. But, as Walker's well-researched and well-argued book unfolds, we find that belonging can be measured in other ways, and this is more to do with personality and circumstance than commitment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, the one who comes less often is not necessarily less committed. Someone whose primary belonging comes through relationships, and who wishes to express this in service, may never come every week. But his or her 'lived-out' discipleship, day by day, demonstrates a commitment equal to any weekly communicant. If weekly attendance is the only goal, this person's faith development may be stymied, and the church's ability and flexibility to grow in different ways diminished.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePut this alongside the vastly changed pattern of work, leisure, and family life in Britain today, and the impact on church life is plain to see. Strategies for evangelism and discipleship need to work with the grain of these different types of belonging, not against them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe development of Fresh Expressions in the Church of England is one such example of helping people to belong differently.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFresh Expressions of Church is not a stepping-stone towards the so-called 'real church' of Sunday morning. Worshipping in a variety of cultural styles, meeting in different places and different formats and at different times, Fresh Expressions have enabled the Church to broaden its reach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis has been a remarkable story of missional and ecclesiological enterprise, and, although many people have played a significant part in this story, none has done more than George Lings. His ministry as theologian, researcher and church-planter has provided the impetus and inspiration for the Church to try new things. He has also led the way in enabling the Church to reflect on and learn from these experiments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll this is brought together in \u003cem\u003eReproducing Churches\u003c\/em\u003e. Lings explains and develops the basic thesis that reproduction is inherent in what it means to be the Church, not merely an optional function that some may choose. In other words, for the Church to be the Church it must reproduce. Based, again, on extensive research and vast experience, this book is probably the best available handbook for understanding church-planting and Fresh Expressions, and seeing how the Church can become what it is meant to be be. Put these two books together, and every church will be rethinking its evangelistic strategy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArthur Rank Centre Resources. Review by Revd Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this challenging book David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, argues that people belong to their community and to church in different ways. Some belong through activities and are often regular churchgoers and office holders in the church, the sort of person everyone knows and likes. This person helps others to relate to God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 'God's Belongers' these ways of belonging are offered as a framework within which we might consider how to shape and focus the mission of the church beyond 'people like us.' So often mission is based around the things that those already in the church are comfortable with. Walker challenges us to look at how we can do things differently so that other ways of belonging can be welcomed and accommodated, and people can grow in faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn short, this book encourages us to look seriously at those not like us so that we can welcome them. It also challenges us to learn from others because 'the evidence we've found of a rich and complex pattern of belonging challenges the often implicit assumption that occasional church goers are 'nominal' Christians'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile 'God's Belongers' inevitably reflects Bishop David's Anglican perspective, his insights are more widely applicable are easy to translate for other denominational contexts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Elizabeth Clark, National Rural Officer for the Methodist and United Reformed Churches\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader (Spring 2018). Review by Janice Price\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an important research based examination of how people belong to church. Based on two surveys taken in 2007 and 2009 in the Dioceses of Worcester and Lichfield, Walker outlines four ways - through people, places, one-off events and regular activities - that people belong to the Church. The samples were taken at rural harvest services and Christmas carol services and show information about the attitudes or regular churchgoers to those who attend occasionally. Walker argues that people, places or one-off events are co-workers with regular attendees and not objects of mission. He also asks whether it is possible to be a good Christian and not go to church very often. 'God's Belongers' is full of important questions and issues for PCCs, ministry teams and others to consider. It challenges stereotypes of the 'not-often-there' church attendees and deserves wide and careful consideration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Janice Price\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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God's Belongers: How people engage with God today and how the church can help
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This book transforms thinking about church membership by replacing the division between 'members' and 'non-members' with a four-fold model of...
{"id":2439761395812,"title":"The Whoosh Bible: 50 interactive Bible stories for children's groups","handle":"the-whoosh-bible-50-interactive-bible-stories-for-childrens-groups","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn excitingly different approach to sharing Bible stories with children \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is a Whoosh?\u003c\/strong\u003e The Whoosh was created by Professor Joseph Winston of the University of Warwick and it is now widely used to support children as they develop understanding of narrative, from ancient sagas to Shakespeare and contemporary novels. It is a form of physical storytelling in which key actions, objects and words are represented physically. It is much more than acting out the story: it means actually becoming the story..\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do you Whoosh?\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eTo whoosh, pupils stand in a circle, creating a performance space. They then take it in turns to become characters, objects or sounds as the leader reads the story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you say 'Whoosh' everyone returns to their place in the circle, ready for the next section of the story. There are plenty of advantages of whooshing. It's a circle activity in which everyone gets a go, regardless of age, ability or command of language. It's a safe medium within which to explore new ideas and experiment with new roles. It helps to develop empathy as pupils become active participants rather than passive recipients. They are more likely to engage with the story by doing it, rather than simply reading or listening to it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy Whoosh?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt enables children to retain details of the narrative more effectively and to discuss the meaning of a story with greater understanding and insight. And it's lots of fun!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat's in this book?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e50 Bible stories for use with 7 - 11 year olds, follow-up activities, discussion starters and prayers, and tips for leaders on how to use the whooshing technique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I use this book?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can be used with minimal preparation to provide a full Bible story teaching programme or to supplement an existing one, and is suitable for a range of contexts: Sunday school, midweek group, family service, holiday club, Messy Church celebration, or primary school.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/The_Whoosh_Bible_scripts.pdf?v=1729694587\" title=\"The Whoosh Bible Scripts\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"\u003eScripts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/The_Whoosh_Bible_pyramid_template.pdf?v=1729694587\" title=\"The Whoosh Bible Pyramid Template\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePyramid template\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/The_Whoosh_Bible_colouring-in_pages.pdf?v=1729694587\" title=\"The Whoosh Bible Colouring Pages\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eColouring-in pages\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGill Robins is an educational consultant and writer, and an experienced church children's worker.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatch an introduction to Whoosh from the Royal Shakespeare Company\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/1ANp0cbRasU?rel=0\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWow - I wish I had had a copy of The Whoosh Bible when I was a school teacher. Storytelling is an integral element of the Christian faith and The Whoosh Bible offers a way of interacting with Bible stories that children will love. One of its most endearing features is that it can become a regular practice that will draw children into the text and help them to experience as well as understand their meaning. This is an indispensable resource for both church and school.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Trevor Cooling, Professor of Christian Education, Canterbury Christ Church University \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHuman beings of all ages are story-makers. The Whoosh Bible is a ground-breaking new resource written for story-making children and those who teach and learn with them in churches and schools. It can provide them with a way to walk into the stories of the Bible and live in them and thereby to find meaning for the stories of their own lives. I look forward to the day when whooshing the narratives of Scripture becomes a familiar activity in school and church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e John Shortt, Senior Adviser, European Educators' Christian Association, and Professorial Fellow in Christian Education, Liverpool Hope University\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGill Robins is an educational consultant and writer who received the UKLA John Downing Award for creative and innovative approaches to teaching English in 2010. She worked as a Deputy Head in the primary sector until 2011 and is also an experienced children's worker in a church context, including Sunday school teaching, weekday clubs and summer camps. Her published works include The Whoosh Book, a collection of literacy activities for classic and contemporary text for 7-14 year olds (Routledge, 2013).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 5 February 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 12px; text-align: left;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChildren love stories, and, until the grim reality of adolescence takes hold, they also love acting them out. \u003cem\u003eThe Whoosh Bible\u003c\/em\u003e, by Gill Robins, is a joyous production, with an impeccable pedigree. The title is a catchy way of describing a strategy first developed by the Royal Shakespeare Company's education unit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGill Robins has a background in English teaching, and it shows. She has applied the 'whoosh' technique to the most familiar of Bible stories. Children will stand in a circle and take turns in acting out the story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe intention is that each participant becomes the story. ' Whoosh' is the code word for moving on. It's buzzy, it's simple, and the stories are easily accessible. I suspect that Year 3 and Year 4 will love whooshing. There is a delightful set of images at the end of the volume for colouring in. Children love colouring in, and it gives the teacher a welcome breather. But OFSTED will probably hate it. What is the learning objective, it will parrot? Spoilsports.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDennis Richards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:18+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:19+00:00","vendor":"Gill Robins","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","KCLC","Sep-15"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769211969636,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857463807","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Whoosh Bible: 50 interactive Bible stories for children's groups - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1299,"weight":535,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857463807","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463807-l.jpg?v=1549043165"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463807-l.jpg?v=1549043165","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238876774539,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.702,"height":1123,"width":788,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463807-l.jpg?v=1549043165"},"aspect_ratio":0.702,"height":1123,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463807-l.jpg?v=1549043165","width":788}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eAn excitingly different approach to sharing Bible stories with children \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is a Whoosh?\u003c\/strong\u003e The Whoosh was created by Professor Joseph Winston of the University of Warwick and it is now widely used to support children as they develop understanding of narrative, from ancient sagas to Shakespeare and contemporary novels. It is a form of physical storytelling in which key actions, objects and words are represented physically. It is much more than acting out the story: it means actually becoming the story..\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do you Whoosh?\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003eTo whoosh, pupils stand in a circle, creating a performance space. They then take it in turns to become characters, objects or sounds as the leader reads the story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you say 'Whoosh' everyone returns to their place in the circle, ready for the next section of the story. There are plenty of advantages of whooshing. It's a circle activity in which everyone gets a go, regardless of age, ability or command of language. It's a safe medium within which to explore new ideas and experiment with new roles. It helps to develop empathy as pupils become active participants rather than passive recipients. They are more likely to engage with the story by doing it, rather than simply reading or listening to it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy Whoosh?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt enables children to retain details of the narrative more effectively and to discuss the meaning of a story with greater understanding and insight. And it's lots of fun!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat's in this book?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e50 Bible stories for use with 7 - 11 year olds, follow-up activities, discussion starters and prayers, and tips for leaders on how to use the whooshing technique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I use this book?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt can be used with minimal preparation to provide a full Bible story teaching programme or to supplement an existing one, and is suitable for a range of contexts: Sunday school, midweek group, family service, holiday club, Messy Church celebration, or primary school.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/The_Whoosh_Bible_scripts.pdf?v=1729694587\" title=\"The Whoosh Bible Scripts\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"\u003eScripts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/The_Whoosh_Bible_pyramid_template.pdf?v=1729694587\" title=\"The Whoosh Bible Pyramid Template\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePyramid template\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/The_Whoosh_Bible_colouring-in_pages.pdf?v=1729694587\" title=\"The Whoosh Bible Colouring Pages\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eColouring-in pages\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGill Robins is an educational consultant and writer, and an experienced church children's worker.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatch an introduction to Whoosh from the Royal Shakespeare Company\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/1ANp0cbRasU?rel=0\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWow - I wish I had had a copy of The Whoosh Bible when I was a school teacher. Storytelling is an integral element of the Christian faith and The Whoosh Bible offers a way of interacting with Bible stories that children will love. One of its most endearing features is that it can become a regular practice that will draw children into the text and help them to experience as well as understand their meaning. This is an indispensable resource for both church and school.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Trevor Cooling, Professor of Christian Education, Canterbury Christ Church University \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHuman beings of all ages are story-makers. The Whoosh Bible is a ground-breaking new resource written for story-making children and those who teach and learn with them in churches and schools. It can provide them with a way to walk into the stories of the Bible and live in them and thereby to find meaning for the stories of their own lives. I look forward to the day when whooshing the narratives of Scripture becomes a familiar activity in school and church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e John Shortt, Senior Adviser, European Educators' Christian Association, and Professorial Fellow in Christian Education, Liverpool Hope University\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGill Robins is an educational consultant and writer who received the UKLA John Downing Award for creative and innovative approaches to teaching English in 2010. She worked as a Deputy Head in the primary sector until 2011 and is also an experienced children's worker in a church context, including Sunday school teaching, weekday clubs and summer camps. Her published works include The Whoosh Book, a collection of literacy activities for classic and contemporary text for 7-14 year olds (Routledge, 2013).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 5 February 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 12px; text-align: left;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChildren love stories, and, until the grim reality of adolescence takes hold, they also love acting them out. \u003cem\u003eThe Whoosh Bible\u003c\/em\u003e, by Gill Robins, is a joyous production, with an impeccable pedigree. The title is a catchy way of describing a strategy first developed by the Royal Shakespeare Company's education unit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGill Robins has a background in English teaching, and it shows. She has applied the 'whoosh' technique to the most familiar of Bible stories. Children will stand in a circle and take turns in acting out the story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe intention is that each participant becomes the story. ' Whoosh' is the code word for moving on. It's buzzy, it's simple, and the stories are easily accessible. I suspect that Year 3 and Year 4 will love whooshing. There is a delightful set of images at the end of the volume for colouring in. Children love colouring in, and it gives the teacher a welcome breather. But OFSTED will probably hate it. What is the learning objective, it will parrot? Spoilsports.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDennis Richards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e"}
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The Whoosh Bible: 50 interactive Bible stories for children's groups
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An excitingly different approach to sharing Bible stories with children What is a Whoosh? The Whoosh was created by Professor...
{"id":2439797276772,"title":"Engaging the Word","handle":"engaging-the-word","description":"\u003cp\u003ePeter Phillips is convinced that the church in the West is not devouring the Bible or meditating on the word as it should, and therefore is spiritually malnourished and failing to thrive. Engaging the Word will transform the Bible engagement habits of Christian disciples, improving the health of the church by opening up new opportunities for drawing on God's word and new life as a result.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngaging the Word sets out what biblical literacy means and what it looks like in our contemporary culture, exploring the benefits of biblical literacy for those who follow Jesus and for Christian leaders as local theologians and preachers. It also presents a series of practical explorations of the role of the Bible, which help us to reach up to God, reach in to develop our own identity in Christ and reach out to others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Bible and the word of God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBiblical literacy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe mediated Bible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscipleship and the Bible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaching up: spirituality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaching in: congregational well-being\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaching out: engaging the world\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat a gift of a book! Peter Phillips seems to hold out the Bible to us afresh, drawing us back to the power and grace of the word of God. In this accessible book, he brings vast learning and deep understanding to explore our modern Christian engagement with the Bible. There is challenge and insight for all here, and those who read it will come out enriched, challenged, and inspired to re-engage more deeply with God's word. I shall be recommending this to everyone!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Mark Tanner, Bishop of Berwick \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis thought-provoking book explores the question of what place the Bible does and should have in Christian discipleship. It combines helpful in-depth thinking with an easy to read accessible style and is well worth a read for anyone reflecting on patterns of Christian discipleship in the 21st century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Paula Gooder Theologian in Residence at the Bible Society \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book Pete Philips takes seriously God, the church and the Bible. In doing so there is a challenge for each us as we face the most pressing question facing the church today - how do we share our experience of God? Pete offers grounded ways in which the Good News can be encountered afresh and offered to the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Gareth Powell Secretary of the Methodist Conference \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngaging the Word is a must for individual disciples and Christian communities. Here in this book, Pete Phillips uses theology, history and practical wisdom to show why. From the first disciples to the digital disciples of the 21st century there is much to learn.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Wilkinson, The Principal, St Johns College, Durham University \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/PeterPhillips_480x480.jpg?v=1676496974\" width=\"269\" height=\"359\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRevd Dr Peter Phillips is a Methodist minister and Director of CODEC, a research centre housed at St John's College, Durham University. For many years, he served as New Testament Tutor on the staff of Cliff College. He has a great interest in the New Testament and in communicating the faith in a digital age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach Magazine (Summer 2018). Review by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo save readers from becoming stressed by trying to understand the subtitle, Peter has very helpfully opened his introduction with the words: 'This book is about the relationship between the reading of the Bible and following Jesus'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater he asks the question, 'Can we be better Christians by engaging more with the Bible?' The fundamental purpose of the bible is surely to inspire mere mortals to aspire to be more like our Saviour and to follow in his footsteps. The problem comes because many people are unfamiliar with biblical language, as it is couched in terms not in everyday use. Hence the purpose of this book is to understand what the Bible is really about, and how we should use it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is a call to action. It looks at how, by engaging with the Bible, our understanding of our journey in the Christian life will be transformed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are similar books which seek to achieve the same objectives, mainly by exhorting their readers to follow the instructions laid down in the Bible. This book is different, and to some may seem to be controversial. It argues that the Bible is not a rule book or instruction manual, rather it is a guide to enable followers to 'crank up' their own engines of Christian discipleship, with a few additives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book explores biblical literacy (engagement with the Word of God) and discipleship (engagement with the world). This is not surprising as Peter was a tutor at Cliff College, and among his other 'duties' was encouraging students to engage with the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe uses examples of the writings of Augustine, Aldred and Erasmus, as well as the way in which mystery plays have helped people understand biblical stories. Being a Methodist, it would be remiss of Peter not to have included passages written by John Wesley too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book also explores what it means to engage with the Word of God in a world where contemporary communication is focused on the digital.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a well-written, readable book which provides practical advice to those reading the Bible who want to put what they have read to practical use in the world. It is in itself 'engaging' and very worthwhile reading,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform Magazine (February 2018). Review by Robert Pope, Director of Studies in Church History and Doctrine at Westminster College, Cambridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat place does the Bible have in renewing Christian witness in the 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e century? This book has two basic premises. First, biblical literacy has declined, resulting not only in a lack of biblical knowledge but also in an inability to identify the biblical references which are deeply embedded in western culture. Second, biblical literacy comes not through reading in isolation alone but by reading with others in prayerful discernment of God's address to us today. The first claim is supported by survey findings and, if true - the author suggests - renders the church impotent. The second is supported by appealing to theologians - including Wesley, Bonhoeffer, von Balthasar and Hauerwas - and it inspires the proclamation of the gospel in deed as well as in word. It also results in 'noticing the presence of the word everywhere we look'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristianity, the author argues, possesses a message that cannot be jettisoned in favour of a superficial appeal to the contemporary zeitgeist. Phillips reminds us of the need for shared community values, inspired by the collective hearing of God's word, rather than any quest for personal fulfilment alone. Only this, Phillips believes, can offer redemption to a world increasingly characterised by narratives of destruction through terrorism, violence, displacement, isolation and fragmentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaders might feel they know much of this. They might regret that advice on practical implementation comes rather late, and is, perhaps, a little muted. But as the United Reformed Church moves forward with its vision of missional discipleship and its 'Walking the Way: Living the life of Jesus today' emphasis, this book might offer a challenge and an inspiration, as well as a resource, to proclaim the Gospel afresh in our day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Robert Pope, Director of Studies in Church History and Doctrine at Westminster College, Cambridge\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Thomas Creedy (blogger)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm reviewing a book by a former lecturer and friend, Peter Phillips, known by many as the Director of CODEC in Durham. This book blends two passions of Pete's that I share - biblical literacy and Christian discipleship. \u003cem\u003eEngaging the Word: Biblical literacy and Christian discipleship\u003c\/em\u003e is a hidden gem of a book, bringing together Pete's wide learning, statistics, and a fierce commitment to the Bible. This is a book well worth reading - and spending time with. This book helpfully does three things - gives us a potted understanding of what the Bible is, who is reading it, and why it matters. Let me start with a quote, slightly shortened:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'\u003cem\u003eThe Bible, Webster said, is 'the vessel which bears God's majestic presence'. Recall too that Augustine had used a similar image: 'Scripture is the vehicle that God provides for us to travel to our true home along the road established by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. In the Bible, God comes to address us, to invite us into relationship with him.\u003c\/em\u003e''\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePete begins with a couple of great chapters - The Bible and the word of God and Biblical literacy - that serve as a sort of roadmap for where he's coming from. Throughout both of these chapters, there is a real excitement about the Bible, and the possibilities that come in the Christian life from reading and engaging with it. Pete calls the Bible 'the engine for Christian discipleship', and this is a really helpful image in my mind. Of course, the Bible is more than this (but surely not less than this), and Pete walks us through this and three other understandings of what the Bible 'is'. Having given us a sense of what the Bible is, we turn to the tricky concept of biblical literacy, and without spoiling the book his suggestions are thoroughgoingly Trinitarian, church-oriented and dynamic. This is not just head knowledge - the Bible challenges Christian disciples to be transformed - and this is made clear throughout. Having set the scene with two very helpful chapters (the first is a brilliant explanation in reasonably normal English as to what the Bible is, the latter distilling a complex discussion into a simple output), Pete moves on to two chapters about the way we use the Bible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapter three, 'The mediated Bible'\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eis a careful look at how Christians (and others) have engaged with the Bible over time. Pete walks us through a sort of print time machine, looking at key folk in church history and how they engaged with the Bible. We think about 'The Didache' (an early Christian text), Augustine, Aldred, the mystery plays, Erasmus, and Wesley. This chapter makes for an intriguing overview, helping today's reader to root practices of Bible engagement in the past, and also providing food for thought in the way we might approach the Bible today. Chapter four, 'Discipleship and the Bible', is one of the best bits of recent writing on that topic that I've read. Rooted in the words of the Bible, and taking the imagery of the Disciples on the way to Emmaus, Pete makes a strong and passionate case for not just having the Bible as a central part of our discipleship, but thinking about soaking ourselves in it, marinating in it like meat before cooking. With helpful lessons from von Balthasar and Bonhoeffer, Pete encourages us to move from passive to active faith, with the Bible as a key part of that. With this in mind, we readers approach the final part of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final three chapters of 'Engaging the Word' cover the three aspects of discipleship that Pete wants to bring the Bible to bear on: reaching up (spirituality), reaching in (congregational well-being) and reaching out (engaging the world). Key to all of this - and a theme that comes through throughout the book - is community. Or, as Pete puts it, quoting Stanley Hauerwas;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'\u003cem\u003e'\u003c\/em\u003eA place where God is forming a family out of strangers'. That language resonates with the models of discipleship from Bonhoeffer and von Balthasar: the sense that we become disciples by sharing together in small groups, in communities, learning from one another, becoming friends and family, as we eat and drink and be together. Learning through open commensality, by opening ourselves up to one another and allowing God's word to\u003cem\u003e soak us in his presence\u003c\/em\u003e' From this place - this Bible-drenched community - flows the outpouring of discipleship. Woven in amongst these final three chapters is a deeply biblical emphasis on community and doing the stuff of the Kingdom of God - with some helpful practical suggestions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, then, this is a brilliant book. Pete wears his learning lightly, brings together statistics and concepts in a way that makes a lot of sense, and offers us some excellent practical suggestions. If, like me, you are about to start (or do already) leading a small group, this is a great book to read to shape your thinking. If you are interested in Biblical literacy, or what Christians think of the Bible, then this is a book that is well worth reading. For those involved in church leadership of any kind, even if it feels more practical and less Bible-y than you might like, this is a helpful book to remind us where the engine is, how it works, and why we need to use it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Thomas Creedy.\u003c\/em\u003e https:\/\/www.thomascreedy.com\/book-review-engaging-the-word\/\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-13T17:54:09+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:23:40+00:00","vendor":"Peter M. Phillips","type":"Paperback","tags":["Biblical engagement","For churches","KCLC","Kindle","Mission"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769714892900,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465832","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"Engaging the Word - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":201,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465832","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465832-l.jpg?v=1549043137"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465832-l.jpg?v=1549043137","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238879690891,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465832-l.jpg?v=1549043137"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465832-l.jpg?v=1549043137","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003ePeter Phillips is convinced that the church in the West is not devouring the Bible or meditating on the word as it should, and therefore is spiritually malnourished and failing to thrive. Engaging the Word will transform the Bible engagement habits of Christian disciples, improving the health of the church by opening up new opportunities for drawing on God's word and new life as a result.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngaging the Word sets out what biblical literacy means and what it looks like in our contemporary culture, exploring the benefits of biblical literacy for those who follow Jesus and for Christian leaders as local theologians and preachers. It also presents a series of practical explorations of the role of the Bible, which help us to reach up to God, reach in to develop our own identity in Christ and reach out to others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Bible and the word of God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBiblical literacy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe mediated Bible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscipleship and the Bible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaching up: spirituality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaching in: congregational well-being\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReaching out: engaging the world\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat a gift of a book! Peter Phillips seems to hold out the Bible to us afresh, drawing us back to the power and grace of the word of God. In this accessible book, he brings vast learning and deep understanding to explore our modern Christian engagement with the Bible. There is challenge and insight for all here, and those who read it will come out enriched, challenged, and inspired to re-engage more deeply with God's word. I shall be recommending this to everyone!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Mark Tanner, Bishop of Berwick \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis thought-provoking book explores the question of what place the Bible does and should have in Christian discipleship. It combines helpful in-depth thinking with an easy to read accessible style and is well worth a read for anyone reflecting on patterns of Christian discipleship in the 21st century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Paula Gooder Theologian in Residence at the Bible Society \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this book Pete Philips takes seriously God, the church and the Bible. In doing so there is a challenge for each us as we face the most pressing question facing the church today - how do we share our experience of God? Pete offers grounded ways in which the Good News can be encountered afresh and offered to the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Gareth Powell Secretary of the Methodist Conference \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngaging the Word is a must for individual disciples and Christian communities. Here in this book, Pete Phillips uses theology, history and practical wisdom to show why. From the first disciples to the digital disciples of the 21st century there is much to learn.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e David Wilkinson, The Principal, St Johns College, Durham University \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 10px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/PeterPhillips_480x480.jpg?v=1676496974\" width=\"269\" height=\"359\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRevd Dr Peter Phillips is a Methodist minister and Director of CODEC, a research centre housed at St John's College, Durham University. For many years, he served as New Testament Tutor on the staff of Cliff College. He has a great interest in the New Testament and in communicating the faith in a digital age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach Magazine (Summer 2018). Review by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo save readers from becoming stressed by trying to understand the subtitle, Peter has very helpfully opened his introduction with the words: 'This book is about the relationship between the reading of the Bible and following Jesus'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLater he asks the question, 'Can we be better Christians by engaging more with the Bible?' The fundamental purpose of the bible is surely to inspire mere mortals to aspire to be more like our Saviour and to follow in his footsteps. The problem comes because many people are unfamiliar with biblical language, as it is couched in terms not in everyday use. Hence the purpose of this book is to understand what the Bible is really about, and how we should use it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is a call to action. It looks at how, by engaging with the Bible, our understanding of our journey in the Christian life will be transformed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are similar books which seek to achieve the same objectives, mainly by exhorting their readers to follow the instructions laid down in the Bible. This book is different, and to some may seem to be controversial. It argues that the Bible is not a rule book or instruction manual, rather it is a guide to enable followers to 'crank up' their own engines of Christian discipleship, with a few additives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book explores biblical literacy (engagement with the Word of God) and discipleship (engagement with the world). This is not surprising as Peter was a tutor at Cliff College, and among his other 'duties' was encouraging students to engage with the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe uses examples of the writings of Augustine, Aldred and Erasmus, as well as the way in which mystery plays have helped people understand biblical stories. Being a Methodist, it would be remiss of Peter not to have included passages written by John Wesley too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book also explores what it means to engage with the Word of God in a world where contemporary communication is focused on the digital.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a well-written, readable book which provides practical advice to those reading the Bible who want to put what they have read to practical use in the world. It is in itself 'engaging' and very worthwhile reading,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Alan Rashleigh\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform Magazine (February 2018). Review by Robert Pope, Director of Studies in Church History and Doctrine at Westminster College, Cambridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat place does the Bible have in renewing Christian witness in the 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e century? This book has two basic premises. First, biblical literacy has declined, resulting not only in a lack of biblical knowledge but also in an inability to identify the biblical references which are deeply embedded in western culture. Second, biblical literacy comes not through reading in isolation alone but by reading with others in prayerful discernment of God's address to us today. The first claim is supported by survey findings and, if true - the author suggests - renders the church impotent. The second is supported by appealing to theologians - including Wesley, Bonhoeffer, von Balthasar and Hauerwas - and it inspires the proclamation of the gospel in deed as well as in word. It also results in 'noticing the presence of the word everywhere we look'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChristianity, the author argues, possesses a message that cannot be jettisoned in favour of a superficial appeal to the contemporary zeitgeist. Phillips reminds us of the need for shared community values, inspired by the collective hearing of God's word, rather than any quest for personal fulfilment alone. Only this, Phillips believes, can offer redemption to a world increasingly characterised by narratives of destruction through terrorism, violence, displacement, isolation and fragmentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaders might feel they know much of this. They might regret that advice on practical implementation comes rather late, and is, perhaps, a little muted. But as the United Reformed Church moves forward with its vision of missional discipleship and its 'Walking the Way: Living the life of Jesus today' emphasis, this book might offer a challenge and an inspiration, as well as a resource, to proclaim the Gospel afresh in our day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Robert Pope, Director of Studies in Church History and Doctrine at Westminster College, Cambridge\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Thomas Creedy (blogger)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI'm reviewing a book by a former lecturer and friend, Peter Phillips, known by many as the Director of CODEC in Durham. This book blends two passions of Pete's that I share - biblical literacy and Christian discipleship. \u003cem\u003eEngaging the Word: Biblical literacy and Christian discipleship\u003c\/em\u003e is a hidden gem of a book, bringing together Pete's wide learning, statistics, and a fierce commitment to the Bible. This is a book well worth reading - and spending time with. This book helpfully does three things - gives us a potted understanding of what the Bible is, who is reading it, and why it matters. Let me start with a quote, slightly shortened:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'\u003cem\u003eThe Bible, Webster said, is 'the vessel which bears God's majestic presence'. Recall too that Augustine had used a similar image: 'Scripture is the vehicle that God provides for us to travel to our true home along the road established by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. In the Bible, God comes to address us, to invite us into relationship with him.\u003c\/em\u003e''\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePete begins with a couple of great chapters - The Bible and the word of God and Biblical literacy - that serve as a sort of roadmap for where he's coming from. Throughout both of these chapters, there is a real excitement about the Bible, and the possibilities that come in the Christian life from reading and engaging with it. Pete calls the Bible 'the engine for Christian discipleship', and this is a really helpful image in my mind. Of course, the Bible is more than this (but surely not less than this), and Pete walks us through this and three other understandings of what the Bible 'is'. Having given us a sense of what the Bible is, we turn to the tricky concept of biblical literacy, and without spoiling the book his suggestions are thoroughgoingly Trinitarian, church-oriented and dynamic. This is not just head knowledge - the Bible challenges Christian disciples to be transformed - and this is made clear throughout. Having set the scene with two very helpful chapters (the first is a brilliant explanation in reasonably normal English as to what the Bible is, the latter distilling a complex discussion into a simple output), Pete moves on to two chapters about the way we use the Bible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChapter three, 'The mediated Bible'\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eis a careful look at how Christians (and others) have engaged with the Bible over time. Pete walks us through a sort of print time machine, looking at key folk in church history and how they engaged with the Bible. We think about 'The Didache' (an early Christian text), Augustine, Aldred, the mystery plays, Erasmus, and Wesley. This chapter makes for an intriguing overview, helping today's reader to root practices of Bible engagement in the past, and also providing food for thought in the way we might approach the Bible today. Chapter four, 'Discipleship and the Bible', is one of the best bits of recent writing on that topic that I've read. Rooted in the words of the Bible, and taking the imagery of the Disciples on the way to Emmaus, Pete makes a strong and passionate case for not just having the Bible as a central part of our discipleship, but thinking about soaking ourselves in it, marinating in it like meat before cooking. With helpful lessons from von Balthasar and Bonhoeffer, Pete encourages us to move from passive to active faith, with the Bible as a key part of that. With this in mind, we readers approach the final part of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe final three chapters of 'Engaging the Word' cover the three aspects of discipleship that Pete wants to bring the Bible to bear on: reaching up (spirituality), reaching in (congregational well-being) and reaching out (engaging the world). Key to all of this - and a theme that comes through throughout the book - is community. Or, as Pete puts it, quoting Stanley Hauerwas;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'\u003cem\u003e'\u003c\/em\u003eA place where God is forming a family out of strangers'. That language resonates with the models of discipleship from Bonhoeffer and von Balthasar: the sense that we become disciples by sharing together in small groups, in communities, learning from one another, becoming friends and family, as we eat and drink and be together. Learning through open commensality, by opening ourselves up to one another and allowing God's word to\u003cem\u003e soak us in his presence\u003c\/em\u003e' From this place - this Bible-drenched community - flows the outpouring of discipleship. Woven in amongst these final three chapters is a deeply biblical emphasis on community and doing the stuff of the Kingdom of God - with some helpful practical suggestions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, then, this is a brilliant book. Pete wears his learning lightly, brings together statistics and concepts in a way that makes a lot of sense, and offers us some excellent practical suggestions. If, like me, you are about to start (or do already) leading a small group, this is a great book to read to shape your thinking. If you are interested in Biblical literacy, or what Christians think of the Bible, then this is a book that is well worth reading. For those involved in church leadership of any kind, even if it feels more practical and less Bible-y than you might like, this is a helpful book to remind us where the engine is, how it works, and why we need to use it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Thomas Creedy.\u003c\/em\u003e https:\/\/www.thomascreedy.com\/book-review-engaging-the-word\/\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Engaging the Word
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Peter Phillips is convinced that the church in the West is not devouring the Bible or meditating on the word...
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{"id":2439786266724,"title":"Musings of a Clergy Child: Growing into a faith of my own","handle":"musings-of-a-clergy-child-growing-into-a-faith-of-my-own","description":"\u003cp\u003eVicarage life can be exciting, hilarious, scary, surreal and delightful... and that's just one day! Nell Goddard writes honestly and openly about the ins and outs of growing up in a Christian home, from her experience as the daughter of two vicars. With hilarious anecdotes, tough lessons and spiritual reflections from wrestling with faith, this book charts what it's like to live in the goldfish bowl of a vicarage, grow up in the shadow of your parents, lose your faith and find it again. With both rewritten blog posts and brand new material, this collection of tips, letters and musings will appeal not just to clergy children and their parents, but also to teenagers growing up in Christian homes, and to those who want to know what it's like to live a life of ministry you never really asked for.\u003c\/p\u003e\nContents\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClergy child's lament\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTips for clergy children\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBring-and-share lunches are highly unpredictable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSometimes the smallest offerings have the biggest impact\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeople will come in and randomly start dismantling your house\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not give out your address over the phone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoundaries are excellent things\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't feel obliged to invite the entire congregation to your birthday party\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou will never realise how important your hospitality is until you're on the receiving end of someone else's\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlways lock the toilet door. A surprising number of people will just barge through closed ones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTeach your parent to turn off their phone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMake sure you check out the parish profile before your parent applies for a job\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn to accept strange gifts with grace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou are, to all intents and purposes, the vicarage social secretary\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf someone's coming to stay, make sure you're informed well in advance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt's OK to grieve\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't bother waiting for your parents before leaving church. It's a waste of everyone's time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThere are certain things you should never tell a caller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlways carry ID. You never know when you might need to prove yourself\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour love life will be a continual source of parish speculation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSometimes it's just awful, but God is still good\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForgive; it changes lives\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLetters\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for the new clergy child\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for clergy parents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for when the church has hurt you\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for when you feel as if the church has stolen your parents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for when a friend leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for when you feel inadequate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMusings\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDancing in the grey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfessions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChains\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWalking the forgiveness path\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterrupted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrust and obey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHide-and-seek\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBe still\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBarefoot\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBattling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFingertip faith\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrayer for a friend\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHere is love\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn being human\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNaked\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOut of the ashes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAt the feet of Jesus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeaven has a climbing frame\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWithout words\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePassionate and poignant by turns, very funny one minute and deeply moving the next, Nell Goddard's account of being a 'vicarage child' is above all truthful. Truthful to what it's really like being at the sharp end of clergy life; truthful, especially, to the gospel itself.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Rt Revd Prof N T Wright, University of St Andrews \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor me, this is what is really enchanting about Musings of a Clergy Child. In 154 pages, Nell, you have given us a living example of how to be simultaneously completely grown up - realistic, candid, hard-hitting - and utterly child-like for God - unfussy, honest, and attentive to the small truths that normally pass us by. As the father of a clergy child, it is a beautiful example for my own little girl; but it's also a beautiful example for me - and for all of us here. Because there is not one of us who is not called to be at once grown up, mature in the faith, and also childlike, transparent before God as a child is in the presence of a parent he or she trusts completely. And Musings of a Clergy Child is brilliant at a practical level - for reminding clergy families up and down the country that they aren't alone in the fact that 'God has not called them to normality', as you so elegantly put it. It's also extremely valuable in that it offers what so little Christian literature bothers to - a vocabulary for lamenting in the face of God's goodness. This book, Anne Atkins says, is 'wonderful and precious'; and Simon Ponsonby tells us it 'will do good to your soul'. They are both right.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Patrick Gilday, Rector of Benson and Ewelme \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNell Goddard takes the lid off vicarage life and reveals the life of a clergy child to be anything but a sheltered one. With tenderness and insight she describes the rich and rare mix of holy, human experience which shaped her growing-up. Her faith journey so far has been remarkable, painful, joyful, very much her own and shot through with instances of how God and life, in her words, 'intersect in the most beautiful of ways.' ... Everyone should read 'Musings of a Clergy Child' : beautiful.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Rosemary Lain-Priestley, Archdeacon for the Two Cities \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNell Goddard studied Theology at Durham University and is now Culture Projects Leader at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. Both her parents began training for ordination when she was just six months old. Since then her family have lived all around the country and been part of a spectrum of different ministries, from Oxford college chaplain to academic theologian to vicar of a central London parish. She has an older brother and a chocolate labrador, Bramble. You can find Nell's blog at musingsofaclergychild.com.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Imogen Bell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the end of a good book I often feel that I know its author. This is particularly true for a book which explores the life of an individual with all its hilarity, brokenness and restoration. With each turn of the page the reader learns more of the writer, so that by the final turn they are well and truly known, even perhaps a friend\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat Nell Goddard achieves remarkably throughout the course of her first book,\u003cem\u003e Musings of a Clergy Child: growing into a faith of my own, \u003c\/em\u003eis the humble skill of knowing the reader. Getting to the end of Goddard's book left me feeling known. Though I am neither a clergy child nor a clergy parent, from the first page I was welcomed as a friend. Through stories, tips, letters and reflections she scripted much of what I too have experienced as a young Christian growing up in a 'Christian family'. I was left encouraged and amazed at Goddard's ability to express these experiences and to share repeated moments of vulnerability with her readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMusings of a Clergy Child \u003c\/em\u003eis split into (a classically Anglican) three sections. Firstly: Goddard's 'Tips for clergy children'. As an ordinand about to embark on Church of England training, reading the insights of a childhood in a 'gold fish bowl' was a timely warning of the challenges of Christian ministry (whatever that might look like). Especially the challenges placed upon one's own family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecondly: Goddard's 'Letters'. Six letters, one to a new clergy child, one to clergy parents and four letters to those with specific situations, hurts and fears. For me, the last was the most important, 'A letter for when you feel inadequate'. Not only for my life, but for many lives of loved ones around me, this letter acknowledges the feeling that 'I am not enough'. It challenges the inadequacy and declares that our Father loves us. This letter is worthy of printing and posting around schools, universities, churches, workplaces, even on street corners. It speaks the gospel into the darkest of doubts. A wonderful declaration of one made 'enough' through Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinally: Her 'Musings', the 'most obviously theological part' but not out of kilter with the rest. Twenty musings covering multiple questions, barriers and truths in the twisted and winding journey of faith. This section is a resource to be used repeatedly, reflections to be reminded of and situations almost universally experienced. Goddard's willingness to embrace and witness to the big issues of a life with Christ opens spaces for her readers to grow, to be acknowledged and to reflect on their own faith, feelings and struggles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have (a similarly Anglican) three reflections on Goddard's work: Vulnerability, Redemption and Transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoddard's book is vulnerable. It speaks of human life, in all its fullness and messiness. It is truthful and open about the doubts, questions and anxieties that the author faced throughout her life. I was struck by Goddard's honesty in her writing, her willingness to be vulnerable with her readers so that she might be known but also so that her readers might feel known, acknowledged, valued and understood. From inadequacy to doubts and deep hurts, Goddard reflects the brokenness of human life in a broken world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut her vulnerability never leaves her readers in a place of despair. Redemption always follows. In each story of challenge, each letter of loss and each musing on a difficult day, joy comes in the morning, light emerges from the darkness, a crown of beauty replaces ashes. God consistently ministers to us in our vulnerabilities and Goddard reminds her readers that He will always meet us, love us and redeem us in our darkest times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd then there is transformation. Something changes, a challenge and a call to a distinctive life. A life that welcomes, a home that is open, a hand that accepts bizarre presents or an offering plate that appreciates hard boiled sweets. Again and again Goddard exemplifies the transformed life with Christ. She forgives, appreciates, mourns and reminds her readers that our broken lives matter, that we all have the opportunity to reach the unreachable, the occasionally dysfunctional, the overlooked and underrepresented. Not without struggle, but with grace and humility a life is transformed and that transformed life in turn leads to further transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an incredibly honest and profound book, exploring both the comedies and challenging realities of growing up in a vicarage. It is worth reading wherever you grew up as it provides insights into the twists and turns that emerge as one walks the path of faith.\u003cem\u003e Musings of a Clergy Child \u003c\/em\u003egives particular insight to all those considering, training for and living Christian ministry and should be on all kinds of vocational reading lists! Goddard admirably reflects the vulnerability, redemption and transformation that unite humanity and describe the gospel. You will be welcomed from the start and known by the end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThank you Nell, I wait in anticipation for book number two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImogen Bell, Theos\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-14T16:15:21+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:56+00:00","vendor":"Nell Goddard","type":"Paperback","tags":["KCLC","Kindle","Leadership","Parenting","Women"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769579790436,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465467","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436783059044,"product_id":2439786266724,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:56+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:46+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465467-l.jpg?v=1549043146","variant_ids":[21769579790436]},"available":false,"name":"Musings of a Clergy Child: Growing into a faith of my own - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":183,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465467","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238878806155,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465467-l.jpg?v=1549043146"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465467-l.jpg?v=1549043146"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465467-l.jpg?v=1549043146","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238878806155,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465467-l.jpg?v=1549043146"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465467-l.jpg?v=1549043146","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eVicarage life can be exciting, hilarious, scary, surreal and delightful... and that's just one day! Nell Goddard writes honestly and openly about the ins and outs of growing up in a Christian home, from her experience as the daughter of two vicars. With hilarious anecdotes, tough lessons and spiritual reflections from wrestling with faith, this book charts what it's like to live in the goldfish bowl of a vicarage, grow up in the shadow of your parents, lose your faith and find it again. With both rewritten blog posts and brand new material, this collection of tips, letters and musings will appeal not just to clergy children and their parents, but also to teenagers growing up in Christian homes, and to those who want to know what it's like to live a life of ministry you never really asked for.\u003c\/p\u003e\nContents\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClergy child's lament\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTips for clergy children\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBring-and-share lunches are highly unpredictable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSometimes the smallest offerings have the biggest impact\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeople will come in and randomly start dismantling your house\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not give out your address over the phone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoundaries are excellent things\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't feel obliged to invite the entire congregation to your birthday party\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou will never realise how important your hospitality is until you're on the receiving end of someone else's\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlways lock the toilet door. A surprising number of people will just barge through closed ones\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTeach your parent to turn off their phone\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMake sure you check out the parish profile before your parent applies for a job\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn to accept strange gifts with grace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou are, to all intents and purposes, the vicarage social secretary\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf someone's coming to stay, make sure you're informed well in advance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt's OK to grieve\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDon't bother waiting for your parents before leaving church. It's a waste of everyone's time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThere are certain things you should never tell a caller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlways carry ID. You never know when you might need to prove yourself\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour love life will be a continual source of parish speculation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSometimes it's just awful, but God is still good\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForgive; it changes lives\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLetters\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for the new clergy child\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for clergy parents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for when the church has hurt you\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for when you feel as if the church has stolen your parents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for when a friend leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA letter for when you feel inadequate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMusings\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDancing in the grey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfessions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChains\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWalking the forgiveness path\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInterrupted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrust and obey\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHide-and-seek\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBe still\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBarefoot\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBattling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFingertip faith\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrayer for a friend\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHere is love\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOn being human\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNaked\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOut of the ashes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAt the feet of Jesus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeaven has a climbing frame\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWithout words\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePassionate and poignant by turns, very funny one minute and deeply moving the next, Nell Goddard's account of being a 'vicarage child' is above all truthful. Truthful to what it's really like being at the sharp end of clergy life; truthful, especially, to the gospel itself.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Rt Revd Prof N T Wright, University of St Andrews \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor me, this is what is really enchanting about Musings of a Clergy Child. In 154 pages, Nell, you have given us a living example of how to be simultaneously completely grown up - realistic, candid, hard-hitting - and utterly child-like for God - unfussy, honest, and attentive to the small truths that normally pass us by. As the father of a clergy child, it is a beautiful example for my own little girl; but it's also a beautiful example for me - and for all of us here. Because there is not one of us who is not called to be at once grown up, mature in the faith, and also childlike, transparent before God as a child is in the presence of a parent he or she trusts completely. And Musings of a Clergy Child is brilliant at a practical level - for reminding clergy families up and down the country that they aren't alone in the fact that 'God has not called them to normality', as you so elegantly put it. It's also extremely valuable in that it offers what so little Christian literature bothers to - a vocabulary for lamenting in the face of God's goodness. This book, Anne Atkins says, is 'wonderful and precious'; and Simon Ponsonby tells us it 'will do good to your soul'. They are both right.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Patrick Gilday, Rector of Benson and Ewelme \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNell Goddard takes the lid off vicarage life and reveals the life of a clergy child to be anything but a sheltered one. With tenderness and insight she describes the rich and rare mix of holy, human experience which shaped her growing-up. Her faith journey so far has been remarkable, painful, joyful, very much her own and shot through with instances of how God and life, in her words, 'intersect in the most beautiful of ways.' ... Everyone should read 'Musings of a Clergy Child' : beautiful.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Rosemary Lain-Priestley, Archdeacon for the Two Cities \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNell Goddard studied Theology at Durham University and is now Culture Projects Leader at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. Both her parents began training for ordination when she was just six months old. Since then her family have lived all around the country and been part of a spectrum of different ministries, from Oxford college chaplain to academic theologian to vicar of a central London parish. She has an older brother and a chocolate labrador, Bramble. You can find Nell's blog at musingsofaclergychild.com.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Imogen Bell\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the end of a good book I often feel that I know its author. This is particularly true for a book which explores the life of an individual with all its hilarity, brokenness and restoration. With each turn of the page the reader learns more of the writer, so that by the final turn they are well and truly known, even perhaps a friend\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat Nell Goddard achieves remarkably throughout the course of her first book,\u003cem\u003e Musings of a Clergy Child: growing into a faith of my own, \u003c\/em\u003eis the humble skill of knowing the reader. Getting to the end of Goddard's book left me feeling known. Though I am neither a clergy child nor a clergy parent, from the first page I was welcomed as a friend. Through stories, tips, letters and reflections she scripted much of what I too have experienced as a young Christian growing up in a 'Christian family'. I was left encouraged and amazed at Goddard's ability to express these experiences and to share repeated moments of vulnerability with her readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMusings of a Clergy Child \u003c\/em\u003eis split into (a classically Anglican) three sections. Firstly: Goddard's 'Tips for clergy children'. As an ordinand about to embark on Church of England training, reading the insights of a childhood in a 'gold fish bowl' was a timely warning of the challenges of Christian ministry (whatever that might look like). Especially the challenges placed upon one's own family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecondly: Goddard's 'Letters'. Six letters, one to a new clergy child, one to clergy parents and four letters to those with specific situations, hurts and fears. For me, the last was the most important, 'A letter for when you feel inadequate'. Not only for my life, but for many lives of loved ones around me, this letter acknowledges the feeling that 'I am not enough'. It challenges the inadequacy and declares that our Father loves us. This letter is worthy of printing and posting around schools, universities, churches, workplaces, even on street corners. It speaks the gospel into the darkest of doubts. A wonderful declaration of one made 'enough' through Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinally: Her 'Musings', the 'most obviously theological part' but not out of kilter with the rest. Twenty musings covering multiple questions, barriers and truths in the twisted and winding journey of faith. This section is a resource to be used repeatedly, reflections to be reminded of and situations almost universally experienced. Goddard's willingness to embrace and witness to the big issues of a life with Christ opens spaces for her readers to grow, to be acknowledged and to reflect on their own faith, feelings and struggles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have (a similarly Anglican) three reflections on Goddard's work: Vulnerability, Redemption and Transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGoddard's book is vulnerable. It speaks of human life, in all its fullness and messiness. It is truthful and open about the doubts, questions and anxieties that the author faced throughout her life. I was struck by Goddard's honesty in her writing, her willingness to be vulnerable with her readers so that she might be known but also so that her readers might feel known, acknowledged, valued and understood. From inadequacy to doubts and deep hurts, Goddard reflects the brokenness of human life in a broken world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut her vulnerability never leaves her readers in a place of despair. Redemption always follows. In each story of challenge, each letter of loss and each musing on a difficult day, joy comes in the morning, light emerges from the darkness, a crown of beauty replaces ashes. God consistently ministers to us in our vulnerabilities and Goddard reminds her readers that He will always meet us, love us and redeem us in our darkest times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd then there is transformation. Something changes, a challenge and a call to a distinctive life. A life that welcomes, a home that is open, a hand that accepts bizarre presents or an offering plate that appreciates hard boiled sweets. Again and again Goddard exemplifies the transformed life with Christ. She forgives, appreciates, mourns and reminds her readers that our broken lives matter, that we all have the opportunity to reach the unreachable, the occasionally dysfunctional, the overlooked and underrepresented. Not without struggle, but with grace and humility a life is transformed and that transformed life in turn leads to further transformation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an incredibly honest and profound book, exploring both the comedies and challenging realities of growing up in a vicarage. It is worth reading wherever you grew up as it provides insights into the twists and turns that emerge as one walks the path of faith.\u003cem\u003e Musings of a Clergy Child \u003c\/em\u003egives particular insight to all those considering, training for and living Christian ministry and should be on all kinds of vocational reading lists! Goddard admirably reflects the vulnerability, redemption and transformation that unite humanity and describe the gospel. You will be welcomed from the start and known by the end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThank you Nell, I wait in anticipation for book number two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImogen Bell, Theos\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Musings of a Clergy Child: Growing into a faith of my own
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Vicarage life can be exciting, hilarious, scary, surreal and delightful... and that's just one day! Nell Goddard writes honestly and...
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{"id":2439777222756,"title":"The Big Book of Bible Crafts","handle":"the-big-book-of-bible-crafts","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf only you knew that every craft you planned for your children's ministry would be a winner... Now you can be certain of success with over 100 tried-and-tested crafts, submitted by children's workers like you, and used with real kids in real churches. Structured into three sections of crafts for younger and older primary ages and for all ages together, The Big Book of Bible Crafts is a lifesaver for Sunday school, midweek groups and holiday clubs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHand in Hand E-Newsletter July 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e110 of the best craft ideas - all contributed by people working with children in churches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost 20 years ago, at our first Children's Ministry conference, I offered an optional workshop on Bible crafts. I expected 50-100 delegates but almost 400 packed the hall and the workshop had to become a demonstration! Back then there were no books to recommend to those delegates and the many more wanting easy ideas that I met at other training events, so I wrote 100 Simple Bible Craft Ideas for Children - a book now out of print. Since then, a plethora of craft ideas books and web resources have been produced but it is good to see a new collection of simple ideas cross-referenced by Bible passage and season and including some extension ideas on how to incorporate them into a session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSue Price - Children's Ministry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:17+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:18+00:00","vendor":"Laurie Copley","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","Collective worship","Jun-16","KCLC","Worship"],"price":1199,"price_min":1199,"price_max":1199,"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":21769434005604,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464958","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Big Book of Bible Crafts - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1199,"weight":399,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464958","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464958-l.jpg?v=1549043154"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464958-l.jpg?v=1549043154","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877823115,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.703,"height":650,"width":457,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464958-l.jpg?v=1549043154"},"aspect_ratio":0.703,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464958-l.jpg?v=1549043154","width":457}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eIf only you knew that every craft you planned for your children's ministry would be a winner... Now you can be certain of success with over 100 tried-and-tested crafts, submitted by children's workers like you, and used with real kids in real churches. Structured into three sections of crafts for younger and older primary ages and for all ages together, The Big Book of Bible Crafts is a lifesaver for Sunday school, midweek groups and holiday clubs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHand in Hand E-Newsletter July 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e110 of the best craft ideas - all contributed by people working with children in churches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost 20 years ago, at our first Children's Ministry conference, I offered an optional workshop on Bible crafts. I expected 50-100 delegates but almost 400 packed the hall and the workshop had to become a demonstration! Back then there were no books to recommend to those delegates and the many more wanting easy ideas that I met at other training events, so I wrote 100 Simple Bible Craft Ideas for Children - a book now out of print. Since then, a plethora of craft ideas books and web resources have been produced but it is good to see a new collection of simple ideas cross-referenced by Bible passage and season and including some extension ideas on how to incorporate them into a session.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSue Price - Children's Ministry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e"}
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The Big Book of Bible Crafts
£11.99
If only you knew that every craft you planned for your children's ministry would be a winner... Now you can...
{"id":2439754350692,"title":"Help! It's the All-Age Slot: 52 instant talk outlines for church services","handle":"help-its-the-all-age-slot-52-instant-talk-outlines-for-church-services","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e52 easy-to-use all-age talks for church services: minimum preparation, maximum effect!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis resource offers material that is thoroughly enjoyable for adults and children alike. The talks are easy to use, all-age in presentation, and ensure that the theme will be communicated effectively.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCovers key occasions in the church year plus more general themes\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eProvides fresh material for a whole year\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eEasy to adapt, with suggestions given\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nRebecca Parkinson is a trained teacher, experienced youth and children's worker and published author. She taught full time for four years at primary level before becoming a teacher adviser for Lancashire and working alongside Lancashire Business and Enterprise Team to develop curriculum-based Road Show packages for Early Years and KS1 and 2. Rebecca lives in Lancashire and is an active member of her local Methodist Church where she runs the youth and children's work with her husband.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinistry Today - Summer 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI was deeply put off by the title because, for me, All Age is not about a slot! Once I'd got over that hump, I found this to be an outstanding book. It comprises 52 instant talk outlines, most of which use objects or visual activities of one kind or another.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOut of 52 outlines, there will always be some which are weaker than others. I went through and marked all the ones I thought would work, would be easy, were just 'ok', etc. Some of them I have road-tested in primary school assemblies. Each chapter follows the same format: Aim, Bible Links, 'You will need' list, Talk Outline, and Challenge. The Challenge is great, and is something we have included in each of our All Age services for over a year now. Here, it is the other bookend to the Aim. It concludes the talk and offers a challenge you can leave your congregation to follow up.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is more or less structured around the church's year and there is an appendix with lectionary links for each of the chapter-weeks. Some of the chapters need sharpening up or adapting. For example, Chapter 48 ('Waiting is Good') on Advent, might be better presented as 'Preparation is Good.' This is a reminder to me that 'off the peg' quick help guides require a little bit of thinking and adapting to your own local language or culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an excellent book of its type and worth the money as a source of ideas. A Bible references index would have been helpful. 4\/5.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Dormandy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:54+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:56+00:00","vendor":"Rebecca Parkinson","type":"Paperback","tags":["Church life","Jun-15","KCLC"],"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":21769124413540,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857460233","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Help! It's the All-Age Slot: 52 instant talk outlines for church services - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":184,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857460233","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460233-l.jpg?v=1549043169"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460233-l.jpg?v=1549043169","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238875398283,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":990,"width":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460233-l.jpg?v=1549043169"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":990,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460233-l.jpg?v=1549043169","width":650}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e52 easy-to-use all-age talks for church services: minimum preparation, maximum effect!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis resource offers material that is thoroughly enjoyable for adults and children alike. The talks are easy to use, all-age in presentation, and ensure that the theme will be communicated effectively.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCovers key occasions in the church year plus more general themes\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eProvides fresh material for a whole year\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eEasy to adapt, with suggestions given\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nRebecca Parkinson is a trained teacher, experienced youth and children's worker and published author. She taught full time for four years at primary level before becoming a teacher adviser for Lancashire and working alongside Lancashire Business and Enterprise Team to develop curriculum-based Road Show packages for Early Years and KS1 and 2. Rebecca lives in Lancashire and is an active member of her local Methodist Church where she runs the youth and children's work with her husband.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinistry Today - Summer 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI was deeply put off by the title because, for me, All Age is not about a slot! Once I'd got over that hump, I found this to be an outstanding book. It comprises 52 instant talk outlines, most of which use objects or visual activities of one kind or another.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOut of 52 outlines, there will always be some which are weaker than others. I went through and marked all the ones I thought would work, would be easy, were just 'ok', etc. Some of them I have road-tested in primary school assemblies. Each chapter follows the same format: Aim, Bible Links, 'You will need' list, Talk Outline, and Challenge. The Challenge is great, and is something we have included in each of our All Age services for over a year now. Here, it is the other bookend to the Aim. It concludes the talk and offers a challenge you can leave your congregation to follow up.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is more or less structured around the church's year and there is an appendix with lectionary links for each of the chapter-weeks. Some of the chapters need sharpening up or adapting. For example, Chapter 48 ('Waiting is Good') on Advent, might be better presented as 'Preparation is Good.' This is a reminder to me that 'off the peg' quick help guides require a little bit of thinking and adapting to your own local language or culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an excellent book of its type and worth the money as a source of ideas. A Bible references index would have been helpful. 4\/5.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Dormandy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e"}
You may also like:
Help! It's the All-Age Slot: 52 instant talk outlines for church services
£9.99
52 easy-to-use all-age talks for church services: minimum preparation, maximum effect! This resource offers material that is thoroughly enjoyable for...
{"id":7130725941439,"title":"Messy Adventures: Twelve outdoor sessions for Messy Churches","handle":"messy-adventures","description":"\u003cp\u003eTwelve sessions for Messy Churches to do outdoors, created by a Messy Church Goes Wild writer team, enhanced by additions from scientists, and piloted in urban and rural Messy Churches. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eSession titles\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild and wilderness!, Wet and wild!, Wild and rocky!, Wild and weedy!, Wild woods!, Wild weather!, Wild on the wing!, Wild and wiggly!, Wild safari!, Wild me!, Wild on the move!, Wild life!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church. She promotes Messy Church nationally and\u003cbr\u003einternationally through training and speaking events, and is the author of a number of\u003cbr\u003ebooks for BRF.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAdditional authors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDave Gregory, Cate Williams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 10.08.23. Review by Rona Orme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe concept of \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.churchtimes.co.uk\/articles\/2022\/9-september\/books-arts\/book-reviews\/messy-church-goes-wild-caring-for-the-world-we-live-in-by-lucy-moore\"\u003eMessy Church Goes Wild\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e is an outdoor, environmental development beyond the original Messy Church. The gospel here is communicated in response to nature. This may be a challenge for some inner-city parishes. At first glance, this new resource is slightly daunting and complex. We are offered a pick-and-mix of ideas for each of 12 sets of material for Messy adventures. We are encouraged to share videos via scanned QR codes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sessions have a strong scientific basis. There are many fun and challenging activities and experiments, but there were times when I felt that the good news of Jesus was in danger of being side-lined by the scientific excitement. I wondered how much prior Bible knowledge was needed to put some of the material into context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkilled and experienced leaders will be able to keep a good balance between the fascinating science and offering reflection on Bible stories. The session on “wilderness” not only focuses on Jesus’s forty-day experience, but also brings in both Elijah and the manna from heaven (depending on the sections chosen to follow). Will children and those new to faith remember those accounts, or will they be too caught up in making fire, discovering how a compass works, or learning about poustinias?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the strengths of Messy Church is the focus on building relationships, and there are plenty of opportunities here to do that. Valuing the environment is of great importance to many families, and it is good to have material that follows that interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have some concerns about the accessibility of some ideas. Safeguarding, health, and safety are carefully addressed, but I found no suggestions for adapting material for people with physical disabilities. Also, I am unsure that all the material will be suitable for families with neuro-diverse members. Our awareness of differently abled people has increased greatly in recent years; so it would be good to have some advice included where appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten with wry humour, this helps with some of the more complicated scientific explanations. To use this book well will require commitment, confidence, and creativity. If you long to explore science, faith, and the beautiful outdoors, this resource may be for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRona Orme is a licensed lay minister in the diocese of Salisbury, and a former Children’s Missioner for the diocese of Peterborough.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices Sept 23. Review by Denise Beckley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis gives a treasure chest of ideas which can relate to the twelve suggested themes. Anybody used to using a pick and mix method of planning will find inspiration. Each theme gives a section to be used ‘on the move’ and a section which may be used as ‘Adventure in one spot’. Each section is followed by activities to explore the theme, scientific information and explanation. Safety notes and risk assessment help are included as required alongside activities. Before delving into the theme activity session, both seasoned pick and mix users and those more used to a structured layout, would do well to read the How to use Messy Adventures chapter. Explanations as to how to fit into ‘Messy Church’ structure are also included as Celebrations and suggestions regarding menus to enable you to enjoy food together outdoors. The reader is then invited to go on an adventure planned to suit their group, and invited to activities and scripture to ‘think outside of the box’. However, should some of the ideas feel a little outside your comfort zone, other options can be found. This is a valuable and practical resource.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Denise Beckley \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2022-01-10T17:31:03+00:00","created_at":"2022-01-10T17:17:03+00:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore, Dave Gregory, Cate Williams and Jane Butler","type":"Paperback","tags":["Caring for creation","Children and family ministry","KCLC","Messy Church","Messy Church books"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":41214543986879,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391499","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":34332098822335,"product_id":7130725941439,"position":1,"created_at":"2023-04-14T12:14:56+01:00","updated_at":"2023-04-14T12:14:58+01:00","alt":null,"width":2480,"height":3508,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MessyAdventures.jpg?v=1681470898","variant_ids":[41214543986879]},"available":true,"name":"Messy Adventures: Twelve outdoor sessions for Messy Churches - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1299,"weight":830,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391499","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":26947044933823,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"width":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MessyAdventures.jpg?v=1681470898"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MessyAdventures.jpg?v=1681470898"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MessyAdventures.jpg?v=1681470898","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":26947044933823,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"width":2480,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MessyAdventures.jpg?v=1681470898"},"aspect_ratio":0.707,"height":3508,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/MessyAdventures.jpg?v=1681470898","width":2480}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eTwelve sessions for Messy Churches to do outdoors, created by a Messy Church Goes Wild writer team, enhanced by additions from scientists, and piloted in urban and rural Messy Churches. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eSession titles\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild and wilderness!, Wet and wild!, Wild and rocky!, Wild and weedy!, Wild woods!, Wild weather!, Wild on the wing!, Wild and wiggly!, Wild safari!, Wild me!, Wild on the move!, Wild life!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLucy Moore is the founder of Messy Church. She promotes Messy Church nationally and\u003cbr\u003einternationally through training and speaking events, and is the author of a number of\u003cbr\u003ebooks for BRF.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAdditional authors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDave Gregory, Cate Williams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 10.08.23. Review by Rona Orme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe concept of \u003cem\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.churchtimes.co.uk\/articles\/2022\/9-september\/books-arts\/book-reviews\/messy-church-goes-wild-caring-for-the-world-we-live-in-by-lucy-moore\"\u003eMessy Church Goes Wild\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e is an outdoor, environmental development beyond the original Messy Church. The gospel here is communicated in response to nature. This may be a challenge for some inner-city parishes. At first glance, this new resource is slightly daunting and complex. We are offered a pick-and-mix of ideas for each of 12 sets of material for Messy adventures. We are encouraged to share videos via scanned QR codes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sessions have a strong scientific basis. There are many fun and challenging activities and experiments, but there were times when I felt that the good news of Jesus was in danger of being side-lined by the scientific excitement. I wondered how much prior Bible knowledge was needed to put some of the material into context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSkilled and experienced leaders will be able to keep a good balance between the fascinating science and offering reflection on Bible stories. The session on “wilderness” not only focuses on Jesus’s forty-day experience, but also brings in both Elijah and the manna from heaven (depending on the sections chosen to follow). Will children and those new to faith remember those accounts, or will they be too caught up in making fire, discovering how a compass works, or learning about poustinias?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the strengths of Messy Church is the focus on building relationships, and there are plenty of opportunities here to do that. Valuing the environment is of great importance to many families, and it is good to have material that follows that interest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have some concerns about the accessibility of some ideas. Safeguarding, health, and safety are carefully addressed, but I found no suggestions for adapting material for people with physical disabilities. Also, I am unsure that all the material will be suitable for families with neuro-diverse members. Our awareness of differently abled people has increased greatly in recent years; so it would be good to have some advice included where appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten with wry humour, this helps with some of the more complicated scientific explanations. To use this book well will require commitment, confidence, and creativity. If you long to explore science, faith, and the beautiful outdoors, this resource may be for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRona Orme is a licensed lay minister in the diocese of Salisbury, and a former Children’s Missioner for the diocese of Peterborough.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices Sept 23. Review by Denise Beckley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis gives a treasure chest of ideas which can relate to the twelve suggested themes. Anybody used to using a pick and mix method of planning will find inspiration. Each theme gives a section to be used ‘on the move’ and a section which may be used as ‘Adventure in one spot’. Each section is followed by activities to explore the theme, scientific information and explanation. Safety notes and risk assessment help are included as required alongside activities. Before delving into the theme activity session, both seasoned pick and mix users and those more used to a structured layout, would do well to read the How to use Messy Adventures chapter. Explanations as to how to fit into ‘Messy Church’ structure are also included as Celebrations and suggestions regarding menus to enable you to enjoy food together outdoors. The reader is then invited to go on an adventure planned to suit their group, and invited to activities and scripture to ‘think outside of the box’. However, should some of the ideas feel a little outside your comfort zone, other options can be found. This is a valuable and practical resource.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Denise Beckley \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Messy Adventures: Twelve outdoor sessions for Messy Churches
£12.99
Twelve sessions for Messy Churches to do outdoors, created by a Messy Church Goes Wild writer team, enhanced by additions from...
{"id":5441437532312,"title":"The Barnabas 365 Story Bible","handle":"the-barnabas-365-story-bible","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is the Bible retold for younger children in 365 much-loved stories. It offers a continuous narrative from Genesis to Revelation in chronological order and is illustrated by a variety of popular artists. Each story includes the relevant Bible reference so that readers can explore further if they wish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Ann Wright is a trained teacher and experienced author. She has written a large number of books for children, including several retellings of well-loved Bible stories. Married with four children, she lives just outside London.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-07-07T11:09:07+01:00","created_at":"2020-07-07T11:05:26+01:00","vendor":"Sally Ann Wright","type":"Hardback","tags":["Bibles","Children and family ministry","For children","KCLC"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":35117334069400,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857463531","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The Barnabas 365 Story Bible","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1299,"weight":877,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857463531","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463531.jpg?v=1594116419"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463531.jpg?v=1594116419","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":10012135358616,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.746,"height":1800,"width":1342,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463531.jpg?v=1594116419"},"aspect_ratio":0.746,"height":1800,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463531.jpg?v=1594116419","width":1342}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThis is the Bible retold for younger children in 365 much-loved stories. It offers a continuous narrative from Genesis to Revelation in chronological order and is illustrated by a variety of popular artists. Each story includes the relevant Bible reference so that readers can explore further if they wish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Ann Wright is a trained teacher and experienced author. She has written a large number of books for children, including several retellings of well-loved Bible stories. Married with four children, she lives just outside London.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The Barnabas 365 Story Bible
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This is the Bible retold for younger children in 365 much-loved stories. It offers a continuous narrative from Genesis to...
Out of Stock
{"id":2439831126116,"title":"Nursery Rhyme Nativities: Three easy-to-perform plays for pre-school and early years of learning","handle":"nursery-rhyme-nativities-three-easy-to-perform-plays-for-pre-school-and-early-years-of-learning","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the biggest problems faced by those working with very young children at Christmas is how to involve pre-readers in the nativity story with the minimum of fuss and manageable preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere is an ideal solution that will delight teachers and parents alike. In this book, popular author Brian Ogden offers three very diverse plays - all of which can be performed with groups of any size. Each one tells the story of the first Christmas from a difference perspective, using well-known nursery rhyme tunes to bring the storyline to life. Simple directions, costumes and props ensure that the children are given the opportunity to participate fully in the performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncludes photocopy permission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nBrian Ogden was for many years a teacher and RE advisor for the diocese of Peterborough and Chelmsford. He is author of several books published under the Barnabas imprint. He is a regular speaker in schools, typically sharing his stories and his work with more than 7,000 children in the course of a year.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e\u003cem\u003e'Friends told us it was the best nativity they'd seen Reception perform.'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'The children found the songs really easy to learn and wanted to do it again and again.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKey Stage One Teachers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the \u003cem\u003eAssociation of Christian Teachers\u003c\/em\u003e website - October 2008\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book commends itself as a book of three Christmas plays, aimed at the youngest of our children, which can be performed with a minimum of fuss and manageable preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stories are told with the suggestion that adults (or very competent older children) should read the parts of the narrators, with the young children miming the action and singing the songs with the audience joining in the singing. The songs all use the tunes of nursery rhymes and have newly written words to fit the story e.g. Mary's Song sung to the tune of 'London Bridge is Falling Down'. Illustrated photocopiable pages of song words are given with the suggestion that they could be put on acetate or made into booklets. The book includes simple music scores and craft templates including animal masks and crib figures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a wonderful resource for pre-school and KS1 teachers and also for church groups who rarely have a full complement of actors until the day of the play - the numbers of those acting is infinitely flexible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that I will be passing on to my vicar, our pre-school leader and my KS1 manager. I rather suspect that they will be fighting over it!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by Jan Randall, Class Teacher and RE Manager, Nursling Primary School, Southampton, Hampshire\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:48+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:49+00:00","vendor":"Brian Ogden","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","Christmas","For schools","KCLC","Sep-02"],"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":21770266312804,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857460677","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7437066436708,"product_id":2439831126116,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:49+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:15+00:00","alt":null,"width":460,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460677-l.jpg?v=1549043115","variant_ids":[21770266312804]},"available":true,"name":"Nursery Rhyme Nativities: Three easy-to-perform plays for pre-school and early years of learning - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":228,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857460677","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238882181259,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.708,"height":650,"width":460,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460677-l.jpg?v=1549043115"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460677-l.jpg?v=1549043115"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460677-l.jpg?v=1549043115","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238882181259,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.708,"height":650,"width":460,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460677-l.jpg?v=1549043115"},"aspect_ratio":0.708,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460677-l.jpg?v=1549043115","width":460}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the biggest problems faced by those working with very young children at Christmas is how to involve pre-readers in the nativity story with the minimum of fuss and manageable preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere is an ideal solution that will delight teachers and parents alike. In this book, popular author Brian Ogden offers three very diverse plays - all of which can be performed with groups of any size. Each one tells the story of the first Christmas from a difference perspective, using well-known nursery rhyme tunes to bring the storyline to life. Simple directions, costumes and props ensure that the children are given the opportunity to participate fully in the performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncludes photocopy permission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nBrian Ogden was for many years a teacher and RE advisor for the diocese of Peterborough and Chelmsford. He is author of several books published under the Barnabas imprint. He is a regular speaker in schools, typically sharing his stories and his work with more than 7,000 children in the course of a year.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cem\u003e\u003cem\u003e'Friends told us it was the best nativity they'd seen Reception perform.'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'The children found the songs really easy to learn and wanted to do it again and again.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKey Stage One Teachers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the \u003cem\u003eAssociation of Christian Teachers\u003c\/em\u003e website - October 2008\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book commends itself as a book of three Christmas plays, aimed at the youngest of our children, which can be performed with a minimum of fuss and manageable preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stories are told with the suggestion that adults (or very competent older children) should read the parts of the narrators, with the young children miming the action and singing the songs with the audience joining in the singing. The songs all use the tunes of nursery rhymes and have newly written words to fit the story e.g. Mary's Song sung to the tune of 'London Bridge is Falling Down'. Illustrated photocopiable pages of song words are given with the suggestion that they could be put on acetate or made into booklets. The book includes simple music scores and craft templates including animal masks and crib figures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a wonderful resource for pre-school and KS1 teachers and also for church groups who rarely have a full complement of actors until the day of the play - the numbers of those acting is infinitely flexible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that I will be passing on to my vicar, our pre-school leader and my KS1 manager. I rather suspect that they will be fighting over it!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by Jan Randall, Class Teacher and RE Manager, Nursling Primary School, Southampton, Hampshire\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Nursery Rhyme Nativities: Three easy-to-perform plays for pre-school and early years of learning
£8.99
One of the biggest problems faced by those working with very young children at Christmas is how to involve pre-readers...
{"id":2439735869540,"title":"Fill the Gap!: 120 instant Bible games for Sunday schools and midweek groups","handle":"fill-the-gap-120-instant-bible-games-for-sunday-schools-and-midweek-groups","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFill the Gap!\u003c\/strong\u003e contains 120 easy-to-play Bible-based games with little or no preparation needed - perfect for picking straight off the shelf!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe ideas are designed to help local churches fill up those awkward gaps of time in Sunday schools, midweek clubs, holiday clubs, after school clubs and children's camps.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe games are divided equally across the Old Testament and the New Testament and offer a fun-filled way to reinforce a teaching point or help children unfamiliar with Bible stories. There are two games for each story, one aimed at 4-7s and the other at 7-11s, but many of the games can be modified slightly to make them appropriate for older or younger children to take part.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMost of the games are suitable for both smaller and larger groups of children and many can be easily adapted to fit different Bible stories, allowing favourite games to be used again with a different emphasis.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eFrom the Introduction:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the games\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFill the Gap! covers 60 well-known Bible stories and suggests two games for each story, one aimed at younger children aged 4-7 and the other at older children aged 8-11 years. Each game is designed to bring a fun element to every Bible story, to help children remember what they have learnt. Many of the games can be easily adapted to fit different Bible stories (see 'Helpful hints').\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout group sizes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost of the games in this book are suitable for both smaller and larger groups of children. For large groups, it is suggested that more teams are used rather than having large numbers of children in each team. It is hoped that leaders will join in with the games and will make up numbers where necessary. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout age bandings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe age bandings given in this book are only suggestions. Most games can be modified slightly to make them appropriate for older or younger children. Where children of mixed ages are playing a game, particular care should be taken of the safety of the younger children; it is suggested that less physical games are used with younger children. For groups with a wide age range, the most suitable game relating to each story is also noted as 'All ages'. In some cases, both games are appropriate for mixed age ranges and are therefore both noted as such.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nRebecca Parkinson is a trained teacher, experienced youth and children's worker and published author. She taught full time for four years at primary level before becoming a teacher adviser for Lancashire and working alongside Lancashire Business and Enterprise Team to develop curriculum-based Road Show packages for Early Years and KS1 and 2. Rebecca lives in Lancashire and is an active member of her local Methodist Church where she runs the youth and children's work with her husband.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:19:44+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:19:46+00:00","vendor":"Rebecca Parkinson","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","KCLC","Oct-12"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21768899526756,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857460042","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Fill the Gap!: 120 instant Bible games for Sunday schools and midweek groups - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1299,"weight":298,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857460042","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460042-l.jpg?v=1549043183"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460042-l.jpg?v=1549043183","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238874153099,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":676,"width":443,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460042-l.jpg?v=1549043183"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":676,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857460042-l.jpg?v=1549043183","width":443}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFill the Gap!\u003c\/strong\u003e contains 120 easy-to-play Bible-based games with little or no preparation needed - perfect for picking straight off the shelf!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe ideas are designed to help local churches fill up those awkward gaps of time in Sunday schools, midweek clubs, holiday clubs, after school clubs and children's camps.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe games are divided equally across the Old Testament and the New Testament and offer a fun-filled way to reinforce a teaching point or help children unfamiliar with Bible stories. There are two games for each story, one aimed at 4-7s and the other at 7-11s, but many of the games can be modified slightly to make them appropriate for older or younger children to take part.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMost of the games are suitable for both smaller and larger groups of children and many can be easily adapted to fit different Bible stories, allowing favourite games to be used again with a different emphasis.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eFrom the Introduction:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the games\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFill the Gap! covers 60 well-known Bible stories and suggests two games for each story, one aimed at younger children aged 4-7 and the other at older children aged 8-11 years. Each game is designed to bring a fun element to every Bible story, to help children remember what they have learnt. Many of the games can be easily adapted to fit different Bible stories (see 'Helpful hints').\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout group sizes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost of the games in this book are suitable for both smaller and larger groups of children. For large groups, it is suggested that more teams are used rather than having large numbers of children in each team. It is hoped that leaders will join in with the games and will make up numbers where necessary. \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout age bandings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe age bandings given in this book are only suggestions. Most games can be modified slightly to make them appropriate for older or younger children. Where children of mixed ages are playing a game, particular care should be taken of the safety of the younger children; it is suggested that less physical games are used with younger children. For groups with a wide age range, the most suitable game relating to each story is also noted as 'All ages'. In some cases, both games are appropriate for mixed age ranges and are therefore both noted as such.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nRebecca Parkinson is a trained teacher, experienced youth and children's worker and published author. She taught full time for four years at primary level before becoming a teacher adviser for Lancashire and working alongside Lancashire Business and Enterprise Team to develop curriculum-based Road Show packages for Early Years and KS1 and 2. Rebecca lives in Lancashire and is an active member of her local Methodist Church where she runs the youth and children's work with her husband.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n"}
You may also like:
Fill the Gap!: 120 instant Bible games for Sunday schools and midweek groups
£12.99
Fill the Gap! contains 120 easy-to-play Bible-based games with little or no preparation needed - perfect for picking straight off...
{"id":2439734820964,"title":"Poetry Emotion: 50 original poems to spark an imaginative approach to topical values","handle":"poetry-emotion-50-original-poems-to-spark-an-imaginative-approach-to-topical-values","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePoetry Emotion\u003c\/strong\u003e contains a treasure trove of original poems to stimulate a child's observation and deep thinking; to affirm individuality and a sense of belonging; to express a myriad of feelings; and to develop meaningful skills for living.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe 50 poems are organised under 12 value-based topics, providing an ideal vehicle to address social and emotional values at Key Stage 2. They can be used with great effect in Collective Worship, and readily related to English, PSHCE, SEAL and RE in the classroom.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe poems in each section are offered with introductory suggestions for ways in which the topics can be unpacked. Topics include:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWhose world?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWho am I?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWho is my neighbour?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWhat's so special about the Bible?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eIt's not fair!\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eGetting on and falling out\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eGoing for goals\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eNew beginnings\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSaying no to bullying\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eGood to be me\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChanges\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSelf awareness\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eManaging feelings\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eMotivation\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSocial skills\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for KS2 \/ P4-7 Collective Worship and SEAL.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ciframe width=\"490\" height=\"276\" src=\"http:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/ZkhF5cL24qQ\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWhistling butterflies? How poetry opens the door to the soul\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWith the publication of his new poetry collection, poet and broadcaster Stewart Henderson shares his insights as to the roots, inspiration, and motivation for writing his new collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn her 'memory diary' \u003cem\u003eWhy Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?\u003c\/em\u003e, Whitbread Award winning novelist Jeanette Winterson turns the tables, in part, on her physically and emotionally abusive upbringing in 1960s Lancashire.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAdopted by fervently religious parents, with a mother who regarded the universe as a cosmic dustbin from which 'nobody escapes', Jeanette Winterson found soul solace in reading. 'Stories about buried treasure, lost children and locked-up princesses'... and, when moving into adolescence, poetry. For her, 'a tough life' needed 'a tough language - and that is what poetry is. That is what literature offers ... It isn't a hiding place. It is a finding place'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs someone who has been a working poet for over 40 years, the content of \u003cem\u003ePoetry Emotion \u003c\/em\u003ecomes from the accumulated experience of watching, and listening to, children in classrooms throughout the UK draw shapes of words and thoughts on unlined paper, in some cases in illegible pencil. In itself a privileged and heartbreaking exercise to view; the children not knowing how vulnerable they're being.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOr maybe they are learning to trust their new friend. That is the thing about the finding place of poetry. It gives voice to the small, the dented, the gagged - the children perhaps intuitively recognising that that which gives you your voice helps you become. On countless occasions I have observed children, irrespective of social background or ethnicity, making friends with poetry, their expansive, pristine finding place where razzle-dazzle language becomes, to quote Jeanette Winterson again, 'a string of guiding lights'. Where you can make up your own jokes and gleefully mix words together like 'marzipan chapati' and invent whistling butterflies.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs to what can be gained from \u003cem\u003ePoetry Emotion \u003c\/em\u003efor an adult? That depends on how much the adult understands what it's like to grow up in households where, as was told to me recently by one teacher, the only book is the Yellow Pages.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePoetry Emotion\u003c\/em\u003e is an attempt at a pastoral book, with the poems seeking to explain to the 'tall shadows' world of adults - who are also, in a manner, lost children - aspects of what it's like to be a child in 'Big Society' Britain today... and to give that collective child his and her voice.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eFrom the Foreword\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePoetry speaks in as many voices as there are people to read it, conveying everything from complex ideas to simple truths. The wonderful thing about Stewart Henderson's kind of writing is that he always manages to cover both at once.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe first time I heard him perform his own poetry, in 1996, was unforgettable. I was so bowled over, I immediately asked him to write regularly for the television worship programme on which I was, at that time, Series Producer for BBC1. I had been looking for a long time for someone who could speak to a general audience, of all faiths and none, about beliefs, spiritual expression and the joys and sorrows of some of life's most profound experiences, in a way that had the capacity to engage naturally and touch deeply.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eStewart knew exactly where to start and, with consummate skill and the unmistakable voice of authenticity, he took the audience on a very special journey. This collection of poems has, I believe, the same quality of travel. I read them, delighted but not surprised by their range and honesty. I could picture him in my mind's eye at one of his regular visits to the Greenbelt festival, holding a roomful of children spellbound, making them gasp with anticipation or having them squeal and laugh in a magical connection with young hearts and minds. He makes it look effortless. Don't be fooled. Writing and communicating as beautifully and naturally as this is a rare and wonderful thing.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChristine Morgan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHead of Radio, BBC Religion \u0026amp; Ethics\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nPoetry speaks in as many voices as there are people to read it, conveying everything from complex ideas to simple truths. The wonderful thing about Stewart Henderson's kind of writing is that he always manages to cover both at once. Christine Morgan, Head of Radio, BBC Religion \u0026amp; Ethics\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nStewart Henderson is a poet, songwriter and broadcaster. The Sunday Times has described his children's poetry as 'essential reading'. Stewart's verse is set for both GCSE and Key Stage 2\/P4 - 7 in primary schools in the UK and their equivalent on the Republic of Ireland curriculum. As a regular broadcaster on BBC Radio 4, Stewart has presented Questions, Questions for the last nine years. Stewart has also presented and contributed to some of Radio 4's 'crown jewels' such as From Our Own Correspondent, Pick of the Week, Broadcasting House, Something Understood, Saturday Live and PM.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom REtoday - Spring 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis book, intended for use with children aged 7-11, contains poems on a variety of themes linked to social and emotional values. The first theme is entitled 'Barnabas RE Day Themes', taking up about a third of the book. These are followed by what are called 'General Themes' and 'Emotional Skills'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe poems in the first section would not, however, be limited to use in RE lessons, collective worship or a Barnabas RE Day, as it contains poems such as 'I've Got to Look Right', a poem about the perceived importance of fitting in and how this feels when not being true to oneself. This is surely a theme which is as relevant to PSHCE as RE.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEach section is split into topics. In 'Barnabas RE Day Themes' these include 'Whose world?', and 'What's so special about the Bible?' The 'General Themes' include 'Going for goals!' and 'Saying 'no' to bullying'. 'Emotional Skills' include 'Self-awareness' and 'Motivation'. A general introduction to each theme explains the personal skills the poems are designed to help develop, while a more specific introduction to each topic gives some background to the poems and suggestions for their use. Stewart Henderson makes it clear that the teacher will know how best to use each poem with any particular set of children and their particular context.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere are poems about the death of a pet, visits, school life and friendship - themes which the majority of children will relate to. There are also poems on the things adults say that don't quite make sense to children - these may cause reflection from the teacher as much as the children!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe range of poems in this book could be used in a variety of contexts. It would make a valuable addition to any KS2 teacher's bookshelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eThe Church Times\u003c\/em\u003e - June 2012\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTop of the list, on the basis of entertainment alone, would be \u003cstrong\u003ePoetry Emotion\u003c\/strong\u003e, by Stewart Henderson. What Michael Morpurgo has done for children's fiction, Henderson has done for poetry.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs a regular broadcaster on BBC Radio 4, the writer has something of a national reputation. His poems are simple, unintimidating to children, and characterised by a delightful, icono clastic sense of humour. Teachers, granddads, best friends, and even enemies are teased, but always gently.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eInspired by a previous volume of his, one of my students began his poem on his goldfish 'Hail to thee, wet pet!' The style is recognisably Henderson's. At the heart of this book is compassion for those who find life hard and challenging.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAdolescents, take note, and take heart. This slim volume may well be just the tonic you need to get through another tricky day. And he knows that Converse All Stars are shoes, even if your dad doesn't.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom The Good Bookstall - June 2012\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an excellent little collection of 50 original poems to be used in a classroom or school setting that address a wide range of themes and issues from everyday life and emotions to slightly more topical issues like disability, being on benefits and bullying.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe poems really are excellent (my personal favourites are Zoo Trip and Friend in Need) and the teachers guidance notes that go with them really help to contextualise the situation and subjects with which these poems can be used. An excellent tool for a hard pressed teacher who wants something short but interesting to use for assembly, worship or even in PHSE or other subjects lessons.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the poems in here would also work really well for a range of outside school activities and youth \u0026amp; children's leaders and even ministers would not go too far amiss with using this book either.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Melanie Carroll\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:19:41+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:19:42+00:00","vendor":"Stewart Henderson","type":"Paperback","tags":["Drama","For children","For schools","KCLC","May-12","RE"],"price":699,"price_min":699,"price_max":699,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21768874360932,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841018935","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Poetry Emotion: 50 original poems to spark an imaginative approach to topical values - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":699,"weight":118,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841018935","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018935-l.jpg?v=1549043183"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018935-l.jpg?v=1549043183","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238874087563,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":676,"width":444,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018935-l.jpg?v=1549043183"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":676,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018935-l.jpg?v=1549043183","width":444}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePoetry Emotion\u003c\/strong\u003e contains a treasure trove of original poems to stimulate a child's observation and deep thinking; to affirm individuality and a sense of belonging; to express a myriad of feelings; and to develop meaningful skills for living.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe 50 poems are organised under 12 value-based topics, providing an ideal vehicle to address social and emotional values at Key Stage 2. They can be used with great effect in Collective Worship, and readily related to English, PSHCE, SEAL and RE in the classroom.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe poems in each section are offered with introductory suggestions for ways in which the topics can be unpacked. Topics include:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWhose world?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWho am I?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWho is my neighbour?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eWhat's so special about the Bible?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eIt's not fair!\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eGetting on and falling out\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eGoing for goals\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eNew beginnings\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSaying no to bullying\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eGood to be me\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eChanges\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSelf awareness\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eManaging feelings\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eMotivation\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eSocial skills\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for KS2 \/ P4-7 Collective Worship and SEAL.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ciframe width=\"490\" height=\"276\" src=\"http:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/ZkhF5cL24qQ\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWhistling butterflies? How poetry opens the door to the soul\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWith the publication of his new poetry collection, poet and broadcaster Stewart Henderson shares his insights as to the roots, inspiration, and motivation for writing his new collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn her 'memory diary' \u003cem\u003eWhy Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?\u003c\/em\u003e, Whitbread Award winning novelist Jeanette Winterson turns the tables, in part, on her physically and emotionally abusive upbringing in 1960s Lancashire.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAdopted by fervently religious parents, with a mother who regarded the universe as a cosmic dustbin from which 'nobody escapes', Jeanette Winterson found soul solace in reading. 'Stories about buried treasure, lost children and locked-up princesses'... and, when moving into adolescence, poetry. For her, 'a tough life' needed 'a tough language - and that is what poetry is. That is what literature offers ... It isn't a hiding place. It is a finding place'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs someone who has been a working poet for over 40 years, the content of \u003cem\u003ePoetry Emotion \u003c\/em\u003ecomes from the accumulated experience of watching, and listening to, children in classrooms throughout the UK draw shapes of words and thoughts on unlined paper, in some cases in illegible pencil. In itself a privileged and heartbreaking exercise to view; the children not knowing how vulnerable they're being.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOr maybe they are learning to trust their new friend. That is the thing about the finding place of poetry. It gives voice to the small, the dented, the gagged - the children perhaps intuitively recognising that that which gives you your voice helps you become. On countless occasions I have observed children, irrespective of social background or ethnicity, making friends with poetry, their expansive, pristine finding place where razzle-dazzle language becomes, to quote Jeanette Winterson again, 'a string of guiding lights'. Where you can make up your own jokes and gleefully mix words together like 'marzipan chapati' and invent whistling butterflies.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs to what can be gained from \u003cem\u003ePoetry Emotion \u003c\/em\u003efor an adult? That depends on how much the adult understands what it's like to grow up in households where, as was told to me recently by one teacher, the only book is the Yellow Pages.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePoetry Emotion\u003c\/em\u003e is an attempt at a pastoral book, with the poems seeking to explain to the 'tall shadows' world of adults - who are also, in a manner, lost children - aspects of what it's like to be a child in 'Big Society' Britain today... and to give that collective child his and her voice.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eFrom the Foreword\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePoetry speaks in as many voices as there are people to read it, conveying everything from complex ideas to simple truths. The wonderful thing about Stewart Henderson's kind of writing is that he always manages to cover both at once.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe first time I heard him perform his own poetry, in 1996, was unforgettable. I was so bowled over, I immediately asked him to write regularly for the television worship programme on which I was, at that time, Series Producer for BBC1. I had been looking for a long time for someone who could speak to a general audience, of all faiths and none, about beliefs, spiritual expression and the joys and sorrows of some of life's most profound experiences, in a way that had the capacity to engage naturally and touch deeply.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eStewart knew exactly where to start and, with consummate skill and the unmistakable voice of authenticity, he took the audience on a very special journey. This collection of poems has, I believe, the same quality of travel. I read them, delighted but not surprised by their range and honesty. I could picture him in my mind's eye at one of his regular visits to the Greenbelt festival, holding a roomful of children spellbound, making them gasp with anticipation or having them squeal and laugh in a magical connection with young hearts and minds. He makes it look effortless. Don't be fooled. Writing and communicating as beautifully and naturally as this is a rare and wonderful thing.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChristine Morgan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHead of Radio, BBC Religion \u0026amp; Ethics\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nPoetry speaks in as many voices as there are people to read it, conveying everything from complex ideas to simple truths. The wonderful thing about Stewart Henderson's kind of writing is that he always manages to cover both at once. Christine Morgan, Head of Radio, BBC Religion \u0026amp; Ethics\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nStewart Henderson is a poet, songwriter and broadcaster. The Sunday Times has described his children's poetry as 'essential reading'. Stewart's verse is set for both GCSE and Key Stage 2\/P4 - 7 in primary schools in the UK and their equivalent on the Republic of Ireland curriculum. As a regular broadcaster on BBC Radio 4, Stewart has presented Questions, Questions for the last nine years. Stewart has also presented and contributed to some of Radio 4's 'crown jewels' such as From Our Own Correspondent, Pick of the Week, Broadcasting House, Something Understood, Saturday Live and PM.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom REtoday - Spring 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis book, intended for use with children aged 7-11, contains poems on a variety of themes linked to social and emotional values. The first theme is entitled 'Barnabas RE Day Themes', taking up about a third of the book. These are followed by what are called 'General Themes' and 'Emotional Skills'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe poems in the first section would not, however, be limited to use in RE lessons, collective worship or a Barnabas RE Day, as it contains poems such as 'I've Got to Look Right', a poem about the perceived importance of fitting in and how this feels when not being true to oneself. This is surely a theme which is as relevant to PSHCE as RE.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEach section is split into topics. In 'Barnabas RE Day Themes' these include 'Whose world?', and 'What's so special about the Bible?' The 'General Themes' include 'Going for goals!' and 'Saying 'no' to bullying'. 'Emotional Skills' include 'Self-awareness' and 'Motivation'. A general introduction to each theme explains the personal skills the poems are designed to help develop, while a more specific introduction to each topic gives some background to the poems and suggestions for their use. Stewart Henderson makes it clear that the teacher will know how best to use each poem with any particular set of children and their particular context.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere are poems about the death of a pet, visits, school life and friendship - themes which the majority of children will relate to. There are also poems on the things adults say that don't quite make sense to children - these may cause reflection from the teacher as much as the children!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe range of poems in this book could be used in a variety of contexts. It would make a valuable addition to any KS2 teacher's bookshelf.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eThe Church Times\u003c\/em\u003e - June 2012\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTop of the list, on the basis of entertainment alone, would be \u003cstrong\u003ePoetry Emotion\u003c\/strong\u003e, by Stewart Henderson. What Michael Morpurgo has done for children's fiction, Henderson has done for poetry.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs a regular broadcaster on BBC Radio 4, the writer has something of a national reputation. His poems are simple, unintimidating to children, and characterised by a delightful, icono clastic sense of humour. Teachers, granddads, best friends, and even enemies are teased, but always gently.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eInspired by a previous volume of his, one of my students began his poem on his goldfish 'Hail to thee, wet pet!' The style is recognisably Henderson's. At the heart of this book is compassion for those who find life hard and challenging.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAdolescents, take note, and take heart. This slim volume may well be just the tonic you need to get through another tricky day. And he knows that Converse All Stars are shoes, even if your dad doesn't.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom The Good Bookstall - June 2012\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an excellent little collection of 50 original poems to be used in a classroom or school setting that address a wide range of themes and issues from everyday life and emotions to slightly more topical issues like disability, being on benefits and bullying.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe poems really are excellent (my personal favourites are Zoo Trip and Friend in Need) and the teachers guidance notes that go with them really help to contextualise the situation and subjects with which these poems can be used. An excellent tool for a hard pressed teacher who wants something short but interesting to use for assembly, worship or even in PHSE or other subjects lessons.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the poems in here would also work really well for a range of outside school activities and youth \u0026amp; children's leaders and even ministers would not go too far amiss with using this book either.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Melanie Carroll\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Poetry Emotion: 50 original poems to spark an imaginative approach to topical values
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Poetry Emotion contains a treasure trove of original poems to stimulate a child's observation and deep thinking; to affirm individuality...
{"id":2439839481956,"title":"The Word's Out: Principles and strategies for effective evangelism today","handle":"the-words-out-principles-and-strategies-for-effective-evangelism-today","description":"\u003cp\u003eAt a time of declining church attendance, this book challenges us to understand that evangelism is more important than ever. The problem is that churches and their leaders often struggle with the idea and concepts around evangelism, unsure of what might be theologically or culturally appropriate ways to communicate the message.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book aims to supply principles and strategies for evangelism that are theologically rooted, practical and relevant to the 21st century. It shows how Jesus and the early church did evangelism and what we can learn from them for our situations. There is lots of practical help from two experienced practitioners to develop an evangelistic strategy for your church. It will also encourage leaders at every level of the church to be leaders and enablers in evangelism. The approach is theologically rigorous and powerfully practical, with the focus on redefining a genuine biblical evangelism. It will help you put foundations in place for developing a sustainable strategy in your church so that you can connect not just with those on the fringes but with those who are way outside.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hMRfuxfMzqc\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a fantastic resource, packed with theology, wisdom and practical action about how we can help more people discover the fantastic good news of the gospel. I commend it with enthusiasm.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMark Russell, Chief Executive, Church Army\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a treasure store for church leaders who yearn to see the gospel reach our land anew, giving rich biblically rooted guidance on what sort of evangelism is appropriate for our age.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Rt Revd Dr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester and Chair of the College of Evangelists\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvangelism is one of those words that seem to have become one of those embarrassing topics of conversations in recent times. I am delighted that Dave Male and Paul Weston have taken the opportunity to challenge the perceptions about evangelism and to encourage and equip people for the task of being Good News today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Joanne Cox, Evangelism in Contemporary Culture Officer, The Methodist Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEssential reading for all those who want to see authentic evangelism back at the heart of the church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eCanon Nick Cuthbert, founder Riverside Church, Birmingham\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe need all the help we can get to help ordinary people from all sorts of churches enjoy sharing their faith: bring it on!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eLucy Moore, Messy Church Team Leader at BRF\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA welcome contribution to a vital issue - the emergence of a contextually appropriate form of evangelism that empowers congregations to share good news in their communities.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eStuart Murray Williams, missiologist and founder of Urban Expression\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs someone who has been involved in church planting over a couple of decades now, there is no doubt in my mind that God's Church needs to rediscover the ability and Holy Spirit anointing in evangelism. My hope is that this book not only encourages us to share our faith but also to more fully understand its imperative.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMajor Andrew Vertigan, Salvation Army Mission Partner, Planting\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the book I wish had been written ten years ago. It makes sense of evangelism in today's world, and offers a thoughtful, engaging, and provocative exploration of why and how we might play our part in God's work of evangelism.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJames Lawrence, Leadership Principal, CPAS\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is such a helpful book on one of the most crucially needed areas for this time from two people with the integrity to make it real and doable. Read it and action it and release the Word about the Kingdom!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eFuzz Kitto, International Church Consultant, Sydney Australia\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDave and Paul took a risk writing this. Books that mention the 'E' word simply don't sell as much as those which don't, yet what they have to say is vital for the future of the church, a practical call for all people to engage contextually with the greatest news this world has been graced with. Read it and be inspired.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eRevd Chris Duffett, Founder of The Light Project and President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two authors have tapped a rich vein of Biblical and historic insights to come up with a book that will both inform and inspire today's Christians to move away from some negative images of evangelism and engage in ways of inviting others to follow Jesus that will be both authentic to the Gospel and inspirational in a 21st century context.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Drane, Affiliate Professor of New Testament \u0026amp; Practical Theology at Fuller Seminary, USA, and an Associate Missioner of Fresh Expressions\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat does healthy evangelism look like in the West today, so that it remains true to the heart of evangelism but appropriate for our world? This book contributes a much-needed voice of clarity and good Biblical sense to the current conversation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Bowen, Professor of Evangelism \u0026amp; Director of the Institute of Evangelism, Toronto\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Dr Paul Weston teaches mission studies at Ridley Hall, Cambridge and is an affiliated lecturer in the Cambridge University Divinity Faculty. A member of the Archbishops' College of Evangelists, he has led over a hundred missions in parishes and universities both here and abroad. He has written widely on gospel and culture issues, most recently as co-editor of Theology in Missionary Perspective: Lesslie Newbigin's Legacy (Wipf \u0026amp; Stock, 2012).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd David Male is Director of the Centre for Pioneer Learning and Tutor in Pioneer Mission Training at Ridley Hall and Westcott House, Cambridge, and Fresh Expressions Adviser for Ely Diocese. A member of the Archbishops' College of Evangelists, he has also written Church Unplugged and contributed to books on church planting and fresh expressions, including \u003cem\u003ePioneers 4 Life\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2011) which he edited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Winter 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a foreword by the current Archbishop of Canterbury, this book has timely advice for any church seeking fresh thoughts and ideas for gospel outreach. It immediately reminds us that evangelism is not an abstract concept but ‘the natural overflow of an authentic Christian life’, and that it must be ‘the instinctive sharing of good news’. Jesus’ ministry, the authors remind us, reached people because they were amazed at his life and actions (Mark 1.27). This book is not primarily a source of practical ideas, but a thought provoking re-examination of principles, and thus most useful as background reading within a ministry team planning a church’s gospel outreach. The study is thoroughly based on an intelligent reading of the NT accounts of (especially) Jesus’ dealings with individuals, and the examination of Paul’s sermon in Athens is also particularly interesting. The text includes a useful analysis of such initiatives as the Billy Graham crusades of the 1950s and the contemporary Alpha phenomenon. However, it is interesting that gospel initiatives perceived as successful were mostly ineffective in reaching people with no prior connection with any church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Richard Carter\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times online 26.02.19. Review by t\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ehe Revd Dr Martin M'Caw\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome books are written for a specific readership, be they historians, railway buffs, music lovers or whatever. The target readership for\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Word's Out\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis the Christian world at large. Its purpose is to stimulate evangelism as an integral part of the Christian life and as the Archbishop of Canterbury states in his foreword, the authors 'have performed a service to the church.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Word's Out\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis far from being a dull teach yourself text book. It's a warm, enthusiastic presentation of 'principles and strategies for effective evangelism today.' In doing so there is a historic summary of evangelism in terms of the big evangelistic campaigns of Moody and Sankey in the 19th century or Billy Graham in the 20th, when most men and women in the street had a smattering of Christian knowledge, in stark contrast to our contemporary second and third generation unchurched society.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe authors present a pattern of evangelism that is rooted in the ministry of Jesus and the activities of the New Testament church. They recognise there is a role for the specialist evangelist, but the key to the heart of evangelism has to flow from ministers whose role is necessarily pastor\/evangelist, teacher\/evangelist leading and encouraging their church members to grow in their love for the Lord so that evangelism becomes not 'a stand alone activity distinct from the rest of discipleship but that natural overflow of an authentic Christian life.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe encouragement to develop evangelism as an integral part of discipleship is well set in the over-used context of post-modern society which has 'a wider cultural phenomenon of institutional dislocation.' Paul Weston's analysis is that contemporary society is not so much secular as one in which 'belief is drifting away from orthodoxy...disconnected without an anchor' to a smorgasbord of religious and world views.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a book which encourages Christians to go with the flow in the love of God, stimulating the passion and drive to grow in the Lord, and looking to help overcome their crises in confidence when talking about the faith. It's an encouragement for fellowships that are demographically challenged by dwindling numbers and a wake-up call to those Christians who only come to church to be fed with a three course sermon.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a book for every Christian. Have you heard? The word's out so let's get on with it, to be it and do it so that our evangelism really becomes part of our daily discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Revd Dr Martin M'Caw, retired Baptist minister and Wing Chaplain no 2 Welsh Wing RAF Cadets\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Irish Methodist Newsletter, April\/May 2019. Review by Stephen Skuce, Director of Global Relationships, The British Methodist Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is, I think, the most readable introduction on the understanding and practice of evangelism from a British perspective currently available. It covers in sufficient rather than obsessive detail how we got to our current state, what an understanding of evangelism looks like, how the Bible views evangelism, and how we engage in evangelism today. Throughout good research is engaged with, but not allowed to turn the text into an academic treatise. Questions at the end of each chapter make this a very useful tool for a home group. This book is really well done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDave Male is the Director of Evangelism for the Church of England and Paul Weston leads the Newbigin Centre at Cambridge. Often the weakness of such a background for a Methodist reader is an Anglican assumption of what is the norm and then the need for us to translate to our own context. Male and Weston avoid this and have produced a book that is very accessible across the swath of British Christianity. There is a need for further thinking on some of the contexts in the Republic of Ireland, and thankfully that is starting to emerge from some associated with new churches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are a couple of highlights for me in this revised text from the 2013 original. Male considers five main epochs in evangelism in Britain over the past 100 years moving through the 1910 Edinburgh missionary conference, the 1945 Anglican evangelism initiative, Billy Graham's 1954 visit, rise of Alpha from 1990 and the role of Stormzy from 2018. I imagine most Irish Methodists are fine with three of these eras, perhaps a bit hazy about the Anglican initiative after World War Two, and blank about Stormzy. And if so, its our lack of awareness of what the urban rap artist Stormzy's understanding of faith means today that examples our partial dislocation from wider society. Look him up at\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/stormzy.com\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/stormzy.com\/\u003c\/a\u003e. Billy Graham he is not, but is an example of a very challenging contemporary understanding and outworking of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeston's chapter on witnessing from the inside out looks at the way Jesus brought the challenge of full commitment to God out of ordinary circumstances and conversational situations, whereas we more often attempt to insert faith a bit artificially into conversation and can end up arguing for 'Four Spiritual Laws' and the like. This type of expression of the gospel worked well up to recently, however the language of such an approach is increasingly alien to most, but increasingly such an approach is also viewed as inauthentic. Weston points us to the more natural stuff of life that Jesus engaged in as the authentic context for conversations about faith, commitment and discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a fine book, even if the title is a tad quirky. After reading this, well worth going on to Irish Methodism's Billy Abraham and his\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eLogic of Evangelism\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003efor a more abstract level of thinking. Let's learn from others, that we might better communicate our faith with those around us today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eRevd Dr Stephen Skuce,\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eDirector of Global Relationships, The British Methodist Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Magazine - Diocese of Norwich July-August 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA challenging book in which the authors acknowledge that whilst there is a lot of missional language being used in the church today this might be masking a diminishing confidence and increasing hesitancy about evangelism. Examining New Testament writers' views, they cite the evangelism of the early church as a natural consequence of discipleship, with followers possessing an instinctive sharing of the good news.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaybe this could be the model to reverse declining numbers and engage with an increasing majority who have no interest in church activities and a language that is increasingly foreign in a postmodern secular culture?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSteve Foyster\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Word's Out: Speaking the Gospel Today\u003c\/em\u003e, by David Male and Paul Weston. Weston and Male represent the thoughtful and creative edge of the contemporary English 'fresh expressions' movement. They have a long record in serious theological reflection and sustained personal evangelistic practice. Unlike many evangelistic efforts in the United States, which are obsessed with the church's loss of cultural status, this book works with a sober recognition of how insignificant such matters are to the church in the United Kingdom, just as they are to the church in the United States and Canada.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Patrick R. Keifert, The Christian Century\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_______________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:26:22+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:26:23+00:00","vendor":"David Male","type":"Paperback","tags":["Jan-19","KCLC","Kindle","Mission"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21770433921124,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857468161","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The Word's Out: Principles and strategies for effective evangelism today - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":201,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857468161","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468161-l.jpg?v=1549043107"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468161-l.jpg?v=1549043107","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238883000459,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468161-l.jpg?v=1549043107"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857468161-l.jpg?v=1549043107","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eAt a time of declining church attendance, this book challenges us to understand that evangelism is more important than ever. The problem is that churches and their leaders often struggle with the idea and concepts around evangelism, unsure of what might be theologically or culturally appropriate ways to communicate the message.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book aims to supply principles and strategies for evangelism that are theologically rooted, practical and relevant to the 21st century. It shows how Jesus and the early church did evangelism and what we can learn from them for our situations. There is lots of practical help from two experienced practitioners to develop an evangelistic strategy for your church. It will also encourage leaders at every level of the church to be leaders and enablers in evangelism. The approach is theologically rigorous and powerfully practical, with the focus on redefining a genuine biblical evangelism. It will help you put foundations in place for developing a sustainable strategy in your church so that you can connect not just with those on the fringes but with those who are way outside.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hMRfuxfMzqc\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a fantastic resource, packed with theology, wisdom and practical action about how we can help more people discover the fantastic good news of the gospel. I commend it with enthusiasm.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMark Russell, Chief Executive, Church Army\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a treasure store for church leaders who yearn to see the gospel reach our land anew, giving rich biblically rooted guidance on what sort of evangelism is appropriate for our age.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Rt Revd Dr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester and Chair of the College of Evangelists\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvangelism is one of those words that seem to have become one of those embarrassing topics of conversations in recent times. I am delighted that Dave Male and Paul Weston have taken the opportunity to challenge the perceptions about evangelism and to encourage and equip people for the task of being Good News today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Dr Joanne Cox, Evangelism in Contemporary Culture Officer, The Methodist Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEssential reading for all those who want to see authentic evangelism back at the heart of the church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eCanon Nick Cuthbert, founder Riverside Church, Birmingham\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe need all the help we can get to help ordinary people from all sorts of churches enjoy sharing their faith: bring it on!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eLucy Moore, Messy Church Team Leader at BRF\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA welcome contribution to a vital issue - the emergence of a contextually appropriate form of evangelism that empowers congregations to share good news in their communities.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eStuart Murray Williams, missiologist and founder of Urban Expression\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs someone who has been involved in church planting over a couple of decades now, there is no doubt in my mind that God's Church needs to rediscover the ability and Holy Spirit anointing in evangelism. My hope is that this book not only encourages us to share our faith but also to more fully understand its imperative.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMajor Andrew Vertigan, Salvation Army Mission Partner, Planting\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the book I wish had been written ten years ago. It makes sense of evangelism in today's world, and offers a thoughtful, engaging, and provocative exploration of why and how we might play our part in God's work of evangelism.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJames Lawrence, Leadership Principal, CPAS\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is such a helpful book on one of the most crucially needed areas for this time from two people with the integrity to make it real and doable. Read it and action it and release the Word about the Kingdom!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eFuzz Kitto, International Church Consultant, Sydney Australia\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDave and Paul took a risk writing this. Books that mention the 'E' word simply don't sell as much as those which don't, yet what they have to say is vital for the future of the church, a practical call for all people to engage contextually with the greatest news this world has been graced with. Read it and be inspired.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eRevd Chris Duffett, Founder of The Light Project and President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two authors have tapped a rich vein of Biblical and historic insights to come up with a book that will both inform and inspire today's Christians to move away from some negative images of evangelism and engage in ways of inviting others to follow Jesus that will be both authentic to the Gospel and inspirational in a 21st century context.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Drane, Affiliate Professor of New Testament \u0026amp; Practical Theology at Fuller Seminary, USA, and an Associate Missioner of Fresh Expressions\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat does healthy evangelism look like in the West today, so that it remains true to the heart of evangelism but appropriate for our world? This book contributes a much-needed voice of clarity and good Biblical sense to the current conversation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Bowen, Professor of Evangelism \u0026amp; Director of the Institute of Evangelism, Toronto\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd Dr Paul Weston teaches mission studies at Ridley Hall, Cambridge and is an affiliated lecturer in the Cambridge University Divinity Faculty. A member of the Archbishops' College of Evangelists, he has led over a hundred missions in parishes and universities both here and abroad. He has written widely on gospel and culture issues, most recently as co-editor of Theology in Missionary Perspective: Lesslie Newbigin's Legacy (Wipf \u0026amp; Stock, 2012).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Revd David Male is Director of the Centre for Pioneer Learning and Tutor in Pioneer Mission Training at Ridley Hall and Westcott House, Cambridge, and Fresh Expressions Adviser for Ely Diocese. A member of the Archbishops' College of Evangelists, he has also written Church Unplugged and contributed to books on church planting and fresh expressions, including \u003cem\u003ePioneers 4 Life\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2011) which he edited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Winter 2019\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a foreword by the current Archbishop of Canterbury, this book has timely advice for any church seeking fresh thoughts and ideas for gospel outreach. It immediately reminds us that evangelism is not an abstract concept but ‘the natural overflow of an authentic Christian life’, and that it must be ‘the instinctive sharing of good news’. Jesus’ ministry, the authors remind us, reached people because they were amazed at his life and actions (Mark 1.27). This book is not primarily a source of practical ideas, but a thought provoking re-examination of principles, and thus most useful as background reading within a ministry team planning a church’s gospel outreach. The study is thoroughly based on an intelligent reading of the NT accounts of (especially) Jesus’ dealings with individuals, and the examination of Paul’s sermon in Athens is also particularly interesting. The text includes a useful analysis of such initiatives as the Billy Graham crusades of the 1950s and the contemporary Alpha phenomenon. However, it is interesting that gospel initiatives perceived as successful were mostly ineffective in reaching people with no prior connection with any church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Richard Carter\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times online 26.02.19. Review by t\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ehe Revd Dr Martin M'Caw\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome books are written for a specific readership, be they historians, railway buffs, music lovers or whatever. The target readership for\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Word's Out\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis the Christian world at large. Its purpose is to stimulate evangelism as an integral part of the Christian life and as the Archbishop of Canterbury states in his foreword, the authors 'have performed a service to the church.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Word's Out\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis far from being a dull teach yourself text book. It's a warm, enthusiastic presentation of 'principles and strategies for effective evangelism today.' In doing so there is a historic summary of evangelism in terms of the big evangelistic campaigns of Moody and Sankey in the 19th century or Billy Graham in the 20th, when most men and women in the street had a smattering of Christian knowledge, in stark contrast to our contemporary second and third generation unchurched society.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe authors present a pattern of evangelism that is rooted in the ministry of Jesus and the activities of the New Testament church. They recognise there is a role for the specialist evangelist, but the key to the heart of evangelism has to flow from ministers whose role is necessarily pastor\/evangelist, teacher\/evangelist leading and encouraging their church members to grow in their love for the Lord so that evangelism becomes not 'a stand alone activity distinct from the rest of discipleship but that natural overflow of an authentic Christian life.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe encouragement to develop evangelism as an integral part of discipleship is well set in the over-used context of post-modern society which has 'a wider cultural phenomenon of institutional dislocation.' Paul Weston's analysis is that contemporary society is not so much secular as one in which 'belief is drifting away from orthodoxy...disconnected without an anchor' to a smorgasbord of religious and world views.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a book which encourages Christians to go with the flow in the love of God, stimulating the passion and drive to grow in the Lord, and looking to help overcome their crises in confidence when talking about the faith. It's an encouragement for fellowships that are demographically challenged by dwindling numbers and a wake-up call to those Christians who only come to church to be fed with a three course sermon.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is a book for every Christian. Have you heard? The word's out so let's get on with it, to be it and do it so that our evangelism really becomes part of our daily discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the Revd Dr Martin M'Caw, retired Baptist minister and Wing Chaplain no 2 Welsh Wing RAF Cadets\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Irish Methodist Newsletter, April\/May 2019. Review by Stephen Skuce, Director of Global Relationships, The British Methodist Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is, I think, the most readable introduction on the understanding and practice of evangelism from a British perspective currently available. It covers in sufficient rather than obsessive detail how we got to our current state, what an understanding of evangelism looks like, how the Bible views evangelism, and how we engage in evangelism today. Throughout good research is engaged with, but not allowed to turn the text into an academic treatise. Questions at the end of each chapter make this a very useful tool for a home group. This book is really well done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDave Male is the Director of Evangelism for the Church of England and Paul Weston leads the Newbigin Centre at Cambridge. Often the weakness of such a background for a Methodist reader is an Anglican assumption of what is the norm and then the need for us to translate to our own context. Male and Weston avoid this and have produced a book that is very accessible across the swath of British Christianity. There is a need for further thinking on some of the contexts in the Republic of Ireland, and thankfully that is starting to emerge from some associated with new churches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are a couple of highlights for me in this revised text from the 2013 original. Male considers five main epochs in evangelism in Britain over the past 100 years moving through the 1910 Edinburgh missionary conference, the 1945 Anglican evangelism initiative, Billy Graham's 1954 visit, rise of Alpha from 1990 and the role of Stormzy from 2018. I imagine most Irish Methodists are fine with three of these eras, perhaps a bit hazy about the Anglican initiative after World War Two, and blank about Stormzy. And if so, its our lack of awareness of what the urban rap artist Stormzy's understanding of faith means today that examples our partial dislocation from wider society. Look him up at\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/stormzy.com\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/stormzy.com\/\u003c\/a\u003e. Billy Graham he is not, but is an example of a very challenging contemporary understanding and outworking of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeston's chapter on witnessing from the inside out looks at the way Jesus brought the challenge of full commitment to God out of ordinary circumstances and conversational situations, whereas we more often attempt to insert faith a bit artificially into conversation and can end up arguing for 'Four Spiritual Laws' and the like. This type of expression of the gospel worked well up to recently, however the language of such an approach is increasingly alien to most, but increasingly such an approach is also viewed as inauthentic. Weston points us to the more natural stuff of life that Jesus engaged in as the authentic context for conversations about faith, commitment and discipleship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a fine book, even if the title is a tad quirky. After reading this, well worth going on to Irish Methodism's Billy Abraham and his\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eLogic of Evangelism\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003efor a more abstract level of thinking. Let's learn from others, that we might better communicate our faith with those around us today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eRevd Dr Stephen Skuce,\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eDirector of Global Relationships, The British Methodist Church\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Magazine - Diocese of Norwich July-August 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA challenging book in which the authors acknowledge that whilst there is a lot of missional language being used in the church today this might be masking a diminishing confidence and increasing hesitancy about evangelism. Examining New Testament writers' views, they cite the evangelism of the early church as a natural consequence of discipleship, with followers possessing an instinctive sharing of the good news.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaybe this could be the model to reverse declining numbers and engage with an increasing majority who have no interest in church activities and a language that is increasingly foreign in a postmodern secular culture?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSteve Foyster\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Word's Out: Speaking the Gospel Today\u003c\/em\u003e, by David Male and Paul Weston. Weston and Male represent the thoughtful and creative edge of the contemporary English 'fresh expressions' movement. They have a long record in serious theological reflection and sustained personal evangelistic practice. Unlike many evangelistic efforts in the United States, which are obsessed with the church's loss of cultural status, this book works with a sober recognition of how insignificant such matters are to the church in the United Kingdom, just as they are to the church in the United States and Canada.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Patrick R. Keifert, The Christian Century\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_______________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2439829258340,"title":"Paper Plate Bible Crafts: 58 easy-to-do ideas for 5-7s","handle":"paper-plate-bible-crafts-58-easy-to-do-ideas-for-5-7s","description":"\u003cp\u003ePaper Plate Bible Crafts is a great resource for fun crafts that teach favourite Bible stories in any setting. Fast, inexpensive and readily available, paper plates easily become masks, mobiles, puppets and plaques. The finished crafts are an ingenious way to reinforce Bible stories and themes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book includes 58 tried and tested ideas for 5-7s, each with simple templates and easy-to-follow instructions. Alongside the paper plate, each craft uses basic, everyday materials such as card, felt-tipped pens, scissors and glue and can be completed as suggested or adapted to suit the needs and skills of the children.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eEach craft idea includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKey Bible story reference\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull equipment list\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy-to-follow instructions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSimple discussion starters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlternative ideas for making the craft\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIllustration of the finished craft\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nAnita Reith Stohs is the author of children's picture books, journal articles, curricular materials and nearly 40 teaching resources and activity books. A teacher by profession, her time-tested ideas come from more than 25 years of classroom experience with primary-aged children and young people with special needs, as well as with her own children and grandchildren.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eThe Good Bookstall\u003c\/em\u003e - July 2010\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou might have thought you knew plenty of things to make out of a paper plate but this book will prove to you that you hadn't thought of everything!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wide collection of ideas ranging from sheep to musical instruments, clocks to doves and advent wreaths to woven crosses. There is an index of Biblical references at the back as well as thematic contents at the front.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEach craft is nicely illustrated in black and white. The instructions are clearly and simply written and each one includes a way of talking about the Christian theme and also 'other ideas' and ways of adapting the craft.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eObviously this book needs to be part of a wider collection. No children's group will want to use paper plates for every craft but it is a fantastic resource, full of cheap, easy and fun ideas. I never realised paper plates were quite so versatile!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by Kathy Bland\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:40+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:42+00:00","vendor":"Anita Reith Stohs","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","KCLC","Oct-12","RE"],"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":21770236657764,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857462619","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Paper Plate Bible Crafts: 58 easy-to-do ideas for 5-7s - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":274,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857462619","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462619-l.jpg?v=1549043116"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462619-l.jpg?v=1549043116","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238882050187,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.708,"height":650,"width":460,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462619-l.jpg?v=1549043116"},"aspect_ratio":0.708,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462619-l.jpg?v=1549043116","width":460}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003ePaper Plate Bible Crafts is a great resource for fun crafts that teach favourite Bible stories in any setting. Fast, inexpensive and readily available, paper plates easily become masks, mobiles, puppets and plaques. The finished crafts are an ingenious way to reinforce Bible stories and themes.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe book includes 58 tried and tested ideas for 5-7s, each with simple templates and easy-to-follow instructions. Alongside the paper plate, each craft uses basic, everyday materials such as card, felt-tipped pens, scissors and glue and can be completed as suggested or adapted to suit the needs and skills of the children.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003eEach craft idea includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKey Bible story reference\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull equipment list\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy-to-follow instructions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSimple discussion starters\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlternative ideas for making the craft\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIllustration of the finished craft\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nAnita Reith Stohs is the author of children's picture books, journal articles, curricular materials and nearly 40 teaching resources and activity books. A teacher by profession, her time-tested ideas come from more than 25 years of classroom experience with primary-aged children and young people with special needs, as well as with her own children and grandchildren.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eThe Good Bookstall\u003c\/em\u003e - July 2010\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eYou might have thought you knew plenty of things to make out of a paper plate but this book will prove to you that you hadn't thought of everything!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wide collection of ideas ranging from sheep to musical instruments, clocks to doves and advent wreaths to woven crosses. There is an index of Biblical references at the back as well as thematic contents at the front.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eEach craft is nicely illustrated in black and white. The instructions are clearly and simply written and each one includes a way of talking about the Christian theme and also 'other ideas' and ways of adapting the craft.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eObviously this book needs to be part of a wider collection. No children's group will want to use paper plates for every craft but it is a fantastic resource, full of cheap, easy and fun ideas. I never realised paper plates were quite so versatile!\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by Kathy Bland\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Paper Plate Bible Crafts: 58 easy-to-do ideas for 5-7s
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{"id":2439823261796,"title":"What Would Jesus Post?: A Biblical approach to online interaction","handle":"what-would-jesus-post-a-biblical-approach-to-online-interaction","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf Jesus had access to the internet, what would he post? And, as importantly, what wouldn't he post? This book asks the intriguing questions of those who engage with the internet, which biblical principles inform its use, and how might Christians steward their online presence?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Robertson is vicar of South Ossett, West Yorkshire. He has ministered in rural, suburban and urban deprived parishes and, as a graduate in Biblical Studies, he is primarily a Bible teacher. He has written several books, as well as daily Bible readings for BRF.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnvil vol 36 issue 1. April 2020. Review by Mary Kells\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis short and accessible book applies biblical principles to online life, reminding the reader that being online is not ‘downtime’ from faith, but an arena, rather, in which faith can be enacted, and in which it can also be tested. It is only towards the end that we discover that the book was written as a result of a damaging online experience. The book is designed for individuals, parents, youth and church leaders and could be used in a group or by individuals. It identifies three generations of online users: the tech-immigrants, pre-dating the advent of the World Wide Web in 1990, and more comfortable offline; tech-assimilators, who have learned to make use of online resources; and the tech-indigenous, who have never known anything else. The book is intended for all\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethree groups, spelling out basic concepts to facilitate the tech-immigrants, but challenging the tech-indigenous to re-think their online behaviour. A key question is: are we being conformed to online culture, or prepared to be a transformative presence, reflecting counter-cultural Christian values?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe individual chapters spell out the nature of the online environment and its temptations and consequences, including such perils as trolls and digital porn, and offer helpful tools and biblical resources. Each chapter follows the same simple structure, combining reflection and action. The chapters begin by outlining a particular issue or challenge, then suggest specific Bible passages which address it, and finish with a set of questions, for discussion, reflection or to prompt action.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book one would wish were not necessary, as its premises at one level seem so obvious, and yet, it clearly is. It encourages everyone to recognise online life as a powerful reality, but one that must be integrated into the greater reality of a life lived in God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eRev Dr Mary Kells, St Faith’s, Lee-on-the-Solent\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times. 31 August 2018. Review by Bryony Taylor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a simple guide to thinking biblically about one's online interactions. I imagine that it would be helpful for church leaders who are realising that they need to engage with the internet and all the attendant issues that might affect people's discipleship, but who might not know where to start. If you already use social media and the internet a great deal, you may find it a little simplistic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book covers a wide range of themes, such as prayer, taking a sabbath, gossip, pornography and bullying, and then looks at what they might mean online. The aim is to help the reader think 'What would Jesus post?', updating the '90s slogan for the next generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobertson makes an interesting point about hypocrisy that, as online lives blend with offline lives, it is becoming harder to live a double life -- and that is a good thing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore could have been said about the benefits of the internet and social media for pastoral care and discipleship: for example, the way in which the housebound and those with mental health problems and disabilities have access to church communities online; or the way in which apps, such as the YouVersion Bible app or PrayerMate, can support spiritual development. Neither of these apps is mentioned in the chapter on prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobertson helpfully explains what the book is and is not. Unfortunately, he does this in the afterword rather than the introduction; so it is a good idea to read the afterword first. The book is structured in such a way that the reader can dip in and out of it easily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA few relevant chapters could be used as material fo ra small group Bible study, or even a short course. I would recommend it to a congregation who, perhaps, are feeling a generational divide around the use of technology and would like a way of approachig discipleship in this area together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Reverend Bryony Taylor is the author of 'Sharing Faith Using Social Media' (Grove, 2016) and a priest in the diocese of Derby.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlog review by The Revd Kate Wharton 01.09.18\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis was a really interesting book to read and review. There are so many conflicting thoughts and opinions around about social media and the whole online world. Some people think it's the best thing since sliced bread, a fabulous gospel opportunity, a way to reach out and spread the good news and connect with people you wouldn't otherwise meet. Some people think it's the work of the devil, all about spreading lies and hate and evil, bringing out the worst in people and distracting us from the real work of the kingdom. The truth, inevitably, probably lies somewhere in between those two extremes. Like many things, social media and the internet can be used for good or for evil, and there are plenty of people and organisations doing both of those things.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would be easy to assume that the Bible has nothing to say about the online world - after all computers and electricity couldn't even have been dreamed of during the time the Bible was written, let alone the internet. But it's vital as Christians that we consider what God thinks about all aspects of life, and that we weigh up what we do and say and think in the light of what we know to be true. This is what theology does - it enables us to look at an aspect of life in our world and to consider it within the gaze of God, asking ourselves what he wishes to say to us about it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is what David Robertson has sought to do in this new book: \u003cem\u003eWhat Would Jesus Post? - A Biblical Approach to Online Interaction\u003c\/em\u003e. Personally, I'm a big fan of social media, as you'll know if you follow me, and have been assailed by multiple posts on anything from chocolate to church to squirrels to fencing to gin to Jesus... and much more! So, I was fascinated to read what David Robertson had to say, and to see what he thought Jesus would have made of the world of social media.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy own view is that Jesus would have been all over social media - he was never one to shy away from a chance to interact with people, after all. He was always where the people were - even when that meant being in a place that the 'good', righteous, religious people felt that he shouldn't have been. Of course, Jesus would have used his social media accounts without sinning, as he did everything - unfortunately that's something I can't claim to have always managed, and I doubt whether any of us have. But in 2018 I simply don't think that we can declare the whole online world to be morally bankrupt and declare that we want nothing to do with it. The internet isn't going anywhere, and I believe that we need to understand it and engage with it - in a way that's shaped around and formed by what we know to be true of God's kingdom rule. So, what might that look like?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI really liked how practical the book was, and that it's structured in such a clear and readable way. It constantly refers back to the truths and wisdom of the Bible, and it is also totally up to date and relevant to 21st century life and culture. There are helpful tips about how we can all make better use of social media in our kingdom ministry, and there are also important challenges as to just how we come across, how we engage, how we interact. We're reminded to 'pray before posting' and to think about the responsibilities as well as the opportunities that come with having a 'personal digital pulpit.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe overall advice from this book is that it's important for Christians as individuals, and for churches as organisations, to engage on social media, and to make the most of all that is offered by it. But crucially we're also encouraged to be wise, discerning, humble, hospitable and generous as we do so. There's also a really important and interesting challenge about our overuse of\/reliance on all things online, and an encouragement to consider an occasional 'digital sabbath.' Ultimately, we're reminded that we are 'stewards of a digital footprint.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall I think this is an important and timely book for Christians. I haven't come across anything quite like it before and it definitely gave me a lot of food for thought. I'm very much pro all things internet (well, most things...!) but this has given me some important new ideas, and questions to ask, for which I'm grateful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKate Wharton is Vicar of St. Bartholomew's Church in Roby, Liverpool, and Assistant National Leader of New Wine England\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-14T16:44:06+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:17+00:00","vendor":"David Robertson","type":"Paperback","tags":["Church life","KCLC","Kindle"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21770133766244,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466648","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7437016170596,"product_id":2439823261796,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:25:17+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:20+00:00","alt":null,"width":426,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466648-l.jpg?v=1549043120","variant_ids":[21770133766244]},"available":true,"name":"What Would Jesus Post?: A Biblical approach to online interaction - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":193,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466648","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238881525899,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466648-l.jpg?v=1549043120"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466648-l.jpg?v=1549043120"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466648-l.jpg?v=1549043120","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238881525899,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466648-l.jpg?v=1549043120"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466648-l.jpg?v=1549043120","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eIf Jesus had access to the internet, what would he post? And, as importantly, what wouldn't he post? This book asks the intriguing questions of those who engage with the internet, which biblical principles inform its use, and how might Christians steward their online presence?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Robertson is vicar of South Ossett, West Yorkshire. He has ministered in rural, suburban and urban deprived parishes and, as a graduate in Biblical Studies, he is primarily a Bible teacher. He has written several books, as well as daily Bible readings for BRF.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnvil vol 36 issue 1. April 2020. Review by Mary Kells\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis short and accessible book applies biblical principles to online life, reminding the reader that being online is not ‘downtime’ from faith, but an arena, rather, in which faith can be enacted, and in which it can also be tested. It is only towards the end that we discover that the book was written as a result of a damaging online experience. The book is designed for individuals, parents, youth and church leaders and could be used in a group or by individuals. It identifies three generations of online users: the tech-immigrants, pre-dating the advent of the World Wide Web in 1990, and more comfortable offline; tech-assimilators, who have learned to make use of online resources; and the tech-indigenous, who have never known anything else. The book is intended for all\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethree groups, spelling out basic concepts to facilitate the tech-immigrants, but challenging the tech-indigenous to re-think their online behaviour. A key question is: are we being conformed to online culture, or prepared to be a transformative presence, reflecting counter-cultural Christian values?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe individual chapters spell out the nature of the online environment and its temptations and consequences, including such perils as trolls and digital porn, and offer helpful tools and biblical resources. Each chapter follows the same simple structure, combining reflection and action. The chapters begin by outlining a particular issue or challenge, then suggest specific Bible passages which address it, and finish with a set of questions, for discussion, reflection or to prompt action.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book one would wish were not necessary, as its premises at one level seem so obvious, and yet, it clearly is. It encourages everyone to recognise online life as a powerful reality, but one that must be integrated into the greater reality of a life lived in God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eRev Dr Mary Kells, St Faith’s, Lee-on-the-Solent\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times. 31 August 2018. Review by Bryony Taylor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a simple guide to thinking biblically about one's online interactions. I imagine that it would be helpful for church leaders who are realising that they need to engage with the internet and all the attendant issues that might affect people's discipleship, but who might not know where to start. If you already use social media and the internet a great deal, you may find it a little simplistic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book covers a wide range of themes, such as prayer, taking a sabbath, gossip, pornography and bullying, and then looks at what they might mean online. The aim is to help the reader think 'What would Jesus post?', updating the '90s slogan for the next generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobertson makes an interesting point about hypocrisy that, as online lives blend with offline lives, it is becoming harder to live a double life -- and that is a good thing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore could have been said about the benefits of the internet and social media for pastoral care and discipleship: for example, the way in which the housebound and those with mental health problems and disabilities have access to church communities online; or the way in which apps, such as the YouVersion Bible app or PrayerMate, can support spiritual development. Neither of these apps is mentioned in the chapter on prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRobertson helpfully explains what the book is and is not. Unfortunately, he does this in the afterword rather than the introduction; so it is a good idea to read the afterword first. The book is structured in such a way that the reader can dip in and out of it easily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA few relevant chapters could be used as material fo ra small group Bible study, or even a short course. I would recommend it to a congregation who, perhaps, are feeling a generational divide around the use of technology and would like a way of approachig discipleship in this area together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Reverend Bryony Taylor is the author of 'Sharing Faith Using Social Media' (Grove, 2016) and a priest in the diocese of Derby.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlog review by The Revd Kate Wharton 01.09.18\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis was a really interesting book to read and review. There are so many conflicting thoughts and opinions around about social media and the whole online world. Some people think it's the best thing since sliced bread, a fabulous gospel opportunity, a way to reach out and spread the good news and connect with people you wouldn't otherwise meet. Some people think it's the work of the devil, all about spreading lies and hate and evil, bringing out the worst in people and distracting us from the real work of the kingdom. The truth, inevitably, probably lies somewhere in between those two extremes. Like many things, social media and the internet can be used for good or for evil, and there are plenty of people and organisations doing both of those things.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would be easy to assume that the Bible has nothing to say about the online world - after all computers and electricity couldn't even have been dreamed of during the time the Bible was written, let alone the internet. But it's vital as Christians that we consider what God thinks about all aspects of life, and that we weigh up what we do and say and think in the light of what we know to be true. This is what theology does - it enables us to look at an aspect of life in our world and to consider it within the gaze of God, asking ourselves what he wishes to say to us about it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is what David Robertson has sought to do in this new book: \u003cem\u003eWhat Would Jesus Post? - A Biblical Approach to Online Interaction\u003c\/em\u003e. Personally, I'm a big fan of social media, as you'll know if you follow me, and have been assailed by multiple posts on anything from chocolate to church to squirrels to fencing to gin to Jesus... and much more! So, I was fascinated to read what David Robertson had to say, and to see what he thought Jesus would have made of the world of social media.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy own view is that Jesus would have been all over social media - he was never one to shy away from a chance to interact with people, after all. He was always where the people were - even when that meant being in a place that the 'good', righteous, religious people felt that he shouldn't have been. Of course, Jesus would have used his social media accounts without sinning, as he did everything - unfortunately that's something I can't claim to have always managed, and I doubt whether any of us have. But in 2018 I simply don't think that we can declare the whole online world to be morally bankrupt and declare that we want nothing to do with it. The internet isn't going anywhere, and I believe that we need to understand it and engage with it - in a way that's shaped around and formed by what we know to be true of God's kingdom rule. So, what might that look like?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI really liked how practical the book was, and that it's structured in such a clear and readable way. It constantly refers back to the truths and wisdom of the Bible, and it is also totally up to date and relevant to 21st century life and culture. There are helpful tips about how we can all make better use of social media in our kingdom ministry, and there are also important challenges as to just how we come across, how we engage, how we interact. We're reminded to 'pray before posting' and to think about the responsibilities as well as the opportunities that come with having a 'personal digital pulpit.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe overall advice from this book is that it's important for Christians as individuals, and for churches as organisations, to engage on social media, and to make the most of all that is offered by it. But crucially we're also encouraged to be wise, discerning, humble, hospitable and generous as we do so. There's also a really important and interesting challenge about our overuse of\/reliance on all things online, and an encouragement to consider an occasional 'digital sabbath.' Ultimately, we're reminded that we are 'stewards of a digital footprint.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall I think this is an important and timely book for Christians. I haven't come across anything quite like it before and it definitely gave me a lot of food for thought. I'm very much pro all things internet (well, most things...!) but this has given me some important new ideas, and questions to ask, for which I'm grateful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKate Wharton is Vicar of St. Bartholomew's Church in Roby, Liverpool, and Assistant National Leader of New Wine England\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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What Would Jesus Post?: A Biblical approach to online interaction
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If Jesus had access to the internet, what would he post? And, as importantly, what wouldn't he post? This book...
{"id":2439755661412,"title":"Blended A Call to Reimagine Our Church Family: Rethinking how we can be church together","handle":"blended-a-call-to-reimagine-our-church-family-rethinking-how-we-can-be-church-together","description":"\u003cp\u003eChurch as we know it is changing... with conversations and initiatives bubbling up around how our churches can be truly intergenerational, functioning in close and loving community as the body of Christ. Eleanor Bird speaks into the debate with a challenge to rethink our work with all ages from the ground up, offering practical observations drawn from her experience of developing children's and youth ministry in a local church context, together with a biblically based framework for how this thinking can be taken forward in your church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEleanor Bird is Head of Children and Youth Ministry at St Chad's Romiley in Greater Manchester, overseeing all ministries with two to 19-year-olds. She has been involved in children's work leadership since she was twelve and in full-time ministry since the age of 21, leading children's venues for New Wine and workshops and seminars for leaders across the UK.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEleanor Bird is Head of Children and Youth Ministry at St Chad's Romiley in Greater Manchester, overseeing all ministries with two to 19-year-olds. She has been involved in children's work leadership since she was twelve and in full-time ministry since the age of 21, leading children's venues for New Wine and workshops and seminars for leaders across the UK\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn order for us to see nations changed, we need to see the full body of Christ rise up together across all ages, to walk and minister shoulder to shoulder. Blended invites us to see that it is not only necessary, but possible. No matter what size community or denomination we belong to, this book gives us ways of seeing and doing church together with a new heart that will reap great rewards for the kingdom. Rachel Turner, author and speaker\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 13 May 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003eHERE'S another of those paperbacks whose title alone makes you believe it might provide the answer to all the challenges facing the life of your local church. \u003cem\u003eBlended - A Call to Reimagine our Church Family\u003c\/em\u003e by Eleanor Bird (brf, 8.99), subtitled 'Rethinking how we can be church together', is about investigating a 'new way of being God's family'. And in the ensuing 14 chapters there is much to give church leaders a lot of food for thought. When you realise that the author is 'head of children and youth ministry' at a thriving Anglican church in Romiley, Greater Manchester, overseeing all ministries with two- to 19-year-olds, you have a good idea of what it is all about. In fact, this book could be the answer to your prayers!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Singleton\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Well magazine. The Methodist Church Summer 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eBlended\u003c\/em\u003e, Eleanor Bird invites us to reimagine a new way of being Church together: a Church that no longer divides by age lines but instead embraces being a community of different generations. For too long, she says, Christian communities have been separated; children, youth and adults each following their own programmes. Her vision is one where the lines drawn between these groups become blurred; rubbed away to become a more unified and connected body of believers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe focus of Bird's book is the times when church communities gather for worship. Her philosophy is built on four key values: \u003cbr\u003e not calling Church 'work; '\u003cbr\u003e giving everyone in church equal influence; \u003cbr\u003e training when apart, for the times we gather as Church; \u003cbr\u003e making the most of the times we gather to experiment and explain what's happening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese building blocks underpin all that Church is and does. They serve to create a community that thrives in worship, both when together and apart. So the times when groups pursue their own programme are seen as vital opportunities to prepare and develop understanding for when all gather together. She advocates a model in which style and content are gradually merged, helping worship times become increasingly seamless.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis emphasis on worship (in the narrow sense of sung worship and teaching) is central in developing a more cohesive church community. Bird makes the case for church to embrace its whole spectrum of family, yet the question remains what form this may take beyond Sunday services. What the features of a blended church might be outside of these times is the next natural field to explore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBird's personal testimony and experience are threads throughout the book, this adds an authentic dimension when she recounts how her own faith and understanding developed. As readers, we're urged to join her on this road of discovery that sees God's kingdom grow in our churches and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGail Adcock, Methodist Family Ministry Development Officer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-13T17:23:16+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:59+00:00","vendor":"Eleanor Bird","type":"Paperback","tags":["Church life","KCLC","Kindle","Leadership","Oct-15"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769138929764,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857461124","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436583305316,"product_id":2439755661412,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:59+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:08+00:00","alt":null,"width":426,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461124-l.jpg?v=1549043168","variant_ids":[21769138929764]},"available":false,"name":"Blended A Call to Reimagine Our Church Family: Rethinking how we can be church together - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":166,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857461124","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238875431051,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461124-l.jpg?v=1549043168"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461124-l.jpg?v=1549043168"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461124-l.jpg?v=1549043168","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238875431051,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461124-l.jpg?v=1549043168"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461124-l.jpg?v=1549043168","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eChurch as we know it is changing... with conversations and initiatives bubbling up around how our churches can be truly intergenerational, functioning in close and loving community as the body of Christ. Eleanor Bird speaks into the debate with a challenge to rethink our work with all ages from the ground up, offering practical observations drawn from her experience of developing children's and youth ministry in a local church context, together with a biblically based framework for how this thinking can be taken forward in your church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEleanor Bird is Head of Children and Youth Ministry at St Chad's Romiley in Greater Manchester, overseeing all ministries with two to 19-year-olds. She has been involved in children's work leadership since she was twelve and in full-time ministry since the age of 21, leading children's venues for New Wine and workshops and seminars for leaders across the UK.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEleanor Bird is Head of Children and Youth Ministry at St Chad's Romiley in Greater Manchester, overseeing all ministries with two to 19-year-olds. She has been involved in children's work leadership since she was twelve and in full-time ministry since the age of 21, leading children's venues for New Wine and workshops and seminars for leaders across the UK\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn order for us to see nations changed, we need to see the full body of Christ rise up together across all ages, to walk and minister shoulder to shoulder. Blended invites us to see that it is not only necessary, but possible. No matter what size community or denomination we belong to, this book gives us ways of seeing and doing church together with a new heart that will reap great rewards for the kingdom. Rachel Turner, author and speaker\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 13 May 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003eHERE'S another of those paperbacks whose title alone makes you believe it might provide the answer to all the challenges facing the life of your local church. \u003cem\u003eBlended - A Call to Reimagine our Church Family\u003c\/em\u003e by Eleanor Bird (brf, 8.99), subtitled 'Rethinking how we can be church together', is about investigating a 'new way of being God's family'. And in the ensuing 14 chapters there is much to give church leaders a lot of food for thought. When you realise that the author is 'head of children and youth ministry' at a thriving Anglican church in Romiley, Greater Manchester, overseeing all ministries with two- to 19-year-olds, you have a good idea of what it is all about. In fact, this book could be the answer to your prayers!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJohn Singleton\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Well magazine. The Methodist Church Summer 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eBlended\u003c\/em\u003e, Eleanor Bird invites us to reimagine a new way of being Church together: a Church that no longer divides by age lines but instead embraces being a community of different generations. For too long, she says, Christian communities have been separated; children, youth and adults each following their own programmes. Her vision is one where the lines drawn between these groups become blurred; rubbed away to become a more unified and connected body of believers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe focus of Bird's book is the times when church communities gather for worship. Her philosophy is built on four key values: \u003cbr\u003e not calling Church 'work; '\u003cbr\u003e giving everyone in church equal influence; \u003cbr\u003e training when apart, for the times we gather as Church; \u003cbr\u003e making the most of the times we gather to experiment and explain what's happening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese building blocks underpin all that Church is and does. They serve to create a community that thrives in worship, both when together and apart. So the times when groups pursue their own programme are seen as vital opportunities to prepare and develop understanding for when all gather together. She advocates a model in which style and content are gradually merged, helping worship times become increasingly seamless.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis emphasis on worship (in the narrow sense of sung worship and teaching) is central in developing a more cohesive church community. Bird makes the case for church to embrace its whole spectrum of family, yet the question remains what form this may take beyond Sunday services. What the features of a blended church might be outside of these times is the next natural field to explore.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBird's personal testimony and experience are threads throughout the book, this adds an authentic dimension when she recounts how her own faith and understanding developed. As readers, we're urged to join her on this road of discovery that sees God's kingdom grow in our churches and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGail Adcock, Methodist Family Ministry Development Officer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e"}
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Blended A Call to Reimagine Our Church Family: Rethinking how we can be church together
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{"id":2439775223908,"title":"St Aidan's Way of Mission: Celtic insights for a post-Christian world","handle":"st-aidans-way-of-mission-celtic-insights-for-a-post-christian-world","description":"\u003cp\u003eSurveying the life and times of Aidan of Lindisfarne, this book draws insights into missional approaches to inspire both outreach and discipleship for today's Church. As in his previous BRF book, Hilda of Whitby, Ray Simpson shows that such figures from past centuries can provide models for Christian life and witness today. An author and speaker on Celtic spirituality with a worldwide reputation, he combines historical fact with spiritual lessons in a highly accessible style, with an appeal to a wide audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nRay Simpson is a founder of the international new monastic movement known as The Community of Aidan and Hilda and is principal tutor of its Celtic Christian Studies programmes. He has written some thirty books on spirituality and lives on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, where many Christian leaders come to the Community's Retreat House and Library and for consultation. He tweets a daily prayer @whitehouseviews and writes a weekly blog on www.raysimpson.org\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 25 November 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eRay Simpson is the Lindisfarne-based founder of a new monastic movement, the Community of Aidan and Hilda. His Australian co-author, Brent Lyons-Lee, is an expert in indigenous mission initiatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAt one point, the authors commend the practice of lectio divina. It means 'godly reading', and is based around the four Rs of reading, reflection, response, and relaxing. It serves them well. Often, all there is to go on is fleeting insights into Aidan's life from Bede. But, in the spiritual realm, a little goes a long way. The Irish saint's very name means 'little flame'. From the book's first chapter - 'Incarnational and indigenous mission' - we are carried straight to religious flashpoints of contemporary importance.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBorn at about the time that St Columba died, at the end of the sixth century, Aidan was commissioned from Iona to evangelise the brutally warring Anglo-Saxon settlers of Northumbria. Not for him the later Romanised colonial model of mission, a model replic ated from Australia to the Americas, where 'the gospel was preached, but abuse was modelled.' Instead, the Lindisfarne mission seeded 'little colonies of heaven' that helped to grow 'an indigenous, English-speaking church'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI loved the chapter on 'Soul friends and lifelong learning'. Here we are reminded that, when universities were separated from a spiritual grounding in the Beatitudes, and Christ's relationship to nature, they lost 'a holistic understanding of godly learning that embraces head, heart and hands'. Other chapters explore pilgrimage, women as spiritual foster-mothers, social justice, and religious rule and rhythm.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere are those who would see 'Celtic Christianity' dead and buried. There are those who believe the future to be post-Christian. This little gem is a lectio divina of the signs of resurrection.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eDr McIntosh is an Honorary Fellow in divinity at Edinburgh University\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices September 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis small book is an attempt to draw on the principles underpinning St Aidan's involvement in Celtic Christianity at its height, and apply them to our day. Although sometimes there's a slight element of 'St Aidan can do no wrong', it's important to say that the author is very clear about the mistakes of the representatives of both Roman and Celtic Christianity in Saxon Britain.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe chapters tackle topics ranging from church and state to the environment, the need for spiritual soul mates and the way the church continues to inflict inequality on women.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI think the heart of the book is in chapter 5. The author is sceptical of current models of doing Church and instead expounds the notion of the local expression of Christianity as a village of God. The following has become a bit of a mantra for the author:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 24-hour society calls for seven-days-a-week faith communities.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA cafe society calls for churches that are eating places.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA travelling society calls for churches that provide accommodation.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA stressed society calls for churches that nurture retreats and meditation.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA multi-choice society calls for churches that have a choice of styles and facilities.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA fragmented society calls for holistic models and whole-life discipling.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAn eco-threatened society calls for more locally sustainable communities that have roots in the soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere are other pithy sayings of this sort, particularly in the chapter on church and state which develops into a brief summary of the author's thoughts on social justice issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe essential message of the book is that we have reached a point where Christianity needs re-rooting in British (and European) soil, that this will be a long process requiring patience and a long-term approach as exemplified by St Aidan's dealings with the ordinary person and nobility of his day.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eGuy Whitehouse\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eJournal of Contemporary Ministry No 2 (2016)\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAidan is an inspiring saint whose Irish mission to the English is an instructive model for mission in the post-Christendom Western world today, suggest Ray Simpson with Brent Lyons-Lee.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eRay Simpson is the founding Guardian and chief liturgist of the International New Monastic Community of Aidan and Hilda and author of over thirty books on spirituality and mission. Brent Lyons-Lee is Mission Catalyst for Community Engagement with the Baptist Union of Victoria and a social justice activist. This is his third book he has co-written with Ray Simpson connecting Celtic insights with spirituality that can be at home in Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe story began when Aidan was posted to the Iona monastery. When a previous mission effort to Northumbria failed, Aidan was sent from Iona to Northumbria in 635. He learned English, built trust with King Oswald and his court, and walked around the region seeking to incarnate the gospel and create indigenous 'colonies of heaven.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI loved the invitation of the book to reflect on Aidan's example of the Christian life as a pilgrimage, not a possession. Irish pilgrims or peregrine allowed God's Spirit to blow them where it wished and let mission take as long as it needed. As reflected in vows of the Community of Aidan and Hilda, it is about setting sail and letting the 'Wild Goose' or untameable Spirit of God lead into wild or windy places, and then make them places of welcome and wonder. To find your calling, Simpson often says, 'Let your feet follow your heart until you find your place of resurrection' (p. 29). The place of resurrection is about not only where you will literally die, but also where you can experience shalom and harmony between yourself and your place and neighbours (and so where you may as well stay until you die). It is where 'fruit comes as a gift because we are the right person in the right place at the right time. Creativity flows. Connections take place. Synchronicity occurs. Jesus is revealed' (p. 29). That is sufficient vision to invite us to let go of what we hold (and what holds us) and step out on a Spirit-led journey, and keep walking till we find a place where the bells ring for us.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe second inspiring lesson I got from this book is that, rather than viewing the church as institutional and attractional, do-it-yourself or even focused on mission only, Aidan's vision of church was as 'God-shaped hub communities that have a heart for God, others and society' (p. 87). Starting in Lindisfarne, Aidan planted a network of monastic communities that included schools, libraries and guest quarters, and space for productive farming as well as celebratory feasting. Simpson suggests today's global village still needs churches as 'villages of God':\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 24-hour society calls for seven-days-a-week faith communities.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA cafe society calls for churches that are eating places.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA travelling society calls for churches that provide accommodation.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA stressed society calls for churches that nurture retreats and meditation.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA multi-choice society calls for churches that have a choice of styles and facilities.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA fragmented society calls for holistic models and whole-life discipling.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAn eco-threatened society calls for more locally sustainable communities that have roots in the soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a model of church functioning in ways that are responsive to one's adopted city and seeking to foster shalom.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAidan also celebrated the image and gifts of God in women as well as men. Aidan prioritised practices and rhythms, and I appreciated the writer's urging to identify practices worth commending to people in my community. Moreover, Aidan had a grounded vision of an earthy faith that cares for Creation. The book is practical about how to do this, but also beautifully weaves together Celtic and Australian indigenous stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFinally, Simpson and Lyons-Lee stressed the importance that Aidan taught of having soul friends who help us cultivate balanced and prayerful living and a lifelong love for learning wisdom. Aidan's spirituality and teaching were not focused only on book learning but also on cultivating a deep devotion, as this prayer urged:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDivine Mentor,\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTeach us the habits of holy learning,\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo know your ways\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo explore your world\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo learn from experience\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo understand people\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo manage time and talents\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo draw on wellsprings of wisdom\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eUntil we become a people of saints and scholars (p. 47).\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Church in the West does not need another one-size-fits-all off-the-shelf program. However, we do need stories of saints who have walked journeys of courageous faith and adventurous mission - not to imitate closely but to suggest principles and ways of engaging our neighbourhoods in fresh and humble ways. St Aidan's Way of Mission is a delightful read, weaving together the story of this inspiring saint and implications for contemporary ministry.[p\u0026gt;]\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eDr Darren Cronshaw\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eRay Simpson's writing is readable and thought-provoking. The subtitle for this book is 'Celtic insights for a post-Christian world', and is a helpful reminder how valuable the insights of the Celtic saints are for the challenges we face today. The authors reflect on life as a Christian in a world that has lost touch with a deeply-rooted spirituality, returning to the mission of St Aidan and his deep desire to bring the relevance of Christianity to day to day life. They explain the relevance of Aidan in the globally dangerous world we find ourselves in and remind us of the call to live the eternal values of Christianity, but also the need to ensure we are culturally relevant. Lyons-Lee brings an Australian cross-cultural mission perspective and contributes an interesting angle to the spirituality of place and how this relates to the Celtic church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAidan was a man of his time (seventh century), yet in the great missions of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, many missionaries dispersed from Britain and Ireland, and clearly could not have done this had it not been for the work of their forefathers and mothers. Simpson and Lee remind us for the need for a 'bottom up' rather than a 'top down' culture of mission. They argue that the question of whether we are post-Christian relates closely to our post-colonial heritage, taking in the strands of evangelism and the prosperity gospel, and other negative forms of Christianity which favour the few. They demonstrate the model of mission where networks and communities have justice integrated within them.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eCeltic women feature strongly, and certainly I was left wanting more of the great women who are considered the key Celtic saints- Hilda Brigid and Bega. They are women who could offer a lot to our churches and different models of leadership and ministry. When the writers state that in the history of Christianity, only three countries have routinely dignified them by appointing them to lead large monasteries of women and men, I would have liked to know more of these women within the German, French and English traditions. I can imagine some of the names that would be included here, but found myself wondering about these founders about whom little is known, women who were known for leadership and soul friendship and would have been the early spiritual directors. This book raises important questions and the chapter focussing particularly on women would be a creative study for our 'Catholic Women's Ordination' groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eKatharine Salmon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:08+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:09+00:00","vendor":"Ray Simpson","type":"Paperback","tags":["For individuals","Jul-16","KCLC","Kindle","Mission","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":21769401073764,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464859","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436707463268,"product_id":2439775223908,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:09+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:56+00:00","alt":null,"width":426,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464859-l.jpg?v=1549043156","variant_ids":[21769401073764]},"available":true,"name":"St Aidan's Way of Mission: Celtic insights for a post-Christian world - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":188,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464859","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238877659275,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464859-l.jpg?v=1549043156"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464859-l.jpg?v=1549043156"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464859-l.jpg?v=1549043156","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877659275,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464859-l.jpg?v=1549043156"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464859-l.jpg?v=1549043156","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eSurveying the life and times of Aidan of Lindisfarne, this book draws insights into missional approaches to inspire both outreach and discipleship for today's Church. As in his previous BRF book, Hilda of Whitby, Ray Simpson shows that such figures from past centuries can provide models for Christian life and witness today. An author and speaker on Celtic spirituality with a worldwide reputation, he combines historical fact with spiritual lessons in a highly accessible style, with an appeal to a wide audience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nRay Simpson is a founder of the international new monastic movement known as The Community of Aidan and Hilda and is principal tutor of its Celtic Christian Studies programmes. He has written some thirty books on spirituality and lives on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, where many Christian leaders come to the Community's Retreat House and Library and for consultation. He tweets a daily prayer @whitehouseviews and writes a weekly blog on www.raysimpson.org\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 25 November 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eRay Simpson is the Lindisfarne-based founder of a new monastic movement, the Community of Aidan and Hilda. His Australian co-author, Brent Lyons-Lee, is an expert in indigenous mission initiatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAt one point, the authors commend the practice of lectio divina. It means 'godly reading', and is based around the four Rs of reading, reflection, response, and relaxing. It serves them well. Often, all there is to go on is fleeting insights into Aidan's life from Bede. But, in the spiritual realm, a little goes a long way. The Irish saint's very name means 'little flame'. From the book's first chapter - 'Incarnational and indigenous mission' - we are carried straight to religious flashpoints of contemporary importance.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBorn at about the time that St Columba died, at the end of the sixth century, Aidan was commissioned from Iona to evangelise the brutally warring Anglo-Saxon settlers of Northumbria. Not for him the later Romanised colonial model of mission, a model replic ated from Australia to the Americas, where 'the gospel was preached, but abuse was modelled.' Instead, the Lindisfarne mission seeded 'little colonies of heaven' that helped to grow 'an indigenous, English-speaking church'.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI loved the chapter on 'Soul friends and lifelong learning'. Here we are reminded that, when universities were separated from a spiritual grounding in the Beatitudes, and Christ's relationship to nature, they lost 'a holistic understanding of godly learning that embraces head, heart and hands'. Other chapters explore pilgrimage, women as spiritual foster-mothers, social justice, and religious rule and rhythm.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere are those who would see 'Celtic Christianity' dead and buried. There are those who believe the future to be post-Christian. This little gem is a lectio divina of the signs of resurrection.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eDr McIntosh is an Honorary Fellow in divinity at Edinburgh University\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eProgressive Voices September 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis small book is an attempt to draw on the principles underpinning St Aidan's involvement in Celtic Christianity at its height, and apply them to our day. Although sometimes there's a slight element of 'St Aidan can do no wrong', it's important to say that the author is very clear about the mistakes of the representatives of both Roman and Celtic Christianity in Saxon Britain.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe chapters tackle topics ranging from church and state to the environment, the need for spiritual soul mates and the way the church continues to inflict inequality on women.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI think the heart of the book is in chapter 5. The author is sceptical of current models of doing Church and instead expounds the notion of the local expression of Christianity as a village of God. The following has become a bit of a mantra for the author:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 24-hour society calls for seven-days-a-week faith communities.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA cafe society calls for churches that are eating places.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA travelling society calls for churches that provide accommodation.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA stressed society calls for churches that nurture retreats and meditation.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA multi-choice society calls for churches that have a choice of styles and facilities.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA fragmented society calls for holistic models and whole-life discipling.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAn eco-threatened society calls for more locally sustainable communities that have roots in the soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThere are other pithy sayings of this sort, particularly in the chapter on church and state which develops into a brief summary of the author's thoughts on social justice issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe essential message of the book is that we have reached a point where Christianity needs re-rooting in British (and European) soil, that this will be a long process requiring patience and a long-term approach as exemplified by St Aidan's dealings with the ordinary person and nobility of his day.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eGuy Whitehouse\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eJournal of Contemporary Ministry No 2 (2016)\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAidan is an inspiring saint whose Irish mission to the English is an instructive model for mission in the post-Christendom Western world today, suggest Ray Simpson with Brent Lyons-Lee.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eRay Simpson is the founding Guardian and chief liturgist of the International New Monastic Community of Aidan and Hilda and author of over thirty books on spirituality and mission. Brent Lyons-Lee is Mission Catalyst for Community Engagement with the Baptist Union of Victoria and a social justice activist. This is his third book he has co-written with Ray Simpson connecting Celtic insights with spirituality that can be at home in Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe story began when Aidan was posted to the Iona monastery. When a previous mission effort to Northumbria failed, Aidan was sent from Iona to Northumbria in 635. He learned English, built trust with King Oswald and his court, and walked around the region seeking to incarnate the gospel and create indigenous 'colonies of heaven.'\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eI loved the invitation of the book to reflect on Aidan's example of the Christian life as a pilgrimage, not a possession. Irish pilgrims or peregrine allowed God's Spirit to blow them where it wished and let mission take as long as it needed. As reflected in vows of the Community of Aidan and Hilda, it is about setting sail and letting the 'Wild Goose' or untameable Spirit of God lead into wild or windy places, and then make them places of welcome and wonder. To find your calling, Simpson often says, 'Let your feet follow your heart until you find your place of resurrection' (p. 29). The place of resurrection is about not only where you will literally die, but also where you can experience shalom and harmony between yourself and your place and neighbours (and so where you may as well stay until you die). It is where 'fruit comes as a gift because we are the right person in the right place at the right time. Creativity flows. Connections take place. Synchronicity occurs. Jesus is revealed' (p. 29). That is sufficient vision to invite us to let go of what we hold (and what holds us) and step out on a Spirit-led journey, and keep walking till we find a place where the bells ring for us.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe second inspiring lesson I got from this book is that, rather than viewing the church as institutional and attractional, do-it-yourself or even focused on mission only, Aidan's vision of church was as 'God-shaped hub communities that have a heart for God, others and society' (p. 87). Starting in Lindisfarne, Aidan planted a network of monastic communities that included schools, libraries and guest quarters, and space for productive farming as well as celebratory feasting. Simpson suggests today's global village still needs churches as 'villages of God':\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA 24-hour society calls for seven-days-a-week faith communities.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA cafe society calls for churches that are eating places.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA travelling society calls for churches that provide accommodation.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA stressed society calls for churches that nurture retreats and meditation.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA multi-choice society calls for churches that have a choice of styles and facilities.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eA fragmented society calls for holistic models and whole-life discipling.\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAn eco-threatened society calls for more locally sustainable communities that have roots in the soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a model of church functioning in ways that are responsive to one's adopted city and seeking to foster shalom.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAidan also celebrated the image and gifts of God in women as well as men. Aidan prioritised practices and rhythms, and I appreciated the writer's urging to identify practices worth commending to people in my community. Moreover, Aidan had a grounded vision of an earthy faith that cares for Creation. The book is practical about how to do this, but also beautifully weaves together Celtic and Australian indigenous stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFinally, Simpson and Lyons-Lee stressed the importance that Aidan taught of having soul friends who help us cultivate balanced and prayerful living and a lifelong love for learning wisdom. Aidan's spirituality and teaching were not focused only on book learning but also on cultivating a deep devotion, as this prayer urged:\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDivine Mentor,\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTeach us the habits of holy learning,\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo know your ways\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo explore your world\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo learn from experience\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo understand people\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo manage time and talents\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eTo draw on wellsprings of wisdom\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eUntil we become a people of saints and scholars (p. 47).\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe Church in the West does not need another one-size-fits-all off-the-shelf program. However, we do need stories of saints who have walked journeys of courageous faith and adventurous mission - not to imitate closely but to suggest principles and ways of engaging our neighbourhoods in fresh and humble ways. St Aidan's Way of Mission is a delightful read, weaving together the story of this inspiring saint and implications for contemporary ministry.[p\u0026gt;]\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eDr Darren Cronshaw\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\n\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eRay Simpson's writing is readable and thought-provoking. The subtitle for this book is 'Celtic insights for a post-Christian world', and is a helpful reminder how valuable the insights of the Celtic saints are for the challenges we face today. The authors reflect on life as a Christian in a world that has lost touch with a deeply-rooted spirituality, returning to the mission of St Aidan and his deep desire to bring the relevance of Christianity to day to day life. They explain the relevance of Aidan in the globally dangerous world we find ourselves in and remind us of the call to live the eternal values of Christianity, but also the need to ensure we are culturally relevant. Lyons-Lee brings an Australian cross-cultural mission perspective and contributes an interesting angle to the spirituality of place and how this relates to the Celtic church.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAidan was a man of his time (seventh century), yet in the great missions of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, many missionaries dispersed from Britain and Ireland, and clearly could not have done this had it not been for the work of their forefathers and mothers. Simpson and Lee remind us for the need for a 'bottom up' rather than a 'top down' culture of mission. They argue that the question of whether we are post-Christian relates closely to our post-colonial heritage, taking in the strands of evangelism and the prosperity gospel, and other negative forms of Christianity which favour the few. They demonstrate the model of mission where networks and communities have justice integrated within them.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eCeltic women feature strongly, and certainly I was left wanting more of the great women who are considered the key Celtic saints- Hilda Brigid and Bega. They are women who could offer a lot to our churches and different models of leadership and ministry. When the writers state that in the history of Christianity, only three countries have routinely dignified them by appointing them to lead large monasteries of women and men, I would have liked to know more of these women within the German, French and English traditions. I can imagine some of the names that would be included here, but found myself wondering about these founders about whom little is known, women who were known for leadership and soul friendship and would have been the early spiritual directors. This book raises important questions and the chapter focussing particularly on women would be a creative study for our 'Catholic Women's Ordination' groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\r\n\u003cstrong\u003eKatharine Salmon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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St Aidan's Way of Mission: Celtic insights for a post-Christian world
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Surveying the life and times of Aidan of Lindisfarne, this book draws insights into missional approaches to inspire both outreach...
{"id":2439747993700,"title":"Resourcing Rural Ministry: Practical insights for mission","handle":"resourcing-rural-ministry-practical-insights-for-mission","description":"\u003cp\u003eResourcing Rural Ministry offers an in-depth exploration of the key aspects, challenges and opportunities of mission in a rural church. Relevant for ordained and lay leaders alike, the book covers subjects ranging from encouraging evangelism in a multi-church group to making best use of church buildings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContaining a wealth of real-life case studies and suggestions for follow-up, this ecumenical publication draws on the expertise and resources of the Arthur Rank Centre (ARC), which has served the spiritual and practical needs of the rural Christian community for over 40 years. This book contributes to ARC's Germinate programme of training, development and support for rural multi-church groups of all denominations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResourcing Rural Ministry was first developed by Simon Martin as Training and Resources Officer at the ARC. Additional chapters have been contributed by the Revd Caroline Hewlett, Rona Orme and Becky Payne and the final text has been prepared and edited by Jill Hopkinson\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis guide is rooted in the reality of rural life with all its opportunities and challenges. Experienced rural practitioners share stories and resources which will inspire and equip those Christians, lay and ordained, who are working together in the very varied rural communities in Britain. Simon Martin and the other contributors have provided an invaluable resource for all who are engaged in rural mission and ministry, which I hope will be widely read and used.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Revd Ruth Gee, BA, M Litt, President of the Methodist Conference 2013 - 2014, Chair of the Darlington Methodist District \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want an inspiring read, this book is for you. This is a can-do book for whatever your context may be. I found it faith-building and full of fantastic stories, innovative ideas and best practice throughout its pages. This book is a must for anyone passionate about seeing the gospel transform their community, whether an individual, lay preacher or church leader, and will inspire creativity, energy and enthusiasm to make a real difference in your setting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Roy Crowne, Executive Director, HOPE \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFundamentals of Christian faith and being church are story, relationships and being disciples. This book is packed with helpful resources and background theology that speak into all of these areas and will aid the rural church to be a vibrant and relevant presence in today's society. This is a 'must read' book for clergy, educators, lay leaders and anyone who has a heart for rural mission.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Revd Peter Ball, Mission and Training Officer, Eastern Synod of the United Reformed Church \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA really useful, affirming, grounded, inspirational and practical resource book. Great for anyone in rural ministry, but with wisdom for those in lay and ordained ministry anywhere.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Lucy Moore, BRF Messy Church Team Leader \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA key message of this very useful and usable collection is that we can learn so much from the stories of what God is doing among us and through us. Read these contributions and you'll be excited by a wealth of experience, insight and resource. How to develop a learning culture is a hugely important question, and it is a vital issue for the rural church in regard to worship, discipleship and evangelism. This book is a significant contribution to that development, not least because of its consistent theme of learning from each other and learning together. I warmly commend it to all who long for the flourishing of the rural church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Rt Revd James Bell, Bishop of Ripon, Chair of the Rural Affairs Group of the Church of England General Synod \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResourcing Rural Ministry was first developed by Simon Martin as Training and Resources Officer at the Arthur Rank Centre. Additional chapters have been contributed by Revd Caroline Hewlett, Rona Orme and Becky Payne and the final text prepared and edited by Jill Hopkinson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePobl Dewi (Diocese of St David's) - June 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Arthur Rank Centre has been the churches' focus on rural ministry and mission for 40+ years. The accumulated knowledge on all matters affecting every denomination is unrivalled. The connections into every diocese and district has distilled much experience into this small book. The title and subtitle show how the commitment of ministry is to mission. The key questions are asked and answered. What support is available for rural congregations that have limited resources and few members? How do you resource small, dispersed rural congregations and their leaders, lay and ordained?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reliance on lay people is the norm in rural communities and churches. Clergy have to find their role, which can be very different from how it is in an urban church. The nature of church, its theology, worship, practical outreach and expectations are likely to be very different if there are less than a dozen regularly at worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose few laypeople are likely to be involved in many other community activities and their witness does not go unseen. The community in which the church is set has its own rhythms and customs. It is wise to understand these so that the life of the church respects those that are honourable and desirable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is no surprise that this book refers readers to larger resources on the website (www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk). The chapter on worship recognises how it is part of the breath of the community, even for those who do not join in. There are many who may use the church building for their own good purposes, such as meditation and prayer, at other times of the week. The chapter on evangelism refers to the Journey to Faith section. There is a useful critique of Fresh Expressions and Messy Church. The chapter on children and young people brings together several good examples of rural churches that have tried new ways of building relationships with this generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRelationship is the key to rural ministry and mission. Many people have existing relationships and friendships and the church has to recognise these links so that its invitation to a new relationship with Christ is offered appropriately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChurch buildings have their own contribution to make in re-connecting church to community. Good examples abound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Canon Jeremy Martineau\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 29 April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMULTI-AUTHOR books have their difficulties, but this is a book that will be widely appreciated and much read in rural parishes. The book was conceived and largely written by Simon Martin of the Arthur Rank Centre (the Church's presence at the centre of the farming and countryside world). Unfortunately, Simon became seriously ill before the completion of this book, and it was prepared for publication by Jill Hopkinson and other authors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wake of \u003cem\u003eFaith in the City\u003c\/em\u003e (1985), the attention of the churches turned to rural matters, not least because of the animal-health problems of the 1980s. \u003cem\u003eFaith in the Countryside\u003c\/em\u003e (1990) seemed for a time to be the high watermark of the Church's concern with the countryside and its rural parishes. But in recent years there has been a steady flow of books on rural matters, among which this book now takes its place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBooks on the rural Church tend to fall into two categories: first, those that are essentially local histories, but which generalise about the state of affairs in the countryside; second, those about how to minister in rural areas which are full of accounts of how to confront the steady decline in rural church life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book contains little historical analysis of the development of rural parishes, but is full of accounts of pioneering work and how this has been achieved. Those in need of help as they seek to deal with the complexities of church life in rural communities should turn to this book, which is full of examples of 'what to do' and 'how to do it', many of them drawn from the Arthur Rank Centre's publication \u003cem\u003e Country Parish\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are chapters on discipleship and nurture; mission in the rural context; rural fresh expressions; worship in small churches; and the use and adaptation of historic church buildings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor generations, the central issue in rural parishes has been who 'owns' the church, 'not in the sense of legal tenure but in the sense of who makes the rules, determines the programme and the general direction and feel of that church'. There have been historic struggles between patrons, clergy, and churchwardens. But today many parishes have witnessed ownership struggles between the old resident community and recent arrivals who bring a different understanding of the nature of the church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuch differences have to be reconciled, because, according to Martin, a successful rural church must be run by its congregation. While it used to be considered that the role of the laity was to help the clergy do what was essentially their job, Martin and his co-authors make it clear that the rural church will only thrive if it is run by the laity, and the role of the very few rural clergy is to encourage and equip the laity to do this job\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.In one church, a member of the congregation wrote on the wall 'This is my church.' This book makes clear that unless the laity, in every sense, own and take responsibility for the local church, it will die. Many will recognise the truth of this statement in the contemporary countryside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd Dr Anthony Russell is a former Bishop of Ely and President of the Royal Agricultural Society of England.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurches Together in England - April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is long overdue as it brings many of the resources for mission from the Arthur Rank Centre - which has resourced rural ministry and mission for 40 years - into one place. This is very welcome for clergy and lay people alike and from across the churches in England, especially as it is said that 1 in 6 of the population live in rural areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten by national advisors and local practitioners alike, \u003cem\u003eResourcing Rural Ministry\u003c\/em\u003e does exactly what it says, by providing a wide variety of ideas, resources, case studies and comment for anyone concerned with the rural context of mission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApart from all the helpful information, what I like best about this book is the layout. Under straight forward titles and in short sections it is easy to find what you might be looking for. Whether it be Messy Church, Multi-Church Ministry, or rural aspects of Ministerial Training, it also includes examples of more unusual ministry e.g. Forest Church and various aspects of theological reflection e.g. Robert Warren's diagram of Doing, Being and Living.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eResourcing Rural Ministry\u003c\/em\u003e draws on various traditions including monastic and Fresh Expressions, as well as quoting examples from different denominations. It is a compendium or 'one stop shop' for those who want to address the challenges of the rural church - especially practically.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a practical guide, some may say \u003cem\u003eResourcing Rural Ministry\u003c\/em\u003e is light in terms of political and social critique, and that it could have drawn more on major works on ministry and mission before it. I would say its strength lies in covering the contemporary ground brilliantly and with just the right amount of information and reflection to encourage every reader in the task of developing understanding, discipleship and rural ministry to get on with the task better informed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll insights are positive, and difficult topics are not ignored. This is well illustrated in a quote from page 42: 'Multi-church ministry brings with it a great many joys and opportunities, in working with different communities and congregations. It also has its own tensions and complications and can be stressful for lay and ordained alike. We know that it is possible for some churches in rural multi-church groups to grow and to do so consistently over several years. We also know that many rural congregations have reduced in size and others maintain regular numbers attending'. What follows this quote is a chapter exploring the issues, with a pragmatic approach, based on research.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn short, this is a book for everyone in rural ministry. Full of ideas and encouragement, notes and anecdotes, resources and analysis that has been 'rural-proofed' to be relevant and helpful. Drawing on resources from the Arthur Rank Centre e.g. Country Way (p39) and Journey to Faith (p110), it draws on 40 years' experience and provides the reader with a wonderful overview, guide and mission resource all in one place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJim Currin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCTE Evangelisation, Mission and Media\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStaff member on the Churches Rural Group\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Door (The Diocese of Oxford) March 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is currently a group, established by the Diocesan Board of Mission, whose function is to consider a range of strategic initiatives to enhance the rural church, and this book is a welcome introductory resource for all those who have an interest in rural ministry and its expression in the 21st century. \u003cbr\u003eThe authors recognise the specific characteristics of rural ministry relating to context, culture and community and the need to be aware of the specific ways these impact on church life. In keeping with \u003cem\u003eLiving Faith\u003c\/em\u003e there are resources related to mission and ministry including chapters on worship, evangelism, discipleship, children and young people, and developing Messy Church. The book offers a range of ideas, initiatives and approaches in these and other areas, drawing on a range of denominations.\u003cbr\u003eOne of the most helpful sections is by Simon Martin who maintains that rural churches are particularly effective in showing Christ's compassion to those in need and also in what might be termed low level nurture and teaching. He is realistic about the appropriateness of using some resources in the rural context and offers helpful ideas and resources such as the sharing of stories and the use of the Arthur Rank Centre's Equipping for Rural Mission via \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.germinate.net\/go\/profiling\"\u003ewww.germinate.net\/go\/profiling\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003cbr\u003eAs he rightly states small rural churches are not failed larger ones. Rather they have a range of expressions, networks and routes into their communities that enables them to function as a little yeast, that, in the words of Saint Paul to the Galatians, 'leavens the whole batch of dough'.\u003cbr\u003eRegarding discipleship and nurture, as in other chapters, a number of resources are offered alongside comments and observations from those who have used them. Again there is a helpful degree of realism here to enable one to assess whether what one might offer is appropriate not only for the local context and communities, but also for the resources one has available. This book could well be used by members of rural multi-parish benefices, and within rural deaneries, as a vehicle for gaining fresh insights for rural ministry. By focusing on each chapter in turn, resources for discussing mission and ministry could be creatively and imaginatively explored. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd Charles Chadwick is the Parish Development Adviser in the Dorchester Archdeaconry and Leader of the Rural Strategies Steering Group.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 29 January 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a small, but useful, contribution to counteract the old dictum, 'If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.' Encouraging all churches to believe in possibilities and experimentation, it is a book of 'realtime' stories from across the country, of folk just like you and I, not giving up. Men and women questioning and engaging their localities with bespoke attempts to reach out and reveal the something of the divine and the importance of spiritual reflection in all of our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven that, for the past 20 years or more, the polls and pundits are shouting that, in all our mainstream Churches, the active attendance in local churches of our neighbours is rapidly declining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCounteract\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stories relayed within \u003cem\u003eResourcing Rural Ministry - Practical Insights for Mission \u003c\/em\u003eby Simon Martin with Caroline Hewett, Rona Orme and Becky Payne simply try and counteract the data so often solemnly presented at synods and conferences, but it cannot contradict the overall important trends being revealed. The 'number crunchers-crunching' suggest that our neighbours simply see no need of 'belonging' or 'embracing' the stories of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimon Martin and editor Jill Hopkinson from the Arthur Rank Centre, with friends and colleagues, offer throughout this book (203 pages) cameos of hope and experimentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe, in the Church, have become familiar with terms like 'fresh expressions' and 'messy churches', but perhaps not with 'Eastertingle' or 'Who let the Dads out' groups, ie the men who care for their little ones gathering together. Even a 'Forest Church' that explores worship in a landscape\/outside of a church building.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the end of the book five pages point to other resources tried and tested - probably\u003cbr\u003esome useful and successful, others not so, but all venturesome and calling us to\u003cbr\u003etake courage!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnvisioned\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout this book it points to envisioned lay folk and clergy. One short paragraph struck me on p160 (Bar Nash-Williams united benefice of Stamfordham and Matfen): 'All the good plans and keen participation come to nothing if you don't start with the heart, it's your heart that says, 'It's worth it just for one child'. Its the heart that says, 'We do what we can and trust to God for the rest.' When you start with that attitude a tiny church can do good things with tiny resources.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmen to that. For we Methodists those words speak to our DNA of 'warmed hearts' and 'faithful service' to our God-given communities wherever you are. I commend this book to those who are seeking some ideas with a warm heart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rev Canon Alan Robson is Lincolnshire agricultural chaplain.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eMETconnexion\u003c\/em\u003e. December 2015\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003eIf you are looking for a practical understanding of the main issues, challenges and responses in rural ministry in Britain, this is the text for you. It's very accessible, straightforward and written by Simon Martin and others who are all associated with the Arthur Rank Centre (ARC) which seeks to equip the rural church for effective ministry and mission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat I particularly like about this book is that it covers the main areas, at least as I understand them. Too many books on rural Christianity spend a lot of their time offering an analysis of the changing nature of rural communities, dealing with indices of rural deprivation, mobility and so on. This is important and helps us to understand the rural context in which we live out our faith and minister. But, too often they don't offer enough direct suggestion as to what we might actually do.\u003c\/p\u003e\nThe chapters consider mission, worship, evangelism, messy church, fresh expressions, worship, discipleship, young people and multi-church ministry. I particularly appreciate the separate chapters on mission and evangelism. Too often these areas are conflated and the result is that being involved with people outside of the believing community is considered to be evangelism. In reality that is mission which creates the opportunity for a more direct sharing of faith and a challenge to discipleship. This book very helpfully, in my view, gets this right.My one small criticism of this book is that it's a bit Anglican. That is fully understandable. The ARC (http:\/\/www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk\/) is a largely Anglican organisation with a Methodist\/United Reformed Rural Officer. The book refers to a lot of ARC resources and programmes which can be used for anyone, although at times there is more of an Anglican flavour. The chapter on 'multi-church ministry' is a good example where the Methodist norm is discussed but rather than strengths and weaknesses of a rural circuit being considered there is more of an introduction to how Methodists do things for others. I think more could be learnt by Methodists and others by a sharper critique of the current Methodist circuit.This is a very good book that enables us to better understand the challenges and possibilities in rural mission and ministry. It does point to the need to produce more material that helps Methodists and other non-Anglicans understand their nuanced context. This is a fine resource that will benefit many.\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003eRev'd Dr Stephen Skuce\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCountry Way magazine - January 2016\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe all know that society is changing rapidly and that there is a real need for Christians to find new and innovative ways of ensuring that the story of Jesus and the love of God, for this world, and us as individuals can still be heard and responded to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is not always so easy is finding the right models and ways for doing so. Resourcing Rural Ministry is therefore a 'must have' on the bookshelf of all those who wish to think about what God is saying to the rural church in this generation. In many ways rural church life comes with some unique opportunities as well as often being at the heart of the many challenges facing rural communities in the 21st century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhilst no book can offer all of the answers, and each context is unique, Resourcing Rural Ministry will help people to think about their rural context, the story the rural church has to tell and then to look at the mission opportunities this provides through practical ideas. The fundamentals of the Christian faith and being church are story, relationships and growing as disciples. This book is packed with helpful resources and background theology that speak into all of these areas and will aid the rural church to be a vibrant and relevant presence in today's society. God provides us with many opportunities to be more missional in our approach and outlook toward church and community life, and this book is a useful tool to help us grasp those opportunities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeter Ball\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:31+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:33+00:00","vendor":"Simon Martin","type":"Paperback","tags":["Church life","KCLC","Kindle","Mission","Nov-15"],"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":21769050685540,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857462626","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Resourcing Rural Ministry: Practical insights for mission - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":232,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857462626","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462626-l.jpg?v=1549043173"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462626-l.jpg?v=1549043173","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238875005067,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462626-l.jpg?v=1549043173"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857462626-l.jpg?v=1549043173","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eResourcing Rural Ministry offers an in-depth exploration of the key aspects, challenges and opportunities of mission in a rural church. Relevant for ordained and lay leaders alike, the book covers subjects ranging from encouraging evangelism in a multi-church group to making best use of church buildings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContaining a wealth of real-life case studies and suggestions for follow-up, this ecumenical publication draws on the expertise and resources of the Arthur Rank Centre (ARC), which has served the spiritual and practical needs of the rural Christian community for over 40 years. This book contributes to ARC's Germinate programme of training, development and support for rural multi-church groups of all denominations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResourcing Rural Ministry was first developed by Simon Martin as Training and Resources Officer at the ARC. Additional chapters have been contributed by the Revd Caroline Hewlett, Rona Orme and Becky Payne and the final text has been prepared and edited by Jill Hopkinson\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis guide is rooted in the reality of rural life with all its opportunities and challenges. Experienced rural practitioners share stories and resources which will inspire and equip those Christians, lay and ordained, who are working together in the very varied rural communities in Britain. Simon Martin and the other contributors have provided an invaluable resource for all who are engaged in rural mission and ministry, which I hope will be widely read and used.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Revd Ruth Gee, BA, M Litt, President of the Methodist Conference 2013 - 2014, Chair of the Darlington Methodist District \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want an inspiring read, this book is for you. This is a can-do book for whatever your context may be. I found it faith-building and full of fantastic stories, innovative ideas and best practice throughout its pages. This book is a must for anyone passionate about seeing the gospel transform their community, whether an individual, lay preacher or church leader, and will inspire creativity, energy and enthusiasm to make a real difference in your setting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Roy Crowne, Executive Director, HOPE \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFundamentals of Christian faith and being church are story, relationships and being disciples. This book is packed with helpful resources and background theology that speak into all of these areas and will aid the rural church to be a vibrant and relevant presence in today's society. This is a 'must read' book for clergy, educators, lay leaders and anyone who has a heart for rural mission.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Revd Peter Ball, Mission and Training Officer, Eastern Synod of the United Reformed Church \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA really useful, affirming, grounded, inspirational and practical resource book. Great for anyone in rural ministry, but with wisdom for those in lay and ordained ministry anywhere.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Lucy Moore, BRF Messy Church Team Leader \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA key message of this very useful and usable collection is that we can learn so much from the stories of what God is doing among us and through us. Read these contributions and you'll be excited by a wealth of experience, insight and resource. How to develop a learning culture is a hugely important question, and it is a vital issue for the rural church in regard to worship, discipleship and evangelism. This book is a significant contribution to that development, not least because of its consistent theme of learning from each other and learning together. I warmly commend it to all who long for the flourishing of the rural church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Rt Revd James Bell, Bishop of Ripon, Chair of the Rural Affairs Group of the Church of England General Synod \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResourcing Rural Ministry was first developed by Simon Martin as Training and Resources Officer at the Arthur Rank Centre. Additional chapters have been contributed by Revd Caroline Hewlett, Rona Orme and Becky Payne and the final text prepared and edited by Jill Hopkinson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePobl Dewi (Diocese of St David's) - June 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Arthur Rank Centre has been the churches' focus on rural ministry and mission for 40+ years. The accumulated knowledge on all matters affecting every denomination is unrivalled. The connections into every diocese and district has distilled much experience into this small book. The title and subtitle show how the commitment of ministry is to mission. The key questions are asked and answered. What support is available for rural congregations that have limited resources and few members? How do you resource small, dispersed rural congregations and their leaders, lay and ordained?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reliance on lay people is the norm in rural communities and churches. Clergy have to find their role, which can be very different from how it is in an urban church. The nature of church, its theology, worship, practical outreach and expectations are likely to be very different if there are less than a dozen regularly at worship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose few laypeople are likely to be involved in many other community activities and their witness does not go unseen. The community in which the church is set has its own rhythms and customs. It is wise to understand these so that the life of the church respects those that are honourable and desirable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is no surprise that this book refers readers to larger resources on the website (www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk). The chapter on worship recognises how it is part of the breath of the community, even for those who do not join in. There are many who may use the church building for their own good purposes, such as meditation and prayer, at other times of the week. The chapter on evangelism refers to the Journey to Faith section. There is a useful critique of Fresh Expressions and Messy Church. The chapter on children and young people brings together several good examples of rural churches that have tried new ways of building relationships with this generation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRelationship is the key to rural ministry and mission. Many people have existing relationships and friendships and the church has to recognise these links so that its invitation to a new relationship with Christ is offered appropriately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChurch buildings have their own contribution to make in re-connecting church to community. Good examples abound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Canon Jeremy Martineau\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 29 April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMULTI-AUTHOR books have their difficulties, but this is a book that will be widely appreciated and much read in rural parishes. The book was conceived and largely written by Simon Martin of the Arthur Rank Centre (the Church's presence at the centre of the farming and countryside world). Unfortunately, Simon became seriously ill before the completion of this book, and it was prepared for publication by Jill Hopkinson and other authors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wake of \u003cem\u003eFaith in the City\u003c\/em\u003e (1985), the attention of the churches turned to rural matters, not least because of the animal-health problems of the 1980s. \u003cem\u003eFaith in the Countryside\u003c\/em\u003e (1990) seemed for a time to be the high watermark of the Church's concern with the countryside and its rural parishes. But in recent years there has been a steady flow of books on rural matters, among which this book now takes its place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBooks on the rural Church tend to fall into two categories: first, those that are essentially local histories, but which generalise about the state of affairs in the countryside; second, those about how to minister in rural areas which are full of accounts of how to confront the steady decline in rural church life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book contains little historical analysis of the development of rural parishes, but is full of accounts of pioneering work and how this has been achieved. Those in need of help as they seek to deal with the complexities of church life in rural communities should turn to this book, which is full of examples of 'what to do' and 'how to do it', many of them drawn from the Arthur Rank Centre's publication \u003cem\u003e Country Parish\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are chapters on discipleship and nurture; mission in the rural context; rural fresh expressions; worship in small churches; and the use and adaptation of historic church buildings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor generations, the central issue in rural parishes has been who 'owns' the church, 'not in the sense of legal tenure but in the sense of who makes the rules, determines the programme and the general direction and feel of that church'. There have been historic struggles between patrons, clergy, and churchwardens. But today many parishes have witnessed ownership struggles between the old resident community and recent arrivals who bring a different understanding of the nature of the church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuch differences have to be reconciled, because, according to Martin, a successful rural church must be run by its congregation. While it used to be considered that the role of the laity was to help the clergy do what was essentially their job, Martin and his co-authors make it clear that the rural church will only thrive if it is run by the laity, and the role of the very few rural clergy is to encourage and equip the laity to do this job\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e.In one church, a member of the congregation wrote on the wall 'This is my church.' This book makes clear that unless the laity, in every sense, own and take responsibility for the local church, it will die. Many will recognise the truth of this statement in the contemporary countryside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd Dr Anthony Russell is a former Bishop of Ely and President of the Royal Agricultural Society of England.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurches Together in England - April 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is long overdue as it brings many of the resources for mission from the Arthur Rank Centre - which has resourced rural ministry and mission for 40 years - into one place. This is very welcome for clergy and lay people alike and from across the churches in England, especially as it is said that 1 in 6 of the population live in rural areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWritten by national advisors and local practitioners alike, \u003cem\u003eResourcing Rural Ministry\u003c\/em\u003e does exactly what it says, by providing a wide variety of ideas, resources, case studies and comment for anyone concerned with the rural context of mission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApart from all the helpful information, what I like best about this book is the layout. Under straight forward titles and in short sections it is easy to find what you might be looking for. Whether it be Messy Church, Multi-Church Ministry, or rural aspects of Ministerial Training, it also includes examples of more unusual ministry e.g. Forest Church and various aspects of theological reflection e.g. Robert Warren's diagram of Doing, Being and Living.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eResourcing Rural Ministry\u003c\/em\u003e draws on various traditions including monastic and Fresh Expressions, as well as quoting examples from different denominations. It is a compendium or 'one stop shop' for those who want to address the challenges of the rural church - especially practically.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a practical guide, some may say \u003cem\u003eResourcing Rural Ministry\u003c\/em\u003e is light in terms of political and social critique, and that it could have drawn more on major works on ministry and mission before it. I would say its strength lies in covering the contemporary ground brilliantly and with just the right amount of information and reflection to encourage every reader in the task of developing understanding, discipleship and rural ministry to get on with the task better informed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll insights are positive, and difficult topics are not ignored. This is well illustrated in a quote from page 42: 'Multi-church ministry brings with it a great many joys and opportunities, in working with different communities and congregations. It also has its own tensions and complications and can be stressful for lay and ordained alike. We know that it is possible for some churches in rural multi-church groups to grow and to do so consistently over several years. We also know that many rural congregations have reduced in size and others maintain regular numbers attending'. What follows this quote is a chapter exploring the issues, with a pragmatic approach, based on research.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn short, this is a book for everyone in rural ministry. Full of ideas and encouragement, notes and anecdotes, resources and analysis that has been 'rural-proofed' to be relevant and helpful. Drawing on resources from the Arthur Rank Centre e.g. Country Way (p39) and Journey to Faith (p110), it draws on 40 years' experience and provides the reader with a wonderful overview, guide and mission resource all in one place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJim Currin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCTE Evangelisation, Mission and Media\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStaff member on the Churches Rural Group\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Door (The Diocese of Oxford) March 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is currently a group, established by the Diocesan Board of Mission, whose function is to consider a range of strategic initiatives to enhance the rural church, and this book is a welcome introductory resource for all those who have an interest in rural ministry and its expression in the 21st century. \u003cbr\u003eThe authors recognise the specific characteristics of rural ministry relating to context, culture and community and the need to be aware of the specific ways these impact on church life. In keeping with \u003cem\u003eLiving Faith\u003c\/em\u003e there are resources related to mission and ministry including chapters on worship, evangelism, discipleship, children and young people, and developing Messy Church. The book offers a range of ideas, initiatives and approaches in these and other areas, drawing on a range of denominations.\u003cbr\u003eOne of the most helpful sections is by Simon Martin who maintains that rural churches are particularly effective in showing Christ's compassion to those in need and also in what might be termed low level nurture and teaching. He is realistic about the appropriateness of using some resources in the rural context and offers helpful ideas and resources such as the sharing of stories and the use of the Arthur Rank Centre's Equipping for Rural Mission via \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.germinate.net\/go\/profiling\"\u003ewww.germinate.net\/go\/profiling\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003cbr\u003eAs he rightly states small rural churches are not failed larger ones. Rather they have a range of expressions, networks and routes into their communities that enables them to function as a little yeast, that, in the words of Saint Paul to the Galatians, 'leavens the whole batch of dough'.\u003cbr\u003eRegarding discipleship and nurture, as in other chapters, a number of resources are offered alongside comments and observations from those who have used them. Again there is a helpful degree of realism here to enable one to assess whether what one might offer is appropriate not only for the local context and communities, but also for the resources one has available. This book could well be used by members of rural multi-parish benefices, and within rural deaneries, as a vehicle for gaining fresh insights for rural ministry. By focusing on each chapter in turn, resources for discussing mission and ministry could be creatively and imaginatively explored. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Revd Charles Chadwick is the Parish Development Adviser in the Dorchester Archdeaconry and Leader of the Rural Strategies Steering Group.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethodist Recorder 29 January 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a small, but useful, contribution to counteract the old dictum, 'If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.' Encouraging all churches to believe in possibilities and experimentation, it is a book of 'realtime' stories from across the country, of folk just like you and I, not giving up. Men and women questioning and engaging their localities with bespoke attempts to reach out and reveal the something of the divine and the importance of spiritual reflection in all of our lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiven that, for the past 20 years or more, the polls and pundits are shouting that, in all our mainstream Churches, the active attendance in local churches of our neighbours is rapidly declining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCounteract\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stories relayed within \u003cem\u003eResourcing Rural Ministry - Practical Insights for Mission \u003c\/em\u003eby Simon Martin with Caroline Hewett, Rona Orme and Becky Payne simply try and counteract the data so often solemnly presented at synods and conferences, but it cannot contradict the overall important trends being revealed. The 'number crunchers-crunching' suggest that our neighbours simply see no need of 'belonging' or 'embracing' the stories of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimon Martin and editor Jill Hopkinson from the Arthur Rank Centre, with friends and colleagues, offer throughout this book (203 pages) cameos of hope and experimentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe, in the Church, have become familiar with terms like 'fresh expressions' and 'messy churches', but perhaps not with 'Eastertingle' or 'Who let the Dads out' groups, ie the men who care for their little ones gathering together. Even a 'Forest Church' that explores worship in a landscape\/outside of a church building.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the end of the book five pages point to other resources tried and tested - probably\u003cbr\u003esome useful and successful, others not so, but all venturesome and calling us to\u003cbr\u003etake courage!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnvisioned\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout this book it points to envisioned lay folk and clergy. One short paragraph struck me on p160 (Bar Nash-Williams united benefice of Stamfordham and Matfen): 'All the good plans and keen participation come to nothing if you don't start with the heart, it's your heart that says, 'It's worth it just for one child'. Its the heart that says, 'We do what we can and trust to God for the rest.' When you start with that attitude a tiny church can do good things with tiny resources.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmen to that. For we Methodists those words speak to our DNA of 'warmed hearts' and 'faithful service' to our God-given communities wherever you are. I commend this book to those who are seeking some ideas with a warm heart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rev Canon Alan Robson is Lincolnshire agricultural chaplain.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eMETconnexion\u003c\/em\u003e. December 2015\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003eIf you are looking for a practical understanding of the main issues, challenges and responses in rural ministry in Britain, this is the text for you. It's very accessible, straightforward and written by Simon Martin and others who are all associated with the Arthur Rank Centre (ARC) which seeks to equip the rural church for effective ministry and mission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat I particularly like about this book is that it covers the main areas, at least as I understand them. Too many books on rural Christianity spend a lot of their time offering an analysis of the changing nature of rural communities, dealing with indices of rural deprivation, mobility and so on. This is important and helps us to understand the rural context in which we live out our faith and minister. But, too often they don't offer enough direct suggestion as to what we might actually do.\u003c\/p\u003e\nThe chapters consider mission, worship, evangelism, messy church, fresh expressions, worship, discipleship, young people and multi-church ministry. I particularly appreciate the separate chapters on mission and evangelism. Too often these areas are conflated and the result is that being involved with people outside of the believing community is considered to be evangelism. In reality that is mission which creates the opportunity for a more direct sharing of faith and a challenge to discipleship. This book very helpfully, in my view, gets this right.My one small criticism of this book is that it's a bit Anglican. That is fully understandable. The ARC (http:\/\/www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk\/) is a largely Anglican organisation with a Methodist\/United Reformed Rural Officer. The book refers to a lot of ARC resources and programmes which can be used for anyone, although at times there is more of an Anglican flavour. The chapter on 'multi-church ministry' is a good example where the Methodist norm is discussed but rather than strengths and weaknesses of a rural circuit being considered there is more of an introduction to how Methodists do things for others. I think more could be learnt by Methodists and others by a sharper critique of the current Methodist circuit.This is a very good book that enables us to better understand the challenges and possibilities in rural mission and ministry. It does point to the need to produce more material that helps Methodists and other non-Anglicans understand their nuanced context. This is a fine resource that will benefit many.\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 15px; text-align: left;\"\u003eRev'd Dr Stephen Skuce\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCountry Way magazine - January 2016\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe all know that society is changing rapidly and that there is a real need for Christians to find new and innovative ways of ensuring that the story of Jesus and the love of God, for this world, and us as individuals can still be heard and responded to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is not always so easy is finding the right models and ways for doing so. Resourcing Rural Ministry is therefore a 'must have' on the bookshelf of all those who wish to think about what God is saying to the rural church in this generation. In many ways rural church life comes with some unique opportunities as well as often being at the heart of the many challenges facing rural communities in the 21st century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhilst no book can offer all of the answers, and each context is unique, Resourcing Rural Ministry will help people to think about their rural context, the story the rural church has to tell and then to look at the mission opportunities this provides through practical ideas. The fundamentals of the Christian faith and being church are story, relationships and growing as disciples. This book is packed with helpful resources and background theology that speak into all of these areas and will aid the rural church to be a vibrant and relevant presence in today's society. God provides us with many opportunities to be more missional in our approach and outlook toward church and community life, and this book is a useful tool to help us grasp those opportunities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeter Ball\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e"}
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Resourcing Rural Ministry: Practical insights for mission
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Resourcing Rural Ministry offers an in-depth exploration of the key aspects, challenges and opportunities of mission in a rural church....
{"id":2439743307876,"title":"Stories for Interactive Assemblies: 15 story-based assemblies to get children talking","handle":"stories-for-interactive-assemblies-15-story-based-assemblies-to-get-children-talking","description":"\u003cp\u003eFifteen easy-to-tell stories combining biblical teaching with contemporary storytelling. Set within the world of the classroom, each story has its roots in one of Jesus' parables. Primary children will recognise themselves and their classmates in the stories and relate to the underlying message that is the essence of the parable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach assembly outline is topped and tailed by a theme to help direct the teacher towards the main teaching objective of the story, and a prayer or reflection and suggested song to close the assembly if desired. Each unit also contains a teacher's page giving the Bible reference for the original parable and information to link the teaching to PSHE\/Citizenship and the National Framework for RE or local SACRE guidelines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nNigel Bishop is Head Teacher at Strand Community School Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire. His teaching career spans 20 years. During this time, during which time he has taught children from four to eleven years in a wide range of schools in Grimsby and Cleethorpes, trying to share with them his passion for experiential learning. Nigel is also a Methodist Lay Preacher and has used his communication skills in all-age worship as well as numerous school assemblies. He hopes that the stories he has used in schools and churches might reach and inspire a wider audience through their publication. Nigel lives in Grimsby with his wife, Jackie, their children Nicola and Jonathan, and Megan the dog. \n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\nEvery school should have one of these books. The stories are easy to listen to and children remain engrossed throughout the assembly, even those who find listening difficult. The reason for this is that they can relate to the scenario depicted by the story. An excellent resource and certainly a 'must have' for both KS1 and KS2.'\r\n\u003cem\u003eChristine Taylor\u003c\/em\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:12+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:13+00:00","vendor":"Nigel Bishop","type":"Paperback","tags":["Feb-12","For schools","KCLC","RE"],"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":21768999174244,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857461438","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Stories for Interactive Assemblies: 15 story-based assemblies to get children talking - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":165,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857461438","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461438-l.jpg?v=1549043177"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461438-l.jpg?v=1549043177","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238874677387,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":562,"width":368,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461438-l.jpg?v=1549043177"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":562,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461438-l.jpg?v=1549043177","width":368}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eFifteen easy-to-tell stories combining biblical teaching with contemporary storytelling. Set within the world of the classroom, each story has its roots in one of Jesus' parables. Primary children will recognise themselves and their classmates in the stories and relate to the underlying message that is the essence of the parable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach assembly outline is topped and tailed by a theme to help direct the teacher towards the main teaching objective of the story, and a prayer or reflection and suggested song to close the assembly if desired. Each unit also contains a teacher's page giving the Bible reference for the original parable and information to link the teaching to PSHE\/Citizenship and the National Framework for RE or local SACRE guidelines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nNigel Bishop is Head Teacher at Strand Community School Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire. His teaching career spans 20 years. During this time, during which time he has taught children from four to eleven years in a wide range of schools in Grimsby and Cleethorpes, trying to share with them his passion for experiential learning. Nigel is also a Methodist Lay Preacher and has used his communication skills in all-age worship as well as numerous school assemblies. He hopes that the stories he has used in schools and churches might reach and inspire a wider audience through their publication. Nigel lives in Grimsby with his wife, Jackie, their children Nicola and Jonathan, and Megan the dog. \n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\nEvery school should have one of these books. The stories are easy to listen to and children remain engrossed throughout the assembly, even those who find listening difficult. The reason for this is that they can relate to the scenario depicted by the story. An excellent resource and certainly a 'must have' for both KS1 and KS2.'\r\n\u003cem\u003eChristine Taylor\u003c\/em\u003e"}
You may also like:
Stories for Interactive Assemblies: 15 story-based assemblies to get children talking
£7.99
Fifteen easy-to-tell stories combining biblical teaching with contemporary storytelling. Set within the world of the classroom, each story has its...
{"id":2439785939044,"title":"Paul and His Friends in Leadership: How they changed the world","handle":"paul-and-his-friends-in-leadership-how-they-changed-the-world","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe more we understand biblical characters like the apostle Paul in their specific situations and in their own time, the more we will be able to apply biblical principles to today's church, its leaders and its mission-transforming and enriching the way we do church today. Paul and His Friends in Leadership examines the apostle Paul's critical relationships with key people, illustrating his humanity, faith, confidence in God and his leadership qualities. This novel approach, by an expert in the New Testament, will encourage us to reflect on leadership in the church today and help us to see how crucial authentic relationships are to our contemporary mission.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eContents\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\nPreface\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPaul's greatness\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPaul's life: a sketch\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPaul's calling, his mission and his churches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPaul's mission to Cyprus and Galatia (AD47 - 48)\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eBarnabas, missionary leader\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\nPaul's mission to the Aegean provinces (AD49 - 57)\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilvanus, missionary and translator \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eTimothy, Paul's leading fellow worker \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eLuke, beloved physician and author \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePriscilla and Aquila, merchants \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eStephanas, servant of the saints \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eGaius, host of the church in Corinth \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eApollos, passionate preacher \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eErastus, high-ranking city official \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eTitus (part 1), Paul's ambassador \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eEpaphras, evangelist \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePhilemon, house-church leader \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eOnesimus, runaway slave \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eJohn Mark, author \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe Asiarchs of Ephesus, leading citizens\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePhoebe, patroness in Cenchreae \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAristarchus, travel companion \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\nPaul's mission in Rome (AD57)\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAndronicus and Junia, Paul's kin \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eRufus, 'chosen in the Lord' \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\nPaul's last years (AD60 - 65)\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEpaphroditus, carer \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eEuodia and Syntyche, fellow workers \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eTitus (part 2), evangelist in Crete \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eOnesiphorus, earnest friend \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\nThe origin of love in the writings of Paul\u003cbr\u003e\r\nThe significance of Paul's mission friends\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nPaul W. Barnett is a former Bishop of North Sydney, Australia, and lecturer in New Testament at Moore College, Sydney. He is the author of many well-received and influential books on the New Testament. His two interests are Christian ministry and the world of the early church. His passion is to encourage the practice of biblical principles for ministry in today's world.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Summer 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eReview by David Sellick\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBarnett sets out to show that Paul was more of a 'people person' than he is often given credit for and that he offered caring leadership to those with whom he shared mission, so that together 'they changed the world', as the book's subtitle claims. In Acts and Paul's letters about 100 people are named and of these Barnett identifies about forty whom he regards as Paul's key 'mission colleagues'. All named people associated with Paul's missionary work from AD49 to 57 are introduced and discussed in as much detail as the author can amass. We know that Paul often mentions people by name in his letters, but Barnett cross references Acts and the letters to produce a mini-biography of each, thereby illustrating how Paul chose, trained and supported a string of fellow missionaries who so firmly established the emerging Christian church across the eastern Roman Empire to the imperial city itself. This is a fascinating complement to Pauline studies.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-14T16:20:10+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:54+00:00","vendor":"Paul W Barnett","type":"Paperback","tags":["KCLC","Kindle","Leadership","Mission"],"price":799,"price_min":799,"price_max":799,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769567076452,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465443","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436780798052,"product_id":2439785939044,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:22:54+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:46+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465443-l.jpg?v=1549043146","variant_ids":[21769567076452]},"available":false,"name":"Paul and His Friends in Leadership: How they changed the world - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":799,"weight":182,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465443","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238878773387,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465443-l.jpg?v=1549043146"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465443-l.jpg?v=1549043146"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465443-l.jpg?v=1549043146","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238878773387,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465443-l.jpg?v=1549043146"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857465443-l.jpg?v=1549043146","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThe more we understand biblical characters like the apostle Paul in their specific situations and in their own time, the more we will be able to apply biblical principles to today's church, its leaders and its mission-transforming and enriching the way we do church today. Paul and His Friends in Leadership examines the apostle Paul's critical relationships with key people, illustrating his humanity, faith, confidence in God and his leadership qualities. This novel approach, by an expert in the New Testament, will encourage us to reflect on leadership in the church today and help us to see how crucial authentic relationships are to our contemporary mission.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eContents\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\nPreface\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPaul's greatness\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPaul's life: a sketch\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPaul's calling, his mission and his churches\u003cbr\u003e\r\nPaul's mission to Cyprus and Galatia (AD47 - 48)\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eBarnabas, missionary leader\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\nPaul's mission to the Aegean provinces (AD49 - 57)\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilvanus, missionary and translator \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eTimothy, Paul's leading fellow worker \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eLuke, beloved physician and author \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePriscilla and Aquila, merchants \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eStephanas, servant of the saints \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eGaius, host of the church in Corinth \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eApollos, passionate preacher \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eErastus, high-ranking city official \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eTitus (part 1), Paul's ambassador \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eEpaphras, evangelist \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePhilemon, house-church leader \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eOnesimus, runaway slave \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eJohn Mark, author \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eThe Asiarchs of Ephesus, leading citizens\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003ePhoebe, patroness in Cenchreae \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eAristarchus, travel companion \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\nPaul's mission in Rome (AD57)\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAndronicus and Junia, Paul's kin \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eRufus, 'chosen in the Lord' \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\nPaul's last years (AD60 - 65)\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEpaphroditus, carer \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eEuodia and Syntyche, fellow workers \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eTitus (part 2), evangelist in Crete \u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003eOnesiphorus, earnest friend \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\nThe origin of love in the writings of Paul\u003cbr\u003e\r\nThe significance of Paul's mission friends\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nPaul W. Barnett is a former Bishop of North Sydney, Australia, and lecturer in New Testament at Moore College, Sydney. He is the author of many well-received and influential books on the New Testament. His two interests are Christian ministry and the world of the early church. His passion is to encourage the practice of biblical principles for ministry in today's world.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Summer 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eReview by David Sellick\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBarnett sets out to show that Paul was more of a 'people person' than he is often given credit for and that he offered caring leadership to those with whom he shared mission, so that together 'they changed the world', as the book's subtitle claims. In Acts and Paul's letters about 100 people are named and of these Barnett identifies about forty whom he regards as Paul's key 'mission colleagues'. All named people associated with Paul's missionary work from AD49 to 57 are introduced and discussed in as much detail as the author can amass. We know that Paul often mentions people by name in his letters, but Barnett cross references Acts and the letters to produce a mini-biography of each, thereby illustrating how Paul chose, trained and supported a string of fellow missionaries who so firmly established the emerging Christian church across the eastern Roman Empire to the imperial city itself. This is a fascinating complement to Pauline studies.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Paul and His Friends in Leadership: How they changed the world
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{"id":2439762247780,"title":"Valuing Money: A 10-unit RE programme helping children unpack the real value of money","handle":"valuing-money-a-10-unit-re-programme-helping-children-unpack-the-real-value-of-money","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eMONEY... MONEY... MONEY...\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eValuing Money\u003c\/em\u003e provides teaching material to help children explore moral and ethical issues around money and what it represents, and to think about what is truly valuable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes \u003cstrong\u003eten story-led lesson plans\u003c\/strong\u003e with illustrations, Bible links and \u003cstrong\u003ecross-curricular\u003c\/strong\u003e classroom activities and three assembly outlines suitable for Collective Worship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConnects \u003cstrong\u003eNumeracy\u003c\/strong\u003e teaching to wider issues of personal and shared responsibility.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRelates Bible stories to \u003cstrong\u003equestions of financial value\u003c\/strong\u003e and their implications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExplores \u003cstrong\u003ekey Christian concepts\u003c\/strong\u003e for thinking theologically in RE.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChris Hudson is an experienced primary teacher, subject leader and educational author, mostly working in the North-East of England. He's had 22 years' experience of teaching in a range of primary schools. As a published educational author, he has 17 commissioned books to date, and has created wide range of material for educational websites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the Church Times\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eValuing Money tackles the subject of our attitudes to money head on. It is curious how the subject that dominates political debate, and much of our thinking at home, rarely features in schools. It is almost 'the elephant in the room'. Economics at A level exists as an academic study, but there is little in relation to the ethical questions relating to hard cash. Having a great deal of it is assumed to be the good life; being hard up is not so good. Hudson's volume, aimed at Key Stages in primary schools, will set the standard for years to come. Financial education is the name of the game here, with a subtle message that most maths money problems usually involve spending money, and only very rarely involve giving it away. It is almost as if there is something dangerous or slightly 'iffy' about being generous with money. It is easier to talk about something else. As with the previous volume, each unit includes a story, a biblical context, an RE lesson, and pointers to how the same context can be used in both literacy and numeracy. The ten units in the book, therefore, will provide a year's financial education in an innovative and interesting way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt won't be easy. From the time of Jesus onwards, we have been left in no doubt that meeting his standards on this one provides the biggest challenge of them all. Regular readers will have spot ted the endless search for good assembly material. As assemblies are not going to disappear any time soon, a good story is like gold dust.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Dennis Richards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:19+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:22+00:00","vendor":"Chris Hudson","type":"Paperback","tags":["For schools","Jun-15","KCLC","RE"],"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":21769218457700,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857461216","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436627148900,"product_id":2439762247780,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:22+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:05+00:00","alt":null,"width":791,"height":1121,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461216-l.jpg?v=1549043165","variant_ids":[21769218457700]},"available":true,"name":"Valuing Money: A 10-unit RE programme helping children unpack the real value of money - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":401,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857461216","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238876807307,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.706,"height":1121,"width":791,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461216-l.jpg?v=1549043165"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461216-l.jpg?v=1549043165"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461216-l.jpg?v=1549043165","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238876807307,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.706,"height":1121,"width":791,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461216-l.jpg?v=1549043165"},"aspect_ratio":0.706,"height":1121,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461216-l.jpg?v=1549043165","width":791}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cstrong\u003eMONEY... MONEY... MONEY...\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eValuing Money\u003c\/em\u003e provides teaching material to help children explore moral and ethical issues around money and what it represents, and to think about what is truly valuable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes \u003cstrong\u003eten story-led lesson plans\u003c\/strong\u003e with illustrations, Bible links and \u003cstrong\u003ecross-curricular\u003c\/strong\u003e classroom activities and three assembly outlines suitable for Collective Worship\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConnects \u003cstrong\u003eNumeracy\u003c\/strong\u003e teaching to wider issues of personal and shared responsibility.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRelates Bible stories to \u003cstrong\u003equestions of financial value\u003c\/strong\u003e and their implications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExplores \u003cstrong\u003ekey Christian concepts\u003c\/strong\u003e for thinking theologically in RE.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChris Hudson is an experienced primary teacher, subject leader and educational author, mostly working in the North-East of England. He's had 22 years' experience of teaching in a range of primary schools. As a published educational author, he has 17 commissioned books to date, and has created wide range of material for educational websites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the Church Times\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eValuing Money tackles the subject of our attitudes to money head on. It is curious how the subject that dominates political debate, and much of our thinking at home, rarely features in schools. It is almost 'the elephant in the room'. Economics at A level exists as an academic study, but there is little in relation to the ethical questions relating to hard cash. Having a great deal of it is assumed to be the good life; being hard up is not so good. Hudson's volume, aimed at Key Stages in primary schools, will set the standard for years to come. Financial education is the name of the game here, with a subtle message that most maths money problems usually involve spending money, and only very rarely involve giving it away. It is almost as if there is something dangerous or slightly 'iffy' about being generous with money. It is easier to talk about something else. As with the previous volume, each unit includes a story, a biblical context, an RE lesson, and pointers to how the same context can be used in both literacy and numeracy. The ten units in the book, therefore, will provide a year's financial education in an innovative and interesting way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt won't be easy. From the time of Jesus onwards, we have been left in no doubt that meeting his standards on this one provides the biggest challenge of them all. Regular readers will have spot ted the endless search for good assembly material. As assemblies are not going to disappear any time soon, a good story is like gold dust.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Dennis Richards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
Valuing Money: A 10-unit RE programme helping children unpack the real value of money
£9.99
MONEY... MONEY... MONEY... Valuing Money provides teaching material to help children explore moral and ethical issues around money and what...
{"id":2439772504164,"title":"Reproducing Churches","handle":"reproducing-churches","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis book investigates the theological basis for church planting and creating fresh expressions of church. Based on extensive research, senior church planting authority George Lings argues that the church has a divine calling and capacity to reproduce, albeit in ways that are intentionally non-identical. Using the doctrine of the Trinity, as well as key passages throughout scripture, he shows how such reproduction fulfills the mission of God. The book also includes many practical examples drawn from church history, to help apply the message to congregations today.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction: why this book?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e1 Different lenses, different views of the Church\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e2 Creation and covenant's mandate to reproduce\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e3 The reproductive strand in the kingdom and the Gospels\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e4 The Trinity and the Church seen as community-in-mission\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e5 Looking to Jesus the pioneer\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e6 Following Jesus in dying to live\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e7 The Holy Spirit and the surprises in reproduction\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e8 Christendom's eclipse of a reproducing Church\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e9 Reproduction and the classic 'four marks' of the Church\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e10 The useful outworking of the reproductive strand\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e11 Rehabilitating the Church\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nGeorge Lings heads up Church Army's Research Unit, which for 20 years has been at work discerning the evolving mission of the church and the resultant fresh expressions of church. He has written over 50 booklets on the evolving theory and practice of bringing to birth fresh expressions of church, through the Encounters On The Edge series, which had an international subscription base of 500. Moreover the content of his book proposal has been peer-tested for academic rigour for it rests upon the findings of a recent PhD.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 21.7.17\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReview by Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford of \u003cem\u003eGod's Belongers: How people engage with God today and how the Church can help\u003c\/em\u003e by David Walker and \u003cem\u003eReproducing Churches \u003c\/em\u003eby George Lings\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce in a while, a book comes along that changes the way you look at things. Here are two.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Walker's delightfully titled \u003cem\u003eGod's Belongers\u003c\/em\u003e analyses the different ways in which people express their belonging to church and their engagement with God, and suggests new strategies that will help the local church understand and provide for this belonging.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBased on extensive research of church attendance at rural harvest festivals and Christmas carol services, the central thesis of this book is that regular churchgoing is not the only way in which Christian belonging is expressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOn one level, this is completely obvious. Most churches, however, persist with a gold standard of 'every-Sunday-morning' belonging, and all evangelistic endeavour is geared towards achieving this. But, as Walker's well-researched and well-argued book unfolds, we find that belonging can be measured in other ways, and this is more to do with personality and circumstance than commitment.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSo, the one who comes less often is not necessarily less committed. Someone whose primary belonging comes through relationships, and who wishes to express this in service, may never come every week. But his or her 'lived-out' discipleship, day by day, demonstrates a commitment equal to any weekly communicant. If weekly attendance is the only goal, this person's faith development may be stymied, and the church's ability and flexibility to grow in different ways diminished.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePut this alongside the vastly changed pattern of work, leisure, and family life in Britain today, and the impact on church life is plain to see. Strategies for evangelism and discipleship need to work with the grain of these different types of belonging, not against them.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe development of Fresh Expressions in the Church of England is one such example of helping people to belong differently.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFresh Expressions of Church is not a stepping-stone towards the so-called 'real church' of Sunday morning. Worshipping in a variety of cultural styles, meeting in different places and different formats and at different times, Fresh Expressions have enabled the Church to broaden its reach.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis has been a remarkable story of missional and ecclesiological enterprise, and, although many people have played a significant part in this story, none has done more than George Lings. His ministry as theologian, researcher and church-planter has provided the impetus and inspiration for the Church to try new things. He has also led the way in enabling the Church to reflect on and learn from these experiments.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAll this is brought together in \u003cem\u003eReproducing Churches\u003c\/em\u003e. Lings explains and develops the basic thesis that reproduction is inherent in what it means to be the Church, not merely an optional function that some may choose. In other words, for the Church to be the Church it must reproduce. Based, again, on extensive research and vast experience, this book is probably the best available handbook for understanding church-planting and Fresh Expressions, and seeing how the Church can become what it is meant to be be. Put these two books together, and every church will be rethinking its evangelistic strategy.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-14T16:26:28+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:59+00:00","vendor":"George Lings","type":"Paperback","tags":["KCLC","Kindle","Leadership","Mission"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769363980388,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464644","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436691406948,"product_id":2439772504164,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:59+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:58+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464644-l.jpg?v=1549043158","variant_ids":[21769363980388]},"available":false,"name":"Reproducing Churches - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":263,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464644","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238877462667,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464644-l.jpg?v=1549043158"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464644-l.jpg?v=1549043158"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464644-l.jpg?v=1549043158","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238877462667,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464644-l.jpg?v=1549043158"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464644-l.jpg?v=1549043158","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThis book investigates the theological basis for church planting and creating fresh expressions of church. Based on extensive research, senior church planting authority George Lings argues that the church has a divine calling and capacity to reproduce, albeit in ways that are intentionally non-identical. Using the doctrine of the Trinity, as well as key passages throughout scripture, he shows how such reproduction fulfills the mission of God. The book also includes many practical examples drawn from church history, to help apply the message to congregations today.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction: why this book?\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e1 Different lenses, different views of the Church\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e2 Creation and covenant's mandate to reproduce\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e3 The reproductive strand in the kingdom and the Gospels\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e4 The Trinity and the Church seen as community-in-mission\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e5 Looking to Jesus the pioneer\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e6 Following Jesus in dying to live\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e7 The Holy Spirit and the surprises in reproduction\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e8 Christendom's eclipse of a reproducing Church\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e9 Reproduction and the classic 'four marks' of the Church\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e10 The useful outworking of the reproductive strand\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e11 Rehabilitating the Church\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nGeorge Lings heads up Church Army's Research Unit, which for 20 years has been at work discerning the evolving mission of the church and the resultant fresh expressions of church. He has written over 50 booklets on the evolving theory and practice of bringing to birth fresh expressions of church, through the Encounters On The Edge series, which had an international subscription base of 500. Moreover the content of his book proposal has been peer-tested for academic rigour for it rests upon the findings of a recent PhD.\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 21.7.17\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReview by Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford of \u003cem\u003eGod's Belongers: How people engage with God today and how the Church can help\u003c\/em\u003e by David Walker and \u003cem\u003eReproducing Churches \u003c\/em\u003eby George Lings\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOnce in a while, a book comes along that changes the way you look at things. Here are two.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Walker's delightfully titled \u003cem\u003eGod's Belongers\u003c\/em\u003e analyses the different ways in which people express their belonging to church and their engagement with God, and suggests new strategies that will help the local church understand and provide for this belonging.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBased on extensive research of church attendance at rural harvest festivals and Christmas carol services, the central thesis of this book is that regular churchgoing is not the only way in which Christian belonging is expressed.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eOn one level, this is completely obvious. Most churches, however, persist with a gold standard of 'every-Sunday-morning' belonging, and all evangelistic endeavour is geared towards achieving this. But, as Walker's well-researched and well-argued book unfolds, we find that belonging can be measured in other ways, and this is more to do with personality and circumstance than commitment.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSo, the one who comes less often is not necessarily less committed. Someone whose primary belonging comes through relationships, and who wishes to express this in service, may never come every week. But his or her 'lived-out' discipleship, day by day, demonstrates a commitment equal to any weekly communicant. If weekly attendance is the only goal, this person's faith development may be stymied, and the church's ability and flexibility to grow in different ways diminished.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePut this alongside the vastly changed pattern of work, leisure, and family life in Britain today, and the impact on church life is plain to see. Strategies for evangelism and discipleship need to work with the grain of these different types of belonging, not against them.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe development of Fresh Expressions in the Church of England is one such example of helping people to belong differently.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFresh Expressions of Church is not a stepping-stone towards the so-called 'real church' of Sunday morning. Worshipping in a variety of cultural styles, meeting in different places and different formats and at different times, Fresh Expressions have enabled the Church to broaden its reach.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThis has been a remarkable story of missional and ecclesiological enterprise, and, although many people have played a significant part in this story, none has done more than George Lings. His ministry as theologian, researcher and church-planter has provided the impetus and inspiration for the Church to try new things. He has also led the way in enabling the Church to reflect on and learn from these experiments.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAll this is brought together in \u003cem\u003eReproducing Churches\u003c\/em\u003e. Lings explains and develops the basic thesis that reproduction is inherent in what it means to be the Church, not merely an optional function that some may choose. In other words, for the Church to be the Church it must reproduce. Based, again, on extensive research and vast experience, this book is probably the best available handbook for understanding church-planting and Fresh Expressions, and seeing how the Church can become what it is meant to be be. Put these two books together, and every church will be rethinking its evangelistic strategy.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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This book investigates the theological basis for church planting and creating fresh expressions of church. Based on extensive research, senior...
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{"id":7363008889023,"title":"Images of Grace: A journey from darkness to light at Easter","handle":"images-of-grace","description":"\u003cp\u003e‘At the heart of the Christian message is a collection of abstract nouns: love; sin; forgiveness; grace. It is quite difficult to explain what the gospel message is without using some or all of those words. But the problem with abstract nouns is that when we use them, we assume that the person we are talking to understands them, and not only that, we assume that they have the same understanding of the word that we do…’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLent is traditionally a time of repentance, fasting and prayer as we prepare to celebrate our salvation at Easter. Through daily readings and reflections from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day, Amy Scott Robinson explores different biblical images of repentance, sin, forgiveness and grace, bringing them together in Holy Week as a lens through which to view Christ’s work of reconciliation on the cross.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kqn_CTRCtzY\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yGNTnqU6LHs\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IQ0wKSf1ZEM\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is rich in accessible biblical scholarship and insight. It brings the reader's attention to a variety of passages and it is refreshing to read a Lent Book that encourages the reader to look at a variety of passages from across the whole of Christian scripture. The combination of a well-considered reflection, a question and, a suitable prayer for each day make this book the perfect companion for Lent.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rev'd Canon Michael Robinson (no relation!)\u003cbr\u003eBishops’ Chaplain \u0026amp; Canon Theologian of St Edmundsbury Cathedral\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘Amy is an expert storyteller, a well of emotion and reflection, and a follower of Jesus with a deep, genuine hunger for the reality of God.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdrian Plass, author and speaker\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry online February 2023. Review by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe BRF Lent Book for 2023, sub-titled ‘A Journey from Darkness to Light at Easter’ takes the reader day by day on exactly that journey. Amy Scott Robinson was inspired to write this book because she felt that abstract nouns, such as sin and grace, although in frequent use, might be misunderstood – or given a different meaning - by many people. The book is based on the idea that the use of images helps this understanding. These images vary from a few words, to extended metaphors, to whole stories – but all help us to understand Christian concepts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into weekly sections, covering sin and repentance, forgiveness, atonement, restoration, reconciliation and ends with Holy Week. Each day has a Bible reading, commentary, a question and a prayer and, at the end of each week, there is a set of questions, which makes the book suitable for group activity. The commentary which Amy Scott Robinson gives each day is invariably pertinent and engaging and involves personal and literary examples, as well as providing a thoughtful interpretation of the passage. The question demands the reader applies the material to his\/her own life. As a Lent book I recommend this for personal or for group use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost, author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving previously reviewed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/image-of-the-invisible-daily-bible-readings-from-advent-to-epiphany?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=d107cbc7e\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage of the Invisible\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, Amy Scott-Robinson’s book for Advent through to Epiphany, I was looking forward to this offering for Lent, Holy Week and Easter. And I was not disappointed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with that previous book, she uses metaphors, stories and biblical examples to open up a wide range of themes. Initially, these images explore the traditional themes of Lent: sin, repentance and forgiveness. Dipping briefly and helpfully in the theological arguments about atonement, the author then continues with images of restoration and reconciliation. A final section for Holy Week finds us encountering a donkey, turning over tables and washing feet before standing by the tomb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin the book, we meet characters as diverse as David and Jonah, Jesus Barabbas and Joseph of Arimathea. Each aspect, each chapter, is explored and explained, using helpful contemporary stories and images alongside the biblical ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this reviewer, reading a book of daily reflections in a shorter timescale inevitably dilutes the full benefit of it (not least also that I read it during Advent!). Thus, for me, the focus on sin during the first half has a particular effect and it is from Week 4 onwards that readers are given a flood of hope as all the images combine to provide ones of grace. Grace which is sufficient for each day and for each one of us, in all times and seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. He is also the author of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003etwo other books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Scott Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e is an author and performance storyteller. After studying English at Christ's College, Cambridge, she trained as a teacher and began writing for charities and providers of liturgical resources, before publishing her own works on puppetry and story. She is married to the rector of four rural parishes in Suffolk, where she is also the benefice children’s worker. She lives in the Rectory and has two children, two guinea pigs, and at any given moment, a half-finished cup of cold tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2022-10-05T11:05:46+01:00","created_at":"2022-10-05T09:23:24+01:00","vendor":"Amy Scott Robinson","type":"Paperback","tags":["Centenary Collection","Discipleship","Easter","KCLC","Lent"],"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":42199947903167,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800391178","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":33397562081471,"product_id":7363008889023,"position":1,"created_at":"2022-10-05T10:55:21+01:00","updated_at":"2022-10-05T10:55:23+01:00","alt":null,"width":1535,"height":2339,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ImagesofGrace.jpg?v=1664963723","variant_ids":[42199947903167]},"available":true,"name":"Images of Grace: A journey from darkness to light at Easter - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":200,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800391178","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":25987135209663,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ImagesofGrace.jpg?v=1664963723"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ImagesofGrace.jpg?v=1664963723"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ImagesofGrace.jpg?v=1664963723","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":25987135209663,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ImagesofGrace.jpg?v=1664963723"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/ImagesofGrace.jpg?v=1664963723","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e‘At the heart of the Christian message is a collection of abstract nouns: love; sin; forgiveness; grace. It is quite difficult to explain what the gospel message is without using some or all of those words. But the problem with abstract nouns is that when we use them, we assume that the person we are talking to understands them, and not only that, we assume that they have the same understanding of the word that we do…’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLent is traditionally a time of repentance, fasting and prayer as we prepare to celebrate our salvation at Easter. Through daily readings and reflections from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day, Amy Scott Robinson explores different biblical images of repentance, sin, forgiveness and grace, bringing them together in Holy Week as a lens through which to view Christ’s work of reconciliation on the cross.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kqn_CTRCtzY\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yGNTnqU6LHs\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IQ0wKSf1ZEM\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is rich in accessible biblical scholarship and insight. It brings the reader's attention to a variety of passages and it is refreshing to read a Lent Book that encourages the reader to look at a variety of passages from across the whole of Christian scripture. The combination of a well-considered reflection, a question and, a suitable prayer for each day make this book the perfect companion for Lent.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rev'd Canon Michael Robinson (no relation!)\u003cbr\u003eBishops’ Chaplain \u0026amp; Canon Theologian of St Edmundsbury Cathedral\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘Amy is an expert storyteller, a well of emotion and reflection, and a follower of Jesus with a deep, genuine hunger for the reality of God.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdrian Plass, author and speaker\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry online February 2023. Review by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe BRF Lent Book for 2023, sub-titled ‘A Journey from Darkness to Light at Easter’ takes the reader day by day on exactly that journey. Amy Scott Robinson was inspired to write this book because she felt that abstract nouns, such as sin and grace, although in frequent use, might be misunderstood – or given a different meaning - by many people. The book is based on the idea that the use of images helps this understanding. These images vary from a few words, to extended metaphors, to whole stories – but all help us to understand Christian concepts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is divided into weekly sections, covering sin and repentance, forgiveness, atonement, restoration, reconciliation and ends with Holy Week. Each day has a Bible reading, commentary, a question and a prayer and, at the end of each week, there is a set of questions, which makes the book suitable for group activity. The commentary which Amy Scott Robinson gives each day is invariably pertinent and engaging and involves personal and literary examples, as well as providing a thoughtful interpretation of the passage. The question demands the reader applies the material to his\/her own life. As a Lent book I recommend this for personal or for group use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost, author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving previously reviewed \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/image-of-the-invisible-daily-bible-readings-from-advent-to-epiphany?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=d107cbc7e\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eImage of the Invisible\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, Amy Scott-Robinson’s book for Advent through to Epiphany, I was looking forward to this offering for Lent, Holy Week and Easter. And I was not disappointed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with that previous book, she uses metaphors, stories and biblical examples to open up a wide range of themes. Initially, these images explore the traditional themes of Lent: sin, repentance and forgiveness. Dipping briefly and helpfully in the theological arguments about atonement, the author then continues with images of restoration and reconciliation. A final section for Holy Week finds us encountering a donkey, turning over tables and washing feet before standing by the tomb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin the book, we meet characters as diverse as David and Jonah, Jesus Barabbas and Joseph of Arimathea. Each aspect, each chapter, is explored and explained, using helpful contemporary stories and images alongside the biblical ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this reviewer, reading a book of daily reflections in a shorter timescale inevitably dilutes the full benefit of it (not least also that I read it during Advent!). Thus, for me, the focus on sin during the first half has a particular effect and it is from Week 4 onwards that readers are given a flood of hope as all the images combine to provide ones of grace. Grace which is sufficient for each day and for each one of us, in all times and seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. He is also the author of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003etwo other books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmy Scott Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e is an author and performance storyteller. After studying English at Christ's College, Cambridge, she trained as a teacher and began writing for charities and providers of liturgical resources, before publishing her own works on puppetry and story. She is married to the rector of four rural parishes in Suffolk, where she is also the benefice children’s worker. She lives in the Rectory and has two children, two guinea pigs, and at any given moment, a half-finished cup of cold tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
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Images of Grace: A journey from darkness to light at Easter
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‘At the heart of the Christian message is a collection of abstract nouns: love; sin; forgiveness; grace. It is quite...