Worship, rites, ceremonies and rituals Books

Book SynopsisA journey through Advent to discover the timeless wisdom to be found in some of the world’s greatest paintings.Trade ReviewA brilliant foundation for parish and small-group discussions, both during Advent and throughout the year. * The Most Revd and Rt Hon. Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York *‘Dr Williams’ prose is erudite and engaging. . . What she does so exquisitely is to illumine, as only a teacher and theologian can, the things we may have missed or forgotten.’ * Reform *

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Book SynopsisInspired by Father Alfred Delp, who wrote a meditation titled The Shaking Reality of Advent while imprisoned by the Nazis during WWII, Bishop Peter B. Price has written a series of reflections and prayers to be read on each day of Advent. Each reflection is written that we may be shaken and brought to a realisation of our selves', in order to gain a new understanding of God's promise of redemption and release.Trade Review‘Christmas is so often not only commercialised but domesticated. The weeks before are busy and demanding. Yet in Christian thinking they open our eyes to the shattering and shaking work of God in taking human form as Jesus. Nothing could be more dramatic. Peter Price gently, but with great firmness, calls us to be shaken by Jesus, to have our senses stirred, to be awakened to the power of the birth of Jesus, to hear the call to celebration and the warning of judgement. It is an eye-opening book and I commend it warmly.’ -- Justin Welby‘Peter Price integrates the liturgical Scriptures with the real world as well as anyone I have ever read. This book offers a deep and refreshing look into what advent means for us in this troubled world. Advent is a time to return to the root of our faith and Jesus’ call to his followers, and these reflections do just that. As we anticipate Jesus’ coming into the world, Peter Price reminds us that advent is a time to be shaken, in order to remain faithful and participate in God’s work. So I continue to listen to what Peter says about Advent and how it can shape our response to the daily circumstances we are living in—and you should too!’ -- Jim Wallis

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Book SynopsisSharp, angry, punchily philosophical and often funny. It basically invents a new type of lifestyle aspiration: deathstyle.'The TimesCallender's joyous, thought-provoking book is an account of how his own early encounters with bereavement led to him becoming a new kind of undertaker.'Daily MailThis book is a great work of craft and beauty.'Salena GoddenI lovedWhat Remains?Funny, demystifying, but mostly, deeply moving.'Kathy Burke, Actor and DirectorThis compelling personal story of a pioneering punk undertaker is a moving revelation.'Love ReadingInspiring and unforgettable.'John Higgs, author ofWilliam Blake vs the WorldDeath has shown me . . . the unbreakable core of love and courage that lies at the heart of what it means to be human.Ru Callender wanted to become

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Book SynopsisIn this beautifully written book, Buddhist monk and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Thich Nhat Hanh explains how to acquire the skills of mindfulness. Once we have these skills, we can slow our lives down and discover how to live in the moment - even simple acts like washing the dishes or drinking a cup of tea may be transformed into acts of meditation.Thich Nhat Hanh's gentle anecdotes and practical exercises help us to arrive at greater self-understanding and peacefulness, whether we are beginners or advanced students. Irrespective of our particular religious beliefs, we can begin to reap the immense benefits that meditation has been scientifically proven to offer. We can all learn how to be mindful and experience the miracle of mindfulness for ourselves.Trade ReviewThich Nhat Hanh's ideas for peace, if applied, would build a monument to ecumenism, to world brotherhood, to humanity. -- Martin Luther King, Jr.The father of mindfulness * Irish Times *One of the best available introductions to the wisdom and beauty of meditation practice. * New Age Journal *He has immense presence and both personal and Buddhist authority. If there is a candidate for 'Living Buddha' on earth today, it is Thich Nhat Hanh. -- Roshi Richard Baker, author of Original Mind: The Practice of Zen in the West[Thich Nhat Hanh] shows us the connection between personal, inner peace and peace on earth * His Holiness the Dalai Lama *

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Book Synopsis*** A FINANCIAL TIMES BEST SUMMER TRAVEL BOOK OF 2024 ***Excellentimmensely well-researched and playful. Smith has written something special. -- Patrick Galbraith, The TimesImaginative and engaging -- Country LifeAcclaimed travel writer Oliver Smith sets out to radically reframe our idea of pilgrimage' in Britain by retracing sacred travel made across time, from murmurs of ritual journeys in the depths of Ice Age to new pilgrimages of the 21st century.He embarks on an epic adventure across sacred British landscapes climbing into remote sea caves, sleeping inside Neolithic tombs, scaling forgotten holy mountains and once marooning himself at sea. Following holy roads to churches, cathedrals and standing stones, this evocative and enlightening travelogue explores places prehistoric, pagan and Christian, but also reveals how football stadiums and music festivals have become contemporary places of pilgrimage. The route

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Book SynopsisCelebrate the holidays with the Wizarding World’s delightful and fantastic creatures with a magical advent calendar and book filled with more than 25 surprises in Harry Potter: Holiday Magic: The Official Advent Calendar 2023 Edition.Harry Potter: Holiday Magic: The Official Advent Calendar 2023 Edition celebrates the magic of Christmas with 25 days of exclusive surprises, keepsakes, and collectibles featuring the enchanting Wizarding World creatures you know and love. DISCOVER MORE THAN 25 HARRY POTTER SURPRISES: Discover a new creature-themed holiday surprise every day! All 25 collectible items and holiday surprises waiting behind each door will make memorable gifts and bring the fantastical beasts of Harry Potter to life for the holidays COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS: With 25 days of removable collectibles themed to the Harry Potter films, count down to Christmas by opening the door to a surprise each day from December 1st through 25th THE PERFECT HARRY POTTER STOCKING STUFFER: This 25-day advent calendar will add a dash of Wizarding World magic to the holiday season for every Harry Potter fan COMPLETE YOUR HARRY POTTER CHRISTMAS COLLECTION: Pair with Harry Potter: Christmas at Hogwarts, Harry Potter: A Hogwarts Christmas Pop-Up, Harry Potter: Pop-Up Holiday Wreath, and Harry Potter: Christmas Sweater Blank Boxed Note Cards

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Book SynopsisA shorter version of the Morning and Evening Prayer, in a handy format, suitable for anyone wanting to pray regularly on their own or in a group setting.Shorter Morning and Evening Prayer is part of the Divine Office range, and is an edited version of Morning and Evening Prayer.It is designed specifically for people who want to pray alone and are seeking a regular, structured cycle of prayer. Being just the bare bones of the Divine Office, it will not be as daunting for the novice reader to get to grips with. As the user's prayer life matures, they then have the foundation to allow them to move on to the fuller Divine Office.It includes the same four-week cycle of the fuller Office with Psalms, Scripture Readings and Intercessions.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisMy Baptism Book aims to help children understand one of the most important days of a child's life. It is a beautiful personal reminder of this special day and one that a child can return to again and again. It can be used by adults and children together, or in more formal baptism preparation. An ideal gift for children aged 3+.

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Book SynopsisIt’s never been more important to understand how much God loves us and how much he wants us to love each other. Loving My Neighbour takes us on a journey through the challenging terrain of how we can truly love one another, individually and in our communities. Daily Bible readings and reflections from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day explore how we can love in truth, love the vulnerable and the suffering, embrace difference, care for our world, and love ourselves as God loves us. Holy Week brings us back to reflect on Christ on the cross, who loved us to the very end.

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Book SynopsisSacred Earth Celebrations is the revised and updated version of Glennie Kindred's bestselling, Sacred Celebrations. It is an uplifting and inspiring source book for anyone seeking to celebrate and honour the changing rhythms and seasons of the Earth and her cycles. It explores the eight Celtic festivals, how they were celebrated and understood in the past, the underlying changing energy of the Earth, and the ways we may use this energy to create meaningful celebrations for today to deepen our connection to the Earth and our fellow human beings. Sacred Earth Celebrations deepens our understanding of the five elements, the rhythms of the Moon, Earth energies and sacred landscape, inner journeying and meditation. She explores ways to create sacred space both inside and outside, celebrations for children, crafts, the use of song and dance, garden and land projects, building a sweat lodge and labyrinths.Trade ReviewWith her whole-hearted commitment to celebrating the Earth and its cycles, Glennie delves into the living tradition of our Celtic ancestors and arrives at a magnificent collection of sacred ceremonies based on the eight Celtic festivals: the Summer and Winter Solstices, the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, the four cross-quarter points of Imbolc, Beltain, Lammas and Samhain. However, the celebrations in the collection are not in any way fixed or immutable; for her ...they help us to discover more about ourselves and our intrinsic connection to Earth. Don Hills, Green Spirit

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Book SynopsisThe Mosque in Mecca, arranged around the central Ka’ba, is the holiest site in Islam. Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed. The Ka’ba was constructed on a site of a temple from a pre-Islamic period. The city of Mecca has grown over the centuries like its counterpart, Madinah, where the Prophet died in the seventh century. Mecca now accommodates as many as tens of thousands of pilgrims in a single day. The site is the point of pilgrimage to which pilgrims travel from across the world in the annual Hajj, a key point in Islamic spiritual life. The Ka’ba is a symbol of unity, a structure of the greatest geometrical simplicity containing a single door. It is, however, considered to be feminine in gender and is draped in a covering of black cloth known as Al Astar to protect its modesty. This cloth, woven with gold, is replaced every year with a special ceremony. On this one day, the Ka’ba is left exposed and unveiled. Adel Alquraishi, a Saudi photographer from Riyadh, had established his reputation with the authorities of the Great Mosque in Mecca with his work on the Guardians of the Mosque in Madinah, published in 2020 as The Guardians. In parallel with that great book, the authorities of the Great Mosque in Mecca have enabled Adel Alquraishi to photograph the Ka’ba, the epicentre of Islam, in its undraped state.

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Book SynopsisThe authors have worked for some yers as Camino Companions, a ministry for welcoming pilgrims in Santiago.They noticed that as well as providing a space for pilgrims to tell their unique Camino stories while in Santiago, pilgrims wanted help to reflect on the importance and relevance for their lives back home (the real Camino!). This book is a suggestion as to what pilgrims might do on returning home in terms of keeping that Camino spirit alive. Inevitably it is written from the Christian perspective of its authors, but it can be used by pilgrims of all faiths and none.We are all pilgrims in the world and our challenge is to live life as a journey, not buying into the consumer mentality but keeping our hearts open. Back at home we easily forget this and can drift along on autopilot. But we have a choice about how we live and love. God (or Mystery, or Spirit) is always with us, and can be seen especially when looking back on our experience. Hence the importance of reflection and taking time out to get perspective. The Camino feeling', or the spiritual dimension is always there, but we have to walk our road of trust as best we can wherever we find ourselves. The Camino will provide' even back at home.

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Book SynopsisThe tradition of Tantra or Tantric Buddhism is known to have existed in India as early as the 5th century AD. In this book Osho talks about the mystical insight of Tantra that is to be found in these ancient writings. Mining these ancient Tantric writings and meditation practices Osho illuminates such concepts as the nature of darkness and light, the paradoxical wisdom of the "pathless path," and reverance for the body as a bridge to the divine. No matter how complex, esoteric, or obscure the subject, Osho always examines it from a uniquely refreshing perspective - he uses time honoured traditions as a hook to bring timeless truths to the widest possible audience with irreverent wit and thought-provoking inspiration.

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Book SynopsisTo celebrate its 30th anniversary of publication, a brand new edition of the ultimate combination of traditional hymns and modern worship songs.Mission Praise' is a much-loved hymn book, and has remained so since its outset in 1984. Initially used for Billy Graham's Mission England rallies where thousands of people converted to Christianity it has become a staple of worship throughout the UK and across the world.It was the first hymn book of its kind, introducing more modern styles of music into worship yet retaining the best of traditional hymnody loved by churchgoers of every age. This new, expanded edition of the complete Mission Praise' includes the whole of the existing collection of over 1000 songs and hymns, and adds the best new songs in various styles from the past few years.This brand new edition has been put together by Mission Praise''s original editorial team of Peter Horrobin and Greg Leavers, and contains in this 30th anniversary year over 100 new songs and has, by pTrade Review‘There is no more complete collection of every item that a church musician might be called upon to play or sing.’– The Royal School of Church Music ‘I welcome this new edition of Mission Praise and I hope and pray that many thousands more voices will join the crowds that I remember thirty years ago, who came together to sing God’s praises!’ – Cliff Barrows

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Book SynopsisWhen you think of Christmas, what do you see? Glittering lights, decked-out trees, brightly wrapped gifts, a tightly packed schedule? Look closer. What do you hear? Ringing bells, familiar carols, Mariah Carey on an endless loop at the grocery store? Listen harder. In a season that is busy and bustling, there is a deeper, softer, quieter truth that we too often miss in the mayhem. God in our midst. God with us. The greatest gift. The only reason for the season. And the source of all our joy. If you've been feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by what Christmas has become, this beautiful Advent devotional will refresh your faith, reactivate your wonder, and restore your joy. With stories of simple Christmases past, inspiration from Scripture, and pearls of wisdom from beloved author Sheila Walsh, The Gifts of Christmas offers you grace, peace, hope, and a sense of expectation for what truly can be the most wonderful time of the year.

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Book Synopsis‘A superlative piece of writing... provocative, loving and profound’ THE TIMES ‘Without exaggeration, an awe-inspiring achievement’ NIGELLA LAWSON ‘Moving, funny, and liable to unexpectedly cause me to tear up’ NEIL GAIMAN An Irish Times Book of the Year In this profoundly moving and remarkable book, journalist Hayley Campbell explores society’s attitudes towards death, and the impact on those who work with it every day. ‘If the reason we’re outsourcing this burden is because it’s too much for us,’ she asks, ‘how do they deal with it?’ Would facing death directly make us fear it less? Inspired by her own childhood fascination with the subject, she meets embalmers and a former death row executioner, mass fatality investigators and a bereavement midwife. She talks to gravediggers who have already dug their own graves and questions a man whose job it is to make crime scenes disappear. Through Campbell’s incisive and candid interviews with people who see death every day, she asks: Does seeing death change you as a person? And are we all missing something vital by letting death remain hidden? ‘Essential, compassionate, honest’ Audrey Niffenegger, author of THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE ‘Never macabre... poignant... Transformative’ FINANCIAL TIMESTrade ReviewHayley Campbell is working out a philosophy of death by getting close to it; holding it; asking interesting questions of people who spend their lives dealing with it. This is an essential, compassionate, honest examination of how we deal with death, and how it changes the living. -- Audrey NiffeneggerCampbell weaves judicious reflections on the philosophy and history of the death industry into the reportage... Never macabre... poignant... Transformative * Financial Times *This is an absorbing and important book, seeking out stories so many shy away from and telling them with such respect, humanity, heart and, yes, wit. Without exaggeration, an awe-inspiring achievement -- Nigella LawsonThe book's tour de force is the chapter on the technicians who prepare bodies for autopsy at St Thomas's Hospital in London. It is a superlative piece of writing, one of the best essays I have read in a long time: provocative, loving and profound -- Helen Rumbelow * The Times *This book about death and about the people whose jobs and whose lives are dealing with death is moving, funny, and liable to unexpectedly cause me to tear up, reading it.... A gentle book and, like death itself, sometimes an unexpectedly kind one -- Neil GaimanCampbell is a gorgeous writer, capturing the exquisite pathos and gallows humor found in folks who spend their lives working with the dead -- Caitlin Doughty, New York Times bestselling author of Smoke Gets in Your EyesAn extraordinary journey, through scenes and characters so chilling they have their own crystalline beauty. The writing is finely felt and full of life, Campbell always finding a way to look through horror, to see humanity. So many of the images in it are heart-stopping - and by the end I was surprised to find myself sobbing. It's superb -- Rhik Samadder, author of Sunday Times bestseller, I Never Said I Loved YouA compassionate and compelling book. Fascinating and devastating in equal measure -- Charlie Gilmour, author of FeatherhoodHayley Campbell is one of Death World's most important voices. Her compassion for the living and the dead stands out amongst the endless authors currently writing about death and dying. All the Living and the Dead is an extremely important book for anyone interested in what happens to a person after they die. I really think everyone should read it in order to appreciate the respect all the invisible workers tasked with handling the dead demonstrate every day -- Dr John TroyerI spent New Year devouring this book. Essential reading if you’re a human person in possession of a life. A fascinating, searingly honest & unexpectedly tender look at those who take care of us in death. I badly needed to read this -- Tuppence MiddletonAn intriguing, candid, and frequently poignant book that asks what the business of death can teach all of us in the midst of life. Readers will form a connection with Campbell's voice as intimate as her own relationship with mortality -- Lindsey Fitzharris, author of The FacemakerThis is a brave tour through the valley of the shadow. I am happy to welcome Hayley Campbell to the Death community -- Catharine Arnold, author of Necropolis London and its DeadCampbell’s fascinating study of the manifold workers who do lay hands on the dead is eye-opening... A book about corpses might seem like a downer. Worse, the subject risks creating melodrama or glib horror out of grief. But All the Living and the Dead is surprisingly cheerful, even life-affirming. This is partly thanks to Campbell’s open-hearted, observant style of writing, which manages to be vivid without sensationalizing the horrors she records * TLS *I was blown away by Hayley Campbell’s All the Living and the Dead, her hands-on reportage of professions in the death industry * Irish Times 'Best Books of 2022' *

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Book SynopsisHinduism is practised by nearly eighty per cent of India''s population, and by some seventy million people outside India. In this Very Short Introduction, Kim Knott offers a succinct and authoritative overview of this major religion, and analyses the challenges facing it in the twenty-first century. She discusses key preoccupations of Hinduism such as the centrality of the Veda as religious texts, the role of Brahmins, gurus, and storytellers in the transmission of divine truths, and the cultural and moral importance of epics such as the Ramayana. In this second edition Knott considers the impact of changes in technology and the flourishing of social media on Hinduism, and looks at the presence of Hinduism in popular culture, considering pieces such as Sita Sings the Blues. She also analyses recent developments in India, and the impact issues such as Hindu nationalism and the politicization of Hinduism have on Hindus worldwide.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewThis short introduction to one of the world's greatest religions takes in its history, its place in society and its future in the digital age. * Steve Craggs, Northern Echo *Table of Contents1. The Scholar and the practitioner ; 2. Revelation and the transmission of knowledge ; 3. Understanding the self ; 4. Divine heroes: the epic tradition ; 5. The divine presence ; 6. Hinduism, colonialism, and modernity ; 7. Challenges to Hinduism: women and Dalits ; 8. Crossing the black waters: Hinduism beyond India ; 9. Hindu Dharma, Hinduism, and Hinduisms ; Further Reading ; Index

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Book Synopsis'The monk who taught the world mindfulness' TimeThis is the definitive book on mindfulness from the beloved Zen master and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Thich Nhat Hanh. With his signature clarity and warmth, he shares practical exercises and anecdotes to help us arrive at greater self-understanding and peacefulness, whether we are beginners or advanced students. Beautifully written, The Miracle of Mindfulness is the essential guide to welcoming presence in your life and truly living in the moment from the father of mindfulness.'One of the most influential spiritual leaders of our times' Oprah Trade ReviewThich Nhat Hanh's ideas for peace, if applied, would build a monument to ecumenism, to world brotherhood, to humanity. -- Martin Luther King, Jr.The father of mindfulness * Irish Times *One of the best available introductions to the wisdom and beauty of meditation practice. * New Age Journal *He has immense presence and both personal and Buddhist authority. If there is a candidate for 'Living Buddha' on earth today, it is Thich Nhat Hanh. -- Roshi Richard Baker, author of Original Mind: The Practice of Zen in the WestOne of the most influential spiritual leaders of our time -- Oprah Winfrey

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Book SynopsisAn ideal gift for anyone getting married, this classic white Bible, in an attractive new slipcase, comes with silver page edges, a marker ribbon, and a presentation page to dedicate your gift personally.The King James Bible is the UK's most popular translation. With the beauty and poetry of traditional English, it is an elegant and fitting gift for a newly married couple, and a symbol of God's blessing for their marriage.This compact edition has:* silver ribbon marker* silver gilt-edged pages* attractive protective slipcase* Presentation page for your personal inscriptionCollins offers a range of Bibles for every need. Please be in touch with us to see our full catalogue.Trade Review‘There is no doubt in my mind that the King James Bible and not Shakespeare set this language on its path to become a universal language on a scale unprecedented before or since.’- Melvyn Bragg

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Book SynopsisContinuing the tradition of centuries, The Divine Office is the Catholic liturgy for morning prayer, prayer during the day, and evening prayer, for every day of the year.Volume One of the Divine Office covers the period from Advent up to the start of Lent, and includes all the prayers, as well as readings. This edition contains an updated table of moveable dates.This edition comes in an attractive binding with ribbon marker.The Divine Office is the official text for the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, as well as various countries across Africa and Asia.

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Book SynopsisContinuing the tradition of centuries, The Divine Office is the Catholic liturgy for morning prayer, prayer during the day, and evening prayer, for every day of the year.Volume Three of the Divine Office covers all the days of the year that are not covered in Volumes One and Two, and includes all the prayers, as well as readings.This edition comes in an attractive binding with ribbon marker.The Divine Office is the official text for the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, as well as various countries across Africa and Asia.

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Book SynopsisThe Order of Morning and Evening Prayer throughout the year taken from the Divine Office.For anyone who wants to make a daily act of devotion, Morning and Evening Prayer offers the perfect combination of a consistent structure of prayer alongside daily options and choices to take you through the church's year.Taken from the Catholic Divine Office, these daily prayers and readings offer inspiration for priests and lay people alike to give strength for each day.Now with a new look in the familiar hardwearing and practical format, and an updated table of moveable dates.

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Book SynopsisYou’ll find everything you need to know about being Jewish in this indispensable, revised and updated guide to the religious traditions, everyday practices, philosophical beliefs, and historical foundations of Judaism.What happens at a synagogue service? What are the rules for keeping kosher? How do I light the Hanukah candles? What is in the Hebrew Bible? What do the Jewish holidays signify? What should I be teaching my children about being Jewish? With the first edition of Essential Judaism, George Robinson offered the world the accessible compendium that he sought when he rediscovered his Jewish identity as an adult. In his “ambitious and all-inclusive” (New York Times Book Review) guide, Robinson illuminates the Jewish life cycle at every stage and lays out many fascinating aspects of the religion—the Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism, the evolution of Hasidism, and much more—while keeping a firm focus on the different Trade Review“Ambitious and all-inclusive.” * The New York Times Book Review *"An invaluable one-volume compendium." * The Philadelphia Inquirer *"Extraordinary....Robinson deserves our gratitude for his major contribution." * The Jerusalem Post *

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Book SynopsisThis is a no-compromise call to biblical revival and spiritual excellence that expounds on the disparity between today's church and the church of Acts.

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Book SynopsisAn enlightening, accessible, and highly entertaining guide to the guru-disciple relationship, the heart of Tibetan Buddhism The humility and compassionate activity of the Dalai Lama is something many people can connect with, but how can one understand the stories about some other Buddhist teachers’ unorthodox behavior? The centrality of and reliance on a guru is one of most misunderstood elements of Tibetan Buddhism—and one that is most often veiled in mystery. Because the guru can and will use whatever means it takes to wake us up, this relationship may require us to drop our most deeply held beliefs and expectations.  Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse addresses some of the most misunderstood aspects of this powerful relationship and gives practical advice on making the most of this precious opportunity for transformation. Through stories and classical examples, he shows how to walk the path with eyes wide open, with critical-thinking skills sharpened and equipped to analyze the guru, before taking the leap.

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Book SynopsisLandmarks help us to find ourselves when we think we are lost. When we don''t know where to begin, they give us a starting point. When we think we know where we are, they give us the confidence to keep going. And if we think we have arrived, they remind us that there is always something more, somewhere beyond ...This is a book of Landmarks for the heart''s journey. Written out of the author''s own prayer and lived experience, and inspired by her practical explorations of the insights of St Ignatius Loyola, it opens up questions which concern us all:- How can we recognise God''s ceaseless action in our lives and begin to discern his will?- What does ''fallenness'' mean for us today?- How can we live true to ourselves and make decisions in freedom?- How do we penetrate our deepest desires and become free of the lesser attachments that obstruct them?Big questions - but as Margaret Silf shows, there are clues to be discovered in every moment and situation: at home, at work, in the garden, Trade Review'I know of no publishing house which has ever offered to reimburse a buyer who remains dissatisfied after reading one of its books. I think Darton, Longman and Todd could safely make the first such offer with Landmarks. I delighted in following Margaret Silf's journey of exploration today ... lucidly written, down to earth, free of jargon, full of hope and encouragement.' -- Gerard W. Hughes'Margaret Silf is one of the most talented spiritual writers, and her Landmarks will become a classic.' -- Margaret Hebblethwaite

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Book SynopsisAre you looking to focus your heart amid the bustle and preparation leading up to Christmas? Are you seeking the peace, hope, love, and joy at the heart of the holiday? Anne Neilson''s Christmas Angels invites you to quiet your spirit as you focus on the wonder of the Savior''s birth and the messengers who heralded the good news to the shepherds that first Christmas.Fine artist and bestselling author Anne Neilson beautifully captures the angels'' essence in this devotional designed especially for Advent. Gorgeous original art throughout showcases Anne''s iconic angels alongside daily devotions that will usher you into the sacredness and beauty of the Christmas season.This stunning and inspirational book: Weaves all-new art from Anne with Bible verses, poetry, prayers, and personal reflections Offers devotions for each day of Advent, organized weekly in the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace Makes a perfect hostess

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Book SynopsisWorship is more than music. It is the impetus for everything we do as Christians. It is expressed through every action of our lives and helps us become more Christlike. When we learn to worship God through our life, we become better Christians, ministers, musicians, parents, and mechanics.Transform every area of your life through worship.This book unfolds a holistic view of worship so that you can experience peace, joy, and the richness of living in God's presence. Be drawn to the heart of God as you explore answers to important questions such as: What are praise and worship, and what is my part in them? If I'm not a musician or singer, how can I be a worship leader? What does the Bible teach about how we come into the presence of God and how we lead other people into the presence of God?  

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Book SynopsisA guidebook to walking the Way of St Francis (Via di Francesco) between Florence and Rome. Covering 518km (322 miles), this pilgrimage route through Italy's Tuscany and Umbria takes around 1 month and is suitable for any reasonably fit walker. The route is described from north to south in 27 stages, each between 11 and 29km (7-18 miles) in length. Alternate stages are given to allow you to visit Perugia and Farfa Abbey and 2 alternate sections are also included in outline providing a choice of routes from Florence to Santuario della Verna and between Assisi and Rieti. 1:100,000 mapping plus larger-scale urban maps for key locationsGPX files available to downloadHandy stage planning tables and pilgrim lodging listings help you plan your itineraryDetailed information about refreshments and facilities along the routeAdvice on planning, preparation and pilgrim credentials

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Book SynopsisExplore the Surprising and Sometimes Dark Origins of Beloved Holiday Bakes Spice up your season by rolling, molding, and kneading your way through some of the world's most iconic Christmas recipes. Interspersed with tales of sailors, saints, tomb raiders, and artisans, The Secret History of Christmas Baking proves that even the humblest holiday treat has a global backstory. Did you know that the ancient Egyptians had their own version of gingerbread or that marzipan was once considered a pharmaceutical? Linda Raedisch dispels some long-standing culinary myths and delves into the darker chapters of the West's centuries-long romance with sugar and spices. In addition to more than forty recipes for modern bakers, you'll find illustrated instructions for dressing up your cakes and cookie plates with paper stars, angels, and witches. From Linzer tartlets to Christstollen, you can turn your kitchen into an Old World Christmas market stall.

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Book SynopsisThis service book is derived from the Great Book of Needs, and includes the full text, for both clergy and choir for the funeral service of a layperson. A space for special notes is included in the back of the book.

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Book SynopsisLife has its ups and downs, and it can feel like we're always in the middle of a transition. Whether it's a painful end or a joyful beginning--or even an uncertain middle--theologian and minister Amy Davis Abdallah has found something that helps: rituals. In Meaning in the Moment, she shows why we need rituals to help survive and even thrive through various seasons of life. Starting with the foundation that rituals are a core, and underexplored, part of Christian practice, Davis Abdallah draws from theology, psychology, and personal experiences in creating rituals for herself and others. She offers practical guidance for readers to create their own meaningful rituals, including three types requiring varying levels of planning and participation: right now, with friends, and at church. Readers will emerge with fresh ways to bring their faith to life for themselves, their families, and their church communities--and ready to experience the transformative power of rituals. The book includes a foreword by W. David O. Taylor.Table of ContentsContentsIntroduction: Ritual MattersPart 1: Why Do We Ritualize?1. Ritual Transforms and Embodies2. You Already Ritualize (You Just Don't Call It That)3. How Rituals Help and Unite UsPart 2: How Do We Ritualize?4. Avoiding Powerless Rituals: Ritual "Don'ts"5. Pursuing Powerful RitualsPart 3: What Do We Ritualize?6. Ends7. Middles8. BeginningsConclusion: Making Ritual MatterAppendix: Exploring Our Sources

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Book SynopsisA brand new edition of the ultimate combination of traditional hymns and modern worship songs.Mission Praise' is a much-loved hymn book, and has remained so since its outset in 1984. Initially used for Billy Graham's Mission England rallies where thousands of people converted to Christianity it has become a staple of worship throughout the UK and across the world.It was the first hymn book of its kind, introducing more modern styles of music into worship yet retaining the best of traditional hymnody loved by churchgoers of every age. This new, expanded edition of Complete Mission Praise' includes the whole of the existing collection of over 1000 songs and hymns, and adds the best new songs in various styles from the past few years.This brand new edition has been put together by Mission Praise''s original editorial team of Peter Horrobin and Greg Leavers, and contains in this 30th anniversary year over 100 new songs and has, by popular request, been split into two volumes in order tTrade Review‘There is no more complete collection of every item that a church musician might be called upon to play or sing.’– The Royal School of Church Music ‘I welcome this new edition of Mission Praise and I hope and pray that many thousands more voices will join the crowds that I remember thirty years ago, who came together to sing God’s praises!’ – Cliff Barrows

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Book SynopsisA 'practically perfect' Lent course for small group study - or for reading on one's own - based on Mary Poppins Returns. Poet and minister Lucy Berry skilfully draws out some of the themes of the Oscar-nominated movie and shows how we can consider them more deeply alongside passages from the Bible.

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Book SynopsisReconstructing the moments; day by day, hour by hour, Nick Page examines the historical evidence to discover what really happened during Jesus' final daysTrade Review'This is a book written by a highly experienced, technically brilliant and detailed writer.' * Church of England Newspaper *

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Book SynopsisYantra Yoga, the Buddhist parallel to the Hathayoga of the Hindu tradition, is a system of practice entailing bodily movements, breathing exercises, and visualizations. Originally transmitted by the mahasiddhas of India and Oddiyana, its practice is nowadays found in all schools of Tibetan Buddhism in relation to the Anuttaratantras, more generally known under the Tibetan term trulkhor, whose Sanskrit equivalent is yantra. The Union of the Sun and Moon Yantra (Phrul ''khor nyi zla kha sbyor), orally transmitted in Tibet in the eighth century by the great master Padmasambhava to the Tibetan translator and Dzogchen master Vairochana, can be considered the most ancient of all the systems of Yantra, and its peculiarity is that it contains also numerous positions which are also found in the classic Yoga tradition. Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, one of the great living masters of Dzogchen and Tantra, started transmitting this profound Yoga in the seventies and at that time wrote this commentary, which is based on the oral explanations of some Tibetan yogins and siddhas of the twentieth century. All Western practitioners will benefit from the extraordinary instructions contained in this volume.

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Book SynopsisA practical guidebook for meditators interested in achieving the states of bliss and deep focus associated with the Buddhist jhānas One of the elements of the Eightfold Path is Right Concentration: the one-pointedness of mind that, together with ethics, livelihood, meditation, and more, leads to the ultimate freedom from suffering. So how does one achieve Right Concentration? According to the Buddha himself, the jhānas—a series of eight progressive altered states of consciousness—are an essential method. But because the jhānas can usually be achieved only through prolonged meditation retreat, they have been shrouded in mystery for years. Not anymore. In Right Concentration, Leigh Brasington takes away the mystique and gives instructions on how to achieve them in plain, accessible language. He notes the various pitfalls to avoid along the way and provides a wealth of material on the theory of jhāna practice—all geared toward the practitioner rather than the scholar. As Brasington proves, these states of bliss and concentration are attainable by anyone who devotes the time and sincerity of practice necessary to realize them.

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Book SynopsisWhat is the nature of true worship? What are we actaully doing when we meet together for 'church' on Sundays? And how does that connect with what we do the rest of the week? Vaughan Roberts answers these questions and more, as he brings readers back to the Bible in order to define what worship is and isn't, and what it should and shouldn't be. While we may struggle to define worship by arguing about singing hymns with the organ, versus modern songs with guitars and drums, or about the place of certain spiritual gifts, Roberts suggests we are asking the wrong questions. For true worship is more than this - it is to encompass the whole of life. This book challenges us to worship God every day of the week, with all our heart, mind, soul and strength.

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Book SynopsisThe world's most famous Passion Play has become a unique cultural event with a global reach. Almost 500,000 people will visit this small German village to watch the dramatization. Immersed in the Passion provides a history of the Play and contains interviews with the Director and Script- Writer as well as actors and local residents.

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Book SynopsisOffers everything you need to celebrate Mabon, including hands-on information for modern celebrations, spells and divination, recipes and crafts, invocations and prayers, rituals, and more!

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Book SynopsisRealize the power of Tara, the Buddhist goddess of compassion, within yourself in this modern guide to her 21 forms.Explore down-to-earth meditations and stories of real women who embody Tara''s qualities.Tara, the Buddhist goddess of compassion, can manifest within all of us. In this illustrated introduction to Tara''s twenty-one forms, respected female Buddhist teacher and practitioner Dorje Lopön Chandra Easton shows you how to invite Tara?s awakened energy to come alive in yourself through: insight into core Buddhist concepts and teachings; meditations; mantra recitations; and journal exercises. The relatable stories from Buddhist history and the author?s personal reflections will give you the tools to live a more compassionate life, befriend your fears, and overcome everyday challenges.Find out how important women and movements in modern history have achieved this through their own embodiment of Tara''s enlightened activities. The stories of Jane Goodall, Nawal El Saadawi, Oprah Winfrey, Vandana Shiva, Black Lives Matter, Me Too, and others will inspire you to bring these aspects of Tara into the world in creative and socially conscious ways for the benefit of all.

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Book SynopsisThe Camino Finisterre is a walking route from Santiago de Compostela to Finisterre and Muxia on the coast of Galicia in Spain. This route highlights the best of Galicia -- the wild coast, misty forests, rolling green hills, and myths and legends of this enigmatic land.

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