Search results for ""spck publishing""

Dorothy L. Sayers was a woman of contrasts. A strong Christian, she had a baby - out of wedlock - by a man she did not love. Possessing a fierce intellect, she translated Dante, and also created one of the most popular fictional detectives ever in Lord Peter Wimsey. Drawing on material often difficult to access, particularly her collected letters, Colin Duriez reassesses Sayers’ life, her writings, her studies, and her faith to present a rich and captivating portrait of this formidable character.

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An Oxford student of C.S. Lewis's said he found his new tutor interesting, and was told by J.R.R. Tolkien, 'Interesting? Yes, he's certainly that. You'll never get to the bottom of him.' You can learn a great deal about people by their friends and nowhere is this more true than in the case of C.S. Lewis, the remarkable academic, author, populariser of faith - and creator of Narnia. He lost his mother early in life, and became estranged from his father, much to his regret. Throughout his life, key relationships mattered deeply to him, from his early days in the north of Ireland and his schooldays in England, as still a teenager in the trenches of World War One, and then later in Oxford. The friendships he cultivated throughout his life proved to be vital, influencing his thoughts, his beliefs and his writings. What did Arthur Greeves, a life-long friend from his adolescence, bring to him? How did J.R.R. Tolkien, and the other members of the now famous Inklings, shape him? Why, in his early twenties, did he move in with a single mother twice his age, Janie Moore, and live with her for so many years until her death? And why did he choose to marry so late? What of the relationship with his alcoholic and gifted brother, who eventually joined his unusual household? In this sparkling new biography, which draws on material not previously published, Colin Duriez brings C.S. Lewis and his friendships to life.

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This boxed-set contains mini-sized versions of two of Lion's most popular children's books - My Very First Bible and My Very First Prayers. Designed from the start as a matching pair, they feature the delightful and utterly child-friendly paper cut illustrations of Alex Ayliffe combined with the beautifully simple prose and verse of Lois Rock. My Very First Bible contains 20 Bible stories - from the Old and New Testaments - and My Very First Prayers contains 120 prayers relating to the world of childhood; presented together these make a thoughtful gift for a much-loved child.

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You probably don't need to be told that the demands of modern living are taking their toll on our wellbeing. You likely feel it. And yet, some of us feel as though we’re the only ones who are weary, overwhelmed or anxious so we don’t talk about it and try and pretend that it’s not happening. The truth is that we’re far from alone; we all have days where life feels too much, and we’ve all had times when we’re desperate to know that brighter days are ahead. Packed-full of practical tips alongside stories of struggle and strength, Brighter Days is for all of us who want tools to invest in our emotional, mental, physical and spiritual health so we can look forward to a healthier and more hopeful future.

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The Church is entering a season of change. Together, we need to restore, renew and rebuild to create a more hopeful, faith-filled future – and the book of Nehemiah shows us how. With contributions from Debra Green and Paul Weston, Cris Rogers explores how we can learn from Nehemiah’s story and restore our hearts, our focus and our world so that the Church can thrive as we join in with God’s heart for restoring all things. An inspiring call to action, this book will challenge and equip you to join God’s mission and the full ministry of Jesus.

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We may be aware that theology is the study of the nature of God and of religious belief. But why should that matter to us? What’s the point of theology? In this wonderfully accessible book, renowned Christian theologian Alister McGrath explores just why theology is so important and what it can bring to our lives. Drawing on insights from his own experience of coming to Christianity from atheism, this exhilarating and enlightening volume reveals how theology offers a gateway to discovery: it helps us grow in wisdom; it contributes to our wellbeing; it sparks our innate sense of wonder. Above all, theology help us to grow in faith and love as we draw ever closer to the divine. What’s the Point of Theology? is ideal for new and seasoned Christians who want to engage more deeply with their faith but are unsure if theology can help them. It also has much to offer those who are interested in spiritual matters and curious to find out more. Stimulating and encouraging, What’s the Point of Theology? will open your eyes to all that theology can teach us and has to offer – a wiser understanding of what really matters, a richer vision of the good life, a deeper appreciation of the beauty of nature – as well strengthening your faith and relationship with God.

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'I am very grateful for Carolyn Whitney-Brown's accurate account of my brother Henri's inner feelings, hopes, wishes and despair. You brought Henri very close to me again.’ LAURENT NOUWEN, FOUNDER OF THE HENRI NOUWEN FOUNDATION 'Anyone who knew Henri, either through his writing or in person, will immediately recognise how beautifully he’s been brought to life in this book.’ GARY DONOHOE, PROFESSOR & CHAIR OF PSYCHOLOGY, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND ‘A beacon of hope.’ MARINA NEMAT, AUTHOR OF INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER PRISONER OF TEHRAN During the last five years of his life, spiritual leader and teacher Henri Nouwen became close to a travelling circus trapeze troupe, The Flying Rodleighs. The lessons he discovered through his relationship with the troupe stimulated Nouwen to write in a genre new to him, creative non-fiction, and these writings are presented for the first time in Flying, Falling, Catching. With care and insight, Nouwen’s colleague and friend Carolyn Whitney-Brown weaves Henri’s material into a dramatic narrative that imagines his life flashing before him during his first heart attack. We learn how Nouwen saw his own experiences reflected in the artistry, exhilarating successes, crushing failures and continual forgiveness that were integral to the act of The Flying Rodleighs. A fascinating blend of autobiography and spiritual writing, Flying, Falling Catching offers an extraordinary new angle on a man who has inspired thousands. Through his own writings and Whitney-Brown’s narrative, we see him as a spiritual adventurer, someone who was transformed by diversity as he learned to view the world through many perspectives. Nouwen’s story – including his participation in the Civil Rights movement, the friendships he made during the 1990s AIDS pandemic, and many other unexpected encounters – encourages us to embrace our vulnerabilities, and vividly reminds us that one of the greatest challenges we face is to avoid despair by reflecting on the meaning and significance of the lives we have lived, and are living. Part inspirational Christian autobiography, part thought-provoking narrative, Flying, Falling Catching will surprise and delight long-term fans of Nouwen’s ministry and new readers keen to learn more about him. In offering a deeper understanding of an extraordinary yet very human spirit, it provides us with the motivation to search out our own spiritual adventure; like Nouwen, we too can learn to let go and fly – and not be afraid to fall.

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In The Story of You the author of the bestselling The Road Back to You reveals how to use the power of the Enneagram—the ancient personality typing system—to overwrite the negative stories we tell ourselves, so that we can ultimately become our true selves. In this powerful, transformative guide, Ian Morgan Cron demonstrates the life-changing power of the Enneagram. The Story of You challenges us to rethink what we believe about who we are and offers lessons in using the Enneagram to help you change your story. Drawing on his extensive counselling and personal experience, Cron examines each of the nine personality types. Step by step, he explains how each can find happiness by understanding their origin story, harnessing their type’s strengths, acknowledging weaknesses, and creating space for an incredible—and more positive—new reality. The Story of You is a book for anyone looking for practical advice and guidance on how to use the Enneagram as a Christian, and to make it part of their spiritual formation. As you shed the false ideas you have about yourself and master your Enneagram profile, you will unlock your own inner power for spiritual growth—and, ultimately, for becoming the true self God meant for you to be.

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What does healthy male spirituality look like? In From Wild Man to Wise Man, Father Richard Rohr explores masculinity and what it means to be a Christian man, offering a reflective and helpful guide to lead men to understand their wilderness as path to God’s wisdom. Drawing on the four archetypes of masculinity, as well as Biblical examples, he explores what men need in order to develop a healthy, balanced male spirituality throughout their faith journey. He covers topics such as unresolved grief, expression of emotion and the stage of a man’s life, offering an honest and compassionate structure to help men grow in their spirituality. From Wild Man to Wise Man is a book for any man wanting to explore the masculine side of his spirituality in a balanced way. It will be helpful for older men wanting to engage more deeply or in a new way with their spirituality, and for younger men just starting out on their journey of faith. It also includes an appendix with a structure for the book to be used by small groups. For anyone questioning what it means to be a man in our society today, From Wild Man to Wise Man will leave you with a nuanced, thoughtful understanding of male spirituality and a fresh perspective on modern masculinity and identity.

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'Shot through with hope.' STEPHEN COTTRELL, ARCHBISHOP OF YORK ‘Like Bach’s great Wachet auf! chorale, this walk through the weeks of Advent is both a carefully constructed meditation, and an unsettling call to action.’ NEIL MacGREGOR, BROADCASTER AND FORMER MUSEUM DIRECTOR Climate change is the most important, urgent issue of our day – but while there are technical and political issues, the fundamental problem with the fight against climate change is spiritual. In Sleepers Wake, the Archbishop of York’s Advent Book for 2022, Nicholas Holtam explores how we can combat the obstacles to tackling the reality of climate change. With exhilaration and passion, he draws on his experience as former Church of England lead Bishop for the environment to urge us to transform ourselves, spiritually and culturally, so we can all do our part to preserve our world for future generations. Split into four sections for the four weeks of Advent, these practical suggestions and reflective meditations about climate change and the environment are set alongside beautiful fine art paintings relevant to the season. The Archbishop of York’s Advent Book for 2022 can be used as a study for both individuals and small groups, to help you get the most out of the season. With inspiring and motivating prompts for both prayer and action, Sleepers Wake encourages Christians to see Advent as an opportunity to wake up to the reality of climate change and hear God’s call to renew the earth. Radical change is difficult, but as Nicholas Holtam unforgettably reminds us in Sleepers Wake, it is something we all need to be a part of for the sake of our children and for the future God’s world.

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A universal pattern can be found in all societies and in fact in all of creation. We see it in the seasons of the year, the stories of Scripture, and even in our own lives. In The Wisdom Pattern, Father Richard Rohr illuminates the way understanding and embracing this pattern can give us hope in difficult times and the courage to push through messiness – and even great chaos – to find a new way of being in the world. A new version of his earlier book Hope Against Darkness, Father Rohr offers reflections in The Wisdom Pattern that bring together a deep spirituality with Jungian psychology. They have been thoroughly updated for today’s world, and reveal a vision of Christianity that speaks to the heart of twenty-first century society. The Wisdom Pattern is a book for anyone looking to understand better the patterns in the world around us, and seeking hope for a divided and turbulent world. It will leave you with a vision for moving forward with faith and courage, as well as renewed empathy and compassion for those around you.

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'In a world where justice is too often about power, Isabelle Hamley shows that God's justice brings transformation, healing and hope for all.' JUSTIN WELBY What is justice? It's a question we encounter everywhere in life and that over the last years has increasingly demanded an answer. In Embracing Justice, Isabelle Hamley invites us on an exhilarating journey through Scripture to discover how we, as churches, communities and individual Christians, can seek and practice justice even when enmeshed in such a fractured world. Full of practical encouragement, the Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent Book for 2022 brilliantly weaves together biblical texts, diverse voices, contemporary stories, and personal and group meditations to reveal liberating and imaginative ways in which me may grow in discipleship - and more fully reflect the justice, mercy and compassion of Christ in our lives. With six chapters to take you from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday, this Lent devotional for 2022 is essential reading for anyone interested in the issues of justice - from climate and economic justice to gender and racial equality - that are increasingly at the forefront of global consciousness, and the role that Christians and the Church must play in them. Suitable for use both as a single study for individuals and for small groups to prepare for Easter, Embracing Justice will encourage, inform and motivate anyone looking for Christian books about justice. It will help you understand justice from a biblical perspective, and inspire you to seek it in every aspect of your life. Although the world is broken, unequal and violent, the call to reflect God's own justice and mercy continues to sound like a steady drumbeat, impossible to ignore. Company with Isabelle Hamley this Lent, and discover that we can all join God’s mission of transformation and embrace his justice.

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Commemorating 75 years of Christian Aid, this is a prayer book like no other. Full of defiance and determination, it is an invitation to join Christian Aid and followers of Jesus around the world in a united chorus of Rage and Hope. Bringing together voices from different contexts and cultures around the world, this is a collection of prayers of lament for the injustices of the world, and prayers of hope for the world we want to see. Featuring contributions from Rowan Williams, Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, Rhidian Brook, Robert Beckford, John Bell, Rachel Treweek, Walter Brueggemann and many more, Rage and Hope offers defiant, inspiring Christian prayers for a better world. The world is broken, full of injustice and inequality, but despite everything, we hope. Rage and Hope is a prayer book to enable us as the people of God cry out in lament. With prayers for the poor, the sick, broken and the oppressed, you will find words for raging at the darkness and struggles in the world. And with prayers for healing and renewal, you will find words to kindle hope as we look towards a kingdom in which all things will be made new.

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‘Rohr and Boland prove to be compassionate, encouraging mentors . . . Christians looking to deepen their spiritual practice will find rich material and wise guidance here.’ PUBLISHERS WEEKLY In his landmark book, The Universal Christ, Richard Rohr articulated a transformative view of what it means to recognize Jesus as 'Christ' – as a portrait of God's constant, unfolding work in the world, and in us. Now, in partnership with Patrick Boland, a psychotherapist and member of the Center for Action and Contemplation community, Rohr invites us to experience God’s work in practice through a series of 40 reflections. Each reflection in Every Thing Is Sacred draws on a key passage of The Universal Christ, pairing this with prayers, journal prompts and contemplative exercises to help us encounter the truth that the presence and compassion of God are all around us. A wonderfully encouraging read, filled with Richard Rohr’s characteristic wisdom, this devotional book is perfect for anyone who wants to make the liberating message of The Universal Christ part of their everyday lives. It is also suitable for newcomers to Rohr and those looking for reflections and meditations that will increase their awareness of God in the world and in us. Whether read daily for Lent 2021 or explored over the course of a year, Every Thing Is Sacred is a hope-filled journey into the love at the heart of all things.

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'Tim Alford has learnt these lessons not in the classroom but in the hurly-burly, heart breaking, inspiring world of Christian leadership. It’s required reading for every leader who wants to leave a legacy of fired up leaders who totally follow Jesus. Is there really anything more important than that?' Andy Hawthorne OBE, Director of The Message Trust Youth and childrens' ministry is impacted by many things – from training and resources to demographic. But ultimately it is leadership skills that determine how fruitful our ministries can be. Leadership 101 is a manual designed to equip youth and kids workers with the tools they need not just to lead, but to lead well. Taking a holistic look at leadership, Tim Alford, national director of Limitless, explores the principles of self-leadership, culture and team building, vision and strategy and offers practical, experienced advice how to implement those principles in our Christian leadership. Thoroughly readable and entirely applicable, Leadership 101 is the perfect leadership book for childrens' and youth workers to refer to again and again as you lead your ministry into a brighter, more fruitful, future.

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‘In this wonderful book, John Pritchard draws you into twenty of Jesus’ most important questions, which ring as true today as ever they did. I loved it.’ PAULA GOODER, CHANCELLOR OF ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL, LONDON We usually think of Jesus as preaching and teaching, but throughout the gospels he is often asking questions – searching enquiries, that disarm the hearers into responding unreservedly and provide some of the most profound lessons in the New Testament. But what were the questions that Jesus asked? And how can we learn from them today? Twenty Questions Jesus Asked explores just that. Over four distinct sections, John Pritchard explores twenty of Jesus’ conversations by imagining the experience of those being questioned and reflecting on their significance for us as modern Christians. With contemporary stories, questions for reflection and prayer exercises, Twenty Questions Jesus Asked is a brilliant book for both individual and small group use. With his characteristic grounded thoughtfulness, John Pritchard guides us through Jesus’ questions and helps us better understand the lessons he was trying to impart, so that we can grow as disciples and apply Jesus’ wisdom to every day life.

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR How do we get through dark times when we feel like giving in to fear and despair, and when existential dread has convinced us of our smallness? In this real, resonant book, Anne Lamott uses her own recent marriage as a framework to explore how our lives can be enlarged through renewed commitment to ourselves and those around us. With warmth and wit, she looks at what it means to care for the soul when struggling with fear and dread and to emerge with exuberance, purpose and possibility, with new love for and joy in those around us. Our lives shouldn’t be about what gets us ahead in the game or the demands other make on us. Wise, compassionate and spiritually uplifting, Dusk, Night, Dawn is for anyone looking for Christian hope and encouragement in times of fear and dread. It will leave you restored, and show you how you can care for your soul and live peacefully and exuberantly going forward. 'Chock-full of her trademark wit . . . this is [Lamott's] first book since getting married, so those honest insights about choosing love amid anxiety are sure to shine even brighter.' Bookpage ‘By turns wise, funny, tragic, mystical, visionary, and imaginative . . . Readers new to Lamott are opening themselves to a real treat, as her abilities as a storyteller are in full form.’ Library Journal

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How do we advocate for justice effectively in a world deeply divided by racial, gender and class inequalities? If we want to make a positive difference, we have to know how to recognise our own biases and blind spots – only then can we understand how to be part of the solution and start having meaningful conversations. In Communicate for Change, journalist and communication consultant Genelle Aldred offers suggestions and guidance to help us be better listeners, readers, watchers and talkers. With insight drawn from years of experience, she breaks down the barriers to effective conversation so we can communicate in a more nuanced, thoughtful way and understand our part in bringing about a more just society. You'll soon be noticing how singular narratives drive behaviour and conversation and how language helps to shape our views, understanding how fake news magnifies your own biases and blind spots, and reflecting on how to be a better ally; in a way that is not just performative but that creates meaningful, effective and lasting change. Communicate for Change is a book for anyone interested in the conversations about race that have been happening in the UK and around the world, and anyone wanting to play their part in bringing about class, gender and racial equity. Thought-provoking and stimulating, it lays out how we can take that next step from learning and talking about anti-racism and unconscious bias to putting it into practice and actively shaping an environment in which justice can thrive.

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Maybe Jesus was joking, the disciples didn’t know what they were doing and the New Testament is a lot funnier than you might think. You would think it weird if someone suddenly ascended into heaven, right? Reading between the lines, do we detect a touch of rivalry between Peter and John? And surely the lack of parables in the latter’s mystical tome is simply crying out to be redressed . . . In this sparklingly witty book, BBC sitcom writer James Cary gives us a new and liberating way of looking at the gospel as he entertainingly relates it to a modern context, with references ranging from Charles Dickens to The Vicar of Dibley. Cheerfully playing around with the text, he takes the Bible seriously but allows us to laugh at our own petty vanities and foibles – and be enlightened in the process. The Gospel According to a Sitcom Writer is ideal for anyone wanting to liven up their Bible reading and looking for new ways to be thrilled by this sacred text. It’s also perfect for priests, pastors, youth leaders and all those involved in ministry and giving sermons, as James Cary shows using comedy and humour is a brilliant way to communicate the gospel. Warm, funny and full of brilliant insight and Christian humour, The Gospel According to a Sitcom Writer will make you laugh out loud and shake your head in awe. You’ll never read the Bible the same way again.

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER From living rooms to church basements, Sarah Bessey grew up amongst prayer circles filled with women from diverse backgrounds who prayed in diverse ways. In A Rhythm of Prayer she captures the spirit of those prayer circles, bringing together a range of faith leaders, including Barbara Brown Taylor, Amena Brown, Nadia Bolz-Weber and many more, to offer daily inspiration for connecting with God. With thirty one original prayers for every mood – tiredness, anger and sorrow as well as hope, love and reconciliation – and journaling pages to add your own prayers to the circle, this is not just a devotional book, but a celebration of unique voices. It is also a warm, inviting invitation to renew and revitalise your prayer life, ideal for anyone who is looking for fresh ideas for prayer or for those just starting to explore prayer for the first time. Filled with wisdom, compassion and words of poetic beauty, A Rhythm of Prayer is a Christian prayer book that provides spiritual nourishment and guidance. It will leave you feeling connected to others who also walk with God and less alone in difficult, uncertain times.

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SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'Steele writes with an infectious understanding of her subject' MARK OAKLEY, CHURCH TIMES How can we convey the love of God to our neighbours in a post-Christian world that has largely forgotten the gospel of Jesus Christ? In Living His Story, the Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent Book 2021, Hannah Steele uncovers liberating and practical ways of sharing the gospel story afresh. With warmth and encouragement, she shows us how we can live Jesus' story in our own lives simply by being the people God made us and allowing people to be drawn to him through our natural gifts. Living His Story is a Lent devotional that will change the way you think about evangelism, show how ideally suited it is for the world we live in and fill you with confidence in sharing God's love with the people around you. Set out in six sessions to take you through Lent, each chapter of the 2021 Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent book can be used as a single study for individuals or small groups to prepare for Easter. It will help you find space to see evangelism from a new practical perspective.

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‘Superbly written, utterly Bible based. . . Do not hesitate!’ Archbishop Justin Welby What are we supposed to think about the coronavirus crisis? Some people think they know: ‘This is a sign of the End,’ they say. ‘It’s all predicted in the book of Revelation.’ Others disagree but are equally clear: ‘This is a call to repent. God is judging the world and through this disease he’s telling us to change.’ Some join in the chorus of blame and condemnation: ‘It’s the fault of the Chinese, the government, the World Health Organization...' Tom Wright examines these reactions to the virus and finds them wanting. Instead, he invites you to consider a different way of seeing and responding – a way that draws on the teachings and examples of scripture, and above all on the way of living, thinking and praying revealed to us by Jesus.

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Justice, Love, Spirituality, Beauty, Freedom, Truth and Power. These are ideals that we all strive for, yet so often we find ourselves falling short. Why is that? In this deeply insightful meditation, Tom Wright looks to the Gospel of John for answers. With his characteristic wisdom, he shows how John can help us to see not only why we strive for these ideals, or ‘signposts’, but also why we so often experience them as broken. He also shows how Christianity provides us with the vision and resources for engaging with the questions posed by each signpost, pointing to a clear and compelling explanation of the world, and of our role and responsibility within it.

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Looking for a special card to give to your loved ones this Christmas? Complete with Bible verse, these sustainably sourced Christmas cards are the perfect choice. Printed on 300gsm uncoated white stock and with an accompanying recycled Kraft envelope, these cards come in packs of ten, featuring two beautiful designs. Each card contains a 'Happy Christmas' greeting, along with the following Bible verse: 'The Saviour - yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!' - Luke 2.11 All profits from the purchase of these cards will support SPCK's charitable work.

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Looking for a special card to give to your loved ones this Christmas? Complete with Bible verse, these sustainably sourced Christmas cards are the perfect choice. Printed on 300gsm uncoated white stock and with an accompanying recycled Kraft envelope, these cards come in packs of ten, featuring two beautiful designs. Each card contains a 'Happy Christmas' greeting, along with the following Bible verse: 'The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means "God is with us").' - Isaiah 7.14 All profits from the purchase of these cards will support SPCK's charitable work.

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We hear a lot about the importance of praying, even when we feel no one is listening, but how often do we actually stop to remember the times prayers have been answered? In Remember, Richard Gamble, the man behind the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer, encourages us to do just that: to recall and reflect on the things God has done for us – in the Bible, throughout history and in our lives and the lives of others. With uplifting warmth, he explores the Scriptural importance of remembering answered prayers, showing how such reflection gives us a deeper understanding of who God is and helps us to greater maturity in prayer. Bursting with remarkable stories, Remember is a hopeful, encouraging invitation to a tradition that runs throughout the Bible. It will give you a fresh appreciation of the power and importance of prayer, and how it lies at the heart of our relationship with God.

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From the rainforest to the grasslands and the desert to the oceans, Goodnight World by Rebecca Parkinson takes you on a journey around the world to say goodnight to all the animals as they settle down for sleep. This is the perfect bedtime story book for kids aged 3-5, filled with delightful full-colour illustrations that bring the pages to life. Complete with meerkats, toucans, zebras and more, children will love discovering the many animals of the world as they are gently lulled to sleep. With Goodnight World children will gain a new appreciation for the diversity of God’s creation and learn about the different habitats the world’s animals live in, while enjoying story time and being soothed ready for sleep – truly a picture book to help you make the most of bedtime.

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What a special visitor Mary has! It's the Angel Gabriel, and he has a very important message from God. Award-winning author Alexa Tewkesbury retells the first Christmas story in timeless fashion in this delightful picture book for 3-5 year olds. From Gabriel's visit to Mary to the arrival of the shepherds and the magi to welcome to new-born Jesus, The Story of Christmas is the perfect way to introduce kids to the nativity story and the true meaning behind the holiday season. Bright, colourful illustrations from Dani Padron bring the book to life, and kids will love spotting the many different animals that are dotted on every page. The clear, simple text is ideal for young ones just starting to read and for adults to read aloud. The Story of Christmas is a picture book that will charm children and parents alike, and is also a brilliant story time resource for KS1 teachers and children's workers. Kids will learn about the story of Christmas in the Bible in a memorable, engaging way, and gain a new understanding of why we celebrate it each year.

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See here – Jesus. Jesus rides into Jerusalem city on a donkey. Crowds of people wave and cheer. ‘Hooray!’ the people shout, with happy voices and happy faces. ‘Hosanna! The man God has sent to us is here!’ Spanning events from Palm Sunday, through the last supper, the crucifixion and on to the resurrection, Alexa Tewkesbury offers a timeless retelling of the Easter story for 3-5 year olds. The story is brought to life with bright and colourful illustrations by Dani Padron.

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‘The problem with Rhidian’s Thoughts is how often I find myself agreeing with him. Most annoying!’ John Humphrys Why bother with God? Do you know what matters in life? What are the limits of kindness? Why doesn’t God intervene? What are you worth? For twenty years, bestselling novelist Rhidian Brook has pondered such questions on Radio 4's Thought for the Day, encouraging, nudging, sometimes provoking millions into thinking about the possibility of a God who is intimately and cosmically involved in the human story. Over 100 of his Thoughts are presented here, forming a kind of alternative history of the 21st century, and inviting us to reflect on the deeper spiritual dimensions of our lives and times. ‘This earthy disturber of breakfasts subverts and provokes with Thoughts that last much longer than a day.’ Roy Jenkins ‘I hate celebrities, Harry Potter, musicals, and Thought for the Day. Unless Rhidian Brook is on.’Philip Kerr ‘A great collection from a wise and humane thinker and writer.’Victoria Hislop ‘Profound, entertaining, wise and funny – this is a masterclass in the genre. Bishop Nick Baines ‘Gems on every page. Take your time so you can reflect fully on the beauties contained in the brevity.’Professor Laurie McGuire

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Closing Ranks tells of an illustrious career, giving a behind the scenes look at the workings of the Metropolitan Police. One of the founder members of the Black Police Association Charitable Trust, Leroy Logan has had first-hand experience of race relations in modern-day Britain, and he relates how his strong Christian faith helped him persevere in a frequently hostile work environment. Offering encouragement to other black officers to stay on and work to change the culture within the police, Leroy's passion for good policing shines through . . . as does his touching concern to guide and empower young people. 'I was amazed and intrigued by the way Leroy had stood his ground and progressed within the Metropolitan Police against so many obstacles: hostility, outright racism and being repeatedly overlooked for promotion.' Steve McQueen, from the Foreword 'This is a story that needs telling.' Patrick Regan OBE, Kintsugi Hope 'Leroy Logan is a great example of achievement against all the odds.' The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover

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It is often observed that no historical figure has had a greater impact on the world than Jesus Christ. Why is that? And what difference does his impact make to the world today? It is also often said that Jesus was a 'revolutionary', and numerous books have appeared in recent years claiming just that - from the wild and sensational to the serious and respectable. This book, written by influential authors reflecting a diversity of expertise and points of view, considers the claims that continue to be made about Jesus, whether by believers or nonbelievers.

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A delightful retelling of the story of Baby Moses, especially for under 5s. It features full-colour photographic spreads of the characters from the award-winning Big Bible Storybook. This board book is perfectly sized for small hands, with short text for a parent or carer to read to the child.

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‘Martin’s book is the delighted exclamation of someone who has learnt – is learning – to swim in the ocean that is Orthodoxy: "Come on in; it is lovely here!"’Andrew Louth Until now, there has been little in the way of an accessible guide for those who seek to become or live as Orthodox Christians. A new convert himself, Martin Dudley is familiar with the questions, feelings and challenges that arise. He explains that, to grasp Orthodoxy, we must think and act as the Orthodox do. This involves suspending the Western analytical tendency and allowing free rein to the synthetic tendency, which enables us to detect a unity and perceive, however dimly, the interaction between the parts and the whole in relation to God and the Church. The author draws on a wealth of material, from the Church Fathers to straight-talking Mother Thekla, to explore the essentials of belief. He provides guidance on participating in the Liturgy, the requirements for fasting, confession and Orthodox prayer. In celebrating the culture of Orthodoxy – shaped by many different ethnicities and languages, gloriously expressed in art, music and literature – this volume fully conveys the rigour and joy of becoming and being Orthodox.

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'An astonishingly good read, gripping and thought-provoking' William Lane Craig 'If you wanted to understand Stephen Hawking but couldn't face the maths, this is the book for you.' Dr Althea Wilkinson, Jodrell Bank Stephen Hawking kept breaking rules. Given two years to live, he managed another 54. He wrote about quantum cosmology - and sold 20 million books. He could not speak, yet the world recognized his voice. Hutchings and Wilkinson shine light on his extraordinary ideas. The result is a thought-provoking theological commentary and critique of black holes, origins, many universes, and Big Questions. In 'God, Stephen Hawking and the Multiverse', Hutchings and Wilkinson explain the key elements of Stephen Hawking's physical and mathematical theories, consider their philosophical and religious implications, and relate his ideas to traditional Judaeo-Christian concepts of God. This book about Stephen Hawking and God and the relationship between God and science gives a brief but engaging overview of the history of physics and cosmology. Perfect for beginners, 'God, Stephen Hawking and the Multiverse' offers a concise and accessible introduction to Hawking's work and how his contributions to modern physics and cosmology can complement religion. Exploring topics such as gravity, quantum mechanics and general relativity, the authors offer a fresh perspective on the relationship between God and science, providing a balanced and informed commentary on Hawking's work both scientifically and theologically.

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What is my calling? It is a question wrestled with throughout every stage of life but perhaps felt most acutely by the twenty-something population. As Christians we might know that life to the full is experienced when we respond recklessly and wholeheartedly to the call of God. But how do we know what that is? And how do we pursue it once we do? This book tells the story of Rich Wilson and the growth Fusion, a movement that serves over 2200 churches across Europe in reaching students. Packed full of stories of ordinary people caught up in a much bigger God charged-movement, this book will inspire, challenge, reassure and encourage readers that God has a call and a plan for every single life. Exploring the adventures and adversity we face as we dare to live out a faithful response to the call to follow Jesus, these God encounters, ignition moments, dead ends and failures will show how God can use all things to become tools for transformation and forge faith in the journey.

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‘This is Wright at his best – exegete, theologian, churchman, and public intellectual rolled into one.’ Miroslav Volf ‘Wright’s crowning achievement.’ John Cottingham Building on his critically acclaimed Gifford Lectures, N. T. Wright presents a richly nuanced case for a theology based on a renewed understanding of historical knowledge. The question of 'natural theology' interlocks with the related questions of how we can conceive of God acting in the world, and of why, if God is God, the world is full of evil. Can specific events in history, like those reported in the Gospels, afford the necessary point from which to answer such questions? Widely shared cultural and philosophical assumptions have conditioned our understanding of history in ways that make the idea of divine action in history problematic. But could better historical study itself win from ancient Jewish and Christian cosmology and eschatology a renewed way of understanding the relationship between God and the world? N. T. Wright argues that this can indeed be done, and in this ground-breaking book he develops a distinctive approach to natural theology grounded in what he calls an 'epistemology of love'. This approach arises from his reflection on the significance of the ancient concept of the 'new creation' for our understanding the reality of the world, the reality of God and their relation to one another.

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Since the early days of Christianity, martyrdom has had a particularly honoured place, and 2020 will see the Catholic Church marking the fiftieth anniversary of the canonization of 40 martyrs killed during the Reformation in England and Wales. In this powerful exploration of the significance of martyrdom today, Catherine Pepinster looks at the lives of over a dozen martyrs, past and present, to consider how ideas about giving up your life for your faith have changed over the centuries, and especially the way martyrs often become caught up in the clash between religion and politics.

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Interpreting Paul brings together N. T. Wright’s most important articles on Paul and his letters since the publication of his magisterial Paul and the Faithfulness of God and its companion volume of essays Pauline Perspectives in 2013. Here is a rich feast for all serious students of the Bible. Each essay will amply reward those looking for detailed, incisive and exquisitely nuanced exegesis, resulting in a clearer, deeper and more informed appreciation of Paul and the relevance of his teaching to Christian life and thought today.

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‘If what stands in your way is too high to climb, too hard to dig under or too big to go round – it’s time for mountain-moving prayer!’ – Anthony Delaney, Ivy Church, Manchester The toughest challenges can be tackled, defeated and shifted aside by faith-fuelled prayer. Relational struggles, financial strangleholds, emotional strife; whatever your mountain, through prayer God’s power can move it. The huge challenges casting shadows across our communities can also be addressed through prayer. ‘God will move our personal mountains, but we mustn’t stop there. His goal is to transform the lives of those around us as well,’ observes Debra. ‘God’s call to me from the very beginning was to focus prayer on the big, specific issues causing social fragmentation: lack of aspiration amongst young people, elderly isolation, family failures, distrust and separation between ethnic groups. These mountains need moving in most neighbourhoods.’ ‘I work with police colleagues of many faiths and many of no faith – all are in awe when they witness what can be unlocked in this way.’ – Olivia Pinkney QPM MA, Chief Constable, Hampshire Constabulary Author and popular speaker Debra Green OBE runs ROC (Redeeming Our Communities).

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George Herbert is one of the great 17th century poet-priests. His poems embrace every shade of the spiritual life, from love and closeness, to anger and despair, to reconciliation and hope. And his work is always rich with audacious playfulness: he seems to take God on, knowing God will win, as if he's having an argument with a faithful friend he knows is not going to leave. In much of theology and spirituality, God is a critical spectator to human lives, but for Herbert, his sense of relationship with God is primarily of a friendship that can never be broken. These are some of the themes Mark Oakley explores in this outstanding book. He offers a poem for every day in Lent, with a 2-page commentary on each of the 40 included.

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This is Terry as he really is — wise and funny. A good book from a big man. If only he could be the Primate.' John Sergeant ‘A travelogue that is refreshingly irreverent and deeply human.’ James Naughtie From darkest Africa to the darker and infinitely wetter birthplace of John Knox, from the remote expanse of the Alaska Highway to part of the Antipodes that even Bill Bryson could not reach, Terry Waite takes us on a guided world tour in the company of Dr Robert Runcie. Even an archbishop has little control over wars and missed connections, floods and food poisoning. But this Primate sailed majestically through the most troubled of waters, as his companions (including Chaplain Richard Chartres) baled energetically in his wake. Hilarious and affectionate, Travels with a Primate offers an unashamedly nostalgic return to the 1980s. It is a delightful tribute to enduring friendship.

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In this pithy, entertaining guide to what really matters, Alister McGrath brings together Richard Dawkins and C.S. Lewis, two intriguing and well-known writers, in 'conversation'. The two men could hardly have more different perspectives; these arguments provide an excellent means of sharpening our own thinking on the meaning of life.

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Just This is a collection of brief and evocative meditations and practices that invites us to cultivate the gift of waking up to the beauty of reality in all its glorious ordinariness. With his signature blend of contemplation, theology, and pastoral sensitivity, Fr Richard Rohr creates a spaciousness for the soul to grow into a kind of seeing that goes far beyond merely looking to recognising and thus appreciating. This is the heart of contemplation, the centerpiece of any inner dialogue that frees us from the traps of our perceptions and preoccupations. The contemplative mind does not tell us what to see; it teaches us how to see what we behold.

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What is consciousness? Is the mind a machine? What makes us persons? What does it mean to aspire to human maturity? These are among the fundamental questions that Rowan Williams helps us to think about in this deeply engaging exploration of what it means to be human. The book ends with a brief but profound meditation on the person of Christ, inviting us to consider how, through him, 'our humanity in all its variety, in all its vulnerability, has been taken into the heart of the divine life'.

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This gift edition of the NLT features the whole Bible text and 24 full-colour plates detailing various scenes from the scriptures. Complete with an attractive presentation plate, this children's Bible will be an excellent baptism or confirmation gift. With beautiful illustrations from Javier Joaquin to capture their imagination in their earliest years, this Bible will be their first introduction to God's Word as they grow older.

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Zac's Place is a church in Swansea. It is a small chaotic community of Jesus followers where the most fragile of life's walking wounded try to work out their faith, because they quite simply wouldn't fit anywhere else. It's also the spiritual home for the local chapter of the motorcycle club God's Squad. Zac's Place was founded in 1998 and for nearly twenty years has been led by Sean Stillman - a "painfully shy, nervous preacher's kid" - whose front-line ministry, at Zac's Place and on the road, has cost him dearly, including physical beating. In Zac's Place, chaos and disorder sit alongside community and grace in an environment that sometimes resembles an AA meeting mixed with a casualty department. This is Sean's personal story of a transformed faith alongside the broken, the story of the church he started and the European-wide growth of an unlikely bunch of biker missionaries. The thread that will run through it is the `greater righteousness' that Christ was looking for - what can happen when our concern for the perfect performance is stripped bare and replaced with poverty of spirit.

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The last 10 years have seen an upturn in the number of people reporting difficulties with emotional and mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression. And, it is often the strongest who struggle under the weight of all they have nobly tried to shoulder. Turn to the Bible, and this truth is played out in the lives of some of its greatest characters. King David led a nation – yet wrote some of the Bible’s bleakest laments. Elijah worked outlandish public miracles – and later pleaded God to take his life. Dedicated, hardworking mother and woman of God Naomi acknowledged that she had become characterised by bitterness. And lifelong God follower Job found himself longing for a death that would not come. This book affirms that depressive illness can strike anyone – not least the capable, busy people with the `can-do’ attitude of the title. This special bespoke edition for the Christian market takes a destigmatising, thoroughly informed approach to depression, with a foreword by Will Van Der Hart, whose own experience of ill mental health led to him founding Mind & Soul, the leading Christian mental health organisation.

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