Search results for ""SPCK Publishing""

This Christmas book is full of fun activities! Join the pirate Christmas party with these fun activities, including make your own pet guinea pig, draw your own treasure map and cook some party treats. Use stickers to retell the Christmas story. Children will love learning more about the Christmas story as they get stuck into activates.

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Lion Classic Christmas Stories is a delightful collection of Children’s traditional Nativity and Christmas-time stories from around the world. Beautifully presented, this colourful hardback brings together the Bible story with charming tales inspired by the Christmas nativity all retold and illustrated for children aged 7 to 10. Grown ups too will love to share the stories with children - from the starry skies of Bethlehem in the story of the first Christmas to the sparkling frosts of the Russian north in the classic tale of the Nutcracker. These 12 joyful stories will remind adults and young readers alike that every Christmas is a time of hopefulness, peace and happiness for all who share the wonder of the Christmas message. With detailed artwork and wonderful gold-flecked illustrations, The Lion Classic Christmas Story Collection is a gift to bring joy this Christmas and to treasure ever after. Stories from around the world include the best loved nativity stories from the gospels of Luke and Matthew, the stories of Babushka and Papa Panov, The Fir Tree and The Nutcracker. Welcome your 7s to 10s to the wealth of storytelling wisdom with roots deep in the traditional Christmas story. Richly illustrated, this classic collection will capture the mind of any child who loves to read or be read to.

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First steps, first words, first family photo - precious memories shouldn't be allowed to fade. Record all your favourite moments in your new baby's life in this enchanting baby book. Delightful illustrations decorate the page with places to detail weight, family, important milestones, and to keep adorable photographs safe. Ribbon tie and cloth quarter binding. A perfect way to remember wonderful family moments.

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A delightful picture book retelling the parable of the lost sheep. Follow the little lamb as it wanders off unaware of how far from home it goes. Delight at the joy and relief when the little lamb hears the sound of the Shepherd's voice, who has come to find it.

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The My Very First range, whose flagship Bible has sold well over 250,000 copies and inspired a wide-ranging series of publications including board books, big books and sticker books, is a proven favourite on the Lion Children's list. My Very First Prayers and its accompanying Bible are now available in mini format editions. Here is a bright and appealing collection to share with a young child, containing over 120 memorable prayers about all the things in a child's world - discovering oneself, being part of a family, exploring the world, feeling happy, feeling sad and learning about the love of God. Alex Ayliffe's bright illustrations of children and animals offer plenty of character to appeal to young children and the adults who share this collection of prayers with them.

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Pilgrimage in the Western world is enjoying a growing popularity, perhaps more so now than at any time since the Middle Ages. The Pilgrim Journey tells the fascinating story of how pilgrimage was born and grew in antiquity, how it blossomed in the Middle Ages and faltered in subsequent centuries, only to re-emerge stronger than before in modern times. James Harpur describes the pilgrim routes and sacred destinations past and present, the men and women making the journey, the many challenges of travel, and the spiritual motivations and rewards. He also explores the traditional stages of pilgrimage, from preparation, departure, and the time on the road, to the arrival at the shrine and the return home. At the heart of pilgrimage is a spiritual longing that has existed from time immemorial. The Pilgrim Journey is both the colourful chronicle of numerous pilgrims of centuries past searching for heaven on earth, and an illuminating guide for today's spiritual traveller.

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'First Steps' is a new series of short, affordable self-help on a range of key topics. In First Steps out of Eating Disorders, Kate Middleton and Jane Smith draw on their extensive experiences as psychologists working with eating disorders. They explain what constitutes an eating disorder, common issues those with eating disorders face, and what to do about getting better. The book is written primarily for sufferers but with carers in mind, so it should be useful for both alike. Other titles in the First Steps series include: Anxiety, Bereavement, Depression, Gambling and Problem Drinking.

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If we are to believe many modern commentators, science has squeezed God into a corner, killed and then buried him with its all-embracing explanations. Atheism, we are told, is the only intellectually tenable position, and any attempt to reintroduce God is likely to impede the progress of science. In this stimulating and thought-provoking book, John Lennox invites us to consider such claims very carefully. This book evaluates the evidence of modern science in relation to the debate between the atheistic and theistic interpretations of the universe, and provides a fresh basis for discussion. The chapters include: War of the worldviews The scope and limits of science Reduction, reduction, reduction... Designer universe Designer biosphere The nature and scope of evolution The origin of life The genetic code and its origin Matters of information The monkey machine The origin of information. Now updated and expanded, God's Undertaker is an invaluable contribution to the debate about science's relationship to religion.

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"Deeply respecting, and bowing down before the character of Our Saviour, you cannot go very wrong, and will always preserve at heart a true spirit of veneration and humility." Charles Dickens Charles Dickens was a great storyteller; he possessed the unique ability of documenting the realities of life for both his contemporaries and future generations. A journalist, commentator, historian, and the social conscience of a nation, his influence and reach extended far beyond that normally associated with a novelist. Although the subject of numerous books, none have sought to detail how the writer tried through his work to change the hearts of his readers. In this authoritative and highly readable new biography, Keith Hooper explores the nature and development of Dickens's faith, and the means by which it was expressed. This excellent study of Dickens's beliefs and struggles with the contemporary church gives new and valuable insight into his literary work.

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If the New Atheists are to be believed, religious belief is not only dangerous and irrational, but just plain stupid. With increasingly intolerant polemic they are dismissing the views of religious people, and misconstruing them in the process. In this book, Keith Ward debunks the notion that rationality and intelligence are incompatible with belief in God, going through some of the main criticisms raised by the New Atheists (and their predecessors), for example: - Does God cause evil? - Is the universe intelligently designed? - Is God free? This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the current cultural war between atheism and belief.

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One of the best-known figures of British history, collective memory of Henry VIII presents us with the image of a corpulent, covetous, and cunning king whose appetite for worldly goods met few parallels, whose wives met infamously premature ends, and whose religion was ever political in intent. 1536 - focusing on a pivotal year in the life of the King - reveals a fuller portrait of this complex monarch, detailing the finer shades of humanity that have so long been overlooked. We discover that in 1536 Henry met many failures - physical, personal, and political - and emerged from them a revolutionary new king who proceeded to transform a nation and reform a religion. A compelling story, the effects of which are still with us today, 1536 shows what a profound difference can be made merely by changing the heart of a king.

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From its greatest heroes to its darkest villains...the Bible as never seen before! The men and women of the Bible were not perfect, but nor were they ordinary. Faith gave some power. To lead. To save. To destroy evil. Others succumbed to the darkness. But still more was required. An ultimate hero. To fight the ultimate battle.

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In this timely and hopeful book, Jim Wallis shows how left and right, religious and non-religious, Christians and those of other faiths may find common ground working for the benefit of our communities, our neighbours, and our world. As Wallis writes, "Our life together can be better. It's time to hear and heed a call to a different way of life, to reclaim a very old idea called the common good." So who is my neighbour in an age of austerity when different ideas of fairness clamour for attention, and what can we do to build up the common good?

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The war was fought by the world's leading Christian nations, who presented the conflict as a holy war. A steady stream of patriotic and militaristic rhetoric was served to an unprecedented audience, using language that spoke of holy war and crusade, of apocalypse and Armageddon. But this rhetoric was not mere state propaganda. Philip Jenkins reveals how the widespread belief in angels, apparitions, and the supernatural, was a driving force throughout the war and shaped all three of the Abrahamic religions - Christianity, Judaism, and Islam - paving the way for modern views of religion and violence. The disappointed hopes and moral compromises that followed the war also shaped the political climate of the rest of the century, giving rise to such phenomena as Nazism, totalitarianism, and communism. Connecting remarkable incidents and characters - from Karl Barth to Carl Jung, the Christmas Truce to the Armenian Genocide - Jenkins creates a powerful and persuasive narrative that brings together global politics, history, and spiritual crisis. We cannot understand our present religious, political, and cultural climate without understanding the dramatic changes initiated by the First World War. The war created the world's religious map as we know it today.

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In a culture that so easily glorifies romantic love over all others, it can be easy to over look one of the greatest gifts of all: friendship. True friendship transforms us as we journey through the ordinary and the extraordinary moments of life together. And friendship with Jesus is no exception – indeed, it is the greatest invitation into a relationship that sees us forever changed for the better. When Jesus walked the earth, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were some of his closest friends. He loved them just as they were but equally empowered them to become so much more. Here, Amy Boucher Pye unpacks the dynamics of this remarkable friendship, inviting you to be transformed by the same love that shaped their lives. Wherever you are on your life's journey, let yourself experience grounded faith, boundless joy, and profound peace through an ever-deepening friendship with Jesus.

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In Silent Compassion, Richard Rohr explores practices for finding God in the depths of silence and shows us that the divine silence is more than the absence of noise. Silence has a life of its own, and in this short but powerful little book we are invited into its living presence to experience the wholeness of being and peace it brings. Drawing on centuries-old practices, in Silent Compassion Richard Rohr explores different aspects of Christian contemplation, showing how silence can absorb the challenges of life and connect us with the great chain of being – as well as building unity among different religions that all use the practices of silence. Packed full of thought-provoking wisdom, this is a book for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with God and looking for spiritual fulfilment. It is perfect for morning or evening reflection, to help revitalise and refresh the way you look at prayer. Silent Compassion will inspire you and show that the peace of contemplation is not something just for monks, mystics, and those divorced from the worries of the world, but rather for all people who can quiet their own mind to listen in the silence.

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'As one expects from this world-famous theologian, massive amounts of information and complex arguments are condensed into simple, clear and concise expression.' The Reader 'Written with verve and scholarly confidence. . . an impressive read.' Church Times In Simply Jesus, renowned New Testament scholar Tom Wright sets out to answer three simple but vital questions about Jesus: who was he, what did he do and why does it matter? Perfect for those wanting a popular level entry point into Tom Wright's views on Scripture, Simply Jesus places Jesus firmly within his own context and shows how startlingly relevant he is to our own day as well. The book starts with Tom explaining the key questions, why they matter, and why we today find them difficult to answer. He then goes on to say what he thinks Jesus' public career was all about, what he was trying to accomplish, and how he went about it. At the end of the book he sketches four ways in which people today have tried to understand the contemporary relevance of Jesus' inauguration of God's kingdom. After reading Simply Jesus, readers will have a firmer biblical and theological grounding in exploring Who Jesus Was, What He Did, and Why it Matters. 'Invigorating and challenging. . . Wright shows how much of Jesus’ message we have failed to take seriously.' Christianity 'His engaging writing style grips the reader from the opening pages. . . readers will find this work difficult to put down.' Life and Work

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As Christians, we know that we should become more like Jesus – so we try to act differently. But changing our outward behaviour doesn’t change our hearts. Only God’s grace can do that. Renovation of the Heart lays a biblical foundation for spiritual transformation, exploring the disciplines and practices that are crucial if we are to be changed from the inside out. Immensely profound but also practical and encouraging, Dallas Willard’s insightful wisdom challenges us to rethink what it really means to become more Christlike and how we do so. This special 20th anniversary edition – featuring a new introduction by John Mark Comer, revised discussion questions and a never before published interview with Dallas Willard – shows that this dynamic and practical approach to spiritual growth is just as needed today as it was 20 years ago. It will both challenge and inspire you on the path of becoming more like Jesus and equip you to engage actively and intentionally in your spiritual formation. Renovation of the Heart has helped countless Christians begin the process of spiritual transformation. It is ideal both for anyone new to the Christian faith looking for guidance in discipleship, and those who are already Christians and want a new approach to help their spiritual growth and reaffirm their faith. Don’t settle for complacency. Accept the challenge Renovation of the Heart offers and discover what Dallas Willard describes as a divine process that "brings every element in our being, working from inside out, into harmony with the will of God." Become an intentional apprentice of Jesus Christ, changing daily as you walk with Him.

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A star, a stable, angels, shepherds, kings, and at the heart of it all a mother and her baby. In The Art of Christmas Jane Williams’ meditations on the birth of Jesus take you deep into the story of the original Christmas as depicted in some of the world's greatest paintings. A beautiful book for Advent 2021, these profoundly perceptive reflections on the different ways in which artists have imagined the Nativity will deepen and refresh your appreciation of the real meaning of Christmas, and the message of love, joy and peace that it speaks to all the world. Illustrated in stunning full colour, with famous and lesser-known Western masterpieces, and presented in a small, easily portable format, The Art of Christmas is ideal Advent reading for all art lovers, but also makes a wonderful Christmas gift. Jane Williams’ insightful meditations will not only help you rediscover the spiritual heart of Christmas, but will also give you a deeper, expanded appreciation of the skill and mastery behind these masterful paintings. You’ll gain a fuller and more spiritual understanding of Christian art, and see Christmas as never before.

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' Probably the most important topic the young people in your life are already thinking about hearing about and talking about... Rachel has written a fantastic book to guide, equip and provoke your own thinking so you can do the same for theirs. Anyone who ever talks to teens should read this.' Dr Kate Middleton, psychologist, director of the Mind & Soul Foundation So often we talk about sex as ‘it’, a vague, unnameable thing, but as culture continues to move rapidly, it’s more important than ever that our voices are clear and confident when we talk to youth about sex. With the advancement in sex-tech and changing societal attitudes, we’re preparing young people for a very different world – one we all need to be able to talk about. In The Sex Thing, Rachel Gardner unpacks a visual framework that can inspire and empower conversations with young people about sex. Focusing on both how young people explore sexual wholeness and what conversations they would need to engage with in that journey of sexual maturity, she offers practical advice for navigating difficult conversations with youth and talking to them confidently and openly. Whether you are involved in youth ministry or are parenting young adults yourself, The Sex Thing is a brilliant Christian book for anyone looking for a better, more productive way of talking to youth about sex. Packed full of tips and guidance drawn from years of experience, it will equip you with all the tools you need to engage with young people surely and positively. Together, Rachel Gardner demonstrates how we can talk about The Sex Thing in a way that actively forms a sexual ethic that our young people can thrive in.

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Multi-generational worship is important for most church leaders, worship teams, and children’s workers - but how can you truly engage everyone so that all age worship can thrive in your church? Worship for Everyone offers an inspiring vision crucial for bringing longevity and life to all age worship as well as a practical guide bursting with ideas and resources. Nick and Becky Drake, pioneers in multi-generational worship ministry, provide a theology for bringing all ages together that draws on their years of experience. Alongside this they give advice and tips on running intergenerational worship sessions and dealing with the many challenges that face the church in producing meaningful all age worship. Worship for Everyone contains all the resources pastors, children’s workers and church leaders need to run all age worship services. Service plans, talks, recommended songs, Bible readings and more are all included, so you can make your all age worship engaging and significant for every generation. This is a book for anyone with a heart to see new generations engaging with God.

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First published in 1937, Letters by a Modern Mystic is a compilation of excerpts from letters Christian missionary Frank C. Laubach wrote to his father. Within them, Laubach shares his findings of the greatest experiment of his life: attempting to live in moment-by-moment communication with God. Short, simple and extraordinarily powerful, this little book offers a profoundly challenging but life-changing way of living. Laubach's letters are thoughtful and honest, documenting his failings and struggles with this spiritual discipline - but also showing the joy, wonder and transformation he experienced by connecting with God and living in communion with him every minute of the day. Easy to read and full of wisdom, Letters by a Modern Mystic is essential reading for anyone seeking to deepen their connection with God or wanting to make their spiritual formation part of their everyday life. With a foreword by Pete Grieg show its continued relevance for today, it will challenge you to see that it is possible to live in communion with God in every moment and change the way you approach your faith. Included at the back of this book is 'The Game with Minutes', the practical guide Laubach developed to assist others in applying the principles and spiritual practices in his letters. It is a game that has transformed countless lives - and it is time for a new generation to play.

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Ruth Haley Barton's award-winning, practical introduction to the spiritual practice of silence and solitude is an invitation to you to journey into the real presence of God and hear and his voice. Much of the Christian faith is about words - preaching, teaching, talking with others. But the hectic demands and noise of daily modern life can drown out God's words, and keep us from fully meeting him. Taking the story of Elijah the prophet as inspiration and example, Invitation to Solitude and Silence explores the power of quietness and stillness in connecting with God. Filled with practical exercises that draw on Ruth's own experience, it encourages and challenges us to rethink how we see silence and solitude and to use them to invite God deeper into our lives. Invitation to Solitude and Silence is ideal for anyone looking for spiritual disciplines to help them connect more fully with God and practices to aid their spiritual formation. Ruth's gentle wisdom will expand your idea of what prayer can be, and help you find time to rest and renew your faith so that your relationship with God is strengthened. Helpful and hopeful, this book is a reminder that God does not push himself where he is not wanted but waits for us to respond from the depths of our desire. Will you say yes?

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"Where are you from?" I'm asked. "The UK," I reply. "I mean where are you originally from?" "Zambia," I reply. These questions are very familiar to those from visible ethnic groups in the UK who have had to answer these questions many times in their lives. It may seem like a simple question, but behind it lay assumptions and an ignorance that are far, far more complicated. As a black woman born and living in the UK - a melting pot of different cultures - I find this question a loaded one, one that seeks to put me in a box: where am I in relation to you? A judgement based on the colour of my skin, when my very identity is made up of so many things. I am not a single narrative, I am not a stereotype and until we share a diversity of stories, dangerous assumptions will persist. So, you want to know where I'm really from? Here is my story; may it impact yours. In this thought-provoking essay, CEO of Christian Aid, Amanda Mukwashi, challenges polarising perceptions and celebrates universal connections of identity, humanhood and hope.

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Beloved by millions around the world, the English Standard Version of the Bible is ideal for anyone looking for a contemporary and readable translation that is also accurate and consistent in its rendering of key words and phrases. This edition of the ESV is completely Anglicized and features the full Apocrypha. Presented in a double-column format, with explanatory footnotes providing alternative renderings of particular words and phrases, the ESV Bible with Apocrypha offers a clear, easy-to-read text that is perfect for everyday use. The ESV Bible is an excellent version for detailed Bible study, but one that also possesses a beauty, clarity and dignity of style that makes it superbly suitable for private devotion or for reading aloud during public worship. This edition features a beautifully designed black hardback binding, inlaid with silver foil, with a matching silver ribbon marker to help you keep track of your Bible study. It also makes a wonderful gift for friends and loved ones on special occasions. Other features include: 9.5 pt font size An award-winning typeface Inline chapter headings Inline chapter numbers 12 maps White paper from sustainable sources

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When Christine Morgan got Richard Coles, Kate Bottley and Giles Fraser together in a studio, all she had to do was plug them in and let them go. The dynamic between the three meant there were moments of real connection and poignancy alongside the laughter: 'I'm exaggerating for comic effect,' Kate announced after one particularly outrageous anecdote, 'It's one of the reasons we're here.' Each realized in the course of conversation that they favoured one of the three rites of passage: Giles: Baptism because you enter into the body of Christ Richard: Funerals because they take you into the mystery of God Kate: Weddings because you get to wear nice shoes Engagingly introduced by Christine Morgan, the book ends with the profoundly moving episode (recorded remotely in the three vicars' homes) that was broadcast on Easter Sunday 2020, to a world in crisis.

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The last decade has seen dramatic advances in artificial intelligence and robotics technology, raising tough questions that need to be addressed. The Robot Will See You Now considers how Christians can respond to these issues – and flourish – in the years ahead. Contributions from a number of international experts, including editors John Wyatt and Stephen Williams, explore a range of social and ethical issues raised by recent advances in AI and robotics. Considering the role of artificial intelligence in areas such as medicine, employment and security, the book looks at how AI is perceived as well as its actual impact on human interactions and relationships. Alongside are theological responses from an orthodox Christian perspective. Looking at how artificial intelligence and robotics may be considered in the light of Christian doctrine, The Robot Will See You Now offers a measured, thoughtful view on how Christians can understand and prepare for the challenges posted by the development of AI. This is a book for anyone who is interested in learning more about how AI and robots have advanced in recent years, and anyone who has wondered how Christian teaching relates to artificial intelligence. Whatever your level of technical knowledge, The Robot Will See You Now will give you a thorough understanding of AI and equip you to respond to the challenges it poses with confidence and faith.

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‘The climate crisis is the biggest issue facing humanity today. . . It is only together that we can make a difference.’ Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, Christian Aid Written by members and friends of Christian Climate Action, this stimulating resource book sets out the moral and religious case for joining the struggle against climate change. It reflects on the Christian tradition of non-violent direct action, and offers deeply moving testimonies by those engaged in such protests today, along with powerful sermons, prayers, liturgies and other spiritual resources. Now is the time to act! Don’t let it pass you by! ‘This is a landmark book. It is nothing short of an invitation to join the holy uprising of people sweeping the globe who will not be silent in the face of the destruction of God’s earth.’ Shane Claiborne, Red Letter Christians

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The referendum may have rent the country asunder like no other issue in recent memory, but there are significant resonances with events in the past. Almost 500 years ago, in a sixteenth-century version of Article 50, Britain made a break from Europe, declaring the King – rather than the Pope – Supreme Head of the English Church. The split did not end the story. In the turmoil that followed, ‘fake news’ spread, families were divided and blood was shed. However, an attempt was made to find a peaceable solution. In this brief but powerful book, Graham Tomlin draws on that history to remind us of the age-old political and spiritual task of harmonizing past and future, identity and openness, the local and the universal. The events of the last three years have shown how polarization can affect even those who are naturally generous and accommodating; the challenge of rising above division, of loving our neighbours – and even our enemies – has never been greater for us all.

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You are not the centre of the universe. When we’re so focused on our own lives and concerns, it’s easy to forget that the world doesn’t revolve around us. This book unpacks seven core values of the Christian life – with God at the centre – exploring whether this in fact is a much more fulfilling way to live. Offering a new vision of the Christian faith for today’s generation, this lively, engaging look at discipleship is full of warmth and practical advice, making it the perfect introduction for young people looking to follow Jesus.

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It's a very special night for the angels of heaven. An incredibly important baby has been born, and they need to find the best and brightest star to lead travellers to him. So what will they do when very smallest star in the sky asks to play the part? This delightful full-colour picture book for children from award-winning author Hilary Robinson is a wonderful new retelling of the first Christmas story. A heart-warming tale of creating space for even the smallest and most humble of characters to shine, children and adults alike will be enchanted by the story of The Christmas Star. The characters and story are brought to life in stunning illustrations by Ciara Ni Dhuinn, and the clear, simple text is perfect for 3-5 year olds just starting to read and for adults to read aloud. The Christmas Star is an ideal book for family story-time, but is also useful for KS1 teachers looking for a fresh, original way to introduce children to the story of Christmas in the Bible. Children will love the story of the small, plucky star that becomes the Christmas star, and will learn that everyone can play a part in God's story, no matter how small they are, and that everyone should be given a chance to shine.

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Walking is one of the simplest things we do as humans. It’s how most of us experience life. In The Way Under Our Feet, Graham Usher conveys how exhilarating it is to walk into the depths of our humanity. We become more ready to recognize the needs as well as the joys of others; we sift our thoughts; we seek to heal our battered world, even as we glory in the beauty of nature; we find ourselves companying with our three mile an hour God. ‘This is a lovely book, full of light, grace and meaning. Usher celebrates his passion for walking by exploring religious texts and stories, but this by no means confines his thoughts. We are drawn by secular texts, too: Macfarlane sits alongside Kierkegaard; Thoreau and Walden alongside T. S. Eliot. Through them all, we learn why walking is so unspeakably good for heart, soul and body.’ DAME FIONA REYNOLDS, MASTER OF EMMANUEL COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE, AUTHOR OF THE FIGHT FOR BEAUTY ‘Wonderful. Offers highly original and striking observations combined with apposite, moving and often humorous personal anecdotes. A classic, catching a genuine and humble holiness.’ BISHOP DAVID WILBOURNE

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For twenty years, the Archbishops' College of Evangelists has affirmed and supported Anglican evangelists. This book, marking the College's twentieth anniversary relaunch, relaunches the College with a clear focus on identifying and training new evangelists. This book then, marks a significant transition. The thirteen authors work in a range of contexts and come from different traditions within the church. Their focus in this book, is less on the nature of evangelism, and more on the calling and gifting of the evangelist. In different ways they reflect on the questions: what is an evangelist? How should the church identify and affirm evangelists? How do we train evangelists? How do we enable evangelists to equip all God’s people to witness to the kingdom of God? The thirteen contributors are all practitioners, and this is reflected in their range of experience and writing styles. Some take a deeply biblical and theological approach. Others reflect on their personal journey and learning. Others offer practical insights and a helpful reframing of the initial questions. All of them are fervent in their plea to the church to recognise the unique calling and gifting of the evangelist and reflect on how this gift is received and passed on within the church.

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Do you feel frazzled? Frantic? Fearful you haven't got enough? In a world obsessed with more, where potential is maximised, and busyness is glorified, another reality also exists: we all have limits - and many of us are living at the edge of them. Why Less Means More shows you how saying no to one thing might mean saying yes to something far better. What would it look like to pursue less success and more significance? To live with less complexity and more clarity? To chase less of the 'extraordinary' and celebrate more of the 'ordinary' moments that make up an extraordinary life? Cathy Madavan, accomplished author and speaker, invites you to leave your fear and franticness behind and discover more space, simplicity and the truth that less really can lead to more.

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'A vivid, beautifully written and often moving book, skilfully dovetailing memoir, history, art and a cycling pilgrimage across Europe into a unique and uplifting whole. If you think you know who Timmy Mallett is, you're in for a rewarding surprise!' Proffesor Brain Cox 'A must read. This is a journey brimming with love and laughter that's also deeply moving. Timmy's glass isn't just half full, it's positively overflowing!' Lorraine Kelly Timmy Mallett, host of Wacaday' has cheered millions of lives with his fantastic specs, vivacious personality and 'Utterly brilliant!' catchphrase. In 2018 he certainly needed every bit of his natural exuberance: to honour his brother Martin, he cycled the El Camino de Santiago just as the 'Beast from the East' hit northern Europe. Utterly Brilliant!: My Life's Journey is a moving autobiography of courage and determination in the face of heartache. With humour and honesty Timmy tells of his pilgrimage along a route travelled by so many over the centuries, weaving together history and personal stories in a hugely entertaining manner. This is an autobiography that will be loved by Timmy's fans and enjoyed by those interested in discovering the human face behind a celebrity name, and those considering going on pilgrimage themselves. Full of heart and Timmy's characteristic charm, Utterly Brilliant will leave you uplifted and poignantly aware of how important it is to live every moment of every day.

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'Has the power to plant seeds of hope in your heart that when the storms come, it's possible not to be afraid.' Rachel Gardner 'Disarmingly honest, powerfully disruptive and reassuringly scriptural. A rare and precious gift.' Krish Kandiah One in four of us will experience mental health problems but true resilience is ours for the taking. When shame, fear and despair threaten to fill us, it can be all too easy to resort to self-medicating through consuming, working, or other distractions. Rob Merchant has tried them all and discovered they don't deliver. Drawing on his own experience, Rob shows how healing starts when we acknowledge and accept our vulnerability. Knowing our place before God and surrendering wholly to Christ, we can discover forgiveness and always find hope.

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One ordinary meeting of the science club at Parkview Primary School becomes extraordinary when their teacher takes them back in time to 1843 to meet Christian inventor Charles Babbage. There they learn about his latest invention, the Difference Engine, but they have to be careful – if they’re not back in an hour they’ll be stuck in the nineteenth century forever! This brilliantly fun graphic novel for 7- to 9-year olds is a fantastic time travel adventure that will keep kids on the edge of their seats. Children will love the memorable characters and colourful artwork from illustrator Laura Borio that brings to life Fiona Veitch Smith’s entertaining story, and the graphic novel format is perfect for kids beginning to explore their own independent reading. As they follow the journey of the science club, children will learn about the history of the computer and its inventor, Charles Babbage, and about how science and faith go hand in hand. Produced in partnership with the Faraday Institute, it ties in with the National Science Curriculum for Key Stage 2, making it ideal for reading in the classroom as well as at home.

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In The New Testament In Its World acclaimed biblical scholar N. T. Wright draws on a lifetime of distinguished scholarship to provide a thorough overview of the New Testament for students, church leaders, and everyday Christians. Wright, along with prominent New Testament scholar Michael Bird, explores the history, literature, and theology of the New Testament with an emphasis on its relevance for Christians today. Beginning with an overview of how to read the New Testament, the authors then survey its historical background to orient readers to the world of Jesus and the early church. This is followed by an in-depth study of Jesus' inauguration of the kingdom of God through his life, ministry, death, and resurrection. The next section explores the life and theology of Paul, who continues to unfold the significance of Jesus' life and ministry, and applies these to the issues faced by the early churches. Wright and Bird survey all of Paul's letters, providing a compact commentary on each, while explaining contemporary scholarly discussions on Paul and his teachings. They then turn to the gospels, written after Paul's letters, followed by the general epistles and Revelation, explaining the background, critical issues, important teachings, and contemporary applications for each. This is followed by a description of how the New Testament came to be, guiding the reader through issues of textual criticism and canonization. A concluding section brings all of the previous threads together to encourage readers to consider how their personal story fits into the larger story of God's redemption narrated in the New Testament. Students of the New Testament will not only be equipped with all of the technical information needed to understand the New Testament today but will see it as one cohesive story in which they are invited to play a vital role through their own lives and circumstances.

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The Jesus Bible Storybook contains 24 brief stories in a board book format to help very young children learn about Jesus. Read stories of Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection in a few words, with full-colour photographic illustrations from The Big Bible Storybook. The Jesus Bible Storybook is perfect for use at home, at school and in groups.

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A funny, life-affirming memoir, in diary form. Set in the manic world of a busy teacher, and based on real experiences, Fran Hill’s account of one typical year shows it’s not just the pupils who misbehave. English teacher ‘Miss’ starts the Autumn term beleaguered by self-doubts. She’s mid-menopause, insomniac, and Mirror and Bathroom Scales are blisteringly unsympathetic. Her pupils make her laugh, weep, fume and despair, often in the same lesson. Her unremitting workload blights family time and she feels guilty for missing church events to catch up on marking. After all, God-lady is watching. Meanwhile, the new Head of Department seems unreachable, an Ofsted inspection looms, her sixth formers (against school policy) insist on sitting in rows, and there’s a school magazine to produce ... When childhood secrets demand attention Miss doesn’t want to give them, life gets complicated.

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'Authority and rigour ... great generosity and gentleness. The authors diagnose a critical problem in the church and offer practical advice on how to fix it.' Andrew Graystone, theologian, broadcaster and communications consultant 'Every time he wanted me to do something, he would quote scripture... I couldn't argue with scripture, it was like arguing with God.' The term 'spiritual abuse' is widely used across the Christian community. But what is it? Sometimes spiritual abuse involves leaders misusing their position, but ministers can also be the victims. Common factors include control through misuse of scripture, claims to divine authority, pressure to conform, and enforced accountability. Individuals may be isolated, and compelled to secrecy and silence. Drawing on a combination of extensive research, individual testimonies, and years of hands-on experience, Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys describe clearly the nature of spiritual abuse, and the best ways of countering it. Recovery is possible. But - how do we prevent spiritual abuse in the first place? What can leaders do to create safer places? Is there a link between theological ideas and harmful behaviours? How can leaders create opportunities for spiritual and emotional flourishing? Dr Lisa Oakley has researched spiritual abuse in the Christian faith in the UK since 2003. Justin Humphreys is chief executive of the safeguarding charity thirtyone: eight.

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‘The most extensive and inviting introduction . . . a brilliantly written book.’ Eugene Peterson ‘It made my heart sing.’ Dana Greene, President of the EvelynUnderhill Association The publication of Evelyn Underhill’s Prayer Book in 2018 sparked renewed interest in one of the most significant Christian writers of the twentieth century. What lay behind Evelyn Underhill’s spiritual formation? Robyn Wrigley-Carr’s fascinating original research reveals the great influence of Baron Friedrich von Hügel, to whom, Evelyn wrote, ‘I owe . . . my whole spiritual life’. Understanding the nurture she received from this man (who had no less an influence on Eugene Peterson) prepares the way for an exploration of Evelyn’s ‘motherhood of souls’. We learn about her advice to others involved in this ministry, her pioneering work in the conducting of retreats and of the soul care she tirelessly bestowed on her retreatants.

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Reconciling Christians offers 40 biblically-based meditations, with questions for reflection, for use at weekly gatherings (6 weeks) or for everyday devotion during Lent.

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From the UK Church's complicity in the transatlantic slave trade to the whitewashing of Christianity throughout history, the Church has a lot to answer for when it comes to race relations. Christianity has been dubbed the white man's religion, yet the Bible speaks of an impartial God and shows us a diverse body of believers. It's time for the Church to start talking about race. Ben Lindsay offers eye-opening insights into the black religious experience, challenging the status quo in white majority churches. Filled with examples from real-life stories, including his own, and insightful questions, this book offers a comprehensive analysis of race relations in the Church in the UK and shows us how we can work together to create a truly inclusive church community. Contents Acknowledgements Introduction 1 Is it because I'm black? 2 Family feud 3 Why black man dey suffer 4 You don't see us Interlude: Don't touch my hair 5 Love like this 6 Kick in the door Interlude: Black (wo)man in a white world (Interview with the Revd Dr Kate Coleman) 7 Jesus walks 8 Let's push things forward Bibliography Song credits Notes

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In the church at the moment there is a renewed emphasis on missional growth, both in numbers and in regard to spiritual depth. But resources are few and to evaluate `effectiveness' we see an increasing adoption of scales and measures to test and encourage that growth (for example the Renewal and Reform agenda in the Church of England). Though good and to be welcomed, the challenge for church leaders is to be ambitious for the Kingdom, whilst keeping hold of their souls. This book will examine biblical perspectives on ambition and success, particularly from the point of view of Jesus and the gospels. It will affirm what is praiseworthy in the current emphasis on church growth, whilst challenging the creep of more secular assumptions about what it looks like to be successful.

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Gaby and her husband Sean and their four children live in a flat across from Grenfell Tower, and Sean (a Church of England minister) was the first clergy person on the scene. This book stems from personal experience of the impact of the fire. It features the testimony of and commentary on the community that experienced it, and the amazing stories of hope that followed in its wake. Grenfell Hope will help readers understand what it was like living in North Kensington before and after the fire. It will help engage the reader with poverty issues, to examine attitudes to the poor and to consider how even small gestures in everyday life can change local communities. In the desperate situation of the fire, God was at work in people's hearts bringing hope in tiny gestures that mounted up to something enormous. Hope that couldn't be ignored or even contained. Hope sprang out all over the country.

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W. H. Auden, T. S. Eliot, William Golding, Elizabeth Jennings, C. S. Lewis, Flannery O'Connor, Stevie Smith . . . These are some of the great poets and novelists whose struggles with faith find expression in their works, and who demonstrate the fascinatingly different forms that faith can take in different times and places. Richard Harries considers the work of twenty of these writers, painting vivid pictures of their lives and times. He also provides numerous critically sympathetic insights into the spiritual dimension of their writings. The result is a book for readers of all religious persuasions, especially those who are fascinated by the ways in which faith is refracted through the lens of great poetry and fiction.

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This compelling reconstruction of the life and thought of St Paul paints a vivid picture of the Roman world in which he preached his revolutionary message and explains the significance of his lasting impact on both the Church and the world. Regarded by many as the founder of Christianity, Paul of Tarsus is one of the most controversial and powerful figures in history. His writings have had an incalculable influence on Western culture and beyond, and his words continue to guide the lives of over two billion Christians across the world today. In this superbly detailed biography Tom Wright traces Paul's career from zealous persecutor of the fledgling Church, through his journeys as the world's greatest missionary theologian, to his likely death as a Christian martyr at the hands of Nero in the mid 60s CE. Drawing judiciously on the latest research into the Jewish, Greek and Roman worlds, and enriched by a wealth of critical insight into Paul's own writings, this is the most rounded portrait of the apostle ever painted – his development, motivations, spiritual struggles and intellectual achievements, and his lasting impact over two millennia.

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