Search results for ""spck""

A prayer book full of blessings for children to read and say to celebrate the lives of wild animals and God’s love for them. Endearing illustrations bring life to a selection of heart-warming prayers that express the joy children find in animals, as well as their hopes and dreams for all the animals of the world. From butterflies to bears, Africa to Australia and forests to oceans, the collection includes prayers for the conservation of the animals’ habitats and the care and protection for the environment. Charming illustrations from Tina Macnaughton make this an extra-appealing book of prayers.

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A new edition of the wonderful story of Jesus’ birth from Luke and Matthew’s gospels retold faithfully for children aged 5-7 to enjoy. Throughout Advent to Epiphany share the stories of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the magi along with fascinating seasonal information about Christmas celebrations and traditions, and Advent and Christmas prayers. Carolyn Cox’s lively and vibrant illustrations received widespread acclaim when they first appeared in The Lion Children’s Bible and My Own Book of Bible Stories. These have been refreshed for a new generation of young readers, appearing warm and brighter than ever. Perfect to use for sharing with children or at bedtime throughout the Advent to Epiphany season.

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A charming bedtime prayer book for young children full of simple, easy to learn prayers to say before going to sleep. The collection includes prayers of praise and thanks for the day and the things they have, prayers about family and friends, for those who are ill and animals and pets, and blessings for those they love, for a safe night and a new day ahead. Delightful illustrations by Antonia Woodward make this prayer book perfect for a treasured moment to share with young children at the end of each day as part of a bedtime routine.

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This highly successful children's Bible provides a story for each day of the year for 7 to 11 year olds. The artwork is truly attractive and of the very highest quality, warm and bright, giving fresh perspectives on the classic stories. Each story has approximately 250 words is complemented by a matching prayer. The Bible features full Bible references on each page as well as a 'story finder' to help the reader choose a story to suit the occasion, making this a complete resource and enable further exploration of the Bible as the child grows up.

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God has given us lots of clues about how He made space. This is how we think He did it. Discover how the wonders of the universe were made, beginning with a huge explosion. Follow the process of how stars, asteroids, comets, moons and planets were formed. The 'God made' series encourages young children to explore and discover the world around them and tells them about the loving God who made it all. Scientific ideas about how and why everything was created are simply explained through the lively narrative and wonderful illustrations, leaving children marvelling at God's creativity, love and power. With additional information by the Faraday Institute about Science and the Bible for parents to open up discussion and some simple science experiments to engage budding young scientists.

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How has Christ been seen for the last two millennia? From the Christ of the Gospels to the Isa of Islam, this book explores the way Jesus Christ has been viewed, described, promoted, opposed and written about. What did the word 'Christ' mean in the first century, and how did it resonate with the politics and religion of the time? And beyond that, how was Jesus seen in the New Testament, and then onto the time of the Desert Fathers? What of the heretical Christs - and who decided, and why? And from the 2nd century onwards, people started to draw and to paint images of Christ - how did this change and develop? The book then traces the history of Christ through the militant leader of the Crusaders, via the multi-faceted Christ of the Middle Ages, and the opposing views of Him thrown up by the Reformation and the wars that followed. Finally, the authors consider the Christ of the technological age and the age of total war, before looking also at the Christ of Liberation Theology, Marxism, the Developing world, the Dalits, other faiths, and the Post-modern Christ of the 21st century.

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A picture story book about bereavement to support young children, specifically those who have lost a parent. The waterholes of the African Savannah have dried up and there has not been enough to drink for some of the animals. Ekundayo, a young elephant, struggles to understand the loss of his mother, but the support of his family help and guide him through. Carefully researched about the stages of grief for young children, Sarah J Dodd sensitively portrays this in the response and actions of Ekundayo to help children express and share how they are feeling with those around them. Ekundayo’s aunt and father provide words of understanding, reassurance and comfort, and the message that the love of Ekundayo’s mother shines on, telling of a greater Love that may not see but never goes away and is everywhere. At the end, Debbie Duncan also provides helpful advice for parents and carers as consider how to talk about death and dying with young children.

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A practical, engaging devotional Bible for families to share, explore, and respond to the stories together. Based on the successful and cherished stories from The Lion Storyteller Bible by Bob Hartman, interactive elements work alongside the original stories to encourage children to think, engage, and make connections with their lives. Writing elements and questions relevant to school and family life encourage a shared reading and discussion experience for the whole family. Explore the setting, characters, and situation in Bible stories, seeing God working through them, and thinking about how you would react in the same situation, and what God wants them to do. Spark discussion about faith and trusting God as problems arise and solutions are found, looking for God in every day, and involving God in family decision-making. With Bible references to encourage the next step to reading an actual Bible and prayer prompts and making time to listen to God. An ideal resource to support parents and carers to share their faith with children.

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"You know I love you, God," she prays. "I want to praise you too, but when there's lots of noise about I don't know what to do." Jenny is a shy angel who doesn't like lots of noise and rushing about. When the other angels ask her to go with them to see the newborn baby king, she decides to stay behind. In the quiet night she learns about love and nature, and that being shy doesn't matter because silent moments are special too.

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Written with passion and understanding, Jail Bird explores how it is possible to reach out to those vilified in the press and by society at large, and to work for the good of all, recognising the humanity in those who commit crimes. Sharon Grenham-Thompson is an Anglican minister and former prison chaplain at Bedford Jail in the UK, where she was responsible for running a large multi-faith team. Jailbird explores her motivation to help those who are the least in society. "Totally gripping and extremely personal, this fluid biography comes gushing down the mountain like a raging floodwater. I literally couldn't put it down. In fact I read the whole thing in one session." Chris Evans - BBC Radio 2 Presenter

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An action-packed Bible story about Ben, who will never forget the day when his simple packed lunch became a picnic for thousands of people. He joins the crowds listening to Jesus telling lovely stories and offers his lunch of five loaves and two fish to him. Then the miracle happened! A series of picture books of stories from the Old and New Testament by Richard Littledale, inspired by his retellings to groups of young children. Meet Albert, an elderly mouse, who retells well known Bible stories to eager young mice, perfect for story times with young listeners aged 3-5 years. Stunning bright and appealing illustrations bring to life the excitement and drama of the storytelling for young children to enjoy looking through time and time again. They will love seeking the mice in each picture!

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Since the dawn of time, man has sought to improve his health and that of his neighbour. The human race, around the world, has been on a long and complex journey, seeking to find out how our bodies work, and what heals them. Embarking on a four-thousand-year odyssey, science historian Allan Chapman brings to life the origin and development of medicine and surgery. Writing with pace and rigorous accuracy, he investigates how we have battled against injury and disease, and provides a gripping and highly readable account of the various victories and discoveries along the way. Drawing on sources from across Europe and beyond, Chapman discusses the huge contributions to medicine made by the Greeks, the Romans, the early medieval Arabs, and above all by Western Christendom, looking at how experiment, discovery, and improving technology impact upon one another to produce progress. This is a fascinating, insightful read, enlivened with many colourful characters and memorable stories of inspired experimenters, theatrical surgeons, student pranks, body-snatchers, 'mad-doctors', quacks, and charitable benefactors.

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This poetry anthology includes both jolly and thought-provoking poems old and new to take the reader on a journey through the Christmas season, from the advent of winter to the dawn of the new year. Poems cover much-loved themes including the Nativity and the love and peace of God at Christmas time; the busyness and joy of family life and Christmas preparations; and hope for the new year. Poems are from names including Charles Causley, Steve Turner, Clare Bevan, Edward Lear, Emily Dickinson and many more modern and traditional poets. The anthology is enlivened with pictures and photographs to showcase a whole range of jolly Christmas styles. The giftable hardback format makes this a special book to share at home, whilst the wide scope of the poems makes this equally valuable for teachers looking for assembly and classroom resources .

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All three books of Avril Rowlands' popular stories about Noah: Tales from the Ark, More Tales from the Ark and The Rainbow's End. Avril takes a fresh and humorous look at the familiar Bible story, considering many of the dilemmas Noah might have faced while managing a menagerie of animals on a boat! One complete story per chapter. Praise for Tales from the Ark: 'A splendid collection of stories.' - Children's Books of the Year

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Brother Egbert is a monk at Willingford Abbey. He spends most of his time copying out pages from the Bible in beautiful handwriting, but on Sunday afternoons he invites the children of Willingford to come and read the Bible stories he has written especially for them. This is how Jake, the woodcarver's son, learns the story of Jesus' birth, the story that inspires Jake and his father as they make a new carving for the abbey church... and that carving inspires Brother Egbert to write this story. Presented in the style of an illuminated manuscript with calligraphy and highly colourful pictures interacting with the lettering, the book captures the spirit of one of Brother Egbert's own manuscripts. Included in the back are instructions on how to make your very own illuminated manuscript! The beautiful hardback with gold foiling and linen quarter binding make this a stunning and unique Christmas gift.

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Alison Jay has illustrated many books for children, and her beautiful paintings are instantly recognisable. In On That Christmas Night, see the story of the birth of Jesus interpreted in her own unique style, using vignettes, borders and full page art to accompany a sincere retelling of the Nativity. There are many intriguing people, animals and landscapes to look at along the way, bursting with new details to find with a young child, as you share the story of that special night.

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A book of simple prayers and reflections that a grown up can say with a baby and know they are beginning to enact the promises they made at the infant's christening to help raise them in the Christian faith. The prayers have been chosen and presented to be age-appropriate and appealing to young children and adults alike. his book includes some of the favourite childhood prayers that older generations will remember as favourites to know by heart. The cover is padded, gloss white with illustration and foil titling.

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Toby loves his big sister Clemmie. She always looks after him and he looks after her - even when her disability means she has to go to hospital again. But they still find ways to have fun together - and their story will help encourage children facing a similar situation. Toby and Clemmie first appeared in Just Because, in which Toby paints us a picture of his super big sister and all the things they do together - just because.

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Brian Draper was tired of feeling tired; "life in its fullness" felt like a life crammed full of stuff, and no more. "I don't want to be the kind of father who turns up late and exhausted for his children's school concert and sits at the back fiddling with a Blackberry, distracted, vacant. I want to be THERE, in the front row, fully present." Drawing on the guidance of Christian wisdom, he began to notice opportunities, day to day, to reduce the quantity, and increase the quality of life - to make room for his soul. LESS IS MORE distils a wonderful spiritual principle which is especially significant at this point in history, when time is limited and money is in short supply. Chapters include: Clearing the loft - literally and spiritually; Using your senses to savour what is free; Finding rhythm; Giving freely; Expressing yourself.

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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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The story of the World War 2 de-coders of Bletchley Park continues to fascinate. How did Mair Thomas, a musician brought up in the Welsh valleys, find herself in the rarefied atmosphere of Hut Six, surrounded by hundreds of others, all desperately trying to break the German Enigma Code? Sworn to secrecy and working in cramped and uncomfortable conditions, Mair discovered her degree in German and Music was just what was needed. Drawn from the public schools and Oxbridge her background was very different to that of most of her colleagues and she didn't immediately fit in. This captivating memoir unpacks her daily life and explores the relationships she built. My Secret Life in Hut Six provides a fascinating insight into one woman's battle against Nazi Germany vividly capturing an era of danger, strain and day to day difficulties that were brightened occasionally by visits from the top brass, such as Winston Churchill.

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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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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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