Search results for ""SPCK Publishing""

When you hear the word ‘worship’, what first springs to mind? For many of us we think of singing songs and hymns with fellow believers in a church service or small group. But worship is more than that. Worship is a way of living. In Worshipping, readers are invited to journey through a series of six studies in David’s Psalms, learning from his worship in all of life, from worshipping together to worshipping under pressure, worshipping in failure and in contentment. With contributions from Mark Greene, Antony Billington, Tracy Cotterell, Joe Warton and Pippa James, this practical workbook will help you see whole-life worship in a new way.

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'Read this book, and then rethink everything else.' Danielle Strickland 'A feast of insight and reflection on what just leadership should look like.' The Rt Reverend Dr Jonathan Gibbs 'This book will change the way you lead.' The Rt Reverend Dr Emma Ineson, Bishop of Penrith 'A book that should be on the shelves of every leader today.' The Reverend Will van der Hart From #MeToo scandals to revelations of spiritual abuse atrocities in the Church, we’ve watched too many leaders let us down. What went wrong for these leaders? And more importantly, how can we get it right? Just Leadership offers advice and guidance to empower leaders everywhere to make a difference and answer the call for a fairer, more transparent, more equal society. Drawing on their combined decades of experience in leadership and safeguarding, Justin Humphreys and Simon Barrington explore what it means for a leader to be just, and provide practical ways improve your leadership skills and create a just and open environment. Across the world, there is a heart cry for justice – but often the fight is too focused on the wider cause, bypassing conversations about individual leaders across our churches, organisations, charities and communities. Just Leadership is for every leader – whether you are in Church or other Christian leadership, business or professional leadership or even a leader within your local community – who wants to build their skills and start leading the way to a better future.

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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. Created by a team of over 100 leading scholars, this Catholic edition of the ESV is fully Anglicized and features the deuterocanonical books in the Catholic Bible, such as a Tobit, Judith and the Wisdom of Solomon. Presented in a double-column format, with explanatory footnotes providing alternative renderings of particular words and phrases, the ESV-CE Bible offers a clear, easy-to-read text that is perfect for everyday use. This illustrated Baptism edition is presented as a beautiful white hardback, inlaid with silver foil, in a soft slipcase and with two ribbon markers. It has a dedication page and features 16 stunning full-colour plates from artist Skylar White that will capture children’s imaginations from their earliest years and make this a Baptism gift that they will cherish for years to come. 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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'A superb one-stop shop for students.' Dr Elizabeth Shively Tried, tested and trusted by students and teachers across the world, this widely respected study guide enables you to engage with an array of essential topics, including: - the Jewish and Greco-Roman background to the New Testament - literary genres and forms - issues of authorship, date and setting - the content and major themes of each book - well established and newer methods of study - the latest scholarship in the quest for the historical Jesus - the intersection of New Testament studies with contemporary faith and culture Now in its third edition, this popular textbook has been fully revised and updated, and includes new sections on: - the impact of social memory theory on Gospel studies - recent work on characterization in narrative studies of the Gospels - women in the Gospels - reading the Gospels and Acts theologically - how the Hebrew Scriptures are read by the New Testament authors - the resurrection and Ascension of Jesus - Luke’s presentation of Jesus' identity and mission - updated bibliographies, highlighting the most important and influential works published in the past decade Drawing on the authors' decades of experience in teaching these topics, this comprehensive textbook gives students a strong understanding and a solid foundation for further study.

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What do we do with the Bible? Does an ancient, sometimes violent and contradictory text that has been used to justify violence, racism, misogyny, homophobia and more, really have anything to teach us today? In this small but powerful book, Richard Rohr explores how we can read the bible in a contemplative and intelligent way. Focusing on Jesus' own method of using the Hebrew Scriptures, he shows us a way of interpreting the Bible that follows God's mercy, inclusion and compassionate justice, and creates a foundation for a hopeful vision from the beginning to the end of time. Warm and accessible, What Do We Do With the Bible? will give you a deeper, more genuine understanding of the Bible and transform your experience of Scripture - whether you are reading the Bible for the first time or returning to it over and over.

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Churches vary a great deal - but can we see past all their differences to what underlies them? 'Generous orthodoxy' is a phrase that describes a Christianity both broad and deep, rooted in the historic creeds and embracing different expressions of Christian faith. Exploring Generous Orthodoxy is a ground-breaking, creative and practical exploration of what that really means, and how expressing it might bring about a sense of unity in the church that is badly needed in our fractured and polarised world. Drawing together leading theologians from the UK and the USA - including David Ford, Katherine Sonderegger, Willie Jennings, Tom Greggs, JKA Smith and Jane Williams - this collection of reflections explores how generous orthodoxy can be expressed through everything from worship and preaching to biblical theology, the arts and more. Based around a series of lectures held at St Mellitus College, and sponsored by the McDonald Agape Foundation, Exploring Generous Orthodoxy is essential reading for anyone interested in how the Christian Church can bridge the gap between denominations to negotiate the challenges of our 21st century world in a united manner. It will leave you, not only with a deeper understanding of generous orthodoxy, but the practical confidence to celebrate and embrace the differences in Christian denominations so we can all live together more joyfully - through the transforming and renewing work of the Holy Spirit.

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Inspired by the popular Listography books, this journal creates a space for Christians to keep a record of their faith life, in lists. Filled with interesting lists and beautiful illustrations, this book is for those who enjoy documenting their faith through notebooks or prayer journals. Lists include the following: List your favourite ways to connect with God List people who inspire you in your faith List ways that you see God in the world around you List spiritual places that you want to visit List your favourite hymns or worship songs List your prayers for the future List people you are thankful for in your life List prayers that have been answered

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A book celebrating 30 years of New Wine. From one church in Chorleywood to a network of churches, and from UK roots to a global reach, Greater Things is a celebration of all the work of the New Wine family. With first-hand content from the Pytches and Coles who saw the story from the beginning, follow the journey of the New Wine family from its origins, explore its current work and focus, and be inspired by New Wine’s dreams for the future. Additional contributors include: Mike Pilavachi, Matt Redman, Debby Wright, Tim Hughes, Captain Alan Price, Bruce Collins, Heather Holgate and Naomi Graham. Encompassing the whole lifespan of New Wine, this book provides an opportunity to hear the story directly from the people most involved in the network: the challenges they've faced, the lessons they've learnt, and the blessings they’ve seen over the years.

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The Study of Ministry is a comprehensive guide to the theory and practice of ministry that attends to historical sources, the social sciences, pastoral theology, ecclesiology and cultural studies. The book argues for the study of ministry to be taken seriously as an aspect of ecclesiology and pastoral theology, providing a stimulating resource both for practising ministers and for all those training for ministry in a range of denominations.

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For those in or entering Leadership positions both inside and outside the Church. Are you looking to find the true principles of leadership explained in non-academic language and allow those principles to impact your leadership? We will know the reason why a recovery of the New Testament teaching is so vital if Christianity is to grow and thrive, and not just survive. How did Jesus lead? What are the key principles of leadership that he encouraged in his disciples? Michael Green draws out the radical teaching of the New Testament, and explains why a recovery of that teaching is so vital if Christianity is to grow and thrive, and not just survive.

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Jesus is the most influential person to have walked the earth. But why? And what makes his life and message so important to so many people today? James Dunn investigates what we can know for certain about the historical Jesus, and the reasons for his enormous impact - then and now.

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The purpose of this book is to enable Christian leaders to understand their psychological type, using the MBTI (Myers-Briggs) personality indicator, and to use this information to generate new insights into their own experience and performance. It will enable leaders to develop better strategies to maximise their strengths and to work with their recognised weaknesses. A significant amount of stress is experienced by Christian leaders. This book will help them to focus on those aspects of their work that are energising and life-giving. Part One of the book introduces the theories of psychological type and how these apply to Christian leaders. Part Two include detailed profile descriptions of each of the 16 MBTI personality types and explores the 'comfort zone' for that type and difficulties experienced by that type 'outside of the comfort zone.' Each type description is written with the role of the Christian leader in mind and covers aspects of their role, eg their experiences of worship, prayer, pastoral responsibilities, administration and working with others.

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Christianity Today 2019 Book of the Year Award - Politics and Public Life 'Scrupulously researched and documented, illustrated with both statistics and personal stories, this is a book that changes perceptions and could play a substantive role in achieving change.' -Margaret Hebblethwaite, author and missionary in Paraguay Published to coincide with the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November 2015), Scars Across Humanity is a thoroughly documented investigation into the causes of violence against women, past and present. Global in scope, and addressing the issues as they affect women at every stage of life, this powerful book also offers a probing critique of evolutionary and social-scientific accounts of gender-based violence, and of the role that religion can play, for good or ill, in the struggle against this worldwide problem.

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Introduces the life and significance of Abraham in a way that will enlighten both complete beginners and people who thought they knew all they needed to know about him. Abraham follows the biblical account of Abraham and his family in Genesis, while drawing out key points of reflection and action during Lent. Written by a brilliant new biblical scholar with a gift for communicating the very latest scholarship in ways that make sense to the non-expert. Abraham is a Lent book that takes the story of Abraham in Genesis as the basis for a series of six Lenten studies. There is a single chapter for each of the six weeks focusing on an extract from Genesis. Each chapter is followed by a set of questions arising from it, which could be used by groups or individuals, as well as suggested further reading. Each chapter begins and ends with discussion addressed to the reader and his or her own experience of moving through Lent. This discussion is related to the chosen passage from the Abraham narratives for that week, and will not assume any previous or background knowledge of biblical scholarship. In each chapter the reader is offered an interpretation of the chosen passage that is fresh and designed to resonate with their own personal experience. The book gently challenges some traditional ideas about Abraham and his presentation in the Bible.

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In the first book of the Young Joseph series, we find Joseph living in Canaan with his dad, stepmothers, eleven brothers - and lots of scene-stealing cows! Joseph is his father's favourite, which makes his brothers very cross, especially when he tells them about the dream he has had in which the sun, moon and eleven stars bow down to him. To cheer him up, Joseph's dad gives him a beautiful coat of many colours - a 'rainbow robe' to remind him that God loves everyone - even his brothers.

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When the whole army of Israel is too scared to fight a giant, will young David be any braver? David must draw on his experience of seeing off the Hairy Beast to deal with a far greater foe. In this retelling of the familiar story of David's encounter with Goliath, children are taught that any problem can be overcome if we approach it with courage, self-belief, and faith in God. It is a tale which encourages us to read between the lines of what the Bible tells us about David’s early years. The light-hearted and beautifully illustrated pictures will delight parents and children alike, regardless of religious conviction.

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Alister McGrath shows how science can take us only so far in answering the big questions about our origins, and how Christianity can take us further. A book for all who want to explore the reasons why the universe exists, and why we are in it.

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It's a big book, full of big stories with big characters. They have big ideas (not least about themselves) and make big mistakes. It's about God, and greed, and grace; about life, lust, laughter and loneliness. It's about birth, beginnings and betrayal; about siblings, squabbles and sex; about power and prayer and prison and passion ...And that's only Genesis.' Tom Wright unpacks the contents of the Bible and explains the meaning of its inspiration, impact and authority. A book for all who are curious about how God's voice can be heard today. Intended for people looking for answers to life's biggest questions, this little book of guidance will appeal to anyone, whether believer or non-believer, looking for a quick and easy way into the topic.

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'Like the Psalms in honesty and depth, these are poems that can help us pray, and prayers that can awaken us to the poetry in everyday life.' Dame Laurentia Johns From the introduction: 'Barefoot Ways offers the reader a poetic, prayerful meditation for every day of December and January. It connects with the spiritual themes of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany and takes the reader from the first days of a new Christian year to the feast of Candlemas on February 2nd. These three great Christian seasons are divided into thematic areas, each of which is given a brief introduction. . . The distance from Advent to Candlemas is considerable, and there are many ways across its fearful and fascinating terrain. I offer here some ‘barefoot’ ways – by which I mean ways that are both down to earth and yet full of spiritual aspiration and hope.'

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Is Christianity for those who can't get a life? What use is a dying God? Why is the Church so naff? If you've faced questions like these and felt tongue-tied, this is the book for you. It will help you talk more confidently with your friends about the hope that keeps you going. And during those times when you find that you are questioning your faith, the answers and ideas here may help you come to a deeper understanding of what you really believe.The user-friendly format of each chapter begins with a 'What they say' section. The author then identifies the key issue, before suggesting (in reassuring detail) how you might respond. All through the book you will find stories, as well as inspiring, poignant and witty quotes to work into your conversations whenever the opportunity arises . . .

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Focusing mainly on stories about being a curate in a variety of church traditions and contexts (both stipendiary and self-supporting), this engrossing book is inclusive in terms of age, ethnicity and gender. Over twenty contributors offer honest, grounded reflections on their experiences, through a mix of anecdotes, humour, practical advice and theology. As well as considering training, ordination and first steps in a curacy, Being a Curate looks at what makes a successful curacy; the relationship between the curate and the training incumbent; the transition from curate to incumbent; dealing with thorny issues, and the value of sharing stories.

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"Fresh, exciting, challenging and mind-stretching" Christian Herald Now an SPCK Classic, this is probably the most popular modern introduction to the four Gospel portraits of Jesus. It is written by an internationally respected biblical scholar and Christian communicator. Time and again, this book delights the reader as it points out nuances of wording and presentation that are so often the clues to the gospel writer's mind and to his response to the figure of Jesus Contact.

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This book includes ideas about using festivals to build relationships with the community. Contains 15 complete all-age worship outlines for use throughout the year, including key occasions like Christmas, Mothering Sunday, Easter, Father's Day and Harvest.

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This book explores the way in which liturgy can be used effectively in all-age communication. It is also a comprehensive practical resource - containing 12 complete all-age worship outlines for use throughout the year.

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Strike the Cloud presents the teaching of the 14th century spiritual classic The Cloud of Unknowing in a contemporary form, through selecting and commenting on its main themes. It explores how The Cloud has been adapted by contemporary teachers of contemplative prayer, and outlines ways in which it is relevant to the bigger ecumenical and interfaith picture of today.

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A Commentary on Acts is a study guide to accompany the biblical text. It consists of theological and pastoral commentary on the text. These essays help readers to understand the relevance of the Book of Acts for modern Christians.

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In Tides and Seasons, David Adam draws from the rich store of Celtic Spirituality insights which speak to our own world today. The prayers he has written for this book echo the rhythms of creation which find their parallels in our spiritual lives.

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How we handle money and possessions is central to our spiritual health and our emotional well being. This book does not set out to provide all the answers but it aims to help us ask some of the important questions about what it means to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ around money and possessions. Nor is this a matter for just our personal discipleship. We need to be praying for our nation, especially for Christians who work as economists and bankers and politicians. We need to pray that what emerges from this turbulent period is a more gentle form of wealth creation, less aggressive, less driven by profit, more underpinned by spiritual, social and moral values.

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What are clergy for? In this lively and provocative book, Alan Billings argues that they serve the mission and ministry of the Church, which is to make God possible (or findable).

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When you need to know how to do something, a manual is the best place to start. 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus could be called the 'Teacher's Manual' because these letters contain so much advice about the kind of teaching Christian leaders should - and shouldn't - be giving. Just as Timothy and Titus needed help to lead their young churches in the midst of powerful cultural forces, we need guidance for leading and living well in our own context. These studies of 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus point us in the right direction. They bring us to a greater understanding of ourselves and show us the way through the challenges we face.

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Gaze on him ...Consider him ...Contemplate him ...As you desire to imitate him. This advice from St Clare of Assisi is the key to unlocking the door to the heart of Jesus' teaching. Her words provide a pattern of meditation that brings alive the Gospel reading for every Sunday in Year A of the Revised Common Lectionary.

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The guides in this series by Tom Wright can be used on their own or alongside his New Testament for Everyone commentaries. They are designed to help you understand the Bible in fresh ways under the guidance of one of the world's leading New Testament scholars. Thoughtful questions, prayer suggestions, and useful background and cultural information all guide you into a deeper understanding of the Christian story and the Christian life. Jesus was someone who inspired many misconceptions. So how can we come to know who Jesus truly is? How can we learn that he is much more than a man who once had good ideas or who told us how to establish a better relationship with God? The Jesus whom Matthew reveals in his Gospel is somebody with authority over everything in the physical and spiritual worlds. This is a Jesus we can trust with every aspect of our lives. These twenty-five studies help us to discover a full, first-hand account of Jesus as Messiah, Teacher and Son of Man, who gave his life for us all.

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These short reflections will engage your imagination, mind and heart. Each one concludes with a brief prayer that focuses on helping you to imitate Christ in your everyday life.

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Who are the people of God? Cowardly, contemptuous, distrustful, whining ingrates? Are those the words that spring to mind when you think of a people set apart and named holy by God? Hardly. And yet that is what the book of Numbers shows the people of God to be. Even so, God continues to be faithful to the unfaithful. He chastens them, protects them and continues to invest in them, allowing them to mature, over a period of forty years, into a hardy, trusting, courageous community of warriors ready to take the land he's promised them. The sermons of Deuteronomy are preached on the eve of a confident and holy Israel's entry into the Promised Land. Moses reminds God's people of what they have been through, what's expected of them, what they can expect of God and what will happen in the future, depending on the choices they make. Most of all, he exhorts Israel to love and serve the Lord their God with all their heart, soul and strength, so that they will not only survive but thrive in their land. Using personal anecdote, a witty and lively style, and drawing on his considerable theological knowledge, John Goldingay takes us deep into the unfolding story of the Old Testament. And, as he guides us in our understanding of these time-honoured words and the ancient world they describe, he helps us to apply what we read to our lives.

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Takes a looks at decision making in our lives. This book includes chapters that focus on the drivers of human life: sex, money, power and fame.

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Many Christians find the virgin birth a difficult doctrine and are not sure how to handle it. This book examines why that is by addressing the whole range of issues that arise - literary, historical and hermeneutical - from a perspective that takes seriously creedal confession and theological and ecclesiological concerns. incoln's investigation of the primary sources for the virgin birth leads him to consider the literary genre and distinctive characteristics of the New Testament birth narratives as part of ancient biography, and to reassess the likely historicity of the traditions that Matthew and Luke have in common. He then looks at how changes in our views of history and biology decisively affect any traditional understanding of the virgin birth, exploring what that means for the authority of Scripture and creed, and for our understanding of Christology.

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NT Wright offers reflections on the Sunday readings in the "Revised Common Lectionary for Year A." This book brings together his widely read columns in the "Church Times", and also contains new pieces, to cover all the Sundays and major festivals. Scholarship, history and insights into the world and language of the Bible are woven together to give a deeper understanding of the Word of the Lord. This book will be invaluable to anyone who wants to gather their thoughts in preparation for Sunday worship, or for regular Bible study throughout the year.

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Our notion of calling or vocation has become very narrow, and is often taken only to mean the calling to be an ordained minister. I want to rescue the idea from all those assumptions because I believe that God calls every human being to some particular self-giving task at each stage of their life'. Francis Dewar. Written for all lay people, including those considering ordination, this new edition, which takes into account changes since the ordination of women to the priesthood, is itself a call for everyone to discover their unique journey.

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A guide to the different sorts of retreats on offer (Ignatian, Myers Briggs, Enneagram etc.). It covers the purpose of retreats, who can benefit from them, the difference between group and individual retreats and between directed and undirected retreats. There is a section on each major type of retreat explaining what happens, the basic premise behind it, who it is suitable for and how to find a retreat. The book also contains case studies.

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NT Wright offers reflections on the Sunday readings in the Revised Common Lectionary for Year C. This book brings together his widely read columns in the Church Times, and also contains new pieces, to cover all the Sundays and major festivals. Scholar-ship, history, insights into the world and language of the Bible are woven together to give a deeper understanding of the Word of the Lord. This book will be invaluable for anyone who wants to gather their thoughts in preparation for Sunday worship, or for regular Bible study throughout the year.

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Edwin, the deposed king of Northumbria, seeks refuge at the court of King Raedwald of East Anglia. But Raedwald is urged to kill his guest by Aethelfrith, Edwin's usurper. As Edwin walks by the shore, alone and at bay, he is confronted by a mysterious figure - the missionary Paulinus - who prophesies that he will become High King of Britain. It is a turning point. Through battles and astute political alliances Edwin rises to great power, in the process marrying the Kentish princess Aethelburh. As part of the marriage contract the princess is allowed to retain her Christian faith. But, in these times, to be a king is not a recipe for a long life : This turbulent and tormented period in British history sees the conversion of the Anglo-Saxon settlers who have forced their way on to British shores over previous centuries, arriving first to pillage, then to farm and trade - and to come to terms with the world view of the Celtic tribes they have driven out.

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A Christmas book in the popular Tiny Tots Bible range. Retold with no more than 50 words per double page, and fun, jolly artwork from Kay Widdowson. The clear text is easy to read aloud and the swirly, bright art style will capture the attention of any young child, with lots of smiley animals and characters and little details to spot. A great introduction to the story of the Nativity to share with little tots. PACK OF 10

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The best-selling Lion Children's Bible contains accessible retellings of all the important stories of the Bible. Accompanied by appealing illustrations, these timeless stories can be enjoyed alone or with the help of an adult. All the significant stories of the Old and New Testaments to the book of Acts are retold in clear, simple language which children understand. The stories may be read as individual stories, yet they form a continuous narrative which closely follows the 'one story' of God and his people contained in the whole Bible.

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This collection of prayers contains the best-loved traditional ones along with some fresh choices, making it ideal for children to browse and enjoy while they are young and to remember and turn to as they grow up. The book comes with presentation page and enough space for the recipient to add personal favourites of their own.

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Have the Church of England lectionary calendar at your fingertips with Common Worship Lectionary 2024. Featuring readings and Bible passage for the whole of the liturgical year, this little book is an essential resource for church readers. Its clear, streamlined presentation, laid out a week to view with both the Common Worship and the Book of Common prayer calendars on facing pages, makes it incredibly easy to use. Covering Sunday and major festival as well as weekday services, the Common Worship Lectionary 2024 is a simple and thorough resource for anyone following the Anglican church calendar. It also features the Additional Weekday Lectionary, making it the most complete lectionary available. A5 sized, this paperback edition of the lectionary is light and portable, perfect for carrying on the go, while featuring plenty of space for any notes you want to make. There is no better way of following the Church of England calendar than with the Common Worship Lectionary 2024.

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Thomas Merton's life, especially once he had become a writer, was to a great extent one of dialogue with people who were distant, both geographically and historically. In these probing and perceptive studies, Rowan Williams looks closely at the key intellectual and spiritual relationships that emerge in Merton's writings, exploring the impact on him of thinkers as diverse as Hannah Arendt, Karl Barth, William Blake, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Olivier Clément, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Paul Evdokimov, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Vladimir Lossky, John Henry Newman, Boris Pasternak and St John of the Cross.

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Written as an aid to meditation and prayer, this book features reflections on aspects of the architecture, history, art and furnishings of 22 English cathedrals.

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Sometimes we need to hear that it's 'OK not to be OK' - but how often do we hear this in our churches? This book opens the conversation on spirituality and mental health in a way that shows you that you are not alone.

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