John Bell of the Iona Community, takes a compelling fresh look at aspects of Jesus’ personal life, relationships and ministry which are seldom the stuff of preaching or conversation, but which are all rooted in the Gospels and are necessary if we are to be freed from the passive stereotypes which still dominate thinking about Christ.

Much of the book is rooted in encounters with people on the periphery of religious life and in situations where politeness is not a prerequisite for discussing faith. A stimulating read.

Also by John Bell:

• Come All You People: Shorter Songs For Worship: Songbook. Wild Goose. $27.50

Light for Our Path is aimed at younger people and those getting started with daily Bible reading. The straightforward language and style of this book is also appreciated by people with English as a second language. These daily notes introduce readers to some of the biblical books as a whole, but they also cover a variety of themes, showing how the Old and New Testaments read together can reveal the depth, richness and relevance of the Bible for today's world.

 

This compilation of articles is from Methodist newspaper Touchstone.

Anne contributed articles over 4 years on aspects of ageing, which many experience as a journey of discovery and celebration of life. Her writing and work as a nurse and counsellor, and her pastoral ministry, have given comfort and hope to many people.

 

When Helen and her sons go to a friend’s house to visit some newborn kittens, Sam and Rob fall instantly in love and manage to convince their mum to keep one of them. Tragically, a week later Sam is run over and killed. As Cleo arrives she takes on the healing of the family and distracts them from grieving through her antics and her ability to make them laugh and love again. Warm, moving and funny.

 

These brief, insightful introductions to all the readings of the church’s three-year lectionary cycle are designed to sharpen our listening and increase comprehension of Scripture by summarising each passage, setting it in a liturgical and historical context, connecting it to the season, and drawing out its relevance to our lives and faith, week by week.

 

Large Print Prayer Book. 104pp. Kevin Mayhew. $32.99

This collection of favourite Christian prayers, poems and Bible readings has been designed and printed in accordance with clear print guidelines for people with sight problems. Arranged by theme.

 

 

Auckland a cappella gospel choir - Jubilation - presents a spirited collection of songs to move and shake you. Jubilation originals mix with Tom Waits, Isaac Hayes and Don McGlashan classics. The songs hail from the 1840s to the 21st century.

 

"Advent is often the busiest time of the year," writes Richardson. "And yet, we are called to make time and space to prepare our lives for the coming of the Christ child. What a challenge. …No matter how busy we may become, God is waiting to break through our endless tasks and distractions to remind us that we are not alone." This book offers four weeks of guided reflection. Each day provides a: quotation, scripture passage, reflection & prayer.

 

Revealed: A Course Uncovering Advent to Epiphany 6 Sessions. Claire Benton-Evans. 80pp Kevin Mayhew. $23.99. (1 copy in stock)

The films Calendar Girls and The Full Monty, on which this course is based, have one thing in common: nakedness. However, this is simply the trigger for the true revelations which give these stories their heart. This course has six weekly sessions, taking themes from film scenes and applying them to the Bible, exploring ways in which we are revealed to ourselves and to God, and how God reveals himself to us and to the world. Meditations precede each session, encouraging participants to read, reflect, pray, think, question and be creative in their own time. Each session is self-contained, meaning if a participant cannot attend one week, they will not fall behind.

Grandad is the boy’s best friend. Being with him always makes the world seem right. Each time he and Grandad walk in the woods, the boy listens for the prayers of the earth. And finally the boy asks: "Are our prayers answered?" One day, long after Grandad is gone, long after the boy is grown, he understands Grandad’s reply: "If we listen very closely, a prayer is often its own answer."

 

With warmth and humor, Archbishop Tutu distills his philosophy of unity and forgiveness into a picture book for the very young. He has a vision of God’s dream. It’s a wish that everyone will see they are brothers and sisters, no matter their way of speaking to God, no matter the size of their nose or the shade of their skin. Beautifully illustrated.

Using the popular and vibrant artwork from The Beginner’s Bible, children will learn the events leading up to Jesus’ birth and his miraculous arrival. By the end of the story, children (ages 2-5) will understand why we celebrate this special day.

 

Where did Mary and Joseph shelter in Bethlehem? What did the shepherds see on the hillside? What made the wise men look up at the sky? Peep through the holes in the pages of this book to discover the story of Christmas.

An ideal gift book for toddlers and early readers. With six giant spreads this simple re-telling of the Christmas story follows Mary and Joseph’s journey through to the Wise Men bearing gifts. Children will love exploring the book, by pulling the tabs and lifting the flaps. The final spread is a double page giant pop up of the stable scene complete with Baby Jesus, the manger, shepherds, Wise Men and foil star glittering on the top of the stable.

The Story of the Nativity. Anna Milbourne. Padded large Hbk. 24pp. Usborne. $24.99.

“Once upon a time, long, long ago, an angel flew down from Heaven….” So begins this charming re-telling of the Christmas story. Luminous pastel illustrations bring the story to life. An ideal gift for grandchildren.

Sunday School prize books – Order now.

·         Beginner's Bible: The Very First Christmas. Zonderkids. $4.99. (Arriving soon)

Children will learn one of the most wonderful stories of all time, the birth of Jesus. By the end of the story, children will understand why we celebrate this special day. Age 2-5.

·         No Tree For Christmas: The Story Of Jesus' Birth. Marilyn Lashbrook. Candle. $3.99 (allow 1 week)

Invites children to join in the fun by pointing, repeating, filling in, making sounds and answering questions. Age 3+.

·         My First Story of Christmas. Tim Dowley. Candle. $4.99 (allow 1 week)

Helps children to understand why we give gifts at Christmas. Simple sentences and endearing illustrations. Age 4+

Preaching, Worship & Devotional resources for 2010 / Year C