Chittister calls us to cherish the blessing of aging as a natural part of life that is active, productive, and deeply rewarding.

"The best book I have read on the subject of aging, a dazzling work radiant with gems of insight on every page. It will be my spiritual reading in the days ahead." Andrew Greeley, author.

Also by Chittister:

•  Ten Commandments: Laws of the Heart. Orbis, US (2006). $35.00

•  Tent of Abraham: Stories of Hope and Peace for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Beacon, US (2007). $29.99

•  Way We Were: A Story Of Conversion And Renewal. Orbis, US (2008). $42.00.

•  Welcome to the Wisdom of the World: And Its Meaning for You. Eerdmans, US (2007). $39.99.

Complete Themed Intercessions. David Adam. 397pp. Kevin Mayhew, UK. $64.99.

Intercession involves us with the deepest of relationships with God and all creation, as we express our love and trust in God, our love and concern for each other and for the whole world. These 180 intercessions are in 12 themed sections with a topical index. They are suitable for church worship, smaller gatherings and individual devotion.

Create your own simple prayerful oases in your church or home to encourage new ways of meeting God. The 15 examples in this book provide easy-to-use, detailed instructions and will stir your imagination.

 

Also on this topic:

• Creative Ideas for Quiet Days. Sue Pickering. Canterbury, UK. $46.50.

Miller introduces us to six types of Celtic prayer that can connect us to God more deeply by helping us pray out of the circumstances and un-certainties of our own life. The Celts longed for the day when all separation is gone and we live forever in the presence of God.

In these 30 articles, public addresses and sermons Randerson fosters an awareness of the the truths that lie at the heart of fulfilled living and community relationships.

Questions at the end of each piece will assist personal reflection or group discussion.

Beautifully packaged in flexibind and with a marker ribbon, this intelligent, moving collection taps into the extraordinarily powerful way New Zealand poets address the subject of death, dying and grief. Includes poems by Janet Frame, Glen Colquhoun, James K Baxter and others. They will be welcomed by those dealing with the imminent or recent death of a loved one. Royalties to Hospice NZ.

With more than 100 full-color maps, timelines, and expert explanations, this superlative reference work will enable readers to more fully appreciate and understand the Bible and its stories. Detailed biblical references, timelines, and suggestions for further reading accompany each period of biblical history, conveying a tangible sense of the land, events, and people portrayed in the Bible.

60 new hymns written between 2003–8. The hymns, which cover the church seasons and many other themes, arise out of the NZ context. Singable tunes, well indexed & spiral bound.

Also by Murray:

Two very different creatures learn the give-and-take of friendship in these warm, funny stories set in the desert. Suitable for reading aloud and for children's talks in church. Award winning book.

Also by Cowley:

• Come and See: Reflections on the Life of Jesus Among Us. Pleroma, NZ. $25.00

Clayton, a United Church of Christ minister, uses examples from his own experience and from others, laity and clergy, to explore retirement and the three components of our calling: our identity, our gifts, and our occupation. He also examines the role of community in our calling and retirement; the challenges of the transition into retirement; options for meaningful activity; the importance of identifying our purpose; and doing and being in retirement. Readers will be encouraged to see retirement as an opportunity to do what they have always wanted to do and to become the kind of person they have wanted to be.

Also on this topic:

• Living with Purpose in a Worn-out Body: Spiritual Encouragement for Older Adults. Missy Buchanan. Upper Room, US. $21.00.

• Lessons I Learned From My Grandchildren. Delia Halverson. Dimensions for Living, US. $20.00.

Following a brief introduction to a variety of wedding situations, including interfaith and second marriages, the author provides prayers, litanies, Scripture readings, and meditations for every aspect of the wedding service from processional to declaration of intention, exchange of vows and rings, unity candle and other uniting rituals, and more.

Also available:

• Weddings with Today’s Families in Mind. Doreen McFarlane. Pilgrim, US. $34.99

• Ceremonies and Celebrations: Vows, Tributes and Readings. Dally Messenger. Hachette, Aust. $33.00