Book of the Month

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Come and See. Joy Cowley. Photos: Terry Coles. 137pp. Pleroma, NZ. $25.00.

Our No. 1 bestseller! Cowley’s exciting new book  provides 64 reflective meditations. Each includes a scripture verse, thought for the day and photograph. Ideal for use in worship, small group devotions and for personal reflection.

 

Also by Cowley -  $22.50 each:

• Aotearoa Psalms (more stock arriving early June 2008)

• Psalms Down-under

• Psalms for the Road.

 

Quiet Revolution: Emergence of Interfaith Consciousness. Peter Kirkwood. 333pp. ABC, Aust. $43.99

The rapid transition to a religiously pluralistic world is exciting, inspiring, perplexing, troubling and threatening all at once. Kirkwood investigates the growth of interfaith commun­ication in a time of deep transformation and introduces some of the key thinkers and activists spearheading interfaith dialogue.

Christians and Sexuality in the Time of AIDS. Timothy Radcliffe, Lytta Basset, Eric Fassin. 122pp. Continuum, US. $29.99.

This book arises from pioneering work by the Christians and AIDS organisation focusing on how Christians and the Church can play a part in the fight against the illness. By challenging attitudes to sex and the expression of sexuality, relationships and morality, the authors suggest new paths towards articulating a theology that is equipped to deal with the modern world. Also by Radcliffe (allow 4-6 weeks for delivery):

·         Just One Year: Prayer & Worship Through the Christian Year. DLT, UK. $52.99

·         What is the Point of Being a Christian? Continuum, US. $39.99

Confirmation Book for Adults. Sharon Swain. 133pp. SPCK, UK. $29.99

Written from an Anglican perspective, this well structured guide provides a framework for confirmation courses as well as support for individuals contemplating this big step in their Christian journey.

Swain explores the meaning of confirmation and living by faith in Christ, provides Bible study exercises and includes questions for those who wish to explore further.

Who On Earth Was Jesus?: The Modern Quest for the Jesus of History. David Boulton. 417pp. O Books, US. $48.00

A comprehensive, engrossing account of the state of the current debate between modern scholars on what we can learn about the Jesus of history before he became the Christ of faith. All the major schools of historical Jesus detective-work are surveyed in turn. “The best and most thorough account of the breadth and variety of historical Jesus scholarship. Lively, informed, fair and highly recommended.” Marcus Borg.

Also by Boulton (allow 6 weeks for delivery):

·         The Trouble With God: Building the Republic of Heaven. 2^nd edition. O Books, UK. $42.00

In The Steps Of Saint Paul: An Illustrated Guide To Paul's Journeys. Peter Walker. Hbk. Colour throughout. 214pp. Lion, UK. $49.99.

Walker draws on Luke's account in Acts, and Paul's own letters, to reconstruct Paul's travels. He details many of the important sites of the early church. For each site, he includes: Paul's story at that location, key dates of significant events associated with that place, and a final section exploring the location as a visitor might encounter it today.

Chrysalis: The Hidden Transformation in the Journey of Faith. Alan Jamieson. 119pp. Paternoster, UK. $30.00.

Christians often find their faith changing and are troubled by this. Kiwi pastor and sociologist, Jamieson helps readers to see that radical changes need not mean the end of personal faith. Instead he helps us to embrace them as part of a positive, Christian, Spirit-led journey with God. Also by Jamieson:

·         A Churchless Faith: Faith Journeys Beyond The Churches. 179pp. SPCK, UK. (2002). $34.99.

·         Called Again: In And Beyond The Deserts Of Faith. 168pp. Philip Garside, NZ. (2004) $15.00

·         Five Years On: Continuing Faith Journeys Of Those Who Left The Church. 136pp. Portland, NZ. (2006) $24.99

Prayers For A Privileged People. Walter Brueggemann. 183pp. Abingdon, US. $35.00.

Brueggemann challenges us to step out of the world of merit, achievement, production and consumption, into the realm of a God who startles and pushes us out of ordinariness. “Bruegge­mann’s prayers will jolt the church to renew the risky, rewarding, faithful mission of proclaiming and labouring for justice, peace, righteousness and joy..” Rev Dr Ted Loder, retired United Methodist minister.

Also by Brueggemann (Allow 4 weeks for delivery):

·         Awed to Heaven, Rooted in Earth: The Prayers of Walter Brueggemann. Fortress, US. $26.99

·         Inscribing the Text: Sermons and Prayers of Walter Brueggemann. Hbk. Fortress, US. $39.99

Preaching Ethically: Being True to the Gospel, Your Congregation, and Yourself. Ronald Sisk. 124pp. Alban, US. $29.99

How do clergy preach to meet the legitimate needs of their congregation and live up to standards of professionalism and personal integrity? To be true to ourselves and our calling, says Sisk, we must examine how the many factors that can influence our preaching come into play. The calling to preach the gospel compels us to preach in ways that keep the gospel foremost, treat the congregation fairly, and are true to our own convictions and our personal integrity.

So That All Might Know: Preaching That Engages the Whole Congregation. Thomas Troeger & Edward Everding. 138pp. Abingdon, US. $32.00

Most preachers experience the conundrum of reaching some people in the congregation, but not others. Troeger and Everding show their readers how to craft the sermon to speak to their congregation members’ multiple learning styles each time they step into the pulpit.

Seven Sacred Pauses: Living Mindfully Through the Hours of the Day. Macrina Wiederkehr. 224pp. Hbk. Sorin, US. $32.99.

Using scripture, poetry, reflections, personal stories, and quotes from a rich array of spiritual teachers, Wiederkehr helps readers become more attuned to living in the present moment and to develop a kindred spirit with the rich monastic tradition of the sacred hours. A wonderful gift to those who seek to find balance in their busy days and to bring the practice of the Divine Hours home to their own hearts. Also by Wiederkehr:

·         Gold in Your Memories: sacred moments, glimpses of God. Ave Maria, US. (1998) $28.99

·         Behold Your Life: A Pilgrimage Through Your Memories. Ave Maria, US. (2000) $26.99

·         Seasons of your Heart: Prayers and reflections. HarperOne. US. (1991) $25.99

Quiet Spaces – Fire 62pp. BRF, UK. $14.99

Burning with passion, warming our hearts, bringing light to dark places, this edition of Quiet Spaces considers fire in Christian spirituality through an attractive blend of articles, prayers, meditations and regular columns. Among the special features in this issue, read Tom Smail on the fire of renewal, Jennifer Rees Larcombe looks at being refined by fire, and discover the flames behind John Wesley’s “strangely warmed” heart.

Quiet Spaces – Morning 62pp. BRF, UK. $14.99.

Focusing on the theme of Morning and looking at it from different angles – such as nurturing faith in children and the dawn of hope in tough situations – this issue features articles from Maggi Dawn, Lindsay Melluish and Michael Volland.

Other Quiet Spaces titles available at $14.99 each are: • Rock • The City • Water • Wilderness • Creation • Feast • Garden • Journey.

Matariki Titles

The rising of the star group Matariki in June each year signifies the beginning of the Maori New Year. Also known in other cultures as the Pleiades and the Seven Sisters, Matariki is being increasingly celebrated each year, with events held throughout New Zealand in all communities. Buy these Matariki titles.

Matariki Calendar June 2008 - May 2009/ Maramataka Calender Piripiri 2008 - Haratua 2009. 300 x 300 mm, 24pp, 36 full colour illustrations. Te Papa Press. $19.99   

Packed full of proverbs and körero on the traditional Mäori maramataka (yearly calendar) and generously illustrated with as many as four pictures per month. Images include Te Papa’s precious täonga, activities from contemporary Maori life and scenes of our beautiful country through the seasons.  Around New Zealand, Matariki is a time of great festivity, as well as reflection and planning for the year to come. This calendar teaches people of all ages about life for traditional Mäori and their relationship with the natural world – as well as how to connect with Matariki in modern times.

Matariki Wall chart.

We are sorry but this title is now out of print - May 2008.

Matariki: The Maori New Year (2^nd edition).Libby Hakaraia. 52pp Reed, NZ. $19.99   

Producer, director and radio presenter Libby Hakaraia has written an interesting and accessible introduction to the star group Matariki and its significance in Maoritanga. The rising of the star group Matariki into the New Zealand sky signifies the beginning of the Maori New Year – a festival which is undergoing a renaissance. All around New Zealand a growing number of events are being held to coincide with Matariki’s appearance in the dawn sky in the middle of the year.

Today more and more people are celebrating the rising of Matariki. For those who wish to join this growing movement, Libby provides suggestions on how to celebrate the Maori New Year – and, most importantly, a guide to finding Matariki in the night sky.

Celebrating Matariki: (book and CD) Libby Hakaraia. 32 pp, colour throughout, includes 10 Matariki-related activities. Reed, NZ. $19.99

Following the enormous success of her first book about Matariki for the Reed adult list, Libby Hakaraia has written this book for children. Celebrating Matariki explains what Matariki is, how, where and when the constellation can be seen, and explains the importance of Matariki in Maori life and culture. Her information is illustrated with historical and contemporary imagery, and the book includes 10 Matariki-related activities for children to try. These include: Matariki quiz, Matariki wordfind, how to make a telescope, how to keep a starchart, making a Matariki mobile, how to make a compass, and recipes for a Matariki feast.

The story of Matariki is included on the CD, along with 5 songs about Matariki that children can learn. Words to the songs are also included in the book.

Matariki. Melanie Drewery. 32pp, colour. Children’s storybook. Reed, NZ (2003). $14.99    

‘Tonight we have to go to bed really early,’ said Mum. ‘Tomorrow morning we have a surprise.’ But what event would be so special to get you up in the middle of a cold winter? Matariki is rising and the new year is on the way. The rising of Matariki into the New Zealand sky signifies the beginning of the Maori new year – coinciding with the shortest day of the year. This delightful story follows one family as they celebrate the coming of Matariki and talk about what it means to different people.  

Celebrating the Southern Seasons: Rituals for Aotearoa. Revised edition. Juliet Batten. 272pp. Random House, NZ. $34.99

In this 10^th anniversary expanded and updated edition, Batten provides fascinating information about the natural world, astronomy and ancient civilisations. She shows how our inherited Christian and other festivals can mean more when linked to the seasons, how we can learn from Maori observances such as Matariki, and how to adapt existing ceremonies and create our own distinctly New Zealand rituals.

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