Conferences and Events

THE VIENNA HORNS OF SCOTLAND along with members of the Wiener Waldhorn Verein will perform an evening concert to raise funds for the renovation and renewal of Mayfield Salisbury Church and Hall.  15 November, 7pm, Mayfield Salisbury Church, West Mayfield, Edinburgh.  Tickets £5.00 (including refreshments) available from Aileen Nimmo on 0131 662 1364, Christine De Luca on 0131 667 9090, or pay at the door.  Children learning to play the horn will be admitted free if accompanied by an adult.

WHOSE CRIME IS IT ANYWAY? Prisoners’ Week is an opportunity to remember all in our communities who are affected by crime and imprisonment – prisoners and their families, victims of crime and those who work within the criminal justice system.  It is an initiative of the Churches that aims to stimulate discussion and highlight concerns.  16–23 November. For contact details of organisations that offer help and advice, Prisoners’ Week information and worship resources, visit www.PrisonersWeekScotland.co.uk

KINGDOM YOUTH WORK is a day of workshops, word, ministry and worship for youth leaders, volunteers and young leaders (in last year of school) who want to explore or learn more about what a Kingdom focused youth ministry might look like.  22 November, 10am – 5pm, Holy Trinity Church, Wester Hailes, Edinburgh.  £10 (adults), £5 (in last year of school).  Booking is essential.  For further information, contact CLAN Gathering on 01771 637962.

BRIDGING THE GAP is an ecumenical venture in Dunkeld, Perthshire – a chance for people of any church or none to puzzle over issues of faith and life.  A series of events is held on Sunday evenings through the winter and the next one will look at the theme ‘Was Jesus a Killjoy?’ – putting the celebration back into the spiritual, and the spiritual at the heart of celebration.  23 November, 7pm, Birnam Institute, Dunkeld.  Each night starts with a choice of three workshops on the theme and, after a break for refreshments, ends with innovative worship.  For further information, contact Fraser Penny on 01350 727249 or FraserPenn@aol.com

EDINBURGH INTER-FAITH WEEK The programme is now available and includes events such as Big Quiz Night, Community Meal and Meet your Muslim or Thai Buddhist Neighbour.  23–30 November. Visit www.eifa.org.uk/ifw.html

LIVING THE QUESTIONS EXPO is a consultation for past users, and a taster for future users, of the ‘Living the Questions’ DVD programme, which is for both seekers and long-time church-goers convinced that Christianity still has relevance in the 21st Century.  28-29 November, Renfield St Stephen’s, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow.  For further information, contact Graham Maule at gam@zetnet.co.uk.  LTQ materials are available in Scotland from the Iona Community’s Wild Goose Publications website

www.ionabooks.com/newsite/sections/bookshop/bookshop.asp?cat=21, and Cornerstone Bookshop in Edinburgh www.cornerstonebooks.org.uk or see the LTQ home site www.livingthequestions.com/xcart/home.php

A CELEBRATION OF FAITH THROUGH MUSIC will feature songs of praise from many of the major faith traditions, and it is hoped that the event will promote friendship and goodwill between the various faith communities and non-faith communities attending.  30 November, 6.30–10pm, Woodside Halls, Maryhill, Glasgow.  A vegetarian curry will be served, the cost of which is Included in the ticket price (£3/adults, £2/concessions).  To purchase tickets, contact Iain Stewart on 0141 352 6946, 07966 286411 or istewart@cofscotland.org.uk, or visit the Mission & Discipleship Office, 59 Elmbank Street, Glasgow G2 4PQ, Monday-Friday 9am–5pm.

YOUR BUSINESS… FOR THE MISSION OF GOD In recent times there has been a revival of interest in the contribution that business can make to the worldwide mission of God.  This meeting will feature an interactive presentation by American Craig Shugart, exploring the role of Christians in business, examining ‘Business as Mission’ and describing the part his company plays in this global movement.  4 December, 6.30pm for 7– 9pm (including a finger buffet), King James VI Business Centre, Riverview Business Park, Friarton Road, Perth PH2 8DY.  For further information, contact Nicholas Morris on 07749 877107 or nicholas@isscot.org

SOUL MARKS WORKSHOPS Soul Marks encourages the use of visual arts as tools for prayer, worship and community.  These workshops offer a chance to strip away the wrapping and focus on the heart of the Christmas season, with time and space for quiet reflection combined with practical artwork.  6 December, 9.30am – 4.30pm, Leith School of Art, 25 North Junction Street, EH6 6HW.  £35 (including art materials, coffee and biscuits). To book, contact Therese Christie on 0131 554 5761 or enquiries@LeithSchoolofArt.co.uk. 8 December, 10am – 4pm, Lochiehead, Auchtermuchty Fife KY14 7EH. £30 (including art materials, lunch, coffee and biscuits).  To book, contact Celia Stone on 0131 669 2431 or admin@soulmarks.co.uk For general enquiries about the workshops, contact Carol Marples on 0131 467 6243 or carol@soulmarks.co.uk

A CONVERSATION WITH BRIAN MCLAREN is a seminar for leaders and leadership teams in local churches and church-linked organisations, to develop themes engaged in his books, ‘A Generous Orthodoxy’ and ‘A New Kind of Christian’.  In addition, Rev Peter Neilson will bring a response from a Scottish perspective.  6 December, 4-6pm, Community Church Edinburgh, King’s Hall, 41a South Clerk Street, EH8 9NZ.  Free, but booking is essential.  Contact Colin Symes at colin@cce.uk.net For information on other Scottish venues and events, visit www.brianmclaren.2getherscotland.org

CLIC SARGENT Caring for Children with Cancer Annual Carol Concert, performed by the choir of the Lothian Hospitals professional staff, conducted by Tim Dean of Scottish Opera.  18 December, 7.30pm, Church of Scotland Assembly Hall, The Mound, Edinburgh.  Tickets (£10/adults, £7/children), are available from Tickets Scotland, 127 Rose Street, or by calling 0131 220 3234 or Hamish Alldridge on 07968 098939.

INTRODUCTION TO THE HEART OF THE WORLD’S FAITH 2009 Some of the world’s major faith traditions will be explored over 10 weeks, using a mixture of presentation and discussion.  Each session will be led by a speaker from within the Faith Tradition being explored, will cover basic concepts and include a brief experience of a spiritual/ritual practice meditation from each tradition.  15 January – 19 March 2009, 7-9pm every Thursday. St George’s West, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh EH2 4RT.  £75 (£55 for Concessions), which includes refreshments and background reading material.  Further details and a booking form can be downloaded from www.creativespacesgw.org.uk/downloads/3025_World_Faiths_course_V4.pdf

DEEP IMPACT 2009 is the national training conference for all those involved in Christian youth work.  It is for volunteers and paid employees; for those working for local authorities, local churches and agencies; and for those with experience or just starting out.  Deep Impact provides practical and Biblical input from skilled youth work practitioners and theologians, to equip participants with knowledge, tools and skills.  23-25 January 2009, MacDonald Aviemore Highland Resort, Aviemore PH22 1PN.  For further information and to book, visit www.deep-impact.org.uk

HOW TO RUN A CAFÉ CHURCH is a training day of teaching, workshops and worship that will equip you to run a café church. 24 January 2009, 9.30am – 4.30pm, Queen’s Park Baptist Church, Glasgow.  £25 (£20 ‘early bird’ rate available until 21 November).  For further information and to book, visit www.cafechurch.net [To hear Cid Latty (Minister at Christchurch Baptist in Welwyn Garden City) speak about how his church became involved with Costa Coffee, his vision for a cafe church in every high street and why he has set up the Cafechurch Network, visit Cafe Church - a dream ticket for Costa Coffee and the Church.]

SOUNDCHECK 09 The SPEAK Network is hosting a warehouse gathering which will include speakers, workshops and live music. Ron Sider, author of ‘Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger’, will explore the promises of justice and freedom for the oppressed offered in the Bible. 27 February – 1 March 2009, The Synergy Centre, 220 Farmers Road, London SE5 0TW. For further information, visit www.speak.org.uk or to book, visit www.speak.org.uk/who-speak-is/news-and-events/soundcheck-09-responseability

FRENZY 2009 Tickets are now on sale for the UK’s largest one-day Christian music festival.
6 June 2009, Royal Highland Hall, Ingliston, Edinburgh.  For further information, visit www.frenzyfrenzy.com or contact the ticket hotline on 08708 748748.

Resources

CAIRNGORMS CHRISTIAN CENTRE, in the Highland village of Kincraig and part of the Cairngorms National Park, is a good low-cost venue for groups and families, providing a comfortable place to stay whether on a retreat, an Alpha course, for church weekends or weeks, or simply to relax and revitalise.  There is an Access Fund for groups and individuals so that, when finances are limited, support can be given to make a visit possible.  Contact the Manager on 01540 651373.  For further information, visit www.cairngormschristiancentre.co.uk

GO EVEN FURTHER A new CD toolkit focusing on how to use Gift Aid to increase charity income has been produced by HM Revenue and Customs.  It includes basic guidance, templates, an interactive claim form and other materials.  Request it by phoning HMRC Charities on 08453 020 203 or by email.

iMatter DVD RUN has added two new PDF downloads to assist those who use iMatter as an outreach resource: ‘Ideas for how to use iMatter’ and ‘iMatter Conversation Starters’, both designed to help get the most out of the DVD.  Visit www.run.org.uk/R/imatter/default.aspx

RELATIONS WITH OTHER FAITHS The November edition of this newsletter from Iain Stewart, Inter-Faith Support Worker, features the Muslim pilgrimage to Makkah and details of events and opportunities, one of which is a chance for young people to be part of an exciting Inter-Faith project in Africa, through the auspices of the Tony Blair Foundation.  Visit www.churchofscotland.org.uk/extranet/xmissiondisciple/xmdresources.htm#rwof

SCRIPTURE UNION has a wide selection of items suitable as Christmas gifts and stocking fillers.  In addition, there is the ‘Ultimate’ range of no-nonsense, easy-to-use resources for church leaders, including quizzes, visual aids, creative prayer, games and craft ideas.  Visit www.scriptureunion.org.uk/Shop/Offers/38541.id

Rural Church

THE CHANGING POST OFFICE is the title of a day conference hosted by ACTS and Scottish Churches Rural Group, to give information to enable for churches to lead their communities in the provision of cost effective sustainable services.  4 December, 11am – 4pm, Church of Scotland Offices, 121 George Street, Edinburgh.  Free, but booking is essential.  For further information or to book, contact Shona Paterson on 01259 222362 or shonapateraon@acts-scotland.org

RURAL DIRECT  Helping rural communities to access funding Whether you’re looking to refurbish a village hall, develop new local amenities and services, or work out a long term plan for your community’s future development, funding is available from the Scottish Government through SCVO.  For help with locating and applying for funding, contact 0845 838 8598 or visit www.ruraldirect.org.uk

VALUE ADDED CHURCH – the role of the church in rural community life From Monday 17 November it will be possible to listen to the speakers at the 2008 Rural Church Conference and download their PowerPoint presentations.  Visit www.churchofscotland.org.uk,select Mission and Discipleship from the drop-down box at Councils and Committees, press Go and then scroll down to the Rural Strategy Team section.

Vacancies / Help Required

FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER Liberton/KLM Churches in South Edinburgh, seek to recruit a committed Christian with some experience of family work who, with the backing of the leadership team, will offer friendship, encouragement and support to families in the Gracemount, Burdiehouse and Southhouse areas of Edinburgh. 20 hours pw, £11,250 pa. For job description and application form, contact John Young, 7 Kirk Park, Edinburgh EH16 6HZ, 0131 664 3067 or LLLJYOUNG@btinternet.com Closing date, 31 January 2009.

LOST FOR THE LACK OF TRANSLATION There are 6,900 languages in the world today, yet 4,500 still wait to have their first words of Scripture.  This means that for millions of people the Good News of Jesus remains a closed book as they have no access to the Bible’s life-changing message in their own language.  The Scottish Bible Society is supporting translation projects in Malawi, Mozambique and Sudan. To sponsor the translation of a chapter or to give a donation, visit www.scottishbiblesociety.org/indexflash.php

RUN – REACHING THE UNCHURCHED NETWORK have issued the following requests:  “As many of you will be getting plans together for the Christmas period, we wondered if you could let us know if you are planning anything out of the ordinary?  Contact the RUN office with this or any other news, we are always pleased to hear from you!  info@run.org.uk We are also looking for material for our next RUNway magazine, due for publication at the end of the year.  We are taking the theme of ‘Community EngagementThe Practicalities of Incarnational Theology and are looking for some ‘thumbnail’ stories to publish.  So, if you would like to let us know what you are getting up to in serving your local community, send in a short (100 words) description for us to consider for inclusion.”

Trusts/Funding

AITKEN BEQUEST FOR SKIERS gives funds for religious services for skiers.

MISS MS WALLACE BEQUEST gives funds for youth work in Edinburgh.

Enquiries and requests for application forms for the above trusts should be directed to Rev Douglas Nicol, dnicol@cofscotland.org.uk or his PA, Mrs Eva Elder, eelder@cofscotland.org.uk

Children in Need Grant applications are open until 15 January 2009.  While funds are not available ‘for the promotion of religion’, grants are given to organisations working with disadvantaged children and young people.  The annual budget is around £25m and grants range from £4,000 to £900,000.  There is a dedicated grants page.  For help and further information, phone 020 8576 7788 or email the helpdesk.

The Rayne Foundation makes grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 in support of social welfare and development work. Rayne Grants is an open application programme, and their website includes an e-guide to help you decide if you would be likely to be considered.  For further information, contact Jenny Herring on 020 7487 9656 or email Jenny Herring

Some Websites to Explore

http://www.eni.ch/rss/ The Ecumenical News International site contains reports and articles, including a report from a recent meeting, convened by the World Council of Churches, aimed at developing an ecumenical Christian theological understanding of dialogue with Islam.

Housing Justice carries a downloadable four-page guidance document – Soup Run Best Practice Guide.  From issues such as volunteer insurance to dealing with difficult situations, this carries a range of information that is a really useful checklist.

http://runspace.ning.com/ RUN’s new interactive social networking site is designed to keep people in touch with others who share a passion for mission.  Recent activity includes discussion on ‘What is Church for?’ and ‘A voice from the fringe’.  It is free to join.

www.run.org.uk/r/envision/rep/NatConf2008.aspx A downloadable video of Rowan Williams being interviewed for the RUN National Conference, ‘More Than This’, is now available.  The Archbishop deals with three ‘vital questions of mission’: ‘What place mission in a multicultural world?’, ‘Cultural relevance or gospel centrality?’ and ‘Opportunities and challenges?’

www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk gives details of Fabulous Festive Family Events happening in December at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.  To book tickets, contact the box office on 0131 556 9579 or reception@scottishstorytellingcentre.com

If, when leaving this blog, you wish to read a passage of Scripture and a short comment on the passage, go to the “Blogroll” in the sidebar of this blog and click on the link to Daily Devotions

This will take to the Christ in all the Scriptures blog where, at the top of the page, you will find, in its own box, a Reading for the Day. There is a different reading for each day. The full set of notes covers the whole Bible in three years. At the beginning of 2009, the cycle of readings will begin again at Day 1. Directly below the comment, there is a link to the Bible passage. Click on Look up Scripture passage

This will take you to the BibleGateway website. For more information on Bible Gateway, click on this link - Read an introduction to BibleGateway.com

If you wish to listen to the Scripture passage being read, click on this link - Listen to the Bible

If you wish to find more notes on Scripture, you will find links to all the books of the Bible (listed in Biblical order) at the sidebar of Christ in all the Scriptures

May God bless you as you seek to build your life on His Word.

In a Strange Land:

People with Dementia and the Local Church – a guide and encouragement for ministry,
Malcolm Goldsmith, 4M Publications, 2004, 239 pages,
ISBN 0–9530494–6–9, £14.95

more resources from the Leveson Centre

Review by Suzanne McDonald

As the fruit of Goldsmith’s research and practice over many years, In a Strange Land provides both a sure guide for those wondering how to begin to journey alongside people with dementia and a resource to which those who have shared that journey for longer will want to turn for further inspiration and encouragement.

His primary intention is to assist churches and their leaders to minister to people with dementia, their families and carers. Part one introduces his guiding principles: that the Lord’s song can indeed be heard and sung in the ‘strange land’ of dementia; that, daunting as it rightly seems, ministry to those coping with the daily reality of dementia is within the reach of all congregations; and that the person-centred approach to dementia care intersects with the patterns and priorities of the church’s ministry as a whole.

Goldsmith follows this by laying some indispensable foundations for ministry in this context. Part two provides a highly accessible presentation of current research concerning the demographics of dementia, and what happens in the brain and to the whole person as the condition takes hold, giving accounts of the experience of dementia from the perspective of people with dementia and their families. Especially valuable is the highly sensitive way in which Goldsmith deals with the most disturbing features of dementia, from seeking to understand challenging behaviour to issues surrounding dementia and sexuality. Similarly, the care with which Goldsmith explores the demands placed upon families is essential reading for all who seek to support those closest to people with dementia.

This section also gives an abundance of tips to facilitate effective communication and to make the very most of visits, and includes suggestions to enable people with dementia to continue to do as much as possible for as long as possible. These range from bringing together the most widely-recognized ways to prompt and sustain memory to the challenging checklist of Kitwood’s ‘malignant social psychology’, as a reminder of the ways in which it is all too easy to disable and undermine people with dementia.

Part three is devoted to the nature of ministry in the context of dementia. Goldsmith looks first at the questions most likely to be asked. Particularly helpful are the sections which ask ‘What will happen to my faith?’ on the journey into forgetfulness, and which consider the challenges to faith faced by carers. There is also a useful discussion of ‘spirituality’, ‘religion’ and ‘faith’ to assist in discerning the differing needs and expectations of those to whom we minister.

Goldsmith then provides suggestions to facilitate church attendance for people with dementia, and detailed, sensitive guidance for visiting and conducting worship at home and in institutional settings, in addition to advice on how to develop a relationship with local nursing homes. Three appendices offer further resources. As well as helping to equip and encourage ‘occasional’ ministry, Goldsmith gives particular acknowledgment to and encouragement for carers who seek to bring their faith to their day-to-day ministry.

Finally – and all too briefly – Goldsmith gives further scriptural and theological pointers to help us to discern the gospel in the situation of dementia, referring particularly to the Passion narratives, and returning to the theme of God’s presence in exile with which he began. Here, perhaps, is a place where readers might ask for more. We would undoubtedly be the richer for a more fully developed account of Goldsmith’s theological reflections arising from his research and experience.

Throughout, Goldsmith provides a wide range of resources, from summaries of recent work on dementia and dementia care to personal anecdotes, from the prayers with which each chapter closes to poetry and biographies. Goldsmith brings together a wealth of information, encouragement and practical advice not simply for churches and their leaders, but for all who are engaged in the care of people with dementia. In a Strange Land also offers family, friends and those beginning to come to terms with the onset of dementia a clear, honest and sympathetic resource to help with the questions to which a diagnosis of dementia gives rise. The riches in this volume serve to give all of us courage – people with dementia, families, carers, congregations and church leaders – in the realisation that there is indeed much we can do to ‘engage the mind, touch the heart, feed the soul’.

Suzanne McDonald (URC ordinand, University of St Andrews)

Love the Stranger

Author: Hooker, Roger (Teacher of Hinduism, Westhill College, Selly Oak, Birmingham); Author: Lamb, Christopher (Community Relations Adviser, Diocese of Coventry)
2nd revised ed; Paperback
Published: June 1993
SPCK (Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge)
ISBN: 0281046867
This item non-returnable. Order may not be canceled.

This text challenges the Church’s self-justifying policy of non-interference in multi-faith areas. The authors include details of the practices and beliefs of Asians living in Britain so that the readers can begin to see the world through their eyes.
People with Dementia and the Local Church – a guide and encouragement for ministry

—–

Hooker, Roger and Christopher Lamb. Love the Stranger: Ministry in Multifaith Areas. SPCK, London, 1986.


Messy Church

£8.99

Paperback 208 pages
ISBN 9781841015033
Published 17/11/2006
Currently out of stock

Messy Church - Lucy Moore

Fresh ideas for building a Christ-centred community

This title is currently out of stock, but will be reprinted (October 2008)

Overflowing with creative ideas to draw the community together for fun, food, fellowship and worship, this resource book contains 15 themed programme outlines. Each outline has ideas for creative art and craft activities, meal plans and recipes for eating together and family-friendly worship.

Messy Church grew out of one church’s desire to reach out to those on the fringes of the church community and experience the love of Christ through creativity, fellowship and worship together.

Have a look at some pictures of Messy Church in action and find out more about how and why it got started on the ‘messy’ website: www.messychurch.org.uk.

Lucy Moore is a professional actor and storyteller. She works for BRF as part of the Barnabas ministry team. A published writer, performer and creative arts director with a background in teaching languages, she makes use of lively original poetry, mime, storytelling, and a variety of drama workshop activities. Her work with BRF includes sharing the Bible with children through Barnabas RE Days and The Bible unplugged. Lucy is author of The Gospels unplugged, The Lord’s Prayer Unplugged and Topsy Turvy Christmas, all published by BRF. She and her husband, Paul, have two children. They belong to St Wilfrid’s, Cowplain in Hampshire, where Paul is the minister.

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Pastoral Care and Liberation Theology

Author: Stephen Pattison
Edited by: Duncan B. Forrester, Alistair Kee
Format: Hardcover: 292 pages.
Publisher: Cambridge Univ Pr (03/01/1994)
ISBN: 0521418224
ISBN13: 9780521418225
——
Practical Theology in Action (2nd Edition)
Christian Thinking in the Service of Church and Society

by Paul Ballard / John Pritchard

ISBN:
9780281057191

‘For sheer coverage of the field, this book has no rivals’.”
Alan Billings, Church Times

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  • Published by: Jessica Kingsley Publishers

The Life We Share


NOW AVAILABLE: THE LIFE WE SHARE
inter faith study pack

The Life We Share - cover
W 196 All Mud and Matins? Understanding Rural Worship
Grass is Always Greener - Rural Life and Christian Faith



Ministry in the Countryside

Following the publication of the report of the Archbishops´ Commission on Rural Areas, Faith in the Countryside, Andrew Bowden has put together a model for future rural ministry. His book is positive in approach and seeks to offer rural clergy and congregations an overall vision as well as a practical strategy.
Publication Date: 15/04/1994
Publisher: Mowbray
Binding: Paperback
Ev 76 Rural Evangelism in the 21st Century

Rural Ministry, L. Francis & J. Martineau (2000)

Rural Mission, L. Francis & J. Martineau (2002)

Both books are published by ACORA Publishing

—–

I hope you find this list of books helpful.

——————–

The Pastoral Care of People with Mental Health Problems
by Marion L.s. Carson

ISBN:
9780281058662
As a minister or pastoral worker it is highly likely that, at some stage in your ministry, you will find yourself caring for people with psychiatric problems and their families. The Pastoral Care of People with Mental Health Problems provides an invaluable resource to help you provide the best care for those suffering from the most common problems, such as: depression, Alzheimer’s disease, anorexia, addiction to drugs or alcohol, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anti-social personality disorder.

As well as outlining the main psychiatric conditions and their treatments, the particular issues facing pastoral workers are examined and some of the ethical issues involved are discussed. Using a wealth of pastoral illustrations, the book offers practical advice and guidance for the care of individuals and families who find their lives turned upside down by psychiatric illness. It addresses questions such as:

• How can I help the family of a young girl who cuts herself?

• What is the difference between depression and an abnormal grief reaction?

• How can I distinguish between a symptom of mental illness and genuine religious revelation?

In cases of severe mental illness it will be necessary to work alongside medical, nursing and social work staff, and guidance on how to do this effectively is given.

The Pastoral Care of People with Mental Health Problems

192 Pages

(216×138mm)

Paperback


(N/A)
(One of a series)


£12.99


Six Men - Encountering God£6.99

Paperback 160 pages
ISBN 9781841015286
Published 21/03/2008


Six Men - Encountering God

Brad Lincoln

Six gripping true stories of men encountering God and the difference he has made in their lives. Foreword by Francois Pienaar 1. Peak experience A rock climber faces death, survives and then seeks to know what - or who -it was that ’saved’ him. 2. If the hub cap fits A successful businessman and car lover encounters God through his wife’s rediscovery of childhood faith. 3. Spur of the moment A cynical canoeing enthusiast meets God at an outdoor adventure centre. 4. Good friends A lively young man enjoys a string of relationships and then realises that a lot of the nicest girls he knows are Christians… 5. Wholly Spirit An ambitious young man comes from Malaysia, climbs the ladder of social and economic success and is then surprised by the Holy Spirit. 6. How low can you go? An intensely selfish, opportunistic man finds God first reaching out to him when he is on the brink of suicide. Listen to an interview with Brad Lincoln talking about Six Men - Encoutering God

This book is featured within Foundations21. To view all BRF titles in the Foundations21 library, click here.Brad Lincoln lives in Cheshire with his wife Morna and three children. He is a company director and balding Arsenal supporter, who’d love to write like Nick Hornby, but has to content himself with looking like him. He and his family previously spent five years working in Nepal, where he oversaw the International Nepal Fellowship’s work in the western region of the country.

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Seasonal Worship from the Countryside
by The Staffordshire Seven

ISBN:
9780281054466
Seasonal Worship from the Countryside

260 Pages

(223×144x26mm)

Hardback


£16.99

Land of the living

Christian reflections on the countryside

Rural reflections

LAND OF THE LIVING
Christian Reflections on the Countryside
By Ivor MacDonald
VBW Publishing. 249 pages
£9.83 (Amazon); also available from Blythswood and Wesley Owen
ISBN 1 58939 782 7

Land of the Living is divided into an Introduction and eight chapters and its style is well described by its sub-title ‘Reflections’ on the Countryside.

Farming and especially ‘family’ farming, is in crisis in the UK and has been constantly reeling from the impacts of disease epidemics, political weakness and supermarket dominance since the mid-90s; issues that, for the many micro businesses making up a large part of the industry, are often outside their control.

In a largely urban society which has become disconnected from the realities of rural life, misconception and idealism about the role and business of food production and the management of the countryside abounds and Christians in and around the industry are left to wrestle with what their proper response should be to these difficult times and relationships. Personal stress in the sector abounds.

The author, Ivor MacDonald, is well placed to write on these issues; as a qualified agriculturalist, agricultural adviser and now minister of the gospel on the Isle of Skye, he is able to reflect on biblical history and its relevance to our present times, from which he derives helpful observations, principles and a rural theology. His analysis of the impact of globalisation on the rural sector, and the often helplessness of small producers in the face of supermarket power and the urban dominance of society, is both insightful and balanced. The book is well researched and helpfully referenced, although there are a few places where the observations are dated or over-stated in the writer’s desire to impress a point of comment.

This is a valuable and timely reference book for every Christian leader who has a rural constituency or wishes to make informed comment on rural matters. For Christians who are policy makers or seeking to find their way earning a livelihood from the land or simply living in the countryside, this book offers no panacea or universal solution. Many will draw different conclusions from the evidence and perceptions presented, but there is rich material here to encourage the heart, clarify and inform the mind and assist each of us in articulating the rural issues to a largely misinformed public. With a personal interest in FCN, I especially welcomed, towards the end of the book, the summary of Christian and secular support networks that do already exist to work with those for whom the stress and bewilderment of isolation in the rural community has become overwhelming.

Bryan Jarvis,
CEO of NPTC/City and Guilds,
elder of Emmanuel Evangelical Church, Leamington Spa

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Mission-Shaped and Rural
AUTHOR/ARTIST: GAZE SALLY
PRODUCT PUBLISHER: Church House Publishing
FORMAT: Paper Back
SERIES: Mission Shaped
Mission-Shaped and Rural

WAS £7.99
NOW £5.99 SAVE £2.00

This insightful book looks at current issues in rural England.
This compelling book is an essential read for all who seek to minister in a rural context - whether at a local, diocesan or national level.

Using a compelling mix of theological reflection, sociological analysis, real-life case studies and personal experience this book explores ways forward for mission in a rural context in both traditional and fresh expressions of church.

- the nature of mission with special reference to the rural situation;
- ways for the Church to engage with rural culture;
examples of rural fresh expressions of church;
- identifying and pruning the things which inhibit mission in the countryside;
- how all forms of church can work together for the glory of God

* Other books in this series are

Mission-Shaped Children