REVIEWS

WEE BOOK OF PRAYERS & POEMS FOR ADVENT & CHRISTMAS

Edited by: Neil Paynter

Published by: Wild Goose Publications

Price: £8.99

This delightful collection of readings has been designed to guide readers to journey through the seasons of Advent and Christmas.

Drawn from some of the best-known contributors to Wild Goose, editor Neil Paynter is apologetic that he could not include more.

Beautiful seasonal symbols pepper the pages to add to the joy awaiting readers on each page, all connected to themes of waiting and preparation, followed by joy.

The book seeks to offer readers a different perspective on the Church seasons, offering reflections on hope, waiting the and transformative power of the birth of Christ.

The beauty of the resource lies in the carefully crafted words, which have come from a range of contributors including Kathy Galloway, former Moderator the Very Rev Sally Foster-Fulton along with other well-known Wild Goose authors including Ruth Burgess and Martin Wroe.

The aim of the book is to offer an alternative antidote to the commercialism of the season.

The book can be used individually or as part of a group study running through the Church seasons which are its focus.

THE CHALLENGE OF ACTS

Written by: Tom Wright

Published by: SPCK

Price: £13.99

In his continuing series of reflections on the books of the bible, the author and Emeritus Research Professor of New Testament and Early Christian History at the University of St Andrews turns his attention to the book of Acts.

In what is described as ‘a brief, clear and incisive introduction to the Acts of the Apostles’, Wright looks back on the four Gospels which form the early part of the New Testament and to the mission of the early church.

The author shows how the mission of the early church had to overcome the culture of the world of the time, based on Greek and Roman rules and expectations, raising questions in readers about the gospel and the culture of today.

WHEN FAITH GETS SHAKEN

Written by: Patrick Regan

Published by: SPCK

Price: £10.99

The author is the founder of the mental health and wellbeing charity, Kintsugi Hope. The name is drawn from the Japanese art of Kintsugi (referenced in Life and Work’s December prayer) which repairs and mends broken things – creating an even more beautiful whole as a result of the repair. The charity seeks to create ‘a world where mental and emotional health is understood and accepted, with safe and supportive communities for everyone to grow and flourish’.

This is the third edition of the book (which is also available as an ebook), and has been updated and revised for a new audience. Regan draws on his own personal experience of major pain, surgery, profound illness and loss, both in his own family and local community, which rocked the foundations of his faith, leaving him facing some of the big questions at times of trouble centring around the presence of God, particularly when faced with acute personal health setbacks.

As he journeyed along the path of recovery, he reflected on some questions including how to find God in times of suffering; how to find peace in times when it is hard to find and how to allow personal grace when energy reserves are exhausted.

In asking readers to consider these questions, he encourages readers to seek a deeper love for God.

100 WAYS TO GET YOUR CHURCH NOTICED

Written by: Neil Pugmire

Published by: Church House Publishing 

Price: £18.99

First published more than 20 years ago, this book has been updated and revised to offer a very practical low-cost communication guide on how to raise the profile of your church.

Written by a media professional, it is packed with hints and tips – many of them free or low cost – with the ultimate aim of raising the profile of churches.

It has been revised and updated in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the fresh challenges – financial and otherwise – faced by churches of all denominations.

Written in clear concise language, this book offers advice on the basics of communication in the third decade of the 21st century, including how to develop an effective communication strategy, decided on key messages, creating or updating website and making the most of free channels of communication, including print, online and social media. It is not a comprehensive guide on how to ‘do’ communication (particularly in the throes of a crisis), but offers support and tips on how to do some of the basics well and is supported by real-life examples of churches which benefited when implementing some of the suggestions.

FOR CHILDREN

GOD LOVES LITTLE ME

Written by: Rebecca Elliot 

Illustrated by: Rebecca Elliot 

Published by: SPCK 

Price: £5.99

Author-illustrator Rebecca Elliot has produced a sturdy first prayer book aimed at the smallest of children.

Brightly illustrated, each page shows a baby animal on a bold background with messages on each about what God loves in his creations, accompanied by actions for babies and toddlers to join in with as they learn and move and laugh with the animals.

The sturdy hardback would offer a good introduction to God’s world for the smallest of children.

Lynne McNeil

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