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I’ve just finished reading Treasures in the Snow by Patricia St John to my children. I wish I had read this book a few years ago. Perhaps I may have been a more patient mother! Patricia explains beautifully within this fictional narrative about a little Swiss family, how our sins can be cast out when we let Jesus in and how good things can come out of bad, so if Stephen’s words on page 4 have got you thinking, then this is definitely a book worth reading if you want to understand things in simple terms.
BEYOND THE WINDOW FRAME -Prayers and Poems by Marie Birkenshaw
£5, obtainable from A Rocha
This is a fantastic book, which can be used either for personal times of prayer or for use during church intercessions. The prayers are conveniently organised into different themes from Confession & Servanthood to Power for God’s People. This is the first book of prayers that I have read in which the writing matches up to the writing of David Adam and Eddie Askew. As a homegroup leader and church prayer leader, I know I will be using this book extensively. The nature poems (located at the back of the book) are particularly moving and thought provoking. I especially like Rediscovering the Rainbow, which challenges our day to day lives.
Lindsey Saunders
Work
Michael recommended two books on this topic:
They are available on the church bookstall
Looking for a good book, you saw them first in the Parish news, enjoy those reviews again. The website will now contain a collection of current and past book reviews from our Parish Magazine.
Maximum Life: All for the glory of God
How much of our week is spent living for God? It might be tempting to answer this question by listing the ‘spiritual’ things that we might do during the week: church services, home group, quiet times and prayer. However, in Maximum Life Julian Hardyman argues that as Christians we should be living every moment for God’s glory, and we can do this as we play sport, or work in the office, or cut the lawn, or read a novel, or change a nappy, or paint a landscape.
He begins by taking us back to God’s plan for his creation in Genesis 1 & 2. There God commands the people: ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it’ (Genesis 1:28). Hardyman describes how as humans we have a responsibility both to care for and to develop the world to God’s glory, and notes how for Adam in Genesis 2 this involved both scientific activities like naming animals, and artistic pursuits such as writing poetry, as well as practical care of the garden! In the first section of the book Hardyman goes on to look at how humankind’s rebellion against God, Jesus’ coming in the world, and the hope of the New Creation all shape our understanding of our role in the world.
Hardyman makes clear throughout that things like spreading the good news of Jesus must be a central concern for Christians, but he argues again and again that we can and should be living for God’s glory in the ‘normal’ activities of life as well. He rejects the idea of dividing life into sacred and secular. Instead he suggests we should be asking of everything we do (whether prayer or playing sport) whether we are doing it for God or for ourselves.
He applies these principles very helpfully to work and career (indeed the book is worth reading for these chapters alone), being a citizen, being creative, caring for the environment, and using our minds for God. He also talks frankly about his recent personal experience of depression, and how we can seek to live for God’s glory even in the darkest times.
Hardyman makes clear that the Bible will not let us divide up our life giving some time for God and some for ourselves, and that instead the Bible gives us a wonderful vision of living for God’s glory in everything. This book is easily readable and yet also addresses important issues in each of our lives, and so well worth reading!
Julian Hardyman (IVP) ISBN 978-1-84474-378-0
God doesn’t do waste, Redeeming the whole of Life by Dave Bookless
This book is a captivating description of an ordinary man’s journey through life, about roots and belonging, suffering and healing, identity and meaning, faith and doubt—the really deep issues that affect our daily life. Dave Bookless is completely open about his times of doubt and anger. He describes his struggles, but also how God spoke to him and used him in his weaknesses to build a church and develop the work of A Rocha in the UK. It’s encouraging, inspiring, it’s challenging—a ‘must-read’ book!!
If anyone would like to borrow a copy, please contact Lindsey Saunders
LIVES JESUS CHANGED by Simon Vibert
If you have a look at a family album you will begin to get an idea of the events which have occurred in the life of that particular family. John’s gospel gives a snapshot of Jesus’ life and the lives he changed. Here is John’s story of Jesus the Saviour of the world who came in flesh to forgive sins. Simon Vibert invites us to come and see the lives Jesus changed.
I have enjoyed reading this book, each chapter is about a person or group of people who Jesus met, and the changes he made to their lives, and how he can transform our lives. It is a fairly easy read, which can be read in small chunks, I would recommend it! Diane Francis
The Radical Disciple, John Stott
In his new and last book, The Radical Disciple, John Stott thanks the community of St John's Felbridge for welcoming him as part of it. Although he is not able to come now, he is still very much part of the family of St John's. Do get a copy of this very helpful and challenging book from Rosemary Tadman on the church bookstall. It costs £8.99 and is worth every penny!
God’s Big Picture by Vaughan Roberts
THE BIBLE is huge, and at times can seem bewildering; this slim book for adults by Vaughan Roberts helps you understand God’s Big Picture.’
I liked Vaughan Roberts’ approach, giving you short chapters and diagrams to help you understand how the story of the Bible progresses and how it all fits together under the theme of the kingdom of God. It is easy to perhaps study one part of the Bible and not really be aware of how it all fits together.
This book is short, a fairly easy read, and a great book to keep for reference!
Diane Francis
Five Love Languages
by Gary Chapman
IN AN EFFORT to help mates understand how to love each other, Gary Chapman tries to organize the communication of love in five styles. He tries to help the reader understand which style(s) they respond to most, and to ask the reader to think what language the one they want to love 'hears' most clearly.
In The Five Love Languages: Chapman isn't saying love only happens the way he says. Instead, he is giving a framework to love one another better. This way, we (especially we men), aren't shooting in the dark. Often, we want to love better than we do, and work hard, but miss the mark because we are, in essence, speaking another language.
Chapman tells us that we often love the way we'd like to be loved, and that so does our spouse love us the way they'd like to be loved. This can help us discover who we are, and more importantly, how we can love.
Some romantic relationship books take the angle that men are different to women -- and that's true; but rather this is a book about communication styles. In fact, he'll assert that men and women might prefer any of the five 'languages'.
The success of this book isn't in learning the styles, but in the active use of them in our relationships. It is easy to read, but with deep consequences.
RRP £9.99
OVERFLOWING
by Myrtle Hall
£6 (or £5 when you buy ten)
A beautifully illustrated book by a local parishioner. The colour pictures, in the style of stained glass, are in themselves meditations, which can enable you to be filled with €˜a peace which transcends understanding’ Ideal to read in the morning, when you are feeling spiritually empty and wish to be filled with God’s love.
Available from the Church bookstall or the Lighthouse Christian Bookshop on Railway Approach.
THE LIVING CHURCH
by John Stott - £8.99
ISBN: 978-1-84474-183-0
The fiftieth and latest book from John was written as he approached retirement after a lifetime as one of the world’s greatest evangelists. He shares his convictions of what God wants from us, his church in the 21st century. Wrapped in its pages is the vision he believes God has for his living church and its essential characteristics: a learning church, a caring church, a worshipping church, and an evangelising church.
John offers us clear, biblical and practical guidance on how best to apply principles for us to act upon as individuals, a church family and a fellowship reaching out to our community, which is relevant in today’s world.
An appendix shares in a simple, beautifully worded way the conclusion of a sermon he gave in 1974 looking into the future with his own dream of a church which is biblical, worshipping, caring, serving and expectant.
This is a dream I believe John has personally brought to share with us at St. John’s, the body of Christ in the world today.
The book is very readable, thoughtfully written with great wisdom and insight that is based on the scriptures and is an inspiring, nourishing, challenging yet encouraging read. A word for each of us to read, pray about and act upon. I commend this significant book to you.
PLEASE BUY OR BORROW, AND READ IT.
If you are thinking €˜Christmas presents’- this is the ideal one. Available from our bookstall or contact Rosemary & Phil Tadman.
Peter Thayne.
THE MOTORCYCLE HEARSE
by Ian Morris. £9.95.
You need to read this book to find where the title comes from, but do any of us know about or appreciate the work of hospital chaplains?
Ian Morris is a hospital chaplain who shares his work and words, from wards to workshops. His anecdotes range from hilariously amusing to tear-producing sadness; from the mundane to the miraculous, but all are informative, inspiring and positively helpful.
Practical advice and theological theory mingle in examples of bereavement counselling, medical emergencies, helping those of different faiths or of none. Hospital staff, patients, relatives, all have benefited from Ian's help, sometimes from just his prayerful presence. Just 'being there' can be a sacrificial act of service.
There is a touch of the Lionel Blue about his examples which produces an endearingly frank and uplifting read.
Peter Bateman
THE HANDS AND FEET OF JESUS - stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things
By Clive Price, BRF and World Vision (celebrating 25 years), £6.99
Stories from the front line usually produce a guilt-trip. Not this time. The Hands And Feet Of Jesus is a celebration €“ not a condemnation €“ of how ordinary people tackle extraordinary challenges. All involved with World Vision, they invite us to join them. They beckon us to take a peek at their work. And rejoice.
Follow Irish nurse Sheila as she travels the world looking for the next trouble spot.
Mark, fundraising from his wheelchair, wanted to see where his money was going. Join him as he overcomes numerous obstacles to visit the projects he is supporting.
Tristan used to stack shelves in a supermarket but now works with World Vision in the area of disaster relief. Read his story as he follows God's call on his life.
These are just three of the stories: ordinary people doing extraordinary things for the sake of the poor.
Clive Price is an award-winning writer, qualified journalist and experienced editor, who works regularly with World Vision.
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Book Reviews
