For Information and Handbooks useful to all denominations unless specifically stated. Help with preaching, intercessions, all-age worship, music etc.
Happily Ever After
- Avoiding the Pains of Divorce
by Martin Holdt
A “no holds barred” and straightforward book on the pains of divorce. After the initial struggle with the book’s second sentence: “You, my reader, may not be divorced but if you are not careful, it may become a possibility”, there were some helpful insights – particularly on the matter of the church’s response to divorcees. It is pastors and church pastoral staff that would find the most benefit from this book, for although one senses Holdt’s passion for relationships and love for those going through divorce, the arguments are best understood by Christians with a degree of maturity, therefore I wouldn’t give it to anyone who happens to be facing divorce – whether they were in the church or not.
Review by Paddy Beresford(30/08/10)
Paperback Price: £4.00
Publisher: Day One Publications Published: 2007
ISBN: 978-1-846-25096-5
This is a short, very accessible book, intended "to help 'people in the pew' to understand and enjoy worship". The earlier chapters of the book provide an overview which is simple and straightforward as well as comprehensive. They may uplift or they may challenge - perhaps both. In any case they are well worth Christians from any tradition reading, whether your church has pews or not!In its later chapters, the book gradually moves to a more specific Church of Scotland perspective, both in style and content.
Throughout the book, the author draws from his experiences in India, sometimes making points by looking at Hindu approaches to worship.
Each chapter ends with a few questions which can be used either for personal reflection or for group discussion. The book includes Bible references for each chapter and with a little preparation could work well as the basis for a series of group studies.
Review by Martin Brasier(27/08/10)
Paperback Price: £9.99
Publisher: Saint Andrew Press Published: June 2010
ISBN: 978-0-715-20911-0
- Including 12 Designs for Exploring the Bible Together
by Bob Hartman
If the thought of planning your monthly Family Service or All Age Service, fills you with fear and dread, or you're just looking for new ideas, then this is the book for you. Bob Hartman, in his own inimitable style, holds our hands and guides our steps to cover God's Big Story in the course of a year. Along with a 'How to use this book' section, each of the twelve stories have a specific outline which includes drama scripts, prayer and song suggestions and lots of fun activities. It's certainly a book full of energy. So if you want to find out what the connection is between the cheerleader's pom poms and Peter and John healing the lame man, you'll just have to treat yourself, to this great book.
- 100 Opportunities for Building Faith in Children and Adults
by Sue Relf
If, like me, you already have a well thumbed copy of Sue Relf's 100 Instant Children's Talks, then this book is a must have. Based on her winning formula it contains 100 more talks, great for church services, children’s talks, Sunday school, or even assemblies. The talks cover a wealth of topics including; Laws for Life, What's Wrong? and Special Occasions, and each talk includes a Bible reference and teaching point. Some of the talks do require a bit more preparation than others, but that's covered as well, as each talk does provide a list of the equipment you'll need to collect in advance. I've not had my copy long, but it's already been well used, and I'm sure will continue to be. Another great Sue Relf resource.
- 100 Practical Activities for Children’s and Family Ministry
by Irene Smale
If you think about it, God created us with many senses, but how many of them do we actually use when we worship Him? One of the great things this book allows us to do, in a variety of ways, is to look at using all five of our senses in our times of worship. There's an introductory session which covers what Multi-Sensory Worship is, which then opens to a wealth of bible references, art and craft options, puzzles, active games, prayers and songs. The suggested songs are all written by Ishmael, some especially for this book. There's also an option for a more traditional style of service in the material as well, which was good to see. Whether you decide to go with the suggested outline, or 'pick and mix', this is a super book to have at your fingertips.
- Meditations, Scriptures and Prayers for Sufferers and Carers
Edited by Louise Morse
Adrift in a world without memory, is a challenging reality for many in our community. Dementia hides the person from us, but never from God. Here is a unique large format resource that includes many practical suggestions for visiting and offering spiritual support to those with dementia. "We have accounts of people with dementia coming to faith on hearing the gospel," says Louise. "God never gives up, and neither should we. Visiting and supporting, ministering and caring is not about what it does for us, but what it means to the person with dementia." This practical book explains why Christians are called to care spiritually for people who may not be able to show their response. It assures us that once we commit our lives to Christ, His Holy Spirit comes to live in us, and He has promised never to leave us. This is true hope for weary caregivers and good news for sufferers.
The large selection of Scripture verses, prayers, and devotional entries along with practical advice from an author with considerable experience working with dementia sufferers make this a one-stop worship resource for caregivers, sufferers, families, pastors, church groups, and medical professionals. Sadly, this book is far less clinical in its practical theology than is needed. It doesn't offer quick ways for a carer to get to the heart of the matter or more importantly the person - as difficult as that is.