Many books have study material included for individual or group use. These courses are specifically for groups.
Courses for Advent and Lent can be found in those categories.

Tell me the Stories of Jesus

- A Companion to the Remembered Gospel

by Janet Lees

This is an interesting book. I had not heard of the (15 year old) 'remembered Bible' approach and was intrigued by the application here. Noting that most Bible commentaries in common use were written by men - Janet Lees set herself the task to produce this contribution to the study of the Gospels. It is not a 'chapter and verse' commentary but an exploration of remembered narrative and story - high on illustration and practical implication. It is intended, I think, chiefly for discussion and group use. It includes poems and practical craft activities like 'scrapbooking the Gospel', together with pictures to discuss and pilgrim walk ideas to explore. Tell me the Stories of Jesus is a companion to Janet's Word of Mouth book. I think that it is well worth reading and using in a group exploring the Gospel, but also really helpful for personal reflection and study. Great - and complimentary to the usual commentaries.

Janet is a speech therapist and has developed this idea of a ‘remembered Bible’ to help people with learning and communication difficulties and with pre-readers and scant readers in particular but Tell me the Stories of Jesus is useful for us all. Editor

Review by Jim Currin (30/09/11)

Paperback
Price: £13.50
Publisher: Wild Goose Publications
Published: June 2011
ISBN: 978-1-849-52187-1

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Life Attitudes

- A 5-Session Course on the Beatitudes

by Robert Warren and Sue Mayfield

This 5-session Bible study course gets to grips with the Beatitudes - the eight radical sayings from St Matthew's Gospel which are such a challenge to us all. This guide is different from the many others that I have used with small groups. It does not 'just' present a few questions on the passage for group discussion. Each study begins in the usual way with an introduction, some brainstorming, reading the passage and considering some questions, but the session ends with two sections which are 'different'
.'Get real' encourages group members to think about some practical action in their community (or globally) related to the beatitude under consideration.
'Go deep' which ends each study gives suggestions for reflection, using music, video clips, craft and prayers, in order to help move truths from head to heart. I like this approach, and although I have not test driven it, I think it would go down well in small groups I know.

Review by Jackie Rowe (24/08/11)

Paperback
Price: £4.99
Publisher: Church House Publishing (CHP) part of Hymns Ancient & Modern
Published: December 2010
ISBN: 978-0-715-14233-2

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Men of the Word

- Insights for Life From Men Who Walked With God

by Nathan Busenitz

The author takes fifteen characters from both the Old Testament and the New and considers how each communicated, in his own way, with God. Whilst each character was very different each had a sincere commitment to know the Lord and to live their lives with passion for the Lord and to obey him. Amongst the figures covered are Abraham, David, Daniel, Peter and Paul. Each of the subjects is written by a different author and the book has a study guide, questions for group discussion and a Biblical Reference Guide. The book challenges the reader to find satisfaction in God and to seek out what God wants them to be.

Review by George Taylor (22/07/11)

Paperback
Price: £8.99
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Published: Spring 2011
ISBN: 978-0-736-92981-3

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A Bird’s-Eye View of the Bible

by Mary Williams

The late Mary Williams developed and piloted this course in Anglican Parishes in the Diocese of St Albans. While intended for groups (an Appendix contains very useful 'Leader's Notes'), it could be used by an individual. Also, it is suitable for people of varying faith knowledge and commitment and for all Churches - ecumenical groups could easily adapt the material for the traditional Lent, Advent or other seasonal meetings. Teachers - at all levels - will welcome it.
There are five parts: an 'Introduction to the Book', two on 'History Embedded in Literature' in the Old and New Testaments, and two on 'Literature Spun from History' in the Old and New Testaments. Each study section has 'Suggested readings and points to consider as you read', and 'Possible issues for discussion'. There are many excellent maps and time charts - some of the best this reviewer has seen.
Gems in this book include a BBC talk by the late Bishop Leonard Wilson reflecting on his experiences as a prisoner of the Japanese, 'Sustained by glory glimpsed' (pp. 75 - 76), 'A note on the gender of God' (p. 13) and 'Review. Attitudes to the Bible reconsidered' (p. 81).
As one would expect, one is not overwhelmed with detail; neither is this a superficial introduction. It would also become a very useful reference book once one has mastered the contents. Altogether, a jewel in the crown of reflection and study resources.

Review by J.Nicholas Latham (07/07/11)

A4 Paperback
Price: £17.95
Publisher: Redemptorist Publications
Published: January 2011
ISBN: 978-0-852-31383-1

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The Faith of the English

- Integrating Christ and Culture

by Nigel Rooms

Nigel Rooms, now Director of Ministry and Mission in the Diocese of Southwell, previously spent 7 years as a CMS mission partner working in the Diocese of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, where he developed a theological education programme. Putting together his experience of adult education and of working in another culture, Nigel has now come up with a fascinating way of helping people and churches become more aware of that most difficult of things – their own cultural assumptions. Drawing on recent writings on ‘Englishness’, Nigel has put together an imaginative six week course entitled ‘How can we be English and Christian?’, of which this book contains a summary. Starting with 6 core ‘sayings’ each of which sums up one characteristic of Englishness, Nigel offers a gentle and open-ended examination of what it is in our culture which both enables and inhibits our ability to live out our Christian faith in today’s world. How much of the way your church does things is Christian and how much is just English? Do the course and find out….

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Review by Alison Morgan (22/06/11)

Paperback
Price: £12.99
Publisher: SPCK (Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge)
Published: May 2011
ISBN: 978-0-281-06111-2

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Jesus the Life Changer

- Exclusive: The People Jesus Met – In Their Own Words

by Simon J Robinson

This is a collection of accounts from the point of view of individuals in the Bible, their own stories as they encounter the Saviour. By its nature it is an interpretation of these well known events but could be useful for a new Christian or a small study group. Each story is accompanied by a small set of questions to help us take a broader look at what is happening between the individuals and Christ. They also make applications to life today and Jesus as a life changer.

Review by Hilary Morgan (27/05/11)

Paperback
Price: £7.00
Publisher: Day One Publications
Published: 2009
ISBN: 978-1-846-25123-8

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Desert Wells by Alice Bates
ISBN: 978-0-232-52790-2 Price: £8.99	Published: February 2011
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Isaiah: Feeling Secure in the Arms of God - The Wiersbe Bible Study series by Warren W. Wiersbe
ISBN: 978-0-781-40423-5 Price: £6.99	Published: November 2010
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102 Fascinating Bible Studies - For Personal or Small Group Studies by Preston A Taylor
ISBN: 978-0-764-20837-9 Price: £8.99	Published: 01 September 2010
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In the Beginning Was the Word - Group Studies on the Gospel of John by Gerald West and others
ISBN: 978-0-281-06168-6 Price: £9.99	Published: 20 August 2009
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What is Contextual Bible Study? - A Practical Guide with Group Studies for Advent and Lent by John Riches
ISBN: 978-0-281-06198-3 Price: £9.99	Published: 23 September 2010
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Growing Together With The People’s Preacher - Four-Session Small-group Study Featuring Peter Morden
ISBN: 978-1-853-45577-3 Price: £2.50	Published: 2010
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Emmaus – The Way of Faith – Stage 2: Nurture - A 15-session course for exploring the Christian Faith, 2nd edition, includes free CDRom by Stephen Cottrell, Steven Croft, John Finney, Felicity Lawson and Robert Warren
ISBN: 978-0-715-14228-8 Price: £25.00	Published: Spring 2010
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Love is the Meaning - Growing in Faith with Julian of Norwich by Ann Lewin
ISBN: 978-1-848-25050-5 Price: £8.99	Published: 27 October 2010
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John For Everyone Bible Study Guides by Tom Wright
ISBN: 978-0-281-06225-6 Price: £4.99	Published: 2010
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God’s Green Book - Seven Bible Studies about the Environment by Charlotte Sleigh & Bryony Webb
ISBN: 978-0-281-06206-5 Price: £8.99	Published: 21 January 2010
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Kaleidoscope by Patsy Clairmont
ISBN: 978-1-400-20270-6 Price: £10.99	Published: 01 March 2010
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Discipleship Explored: Universal Edition - Leaders guide by various contributors
ISBN: 978-1-906-33485-7 Price: £6.00	Published: 2009
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New World, Old Faith - A Course in Five Parts Produced by Simon Stanley and John Young
ISBN: 978-0-954-05437-3 Price: £2.99	Published: October 2002
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