by Liz Jennings (Author) A father seeks insurance against being disappointed by his son; a mother is tempted to steal a toy at a toddler’s birthday party; a grandmother is stuck between two rollers in a soft play centre… Blank For Your Own Message is a collection of short stories about the minefield that is parenting in the 21st century. Written with warmth, humour and compassion, if you’ve spent any amount of time caring for children, you’ll relate to the conflicts and craziness that the characters contained in this collection are dealing with.
by Tom Shaw (Author), Liz Jennings (Author) We human beings are a complex bunch. We often get only glimpses of heaven before smashing back into the muddle of our mixed emotions. And yet we find, again and again, that the things we seek comfort in disappoint. How can we escape from this trap into the freedom Jesus wants for us? Tom Shaw’s sermons on the second half of Mark’s gospel draw readers in to a closer look at the way Jesus led his followers through the battle for body and soul. In this down to earth exploration of human nature and our longing for a deeper walk with God, Tom invites us to really understand the circumstances, motivations and behaviour of the disciples and all who came into contact with Jesus in these biblical accounts. Why did Peter make that strange statement after he’d been with Jesus on the mountain top and seen the transfiguration with his own eyes? What was really going on in the Pharisees’ hearts when they set their traps for the Son of God? What did Jesus think was so special about Mary pouring oil over his feet? And what is Jesus saying through all these stories to you, today? In The Comfort Delusion, Liz Jennings has moulded Tom’s talks into themed studies, suitable for personal reading or group study. At the end of each section, there are opportunities to journal and think things through more deeply, either privately or as part of a small group discussion. With inspiring challenges to encourage your spiritual growth and further reading to explore, The Comfort Delusion shines a light on Jesus’ character of challenge, loving care and overwhelming grace.
by Tracey Bateson (Author) How’s your mind, heart, body and soul? Tired? Weary?The Greatest Command; ‘To love the Lord your God with your heart, mind, strength and soul’, is frequently either too well known or simply overlooked. Too often this command is leapfrogged to fulfil the second, namely, ‘to love others’. Tracey believes many people are all the more weary for it. Through using the Bible and the life of Jesus as her foundation, Tracey wrestles with theology and etymology in an informal quirky style. Rather than being prescriptive, through testimony she invites readers to come alongside her journey, to identify, and apply, if they choose.
Annabelle yearns to be a princess; sadly, Archie, her little brother does not always make this easy! Annabelle tries hard to be helpful but somehow things can get a little complicated, especially when glue and hair get together. Fortunately, Annabelle has three older siblings to help out, and even Mummy and Daddy have been known to rescue the situation. These entertaining stories, suitable for four to eight-year olds, are beautifully illustrated by Rachel Williams. Annabelle’s adventures will resonate with both child and adult alike, as she attempts to negotiate life as a “would-be” princess.
by James Webb (Author) ‘The Ramblings of the Man Who Isn’t Very Good at Making Beds’ is the published collection of year three of James’s weekly blog, and is therefore a sequel of sorts to the other Ramblings that appeared at the same time last year and the year before. A pattern to these books seems to be emerging and it appears to be an annual one.
The Ramblings of the Man who Likes to Eat Alone is the published collection of year two of James’ weekly blog, and is therefore a sequel of sorts to the equally strangely titled The Ramblings of the Man who Bought a Pear.James’ blog is a weekly reflection, revealing insights into both his life as a follower of Jesus, and the faith that he follows. As a writer, speaker and father of five, he seeks to find common truths in everyday events and experiences – sometimes he even finds himself in danger of getting a bit philosophical. Through his musings and seemingly trivial anecdotes, he invites you to join him in reflecting on life with God, and take a moment’s break from the hectic activity of everyday life.
by James Webb (Author) James’s Blog started in October 2015 and has become a weekly phenomenon that adds salt and light to the internet. This first year of posts is a rich collection of things in his head that he has been brave enough to release into the wild. ‘The Man who Sold me a Pear’ won the 2016 Association of Christian Writers ‘Good Samaritan’ short story award in partnership with Street Pastors.
Study Guide for Small Groups: Short Christians contains twelve short stories that follow the lives of Christian characters through a particular moment in their faith journeys. Written to be engaging and thought-provoking. Fiction can gives a fresh starting point for reflecting on life. Groups have used these stories to spark thinking, reflecting and sharing ideas with others to find fresh points of connection in a relaxed, enjoyable and stimulating way. Each story is followed by ideas for discussion, encouragement to listen, points for prayer and space to write reflections. In addition at the end of the book are author notes, which reveal some intriguing insights into the characters.Liz Jennings is part of City Church, Canterbury. Visit www.lastminutesmallgroup.com for Liz’s great resource for inspiring and encouraging busy small group leaders.
Jesus reached out to us using parables – and we can do the same. Have you ever said to someone: ‘That reminds me of a story’? This second collection of beautifully illustrated short stories offer precious nuggets of personal encouragement and help us reach out to others with the truths of God’s kingdom.
by Children of St Peter’s Methodist Primary School, Canterbury (Author), Dr Robert Willis (Author), George Metcalfe (Author), Brian Moses (Author), John Rice (Author), Dan Simpson (Author), Sue Hunt (Editor), Michelle Crowther (Editor), Ed Hunt (Illustrator), Sofiah Garrard (Illustrator)
‘A Child’s Dream of Peace’ is an exciting and beautifully illustrated anthology of poems on the theme of peace, the result of a unique collaboration between the City of Canterbury, The Cathedral, St Peter’s Methodist Primary School and the wider community. In March 2016, Sue Hunt, School Librarian, and Michelle Crowther, Creative Writing Tutor, led a series of poetry workshops for Book Week at St Peter’s Methodist Primary School, Canterbury. The children were given a flying hat and goggles, a map of Europe, a compass and asked them to imagine their flight across space and time in a magical hot air balloon. The children’s enthusiasm and imagination knew no bounds and soon the groups were flying on a creative journey, writing poems about the Battle of Agincourt; the Christmas Truce of 1914; Hannibal crossing the Alps and Ancient Egypt, viewed from the hot air balloon. The story that unfolded was one of adventure, inspiration and hope as the children sought a magical blue bird to bring peace to the world. All profits from the sale of this book go to The Children’s Society and St Peter’s Methodist Primary School.
