The Book of Common Prayer remains at the heart of the Church of England and using it is an essential skill for all clergy and readers, yet many are no longer familiar with its contents. This practical guide explains how to use the Book of Common Prayer in a way that is accessible and informative. Introducing this central tradition of Anglican worship without using technical language or assuming prior knowledge, it is intended as a beginner's guide for ordinands and readers, especially those for whom the Prayer Book tradition may be alien. Part 1 of the book offers a general introduction to the history, theology and liturgical character of the BCP. It also explores the place and meaning of 'common prayer' within the Anglican tradition. Part 2 offers general practical advice on the principal services of the BCP, how to use them, and where flexibility is permitted. Using the Book of Common Prayer will help its readers come to a renewed appreciation of the place of the Book of Common Prayer in the distinctive tradition of Anglican praise and prayer.

The relatively recent -worship wars- over styles of worship -- traditional, contemporary, or blended -- have calmed down, and many churches have now reached decisions about which -worship style- defines them. At a more fundamental level, however, change has yet to begin. In From Memory to Imagination Randall Bradley argues that fallout from the worship wars needs to be cleaned up and that fundamental cultural changes -- namely, the effects of postmodernism -- call for new approaches to worship. Outlining imaginative ways for the church to move forward, this book is a must-read for church leaders and anyone interested in worship music.

A Daily Office Book for all members of the congregation - including adult confirmation candidates. Arranged a page-a-day for a year, it provides an opening prayer, Psalm verses, Old and New Testament readings, and new prayers based on the readings, together with a 31-day cycle of intercessions.

This latest publication of the British Joint Liturgical Group is intended as a contribution to the work currently being undertaken to explore the possibility of an international ecumenical lectionary. The JLG's own calendar and lectionary, first published in 1967 as one of its earliest pieces of work, made an important contribution to the revised service books of many churches. In this book the Group looks again at the principles involved in the ordered use of the scriptures in worship.

or all who preach and for all who prepare for worship by prayerful reading of the Scripture passages for the day, Word of Promise is a practical and devotional companion which offers wise and informed commentary on the principal service lectionary readings for each Sunday and major holy day in Year A, the year of Matthew. The authors represent a wide spectrum of biblical theology, but their shared love of Scripture and concern for excellence in preaching have combined to produce a commentary that is at once insightful and inspirational. Drawing together Old Testament, Psalm, Epistle and Gospel readings, they provide many imaginative starting points for further reflection and application. Word of Promise will open minds and hearts to the Scriptures and encourage a greater sense of expectation in worship.

The Professor of New Testament in the University of Glasgow is now almost as well known for his books of prayers as for his biblical studies. In this book he has provided fresh material both for public worship and private devotion. For each Sunday, Holy Day and Saint's Day he gives the old Collect and his own prayers arising out of the same theme. As he says, 'the Book of Common Prayer is the possession of all who worship God in the English language' - but we also need to use contemporary language. In this way the Anglican and 'free' traditions can be combined. 'The aim,' Dr Barclay writes, 'has been to get the best of both worlds.' Both the parson and the plain man can once again profit from Dr Barclay's insight and skill.

'A chapter on worship with young people, with practical hints as well as spiritual guidance, introduces a hundred 'epilogues'. Each act of worship includes prayers old and new, with a suggested lesson frank the Bible. Youth leaders, club leaders, those responsible for morning prayers in schools, and all who have to lead worship, will be grateful for Dr Barclay's insight and industry. Adults wanting a book to help their private devotions will find riches here. .. the expression of Professor Barclay's own insight and reverent thought, with lines, too, from saints and common men of every age. Brief and wholesome, all of them.' Expository Times 'They are brief but never scrappy; they are eminently understandable but never so devotionally avant garde as to sound a false or strained note. .. . All who have to conduct informal acts of worship will find this book invaluable - but read and observe the introduction!' View Review `This book will be used over and over again.' British Weekly A companion volume is Dr Barclay's Prayers for the Christian Year. Dr William Barclay, CBE, is Professor of New Testament Language and Literature in the University of Glasgow.

Ordo Romanus Primus (ORP) is a descriptive account in Latin of the papal mass at Easter in Santa Maria Maggiore, probably at some time in the seventh or eighth century. It is the first such account, and differs from earlier evidence of the Roman rite by its relative disregard for the spoken text, which is usually only cited in ORP as providing cues for the ceremonial action. The 'action', however, is detailed, is often surprising, and gives a three-dimensional approach to a rite which, in its textual form, only tells the half of what was happening. The whole action is set on a large canvas, so that the account starts with the procession of the papal household from the Lateran. As Alan Griffiths put it 'the nature of ORP is to be a key to ritual business, not to text', and he adds 'one might describe it as an "events management" document.' There has been no full edition of the text in English since that of Atchley in 1905, and his translation has today a highly dated look to it. Alan Griffiths has drawn upon the Latin text collated by Michel Andrieu in his French edition of the ordines Romani in 1948, and has provided his own fresh and contemporary translation of it into English, running in parallel columns with the Latin. It makes a valuable addition to the series of Joint Liturgical Studies which have made such a large range of patristic liturgical materials available to students who work largely in English.

The eucharist is one of the central acts of worship for Christians - some would say the most important. Yet within the many traditions of Christianity, there appears to be no united voice -even in an age like ours in which ecumenical agreements unthinkable until recently have sought convergence and achieved it. Anglicans have often been described as occupying a 'middle ground' between Catholics and Protestants. They have even been criticised for being woolly! In this well-presented and readable book, two scholars have set out to chart an Anglican course through the key-areas of eucharistic presence and sacrifice - how Jesus is present at the Supper and how the celebration relates to the self-offering of Christ. They quote many authors from different viewpoints over the past four hundred years - including poets. They tell a story that is rich and varied. And they make accessible to a fresh generation what it means to define, sift, probe and discuss the meaning of the Holy Communion, yet still hold on to that vital aspect of all Christian belonging and living - the mystery of Christ Himself.

Designed as a general introduction to Christian liturgy, this book explores the meaning, history, and practice of worship in Eastern and Western, Catholic and Protestant traditions. Its chapters cover the theology of worship, the historical development of Eucharist and the Prayer Offices, the lectionary and customs of the church year, other sacramental rites, and the use of music and the arts. As such, it is a perfect textbook for students seeking to understand the basics of liturgical worship, as well as a reliable guide for worship leaders.

This is a collection of essays and homilies from Pope Benedict, Cardinals and Bishops focusing on the relevance of Eucharistic adoration for liturgy, spirituality and mission today. Pope John Paul II said that in order to evangelize the world, we need experts in celebration, adoration and contemplation of the Holy Eucharist. There can be no doubt, that there is a new springtime of Eucharistic adoration, partly due to the efforts and liturgical reform of Pope Benedict XVI himself. June 2011 will see a major event in Rome focusing on the ancient liturgical ceremony of Eucharistic adoration and its relevance to the world today. The conference brings together a wide range of international speakers, including six prominent Cardinals and will make a major contribution to the sacramental and spiritual life of the Catholic Church worldwide. The conference will conclude by joining with Pope Benedict in his celebration of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran and the Eucharistic procession to the Basilica of St Mary Major that follows. The present volume is the fruit of this conference, bringing together all the contributions and homilies given at the major celebrations of the mass.

Distinguished liturgical historian and theologian Frank Senn here ventures behind the liturgical screen, behind the texts, and behind the rubrics to reconstruct the everyday religious expression in Christian history. Senn's magisterial Christian Liturgy: Catholic and Evangelical (1997) has been widely hailed not only for its comprehensive treatment of Christian liturgy in all ages and communions but also for its appreciation of the dynamic role of culture in shaping liturgical expression. In The People's Work, Senn delves further into the cultural home of liturgy, judiciously and insightfully looking at processions and pilgrimage, communion practices and spiritual reading, fasting and feasting--all the myriad liturgical practices that have been the concrete life and primary work of the body of Christ.

Common Worship is ten years old. In this volume, Nicholas Papadopulos gathers contributions from distinguished liturgical practitioners to assess its development and reflect upon its usage in this first decade. In a series of penetrating and thought-provoking essays, ten authors consider Common Worship's emergence from earlier liturgical revisions. They examine its provisions for the Eucharist, baptism and ordination, as well as for the Service of the Word. The effective use of music and architecture is also considered, as are the training needs of worship leaders and the Church's liturgical future.

The receiving and handing on of Christian tradition always entails adaptation and re-configuration for the reception to be useful. These essays exemplify many facets of this 'handing on', from the Lord's Prayer, through sermons on and expositions of the Transfiguration, to the contributions of divines from Peter Chrysologus to Lancelot Andrewes and Michael Ramsey. In Kenneth Stevenson's words, they show 'worship and theology living at ease' - words that also encapsulate his own life and work in Church and academy.' Bryan D. Spinks, Goddard Professor of Liturgical Studies and Pastoral Theology Yale Institute of Sacred Music and Yale Divinity School 'This collection of essays is Kenneth Stevenson at his very best - showing a breadth and depth of theological and liturgical scholarship that few can equal, from New Testament texts and patristic homilies to classic figures of seventeenth-century Anglicanism and beyond. And yet all of this applied with a lightness of touch and with a pastoral sensitivity shaped by the years of his own ministry.' Paul Bradshaw, Professor of Liturgy, University of Notre Dame 'Kenneth Stevenson's last book reads as the quintessential autobiography of a questing, restless, puckish scholar - a series of studies linking his chosen areas of liturgical scholarship, biblical interpretation, and the insights of the Caroline divines, all shot through with those humbling insights on the glory of transfiguration, brought him by his final, fatal illness. Si monumentum requiris, tolle et lege.' David Stancliffe, liturgical scholar and former Bishop of Salisbury Kenneth Stevenson was until autumn 2009 Bishop of Portsmouth. He died in January 2011. His books include The Lord's Prayer: A Text in Tradition, Take, Eat: Reflections on the Eucharist and Watching and Waiting: A Guide to the Celebration of Advent.

Drawing on her experience as a primary school teacher and parent, as well as her academic work in Religious Education, Bernadette Sweetman gives us a comprehensive collection of ready-to-go Liturgies of the Word. This resource is beneficial for all parishes, whether they would like to set up a Family Liturgy, or wish to refresh one already in place. Our Family Mass is the only Irish-based resource book of the Liturgy of the Word for children. It offers useful material that can be incorporated into liturgies involving children, such as dramatisations of the gospels and visual aids. This invaluable resource is suffused with strong home-school- parish links and all materials are presented in a manner that is meaningful, relevant and inspiring to families with children of all ages.

Que es lo que define a la Iglesia de Inglaterra? Tienen los Treinta y nueve Articulos alguna relevancia hoy en dia? El Anglicanisimo, segun Jim Parker, posee "la mas verdadera, mas sabia y potencialmente la mas rica herencia en toda la Cristiandad con los Treinta y nueve articulos en el centro de su corazon. Estos articulos captan la esencia y el espiritu del cristianismo biblico magnificamente bien, y tambien proporcionan un modelo excelente de como confesar la fe en medio de una cristiandad dividida. En este estudio, Parker tiene como objectivo mostrar como los Articulos del siglo dieciseis deben ser vistos en el siglo veinte y uno, y como pueden enriquecer la fe de Anglicanos en general y en particular de Anglicanos evangelicos. Parker demuestra por que los articulos una vez mas deben tener una voz dentro de la Iglesia, no solo como una curiosidad historica, sino como una declaracion con autoridad doctrinal. Roger Beckwith ofrece diecisiete Articulos Complementarios, en un apendice que stimula releccion y discuten teologicamente asuntos que los ha llevado a un sitio de prominencia desde que los Articulos fueron originalmente compuestos. Este folleto, fue publicado por primera vez hace mas de veinte anos, se mantiene en mucha demanda y tan oportuna como siempre. Ha demostrado ser uno de los estudios mas populares y perdurables publicados por The Latimer House, y es ahora publicado en una segunda edicion, traducida aqui al espanol. Jim Packer esta en la Junta Gobernadores, Categratico de Teologia en Regent College, en Vancouver. Roger Beckwith fue bibliotecario y Director de Latimer House, en Oxford Inglaterra durante mas de treinta anos. What defines the Church of England? Are the Thirty-nine Articles of any relevance today? Anglicanism, according to Jim Packer, possesses "the truest, wisest and potentially richest heritage in all Christen-dom" with the Thirty-nine Articles at its heart. They catch the substance and spirit of biblical Christianity superbly well, and also provide an excellent model of how to confess the faith in a divided Christendom. In this Latimer Study, Packer aims to show how the sixteenth century Articles should be viewed in the twenty-first century, and how they can enrich the faith of Anglicans in general and of Anglican evangelicals in particular. He demonstrates why the Articles must once again be given a voice within the Church, not merely as an historical curiosity but an authoritative doctrinal statement. A thought-provoking appendix by Roger Beckwith offers seventeen Supplementary Articles, addressing theological issues which have come into prominence since the original Articles were composed. This booklet, first published more than twenty years ago, remains much in demand and as timely as ever. It has proved one of the most popular and enduring Latimer Studies, and is now issued in a second edition, translated here into Spanish. Jim Packer is Board of Governors' Professor of Theology at Regent College, Vancouver. Roger Beckwith was librarian and warden of Latimer House, Oxford for more than thirty years.

How do you feel about Common Worship? Are you confident in using its rich offering of prayers, liturgies, collects and seasonal variations? Or do you sometimes find yourself a little out of your depth, wondering which prayer to use when? If you're the latter - then this is the book for you! Whether you're an ordinand just starting to get to grips with liturgy, a layperson who'd like to understand services better, or a leader who'd like to improve their confidence, here is the ultimate beginner's guide to Common Worship. Assuming absolutely no knowledge of liturgy or Common Worship, it includes a wealth of helpful knowledge: A simple guide to every Common Worship book published, what's in each one and when you'll need it. Overviews of all the Common Worship services in print and when you should use them. Things you can change in liturgy - and things you probably shouldn't! The Calendar and Lectionary - what they are, how they work, and how you can calculate dates yourself.

LET YOUR TREE TELL THE STORY

Bring Christ back to Christmas by giving your children a devotional experience that adorns your tree with Christian symbols.

* The Advent Jesse Tree DEVOTIONS

This book offers 25 devotions for each day from December 1st to December 25th, Christmas Day... the day Christians celebrate that God's purpose was finally revealed in the coming of the savior, Jesus Christ. Each devotion traces the heritage of Jesus through the stories and prophecies of the Old Testament. The Advent Jesse Tree enables individuals and families to engage in a more meaningful celebration of the Christmas season. These daily Advent devotions are written in two versions (one for children and one version for adults) including a scripture, a story & commentary, questions to ask, a prayer, and a song. * The Advent Jesse Tree ORNAMENT CRAFTS

Each devotional story is paired with a representative symbol that traces the heritage of Jesus such as a lamb, a dove, a rainbow, a heart, a star, etc. Children and their parents can utilize the symbolic line art printed with each daily devotion to craft meaningful ornaments. These symbols coincide with the prayers, a memory verses, questions for children, andsongs found in the devotions for that day. Finally, on Christmas day, your tree will be filled with reminders of 25 Bible stories that led up to Christ s birth. "

Every year, thousands of couples choose to marry in an Anglican church using the words of the Common Worship marriage service. This expanded version of the best-selling Marriage booklet has been designed to help couples and clergy plan the service with ease. Featuring both the contemporary Common Worship form of the service and the traditional language Solemnization of Matrimony (as popularised by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge), it also contains popular hymns, readings and prayers suitable for weddings, as well as advice on how couples can personalize the service. It makes an ideal gift for clergy to give to couples and can be used as an order of service on the day of the wedding itself.

Dr Pecklers' book is offered as an instrument of catechesis in helping clergy and laity alike to better grasp the rationale for the new translations by considering the wider context of the Roman Rite. The Roman Rite has evolved over the centuries in very diverse contexts and situations, and it has endured to our own day precisely because of its capacity to adapt and be shaped by the distinct cultures where it has been celebrated. In 2002 the Latin third edition of the "Missale Romanum" was promulgated and in subsequent years episcopal conferences have been busy at work producing vernacular translations of that Latin text. As the English speaking world prepares to receive and implement the English translation of the "Missal", Dr Pecklers' book is offered as an instrument of catechesis in helping clergy and laity alike to better grasp the rationale for the new translations by considering the wider context of the Rite itself.

C. E. Hammond's Antient Liturgies provided a valuable resource at an early stage in comparative liturgical studies. Free of extensive critical apparatus, Antient Liturgies presents a collection of historic forms of worship from the Western, Eastern, and Oriental Churches. This extract from the book focuses on the Armenian liturgy. With a beginning in the early fourth century, in connection with the Exarchate of Caesarea, this liturgy is presented in English. As an analytical introduction this early study continues to provide a broad overview of early Christian worship made available in an accessible and convenient format for students and scholars.

C. E. Hammond's Antient Liturgies provided a valuable resource at an early stage in comparative liturgical studies. Free of extensive critical apparatus, Antient Liturgies presents a collection of historic forms of worship from the Western, Eastern, and Oriental Churches. This extract from the book focuses on the Clementine Liturgy, an important early liturgy, apparently known even to Justin Martyr. Rendered in Greek and with an analytical introduction this early study continues to provide a broad overview of early Christian worship made available in an accessible and convenient format for students and scholars.

This latest work from leading liturgical theologian Gordon Lathrop explores the extent to which the central symbols and interactions of Christian liturgy yield, for their participants, a new proposal for their understanding and experience of the world. In the process, it considers various kinds of world-making, the diverse maps, and the differing senses of "cosmology" in which we all live. Finally, the book examines how certain liturgical reforms can contribute to a refreshed sense of ecological ethics-to a Christian sense of the holiness of the earth itself.

This rich resource of ready to use liturgies and reflections for the richest seasons of the Christian year sold out within a year. Its timeless qualities found a ready and eager readership among all looking for fresh inspiration for these annual celebrations. This new edition includes extra seasonal reflections from Rowan Williams and Martyn Percy, and a new liturgy for Maundy Thursday from Jim Cotter. In addition it offers: probing reflections by outstanding thinkers to inspire preaching and personal devotion, complete liturgies for a Christmas Eve vigil, Maundy Thursday foot washing and watch, a Good Friday devotional service, an Easter Eve vigil, a dawn celebration of the Resurrection, a set of meditations on the Stations of the Cross and the Seven Words from the Cross, and seven Good Friday addresses by WH Vanstone. Jim Cotter writes strikingly beautiful liturgies and was publisher of the successful Cairns Publications. Martyn Percy is the Principal of Ripon College Cuddesdon.Sylvia Sands is a writer who lives in the heart of Belfast.W H Vanstone wrote the spiritual classic Love's Endeavour Love's Expense. He died in 1999. Rowan Williams is the Archbishop of Canterbury.