One of the most common tasks undertaken by all clergy is ministry to the sick and to the bereaved. Containing the essentials for pastoral ministry in the community, Common Worship: A Pastoral Ministry Companion brings together services, prayers and readings for the most frequently encountered pastoral occasions in a portable, easy-reference volume. It includes liturgies, prayers and readings for: Emergency baptism Prayers for the sick and their families Holy Communion at home or in hospital Reconciliation services (not present in previous Pastoral Services or Ministry to the Sick volumes) Prayers with the dying and at the time of a death Prayers for use at home before and after a funeral Passages of Scripture and Psalms in both modern and Prayer Book versions This elegant and discreet volume - bound in soft-touch imitation leather with two ribbons - is the ideal size for keeping to hand in your pocket, bag or car glove compartment.

The events surrounding the birth of Jesus are told with remarkable simplicity in the Bible, but they have too often been obscured by myths, mistletoe, and consumerism.

Now in paperback, "The First Christmas" separates fact from fiction, stripping away Yuletide folklore and questionable traditions to tell how it really was in the world of the Nativity. Delving into Jewish, Greek, Roman, and early Christian sources, Paul L. Maier uncovers fresh and fascinating insights into the true, yet unfamiliar, story of the first Christmas. A captivating combination of sacred and secular history, this informative and entertaining book answers many compelling questions, such as: Why did the Roman emperor Augustus order his famous census? What marriage customs applied to Mary and Joseph? When and where was Jesus born? Who were the Wise Men? What was the Star of Bethlehem?

This beautifully illustrated gift book by a best-selling author and church history expert offers a glimpse at the real, historical drama of Christmas.

This study proceeds historically, from the origins of the Eucharist up to our own day. Unlike most studies of this kind, it includes an introduction to and developmental summary of the diverse Eucharistic liturgies of the Christian East. It also explores the various Western rites (Ambrosian, Gallican, and Mozarabic) in addition to the Roman. With regard to theological themes, the authors give special attention to the topics of real presence (including the "consecration" of the bread and wine) and eucharistic sacrifice, the most central and most ecumenically challenging issues since the sixteenth-century Reformations. Making the book especially teacher- and student-friendly are the summary points at the end of each chapter. Each chapter also contains an abundance of liturgical texts for ease of reference.

A deeply biblical and relevant Advent study that focuses on Mary, her song of deliverance and hope (the Magnificat), and her significance beyond the story of Jesus' birth.

** Suitable for online learning and study ** Brilliant Lent course for individuals and groups, based on the Oscar-winning film 'The King's Speech'. The purpose of 'Finding a Voice' could be summed up in the words of the King's speech therapist: 'To give them faith in their voice and let them know a friend is listening.' The course, which offers five group sessions plus weekly material for private reading, uses the film as a discussion starter and relates it to what the Bible has to say about such universal issues as discouragement and determination, fear and friendship, calling and courage. 'The King's Speech' is such a runaway success because it holds that mirror to our world, and offers hope of overcoming the difficulties. It shows hope built out of friendship, trust and supportive love; and courage in the face of gathering evil. Lent is traditionally a time for strengthening resolve, bringing believers together in trust and encouragement as they strive to follow their calling.

In the latest addition to Liguori's popular series of seasonal meditation books provides not only Scripture readings for the seasons of Advent and Christmas, but pairs them with a daily selection from the cherished writings of Saint Alphonsus Liguori.

This book encourages the reader to set aside time each day to reflect upon a specific Scripture passage while providing a suggested activity for Christian living during the Christmas season.

In the season when we focus on Christ's birth, let us follow the example of St. Alphonsus and his unwavering love of Jesus Christ.

This book is the product of a relatively long history of pilgrimage research in a Dutch theological setting. It is intended as a report for an international audience on this long-running programme. Two lines are followed in the book. The first is the track of liturgical studies, in which an historical, European ethnological and anthropological approach has predominated. The second is a social science track, with specific content coming from psychology of religion. The combination of these two lines has been extremely fruitful. In addition to results of various surveys of contemporary pilgrimage practice and the expansion of research into ritual and cultural context in which modern pilgrims find themselves, special attention is also bestowed on historiographic issues involved in orienting pilgrimage research, and its theoretical and methodological aspects. The places of pilgrimage examined here are Wittem, Dokkum and Amsterdam in The Netherlands, Banneux in Belgium, Lourdes and La Salette in France, and Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The central question which informs the whole study is to what extent one can perhaps speak of a new type of pilgrim today, the "modern pilgrim".

Used successfully in Episcopal dioceses and congregations, Total Ministry describes a new way for local congregations (especially small ones) and judicatories to organize their response to God's call and to provide resources, support, and encouragement for ministry-a way that is not dependent only on full-time, seminary-trained, ordained leaders.

In this collection of original art and reflections, the Carmelites of Indianapolis share some of the insight and wisdom they have gleaned fro years of praying with the many 'hidden friends' of their tradition. Well-known saints such as Therese of Lisieus, Teresa of Avila, and John of the Cross, as well as some lesser-known holy people, such as Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection, Nicholas the Frenchman, and Teresa of Jesus of the Andes, come alive in these pages to enrich and inspired your own life of prayer and spirituality.

*THE PROPHECIES OF ABRAHAM IS A COMPELLING WORK OF PROPHETIC REVELATION WHICH WILL KEEP ANY SERIOUS SEEKER AFTER TRUTH GLUED TO HIS OR HER SEAT. THIS BOOK SOUNDS THE ALARM FOR OUR DECADENT SOCIETY LIKE NO OTHER BOOK BEFORE IT. THIS WORK IS DYNAMITE AS IT WILL SURELY BLOW MOST OF YOUR CHERISHED PRECONCEPTIONS APART. JOSEPH DUMOND TAKES HIS READERS ON A UNIQUE JOURNEY THAT IS JAMPACKED WITH THE MOST ASTOUNDING TRUTHS YOU WILL NEVER BEFORE HAVE SEEN OR UNDERSTOOD IN THE SAME WAY. ONCE I STARTED TO READ THE PROPHECIES OF ABRAHAM, I SIMPLY COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. IT KEEPS YOU GOING LIKE A VERITABLE EXPRESSTRAIN AND YOU FIND YOU SIMPLY MUST GET TO THE END DESTINATION. IT IS A MUST READ FOR ANY SANE PERSON WHO VALUES THEIR LIFE AND THE LIVES OF THEIR FAMILY. THE PROPHECIES OF ABRAHAM CONTAINS AN AWESOME AND MOST SPECIFIC SERIES OF WARNINGS TO AMERICA AND THE WESTERN WORLD. DO NOT MISS IT, AS YOU NEED TO READ THIS, BECAUSE IT CONTAINS A PROPHETIC MESSAGE THAT IS OF UPPERMOST IMPORTANCE FOR YOU AND YOU'RE FAMILY. STEPHEN J SPYKERMAN MOUNT EPHRAIM PUBLISHING UNITED KINGDOM This book is based on a deep understanding of the Chronological Order of the Sabbatical and Jubilee Years and why terrorism, severe weather, and now Pestilence dominate the nightly news-all promised events that were told to us thousands of years ago. There is more to come, like famines, eartquakes, war and slavery. Most people have no idea about any of this. Sadly many do not even want to know. The Prophecies of Abraham will show you a pattern that the Creator has used since creation. Once you see it, you can no longer deny it. You will then know exactly when these events are to come. Welcome to The Prophecies of Abraham

Written by Mark Pierson, one of the pioneers in worship curation, this exciting new book explains why effective worship needs to be seen as an art form made up of a series of art works, rather than a mechanistic task of filling in the gaps in an order of service. At the heart of this new way of thinking about worship is the role of the worship curator. Many practical examples are used to illustrate ways in which worship, both inside and outside the church building, can be curated and delivered for spiritual formation and mission. The Art of Curating Worship provides a new language and practice for designing worship with the potential for transforming our experience of God. The Art of Curating Worship promotes a new vocabulary to help worship curators work out how and why and where worship can best engage their community, inside and outside the church, in transformative encounters with God.

Young children and their parents will delight in this colorful, lovingly illustrated, and simple rendition of the traditional Christmas story. This lift-the-flap book brings the well-known characters of Christmas--angels, shepherds, wise men, Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus--to life for little ones. Sturdily constructed to last for years, this book invites children to take an active role in discovering the mysteries of Our Lord's birth.

Someone's hiding behind the door.
Who it is we can't be sure.
Open the doors and you'll find out.
What Christmas-time is all about
The answer lies on a bed of hay.
An angel will help you on your way

This book makes an excellent gift or family keepsake.

"board book"

This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature.

This illustrated workbook arises out of many years of leading retreats, study and quiet days on the theme of the cross in many contexts from an English Cathedral city to a South African township. The symbol of suffering and sacrifice, the cross also stands for the triumph of love over hate, life over death, hope over despair.
This includes complete outlines with prayers, readings, guided meditations and instructions for making crosses on the following themes: Crosses from around the world, Holy People, Holy Places & Crosses: Bridget, Francis, Andrew and others, Good Friday Pilgrims: living the cross, Making Crosses: yours and mine, Meditating with Crosses, and Following The Way of the Cross.

"Matthew Swaim takes a unique approach to Rosary devotion in exploring the many facets of the mysteries of the Rosary found in the Mass. Follow Matthew as he discovers a new dimension to the traditional devotion of Rosary prayer. Meditations on scripture through the Joyful, Sorrowful, Luminous, and Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary become ever new and inspirational when connected directly to the celebration of the Eucharist. All twenty mysteries of the rosaries are considered and each chapter offers suggestions at the end to help you deepen your awareness of Christ's love.PaperbackView sample pages.Endorsements""What a beautiful way to connect the two most popular practices of the Church What's more Catholic, in the popular imagination, than the Mass and the Rosary? Matt Swaim shows us a way to integrate them in a life of prayer that's a continuous act of praise. This book is rich, and it's for everybody. Share the wealth."" Mike Aquilina, Executive Vice-President, St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, EWTN host""Matt Swaim offers insight and clarity as he explains the significance of the mysteries of the Rosary in our daily lives. As a convert to Catholicism, Matt shares his vibrant, mature faith in a wise and witty handbook to make the Rosary more accessible and meaningful as a form of prayer and meditation. An inspiring new voice in Catholic publishing.""Marybeth Hicks, Columnist for the Washington Times""What a glorious idea -- ""viewing the Mass through the lens of the Rosary, and vice versa "" This book has instilled in me new excitement and wonder for both. Complete with insights from Scripture, sayings of the saints, the author's personal anecdotes and reflections, practical questions and poignant prayers for each and every rosary mystery, this book is an invaluable guide for all who would seek to grow closer to Christ. And coming from Matt Swaim, that The Eucharist and the Rosary: Mystery, Meditation, Power, Prayer is as fun as it is profound, well, that's no mystery.""Dr. Kevin Vost, author of Memorize the Faith and Fit for Eternal Life"

Rudolf Steiner, the often undervalued, multifaceted genius of modern times, contributed much to the regeneration of culture. In addition to his philosophical teachings, he provided ideas for the development of many practical activities, including education - both general and special - agriculture, medicine, economics, architecture, science, religion and the arts. Steiner's original contribution to human knowledge was based on his ability to conduct 'spiritual research', the investigation of metaphysical dimensions of existence. With his scientific and philosophical training, he brought a new systematic discipline to the field, allowing for conscious methods and comprehensive results. A natural seer from childhood, he cultivated his spiritual vision to a high degree, enabling him to speak with authority on previously veiled mysteries of life. Samples of Steiner's work are to be found in this introductory reader in which Matthew Barton brings together excerpts from Steiner's many talks and writings on Easter. The volume also features an editorial introduction, afterword, commentary and notes.

This missal is a brand-new way of looking at the Traditional Latin Mass
* Instead of switching back and forth between the Latin and English sides of a traditional Missal, this one has subtitles for each and every Latin word. In this way, you can hear what the priest is saying AND understand it too
* If you do get lost, a special chart in the front helps you look for clues in order to find your place.
* Each page has notes to aid in comprehension.
* Full color illustrations on every page appeal to young children--even if they are not readers, they can follow along using the pictures that show what the priest is doing at each point.
* Accessible and affordable: it contains the entire common of the Mass--add each week's propers (which can be downloaded and printed from several different websites) and this Missal is all you need
NOTE: This edition is an economy softcover version of our original book. To purchase the original version with thicker, glossier pages and stapled binding, visit the St. Augustine Academy Press website at www.staugustineacademypress.com .

The process of living is a journey, and this book is a vehicle that evokes the inner life. Boldly step into the life of the Spirit through this journal workbook.

The Eucharist is central to Christian worship throughout the world. Jesus only left two commandments - to love God and our neighbour, and to share bread and wine in remembrance of him. It is a sacrament rich in symbol and image that takes everyday items and infuses them with spiritual meaning. In this short, reflective companion, Kenneth Stevenson explores some of the Eucharist's many layers of meaning - as sacrifice, memorial, sustenance for the Christian journey, sign of the new creation, anticipation of the heavenly feast - and more. As a basic guide, he uses the Gospel of Luke in which feeding is a particularly strong theme. Taking well known stories such as Jesus eating with sinners, feeding the five thousand, the Last Supper and the evening meal at Emmaus after the resurrection, he grounds our understanding of the Eucharist in scripture and shows how it can shape our entire Christian experience. It is an ideal gift for baptism, confirmation or first communion.

A Pilgrim's Jounral is a spiritual travelogue in which the author tells us much about the union between Christian faith and living in the word, the union between grace and nature. This book helps us to understand that the story of each of us is a journey in faith.

Is there one correct way for the people of God to worship him? It turns out that Scripture offers many models and forms for worship, all of which are acceptable but not necessarily appropriate or functional in a particular setting. Barry Liesch, a professor of music at Biola University, helps his readers to grasp that fact and it's implications for worship in the church today. This is a one-of-a-kind book for many kinds of readers in all kinds of churches. It offers biblical perspective, historical awareness, musical and artistic sensitivity, authentic reverence, and creative stimulation for worship leaders, church musicians, study groups, pastors, worship committees, and a host of others who are interested in appreciating and renewing worship according to biblical models. Within each of the twenty chapters the author shares many suggestions for enhancing and transforming worship in the church today. Not only does he present the various biblical models and offer a wealth of suggestions, he takes up some of the major concerns of worship leaders, planners, and participants -- concerns such as the role of music, uses of symbolism, the appropriateness of dance, modes of celebration, expressions of reverence, and many others.