Approved by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, and Scotland, as the basis for the new Lectionary (2022) and all future liturgical texts used by Catholics.

Each word and phrase in the ESV has been carefully weighed against the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, to ensure the fullest accuracy and clarity

Meister Eckhart, the fourteenth-century German mystic and theologian, is one of the most enigmatic and controversial figures in the history of the Church, and few have played so diverse and fertile a role in the cultural imagination. He has been seen as both heretic and 'the man from whom God nothing hid'; Christian mystic and Buddhist sage; Catholic and Protestant; feminist and ecologist; he is both medieval schoolman and inspirer of contemporary philosophers such as Heidegger, Bloch and Derrida. Oliver Davies's masterly evaluation of Eckhart is based on an unrivalled knowledge of the original texts, their historical and theological context, and their place in the Christian mystical tradition. The portrait of St Dominic on the cover (of the book) illustrates one of Davies's main themes: Eckhart's position in the mainstream Dominican tradition of grounding theology in spiritual experience. Both a stimulating scholarly study and an ideal introduction for the non-specialist, Meister Eckhart: Mystical Theologian explores the enduring fascination of Meister Eckhart, 'a mystic for our age'.

With his usual consummate clarity of thought and style, Michael Ramsey sets out to establish what the Spirit meant in the experience and the language of the early Christians. 'There are none from whom we can learn more about a theme so intimately linked with the coming of Jesus Christ.'

Beloved by millions around the world, the English Standard Version of the Bible is ideal for anyone looking for a contemporary and readable translation that is also accurate and consistent in its rendering of key words and phrases. This edition of the ESV is completely Anglicized and features the full Apocrypha. Presented in a double-column format, with explanatory footnotes providing alternative renderings of particular words and phrases, the ESV Bible with Apocrypha offers a clear, easy-to-read text that is perfect for everyday use. The ESV Bible is an excellent version for detailed Bible study, but one that also possesses a beauty, clarity and dignity of style that makes it superbly suitable for private devotion or for reading aloud during public worship. This Deluxe edition is presented in a stunning midnight blue leatherette binding, inlaid with bronze foil, with two ribbon markers to bookmark your favourite verses and keep track of your Bible study. A premium quality Bible, it will be loved by collectors and first-time buyers alike, and is a Bible you will delight in for years. It also makes a truly special gift for loved ones that they will treasure. Other features include: 9.5 pt font size An award-winning typeface Inline chapter headings Inline chapter numbers 12 maps White paper from sustainable sources

As a minister or pastoral worker it is highly likely that, at some stage in your ministry, you will find yourself caring for people with psychiatric problems and their families. "The Pastoral Care of People with Mental Health Problems" provides an invaluable resource to help you provide the best care for those suffering from the most common problems, such as: depression, Alzheimer's disease, anorexia, addiction to drugs or alcohol, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anti-social personality disorder.As well as outlining the main psychiatric conditions and their treatments, the particular issues facing pastoral workers are examined and some of the ethical issues involved are discussed. Using a wealth of pastoral illustrations, the book offers practical advice and guidance for the care of individuals and families who find their lives turned upside down by psychiatric illness. It addresses questions such as: How can I help the family of a young girl who cuts herself? What is the difference between depression and an abnormal grief reaction? And how can I distinguish between a symptom of mental illness and genuine religious revelation? In cases of severe mental illness it will be necessary to work alongside medical, nursing and social work staff, and guidance on how to do this effectively is given.

Approved by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, and Scotland, as the basis for the new Lectionary (2022) and all future liturgical texts used by Catholics.

Since its first appearance in 1960 and revision in 1970, Documents of the Baptismal Liturgy has been widely praised both for its value as a source book and for the light it sheds on contemporary discussion of Christian initiation. The texts are in English, and a glossary of technical terms and a brief introduction to each document help to make them accessible to both the general and the specialist reader. This revised and expanded edition: retains all the sources previously included, many of which have been corrected and replaced with newer translations; incorporates Eastern Christian texts from the great East Syrian Church Fathers, Aphrahat and Ephrem, as well as selections from The Rite of the Assyrian Church of the East and the Maronite Rite; includes additional Western texts such as the famous Pentecost Homily attributed to Faustus of Riez, Letter 26 to Januarius from Pope Gregory 1, and the Rite of Confirmation from the Pontifical of William Durandus; Places individual councils in their respective geographic locales; lists sources and related publications in a variety of languages for each document studied or for each locale. "This is a most useful addition to liturgical study." Journal of Ecclesiastical History

Denise Inge introduces a selection from Thomas Traherne's writing in this, the third volume in this series on seventeenth century spiritual writers. This volume will contain some biographical detail and historical context, the story of the discovery of his work as well as a discussion of its literary and spiritual power. The main body of the anthology will cover both well known works such as a selection from the Centuries and also excerpts from newer discoveries, including a recent find from Lambeth Palace Library. Thomas Traherne 1636?-1674 was schooled at Brasenose College, Oxford, was ordainded and served in the village of Credenhill, Herefordshire.

Approved by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, and Scotland, as the basis for the new Lectionary (2022) and all future liturgical texts used by Catholics.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE Are you struggling with feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness? Are you feeling depressed and overwhelmed with financial problems, relationship difficulties, the end of a relationship, or the death of a loved one? Are you questioning whether life is even worth living anymore? Almost any unfortunate experience can make someone consider a drastic solution. Would it surprise you to learn that by this time tomorrow, an average of 117 people will have died from suicide? Beyond the deaths that are recorded as completed suicides, an estimated 2,900 people will have attempted to end their lives. In the United States, more than 42,000 people die each year by suicide*. Suicide is a whispered word--a taboo subject. Yet this may be what you are contemplating. If that's the case, the most important thing you can do is tell someone about how you're feeling. Don't become another statistic. People with failed suicide attempts relate that they tried to take their own lives because they couldn't get away from themselves and their disturbing thoughts. They weren't choosing death as much as choosing an end to their seemingly unbearable pain. The first thing you need to know is that you can't solve your problems on your own. GOD UNDERSTANDS He knows when we are losing our grip and on the brink of disaster. He is offering his hand to you this very moment. He will do for you what you cannot do for yourself. GOD LISTENS He wants you to pour out your innermost feelings to him. You think life has given you a raw deal? Tell God. You can't endure the grinding poverty, the painful illness, the distressing loneliness, the awfulness of whatever it is that has you so down? God's invitation is: "Come to me . . . and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). THE BIBLE SAYS "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:28-31) GOD SPEAKS The Bible is the sourcebook for help and hope. When we ignore what God wants us to hear, we deprive ourselves of that which can enable us to hang on when the going gets tough. "Fear not, for I am with you," God says. "Be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10). GOD SAVES The Bible assures us that God will not ignore a broken, humble heart (Psalm 41:17). If you truly want to be helped, confess to God that you've wandered from him, and acknowledge that Jesus is the only way back. Jesus died on the cross to forgive your sins, and he rose again to offer you new life. Perhaps you've never accepted the truth about Jesus, but you can trust him now. Ask him to come into your life and give you guidance, strength, wisdom, and right thinking. Turn your life over to Jesus--he will save you, forgive you, and empower you with a new and eternal life. GOD HEALS God changes people and changes situations. When you trust him as your Savior, you can become a truly new person. God keeps his promises. You'll find that the Bible is a magnificent story full of promises that God has made and fulfilled. PROMISE OF PSALM 40 "I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord." (Psalm 40:1-3) GOD LOVES YOU God's love is best demonstrated through his Son, Jesus Christ. When Jesus was born to Mary, he was human in every form but without sin. By the sacrifice of Jesus's death, we are able to have a relationship with our Heavenly Father. God's love is also visible in his people. Seek the help and friendship of other Christians. If you don't know any Christians, find a local Christian church--God will help to place the right people in your path. When you are suicidal, your perspective freezes and logic becomes confused. Many underlying tensions have pulled you down. But the good news is that you don't have to stay that way! Whatever has brought you this low will NOT remain forever. By placing yourself in God's care--you have nothing to lose and everything to gain, including a present, a future, and an eternity that will be better because God, and you, are in it. God can change your life if you let him. Call out to God in a prayer such as this: Dear God, I have come to the end of myself.I have nothing left, and I want to turn to you to save me. I believe your only Son, Jesus, died and rose again to pay for my sins. I receive your love and forgiveness based on what he did for me. Help me, God, to become whole, so that I may have a relationship with you and become a new person for eternity. Amen. * Suicide statistics taken from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 2016: www.afsp.org.

Approved by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, and Scotland, as the basis for the new Lectionary (2022) and all future liturgical texts used by Catholics.

Approved by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, and Scotland, as the basis for the new Lectionary (2022) and all future liturgical texts used by Catholics.

Approved by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, and Scotland, as the basis for the new Lectionary (2022) and all future liturgical texts used by Catholics.

The Church Pocket Book and Diary 2024 is the perfect church diary for anyone looking for a compact sized diary that follows the Common Worship calendar and includes lectionary readings. This 14 month diary has a clear, spacious week to view layout, beginning with Sunday, that offers plenty of room for keeping track of appointments while still being a convenient pocket size that’s easy to carry around. It also features two ribbon markers to keep your place throughout the year. Beginning in December 2023 and running to January 2025, it covers the entirety of the approaching Advent season. It also has all of the titles for the Sundays throughout the church calendar and the dates of festivals to correspond with the Common Worship calendar and lectionary and the Book of Common Prayer, making it an essential purchase for clergy and churchgoers wanting a Christian diary. Your important contact details and to-do lists will be at your fingertips as well with this little pocket diary – it includes pages at the back for personal memos, addresses and telephone numbers alongside the complete Common Worship Calendar and Lectionary readings for Advent 2023 - Advent 2024 and includes the BCP scheme. With information on every UK Anglican Diocese and those in the Republic of Ireland plus the names and addresses of all major Christian societies, charities and organisations covering all mainstream denominations, the Church Pocket Book and Diary 2024 is ideal for ministers and congregations needing to stay organised on to go. This edition of the Church Pocket Book and Diary 2024 features a durable hardcover that will last you all year, and a matching ribbon marker.

A NEW YEAR HAS ARRIVED! And like the year before it, this new 365 days has come with much anticipation. Many people begin January 1 with goals, hopes, dreams, and perhaps even a plan of action for all that they would like to accomplish. The possibilities for a new year's list of resolutions are endless. Some of the most common include exercise routines, healthier eating, progress at work, and quality time spent with family. Life goals and resolutions can be a great way to begin a year, so long as a healthy balance is maintained. For Christians, the start of a new year arrives with reminders afresh of the glorious promises that God has made to his people through the Bible. For Christians--those who have repented of their sin and received Jesus Christ as their Savior--a new year is a chance for renewed commitments to seek after God and to share the good news of Jesus. The Scriptures below are foundational truths that Christians believe. They are beacons of hope, not only for a new year but also for an eternal future with God. If you have not yet placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, then these Scriptures bring great news. The gospel of Jesus is that his birth, life, death on a cross, and resurrection to heaven from the grave deliver eternal life to those who turn away from sin and receive Jesus as their Savior. Make this new year the start of an eternity-changing journey toward becoming a child of God! Gospel Scriptures for a New Year "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. . . . The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 3:23; 6:23) "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures." (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) "And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world. . . . But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:1, 2; 2:4, 5) "When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and the renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:4-7) The Apostle Paul wrote, "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost." (1 Timothy 1:15) "[Jesus] committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to [God] who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." (1 Peter 2:22-25) The Light of the Gospel Let these Scriptures sink deep into your hearts. Memorize them. Share them with your friends and family. The gospel--or good news--of Jesus Christ is a bright light to an often-dark world. If you believe the truths that you've just read, it is only fitting that you would want to share the rich hope of the gospel, especially at the beginning of a new year. If you have read these words of good news as an unbeliever, consider taking a first step of faith in Jesus Christ by praying the following: Heavenly Father, I believe that Jesus Christ is your Son, and that he died on the cross to save me from my sin. I believe that he rose again to life, and that he invites me to live forever with him in heaven as part of your family. Because of what Jesus has done, I ask you to forgive me of my sin and give me eternal life. Help me in a way that pleases and honors you. Amen.

I HAVE A FRIEND who is always faithful; who can meet all your needs; who will never leave you. This friend is Jesus Christ. Since I have known him, he has been faithful in all his promises. He is " . . . the same yesterday and today and forever"(Hebrews 13:8). Through my joys and sorrows he has been a "friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24). I first met him when I read his invitation in the Bible: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). I came to him, and he freed me from my burden of sin and guilt and gave me hope for living. Daily he meets my needs. He promises, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. . . . Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid" (John 14:27). When I am lonely and worried, I remember his words: "I will not leave you or forsake you" (Joshua 1:5). I know that even at the hour of death he will remain with me, and one day he will take me to heaven to live with him. How can you and I be sure of Christ's love? The Bible says, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). We can be assured of his love because he, the sinless Son of God, suffered for our sins on the Cross of Calvary. We can know that Christ's love is everlasting. Because he rose from the grave and returned to the Father in heaven, he can say, "I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore" (Revelation 1:17-18). Yes, we can trust the Lord Jesus as our eternal friend. He invites us: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20). If you have never trusted Jesus as your Savior, invite him into your life today. Follow him and he will never fail you. "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life" (John 5:24).

Why should I go to church? Why can't I just do devotions on my own? GOOD QUESTION! It's true that God values personal devotions.In fact, he even commands us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). But "going to church" is about more than personal devotion. For Christians, going to church is the gathering together of a family, or as the apostle Paul described it, uniting the members of a body: "For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5) Every Christian is a member of the body of Christ, and every member has unique talents and insights. Sharing these gifts with each other as a unified body strengthens us in our common task of glorifying God. In the joy of true community you will experience: 1. FELLOWSHIP Regular church attendance allows a Christian to become part of a church family--a community of brothers and sisters in Christ who share true concern for one another. Paul described this kind of fellowship in his letter to the Corinthians: "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together" (1 Corinthians 12:26). When we care for our fellow Christians in this way, not only do we enjoy the security of belonging to a spiritual family, but we also glorify God by revealing his character to the world. 2. CORPORATE WORSHIP When God rescued King David from his enemies, David couldn't keep his praise to himself. He cried out, "Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!" (Psalm 34:3). Even Christ, in the darkest hoursof his life, asked three of his closest friends to "watch and pray" with him (Matthew 26:41). Private devotion pleases God, but at times, nothing will do except to join with fellow Christians in praise of our great God. Jesus promised: "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them" (Matthew 18:20). God is glorified when Christians speak of his greatness with each other, and he is pleased to be in our midst. 3. PERSONAL GROWTH Just as individual Bible study and prayer are vital to a Christian's spiritual growth, so is consistent contact with other Christians. God commands us to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together . . . "(Hebrews 10:24-25). Meeting regularly with other Christians is an opportunity to be encouraged in your daily walk with Christ, to receive godly advice in areas of difficulty in your life, and to be challenged by the example of more mature Christians. 4. MINISTRY Paul wrote that God gave us "shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-12). Attending church allows us to receive the instruction of trained pastors and teachers, helping us minister to the world and to other Christians. Along with communicating the gospel to the unsaved through actions and words, Christians have a responsibility to minister to other members of the body of Christ: "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Being in regular contact with other Christians in church gives you numerous opportunities to offer a word of encouragement, a listening ear, a helping hand, or to receive these things in your moment of need. HOW TO CHOOSE A CHURCH Consider the following questions as you visit new churches: 1. Does the church base its teachings on the Bible? Do they teach the fundamentals of the gospel? 2. Is there a sense of community? Are the people friendly? Would you like to get to know the people that you meet there? 3. Does the church have programs that meet your family's needs? Are there classes for your children? Is there a group for your teenager to get involved in? 4. Does the church support missions and encourage evangelism? Does it provide opportunities for outreach? Feel free to visit several different churches before making a decision. Meet some of the people and talk to the pastor. Ask questions. Don't forget to pick up a church brochure with a listing of services and programs, as well as a mission statement. Discuss the experience with your family and visit again if you need to. Pray that you may discern God's will for your family's spiritual growth.

Looking for a special card to give to your loved ones this Christmas? These cards are crafted with you in mind. Simple, special, personal and plainspoken - with their beautiful designs, these cards do all the talking. Sustainably sourced, the cards come in packs of 10 with envelopes included. Comes in two typographic designs, one featuring the word 'Silent Night' and the other containing 'Joy to the World' in tan text.

Looking for a special card to give to your loved ones this Christmas? These cards are crafted with you in mind. Simple, special, personal and plainspoken - with their beautiful designs, these cards do all the talking. In packs of 10, sustainably sourced. Comes in 2 floral designs, one featuring the festive text 'Tidings of Comfort and Joy' against a solid eggshell blue background, and another containing 'Joy to the World' against a white foliage over-layer.

Looking for a special card to give to your loved ones this Christmas? These cards are crafted with you in mind. Simple, special, personal and plainspoken - with their beautiful designs, these cards do all the talking. In packs of 10, sustainably sourced. Comes in 2 equally celestial backgrounds, one containing 'Peace on Earth' against a snowy forest background in white text and another featuring a sparkling 'Star of Wonder' blue and pink over-layer.