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.

One of the big encouragements of recent years has been the impetus of Christians to discover new ways of living out and communicating the Gospel in a restless and sceptical age. This has given rise to a number of challenges and questions, not least about what it means to be the Church - and how 'fresh expressions' relate to 'inherited' forms of the Church. This report seeks to crystallize some of the major questions about the ecclesiology of the mission-shaped Church and to provide pointers as to how we may grapple creatively with them, including: how do fresh expressions relate to parish and local churches, and to the overall ministry and mission of the Churches? how and when does a fresh expression become a church in its own right? how might fresh expressions develop a spiritual and sacramental life that respects the past, yet affirms their pioneering context? What are the implications for the deployment of scarce resources of authorised ministers and finance? These and other vital questions are explored in this comprehensive and important study. It is essential reading for all engaged in mission, church leadership, theological and ministerial formation and those with responsibility for allocation of resources. The working party which produced this report was co-chaired by the Rt Revd Alan Smith, Bishop of St Albans and David Walton, a former President of the Methodist Conference, and included senior representatives of the Anglican and Methodist churches.

This guide is aimed at those who have care of parish records and updated in the light of experience of operating the Measure. It includes information about operating the Measure in dioceses; suggestions for the making, care and preservation of records; and advice about records' management. Originally published in 1992.

A series of services designed to enable communities to support and encourage young people and adults who are formally exploring the Christian faith and preparing for baptism. As well as services marking the journey towards adult baptism and confirmation, such as The Presentation of the Four Texts, it includes a Welcome of Those Preparing for the Baptism of Children, a Celebration after an Initiation Service outside the Parish and a service for the Admission of the Baptized to Communion.