We're called to be like Jesus, not like each other - so why are most Western churches predominantly middle class? Could it be that we're reaching out to people in poverty, but struggling to connect them into church life? Natalie Williams and Paul Brown know all too well that those saved from working-class backgrounds often find themselves discipled effectively - but into middle classism rather than authentic Christianity. Drawing on their own experiences, and mixing theory with practical application, they explore the invisible divides that prevent churches from becoming places of true inclusion and keep poor and working-class people on the edges of faith. Packed full of surprising insights and helpful advice, Invisible Divides will change the way you see church life. Essential reading for anyone concerned with the class divide within the church, it will challenge you to look at the ways in which we inadvertently exclude, alienate and offend people who aren't like us, and equip you to start working towards making church a more open, inclusive space for everyone. Jesus calls for us all to follow him, no matter our background; together, we can break down the invisible divides between us so that people from all walks of life can come to know Christ and find family in our churches.

This edited volume presents 27 original essays by living composers from all around the globe, reflecting on the creation of their music. Coterminous to the recent worldwide resurgence in feminist focus, the distinctive feature of this collection is the “snapshots� of creative processes and conceptualizing on the part of women who write music, writing in the present day, from prominent early-career composers to major figures, from a range of ethnic backgrounds in the contemporary music field. The chapters step into the juncture point at which feminism finds itself: as binary conceptions of gender are being dissolved, with critiques of the attendant gender-based historical generalizations of composers, and with the growing awareness of the rightful place of First Nations' cultural voices, the contributors explore what, actually, is being composed by women, and what they think about their world. The needs that this book serves are acutely felt: despite recent social gains, and sector initiatives and programs encouraging and presenting the work of women who compose music, their works are yet to receive commensurate exposure with that of their male counterparts. In its multi-pronged, direct response to this dire situation, this vibrant volume highlights established as well as emerging women composers on the international stage; reveals myriad issues around feminism, as broadly conceived; and gives insights, from the composers' own voices, on the inner workings of their composition process. The volume thus presents a contemporary moment in time across the generations and within developments in musical composition. With its unique insights, this book is essential for academics and practitioners interested in the illuminations of the current working landscape for creative women. 

This book presents accounts of creative processes and contextual issues of current-day and early-twentieth century women composers. This collection of essays balances narratives of struggle, artistic prowess, and of "breaking through" the obstacles in the profession. Part I: Creative Work – Then and Now illuminates historical and present-day women’s composition and various iterations and conceptions of the “feminine voice�; Part II: The State of the Industry in the Present Day provides solutions from the frontline to sector inequities; and Part III: Creating; Collaborating: Composer and Performer Reflections offers personal stories of current creation in music. A Century of Composition by Women: Music Against the Odds draws together topical issues in feminist musicology over the past century. This volume provides insight into the professional and compositional procedures of creative women in music and stands to be relevant for composers, performers, industry professionals, students, and feminist and musicological scholars for many years to come.

This book presents accounts of creative processes and contextual issues of current-day and early-twentieth century women composers. This collection of essays balances narratives of struggle, artistic prowess, and of "breaking through" the obstacles in the profession. Part I: Creative Work - Then and Now illuminates historical and present-day women's composition and various iterations and conceptions of the "feminine voice"; Part II: The State of the Industry in the Present Day provides solutions from the frontline to sector inequities; and Part III: Creating; Collaborating: Composer and Performer Reflections offers personal stories of current creation in music. A Century of Composition by Women: Music Against the Odds draws together topical issues in feminist musicology over the past century. This volume provides insight into the professional and compositional procedures of creative women in music and stands to be relevant for composers, performers, industry professionals, students, and feminist and musicological scholars for many years to come.

Is it possible that a recurring dream could uncover the five year old mystery of why Sophie's parents died in an horrific car crash in France? Haunted by the elusive visions of treasure and Princes and gentle kisses ever since the fateful day when she was orphaned, eighteen year old Sophie is shocked to discover that she now owns the property where they all began. Will the wildly beautiful Xavier, who comes to her aid and whose dark eyes and delicious voice touch the deepest recesses of Sophie's heart, figure into her new life in France? And is he strong enough to confess his guilt and beg her forgiveness for the tragedy that killed both of her parents? Or will Sophie condemn him as harshly as he has condemned himself for the tragedy that happened five years previously. With her solicitor attempting to seduce her out of much more than just her inheritance while at the same time destroying Xavier's hard won reputation, Sophie finds herself at the center of a recklessly twisted kidnapping with only the slimmest chance of escape. Can Xavier pull himself from the depths of despair and self destruction in time to rescue the woman he loves or will the haunted dreams and innocent actions of a thirteen year old girl become an insurmountable barrier for him to climb?

Daydreams in Mermaid Grass began in a dream. What happens when we sleep, before we fall into those deepest, unknown places? Why do we have no recollection of what has taken place but awake with a heightened sense of something undefinable? This uniquely transcendent collection of poetry offers a peek into a world where the wildest dreams and nightmares culminate in an all-consuming whirlwind ride. A dream state like that of the title, where Time's journey stops and unimagined things reach out from another universe as you slip softly into the unknown. In her verse, Natalie Williams summons up the world of Bracken, a mesmerising realm populated by fantastical creatures. Serpent dragons journeying on quests that reflect all wrongdoing, princesses clothed in darkness and the enigmatic 'Speaker' are just some of the treasures that await. Take her hand and let her magical dream-verse lead you into the world of Daydreams in Mermaid Grass.