SPCK Publishing

Discover the wisdom, prayer, and spiritual insight of saints and mystics across Christian history in Held in God's Gaze. This book is an invitation to share the authors' experience of becoming friends in faith with the saints and mystics. Those who feature reflect the wide sweep of Christian spiritual heritage: several are from the ancient and Celtic background; several reflect medieval spirituality - including women's spirituality; there are the so-called 'Spanish Mystics', and some from more recent times. Jill Duff and Nicholas Heale invite readers to share in their experience of friendship with holy figures, from ancient and Celtic saints to medieval mystics, women spiritual leaders, the Spanish Mystics, and modern voices of faith. Through short, engaging chapters, the authors explore how these saints encountered God through prayer, scripture, and devotion, offering reflections that help readers grow in spiritual maturity. Each chapter concludes with study questions, perfect for individual meditation or group discussion. Ideal for Christian spirituality enthusiasts, devotional readers, and anyone interested in saints, mysticism, prayer practice, and spiritual growth. Learn from the past to inspire transformation in your faith and daily life.

For nearly 80 years, Christian Aid has been a force for justice on the global stage - speaking truth to power, responding to crises, and challenging the structures that keep people poor. Justice Song tells the story of this groundbreaking organisation not as a linear history, but through a series of vivid, thematic chapters that trace its evolution from post-war beginnings to present-day campaigns. It explores how a church-founded agency became a pioneering voice in international development, human rights, and political activism - and how that legacy can still inspire action today. Founded in 1945 by British and Irish churches to support refugees after World War II, Christian Aid has expanded its humanitarian mission across the globe. Always rooted in a vision of justice, it has provided emergency relief, backed long-term development, and championed the rights of the marginalised. Sir Robert Birley once wrote of Christian Aid's founding Director, Janet Lacey CBE: 'Bureaucracy [...] collapsed at her approach; no one ever broke more rules.' The book will capture the spirit of dissent and innovation which marks both Christian Aid's beginnings and its work today. From challenging the World Bank and International Monetary Fund to helping found the Voluntary Service Overseas, Disasters Emergency Committee, and Fairtrade Foundation, Christian Aid has consistently pushed beyond the boundaries of traditional charity. It helped set up the World Development Movement to drive political change, advised Martin Luther King during his UK visit, and partnered with leaders like Bishop Oscar Romero. Bringing together the voices of those who built, worked with, and were transformed by Christian Aid - including staff, partners, and communities around the world - Justice Song reveals an organisation defined by solidarity, defiance, and a restless drive for change. Christian Aid has never shied away from bold alliances or uncomfortable truths. At every turn, it has remained committed to a radical vision: a world where justice sings louder than despair.

Overwhelmed by the silence of prayer? Struggle to concentrate the moment you get past 'Dear God,'?Drawing as Prayer offers a step-by-step guide to connecting with God through drawing. Each page provides a prompt, inspired by scripture, designed to open up new ways of connecting with the Lord. This practical book will help you offer your worries, desires and gratitude to God in the form of artwork. With more than 75 biblical prompts and exercises, it is the ideal book to add creativity into your prayer practice. There is no need to be a good artist. Just to pick up the pencil and make some time to quietly and authentically sit with God.

In The Vision of Ephesians Tom Wright takes you on an exciting journey through one of the most profound texts in the New Testament. In just a few powerful pages, Ephesians presents a sweeping panorama of the Christian gospel, tracing God's redemptive plan from the creation of the world to the time when God will be 'all in all'. At its core, the book highlights the transformative work of Jesus the Messiah and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. Wright masterfully unpacks Paul's vision of the church - what it is, what it is for, and what it means to be part of the new humanity that God is creating in Jesus. This breath-taking vision of God's purpose for humanity comes into sharper focus when we remember that Paul was writing from prison, urging his readers to engage in spiritual warfare, standing firm in the victory won on the cross as that victory unfolds across the world. The Vision of Ephesians is a must-read for anyone seeking to grasp the depth and beauty of one of the New Testament's most captivating letters.

What's behind the mas? ntigone Kingsley (Tig) takes the helm to organize a school fundraiser – a summer masquerade ball. In the third book of this captivating coming-of-age series, Tig continues to grapple with her own challenges. Embarrassed by recent blunders in her online videos and stung by the breakdown of her friendship with Fidge, she's driven by an overwhelming desire to do something so remarkably good that it redefines her identity: organizing a summer masquerade ball to spark a wave of excitement and unite the school. However, just as the masquerade's plans start falling into place, a startling revelation threatens to ruin everything. Antigone stands at a crossroads: will she reveal her vulnerabilities and seek the help she so desperately requires, or will she continue to conceal her true feelings behind the guise of her perpetually cheerful and carefree mas? ntigone Kingsley: Masquerade by author Marina Magdalena is the perfect companion for middle grade girls going through the highs and lows of growing up. Filled with positive role models, healthy self-exploration, fruitful relationships, vulnerability, and good humour, preteens will love journeying with Tig as she faces the social pressures, spiralling emotions, and the grand disappointments of teenage life! Tig is your relatable, imperfect, clumsy, hot-headed girl next door who learns to embrace who she is, solve problems, and bring sparkle to the world.

Grandmother Bear has gone for ever, and Little Bear is feeling sad. His mother wisely suggests that perhaps asking his woodland companions what saying goodbye means to them will help him understand his loss. Little Bear's day of exploring and asking questions brings him comfort and hope. For the swallows, saying goodbye means flying to warmer lands; for the leaves of the trees, it is a chance to be free, leaving the tree at her most beautiful; for the moon, it is to return to be with the sun; and for the sun, it is to rise in another sky and just because Little Bear can't see him doesn't mean he isn't there. This charmingly illustrated picture book will help young children in times of bereavement, loss or change, gently exploring the reasons for saying goodbye and giving reassurance that goodbye doesn't mean the end of things.

From the majesty of Genesis to the mystery of Revelation, the Bible contains some of the world's most powerful stories and sublime wisdom. It is also the inspiration for some of the greatest pictures ever painted. Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Moses and the exodus from Egypt, Samson betrayed by Delilah, David slaying Goliath, the beauty of Bathsheba, the wisdom of Solomon: these are among the dramatic scenes and memorable characters in the Old Testament, portrayed here by artists such as Poussin, Rembrandt and Rubens. In the New Testament, the figure of Jesus takes centre stage, with his compelling parables and miracles depicted by artists such as Caravaggio, Duccio, El Greco, Raphael, Titian and Velazquez. Together, these words and paintings convey a profound sense of the sacred. Both may go back many hundreds of years, and yet they still have the power to move and inspire us today.

Slow down. Breathe deep. Remember you are beloved. In a world that urges us to do more, hurry up and keep going, Beloved Is Where We Begin offers something beautifully different: a once-a-week pause to rest in God's presence and remember who you really are. This gentle, practical devotional features 52 simple reflections, one for each week of the year, helping you build a sustainable habit of meeting with God that doesn't add to your to-do list, but restores your soul. Rooted in the liturgical seasons of the Christian year - Easter, Ordinary Time, Advent, Christmas and Lent - these short, thoughtful readings invite you to slow down and hear the steady heartbeat of God's grace running through every part of life. Perfect for busy people longing to meet God or reconnect in a way that's realistic, meaningful and kind, Beloved Is Where We Begin helps you find a rhythm of rootedness that can hold you through whatever the week brings - reminding you again and again that you are beloved.

Heroes of Hope celebrates the achievements of Christians of global majority heritage who lived out their faith and made a positive difference in their communities and beyond. In this diverse and inclusive book, kids will discover 22 inspirational people from different backgrounds and cultures. From the cities of Europe to the deserts of Africa, from the wild open spaces of America to the busy streets of China, and from the green, tropical Solomon Islands to the mines of Bolivia, each person featured in this book has made a difference in their local communities in their own unique way. Their stories of courage, determination, and faith, along with eye-catching illustrations, will inspire kids to know that – whoever or wherever they are – they can help to make the world a better place!Heroes of Hope will resonate with readers by focusing on the connections between faith, ethnicity, and community. Young readers will be inspired to recognize the power of faith and the potential within themselves to influence those around them positively. Heroes of Hope :* highlights the many contributions of people of global majority heritage within the Church* includes people who are often overlooked in Christian biographies for children* provides children with inspirational role models* encourages children to make a positive difference to their own communitiesKids will meet: St Maurice; Abba Moses; St Monica; St Augustine; St Juan Diego; St Kateri Tekakwitha; St Martin de Porres; St Kuriakose Chavara; Paulina Dlamini; Blessed Ceferino Giminez Malla; Harold Moody; Tsai Su Jan; Toyohiko Kagawa; Florence Li Tim Oi; Ini Kopuria; St Josephine Bakhita; Archbishop Oscar Romero; Oseola McCarty; Pauli Murray; St. Alphonsa; Rosa Parks; and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. With a foreword by Lord Paul Boateng. Heroes of Hope is published in partnership with the Church of England's Racial Justice Unit, which exists to enable everyone within a church's community to contribute and belong, whether their family have lived in the area for generations or for just a few weeks.

The pace of the modern world with its constant demands and digital connection can make it tough to form a rich spirituality. Though many of us long for a nourishing connection with God, we often struggle to form habits that cultivate and sustain it. In Faith Habits and How to Form Them, retreat guide and spiritual director Emma Timms shares 21 spiritual practices that will both feed your soul and fit with the life you are actually living. Drawing from the Bible, the saints and mystics of old, as well as contemporary psychology, this book will help you uncover God's already-active presence inside you and help you form rhythms and practices to connect more deeply. Discover how to:- Understand the importance of habits in forming a life-giving spirituality- Apply spiritual practices that have been used throughout the ages- Make a daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, and seasonal plan for your spiritual life- Adjust your spiritual practices to the season of life you're inWhether you're a stay-at-home parent, an overworked business owner, a local church leader, or a student, this book will help you nurture an essential and foundational relationship with God and give you the tools to outwork your faith in your unique context.

In Giver of Life, renowned theologian Jane Williams leads you into a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit's vital role in Christian thought and in the lives of all who follow Jesus today. Through a thoughtful exposition of the Nicene Creed, Williams traces the rich theology behind the Spirit's titles and explores the deep connection between the Spirit and the life of Christ. At the same time, she invites you to consider the role of the Spirit as the one who brings you into the divine life of God, shaping your relationship with Jesus and guiding your faith. With its stimulating questions for reflection at the end of each chapter, Giver of Life is a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their appreciation of the Holy Spirit's transformative work in the world and in the life of every Christian - past and present. ContentsIntroduction1 A Creedal World2 The Case for the Holy Spirit: The Cappadocian Fathers3 The Case for the Holy Spirit: Augustine of Hippo4 The Holy Spirit Defended: Summarising the arguments5 The Holy Spirit in the Creed6 The Holy Spirit, the Giver of Life

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERIn his first major work since The Universal Christ, one of our most prominent spiritual voices offers a wholehearted and hope-filled model for living today, grounded in the timeless words of the Hebrew prophets. How do we live compassionately in a time of violence and despair? What can we do with our private disappointments and the anger we feel over an unjust world? In his most personal book yet, Richard Rohr turns to the writings of the Jewish prophets, showing how some of the lesser-read books of the Bible offer us a path forward today. The prophets' writings echo the spectrum of human development. Beneath their initial fervor and their forceful words, there lies a profound lamentation about our shared human condition and the pain of the world. Yet, in their astute critiques of culture and institutions, and their movement from anger and lament to wholeness and hope, the prophets embody what Rohr calls holy disorder - a distinct approach to confronting malevolence and recognizing the wholeness of every living being. Drawing on a century of Biblical scholarship and written in the warm, pastoral voice that has endeared millions to Rohr, The Tears of Things breathes new life into ancient wisdom and paves a path of enlightenment for anyone seeking a wholehearted way of living in a hurting world.

'For years I've watched Mick's journey unfold, at times full of hope inspired by his church, and at his lowest in despair at the human suffering he has witnessed. I've seen the impact of his ministry on him personally, visiting him in hospital when he was close to death in spring 2023. But what has never changed is his resilience to carry on, with the unwavering belief that there is more good than bad in the world, and it is the good that will triumph.'ED THOMAS, UK EDITOR BBC NEWS'On the day of [my] consecration I confess to wondering, What on earth am I doing wearing a strange pointy hat and my grandma's curtains around my shoulders?... Then from the back of the church came the immortal words: "Get your ******* hands off me... Why is he getting made a bishop when I'm sleeping on the streets?"'Working with some of the poorest in society, Mick frequently witnesses the miraculous power of God breaking through into places that you could never have imagined. The homeless soul at his consecration is one of many who will be touched by God's grace. Mick's own origins and wayward past - 'my first arrest was at the age of 9' - are another recurring theme in a volume full of warmth, wit and compassion. We read of him joining a passing NHS protest march en route to the Princess of Wales's Christmas Concert; leaving the medical team responsible for saving his life with their own hearts strangely warmed; trusting God to speak through him at a French Catholic festival and discovering that 'God loves prostitutes' are exactly the right words... Walk In My Shoes - simply told, utterly devastating and deeply hopeful - draws us all into a remarkable and truly healing ministry.

A fabulous collection of stories for young children about animals that encountered Jesus during his lifetime and how they were there when key incidents in his life took place. Imagine you could have been there when Jesus was alive on earth. The animals in this book saw just what happened. The fox was out on a cold, starry night when he suddenly heard the sound of Angels singing. The cat was looking forward to a wedding party that nearly went wrong. The magpie had a birds-eye view of Zaccheus climbing into his tree. And the mouse got caught on a boat in a storm and saw an amazing miracle. For more than 30 years, this much-loved collection of Bible stories by award-wining authors and illustrators Nick Butterworth and Mick Inkpen has been enjoyed by children in groups and at home, and made an ideal gift for special occasions, such as christenings and baptisms.

AWARD: CRT Book of the year 2025!'Rowan Williams offers a typically intelligent, attractive, and beguiling picture of what it means to be a Christian... When I read Williams I feel something coming to birth inside me, whispers from a shore I want to set out for.' Mark Oakley, Dean of Southwark Cathedral, LondonInternationally acclaimed theologian Rowan Williams invites you to explore with him the vital questions that go right to the heart of Christianity:How does Jesus reveal God? Who or what is the Holy Spirit? Why do Christians treasure the Bible? What's the point of theolog? owan Williams' guide to the essentials of the faith will get you thinking about God in fresh and exciting ways. It will help you to grasp the way in which the best Christian theology is arrived at through the creative interplay of scripture, tradition and reason. And it will help you develop a broader and deeper appreciation of the positive difference Christianity continues to make in the world today. Brief, engaging and profoundly simple, this book takes you to the heart of what Christianity is all about, offering food for thought for a lifetime.

This hugely heartening book on hope will galvanise readers into looking at the world and the challenges we're facing in a new way. It gathers together a fantastic range of lively, up-and-coming writers who are willing to dig deep. Here they write passionately about what gives them hope, in reflections including Seeds of unity, A beautiful and messy awakening, Kingdom diplomacy across faiths, A vision for hope in politics, Wild paths of peace and Hope in suffering. Wild Bright Hope urges us not only to embrace a more hopeful perspective, but also to consider how we ourselves might play a full part in bringing in the kingdom of God.