Spring Book 2024

The author provides a sequel to her For the Parish: A Critique of Fresh Expressions. She analyses the ecclesiology and secularism of ’Minster hubs’, ‘Emerging Church’, and the Strategic Development Fund. She argues that all three strategies are deficient, and that the parish remains a vital asset for mission and outreach, but only if properly resourced by the Church, within deanery and diocese, rather than a dispensable burden for subsuming into a large benefice or larger grouping. Her future vision for the parish seeks to recreate synergy with its surrounding community as a place full of participation in the new life of Christ, of known and trusted intention to serve with creative imagination. I had hoped for more than a single page on Readers/LLMs given our roles, but the focus is on ordained ministry. That said, the suggested common curriculum for teaching clergy could be equally adopted for Reader training. This is a passionate and justifiably critical work, so it will be interesting to see what responses it provokes at a challenging time for our church.

Reviewed by ANDREW CARR
Future of the Parish

Spring Book 2024

The book’s strength is its focus on specific themes as well as the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ when writing a sermon. The section on ‘Times’ of how to preach in specific secular scenarios does not include ‘anger’, which is surprising given our world’s current emotional climate. ‘Seasons’ offers the predictable list but refreshingly includes one on ‘before’ Christmas (between Advent and Christmas). ‘Texts’ includes the author’s emphasis on the use of the Bible’s neglected theology in sermons; his ‘do’ message was that this should be woven into sermons whenever possible. The final section, ‘Contexts’, addresses preaching at funerals, weddings, and baptisms, and includes some pearls of wisdom. I am not sure that the book’s title is appropriate because it represents only one person’s approach to writing sermons, albeit an acclaimed and experienced preacher. The content is generally clear and erudite. Clearly, reading a sermon will usually be quite different when delivering it with all the emphases, pauses and nuances of the English language. This book will guide and enlighten preachers of all ages.

Reviewed by RICHARD APPLETON

Sermons

Spring Book 2024

Written against the backdrop of Covid-19, the invasion of Ukraine and the death of Queen Elizabeth II, this book is part spiritual memoir and part manual for spiritual reflection and development. Across sixty letters originally written to fellow members of the Nazareth Community, the author illuminates their simple rule of life: Silence, Service, Scripture, Sacrament, Sabbath and Staying With. We accompany him from hospital bedsides to a Scottish bothy, from a Crown Court where he serves as a juror to a holiday in Greece, and on a notable pilgrimage to Nazareth and the Holy Land. We are invited to look for ‘home’ within ourselves and others as we travel and where we hope to arrive. It is a book that will gently unsettle the reader and then suggest ways to re-settle in a more God-centred way. It is a book that made me weep and one that has burnished my hope. I will promote this book to spiritual directors and accompaniers. I will offer it to anyone who longs to know God, and themselves, better. This book is a blessing.

Reviewed by RONA ORME

Spirituality