resources for lent
2008
Love Life, Live Lent
A common theme running explicitly through many of the title of 2008 books and courses is LIFE… “Life Calling”; “Thirst for Life”; “Love Life Live Lent…” “Life conquers death”, “Life source” … life in all its fullness.
It was moving to read stories of life-giving courses and groups across the diocese last year, touching people of all ages. We hope that this booklet will encourage even more parishes and people to explore the range of resources to “Love Life and Live Lent” in 2008.
The booklet is available here (pdf), or from the Diocesan Office.
2008 Lent Course from the USPG
USPG has produced a five-week Lent bible study re-examining our understanding of relationships, drawing inspiration from the Church of Bangladesh and the Gospel of Matthew.
Specifically, the course looks at our relationships with our family, church and community, the environment and God. You can order free study booklets, collection envelopes, Lent boxes, posters and a DVD from their website, or by emailing. Alternatively, phone 0845 273 1701
2007
Living God's Life
A simple, six session, highly participative course. A4, 16 pages.
There are 5 group sessions, an additional session and some ideas for worship. The additional session is particularly aimed at those who are in paid employment wrestling with issues at work. Each session draws on a range of media such as art, TV, music and on the experience of participants in their daily lives.
The series aims to help small groups, house groups and Bible study groups to explore how our faith shapes and relates to our daily lives-and challenges us to live "God-shaped lives".
Each session is broken into four different elements, each offering a choice of two or three different activities. You probably will not have time to do them all, so leaders are encouraged to choose one or two activities from each section which would be particularly appropriate for their group.
Leaders' notes and participants materials are in the same A4 booklet. The course was originally written by the South Wales Methodist Training Team and has been adapted, with permission, for use in Llandaff Diocese.
Menter/Venture
A bilingual Process Evangelism Course written recently for St David's Diocese.
The course lasts for 10 sessions and we suggest that parishes offer five sessions in Lent with the option of five more sessions as a follow-up in the summer term. There is also material for an optional group "Away Day". Topics covered: Pointers to God: Jesus Christ; Jesus' death; Jesus' resurrection; God the Father; the Holy Spirit; Suffering and other religions; The church; Prayer and the Bible; Discipleship. Each session combines leader input, group activities and thought starters and discussion material. The Participant's Workbook is 24, A4 pages in each of English and Welsh with space for notes.
The Leader's Guide is an extensive resource of 64 pages in each of English and Welsh. It offers background and input material for each session and an "Application" section.
Safe Evangelism: "Sharing your faith so that it doesn't hurt"
A five session course written for Lent last year for the Diocese of Monmouth.
24 page Participants Guide; 24 page Leaders' Manual; accompanying DVD.
The course aims to dispel myths and fears about evangelism and encourage natural faith-sharing in and through daily life. Each session draws on a section of the DVD, leading into structured group discussion. There are resources for prayer and worship. There is also a section of guidance and suggestions on running the course.
Church House Publishing initiative: Love Life, Live Lent
Going Global: Five weeks in Lent 2007 with USPG
This Lent, USPG is inviting you to go global by taking part in USPG’s five-week Lent Bible study course. Going Global will take you on a tour of the world church, stopping en route to learn lessons from the church in Swaziland, the Philippines, India, Japan and Brazil. There are materials for participants and also notes for leaders.
You can order study booklets, collection envelopes, Lent boxes and posters at www.uspg.org.uk
Making Connections: BBC Lent Course 2007
The Making Connections resources explore the central paradoxes of Christian faith, each illustrated in a story from the Gospel of John. The Christian faith is defined by a series of mysterious, paradoxical truths: God became human; Jesus died to bring us life; the poor are rich, and so on. For each full week of Lent there is a Bible study outline. Each study is designed to help you to consider the implications of the story for Christian living.
The studies start with a life section which helps participants to reflect on their own experience and beliefs. Then the Bible passage is read and explored. Then the connections section asks how the truths of the passage can be applied in the lives of believers. Finally there is a prayer for you to use. You can use the studies as an individual or in a group. Be selective. Download the weekly study resources.
The study sheets are in PDF format covering:
* Heaven touches earth
* Light encounters darkness
* Spirit inhabits nature
* Love offers itself in sacrifice
* Suffering produces salvation
* Kingship is expressed
Foundations 21
Because everyone is different Foundations21, “a new way to do discipleship”, has been designed to enable you to explore discipleship in a way that suits a range of lifestyles and learning styles. Through multi-media resources users are helped to explore what it means to be a disciple; discover your direction; get going in Christian service. Foundations21 offers a blended learning approach, including: at-the-computer learning; group work; projects to start; online communication; mentoring support and accountability.
There are more than 3,500 web pages, 7,500 web links and 6 hours of original video material for personal learning and growth in discipleship. It aims to “resource your spiritual journey; give you creative ideas to serve God in new ways; help you to challenge others to put their faith in Jesus Christ”. “When you subscribe to Foundations21, you'll receive a pack of resources to help guide you on your journey of faith. You can use these at your computer whenever it most suits you.”
This will appeal to confident internet users with access to Broadband. It might well suit a busy professional or parent who wants to learn more but just doesn’t have time to join a formal parish group.
A downside is cost; it is available over the internet by monthly subscription. There is currently a 45-Day Trial Version of Foundations21. For 6 weeks, the trial version gives full access to the Foundations21 website and the Foundations21 community, plus all the DVD content for Room 1 - Jesus.
Passing the Test
David Adam: Kevin Mayhew PublishingWhat's in it? 6 sessions linking Jesus' temptations with God's call to us to be free of what holds us back from being ourselves and living fully for others. Each session follows the pattern rest- a time of silent prayer; realise - a hymn and prayer to focus attention on God; reading - a biblical passage and short written reflection; ruminate - a reflective passage containing questions and discussion points; respond - looking at possible individual or group action.
Who's it for?
Designed for small groups; suitable for individual use. More geared for people who like to reflect rather than people who learn and express themselves by doing.
Strengths / useful features
* Contains useful guides on reflectively praying the Bible and relating it to life
* A strong structure or rhythm for each session with well written reflections
* Lent related theme, unpacking Jesus' temptations and relating them to the challenge we face in turning the direction of our living 'Godwards'
* Manageable amount of material each week
* Strongly prayerful feel to this resource
Potential weaknesses
* On the front cover the resource describes itself as being about 'discovering our abilities and the God-given powers that are ours'; I'm not sure this is its actual focus; it seems more about directing our energy and our seeking 'Godwards'.
* For group use it would have been helpful to include more overt questions and discussion points in the 'ruminating' material.
* The material is strong but in one style - prayer reflection and sharing.
We shall be changed
Keith Duke: Kevin Mayhew Publishing
What's in it?
5 session course on personal transformation. Each session contains worship material, and a selection of readings for reflection and group discussion [from the Bible, the Gospel of Thomas and a variety of writers on Celtic spirituality].
Who's it for?
Designed for small groups.
Strengths / useful features
* Each session has a variety of reading material from sources familiar and new: - usually a biblical passage, another that explains its significance, and related passages from Celtic sources or the Gospel of Thomas
* The theme of transformation and what it involves relates closely to Lent
* Questions for discussion and sharing are included
Potential weaknesses
* The inclusion of a song, poem, video clip, drama or visual material is recommended for each session but there's little guidance on finding suitable material
* The questions given for discussion or sharing vary in their clarity and accessibility - some may not be easy for people to relate to without further explanation and examples.
* The selection of readings both illuminates and obscures - some feel more helpful, accessible and related than others.
The Power of Small Choices
Hilary Brand: DLT
What's in it?
5 group sessions on the choices we make and why they matter. Each session includes video clips from Babette's Feast and the Shawshank Redemption, a linked Gospel passage, questions for sharing and discussion and prayer and meditation material. Alongside this are 5 chapters on the nature and significance of choice that are suggested as reading before sessions, and 5 collection of stories for reading after sessions.
There is also additional material for individual use or for 2 further group sessions after Easter.
Who's it for?
Genuinely for individual and group use. There is a wealth of material for individuals, and well structured sessions for groups.
Strengths / useful features
* The sessions are well structured and detailed guidance is given to group leaders.
* This resource helpfully links together insights from science, scripture, literature, film and everyday life; the result is an accessible but challenging examination of the nature of the choices we make, our motivations and how these connect with our journey with God.
* The reading material and groups sessions are complementary but free standing; it's not necessary to read the chapters to take part in the sessions and the resource works equally well as a resource for individual reflection.
* The writing is fresh, insightful and thought provoking; it reinforces an understanding of the whole of human existence as God-breathed.
Perfect Freedom
Prue Philipson: Foundery Press
What's in it?
Material for 6 study sessions on the meaning of freedom. Each session looks at one dimension of freedom: the meaning of freedom, work and freedom, family life and freedom, freedom and the media, freedom in Christ. The material consists of a prayer, a Bible reading, a reflection punctuated by questions, a Christian viewpoint, a concluding prayer.
Who's it for?
For small groups
Strengths / useful features
* The session tackle some live contemporary issues, for example euthanasia, implications of stem cell research, the use and abuse of the power of the media, censorship, and relationships and roles within families
* The writing is clear, well structured and easy to follow with some helpful examples
* People are given pointers on things to watch out for and think about in preparation for the next session for example in advance of the session on family relationships people are asked to watch out for TV or radio programmes that deal with related issues.
Potential weaknesses
* There are no group leader guidelines or any pointers as to how to make best use of the resource
* Some of the sessions cover a vast range of issues; for example the session on medical advances covers health legislation and the nanny state, organ transplants, stem cell research, abortion, euthanasia, mental illness and suicide; 18 questions are given for consideration / discussion. Some selection of material will be needed!
* For the most part there is reasonable openness in how difficult ethical issues are approached; at other times the views of the writer come through loud and clear.
Looking On - Reflections around the Cross
Stephen Dawes: Inspire
What's in it?
A series of thirteen 'reflections' from different fictional characters who were present in Jerusalem during Holy Week, including; Alexander - the Principal Secretary to Caiphas, Jason - a Roman Centurion, and Jonas - Jesus' youngest brother. Three of these reflections focus on Palm Sunday, seven on Good Friday and three on Easter Day. Each chapter includes the auto-biographical account from the imaginary character, accompanied by some supporting information/comments, biblical reading(s) which relate to the account, a significant question for individual or group reflection, and a concluding prayer.
Who is it for?
The back cover suggests this book is for individuals and group study. But perhaps it falls somewhere between these two stools, ie 13 chapters is not enough for daily individual readings throughout the 40 plus days of Lent, but it is too many for a weekly group meeting. Arguably this resource is most suited to individuals, perhaps reading 2 chapters each week of Lent, one midweek and one at the weekend.
Strengths
* The format uses an imaginative approach which may help readers to engage in a fresh way with very familiar events.
* The 'stories' are short, readable and interesting.
* Supporting notes are informative and useful.
Potential Weaknesses
* Only one reflection question per study, so what happens if the discussion does not take off? A short group meeting!. More discussion questions are required to be an effective group study resource.
* No guidance for group leaders on how to use the suggested material eg what to do with the Bible readings.
* Could be more challenging, by drawing parallels and/or contrasts between today's readers and the Holy Week characters. eg by asking 'to what extent do we sometimes think and act like Tobias the Pharisee?'
The Journey of the Son
Kate Hayes: Scripture Union
What's in it?
Six sessions based on Matthew's portrayal of Jesus journey to the cross. It starts with his baptism and continues through his temptations, Gethsemane, his trial and suffering to triumph.
Each session includes; a 'setting-out' exercise to introduce the particular theme, a Bible study section with lots of discussion questions, suggestions for prayer, and some follow-up 'homework' perhaps further exploration of biblical material and/or other exercises to be tackled individually and reported back to the group at a later meeting.
Who is it for?
Individuals or groups. The introduction suggests the course is for those "who want to grow in their understanding of Jesus journey, and our own". It is perhaps more suited to established groups or at least for groups comprised of people who already know each other quite well.
Strengths/Useful features
* Thought-provoking discussion questions
* Well structured sessions which will help (inexperienced) group leaders
* Those who undertake the course are likely to be challenged regarding the depth of their discipleship
Potential Weaknesses
* A large amount of reading , including lots of biblical material. Therefore less suitable for non-book people.
* Perhaps too many questions, leaders will need to be selective or they may have long meetings!
Better Together?
York Courses (01904 481677)
What's in it?
A five session course on different aspects of relationships; family relationships, relationships within the church, relating to strangers, broken relationships, and our relationship with God.
Each session has an 'interview discussion' on the tape/CD with the 3 main participants (Nicky Gumbel, Jane Williams, and John Bell) lasting approximately 12 minutes, plus a 2 minute summary from the Abbot of Ampleforth. Plus the booklet contains background information including some specific relevant quotes or statistics, several group discussion questions, Bible readings and suggestions for prayer and meditation.
Who is it for?
Clearly for groups, although it could be used by individuals. Particularly appropriate for Christians who want to apply their faith to everyday living in all its complexity!
The four participants cover a range of theological perspectives and different churches, therefore it would be an appropriate resource for ecumenical groups.
Strengths/Useful features
* The material is relevant to contemporary life and the 'interview discussions' thought-provoking.
* The discussion questions are often challenging, for us as individuals or as Christian communities
* All 3 main participants contribute to each session, which provides variety and helps avoid 'weaker' sessions.
* Useful general introductory notes for group leaders
* Transcripts of the interview discussions are available, to help leaders prepare and for those with hearing difficulties
Potential Weaknesses
* The tape interviews are quite long, it may be helpful to play half, followed by some discussion before listening to the rest.
* Group members will each need a booklet and ideally be prepared to read the relevant chapter before each session.
* There is no guidance to group leaders on how to use the available material to construct an outline for each session.
Life Attitudes
Robert Warren/Sue Mayfield: Church House Publishing
What's in it?
5 sessions, 90 minutes each, exploring and opening up the challenge of the Beatitudes. Session 1 looks at the Beatitudes as a whole. Sessions 2-5 in depth look at the sayings, focussing on 2 Beatitudes each session.
Who is it for?
Cell and home groups. Could be used in comfortable church rooms. Suitable for all traditions and ecumenical groups. The content can be adapted for adult or youth groups.
Strengths/Useful Features
* each session contains study guidelines and interactive activities
* ideas for prayer and meditation
* ideas for practical action and suggestions for further study
* involves group members
* good notes for leaders
Potential Weaknesses
* designed for home use, 8-12 people - splitting into 2 groups with 2 rooms. Also flipchart etc. Presupposes spacious accommodation. How much inner-city accommodation can provide that (or alternative church rooms)
* resources suggested e.g. videos, books for everybody (cost implications)
* opens up the challenge of the Beatitudes well, but some rather 'hackneyed' training methods.
* leaders will need to be selective, adaptable and well prepared. Some experience required.
WOMEN OF THE GOSPELS (Meeting the women who followed Jesus)
Mary Ellen Ashcroft: Bible Reading Fellowship
What is in it?
This book contains six studies and is an imaginative retelling of the Gospel narratives from the perspective of Jesus' women followers. The women gather to comfort each other in the dark hours between Good Friday and Easter morning and through the telling of individual stories in relation to their journeys of faith the women discover their common story, that the good news of Jesus brings light even in darkness. In addition to the individual stories, each study includes questions for both individual reflection and group discussion.
Who is it for?
It is suggested that this book could be used for group study in Lent. It presupposes that the group would have had experience of, or would welcome the opportunity for such an imaginative approach. Furthermore, this group would need to have some understanding of the need for women's voices to be heard. The book could be used by a mixed group or a women's only group; the determining factor would need to be the trust within the group.
Strengths/Useful Features
* The individual questions for reflection for each chapter are thought provoking and valuable
* The group discussion questions are comprehensive and stimulating
* Each chapter has its own moving individuality and yet the book retains coherence
* The imaginative approach allows the reader to feel connected to and involved with the biblical text
* The Bible comes alive and relevant to the 21st century Potential Weaknesses
* The group dynamic is critical and there could be potential for negative attitudes
* Some people who do not like the approach may give up too quickly; one needs to be prepared to read and reflect and to wrestle with the questions.
“I Thirst”: The Cross—the great Triumph of Love
Stephen Cottrell: Zondervan 2003 (ISBN 0-310250-692)
This book examines the last words of Jesus on the cross and helps penetrate the deep mystery of a God who goes on loving, no matter what. Cottrell hopes that as we come to the great festival of Easter, we will know afresh that the one who thirsts is also the one in whom our own thirsts are quenched. Only by exploring the remarkable love of this nailed-to-a-cross God can we begin to understand our own mortality and suffering.
Wyneb yn wyneb - Face to Face
(Bilingual and English editions)
CTBI 2003 (ISBN 0-85169-294-X)
This short Lent course challenges us to discover and develop a deeper humanity. Five sessions pick up one of the basic claims of the Bible that we human beings are made in the image of God and we are gifted with a lifetime during which we can grow into the likeness of God. Face to Face means discovering not only more about ourselves as made in the image of God, but also more of our neighbours, even our ‘enemies’ and certainly more about our humanity and God’s divinity. The Bible Society and CTBI aim to provide “a stimulating exploration of what it means to be made ‘in God’s image’”.
Small World
Sheila Cassidy, Celia Deane-Drummond, Joseph Donders, John Rawsthorne, Wendy M Wright and Phumzile Zondi: CAFOD/DLT 2003
Lent is a special time for expectancy, reflection and making choices. Who do we want to be? What values are we to live by? Who we are to follow? The CAFOD/DLT Lent Book invites us to see in a new way, with the eyes of the gospel: the world is turned on its head, so that the last shall be first, and the first shall be last. Some of our finest spiritual writers have contributed to these reflections on the common lectionary readings for each day of Lent. We are invited to draw closer to God through prayer and action, through contemplation and the transformation of the world.
Knowing and Growing
David Adam: Kevin Mayhew 2004 (ISBN 1-84417-177-9)
“Lent is a time for change, a time for cutting back, pruning and growing in strength so that we can live more fruitful lives.” This book is for those who want to explore the way to abundant life, for those who seek to know Christ and the power of his resurrection. In this 8-week course, taking us from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday in a series of one-hour sessions for group study, David Adam shares with us a method of working through Lent which follows the Church’s ancient tradition of prayer and reading Scripture—”Lectio Divina”, or ’Holy Reading’.
Called to the City -
A CMS Study Pack for use in small groups
Called to the City is packed with testimonies, project descriptions, mission snapshots and prayer points.
Lent for the Whole Church Community
Susan Sayers: Kevin Mayhew 2004 (ISBN 1-84417-179-5)
Throughout this book there are mixed-age-group activities and times of worship and reflection, which happen in the formal setting of the church congregation. Here are others which keep the Lent pulse going on a daily basis, in homes and households, in family or friendship groups, or alone. There are also suggestions for opening the church up to the wider community during Lent.
Dwelling in a Strange Land - Exile in the Bible and in the Church
John Holdsworth (intro by Rowan Williams): Canterbury Press 2003 (ISBN 1-85311-563-0)
Exile in the Old Testament is often seen as a sign of failure and judgement and consequence of human disobedience. Turning this idea on its head, Holdsworth explores whether being in exile is in fact exactly where God’s pilgrim people should be. This is an idea resource for study groups with questions for study and reflection.
Stages on the Way - Worship resources for Lent, Holy Week and Easter
Wild Goose 1998 (ISBN 1-901557-11-1)
Tracing Jesus’ road to the cross, the prime purpose of Stages on the Way is to resource worship that enables people to sense the hope, apprehension and joy of Easter as felt by Jesus’ friends. The range and diversity offer a unique source of elements for lay and clergy worship planners and enablers.
Lent and Easter Readings from Iona
Wild Goose 2001 (ISBN 1-901557-62-6)
Lent is traditionally a time of repentance and penitence, but it also offers an opportunity to see the world afresh, with a new sense of wonder. This book of readings from the Iona Community aims to help us reappraise our lives during the period leading up to Easter.
Living in a Fragile World
Peter Privett: BRF 2004 (ISBN 1-84101-325-0)
This book invites children and adults alike to reflect on the fragility of the earth. Living in a Fragile World uses three-dimensional materials based on the methodology of Godly Play, an imaginative way of telling Bible stories or presenting parables or lessons about Christian tradition, following the Montessori principles of education.
The material in the book was devised and field-tested by the author as part of a Lenten project in rural Herefordshire. Clear instructions are given for preparing the materials, together with carefully crafted scripts to guide the leader/storyteller through each of the five sessions.
All-age Lent and Easter: Ideas, talks and games for services
Nick Harding: Kevin Mayhew 2004 (ISBN 1-84003-990-6)
This book contains many suggestions to help with the planning and presentation of all-age Lent and Easter activities. There are games for some or all of the congregation, prayers to learn, repeat or use from the front, opening prayers and sentences in accessible language, and activities for family groups and others to do during a service. There are also talk suggestions and outlines.
There is enough here to keep your church going for many Lent and Easter seasons.
Touch Wood
Pete Townsend: Kevin Mayhew 2004 (ISBN 1-84003-664-8)
Touch Wood is a Lent resource exploring the sayings of the cross and is suitable for use in youth groups, as part of an all-age service or for times of personal devotion. The book consists of seven sections. Each one takes a saying of the cross and examines it in a number of ways: through a Bible passage; through a drama, etc. Touch Wood is intended to make us think more closely about the final hours of Jesus on the cross, and the effect it can have on our lives.
Stepping Out
Pete Townsend: Kevin Mayhew 2004 (ISBN 1-84003-851-4)
Stepping Out takes teenagers on a journey to the cross and beyond. The period leading up to the crucifixion was a time in which Jesus firmly established who he was and why he was here. The sixteen part journey starts with the baptism of Jesus as we follow his steps towards the cross. Stepping Out is a journey of reflection, amazement and wonder. It’s a time to examine God’s love as revealed in his Son. It’s also a time to recognise that Jesus ‘stepped out’ and gave his life for each of us, which gives us the opportunity to accept the challenge of ‘stepping out’ of our comfort zone and demonstrating God’s love to the world.
Also Available: (With acknowledgment to Diocese of London for this digest, supplied by Caroline Pascoe.)
Jesus Opening our Hearts
Edited by Paula Clifford with contributions from Mary Bradford, Njongonkulu Ndungane, Chris Sugden, Wendy Bray, Andrew McLellan, and Lavinia Byrne: Christian Aid / Hodder and Stoughton
What's in it?
Daily Bible reading and written reflections from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. The focus of the book is the significance of relationships - with those close at hand, with people geographically far away, and with God. Brief group session outlines are provided for each week.
Who's it for?
Suitable for individual reflection or for groups, provided group members are committed to the pattern of daily readings.
Strengths / Useful Features
* The daily reflections are thought provoking and concise
* Different authors for different weeks provide variety and a range of different perspectives on relationships - for example Andrew Mclellan writes from his experience of work with prisoners, Njongonkulu Ngungane writes from the experience of South Africa as it emerges from the apartheid regime.
* There is a good balance between personal exploration and reflection, and encouragement to look outwards to wider needs within the local and global community.
Potential weaknesses
* The group leader's outlines are very brief, however there should be plenty for people to talk about in groups provided people are committed to the pattern of daily readings
* Everyone taking part will need a book
Tough Talk
York Courses (01904 481677)
What's in it?
Five sessions each focusing on some difficult sayings of Jesus. For each session the book includes lengthy background information and reflections, a suggested Bible reading, 10 discussion questions, and a closing meditation. The tape has approx 15 minutes of interview material for each session.
Who is it for?
Group material, particularly for those who like to read and talk. The four tape contributors are a Methodist, a Baptist, an Anglican, and a Roman Catholic, therefore it may well appeal to for ecumenical groups. Perhaps more appropriate for established Christians rather than those new to the faith.
Strengths/Useful features
* The four contributors complement each other well and make for easy listening
* Lots of solid, relevant material
Potential Weaknesses
* No instructions for group leaders on how to structure the sessions
* Sometimes rather wordy and therefore perhaps not ideal for some groups
* Some discussion questions are rather deep or 'heavy' eg 'explain (to a Buddhist) the Holy Spirit in the Bible and in your experience'.
A Journey of the Heart - A Pilgrim's Guide to Prayer
Kate Hayes: Scripture Union
What's in it?
Six sessions on prayer, all very practical and realistic. Each session offers a discussion starter, several short Bible passages for study, suggestions for prayer, and some follow-up material for those who want to go deeper.
Who's it for?
Mainly for groups, though each session also offers exercises for individuals to do on their own. 'If you want to explore what it means to pray with purpose, growing in understanding of and intimacy with your God, this series of six Bible-based studies will take you on a rewarding journey.'
Strengths/ useful features
* Very clear, down-to-earth and honest
* Good questions to help people apply the biblical teaching
* Lots of material to choose from
* Recognizes that different people pray in different ways
Potential Weaknesses
* No input from the more catholic traditions of prayer
* No background information on Bible passages
* Everyone will need their own copy
GIFTS FROM WITHIN - Women's Meditations for Lent
Women of Brigid's Place: Morehouse Publishing, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
What's in it?
This book contains a selection of Lenten meditations which were offered between 1998 to 2001 at Brigid's Place. Brigid's Place is a nonprofit, ecumenical organisation that supports the spiritual development of women in Houston. These reflections were given by a variety of women based on the Lectionary reading.
Who's it for?
These meditations come from a variety of women who were courageous enough to grapple with the struggle and challenge of the biblical readings set for Lent. From their knowledge and experience they offer genuine and powerful meditations, which are inspiring and disturbing for all people prepared to ponder the Scriptures and their own personal journey of faith.
Strengths/useful features
* You can read as much or as little at one time (for personal consumption)
* Several, if not many, would be very useful for meditations within Lenten services
* You can return to a meditation at any time for further pondering
* Each meditation is quite short
* The book can be read in a variety of settings
* The writers clearly have engaged with the text in ways that are relevant to others
* The writers of the meditations are real women who had deliberately chosen to engage in theological discussion with a desire for spiritual growth and development
* Emotions and experience are blended in with knowledge
Potential Weaknesses
* The American setting is quite strong
* One might be overwhelmed by the strength, discipline and determination of the writers
Meekness and Majesty
Elizabeth Rundle: Crusade for World Revival
What's in it?
6 study sessions. Each study designed to last a minimum of one hour and maximum of 90 minutes. Takes you through the events leading up to the crucifixion, eg the entry to Jerusalem, washing the disciples feet. Explores the paradox of Christ the Servant - Christ the King. Each session includes icebreakers, opening prayer, Bible readings, optional music settings, background material, discussion starters/questions and closing prayer.
Who's it for?
Definitely group material. Could easily be used for a youth group or those who are fairly new to the Christian faith. The author is a Methodist minister and the book comes from an evangelical publisher. However it is open in approach and could be used widely.
Strengths/Useful features
* The studies are experiential and it should not be difficult to engage people in discussion.
* Plenty of material clearly set out for each session
* Good clear leader notes
* Relates biblical teaching and events to contemporary issues.
Potential Weaknesses
* May not have sufficient depth for those who have studied the Bible over a period of years, conversely the group work means they could be a help to others.
* Leaders will be required to undertake some (but not a lot) of preparatory work for the sessions.
* Material from the booklet can only be reproduced with written permission from the publisher.
Thirsting for God: A Spiritual Journey Towards Restoration and Renewal
Nicholas King (Society of Jesus): Kevin Mayhew
What's in it?
7 studies, each built around the idea of 'thirsting'. The first of these involves identifying the real thirst we all have (articulated or not) for God. Then follows the exploration of thirsts for: home, direction, holiness, service, to cross boundaries, for love and life.
Each section has (relating to the theme) an opening prayer, a personal story, a number of New Testament stories, with some comments about the passage, three questions and a closing prayer.
Who's it for?
While the book indicates that it can be worked through individually it would appear better suited to a group setting. The book has been produced by a Jesuit priest and so comments and stories sometimes reflect this, though it should be accessible to those of a variety of backgrounds.
Strengths/useful features
* The New Testament stories are written in full in a fresh though accurate translation and the headings of the stories are sometimes a little different: 'A bumptious pietist' (Mark 10:17-22)
* There are 'footnotes' relating to the biblical passage which fall somewhere between strictly footnotes and commentary.
* There is more than enough biblical material for a session, though a suggested length of meeting is never mentioned.
Potential Weaknesses
* Very little guidance is given as to how the leader is to manage the session, for example:
* Are all participants expected to read the booklet in advance?
* How might the leader manage the material available in the session?
* What might be left out or included?
* How might tasks be shared?
* Might more personal stories be included relating to the group?
* The material is not specifically Lenten and can be used at other seasons of the year.
* The material will be fine for a confident leader who has time to prepare the session, feels able to be creative and can use the text as a springboard for a creative group experience in their parish.
Daily Lent Reflections
Nick Fawcett: Kevin Mayhew 2004 (ISBN 1-84417-176-0)
A Talent for Living
Martin Kitchen: SPCK 2003 (ISBN 0-281-05622-9)
Fresh Start with God
Joyce Huggett: Kevin Mayhew 2004 (ISBN 1-84417-166-3)
Jesus and the Earth
Bishop James Jones: SPCK 2003 (ISBN 0-281-05623-4)
Cheer Up, It’s Lent
Tony Castle (ISBN 1-84417-167-1)
Towards the Dawn
Garth Hewitt: SPCK 2004 (ISBN 0-281-05591-2)
Songs of Praise: Lent and Easter
Andrew Barr: Lion £9.99
The Incarnate God
John Taylor: Continuum
Mercy of God's Humility
Edward Norman: Continuum
Harmony of Heaven
Gordon Giles: BRF
Calling Out
J John: World Publishing ISBN 1-86024-232-4