Books published by Saint Andrew Press

Worship and its music together form one of the strongest sources of Christian nourishment and spiritual formation. This comprehensive and practical volume explores the broad range of music in today's churches from the traditional to the technological. It considers the role of music in widely varying worship contexts from cathedral to café church and in online services, and demonstrates how it contributes to the life and mission of the church. Assist Our Song combines accessible teaching about the theology and shape of worship with essential information about the forms of music used, including congregational hymns, songs, canticles and psalm chant, and music performed by choirs and musicians. It explores the range of resources available, how to extend repertoire, blending the old with the new, changing patterns of church life, and other practical issues. Its aims are the heightening of the profile of music within the church, increasing the skills and understanding on the part of musicians and choirs, assisting leaders of worship and empowering congregations to see themselves also as 'ministers of music'. It offers practical assistance for the 'delivery' of music - choosing music, making the most of choirs and working with musicians. It will be welcomed by all who lead, provide or curate music in worship, as well as clergy and ordinands who lack musical expertise or confidence.

Hope, in Christian theology, has profound meaning. But can theology comfort those whose personal world has fallen apart? Nick Baines draws on his experiences of working for GCHQ and as a pastor to address this important issue. This timely book, on aspects of hope, is from a writer grounded in life's practical experiences.

Written in the 16th century, this title states the Christian beliefs and principles at the heart of the Reformation. It is suitable for those interested in the Reformation or in Scottish history as a whole.

This seminal work by one of the world's most distinguished liturgical scholars fills an important gap in the history of the Church of Scotland and of Scottish worship.

'Parables' are stories Jesus told using characters and events familiar to his audience. But parables are a special kind of story and Jesus used them for his special purposes. William Barclay unlocks these stories, revealing the hidden depth and meaning.

People know the words of the Lord's Prayer by heart. With the words repeated so often, the freshness and meaning begins to disappear. Barclay gets right into the very heart of the meaning and helps you to rediscover the real meaning. This book contains original Biblical texts.

How did Christianity come to Scotland? A sixteen-hundred-year-old fog of mystery separates us from the dawn of Christianity in Scotland - but there are some intriguing signposts. Whether in life or in legend, the achievements of Saints Ninian, Columba and Kentigern (Mungo) intertwine to form the deep roots of Scottish Christianity.

Mark gives us the most human picture of Jesus, describing him simply as 'the carpenter', and speaks most about Jesus' feelings and emotions. This book builds on the infectious enthusiasm of Mark, adding wonder to the stories behind the text.

George Mackay Brown is one of the 20th century's finest writers. This biography sweeps us along on an enriching literary and spiritual journey..Draws on unpublished letters, conversations with the enigmatic Bard's friends and well-known writers. Shortlisted for the Saltire Award Best Research Book of the Year.

Rewilding the Church explores afresh Jesus' compelling invitation to leave behind all that hinders and entangles and to follow him adventurously. It calls us not only to be part of an exciting rewilding of the Church, but to be rewilded ourselves.

Stylistically unlike any other part of the New Testament, Revelation is also notoriously bewildering and difficult to understand but, with Barclay's help, we are able to unlock its wonders and blessings.

Truly exceptional prayers, liturgies, poetry, reflections and imaginative worship. Written partly in Scots and partly in English, this is a wonderful resource for Lent, Holy Week and Easter for all who seek inspiration or lead worship in Scotland.

Let Everyone Find Their Voice offers a wealth of exquisitely crafted and sensitive worship resources that will enrich personal prayer and public worship, and will readily lend itself to multiple pastoral contexts.

This is a booklet for parents and guardians who, in bringing a child for baptism, bring also a number of questions. In an informed but relaxed, humorous and informal way, the author answers the questions: what is really going on? What should happen next? And what about the vows - what do they add up to?

Time for Reflection is a comprehensive handbook for school chaplains and all with responsibility for ensuring the spiritual development of children and young people.It offers clear and essential guidance on a wide variety of topics:• the role of chaplains in relation to pupils, parents, staffand the whole school community• guidelines on appointing chaplains• codes of conduct• involving chaplains in the delivery of curriculum content• chaplaincy and pastoral care• chaplaincy and crisis support• a practical theology of chaplaincy.In addition, busy chaplains will welcome the range of tried and tested ideas for assemblies and other acts of religious observance, and the directory of online resources for chaplaincy ministry.Framed within Scotland's Curriculum for Excellence, and grounded in academic research, new and experienced chaplains everywhere will find Time for Reflection an invaluable guide.

Jesus taught his disciples that to be in his company is the key to happiness. Then he was crucified. But his death was the beginning, not the end. This title offers insights that enable you to see life itself in a new, joyful light.

We live in a fast-paced, noisy world that seems to get more and more complex and uncertain with every passing year. It's hard to hear your inner voice and to stop and reflect on what life is all about. Where do we find our anchor? This book explores what being a Christian really means.

Illustrated throughout, this is a practical dip-in guide to the key elements of preaching. Preacher's A-Z is a guide to the elements of preaching. It provides ideas and essentials that a preacher needs before stepping up to the lectern.

The Gospel of Luke is one of the treasures of the Christian church. Artful and engaging in his narrative style, Luke has the wonderful capacity to surprise his readers, to tell stories with a devastating twist in the tale, or to show a sudden new vista on reality. Luke's gospel has also exerted a massive influence on the way we see our world. Phrases and images from Luke have been part and parcel of our culture for centuries, and some of Luke's basic themes have shaped both faith and culture enormously.Leith Fisher shows us an accessible way to engage with this gospel and opens up Luke's vivid picture-gallery of stories to all readers: read on to learn more of the road which beckons in this most universal of the gospels. Suitable for personal or for group reading, this book divides the gospel account into manageable parts so that it can be read altogether, or over a period of study. It could form the basis for a year's preaching through Luke or for a series of group studies; its forty sections also make it suitable for the days of Lent.

As the Church of Scotland approaches its sixth year as a partner in Fresh Expressions, SEEING AFRESH tells the story of eight very different church communities that have emerged and asks what can be learned from them and how their examples can inspire other churches to engage more imaginatively in mission.

The Spirit of the Hebrides explores the Hebrides islands through poetry that reflects on the link between people and the land; how identity is shaped by wild places; the passing of many of the old ways of the Hebrides; the enduring beauty of these islands; the hospitality of their people and the depth of their spiritual awareness.

Part of the world-renowned New Daily Study Bible series. Examines three very varied, but important, letters from Paul.

New Testament Commentary on The Gospel of Luke by one of the world's best-loved Bible commentators, William Barclay. The Gospel of Luke has been called the loveliest book in the world. Compassionate and kind, Luke saw people as they truly were. A gospel of distinct characteristics, Luke is all-inclusive.

Paul distills the essence of his faith and belief. He writes to the vanguard of the new Christian faith in the heart of the greatest empire the world had ever known. We see how Paul's words are relevant in today's world, showing us that we are not too different from the Romans to whom this letter was addressed nearly 2000 years ago.

A classic piece of work on the Miracles of Jesus Christ by the inimitable William Barclay. This is an in-depth study which balances historical reality with present day relevance, written with all the style, flair and scholarship characteristic of this well-known author.

This book, designed for public worship contains prayers on particular themes and prayers for special occasions, using a language of devotion which reflects the speech of today.

This title examines how the Bible, the Canon of Holy Scripture, evolved into the form in which it now exists.