Books published by SPCK Publishing

Meet Tom Hillingthwaite the newest employee of Jesus4All (formerly the Turn or Burn Gospel Coalition). Leaving his cushy, well-to-do life, Tom relocates to a rough estate in the urban sprawl of Bruton, in the south of England, to take up a job as 'Community Builder'. There's only one problem: Tom's ability to build community is overshadowed by his far greater ability to create utter chaos. How will Tom's middle-class pretensions cope with his new hostile environment? How can he expect to tell anyone about God when, some of the time, saying his own name proves beyond him? And - who is the strange shadowy man in the background? With his wife and daughter relying on him to provide for them, and his bosses demanding backsides on seats in the Kingdom, Tom needs to adapt, and fast. So begin The Unfortunate Adventures of Tom Hillingthwaite.

A Bible story and loads of fun activities, with lots of stickers for little hands

A collection of prayers and liturgies. It includes a series of four services for advent, and liturgies for celebration, grieving, reflection and preparation. The liturgies have a focus on ceremonies and celebrations for key moments in personal development.

Mini pop-up fun!

David Martin is one of the most distinguished writers on Christianity and society in modern times; his many influential writings and broadcasts range extensively over issues of religion, politics, violence and war. His vivid, elegant and absorbing prose offers surprising and often moving insights into his life, times and intellectual development.

David Adam aims to help us recognize that there are moments in each day of our lives that are cause for thanksgiving, and to stop and praise God. Contents: Unbending the bow; Resting in God; Opening our eyes; Seeing with the heart; Being aware of what is around us; Knowing God, loving the world, loving God; Enjoying life, and enjoying God.

A charming collection of best-loved Bible stories, which makes a delightful gift for a new baby or a baptism

Popular storyteller Bob Hartman is renowned for his fresh take on often-told stories, bringing them to life with vibrant characters and a lively twist in the tale. Bob now launches a new series of stories ' The Unauthorized Versions ' which are packed full of humour, mischief, silliness, and fun ' but which all have a good-hearted and memorable conclusion. These easy-to-read stories of Jesus are inspired by the Bible ' but given a completely original slant. Retold at a cracking pace, this black and white line illustrated book (in a style perfectly matched to Bob's mischievous storytelling) makes an ideal read for those who prefer something a little more wayward on their bookshelves, particularly boys aged 7-9.

-Accounts of faith, courage and determination against what so often seem to be impossible odds - yet my main memory of the book is not of tragedies, but of laughter, endurance and hope.-' Rob Parsons OBE, Chairman, Care for the Family So many acts of faith and courage go unreported. As Jean and Brian Gibson travel through Malawi and Kenya, they meet Christians who have overcome extraordinary challenges ' including female circumcision, polygamy, child abuse and HIV ' to share Christ and to model Christian discipleship. The future for subSaharan Africa lies, to a remarkable degree, in the hands of the national churches. Here are vivid illustrations of this redemptive work. -Filled with the faith, hope and love of Christ.-' Revd Donald Ker, Secretary of Conference, Methodist Church in Ireland -Jean has a remarkable gift of painting pictures in words. You will feel as though you are there.- 'Right Revd Harold Millar, Bishop of Down and Dromore -I loved reading this book.-' Tim Magowan, Northern Ireland Director, Tearfund -You will begin to understand why the grassroots church is not just growing but exploding in this, the Global South.- 'Very Revd Dr Trevor W.J. Morrow, Presbyterian Church in Ireland Jean Gibson worked in theological education in Kenya for eight years with the Presbyterian Church of East Africa, and is now National Representative for Care for the Family in Northern Ireland. www.jeangibson.co.uk

Getting through the tough stuff. You see a friend suffer. Leaders and churches let you down. Your prayers fall flat. Maybe your dad died. How do you have faith through these things? Gavin and Anne have faced their own challenges. They struggled to conceive ' and then their second child needed thirteen blood transfusions. Every day their work brings them into contact with hurting young people. They don't have all the answers, but they demonstrate that it is possible to meet the questions head-on and go on growing. -Gavin and Anne have chosen to make living for Jesus the most important thing in their lives. This honest book is born out of experience and shaped by encounters with people who struggle. If you want a quick-fix consumer faith don't bother to read it. But if you are seeking genuine answers, this book is a real find.-' Ian Coffey, Director of Leadership Training, Moorlands College -Gavin and Anne have emerged stronger, more compassionate and more focussed as they have allowed their faith to be tested. Their insights and wisdom are set out in this readable and honest book, which we thoroughly recommend to you: get it, read it and live it!- ' John and Anne Coles, National Directors, New Wine -What I love most about Gav and Anne is their integrity.- ' Rachel Gardner, Romance Academy

The first book on self-harm written for parents by parents. Are you concerned that your child may be self-harming? Are you wondering what to do for the best? Do you need more information and help? If so, this is the book for you. An ever-increasing number of young people are turning to self-harm in order to cope with the pressures of modern living, and this poses a huge problem for parents and others who care for them. This book provides the answers you need to questions such as: how do I know for sure whether my child is self-harming?; how should I approach my child?; what help and treatment is available to us?; what can I do to help my child?; how have other parents coped? Full of the real-life experiences of other parents who have been there, this is a practical book that will both inform and equip you to help your child and yourself through this difficult time.

Where does humanity end and something else begin?

A collection of Celtic writings that presents the language and images of the Celtic tradition. It celebrates the seasons of life: the wonder of creation, New Year, Easter, Harvest, the daily toil, being alone with God, baptism, marriage, family, reconciliation and peace.

A lively and perceptive account of the lives, writings and enduring intellectual legacies of the great Orthodox theologians of the past 250 years.

God is everywhere, and that means he can speak to us in all sorts of interesting places! It doesn't take more than a page or two to get absorbed by this hugely enjoyable and original book, in which Sister Elizabeth invites us to read the Bible (in traditional or less obvious electronic form).

Intercessions, forms for the peace and blessings in the Celtic tradition that link with the readings for each Sunday and great festival of the Christian year. Glimpses of Glory follows Year C of the Revised Common Lectionary.

Beyond the Edge is for people who wish to go deeply into the spiritual life, for spiritual directors, and for those who walk with others on their prayer journey. It can be used individually or in groups.

Opens up the latest research into Jesus' life and times for the general reader. Looks at the Gospels in a fresh way, making the setting of Jesus' life more vivid and realistic. Helps readers imagine the challenges that Jesus faced, and their impact on his actions and teachings.

In reflective practice we are asked to consider our own experiences and ask 'what went well?', 'what went badly' and 'how might I do better next time?' Tools for Reflective Ministry contains practical exercises and ideas on how to do this theologically and spiritually, putting Christianity at the core of the discipline.

By looking in detail at the Lord's Prayer and its background, Tom Wright offers a really fresh and helpful way of looking at Jesus. Phrase by phrase, he demonstrates how understanding the prayer in its original setting can be the starting point for a rekindling of Christian spirituality and the life of prayer.

This book explores the way in which liturgy can be used effectively in all-age communication. It is also a comprehensive practical resource - containing 12 complete all-age worship outlines for use throughout the year.

What is the point of the Lectionary? What are the problems and opportunities that it presents to those who use it? What are its strengths and weaknesses as an aid to worship? How can it be used and communicated most effectively today? These are among the key questions that Thomas O'Loughlin explores in this stimulating and much-needed guide.

An accessible and thought-provoking book for Christians of all denominations, with an appealing blend of biblical exposition, stories and personal experience. It calls us to a deeper and more compassionate approach to the challenges of diversity among Christians.

This book will be attractive to all ministers who are seeking to understand how leadership works and why it can be so difficult. It would be useful as a study book for lay ministers as well and for all who take up a leadership role in local churches.

A book for a generation unafraid to be vulnerable, honest, authentic; for people longing to find for a spirituality that is relevant and real. Those who want to face the big questions full-on, seeing them as a means of exploring the deepest possibilities of our lives.

'It has been slowly dawning on me over many years that there is a fundamental problem deep at the heart of Christian faith and practice as I have known it - we have all forgotten what the four gospels are about.' With this surprising and radical assertion, highly respected theologian Tom Wright launches a ground-breaking work.