Books published by SPCK Publishing

This text explains, for both clergy and lay-people, models of grief and how a pastoral visitor understands their role within a secular setting and in response to imminent death or bereavement. The text also describes the process of "letting go" of loved ones.

This handbook, enlarged for the second edition, contains all the main symbols used in the Church with notes on their origin, meaning and colouring. The book includes a section on the saints, which includes brief biographical details.

Most funerals in Britain continue to be conducted according to the rites of one or other of the Christian churches. This work seeks to give those engaged in the pastoral ministry two things: a sense of how the nature of the funeral service has changed and some pointers to good practice today.

This work outlines the essential message of six major New Testament books, looking in particular at their portrayal of Jesus and what he accomplished in his sacrificial death. It also explores the significance of six key themes from the New Testament, including rebirth, heaven, hell and new life.

This work on vocation is recommended to potential ordinands by DDO's right across Britain. The book updates references to women's ordination and uses inclusive language throughout. Vocation in this context means that God calls every human being to a particular task, if only we can stop and listen.

This is the third volume in a widely-praised series of textbooks introducing students to the key issues in the study of the New Testament and Old Testament.

Designed to help students actively engage with the Old Testament, this title contains questions to encourage further thought.

Written for those who embrace the realities of death and those who stand in the presence of death, this book can be used alone or with others. Practical exercises and questions for reflection are contained within each chapter to help the reader understand the life that prepares us for death. This is not about life after death, rather it is about discovering and engaging with death within this world. It is ideal for those who need practical help or those who simply wish to learn more about this sensitive subject.

This volume shows how to master the essentials of Biblical Hebrew in clear, simple steps - starting right from scratch with the Hebrew alphabet on to how to read passages from the Bible itself. There are simple exercises (including answers), a word list, and examples throughout.

The Celtic hymn, "Be Thou My Vision" is still popular after 12 centuries because of its vivid response to our deep human need for God. David Adam takes the reader through this hymn, seeking to discover the spiritual riches that are hidden in all our lives.

A theological reappraisal of the present and future role of the parish priest in Britain. Although written primarily with Anglicans in mind, the book is also full of insights for partner churches.

TOM WRIGHT offers reflections on the Sunday readings in the Revised Common Lectionary for Years A, B & C. This volume, which brings together his widely read columns in the Church Times and also contains new material, covers all the Sundays and major festivals.

Henry Vaughan (1621-1695) was a 'cavalier' poet who sided with the king during the civil war. His influences included George Herbert and this volume is the fifth in a series on seventeenth century spiritual writing.

The Archbishop of Canterbury explores the lessons we can learn from the wisdom and spirituality of the desert fathers.

Secular Lives, Sacred Hearts contends that the traditional sociological account of secular Britain is misleading and that we should learn to think in terms of the nation being 'culturally Christian'. The church should therefore take seriously those occasions when ministry is sought - such as baptisms, weddings and funerals - and try to puzzle out what it is that people are seeking. Offering some clues based on small scale research done in his own parish, the author argues for a recovery of the idea of the local church as a parish church - concerned for all within its boundaries.

Originally published in 1986, this book - now reissued with a substantial new postscript - focuses on those of Wittgenstein's writings (primarily in the "Philosophical Investigations") that relate to theological issues, such as the inner life and the immortality of the soul.

James Jones explains what Jesus has to teach us about respect for the creation and the environment. This book includes questions for group study or personal reflection.

In 1986 the skeleton of a medieval man, dressed as a pilgrim, was found in Worcester Cathedral. Katherine Lack tells the story of the pilgrimage he might have made to Santiago de Compostela in 1423.

A selection of liturgies. It includes ways to celebrate or mark the different stages of our life journeys, times of hope, times of sadness, the Church's year, and the call of God. They seek to provide a source of material for anyone looking for prayers or inspiration for worship.

A dialogue debate between two leading theologians, one liberal and one traditionalist. In alternating chapters, the authors present their visions of who Jesus was and what he taught and did. Their disagreement provides a foundation model for the historical Jesus debate.

A collection of traditional and modern liturgies for use in a wide range of church situations. This book offers a diverse and imaginative collection of original liturgies appropriate for a wide range of church styles and situations. Divided into three main sections: 'Liturgies for high days', 'Liturgies for ordinary Sundays' and 'Liturgies for special occasions', the material offers a fresh approach using traditional liturgical structures. For the more conventional reader there is plenty of material with a strong emphasis on bible readings and traditional themes such as 'Our sins our forgiven' and 'Eternal Life', prominence is also given to traditional Christian festivals and seasons. The material is spiced up with more original liturgies, many focused on modern issues such as 'Creating a space for friendship across faiths' and 'meditations on giving or receiving an organ donation'. All the material has arisen from experience and can be used or adapted with confidence.

This work examines the main causes of the moral dilemmas in which Christians find themselves. The author provides an introduction to moral philosophy and examines the sources of Christian principles. He concludes that Christian values still offer an authoritative alternative.

Looking in turn at the church as it is, the church as it's meant to be, and the church as it might become, this book offers humour and insight, as well as encouragement to feel that going to church is really worthwhile.