Church should allow blessings of gay relationships, CofE report says
Gay snub Cornish B&B owners lose Supreme Court appeal
Britain still a ‘Christian Country’, says Eric Pickles
CS Lewis honoured with Poets' Corner memorial
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Wishing all our American friends a very happy thanksgiving today.
If you want something thought-provoking to read this thanksgiving, why not try Jen Wilkin's piece posted recently on The Gospel Coalition site?
But most importantly:
"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures for ever" Psalm 118:1
From Ed:
"I wish I had realised that being in full-time ministry would not fix the flaws in my faith, spiritual discipline or relationship with Christ. I'm still learning that if I'm not personally loving Christ, then my ministry becomes empty and unpleasant. I am a Christian first, before all else. Being paid as a children's worker does not automatically kick start my faith. It sometimes helps, but more often my sinfulness means it gets in the way of my love of Christ. I heartily recommend Serving without Sinking to understand this issue further."... continue reading
For the last decade, the Old Vic theatre in London has managed once a year to write, cast, rehearse and put on a play in 24 hours. A single day to do everything.
The script is written overnight… the play is rehearsed through the day… the performance is in the evening. Simple!
It set us to thinking… what would a 24-hour TGBC production of a book look like? Would it be possible for us to take a book from idea to print in a single day? Here’s what might happen…
7:00 AM
Editorial team gather to brainstorm idea for a short book; agree the concept; work up a proposal.
Coffee machine switched on; extra strong coffee ordered.... continue reading
1. Christmas Uncut E-Book Deal
Until midday on Thursday, the e-book version of Christmas Uncut by Carl Laferton is available for just 50p! (UK customers only)
2. Good News of Great Joy: Daily Readings for Advent
A newly revised free Advent e-book for 2013.
3. Exult in the Saviour's Birth
A new hymn and free download written by D. A. Carson and Matt Boswell.
4. The Art and Science of the Humblebrag
An article from Tim Challies on the how-to's and advanced techniques of the humblebrag.
5. The Bible: TV Mini-Series
Already shown in the US and Australia, find out more information about the mini-series due to start at 9pm on Saturday 30th November on Channel 5 in the UK.
6. And finally…
Our video of the week, introducing the new-look Explore daily Bible reading notes for 2014, 'Explore Trailer':
Found something that you think should make it on to the On to a Good Thing round-up? Send it to: ontoagoodthing@thegoodbook.co.uk
From Mary:
"One thing I wished I knew before starting children’s work was how hard it is to work with Volunteers – not only finding them but just how to use them too."
There are a few of us who work in isolation, as a one-man’s band – which has pressures of its own. But whether you’re a full-timer, or a volunteer yourself, most of us work alongside at least one volunteer. Of course, if everyone who helped with a children’s or youth group was lovely, enthusiastic, hard-working, cheerful, reliable, prayerful and a delight to be with… our groups wouldn’t reflect the church at all!
Your church and mine are full of forgiven sinners – being changed by God’s Spirit to be more like Jesus, but still far from perfect. So how do we work together? Here are a few ideas that might help:... continue reading
We're thrilled to have a new addition to The Good Book family, here in the UK office. Rachel Jones is going to be working with us as our editorial intern for the next six months.
Rachel, who loves pasta and hails from Burnley (where she grew up with her 2 brothers and 1 sister) is going to be spending her time learning the ropes of the publishing business, with a particular emphasis on writing and editing. She's particularly looking forward to seeing how books grow from idea to finished manuscript.
Please do pray for her as she settles in to her new home, new role at Good Book and finds a new church in the local area. And do look out for her posts on the blog in the coming months ...
From Sally:
"I wish I had known that young people have loads of questions about faith, so don't make difficult subjects taboo – they want answers!"
Most children and teenagers like to ask questions. Most leaders and helpers worry they won’t be able to answer them! The most important guideline here is: It’s ok not to know the answer.
We so easily put pressure on ourselves over this:
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.’
Psalm 91:1-2
When children act out the nativity in a school play or nursery group, it really doesn't have much in common with the historical Christmas.
Over the course of time, we've cut huge, crucial bits out. We've added in nice but completely made-up details. We've made it into a tale for children and forgotten the real events. There were certainly no kings or a donkey!
We have turned Christmas history into a nativity play.
I don't want to spoil the party. Nativity plays are a part of the whole Christmas experience, along with desperate last-minute shopping and sending cards to people who you didn't make the effort to see last year. I've been in the front row of both my son's nativity plays smiling proudly. It's just that the real Christmas is much more interesting than what we've turned it into. It's worth rescuing and re-telling.
And that is just what Carl Laferton has done in Christmas Uncut. Read more HERE and get the book for just $1.99 until Monday night. Simply use the code cu1113 at the checkout.
