St Michael's Book Stall

Reading Christian books is a great way to help us grow as disciples of Jesus.  Even more so when we read them 'in community', where we read the same book at about the same time. It's why 'book groups' are so popular across the country. Who knows, this may even spur some on to gather their own book discussion group?!

Sharon, our Youth, Children and Families' minister, and Carl, our Vicar, have chosen a diverse range of recommended books for 2024, which are available at all good book shops, and also via this easy link at: St Michael's Book Stall

Why not have a browse for anything else that looks good, and maybe share your finds with others at St Michael's?

Although this may seem early to be recommending this, our Advent book for 2024 is Sing in Exultation by Jonathon Landry Cruse. 

If you are a regular member of St Michael's look out for a copy at church in November.

Carol singing is as indispensable to the festive season as decking the halls and swapping gifts. This little book contains 25 advent devotions, each unpacking a verse from a well-known carol, uncovering riches in the familiar words we love to sing each December.

Beginning with Scripture’s first hint of Jesus’ coming, and sweeping through to lyrics rejoicing in the hope of His return, these daily devotions not only give us a deeper appreciation for each carol, but a deeper appreciation for Christ this Christmas.

September & October's book recommendation is Joni Eareckson-Tada: An Unforgettable Story 

The award-winning story of a young woman who triumphed over devastating odds to touch countless lives the world over with the healing message of Christ.

In a split second on a hot July afternoon, a diving accident transformed the life of Joni Eareckson-Tada forever. She went from being an active young woman to facing every day in a wheelchair. In this unforgettable autobiography, Joni reveals each step of her struggle to accept her disability and discover the meaning of her life. The hard-earned truths she discovers and the special ways God reveals his love are testimonies to faith's triumph over hardship and suffering.

The new 25th Anniversary edition of this award-winning story--which has more than 3,000,000 copies in print in over 40 languages--will introduce a new generation of readers to the incredible greatness of God's power and mercy at work in those who fully give their hearts and lives to him. Joni has written an afterword in which she describes the events that have occurred in her life since the book's publication in 1976, including her marriage to Ken Tada and the expansion of her worldwide ministry to families affected by disability.

July & August's book recommendation is Trellis & Vine by Collin Marshall.

All Christian ministry is a mixture of trellis and vine. There is vine work: the prayerful preaching and teaching of the word of God to see people converted and grow to maturity as disciples of Christ. Vine work is the Great Commission. 
And there is trellis work: creating and maintaining the physical and organizational structures and programs that support vine work and its growth. 
What's the state of the trellis and the vine in your part of the world? Has trellis work taken over, as it has a habit of doing? Is the vine work being done by very few (perhaps only the pastor and only on Sundays)? And is the vine starting to wilt as a result?
The image of the trellis and the vine raises all the fundamental questions of Christian ministry:
What is the vine for? How does the vine grow? How does the vine relate to my church? What is vine work and what is trellis work, and how can we tell the difference?

June's book recommendation is The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller.

In The Prodigal God, New York pastor Timothy Keller uses the story of the Prodigal Son to shine a light on the central, beautiful message of Jesus: The gospel of grace, hope and salvation. 

Keller argues that the parable of the prodigal son, while Jesus’ best–known parable, is also his least understood. He introduces the reader to all the characters in this timeless story, showing that it concerns not just a wayward son, but also a judgemental older brother and, most importantly, a loving father. 

This short but powerful book is a reminder to the faithful, an explanation to the seeker and finally an invitation to all – both older and younger brothers – to enter in to the ‘unique, radical nature of the gospel’: the reckless, spendthrift love of God. 

May's book recommendation is Understanding The Holy Spirit, Made Easy

A pocket guide packed with Scripture-based wisdom and practical insights, solving confusion and bringing clarity to believers' understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in their lives.

           For anyone curious about the Holy Spirit.

           Solves confusion about Holy Spirit's role and nature.

           Clarifies Holy Spirit's role, enriching faith.

April's book recommendation is The forgotten Cross by Lee Gattis.

This book of expositions by Lee Gatiss is an important reminder that, in our warranted zeal for the truth of penal substitution, we must not downplay or ignore the rich and full range of the achievements of the Cross, and its many applications to our lives. An important and edifying volume! --Tim Keller, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City.

March’s book recommendation is Heaven, How I Got Here by Colin S Smith. 

What if you woke up one morning knowing that it was your last day on earth? That’s what happened to the thief on the cross, who died a few feet from Jesus. Heaven, How I Got Here is his story, told in his own words, as he looks back from Heaven on the day that changed his eternity, and the faith that can change yours.

February's book recommendation is Let the Children Worship by Jason Helopoulos.

Jason Helopoulos encourages the church to embrace the important part children play in the life of the church and unfolds the enormous blessings to be found in having them present in the worship services of the congregation. He points out how the struggles are temporary – whereas the blessings can be eternal.

January's book recommendation is A Meal With Jesus by Tim Chester.

Tim Chester brings to light God’s purposes in the seemingly ordinary act of sharing a meal—how this everyday experience is really an opportunity for grace, community, and mission. Chester challenges contemporary understandings of hospitality as he urges us to evaluate why and who we invite to our table. Learn how you can foster grace and bless others through the rich fare being served in A Meal with Jesus.