John Drane 
RRP $30.00

In ‘The McDonaldization of the Church’, John Drane critiqued church trends toward ‘fast food’ spirituality while offering suggestions for change. In this long-awaited sequel published in 2008, Drane addresses key questions for Western Christianity in a global context. He argues that increasing numbers of people are turning to ‘spirituality’ even while church attendance has continued to decline in the US and Europe, and that the continuing impact of globalization and consumerism has been joined by a post-9/11 culture of fear and a search for truth. In light of these developments, Drane presents a case for a more practical theology, a reinvigorated style of ministry, and a restatement of classic Christian beliefs for the twenty-first century. This accessible book will appeal to church and culture readers, pastors, and those interested in the emerging church. (From the Publisher)

Marcus Buckingham
RRP $18.95

• Helping you set a direction for your life without fear that you’ve chosen the wrong one
• Revealing how to handle the responsibilities on your shoulders without guilt that you aren’t doing enough
• Guiding you to build fulfilling relationships with your boss, your co-workers, your spouse, and your kids without resenting what they are demanding from you.

Robin McGraw No. 1 New York Times Best-Selling Author says : Marcus gets it! I’m the kind of woman who is always looking for new ways to live healthier and happier, and Marcus has a direct line to the heart and mind of women. This is an insightful and empowering message – you must read Find Your Strongest Life.

Finding Our Way Again
Brian McLaren
RRP $25.00

Brian McLaren, internationally known speaker and author, says most of us suffer from spiritual disorientation.  Our souls are untended.  And in this fragmented world, a soul left untended quickly loses direction.  It forgets itself and becomes on  insubstantial thing, disoriented and unavailable to the truth.  And neither scientific secularism nor religious fundamentalism nor vague spiritualities have been able to offer any real answers.

In Finding Our Way Again, Brian McLaren serves as guide to a wide variety to a number of disciplines, showing how they form character, awaken us to life and help us to experience God, and each other, in new and fresh ways.

Robert Schnase  
RRP $30.75

From Publisher's reviews: 
“People are searching for a church shaped and sustained by Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-Taking Mission and Service, and Extravagant Generosity. These fundamental practices are critical to the success of congregations. Their presence and strength demonstrate congregational health, vitality, and fruitfulness. By repeating and improving these practices, churches fulfill their mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Robert Schnase astutely weaves theological insight, practical advice, and exemplary stories into an inspiring book for pastors and laity alike.” — L. Gregory Jones, Dean and Professor of Theology, Duke Divinity School

“Stimulating. Challenging. Uniquely helpful. Bishop Schnase gives us powerful language, rich examples, and practical suggestions for fulfilling the mission God gives us.” —Janice Riggle Huie, Bishop of the Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church

Comments provided by Alan Dutton, Rural Resource Minister, MRN

Rob Stoner
$9.95 each (or $8.00 each for 10 or more copies)

Since returning from a two week exploration of the Fresh Expreshions movement in England this report has been prepared for the Uniting Church SA. It contains:

Richard Foster 
RRP $32.00

Eugene Peterson  says: ‘A huge gap yawns in our culture between reading the Bible and living the Bible. Many read it. Not nearly as many live it. Richard Foster’s purpose is to close the gap. The writing is lucid, inviting, and friendly. Read this and experience for yourself the closing of the gap.’

This is a book and a resource kit exploring the beatitudes, in everyday language for an everyday response. Author of Plan Be, Dave Andrews, was our guest speaker at the Synod & Presbytery meeting on 27 February, 2010.

This resource is recommended to congregations as a study resource for 2010.

Click below for information on ordering the kit.

Re-Enchanting Christianity: Faith in an Emerging Culture
Dave Tomlinson
RRP $25.00

The Monkey and the Fish: Liquid Leadership for a Third-culture Church 
Dave Gibbons
RRP $19.95

Clowns Storytellers Disciples: Spirituality and Creativity for Today’s Church 
Olive M. Fleming Drane
RRP $25.00

Olive recounts her pilgrimage from personal tragedy to an international clown ministry.  She not only offers an inspirational account of God at work, but also provides plenty of practical suggestions for creative ministry.  The book contains specific ideas for interactive Bible study, as well as clear guidance on how to use the arts with theological integrity.

Rick Richardson 
RRP $22.95

“Sometimes talking about Jesus with friends can feel like trying to close a deal on a sales call, pushing something on people they may not really want. What if it was more like inviting friends in a spiritual journey?

“Imagine being free to be yourself and free for the Spirit to work in you. Imagine that it doesn’t depend on your alone but that you can be an important part of a witnessing community. Imagine telling people stories instead of trying to download content. Here is your invitation to reimagine what evangelism could be for you.”  (From the Back Cover)

“I’m thankful for Rick Richardson and this book. If you read it – alone or, even better, with a group – you’ll find yourself more ready, and more motivated, to be there for people ...
I hope you’ll take this book to heart and put it to practice in your life.” (From the Foreword by Brian McLaren)

For a review by Alan Dutton, Rural Resource Minister, MRN

Olive M.Fleming Drane 
RRP $28.00

Olive Drane’s book is packed with reflections, ideas, prayers and stories providing a 24/7 spirituality for our 24/7 lifestyle.

Wendy M Wright comments as follows: “Fresh and insightful, Olive Drane’s ‘Spirituality to Go’ peaks the imagination by encouraging us to recognise that even the most mundane moments of life can be charged with meaning if we just mark them ritually. Too often we think of ritual as something habituated and routine but Drane reminds us that is not the case: ritual can provide a sense of identity and community for those who otherwise have none. From acknowledging changes (like getting a passport, blending a family, warding off illness or becoming a grandparent), to defusing contentious relationships, to taking a holiday, to facing our inner fears, ‘Spirituality to Go’ looks at ordinary life anew and suggests surprising ways that we can enhance our experience through simple ritual practices.”

The Big Bible Venture is a program that introduces children to the Bible by featuring 25 stories focussing on a Biblical theme. Children will receive a bright booklet with all the stories, written in easy to understand language. Each book also includes a progress chart, information for the adults, activities for children, space to write prayers and a certificate. Book one focuses on The Life of Jesus which helps children collate the gospel stories into a big picture of Jesus life, according to the gospels. Book two tells the stories of Genesis and Exodus.

The Big Bible Venture enables parents, carers and grandparents to read the Bible, talk about faith and pray regularly with their child. This program can be run by a church, group or individually by families. Children receive a certificate at the end of each series detailing what they have learnt and it includes some fun activities.

What are the aims of The Big Bible Venture?

1. To enable the child and grown up to pray and talk about faith,
2. To encourage children to enjoy reading the Bible.
3. To assist children to understand the context and connection between Biblical stories.

Recommended age group for The Big Bible Venture

We recommend The Big Bible Venture for children aged 7-12 years, however many children younger than 7 would enjoy and learn from this program. It is best for the adult to assess if this program is suitable for their child.

Read more...

John Drane 
RRP $28.00

This book, published in 2000, investigates why the churches are struggling to maintain credibility in a culture in which there are more spiritual seekers than at any time in living memory. John Drane believes that they have become stereotypical structures, offering uninventive pre-packaged worship to a dwindling minority. But there are exciting opportunities for growth, he argues – if only the churches rediscover their creativity and flexibility, and offer something more nourishing for postmodern spiritual appetites than the equivalent of fast food. (From the back cover)

For another assessment of the book, click here for the review by M Norman.