When a family gathers to welcome the arrival of a new baby and commit themselves to the child's future welfare and happiness, the occasion calls for a few well-chosen words. Now finding the perfect selection is easy, thanks to this collection of poems and prose readings. There's something here for every taste--from the Psalms of King David to the songs of Bob Dylan, from a Navajo blessing to a poem by Emily Dickinson--each one a unique expression of parents' and godparents' universal feelings of hope, pride, and joy.

The arrival of every new child is an opportunity for many in the community to celebrate. In Bless This Child, Unitarian Universalist minister Edward Searl has collected a wide range of poetry and prose for every occasion surrounding a new life: composing birth announcements, birthday cards, and notes to new mothers and fathers/ performing readings at birth ceremonies and naming rituals/ and honoring an adoption. An indispensable tool for well-wishers, this collection will also provide quiet spiritual sustenance to new and expecting parents. The selections are contemplative, contemporary, and spiritual but not overtly religious. They are drawn from ancient and modern sources from the famous to the obscure and from various cultures and faith traditions. Many works are previously uncollected. Includes passages from Lao Tzu, Charles Dickens, George Bernard Shaw, Nelson Mandela, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Erica Jong, among many others. Filled with wonder and hope, Bless This Child is the perfect gift -- a keepsake for expecting mothers and their partners, new parents, grandparents, clergy, and anyone who has a role in nurturing the sacred life of a new baby.

Words of sadness and loss, comfort and consolation Summoning the words to express our feelings of loss for a loved one in the days following a death can feel almost impossible. And often the choice of readings available can seem daunting. Poems and Readings for Funerals is a carefully curated collection of the very wisest words about death by some of the world's greatest poets, thinkers, playwrights and novelists. Featuring beautifully and thoughtfully written poems, prose extracts and prayers, these readings have been chosen to move and console, sympathize and relieve - to bring everyone attending a funeral or memorial closer together.

A second book of poetry by Louise Erdich, author of the bestselling and award winning novels Love Medicine, The Beet Queen and Tracks. Baptisim by blood, water, or desire is necessary for salvation in Roman Catholic tradition, and baptism of desire in the term used for the leap of trust by which a sincere believer can experience spiritual regeneration.Louise Erdrich's poems are acts of redemption. Everywhere evident is Erdrich's unique capacity for finding the perfect word, the fresh, yet absolutely right, metaphor that makes her wrk both profound and accessable.

Poetry has always been a central element of Christian spirituality and is increasingly used in worship, in pastoral services and guided meditation. Here, Cambridge poet, priest and singer-songwriter Malcolm Guite transforms 70 lectionary readings into inspiring poems for use in regular worship, seasonal services, meditative reading or on retreat.

For every day from Advent Sunday to Christmas Day and beyond, the bestselling poet Malcolm Guite chooses a favourite poem from across the Christian spiritual and English literary traditions and offers incisive seasonal reflections on it. A scholar of poetry as well as a renowned poet himself, his knowledge is deep and wide and he offers readers a soul-food feast for Advent. Among the classic writers he includes are: George Herbert, John Donne, Milton, Tennyson,and Christina Rossetti,as well as contemporary poets like Scott Cairns, Luci Shaw, and Grevel Lindop. He also includes a selection of his own highly praised work.

Sunday worship, baptisms, weddings and funerals are the shop window of the church and there is nothing more important for mission than getting them right. How do we help congregations and occasional visitors encounter God through them? This practical guide draws upon the treasury of the church's tradition and experience to establish good practice and enrich understanding. Part One explores the changing landscape in which we live and the place of worship within it. Part Two asks how our churches can be more welcoming and provides a handy 'worship audit'. Part Three focuses on the main services (CW & BCP Communion, Evensong and the pastoral services) and how to bring these liturgies to life. Part Four helps us to maximise the opportunities offered by the seasons of the Christian year. Part Five focuses on using the non-verbal elements of worship well - liturgical colours, candles, oil, incense, icons etc Part Six is an extensive glossary designed to answer every question you might ever ask about worship and liturgy.