Kirjahaku

The words of a favourite hymn can be a lifeline in difficult times, providing an outlet for feelings that may threaten to overwhelm us. Hymns also help us celebrate life - to see joy in the ordinary stuff of the everyday, as well as in those moments when we feel particularly touched by God's love. Pam Rhodes' reflections in this absorbing volume - on subjects such as weariness and comfort, faith and forgiveness, prayer and guidance, community and creation - are given added resonance by the inclusion of background information on the writers of the 160 or so hymns featured. Often poignant, their stories arouse a deeper appreciation of words that have inspired people down the centuries, as well as of the work of new writers, who are expressing the great, eternal truths afresh for us today.

For most of the last two thousand years, churches have formed the core of community activity throughout Britain and Ireland. Despite increasing secularisation, more people still go to church on Sunday than attend football matches on Saturday. In this charming new book, popular TV presenter Pam Rhodes takes the reader on a personal, illustrated tour from Orkney to Cornwall, Belfast to Essex, exploring the rich variety of architectural styles, history and character of her favourite churches. Alongside the glory of some of the great cathedrals we are invited to sample the intimate atmosphere of some of the tiniest churches in the land. We visit churches which have endured throughout the last millennium and communities which have played their part in modern day conflict resolution. Here too are churches beloved by Terry Waite, George Carey and other well-known worshippers. John Rogers' outstanding photographs reveal new treasures to discover and reflect upon in this beautiful book.

Pam Rhodes draws together humorous, profound and thought-provoking quotes on the theme of love in all its guises, creating a witty, life-affirming collection.

"As I stand at my kitchen sink and look across at what we optimistically call our herb garden, to one side I see an old wooden sign on which are carved the words 'Arthur's Garden'. Arthur doesn't live here. My wonderful great-uncle died nearly thirty years ago having spent most of his long life in the Victorian terraced house in which his mother had brought up eleven children. The sign had stood in the garden there for decades, a gift to the man who'd always cherished that small patch of Kent, creating a riot of glorious colour which lit up the row of long, narrow strips that tumbled down to a line of back gates from which you could look across the lane to the local coal yard below." In Arthur's Garden, Pam Rhodes collates a heart-warming collection of songs and poems, advice and tit bits about the glorious, very ordinary, English garden - told through the life of her Uncle Arthur. This is a gardening book, with a story.

Pam Rhodes is the presenter of the world's number one religious TV programme, 'Songs of Praise'. Here she brings together her meditations on 40 of her favourite hymns, reflecting on the story behind them and their meaning. Each meditation concludes with a brief prayer. Pam writes, 'Hymns are prayers in our pockets, a spiritual first aid kit that has its home amongst our memories. Hymns speak to us and for us, heart to heart, soul to soul, connecting us in fellow feeling to the writer, whoever they were and whenever they wrote.' The words of the great hymns aren't always cosy and comfortable. They nudge our conscience and scrape away at our complacency. They remind us of the true demands of the Christian life. They spur us on to react and respond. Most of all, they remind us of the Almighty God who created the heavens and earth in all their vastness and complexity, but who also created us to be unique and precious through His divine and amazing love. Like the hymns it draws upon, Love So Amazing is sure to become a timeless classic that will be read time and again for hope, inspiration and life. Also available as a CD from Elevation Music.

Pam Rhodes is a passionate advocate for our heritage of splendid hymns. Hymns, she explains, help us respond to God: they are 'prayers in our pockets'. With her warm personal touch she describes how these hymns came to be written, and considers the perceptions they contain. This book is a treasury of fascinating detail, but it is also a source of devotion: as you consider each hymn and the story behind it you will be drawn into worship. Each reflection concludes with a short prayer.

Pam Rhodes is a passionate advocate for our heritage of splendid hymns. Hymns, she explains, help us respond to God: they are "prayers in our pockets". With her warm personal touch she describes how these hymns came to be written, and considers the perceptions they contain. This book is a treasury of fascinating detail, but it is also a source of devotion: as you consider each hymn and the story behind it you will be drawn into worship. Each reflection concludes with a short prayer.

"Hymns are prayers in our pockets", writes Pam Rhodes, expressing how hymns help us to respond to God. Pam brings together reflections on some of her favourite hymns. Drawing on her experience of presenting Songs of Praise and sharing the stories of hymn writers past and present, she helps us to make use of their words in expressing our joys and sorrows to God, and finding hope and inspiration in them. Whatever our circumstances, these hymns turn us again to the God who created, knows and sustains us with that "love so amazing" described in the immortal words of hymn writer Isaac Watts.

Pam Rhodes is best known as the familiar face of the BBC's Songs of Praise, and here she brings together her personal selection of carols, poems, Bible readings and other inspirational passages from a wide range of sources.As well as the usual old favourites - from Hark the Herald Angels Sing to the stories of the shepherds and the wise men visiting the baby Jesus - there are plenty of lighter moments, with excerpts from Gervase Phinn's memoirs and funny poems by modern writers. Alongside the items themselves Pam shares some of her own Christmas reminiscences and explores the resonance of the Christmas story for all our lives in her trademark inviting and heartwarming style.There is something here for everyone, from those wanting to enjoy dipping in for a taste of Christmas to those needing a sourcebook to inspire selections for Christmas services. Enjoy!

'I really feel for Neil Fisher-just finding his feet as a new curate, but whenever he trips up, it's in full public glare!... I love a book that moves you to tears one minute, then has you laughing out loud the next. This book is it!' Aled Jones Neil Fisher's first trip to Dunbridge was not a success. Having inadvertently locked himself in St Stephen's Church for hours (and succumbing to the communion wine and wafers for dinner) it seemed miraculous they gave him the curate's job! On arrival in the small town of Dunbridge it quickly becomes clear that life is not going to be tranquil for the eligible new bachelor, as four formidable women are determined to make their presence felt. There is his mother, Iris, still questioning his choice of career; his rector, the no-nonsense Margaret, who is not one for taking prisoners; Claire, his new neighbour, whom he's already managed to offend. And then there is Wendy, the beautiful leading light of the church music group, who has her own plans for Neil. It can only end in trouble.

'Light, amusing, but at heart dealing with serious issues of faith and friendship and family.' The Irish Catholic Neil returns from his ordination inspired by his vocation, and determined not to let his love life get in the way. Some might think a man lucky to have two women declaring their love for him, but it's not that straightforward when you're a priest! Neil's second year as curate of St Stephen's, in the small town of Dunbridge, promises to be no quieter than the first.There are joys to be shared, such as the birth of Ellen, a long prayed for baby, and bereavements that shake the community to its core. Neil must continue to step up and shoulder his share of caring for his parish. And of course, there are the women who would take care of him - from his domineering mother, who appears to have moved in, and Wendy, who is sure she should be a vicar's wife, to Claire, who doesn't believe in God, but does believe in Neil. There is much going on below the surface in this seemingly sleepy town.

' These books move you to tears one minute, then have you laughing out loud the next.' Aled Jones, broadcaster and singer In the parish of Dunbridge the news is out: Claire and Neil are engaged! And yet, before the celebrations have really begun, Ben, the father of Claire's son, appears back on the scene. It quickly becomes clear that young Sam is not the only person Ben wants to win back. As Neil reels in the face of Claire's confusion at spending time with her first love, Wendy always seems to be there to provide support and comfort. Little does he know of Wendy's involvement with Ben's reappearance: However, Neil has little chance to ponder his love life as the whole weight of running the church and parish descends upon his inexperienced shoulders. Neil's time as a curate in Dunbridge is coming swiftly to an end. Where should he go next, and who will go with him?

'My work takes me all over the world – but travelling with fellow pilgrims on a Christian cruise like this is a very special and inspirational experience. This book captures the characters and their journey perfectly, with sensitivity – and great fun!' Rhydian Roberts, X-Factor Three groups of people come together for a more-or-less godly cruise around the British Isles: to Lindisfarne, the Loch Ness Monster Museum, Iona and Mull, Dublin and the Scilly Isles. There are familiar faces from St Stephens, Dunbridge; some new folk from Neil's new parish in Derbyshire; and the slightly long-suffering crew, not least her skipper. A cruise is a great place to make new friends, with leisure for decent conversations. It can also be an awkward, confined space with those you would really rather avoid. Some of the party are facing tough decisions - not least of which, whether to say 'yes' - and some tensions just cannot be left on land. This book is a delight: full of compassion, humour, and Pam's acute observations.

When the BBC Songs of Praise team decides to broadcast a Palm Sunday service from a small idyllic Suffolk village, not everyone is happy. The vicar, Clive, is amiably absent-minded, but his practical wife Helen gets on well with the television team - perhaps a little too well, where the charming, enigmatic Michael is concerned. Charles, the Parish Council chairman, is deeply opposed and resents the enthusiasm of other villagers - including his wife Betty. As the outside broadcast vehicles roll in, the emotional temperature rises...

'Brilliant, witty, and full of down-to-earth humour... The perfect 'church hall' anecdotal read' JB Gill, TV Presenter Songs of Praise presenter is back with another thrilling read and an unputdownable series centered on a Victorian church hall and Kath, its brash and inexperienced administrator. There's never a dull moment at Hope Hall. Its rooms are filled throughout the day with gossipy grandmas, body-popping teenagers, and a nursery group where it's the grown-ups who are near to tears! But it's all in a day's work for administrator, Kath, whose job it is to make sure Hope Hall offers something for everyone! As the team works to pull off their ambitious Hope Hall Centenary Easter Monday Fayre, Kath realizes reinforcements are needed. Brash, loud and inexperienced though she may be, Kath has a feeling that Shirley might be just the ticket! The Fayre is a triumph but when Kath's old flame comes back on the scene, she's faced with some tough choices. Will Kath make the right decision?

'In this delightful tale of Kath Sutton and the motley bunch of characters revolving around the community hall she runs, Pam Rhodes has given us a story of warmth, humour, and hope about lives shared and burdens carried...' Sheridan Voysey, BBC Radio 2 presenter and author of Reflect with Sheridan HOPE HALL thrums with activity under the summer sun. Sea Cadets march in the yard and happy chatter issues from English as a Foreign Language classes while the weekly Food Bank reaches out to those in need. Kath is determined to honour the origins of Hope Hall, which was founded in memory of those lost during the two world wars. It’s all hands on deck as the centenary celebrations continue, but Kath's efforts set her on a collision course with Celia Ainsworth, a descendant of the family that donated the land. Added to this, a mysterious homeless man proves tricky for Sheelagh to identify, and a handsome stranger looks set to lead Kath a merry dance... SUMMER'S OUT AT HOPE HALL is a fun and deeply moving story that celebrates the power of hope.

'Instantly likeable with wonderful characters who draw you in.' Lou Fellingham, singer and songwriter The march towards the end of the year sees Hope Hall once again buzzing with activity.The lead up to the Harvest Festival sees a stray dog causing a nuisance, and tensions rise between two old schoolmates. The drama only increases as Christmas approaches, and the panto rehearsals featuring the jocular "Can’t Sing Singers" get into full swing. But the hustle and bustle of the drama in the community stems from the deeper personal stories. Loneliness, loss, and hurt impact the lives of many of the local residents. But where there is community, there is friendship, companionship, love, and most of all, hope. Christmas at Hope Hall is the final book in a delightful trilogy centred on a Victorian church hall, the like of which can be found at the heart of so many towns across England. This wonderful finale to the series (which includes the sound of wedding bells!) is full of friends and neighbours with stories that will have you giggling one minute, and dabbing your eyes the next.