Paula Gooder

Winner - CRT Christian Book of the Year, 2023The New Testament tells us very little about Lydia, a seller of purple cloth who was living in Philippi when she met the apostle Paul on his second missionary journey. And yet she is considered the first recorded convert to Christianity in Europe. In her second work of fiction, Biblical scholar and popular author and speaker Paula Gooder tells Lydia's story - who she was, the life she lived and her first-century faith - and in doing so opens up Paul's letter to the Philippians, giving a sense of the cultural and historical pressures that shaped Paul's thinking, and the faith of the early church.Written in the gripping style of Gerd Theissen's The Shadow of the Galilean, and similarly rigorously researched, this is a book for everyone and anyone who wants to engage more deeply and imaginatively with Paul's theology - from one of the UK's foremost New Testament scholars.

Reflections for Daily Prayer continues to be one of the most popular and highly valued daily Bible reading companions. The 2022-23 line-up of writers continues its tradition of excellence. Regular favourites and new contributors offer insightful, informed and inspiring reflections on the scripture readings of the day, based on the Common Worship Lectionary for Morning Prayer. In addition, Paula Gooder, one of the most outstanding biblical scholars writing today, provides the meditations for Holy Week. New voices this year include Sharon Prentis, Dean of Ministry at St Mellitus College and previously Dean of Black and Minority Ethnic Affairs for the Church of England in Birmingham, and Luigi Gioia, director of formation at St Paul’s Knightsbridge, whose book The Wisdom of St Benedict recently won first prize in the spiritualty category of the 2021 CMA book awards. For every day (excluding Sundays) of the 2022-23 church year, there are full references and a quotation from the day’s set of Scripture readings, a concise and challenging commentary on one of the readings, and a collect. Also included is a simple order for Morning and Night Prayer, and additional helps for nurturing a habit of regular daily prayer.

Sometime around 56 AD, the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome. His letter was arguably his theological masterpiece, and has continued to shape Christian faith ever since. He entrusted this letter to Phoebe, the deacon of the church at Cenchreae; in writing to the church that almost surely met in her home, Paul refers to her both as a deacon and as a helper or patron of many. But who was this remarkable woman? In this, her first novel, Biblical scholar and popular author and speaker Paula Gooder tells Phoebe's story - who she was, the life she lived and her first-century faith - and in doing so opens up Paul's theology, giving a sense of the cultural and historical pressures that shaped Paul's thinking, and the faith of the early church. Written in the gripping style of Gerd Theissen's The Shadow of the Galilean, and similarly rigorously researched, this is a novel for everyone and anyone who wants to engage more deeply and imaginatively with Paul's theology - from one of the UK's foremost New Testament scholars.

Sometime around 56 AD, the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome. He entrusted this letter to Phoebe, whom he describes as the deacon of the church at Cenchreae and a patron of many. But who was this remarkable woman? Biblical scholar and popular author and speaker Paula Gooder imagines Phoebe's story--who she was, the life she lived, and her first-century faith--and in doing so opens up Paul's world, giving a sense of the cultural and historical pressures that shaped his thinking and the faith of the early church. After the narrative, Gooder includes an extensive notes section with comments on the historical context, biographical details, cultural practices, and more. Rigorously researched, this is a book for anyone who wants to engage more deeply and imaginatively with Paul's theology.

Pilgrim is a teaching and discipleship resource that helps inquirers and new Christians explore what it means to travel through life with Christ. A Christian course for the twenty-first century, Pilgrim offers an approach of participation, not persuasion. Following the practice of the ancient disciplines of biblical reflection and prayer with quotes from the Christian tradition throughout the ages, Pilgrim assumes little or no knowledge of the Christian faith. Individuals or small groups on the journey of discipleship in the Episcopal tradition can use Pilgrim at any point. There are many different aspects to helping people learn about the Christian faith. We have taken as our starting point Jesus' summary of the commandments. We are called to offer our lives to God through loving God with all our mind, soul, strength, and heart, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Learning about Christian faith and growing in Christian faith is about more than what we believe. It's also about the ways in which we pray and develop our relationship with God, about the way we live our lives and about living in God's vision for the Church and for the world. Course 4. The Beatitudes A short but profoundly beautiful and influential collection of sayings by Jesus. They sum up his teaching about what it means to live as a child of God's kingdom. The authors of this course believe that following Jesus requires us to engage with this important text, so that it is restored to a central place in the life of the Church. We believe that the Beatitudes, and trying to live them out, is one of the best ways of loving God with all your heart and understanding the Christian vision for the world.

Reflections on the Psalms provides insightful commentary on each of the Psalms from the same experienced team of writers that have made Reflections for Daily Prayer so popular. It offers inspiring and undated reflections on all 150 psalms, with longer psalms split into parts in accordance with the Lectionary. Each reflection is accompanied by its corresponding Psalm refrain and prayer from the Common Worship Psalter, making this a valuable resource for personal or devotional use. Specially written introductions by Paula Gooder and Steven Croft explore the Psalms and the Bible and the Psalms in the life of the Church.

The fourth volume in the Biblical Explorations series from bestselling New Testament writer Paula Gooder turns to the earliest and most urgent of the Gospels: the Gospel of Mark. Direct, fast-paced and vivid, Mark’s Gospel has long captivated readers with its immediacy and unvarnished portrayal of Jesus’ ministry. In this volume, Paula Gooder opens up Mark’s distinctive voice, exploring its structure, themes and theological vision, and tracing the dynamic way it announces the good news of God’s kingdom. Moving through the Gospel section by section, she sheds fresh light on Mark’s storytelling, his portrayal of discipleship, and his striking emphasis on mystery, challenge and revelation. Particularly helpful for preachers, the book demystifies unfamiliar terminology, clarifies key concepts and offers vital historical and literary context that brings Mark’s narrative into sharper focus for today’s readers. Biblical Explorations is an exciting series offering accessible and informed study of the best-loved texts in Scripture. Rooted in the conviction that deeper understanding of the Bible leads to deeper discipleship, it is an essential resource for preachers, teachers and study-group leaders, as well as anyone who simply wants to know the Bible better.

Following on from her bestselling books Women of Holy Week and Women of the Nativity, Paula Gooder retells nine Biblical stories of Jesus's encounters with women. Imagining these figures following Jesus to Jerusalem and telling their stories together, Paula introduces us to women who break the rules to be near Jesus, speak to him for longer than any male character recorded, and even stand up to him. Accompanied by paintings by priest-artist Ally Barrett, Women of the Gospels invites you to walk alongside: - Simon's mother-in-law - The Syrophoenician woman - The woman with the haemorrhage - Jairus' daughter - The woman bent double - The widow from Nain - The Samaritan woman - The women who supported Jesus financially Women of the Gospels is an inspiring devotional read for individuals and groups, for use at any time of year.

Following on from her bestselling Women of Holy Week, Paula Gooder uses her extensive biblical expertise and storytelling skills to recreate the events of the nativity, from the promise of a future people to Sarah, to the presentation in the temple and the encounter with Anna, the prophet. The story is told from the perspective of nine women in all including Mary, Elizabeth, Rachel, and others whom scripture records or tradition has imagined, such as the innkeeper’s wife. As we hear the familiar stories afresh through their words, the wonder of the incarnation and its consequences for good and for ill, come to vivid life in a new way. Each story is accompanied by a painting by the priest-artist, Ally Barrett. This will be widely welcomed by all who love Paula’s writing and respect her biblical expertise as well as those looking for fresh inspiration for seasonal services from Advent to Candlemas.

Reflections for Daily Prayer continues to be one of the most popular and highly valued daily Bible reading companions. Continuing its tradition of excellence, regular favourites and new contributors offer insightful, informed and inspiring reflections on the scripture readings of the day, based on the Common Worship lectionary for Morning Prayer. David Ford is the guest contributor for Holy Week. New voices this year include Gregory Cameron, the Bishop of St Asaph and author of the popular An Advent Book of Days and An Easter Book of Days; Chine MacDonald, author, broadcaster and Director of the religious think tank Theos; and Emma Parker, Deputy Warden of Cranmer Hall, Durham. For every day (excluding Sundays) of the 2024-25 church year, there are full references and a quotation from the day’s set of Scripture readings, concise and challenging commentary, and a collect. Also included is a simple order for Morning and Night Prayer, and additional helps for nurturing a habit of regular daily prayer.

In 15 New Testament Words of Life, biblical scholar Nijay Gupta explores some of the most important New Testament words:RighteousnessGospelForgivenessLifeCrossFaithGraceFellowshipHopeSalvationPeaceReligionHolinessLoveWitnessThese are familiar terms in the Christian vocabulary, but many don’t know the original background and theological importance of these words, and how they can be life-giving for Christian faith and life today. To access the deep meaning of these words in the theological vocabulary of the New Testament writers, Gupta discusses each word within a key text and interprets it in three contexts:Canonical—how the New Testament is grounded in the OldLiterary—the meaning developed within the key textHistorical—the Jewish and Greco-Roman world of the first centuryFor those first hearers of the gospel who chose to follow Jesus, these words were the words of life, and they can be once again for Jesus-followers in the modern world. With Gupta’s skilled guidance, readers will find their engagement with the New Testament revitalized as they begin to understand how these inspiring ancient words can still be captivating, thought-provoking, and worldview-shaping words for real life today.While the New Testament is full of depth and complexity, its most important ideas have a profound simplicity to them. In this collection of word studies, Nijay Gupta explores foundational themes in New Testament theology, but in a very accessible way. If you're looking to deepen your understanding of some of the most essential concepts in Christian belief, this book is for you!—TIM MACKIE, cofounder of the Bible Project"Not only does Nijay Gupta define important New Testament terms and illustrate their significance for today, he also models a strategy for how a Bible reader might approach the exploration of biblical ideas. 15 New Testament Words of Life is an introduction to New Testament theology that invites readers to study the Bible by investigating key concepts that frequently appear in books, sermons, and even casual conversations. Gupta’s scholarship and cultural awareness combine to make the work a necessary resource for preachers, teachers, and all other curious Bible readers. I am eager for my students to read it."—DENNIS R. EDWARDS, Associate professor of New Testament, North Park Theological Seminary"Nijay Gupta has provided the church and its pastors with a remarkable resource. Wearing his deep learning lightly, he winsomely portrays how the New Testament writers draw on the Old Testament to theologize in ways that are immensely hopeful and intensely practical. A book like this is just what the church needs today—a rich biblical theology that speaks words of life to the lives of the people of God in our increasingly fraught and complex world."—DERWIN L. GRAY, Cofounder and lead pastor of Transformation Church, author of How to Heal Our Racial Divide"Do you suspect there’s more to the Christian faith than what you’re hearing? Dr. Gupta brings the best of biblical scholarship to the pews, where standard Christian ways of talking about things have grown stale. By highlighting these fifteen key words, he opens a whole new world of understanding that will reinvigorate Christian practice. If you are hungry to move beyond clichés, this book is your invitation to a nourishing feast."—CARMEN JOY IMES, Associate professor of Old Testament, Biola University, author of Bearing God’s Name

'This is the book I've been waiting for all my life. Paula Gooder enables the reader to engage with the Psalms in such depth, satisfying all the many hungers that are raised as the Psalms are studied, prayed and sung.' Jane Williams, McDonald Professor in Theology, St Mellitus College'Superb and refreshing - I encourage people to explore this wonderfully creative book'Jarel Robinson-Brown, theologian, author and Assistant Curate at St Botolph's-Without-Aldgate'This is a wonderful book. Paula Gooder has found a way to make the most loved psalms fresh and new with easily digestible commentary and an invitation to further exploration. It has made me a convert to Bible journalling.' The Church MouseA thoughtful guide to prayer and reflection on the Psalms with plenty of space for journalling.In this beautifully designed hardback journal, theologian Paula Gooder leads readers through fifteen favourite Psalms, offering insight and tips on how to pray and reflect on some of the most profound poetry in the Hebrew Scriptures.After a brief introduction to the history and context of each one, Paula invites readers to stand back and contemplate the Psalm as a whole, before zooming in to pick up on fascinating details and posing searching questions to deepen our understanding of God and ourselves. Paula selects some of the most well-loved Psalms for the journal, including Psalms 1, 23, 42, 88, 139, 145, 150. Lined pages face each Psalm, with space for journalling following each question.This journal would make a perfect Easter gift or to work through during Lent, either personally or as a Lent group study resource.Journalling the Psalms won 'Devotional/Gift Book of the Year' at the Christian Resources Together Awards, 2022.

Each year, the Holy Week and Easter double issue of the Church Times offers a wealth of seasonal reading and resources for worship and preaching. This volume, like its companion Christmas collection, draws together outstanding features from the past twenty years. It includes: * Meditations on the Stations of the Cross by the poet David Scott; * A short story set in Gethsemane by David Hart; * Timothy Radcliffe on the alternative to conflict symbolised by the Last Supper; * Sam Wells on Pilate and what he - and we - could do differently; * Richard Harries on the art of Good Friday; * Peter Stanford on Judas; * Michael Perham on why Easter celebrations should start in the dark; * Stephen Cleobury on the carols of Easter; * Mark Oakley on the poetry of the cross; * Paula Gooder on why the resurrection is central to faith; * Reflections on the season's lectionary readings, and much besides. In life Jesus had 'nowhere to lay his head' and in death was laid in a borrowed tomb. Mindful of this, all royalties from this book will go to the Church Homeless Trust.

In the style of her bestselling Phoebe, Paula Gooder uses her extensive biblical expertise to retell the events of the Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension through the eyes of nine female characters she imagines accompanying Jesus during these momentous days. Accompanied by nine colour illustrations, each story brings to life the tension, drama and shock of the events of Holy Week, banishing any over-familiarity and helping readers enter into the Passion narrative in a deeper, more meaningful way. Originally given as a series of addresses at Southwark Cathedral during Holy Week 2021, these nine stories are for all who long to encounter Jesus afresh through the Easter Story.

The third volume in the Biblical Explorations series from bestselling New Testament writer Paula Gooder explores a major exponent of the Gospels: the parables of Jesus. Covering every parable, this volume focuses on some of the best-known stories in the gospels, mining their meaning afresh today. It considers why Jesus spoke in pictures and opens up the world behind the parables to reveal just how striking, memorable and challenging they were for their original hearers. Biblical Explorations is an exciting series that offers an accessible and informed study of the best loved texts in Scripture. Rooted in the conviction that greater understanding of the Bible leads to deeper discipleship, it is an essential resource for preachers, teachers and study group leaders, as well as those who simply wish to get to know the Bible better.

Found in Common Worship: Times and Seasons, The Way of the Cross is a series of scripture-based devotions for personal or group use in Lent and Holy Week. Similar in intent to the traditional Stations of the Cross, it focuses wholly on the biblical narrative of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. This seasonal companion provides the sequence of fifteen meditations appears in full, including opening and concluding prayers. Each is accompanied by three short reflections from different perspectives by three of today's very best spiritual writers: - Paula Gooder offers reflections on the scriptural narratives; - Stephen Cottrell considers the story from the perspective of personal discipleship; - Philip North explores the story's challenge to mission and witness.

The Tell-It-Together Gospel brings together a new translation of Mark's Gospel by renowned biblical scholar Paula Gooder and interactive storytelling tips from bestselling author Bob Hartman. Remaining faithful to the Bible text itself, Paula and Bob combine Mark's Gospel with fun and engaging actions to bring the text to life and make it memorable for all ages - even the very young. Clearly presented with easy-to-read text and accompanying directives for audience participation, this book is ideal for use in churches, children's groups, at home and in many other settings.

With the growing, renewed attention to the art of preaching, this timely collection from the influential Littlemore Group of theologians explores the role of this vital ministry in today's Church. Experienced contributors from a wide range of backgrounds - catholic, evangelical and liberal – weave together theology, anecdote and reflection on practice as they share their passion for preaching. Each one is noted for their attentiveness to the poetry of the spoken word in preaching, and the practical challenges and pitfalls of this central activity of public worship. Chapters include: • The Joy and Terror of Preaching • The Power of Language • Localizing the Gospel • Attentiveness to the Word • The Sermon as Sacrament • Genres of Preaching Contributors include Rachel Mann, Paula Gooder, Donna Lazenby, Sr Judith SLG, Edmund Newey, Anderson Jeremiah and Joel Love. Holy Attention belongs within a series of volumes produced by the Littlemore Group, which has existed since 2005 as a place of generative theology within the Church of England, with members contributing and editing on a range of themes of relevance to contemporary church and society.

Grasping the Heel of Heaven honours the immense legacy to the church of Michael Perham. A skilled and imaginative liturgist, a passionate advocate of women’s ministry, an inspirational dean and bishop, a wise and patient administrator, he was above all a faithful priest who loved the Church as the body of Christ. In all his ministry he sought to nourish that body by encouraging its worship and prayer and shaping its governance in the light of gospel ideals. In this volume, friends and colleagues bring their own expertise to reflect on some of the topics and themes that were most important to him, including: • Being transported and transformed by liturgy • The making of Common Worship • The full inclusion of the ministry of women • How structures and decision-making express an understanding of God • Unity despite differences in and through God • The gospel as good news for all Together, the contributors reflect the numerous ways that Michael Perham saw heaven touching earth and earth glimpsing heaven.

Journeying with Mark offers a brief and accessible guide to the Gospel of Mark. Perfect for personal reflection and sermon preparation, this inspiring resource follows the Revised Common Lectionary. Each chapter corresponds to a season of the liturgical year and the Gospel passages read during that season. The reader will find an introduction to the biblical text that looks at historical and literary themes; imaginative new ways to encounter Mark in preaching and study, including poetry; and reflections on the text's meaning for contemporary Christian life. Each chapter ends with an action item, reflection questions, and a prayer.