Recommended new book: A Book of Blessings

Rev Glynn Cardy is the Minister at the Community of St Luke’s Presbyterian congregation in Auckland, who is closely involved in Common Dreams. He has very recently released a small book of his “blessings” which he composes for use in his weekly liturgies. Glynn is a fine poet and these blessings are a lovely expression of this talent. The blessings can be read as an affirmation that joy and encouragement can be found in the ordinariness of our everyday living but they also may be interpreted as having deeper layers of meaning. I wholeheartedly recommend it. It is published locally by Coventry Press.

Dick Carter,  Common Dreams

Blessed are those who know the joy of a friend, parent, or child,
    who accept us without rhyme or reason or reward, who love us with a power
    that can withstand the assault of our doubt.

In the Jewish and Christian traditions, blessings are generally looked for in extraordinary people and situations. And in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, the declarations of blessedness reflect Jesus’ approach of turning expectations upside down so that it is the poor, the sick, the bereaved who are declared blessed by God. Strange and unexpected beatitudes!

Glynn Cardy’s A Book of Blessings takes the Jesus tradition in new directions. He well understands that the blessings of God are found in the ordinary, the familiar, the day-to-day. He affirms that blessings may be experienced and celebrated in unexpected situations and people.

This is a collection that inspires, delights and encourages. A Book of Blessings is in itself a blessing to the community called the church – and well beyond the church – for all who share a love and appreciation of everyday people and the richness and the ordinary of their lives.

AUSTRALIA
To order online go to: www.coventrypress.com.au   AU$19.95
Phone: 0477 809 037
Email: enquiries@coventrypress.com.au
Post to: Coventry Press, 33 Scoresby Road, Bayswater Vic. 3153
NEW ZEALAND
Order from:
Pleroma Christian Supplies
https://www.christiansupplies.co.nz/  NZ$24.95

Postage $9.95

oOo

 

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