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- Laura Barry
- 4 Mar 2026
My Creator Calling: A Poem from Hope Rising 365 by Meg Cannon
An encouraging poem from Meg Cannon’s Hope Rising 365 explores how God meets us in our weakness and calls us from darkness into hope and new ...
- authise authise
- 16 Jun 2018
My Day on the Shop Floor
16 – 23 June is Independent Bookshop Week – and we’re participating!
Over the course of this week, we’ll be sharing content about our favourite independent bookshops.
To start off the week, our Commercial Director Alexandra McDonald blogs about the one – one! – shift she worked in a bookshop.
...
Living a Heroic Life
Summer is often the time we wish for throughout the year and, if especially if you have kids, can’t wait to get away for some rest and relaxation. How do you spend your summers? Do you use it to jet off to the beach? Maybe you spend time at home with family and a barbeque. Maybe you take your children on an adventure. Before the summer comes ...
National Read A Book Day
6 September is National Read A Book Day.
Richard Harries, author of Haunted by Christ, blogs for us about the importance of reading and the effect that literature can have on our perspective, how we see ourselves and the ...
National Doodle Day - A Chat with Thea Baker
On National Doodle Day, we chat with Thea Baker, who illustrated The Shepherd Who Couldn’t Sing by Alan Barker, about her work as an ...
A Chat with Stephen Tyers
Today is #EuropeanDayofLanguages. In the lead up to Frankfurt Book Fair, we chatted with our Rights Executive Stephen Tyres about his work handling rights with our partner publishers in other countries. SPCK has international partners in Turkey, Spain, France, Finland, Poland, Hungary, and Germany, among many ...
What Not To Say When Someone Has Experienced A Miscarriage
It's World Mental Health Day today.
The loss of a baby can cause unimaginable pain and grief.
We might think we can understand what someone else is going through, but we don’t know.
Jane Clamp considers what to say and what not to say when someone has lost a baby in early ...
How can I help my child to open up?
Dr Sarah Vohra, author of Mental Health in Children and Young People, blogs for us on World Mental Health Day.
It can be a real struggle to open up to others about our concerns and problems, and there’s no worse feeling than not being able to help when you know someone is struggling.
Dr Vohra provides practical advice to help ...
Prayer as a form of self-care
Gemma Simmonds, author of The Way of Ignatius, is on our blog for self care week, discussing how prayer is as essential to self-care as healthy eating, good sleep, regular exercise, and time with friends and ...
Alan Barker's take on a classic Christmas story
Alan Barker chats with us about his inspiration for writing his new book The Shepherd Who Couldn't ...
A Very Brief History of SPCK’s Charitable Work
Our Fundraising Assistant Catriona Brickel reflects on the values that led to the creation of SPCK, and how those values are still what drive us today. ...
Is my gift enough?
SPCK’s Fundraising Assistant Catriona Brickel blogs about generosity. It benefits everyone ...
- authise authise
- 21 Feb 2019
Michael Cassidy - My Life and Times: Part 1
Alongside the African Enterprise, I (like SPCK) am committed to reaching people and discipling them by books and Christian literature - Michael Cassidy's book publishes ...
- authise authise
- 8 Mar 2019
I'm a bit like a mosquito
On International Women's Day, Hope Rising 365 author Meg Cannon is on the blog to talk about the women whose wisdom and wonder inspire Meg ...
- authise authise
- 22 Mar 2019
How can Christians make a difference?
Today, we're reflecting on an extract from Rowan Williams' Being Disciples: Essentials of the Christian life.
How can Christians make a difference and how can we work together for the 'common good' in society?
...
- authise authise
- 11 Apr 2019
Michael Cassidy - My Life and Times: Part 2
This is part 2/2 of this blog post. Part 1 can be found here.
We are very committed, like SPCK, to reach people and disciple them by books and Christian literature.
...
- authise authise
- 7 Jun 2019
Q&A with Debbie Flood
SPCK’s Partnerships Director, Primavera Quantrill, spoke to Olympic Rower Debbie ...
- authise authise
- 20 Jul 2019
Why would a young man choose to follow Jesus in 2019?
With a million demands on their time and a million suitors for their attention, why would a young man follow Jesus? Martin Saunders, author of The Man You're Made To Be reflects on present-day masculinity, the challenges that young men are facing, and why young men need strong role models to ...
- Emma Collins
- 7 Oct 2019
"I have no tendency to be a saint" (John Henry Newman)
On 13th October 2019 Blessed John Henry Newman will be canonised a Saint by Pope Francis. Historian Eamon Duffy describes Newman's intellectual journey as one of the most remarkable of the nineteenth century. In John Henry Newman: A Very Brief History Eamon provides an engaging and judicious introduction on the life and legacy of this ...
- Emma Collins
- 14 Oct 2019
Why you should read this book... Q&A with Tricia Goyer, author of Twice Rescued Child
We catch up with Tricia Goyer, author of Twice Rescued Child. She tells us what inspired her to write the book and what we as readers can take away from the ...
- Emma Collins
- 8 Jan 2020
Is there such a thing as ‘women’s spirituality’?
Do women write differently from men? Is there such a thing as ‘women’s spirituality’? Liz Hoare asks these questions and more in her introduction to Twelve Great Spiritual Writers. In this short extract from the introduction Liz reflects on the history of women as writers and explains why she has chosen to write about these twelve ...
- Emma Collins
- 13 Feb 2020
The Real Life of a Ministry Mum
Here's part two of our Q&A with Jules Middleton, a ministry mum whose upcoming book Breaking the Mould seeks to challenge the ‘shoulds’ and stereotypes that surround both roles. In this second part of our Q&A Jules tells us who inspires her and what advice she would give to parents with a call to ...
- Emma Collins
- 30 Apr 2020
Q&A with David Wilbourne, Author of Just John
David Wilbourne has been a 'John Habgood observer' for 37 years. Just John: The Authorized Biography of John Habgood has been a long time in the making, as we learn in this Q&A with David it took four years to complete just one chapter. Find out in this first part of our Q&A what it was like to write this biography and whether David, ...
- Emma Collins
- 8 May 2020
Part 2 of our Q&A with David Wilbourne, Author of Just John
Here's part 2 of our Q&A with David Wilbourne, author of Just John: The Authorized Biography of John Habgood. Find out in this second part what we can learn from John's life and work, and whether there were any parallels between his life then and the world ...
- Emma Collins
- 7 May 2020
Publishing in a Pandemic - How is Ready to Rise helping to empower readers during this time
Jo Saxton's book Ready to Rise is hitting the shelves and virtual shelves at an unprecedented time of global crisis. Naturally, Jo didn't have a global pandemic in mind when she put pen to paper, but readers have told her that they feel this book is empowering them for this moment. We catch up with Jo in this Q&A and find out her ...
- Emma Collins
- 18 Jun 2020
Mental Health and Wellbeing during a Time of Uncertainty
In this time of uncertainty, it is even more important to pay attention to our mental health and wellbeing, checking our blind spots and being honest with ourselves and others. It is this honesty that make Rob Merchant’s Broken By Fear, Anchored In Hope such an important book for this season. Here, Rachael Bell and Simon Ponsonby ...
- Emma Collins
- 17 Aug 2020
The cure is in the illness - a reflection from Fr Laurence Freeman
'If one had to be confined anywhere, Bonnevaux is a beautiful prison and the community I was incarcerated with did not riot or make unreasonable demands'. Fr Laurence Freeman reflects on his time in lockdown. This reflection was originally published in the WCCM newsletter and has been re-shared with ...
- Emma Collins
- 8 Sept 2020
Our first response needs to be silence - a reflection from Fr Laurence Freeman
'The pandemic has reminded us of our inherent solidarity as a human family. It has also exposed the forces at work – like bad government, greedy money-makers and the obscene gulf between rich and poor - that demand correction or punishment'. Fr Laurence Freeman reflects on the effects of Covid-19. This reflection was originally ...
- Emma Collins
- 24 Mar 2021
We're launching a new imprint!
Launching in July 2021, Form will publish books that help busy readers to cultivate spiritual rhythms and practices in everyday ...
- Emma Collins
- 18 Mar 2021
Q&A with Rebecca Parkinson, author of Goodnight World
In this blog post we catch up with Rebecca Parkinson, and find out more about her latest book Goodnight ...
- Emma Collins
- 12 May 2021
What would the Ascension look like in a sitcom?
It’s a strange thing to consider, but what would the Ascension look like if it was portrayed in a ...
- Emma Collins
- 25 Jun 2021
The Case for Christianity, as told by a lawyer
'Lawyers are meant to be interested in proof. What’s the proof for Christianity?'. A question often presented to Simon Edwards, the subject of ‘proof’ brings with it much debate. Christianity cannot be demonstrated as true in the same way that a mathematical equation can be, so how can it be ...
- Emma Collins
- 7 Jul 2021
Q&A with Ruth Valerio & Paul Kerensa
We chat to Ruth Valerio and Paul Kerensa about their new book Planet Protectors: 52 Ways to Look After God's ...
- Laura Barry
- 21 Mar 2024
Children Interview Tom Wright: My Big Story Bible
Watch children chat with bestselling author and theologian Tom Wright about his new Bible for children: My Big Story ...
Don’t make a run for it: National Missing Children's Day
25 May is National Missing Children’s Day.
Dr Sarah Vohra writes about how parents and carers can respond when their child threatens to run away from ...
A chat with Peter Graystone
Our author Peter Graystone is on our blog today as part of our month-long exploration of More Ways To Read The Bible. We’ll be looking at books that consider different ways you can engage with ...
A different way to engage with the Bible
Philip Law is Publishing Director at SPCK. His previous books include A Time to Pray (Lion, 2002), The Story of the Christ (Continuum, 2006) and The SPCK Book of Christian Prayer (SPCK, 2009). Here, he discusses The One Hour Bible, our new book that he compiled and edited ...
A chat with Sharon Moughtin-Mumby of Diddy Disciples
We chatted with Sharon Moughtin-Mumby about the principles of Diddy Disciples, her programme for younger children that grounds them in faith and encourages curiosity, compassion for others, personal expression, and ...
International Friendship Day - A Chat with Alexa Tewkesbury
Alexa is an author, editor and proofreader who has been writing extensively for children since 2002. Three picture books for SPCK Publishing, Noah and his Ark, Daniel in the Lions’ Den and Jonah and the Whale, were released in 2017. As well as children’s books, Alexa has also written the screenplays for the animation, It’s A Boy!, ...
A Chat with Stephen Cottrell
1 August is Play Day, which encourages the value of play and imagination.
Our author Stephen Cottrell has always told stories to his children. Now, he has written a children’s story too. Read about the origins of his new book The Sleepy ...
A Chat with Anthony Kenny
Anthony Kenny is on our blog today discussing his new book Brief Encounters. He will be at Church House Bookshop on 17 October with Richard Harries. Details ...
A Chat with Cole Moreton
Today is National Maritime Day. Cole Moreton’s forthcoming book The Light Keeper is set in London and The South Downs. Here, he chats with us about his writing and the setting of his new ...
A Chat with Jessie Faerber
We’ve picked I Thought There Would Be Cake as our book club read this month.
Jessie Faerber, author of More Than Just Pretty, had lots of thoughts to share about this powerful ...
Restricted Diet? Mindfulness Lends a Helping Hand
Catherine G Lucas is the author of four books on the holistic approach to mental health. Her latest in the Sheldon Press Mindful Way series is out now: Life Crisis: the Mindful Way. In her writing, Catherine draws on both her personal and professional experience, as a mindfulness trainer. Her one-day retreat on Kindfulness & Nutrition: ...
A Chat with Alan Mordue for Libraries Week
It’s Libraries Week – our Sales Director Alan Mordue is the perfect person to chat to!
He’s always in the know about books and how to sell them.
We wanted to know how libraries influenced his decision to work in ...
World Quality Day: what makes a good business?
SPCK Fundraising Assistant Catriona Brickel reflects on the values of SPCK as a company. On World Quality Day, she considers the core beliefs and principles of a good ...
Q&A with Janet Morley
Janet Morley, author of Haphazard by Starlight, is on our blog today chatting writing and Christmas ...
- authise authise
- 16 Apr 2019
Q&A with Simon Barrington
In celebration of World Voice Day, we caught up with Simon Barrington, co-author of Leading - The Millennial Way which is out this Thursday. Pre-order your copy ...
- Emma Collins
- 27 Dec 2019
The Evangelist as a Companion
Today on the Feast Day of John, Apostle and Evangelist, we are sharing an extract from Anglican Evangelists: Identifying and Training a New Generation. In this extract editor Martyn Snow writes about his own experiences of his vocation to ministry and how to be a 'true evangelist' we must accompany people on their own journey rather than ...
- Emma Collins
- 8 Jun 2020
What is it like to be a young carer?
Today marks the start of Carers Week, an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. According to the last census, there are 166,000 young carers in England, but recent research suggests that the actual figure ...
- Emma Collins
- 4 Aug 2020
Black theology as a resource for transformative ministry
Is God Colour-Blind? by Anthony G. Reddie has been recently revised and updated for 2020. This new edition contains a new afterword on why Black Lives Matter. In this blog post you will find a extract taken from the introduction of the book. It is here that Anthony explains how this book can be used by Christian ministers and those in lay ...
- Emma Collins
- 29 Sept 2020
'... a springboard for future sustainable change' - Black History Month 2020
As we celebrate Black History Month this October, we ask retired superintendent Dr Leroy Logan, MBE what Black History Month means to ...
- authise authise
- 6 Nov 2020
‘Welcome’ is so much more than a word on the church noticeboard or weekly notice sheet
With the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) resources approaching publication, we are sharing an extract from David Runcorn's book Love Means Love. Love Means Love published in June this year coinciding with the original publication date for the LLF resources. In this extract David reflects on the experiences of Christians who have struggled '...or are ...
- Laura Barry
- 20 Apr 2026
John Lennox Tells His Story At Last
Discover My Story by John C. Lennox, a powerful autobiography exploring faith, science, and a lifetime of defending the Christian ...
- Laura Barry
- 13 Nov 2024
Discover Our CRT 2024 Award-Winning Books!
We're delighted that two of our books have been awarded CRT awards - Brighter Days by Patrick Regan for Christian Life Book of the Year and Tom Wright's My Big Story Bible for Children's Book of the ...
- Laura Barry
- 15 Sept 2025
Witney Book Launch: Rachael Newham & Rachel Bearn Share Their Inspiring New Books
Join SPCK authors Rachael Newham and Rachel Bearn in Witney on 27th September for an evening of inspiration, faith, and the launch of their new books Beloved is Where We Begin and A Year to Slow ...
Comedic timing: Paul Kerensa on his newest writing venture
Headlining our Comedy and Cheese event on 23 May, Paul Kerensa spoke about the importance of humour in faith and parodied some popular songs, giving them a scriptural interpretation. The set had everyone laughing.
For those who were unable to attend the event, we've asked him to report why it was important to him to retell Biblical stories ...
5 Questions for Sarah Meyrick
Sarah Meyrick studied Classics at Cambridge and Social Anthropology at Oxford, which gave her a fascination for the stories people tell and the worlds they inhabit. She has worked variously as a journalist, editor and PR professional. She is the Director of the Bloxham Festival of Faith and Literature which is a small literary festival that takes ...
What can compel us to write nonfiction?
What makes a good biography?
Barbara Fox reflects on her work in journalism and how it led to the writing of Midwife of Borneo. Though she’d planned to write fiction if she ever wrote a book, her editing and journalistic skills helped her to write nonfiction. While we can often plan to write one book initially, we can sometimes end up ...
Kate Charles on writing
It’s officially #NaNoWriMo and we’re chatting with Kate Charles today about books and ...
Where do writers get their ideas?
In keeping with our #NaNoWriMo theme, we interviewed Sarah Meyrick, author of The Restless Wave, about her idea for her new novel.
How do you begin with an idea and turn it into a ...
- Laura Barry
- 20 Mar 2025
Bible Sales Surge Among Gen Z: SPCK's Role In The Growing Demand
Gen Z is driving a surge in Bible sales, seeking meaning, mental well-being, and faith through Scripture like never ...
The SPCK February 2018 Releases
As well as two exciting new hardback books with their own publication dates, our latest batch of releases include two brand new children's books by comedian Paul Kerensa, two thoughtful new books from some of Christianity's most creative thinkers, and the paperback edition of Richard Harries' latest ...
Who is Evelyn Underhill?
With one of our January 2018 releases being the lost prayerbook of a little-known English Anglo-Catholic writer and pacifist, we thought we would explain a little about who Evelyn ...
- Aaron Lambley
- 19 Jan 2018
New Year, New Website
With the New Year comes a new look - one that, I hope, is a breath of fresh air for returning readers and those new to our books, ...
5 minutes with Kate Bowler
We stole 5 minutes of Kate Bowler's time to find out more about the story behind her new book Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I've ...
- Sarah Head
- 6 Mar 2018
Make your own Mother’s Day Memories
With Mother’s Day fast approaching, we’ve been reflecting on some of our favourite memories here at ...
- Sarah Head
- 29 May 2018
Making the Bible Engaging for Children
How do you take an ancient and complex book and make it accessible and interesting for children? Our children's editor, Juliet, shares some of the challenges . . ...
- Sarah Head
- 5 Jun 2018
The Search for Spirituality
Richard Rohr’s highly anticipated book, Just This, will be available in ...
Use more than just words - take positive action
Words affect us in so many ways. They can hurt us, help us, and alter our perspective. Jessie Faerber writes about the next step beyond words: taking ...
5 Minutes With Gaby Doherty
We will publish Grenfell Hope by Gaby Doherty on 14 June. Ahead of the book’s release, she chatted with us about ...
- authise authise
- 18 Jun 2018
From bookseller to sales rep - Julian Gittings interview
Continuing on with our participation in Independent Bookshop Week, we chatted with Julian Gittings about how his work as a bookseller prepared him to work as a sales ...
Independent Bookshops: more than just tea and cake
We spoke with Ali, Team Leader at Quench Christian Bookshop Wokingham, and Head of Retail for both the Wokingham and Maidenhead shops, about her experience with running a ...
5 Questions for Tim Stead
After the phenomenal success of his book Mindfulness and Christian Spirituality, Tim Stead follows up with See Love Be. We chatted to him about his new ...
What story is your life telling?
By Leila Jennings
‘Narrative is the central function … of the human mind. We turn everything into a story in order to make sense of life.’ - James Bryan Smith
Andy Frost’s new book, Long Story Short, provides insight into the narratives that we use to define our path in life. Many of us see life as the pursuit of ...
When doodles become designs -- illustrations for Out of the Silence by Terry Waite
Terry Waite’s Out of the Silence was illustrated by his friend Jenny Coles. One simple drawing led to her drawing all of the pictures in his book. Here, she discusses how that evolved and what the process was ...
5 Questions for Andy Frost
We recently caught up with Andy Frost, author of Long Story Short. He had lots to say about writing, narratives, and looking at a bigger picture beyond our own ...
5 Questions for Andrew Gant
Andrew Gant has held a number of positions in the field of church music, including singing in the choir of Westminster Abbey and Organist and Choirmaster at Her Majesty’s Chapels Royal from 2000-2013, where he was responsible for the music at many Royal and state occasions.
He is a stipendiary lecturer in music at St Peter’s College, ...
5 Questions for Paul Hattaway
On 19 July, we will publish Guizhou by Paul Hattaway, the second in a series of books about the exponential growth of Christianity in China.
Here, we caught up with him about writing and his plans for the ...
5 Questions For Elaine Storkey
Elaine Storkey, author of Scars Across Humanity, will present at this year’s Keswick Convention. We chatted to her about writing, books, ...
Why does God allow suffering?
Robin Gill is Emeritus Professor of Applied Theology at the University of Kent and Acting Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Gibraltar. Among his many books are A Textbook of Christian Ethics (4th edition 2014) and Moral Passion and Christian Ethics (2018). Here, he chats with us about his book Why Does God Allow Suffering? and his personal ...
Simple Comforts
Jane Clamp’s Too Soon will be released mid-August. Here, she writes about finding comfort in the face of pain and ...
The SPCK Book Club has arrived!
We’ve officially launched the SPCK Book Club – please join in the discussion with the hashtag #SPCKBookClub!
We’ve picked Falling Upward by Richard Rohr for July. This short and thoughtful book can be read in an evening, but it’s one to return to again and again. Full of wisdom from many years leading congregations, ...
- Naomi Shakespeare
- 14 Aug 2018
Christianity and poetry – how they often go together
We are all familiar with poetry of some kind. Most likely even studied an anthology or two at school. Maybe you know a poem by heart. But how much do we really know about poetry in the Bible?
Believe it or not, at least one third of the Christian Bible (and three quarters of the Hebrew Bible) is poetry. The majority of the Old Testament was ...
Art that helps through grief
John Bell, author of The Last Journey, chats with us about the inspiration behind ...
The Poetry Of Terry Waite
On 19 July, we held an event with Terry Waite, where he spoke about his books Out of the Silence and Solitude. He spoke with great humility, kindness, and compassion. Many in attendance were young when he was captured and detained. They prayed for his release.
On our blog today, Terry has chosen some of his favourite poems from Out of the Silence, ...
6 Questions for Rachael Newham
We will publish Learning to Breathe by Rachael Newham this week. Here, we chat with her about writing, hobbies, and taking photos for ...
The story you need to tell
“Only a smile, only a word, only a kindness done.A brief exchange, a little light from one to one.”
- John McLeod, Appreciation Poems
As Too Soon, a mother’s journey through miscarriage, is published today, I wanted to share my motivation for writing the book and my hopes for it. When I endured the horror of four consecutive ...
How was your journey?
Sean Stillman's memoir God's Biker will be published on 20 September. Here, he chats with us about a different way to frame travel ...
SPCK's work for International Day of Charity
Today is the International Day of Charity.
Charities have received a bad press in recent years: the safeguarding scandal at Oxfam, the collapse of Kids Company and the hassling of the poppy seller Olive Cooke are but three examples. Sadly, the UK’s 165,000 small charities are suffering because of the cynicism created by the actions of a few ...
SPCK works to improve prisoners’ literacy skills
Rebecca Mulhearn is the project manager for Diffusion. She previously worked as a commissioning editor for SPCK and lives in Bedfordshire with her husband, two daughters and cat. In honour of International Literacy Day, she blogs about her work with Diffusion, a programme designed to help prisoners improve their literacy ...
Replay and Regret? Responding to Shame
Our #SPCKBookClub pick for October is I Thought There Would Be Cake by Katharine Welby-Roberts.
Rachael Newham, author of Learning to Breathe, shares her thoughts on this honest ...
God values who we are
Liz Carter, author of the forthcoming Catching Contentment, shares her thoughts on our book club pick I Thought There Would Be Cake by Katharine ...
International Day of Peace - Sean Stillman finds peace on the road
For International Day of Peace, Sean Stillman ...
I thought there would be cake too!
Tim Gough is the author of Rebooted, which looks to the Bible to reframe how youth ministry works for our generation. We gave him a copy of I Thought There Would Be Cake, our book club read for this month, and he had lots to ...
Funny Man Paul Kerensa’s 5 Tips for Comedy
On 19 October, we’ll be at The Museum of Comedy for Three Funny Men, an event featuring Simon Jenkins, James Cary, and Paul Kerensa. Tickets are available here.
Paul shares his wisdom about comedy events with ...
Work that we're called to do
Barbara Fox chats with us about the genesis of her new book Midwife of Borneo, in which she tells the story of the life and work of Wendy Grey ...
The Wisdom of Dr Dawn Harper on Fitness Day
Dr Dawn Harper is on our blog for Fitness Day, sharing her wisdom about the benefits of regular exercise. We all have to find the fitness that works well with us and makes us feel motivated. When we find what we enjoy, we look forward to our ...
Catching up with Andrew Gant
Andrew Gant will be at Southwark Cathedral on 2 October in conversation with Professor Jane Glover. Here, he chats with us about his work as a composer. Is writing music similar to writing a ...
The work we're called to do
Has anyone ever said to you, ‘Maybe acupuncture is your calling?’
Perhaps you’ve you thought to yourself, ‘Medicine is my calling.’
What difference does work take on when we feel it’s something we’ve been called to do?
April Holden explores this theme in her new book They Called Us Love, which publishes ...
Catching up with Alexa Tewkesbury
Alexa Tewkesbury chats with us for #WorldAnimalDay about children’s books, her love of animals, and the things we can do to protect ...
The Benefits of SPCK Membership
Our Fundraising Assistant Catriona Brickel is on the blog today, chatting about our members' only event at The Tower of London that took place on 3 ...
Wave of Light - Baby Loss Awareness Week
It was only two years ago that I found the Wave of Light on Facebook. Now in its sixteenth year, on the 15th of October women who have miscarried are encouraged to light a candle to commemorate their lost ones, posting their photos on social media with the hashtag #WaveofLight. I joined in, lighting a single stubby candle in honour of my four, ...
Catching Up With Cole Moreton for Libraries Week
Cole Moreton is on our blog for Libraries Week.
His new book The Light Keeper publishes in May of next ...
6 Questions for John Bowker
We chatted with John Bowker recently about his new book Religion Hurts, which publishes 18 ...
Sylvia Green's Tips for Reducing Food Waste
Sylvia Green has been a children’s author for many years. Her books include several ‘Christmas animal’ books published by Scholastic. We’re Hungry Too is her first picture book for SPCK. It is a full colour picture book with a fun story that encourages children to learn about caring for the natural world and ...
The Importance of Good Mentorship
Christopher Dines is on our blog for Mentoring Day.
Recovery from addiction takes an incredible amount of personal strength and resilience, but it also requires tremendous support from friends, family, and professionals. Having a mentor can make all the difference when healing from an ...
Tim Stead on mindfulness
Tim Stead is on our blog today, chatting about mindfulness practices.
He’ll be in Oxford on 14 November in conversation with Michael Mosley.
Book your ticket ...
5 Questions for Catherine Fox
Continuing on with our #NaNoWriMo theme, we caught up with Catherine Fox and chatted about writing, books, and ...
Rev Dr Mark Davidson's reflections on Remembrance Sunday
Rev Dr Mark Davidson, author of War Cries, is on our blog today for Remembrance ...
Andrew Adam on the inspiration behind his new book
Andrew Adam, author of Thomas Cochrane and the Dragon Throne, chats with us about his inspiration for writing his new book, which publishes 15 ...
Joseph and the Bully Boys
Fiona Veitch Smith is on our blog for Anti Bullying Week. Why do people bully and what can be done to address it? ...
Different Kinds of Kindness
Andrew Adam, author of Thomas Cochrane and the Dragon Throne, is on our blog today for World Kindness Day. Thomas Cochrane showed extraordinary kindness during his work has a doctor in China. How can we show similar kindness to ourselves and ...
Alexa Tewkesbury's 3 wishes for all children
Alexa Tewkesbury has written several children’s books for us. It seems only fitting that she’d be on our blog for World Children’s Day, sharing her wishes for today’s ...
The expression of faith through art
‘Pictures can reach parts of the theological imagination that words cannot.’ Jane Williams considers the representation of faith through ...
Ruth Clemence's Top 5 SPCK Reads of 2018
Blogger and book reviewer Ruth Clemence has read many of our books over the last year. We’ve asked her to pick her ...
#IDPWD2018: how can we make life and church more inclusive for people with disabilities?
3 December is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Roy McCloughry, author of The Enabled Life, blogs for us about how we can be inclusive of people with ...
Managing MS Naturally
Tessa Buckley grew up near Epsom race course in Surrey. As a child, she spent a lot of time writing and illustrating stories. After leaving school, she studied interior design at Chelsea College of Art and worked in architecture and design in London until 1989, when she was forced to give up her career after developing multiple sclerosis. That was ...
You Didn’t Tell Me I Had To Do Something!
Sean Stillman, author of God’s Biker, shares his thoughts for Human Rights ...
Jessie Faerber's hopes and dreams for 2019
Jessie Faerber published More Than Just Pretty this year. We caught up with her about writing and future ...
5 Questions for Stephen Cottrell
Stephen Cottrell, author of The Sleepy Shepherd, chats with us about books, writing, and his plans for ...
Andy Frost's plans for 2019
We caught up with Andy Frost about how the last year has been, especially since the publication of his book Long Story ...
Books change the way we look at life
Sarah Meyrick shares her thoughts about writing her upcoming novel The Restless ...
Stories and salad bars: catching up with Paul Kerensa
Paul Kerensa is a busy comedian and author. We caught up with him about his plans for ...
Connection and Compassion at Christmastime
The holidays can be particularly hard for people who are in recovery from addiction. Christopher Dines considers ways that we can help ourselves and others during the holiday season, especially when we look to prevent ...
6 Questions for Kenneth Stevens
We caught up with Kenneth Stevens, author of Winter Tales, about writing and his plans for ...
Ruth Clemence's thoughts for International Migrants' Day
Blogger Ruth Clemence shares a review of They Called Us ...
6 Questions for Stephen Cherry
Stephen Cherry chatted with us about his book Barefoot Ways and his plans for ...
The deeply personal nature of poetry
Terry Waite’s new book Travels with a Primate will publish in February 2019. He’s on our blog to discuss Out of the Silence, his deeply moving and personal collection of poetry and ...
Building resilience: boundaries not barriers
How can we become more resilient? Justine Allain Chapman considers the importance of establishing and maintaining healthy ...
The peace that passes all understanding
Has your therapist or acupuncturist ever encouraged you to develop a mindfulness practice? Do you sit in front of YouTube tutorials and wonder if you’re doing it right? Do you feel frustrated because you’re afraid that you’ve done it wrong?
You’re not alone.
Christopher Dines talks us through mindfulness. There is no right ...
Jonathan Sandys: The Man Who Could Call Churchill ‘Great-Grandpapa’
Jonathan Sandys, co-author of God and Churchill, passed away of chronic lung disease on 29 December 2018.
His co-author Wallace Henley had some very kind words to ...
Do love. Don't judge.
We ran a poll on Twitter asking what our readers wanted to see more of on our blog. The overwhelming majority asked for content based around our memoirs and biographies. Sean Stillman, author of God’s Biker, was the perfect person to ask to ...
Catching up with Michael Cassidy
Michael Cassidy, author of Footprints in the African Sand, blogs for us about his role in the dissolution of the ...
Gemma Simmonds on things she'd tell her younger self
Gemma Simmonds is a religious sister of the Congregation of Jesus. She began her ministry teaching at secondary level in the UK and went on from there to missionary work among women and street children in Brazil. She trained in Christian spirituality at the Ignatian spirituality centre in Wernersville, USA and this led to work as a retreat giver ...
What Not To Say To Someone Who Has Been Subjected To Abuse
4 – 10 February is Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week.
Natalie Collins, author of Out of Control, shares what to not say to someone who has been subjected to ...
Brave New Year
Andrew Adam, author of Thomas Cochrane and the Dragon Throne, blogs for us about the Chinese New ...
#ReclaimSocial – Post Positive in 2019!
Social media has so much potential to be a force for good. We can re-connect with old friends easier than ever before, share important news articles and keep distant family up to date with changes in our lives. Social media has also been central to campaigns and protests, as demonstrated by the viral #metoo campaign.
But it is impossible to deny ...
What is freedom?
What is freedom?
Diffusion workshop at HMP North Sea Camp
Did you know that SPCK provides free easy-to-read books to prison reading groups? Our Diffusion books are specially written to help prisoners who need to improve their reading confidence so that they are better able to find employment on release. We also work to change, attitudes, thinking ...
Struggling to find space? Follow Jesus into the desert.
The desert is a vast and beautiful. The colours of the sky and the sand and the piercing blue against the reds and the yellow, are intense. A few years ago, on an 8 days retreat in the Egyptian desert, three days of which were solitary and fasting, I was struck by the space and sheer beauty of the desert.
It was a struggle to get away, with four ...
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- 13 Mar 2019
How to recognise abuse
Our author and Gender Justice Specialist Natalie Collins explores ways to recognise signs of abuse, and what we can do to better understand the ...
- authise authise
- 19 Mar 2019
Terry Waite on prison reform and rehabilitation - part 1
Terry Waite is an Anglican humanitarian and author. In the 1980s, he worked as the Archbishop of Canterbury’s special envoy, travelling to the Middle East and negotiating the release of hostages, when he himself was taken as a hostage. Since his release from captivity he has worked extensively with prisoners and is a supporter of SPCK’s ...
- authise authise
- 26 Mar 2019
Terry Waite on prison reform and rehabilitation - part 2
Terry Waite is an Anglican humanitarian and author. In the 1980s, he worked as the Archbishop of Canterbury’s special envoy, travelling to the Middle East and negotiating the release of hostages, when he himself was taken as a hostage. Since his release from captivity he has worked extensively with prisoners and is a supporter of SPCK’s ...
- authise authise
- 3 Apr 2019
Schools assemblies can be fun!
Do you remember your school assemblies? I do, and how I wish I would forget some of them! We had one teacher, who would insist on taking Monday morning assemblies. Sure, you might think that he should be applauded for stepping up and taking on the task that no one else wanted.
But you would be ...
- authise authise
- 5 Apr 2019
Prayer Experiment Activity
What do you think of when you think of prayer? For a lot of people, it brings up images of being told to sit still and close their eyes while someone else ‘says a prayer’; or of reciting words from a page.
Miranda Threlfall-Holmes, author of The Prayer Experiment series, teaches a fun prayer experiment to try with your ...
- authise authise
- 8 Apr 2019
Who Cares About HIV?
For World Health Day, Who Cares About HIV? author, Paul Kybird, explains the new book, the challenges of those living with HIV, and their engagement with pastoral ...
- authise authise
- 12 Apr 2019
Very Brief Histories Event
The Very Brief History series is a collection of short, accessible introductions on histories, legacies, and movements that have shaped the world written by industry experts. Our event on Saturday features four speakers uncovering the lives of Thomas More, Immanuel Kant, Byzantine Christianity, and Julian of Norwich.
...
- authise authise
- 12 Apr 2019
News from the Independent Publishing Guild Awards
I am delighted to announce that we have been nominated for the Digital Publishing Award, and Specialist Consumer Publisher of the Year (having received this two years in a row)!
Learn more about how our school assemblies website is helping teachers grab the attention and engage young people.
Today, millions of young people are facing pressures ...
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- 15 Apr 2019
Spanning the Decades
Sarah Meyrick introduces our new blog series where she takes you through the decades of her new novel, The Restless Wave, as well as inspiring stories from her own family ...
- authise authise
- 19 Apr 2019
Spanning the Decades: 1920s
Sarah Meyrick's second installment of Spanning the Decades showcasing her own family hertiage alongside characters within her new book The Restless Wave, available for pre-order ...
- authise authise
- 26 Apr 2019
Spanning the Decades: 1940s
Sarah Meyrick's third installment of Spanning the Decades features the research that went into The Restless Wave and her own personal history with Church Stowe, available for pre-order ...
- authise authise
- 1 May 2019
Natural Holy Places: Britain's Top 10
Nick Mayhew-Smith, author of The Naked Hermit, rounds up a five-year journey into the wild sacred spaces of Britain with a top 10 list of the most enchanting holy ...
- authise authise
- 3 May 2019
Spanning the Decades: 1960s
Sarah Meyrick's fourth Spanning the Decades post for her new book The Restless Wave, available for pre-order ...
- authise authise
- 10 May 2019
Spanning the Decades: 2010s
Sarah Meyrick's fifth Spanning the Decades post for her new book The Restless Wave, available for pre-order ...
- authise authise
- 13 May 2019
Mindfulness, Spirituality & Mental Health Awareness Week
Tim Stead, former Vicar, mindfulness teacher and author of See, Love, Be – Mindfulness and the spiritual life writes for Mental Health Awareness ...
- authise authise
- 16 May 2019
Spanning the Decades: The Restless Wave
Sarah Meyrick's final post for our Spanning the Decades series is all about families and how to survive them. Order her new book, The Restless Wave, available ...
- authise authise
- 16 May 2019
The Road to 'The Meaning of Life'
Alister McGrath chats with us about his new book Richard Dawkins, C.S. Lewis and the Meaning of ...
- authise authise
- 20 May 2019
Dementia from the Inside
Louise Morse discusses her book with Dr Jennifer Bute, Dementia from the Inside, for Dementia Action ...
- authise authise
- 21 May 2019
United We Stand, Divided We Fall
Debra Green, author of Mountain Moving Prayer, is the National Director and founder of ROC which aims to work alongside the church in ways that demonstrate the Christian faith-in-action. She chats about how encouring faith to live out in ...
- authise authise
- 24 May 2019
Inspiring hope: SPCK’s ministry to prisoners
Did you know that SPCK uses its skills as a publisher to help prisoners improve their reading skills? As a Christian charity we consider our work with prisoners to be a direct response to Jesus’ commandment to minister to those in prison (Matthew 25:36).
SPCK’s Diffusion books are specially written to help adults who need to improve ...
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- 28 May 2019
World Hunger Day - We're Hungry Too
Sylvia Green chats about her book We’re Hungry Too, World Hunger Day and what you and your family can do to help through a fun ...
- authise authise
- 31 May 2019
I can’t read or write at all: Diffusion reading group at HMP Downview
Did you know that SPCK provides free easy-to-read books to prison reading groups? Our Diffusion books are specially written to help prisoners who need to improve their reading confidence so that they are better able to find employment on release. We also work to change, attitudes, thinking and behaviour so that prisoners can build more positive ...
- authise authise
- 27 Jun 2019
Working with Richard Rohr
In his decades as a globally recognized teacher and Franciscan priest, Richard Rohr has helped millions understand and engage with matters of faith and spirituality. Alison Barr, Commissioning Editor and Publisher at SPCK tells us what it's like working with such an internationally renowned ...
- authise authise
- 24 Jun 2019
Evangelism across the Cultures
Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy, BAME Mission and Ministry Enabler for the Diocese of Leicester writes about Evangelism across cultures in new book Anglican Evangelists. In this blog post will find an excerpt from this ...
- authise authise
- 1 Jul 2019
Converting to Orthodoxy
Martin Dudley was a prominent Anglican priest at St Bartholomew's in the heart of the City of London. In March 2018 he was received into the Orthodox Church. Martin's upcoming book Being Orthodox is an accessible guide for those who seek to become or live as Orthodox Christians. In this blog post you will find out when and why he made the move to ...
- authise authise
- 4 Jul 2019
Coffee with Sarah Meyrick
Sarah Meyrick recently published her second novel, The Restless Wave. Set across three generations, the book emcompasses themes such as love, family, faith and history, with some of her inspiration coming from her own family history. We managed to find a quiet few minutes to catch up with Sarah and talk about all things ...
- authise authise
- 10 Jul 2019
The Light Keeper - blog post from Cole Moreton
Find out more about Cole Moreton's upcoming book The Light Keeper and how to win a night's stay at the Belle Tout ...
- authise authise
- 5 Aug 2019
The Man I'll Pray You'll Be
Author and mum Rachael Newham hopes for many things for her little boy, many of which are reflected in Martin Saunders' new book The Man You're Made to ...
- authise authise
- 6 Aug 2019
Who was Miao Zizhong, Cedar of Lebanon?
The Communists earmarked Zhejiang as a 'religion-free zone' in the 1950s and 1960s, yet to the glory of God, Jesus Christ is worshipped today by more than 13 million people throughout the province. The story of Miao Zizhong is one of many personal stories in Zhejiang: The Jerusalem of China that depict the harsh realities of trying to ...
- authise authise
- 9 Aug 2019
Book Launch on the Thames with Cole Moreton
Join Cole Moreton aboard the Tamesis for the London launch of his book The Light Keeper. If you're situated on the South Coast there's a few other events to keep in your diary too. Find out more in this blog post taken from Cole's latest ...
- authise authise
- 12 Aug 2019
Mark Oakley on Greenbelt Festival and the Poet George Herbert
We catch up with Mark Oakley to find out more about his appearance at Greenbelt Festival. We also hear about his admiration for two great poets, one of which he reflects upon in his upcoming book, My Sour-Sweet ...
- authise authise
- 13 Aug 2019
Why life with dementia can be fulfilling and positive
Living with dementia is often accompanied with a negative stigma. Jennifer Bute's story proves that it is still possible to live positively with dementia, and there is much that can be done when living with this ...
- authise authise
- 16 Aug 2019
Why do jokes go wrong?
It may have been an established tried-and-tested joke but for one reason or another it wasn't well received, and it's now obvious that people haven't found it funny. Why does this happen? In this extract from The Sacred Art of Joking James Cary talks us through the many reasons why jokes can sometimes ...
- authise authise
- 19 Aug 2019
Storytelling at Greenbelt by Murray Watts
Storytelling has always been a big part of Murray Watts' life. It started with his mother reading him the works of Hans Andersen and Grimms' Fairy Tales, which later led to his live broadcasts of monologues and parables on Radio Merseyside in 1971. It's now come full circle to the publication of 'Yours Truly', a collection of 18 brilliant and ...
- authise authise
- 22 Aug 2019
Christianity and Humour by James Cary
In the run-up to Greenbelt Festival comedy writer James Cary talks jokes, humour and ...
- authise authise
- 28 Aug 2019
Augustine’s Confessions, the story of his journey to adult Christian faith
On 28th August we celebrate the feast of St Augustine of Hippo. Saint Augustine of Hippo was a Roman African, early Christian theologian and philosopher from Numidia. Saint Augustine of Hippo is just one of twenty Christians that Rowan Williams reflects upon in his new book Luminaries. In this extract we learn about 'Augustine's Confessions' ...
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- 30 Aug 2019
Measuring success in the Church - do the numbers count?
How do we measure success in the Church? Should we even be using the word 'success'? Are churches failing if they're not growing? And do numbers really count? Vicars are often faced with questions such as these and long-standing minister Alan Bartlett knows all about these challenges. Alan has been an Anglican priest for 25 years and is now working ...
- authise authise
- 9 Sept 2019
Exploring Patterns of History - an extract from The Human Odyssey
The long human odyssey of self-discovery has reached a crucial stage: everything we do affects everyone and everything else - and we know it. In this extract from Stephen Green's new book The Human Odyssey he explores patterns of history and questions whether these patterns justify the narrative of a human journey - an odyssey which, for ...
- authise authise
- 6 Sept 2019
SPCK works to improve adult literacy
Did you know 1 in 6 adults in England have very poor literacy skills? Rebecca Law, Project Manager of SPCK's Diffusion Books tells us about the work that the project does to help prisoners, ex-offenders and homeless people improve their reading skills so they can find work and build a more hopeful future for ...
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- 21 Sept 2019
Busting the Myths of Dementia
Alzheimer's Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness, provide support and demystify dementia. The impact of Alzheimer's Day is increasing but there is still lack of information surrounding dementia. Louise Morse, co-author of Dementia from the Inside writes about the common myths of dementia and explains how the biggest hope is to ...
- authise authise
- 19 Sept 2019
The Hoity Toity Angel - from Musical to Story Book
Published in 2002, The Hoity Toity Angel is one of Grumpy Sheep Music's all time favourite Christmas musicals for primary school children. This month sees the popular musical being published as an illustrated story book. Children's songwriter and founder of Grumpy Sheep Music, Caroline Hoile tells us what motivated her to write the ...
- Emma Collins
- 30 Sept 2019
National Poetry Day with Janet Morley
In the lead up to National Poetry Day we speak to Janet Morley about her latest anthology Love Set You Going: Poems of the ...
- authise authise
- 4 Oct 2019
What can we learn from our animal friends? Meet Danny, the Irish Setter
All over the world, everywhere, humans and animals form great bonds that give them both another kind of gift of life. This is one of the reasons why Joan Chittister wrote the book, Two Dogs and a Parrot. For World Animal Day we're sharing an extract from the book where we meet Danny, the unruly Irish ...
- Emma Collins
- 10 Oct 2019
How true friendship breaks down the stigma of mental illness
Thursday 10th October is World Mental Health Day, a day to help raise awareness and encourage open conversation. This year's theme is suicide prevention. Rachael Newman was aged just six when she had her first suicidal thought. In her book Learning to Breathe she shares her journey into and out of the darkness of depression. In this extract from ...
- Emma Collins
- 8 Nov 2019
The most unlikely art critic in the history of TV
SPCK’s Publishing Director, Philip Law, tells us about what it was like working with the late Sr Wendy Beckett. Not long before she died she agreed to compile a list of her all-time favourite paintings, the result is recently published Sister Wendy's 100 Best-loved Paintings. Sample pages from this exciting new art book are available to view ...
- Emma Collins
- 6 Nov 2019
New for November 2019
With the clocks going back an hour and the weather getting a lot colder there's no matter time to treat yourself to a new book or two to see you through the Winter months. November sees the publication of a great selection of books. New books include the biography on cricketer and bishop David Sheppard and Rupert Shortt's rebuttal on Richard ...
- Emma Collins
- 15 Nov 2019
How many of Sister Wendy's favourite paintings have you seen?
How many of Sister Wendy's favourite paintings have you seen in real life? Many paintings from the recently published Sister Wendy's 100 Best-loved Paintings are hanging up inside the National Gallery. We decided to visit the gallery to see how many we could ...
- Emma Collins
- 10 Jan 2020
Taking Action to Save Water
Water is a key theme throughout Saying Yes to Life: The Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent Book 2020. Whilst Ruth Valerio reflects on light and water in relation to the Days of Creation (Genesis 1), she also relates this back to the environmental, ethical and social concern that we face today with Climate Change. In this extract from the book ...
- Emma Collins
- 27 Jan 2020
10 individuals who risked their lives in the Holocaust
'When the Nazis started to destroy the European Jews, the millions of non-Jews in Europe had to decide their stance: would they help the Nazis, help the Jews, or do nothing. A very small percentage resisted or helped. The great majority did nothing. More than 16,000 rescuers have been recognized officially by Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, yet no one ...
- Emma Collins
- 5 Feb 2020
Misconceptions about Ministry Mums and Breaking the Mould
In her upcoming book Breaking the Mould Jules Middleton brings together stories of ministry mums from all different walks of life. From Pentecostal to Methodist, single mums to adopters, RAF chaplains to disability advisors and everything in-between – Jules maps the highs and lows ministry mums may face as they seek to ‘break the ...
- Emma Collins
- 14 Feb 2020
Your Own Call Less Ordinary
What next after university? In this extract from Rich Wilson's A Call Less Ordinary he shares his experience of coming to the end of his time at university and how it was around this time that he became aware of God's ...
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- 28 Jan 2020
Announcement: David Adam
With great sadness, we have to announce that the much-loved Celtic spirituality writer, David Adam, died suddenly at home on Friday 24 January, aged ...
- Emma Collins
- 19 Feb 2020
An Irrepressible Journey
‘I sometimes feel we are sold a myth that we somehow download our purpose in our twenties and then work on that until we “achieve our dreams”,’ speaker, writer and coach Cathy Madavan shares with SPCK ahead of the launch of her new book, Irrepressible: 12 principles for a courageous, resilient and fulfilling ...
- Emma Collins
- 3 Mar 2020
Why the title 'Irrepressible'?
"These twelve principles mean a lot to me and have formed so much of my thinking over recent years. I hope they will give other people some practical handholds and a good dollop of hope". Cathy Madavan, speaker and author of Irrepressible: 12 principles for a courageous, resilient and fulfilling life tells us why she wrote the book, why ...
- Emma Collins
- 8 Mar 2020
‘Don’t just pretend to love others – really love them’
Today is International Women's Day, a global event that celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. To tie in with this awareness day we're sharing an extract from Helen Roberts' new book The Comparison Trap. In this extract Helen reflects on a passage from Romans 12:9-15 (NLT) and explores Paul's letter ...
- Emma Collins
- 16 Mar 2020
Our Lady of Vladimir
Ahead of Mothering Sunday we're sharing an extract from Love Set You Going by Janet Morley. In this extract the poem Our Lady of Vladimir by Rowan Williams is featured alongside a reflection by ...
- authise authise
- 23 Mar 2020
Uplifting books for you and others
In this blog post you will find a copy of our enewsletter that went out to subscribers last week. In this you will find a sample chapter from Terry Waite's book Out of the Silence, and some recommendations for uplifting books to read. Those books with eBook editions currently have 50% off (ends 25th ...
- Emma Collins
- 30 Mar 2020
Words for Worrying Times
Rachael Newham, author of Learning to Breathe has provided some encouraging words to reflect upon during these challenging ...
- Emma Collins
- 14 Apr 2020
Mindful Walking
With many of you going out for daily exercise, how many times would you say that you were mindful of your surroundings? Graham User writes that he has two approaches to walking, one that focuses on the amount of steps and time it takes him, and the other to pay attention to his surroundings such as patterns in the sky, birdsong or sounds of ...
- Emma Collins
- 24 Apr 2020
Oh God, help - an extract from Godbothering
Why bother with God? Do you know what matters in life? What are the limits of kindness? Why doesn’t God intervene? What are you worth? For twenty years, bestselling novelist Rhidian Brook has pondered such questions on Radio 4's Thought for the Day. 100 of his thoughts have been recently published in his book Godbothering. We're sharing ...
- Emma Collins
- 5 May 2020
You are not alone, an extract from Baby Change
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is a week-long campaign dedicated to talking about mental illness during and after pregnancy. In the introduction to Baby Change, Anne Calver writes that she '...did not find anything to help parents emotionally, mentally or spiritually as they prepared for and transitioned into life as mums and dads'. In ...
- Emma Collins
- 19 May 2020
He is Our Anchor of Hope, an extract from Broken by Fear, Anchored in Hope
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and we're sharing an extract from Rob Merchant's upcoming book: Broken by Fear, Anchored in Hope. Drawing on his own experience, Rob shows how healing starts when we acknowledge and accept our vulnerability. Knowing our place before God and surrendering wholly to Christ, we can discover forgiveness and ...
- Emma Collins
- 21 May 2020
Thomas Graumann, the boy who fled the Nazis
It is with great sadness that today we hear of the passing of Thomas Graumann, one of the last children rescued by British humanitarian Nicholas Winton. Thomas' story was published in the book Twice Rescued Child, co-written with Tricia Goyer. Last year we caught up with Tricia and she told us what it was like working with Thomas and ...
- Emma Collins
- 10 Jul 2020
Love Means Love: Same-sex Relationships and the Bible
Last month saw the publication of Love Means Love by David Runcorn. Prior to publication we sent out review copies of the book to a number of individuals who we thought would be interested in reading it. In this blog post you will find a review from Emma, a supporter of the Campaign for Equal Marriage in the Church of England. She tells us what it ...
- Emma Collins
- 24 Jun 2020
Vocation isn't just about ordained ministry
What do you think of when you hear the word 'vocation'? Many think of routes into ordination or authorized lay ministry. Vocation is much more than that as John Pritchard explains here in this adapted extract from his new book Handbook of Christian ...
- Emma Collins
- 30 Jun 2020
How Talk Can Transform Us
'The idea of talking to someone for eight hours might have been daunting for some people, but this is what Rowan and I have been doing for more than a decade'. Greg Garrett tells us about the many conversations he had with Rowan Williams, and how these conversations became a book, giving readers the chance to be a 'fly on the ...
- Emma Collins
- 15 Jul 2020
Notes on Love by Lauren Windle - publishing July 2021
We're delighted to announce our latest acquisition, Notes on Love by journalist, speaker and recovering addict Lauren Windle. Perfect for fans of Dolly Alderton’s Everything I know About Love and Elizabeth Day’s How to Fail but who felt that they didn’t capture the nuances of what it means to date within church culture. Find out ...
- Emma Collins
- 23 Jul 2020
Lesson 90: Be Nice
Tola Doll Fisher reflects on Ephesians 4.31, and how it can be used to remind us to not engage in behaviour that can negatively impact another's mental health. This extract from her book Still Standing is Lesson 90: Be ...
- Emma Collins
- 13 Aug 2020
But Where Are You Really From?
‘Where are you from?’ I’m asked.‘The UK,’ I reply. ‘I mean where are you really from?’ ‘Zambia,’ I reply.
In this blog post you will find a short video of Amanda Khozi Mukwashi reading from the opening chapter of her book But Where Are You Really From? The extract is also ...
- Emma Collins
- 1 Sept 2020
First day back, so teacher training.
'First day back, so teacher training. Classes arrive tomorrow. A tedious day, but we could wear jeans, drink our coffee hot and go to the toilet when we chose'.
A familiar scene for many who work in education. In this extract from Miss, What Does Incomprehensible Mean? We learn what the first two days of term are like for ...
- Emma Collins
- 15 Sept 2020
From the quiet science lab to the macho police college
'Leaving the quiet, sterile environment of science research for the macho, militaristic culture of Hendon was a massive culture shock. You could smell the testosterone in the air the moment you passed through the gates into the campus'. In this extract from Closing Ranks: My Life as a Cop, Leroy Logan tells us about his first night at Hendon Police ...
- authise authise
- 12 Oct 2020
Lessons from Loss
Baby Loss Awareness Week takes place 9th - 15th October and is an opportunity for the bereaved to unite with others across the world to commemorate their babies’ lives. In this extract from Still Standing, Tola Doll Fisher reflects on the feelings she experienced after losing her daughter ...
- Emma Collins
- 2 Nov 2020
The Art of Remembering, an extract for All Souls' Day 2020
With outdoor services, prayer walks, and light displays, All Souls' Day will look very different this year. Commemorating the faithfully departed can be an emotional time for many. Young people in particular can have a difficult time with bereavement. Whether they have lost a family member or friend, there are often little reminders of their lost ...
- authise authise
- 3 Nov 2020
Utterly Brilliant! Timmy Mallett in Conversation with Tony Prince
Join Timmy Mallett in conversation with Tony Prince on 18th November at 7:30pm on Zoom. Timmy will be talking about his amazing solo cycle ride across Europe on the ancient pilgrimage route - the Camino de Santiago - and capturing the adventure in paintings as he travelled. Register here to avoid ...
- Emma Collins
- 10 Nov 2020
5 Beautiful Books for Children
With the festive season fast approaching we are delighted to share with you these 5 beautiful books for children. With wonderfully illustrated covers and pages, each one these books will delight young readers as they open them on Christmas day and treasure them ...
- Emma Collins
- 24 Nov 2020
Thoughtful Gifts for Her
If you’re unsure what to buy your wife, girlfriend, sister, mother, or daughter, then look no further as we suggest some gift ideas to help you find that perfect ...
- Emma Collins
- 1 Dec 2020
Christmas Gift Ideas for Him
If you're in need of some inspiration for a book to gift him this Christmas, let us help you find that perfect read with our Christmas Gift Ideas for ...
- authise authise
- 2 Feb 2021
Miss, What Does Unprecedented Mean?
The pandemic has doubled if not tripled the workload and the angst for teachers. Some colleagues I know are physically in the classroom, teaching surprisingly-large numbers of pupils while streaming those lessons live to pupils at home. Fran Hill, author of Miss, What Does Incomprehensible Mean? tells us what teaching in a pandemic ...
- Emma Collins
- 5 Mar 2021
Rage and Hope - two very different and complicated emotions
With the upcoming release of Rage and Hope: 75 prayers for a better world, we asked SPCK staff members what they thought of the book. In this blog post, Business Development Assistant Siân tells us her ...
- Emma Collins
- 13 Apr 2021
Remembering Answered Prayers
Why is it important to remember our answered prayers? How might remembering these prayers help us in a pandemic? Find out in this Q&A with Richard Gamble, author of ...
- Emma Collins
- 24 May 2021
Robots, AI and human uniqueness: learning what not to fear
In the run-up to tonight’s Panorama episode on artificial intelligence, we’re sharing an extract from The Robot Will See You ...
- Emma Collins
- 10 Jun 2021
What makes all-age worship so difficult?
In this adapted extract from Worship for Everyone, Nick and Becky Drake address the challenges of all-age worship, and suggest practical steps to help overcome ...
- Emma Collins
- 22 Jul 2021
Re-imagining how we worship
Now that we can gather together again, Nick and Becky Drake share their thoughts on returning to the church building and how we can re-imagine how we worship ...
- Emma Collins
- 6 Aug 2021
The New Rules of Social Media
When used correctly, social media can be a helpful tool for youth leaders. There is of course a dark side to social media. In this extract from Leadership 101, Tim Alford, National Director of Limitless provides 5 top tips for using social media ...
- Emma Collins
- 21 Sept 2021
Fake News and Clickbait
How many times have you clicked on an online article, only to find it has no relevance to the title it was given? In this extract from Communicate for Change, Genelle Aldred explores the rise of clickbait, and the effect that negative stories can have on our opinions of groups of ...
- Emma Collins
- 3 Nov 2021
Jesus, the Earth, and Environmental Justice (an extract from Justice for Christ's Sake)
Twenty years before Greta Thunberg arrived on the scene, Bishop James Jones asked young people how worried they were about the future of the world. In an assembly of 250 young people, all of them raised their hand to show concern. In this extract from his memoir, Justice for Christ's Sake, James reflects on this time and how it led him explore what ...
- Laura Barry
- 9 Nov 2021
SPCK Group Press Release 9 November 2021
The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK) and the York Courses Limited today announce SPCK's acquisition of the publishing rights to York Courses. ...
- authise authise
- 1 Jun 2022
The Queen and SPCK
Over the past 70 years of her reign, Queen Elizabeth’s support for SPCK and its mission has remained steadfast, a continuation of the centuries of royal patronage we have enjoyed since our charity was founded by Thomas Bray in ...
- Laura Barry
- 26 Oct 2022
God In Number 10 - Book Launch
Tonight is the book launch of our timely release, God in Number 10 by Mark Vickers, which sheds new light on the relevance of the personal beliefs, approaches and faith - or lack of it - of those leading the country from Number ...
- Emma Collins
- 14 Dec 2022
Book reading by the Archbishop of York
Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, will be in York Minster’s Lady Chapel from 10.30am on Saturday 17 December to give a reading from his children’s book, The Sleepy Shepherd.
...
- Laura Barry
- 16 Jan 2023
Guest Post: Lily-Jo's Blue Monday Tips for Talking to Children About Mental Health
Lily-Jo, a children’s mental health expert and author of Talking to Children About Mental Health, shares with us her top tips for helping you AND your child through the January ...
- Laura Barry
- 23 Mar 2023
SPCK Authors at Spring Harvest 2023
Spring Harvest is back on April 10th to April 14th, and we're thrilled to be publishing Flipped, the official theme book, and The Beatitudes, the official workbook. To celebrate, we're offering 20% OFF books from all attending ...
- Laura Barry
- 6 Apr 2023
Amy Scott Robinson Discusses her Adventuring Girls series
Amy Scott Robinson, author of the Adventuring Girls series, discusses traditional fairytales, fierce heroines, and what she hoped to achieve with her Adventuring Girls series. ...
- Laura Barry
- 2 May 2023
Coronation Sale: Enjoy 20% OFF the entire website!
Celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King Charles III this Saturday, the 6th of May, with 20% OFF our entire website until May ...
- Laura Barry
- 11 May 2023
SPCK Authors at Big Church Festival: Storytelling and Crafting Tent!
Join us and our amazing authors at our Storytelling Tent at Big Church Day Out on the 27th & 28th of May! Crafting space, chill out library and live readings from all your favourite children's authors, and ...
- Laura Barry
- 4 Aug 2023
SPCK Authors at Satellites
Join Gemma Hunt, author of See! Let's Be A Good Friend and See! Let's Be Me, and Lauren Windle, author of Notes on Love and Notes on Feminism at ...
- Laura Barry
- 4 Aug 2023
SPCK Author Tim Alford at Limitless
Join Tim Alford, author of Leadership 101, at Limitless Festival on August 5th - 6th! ...
- Laura Barry
- 11 Oct 2023
Patricia J. Murphy, author of God is Everywhere, at AASL
Patricia J. Murphy, author of God is Everywhere, is at AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL LIBRARIANS in Tampa, Florida on October 19th - ...
- Laura Barry
- 11 Oct 2023
Arun Arora speaking at Living Well Conference on the 4th November
Arun Arora, author of Stick With Love, will be speaking at Living Well Conference on Sat, 4 ...
- Laura Barry
- 29 Jan 2024
The Best Self-Help Books to Brighten Your January
Looking for best self-care books to support your mental health? Here, we round up our top ten books about mental health, anxiety, depression, stress, and personal growth. ...
- Laura Barry
- 30 Jan 2024
Our Bestselling Lent & Easter Books for Children
Explore our bestselling Lent and Easter books for children. Add our favourite Easter books to your basket - perfect for entertaining little ones this Easter! ...
- Laura Barry
- 7 Mar 2024
Share Your Love of Reading this World Book Day!
Share your love of reading this World Book Day! With over half of children saying they don't enjoying reading, it's more important than ever to support children in learning how to love reading. We've compiled some of our bestselling children's books we know children and young readers will ...
- Laura Barry
- 25 Mar 2024
Discover our March New Releases
Discover our new releases this March! From My Big Story Bible by bestselling author Tom Wright to Lauren Windle's insightful and entertaining Notes on Feminism, there's a book everyone can ...
- Laura Barry
- 15 May 2024
SPCK Authors Rowan Williams & John Lennox Speaking at The Hay Festival
SPCK Authors Rowan Williams and John Lennox will be speaking at The Hay Festival: How The Light Gets ...
- Laura Barry
- 5 Jun 2024
17 Books We Can't Wait To Read This Summer!
Explore seventeen wonderful books that we can't wait to read this ...
- Laura Barry
- 1 Jul 2024
Pam Rhodes at Battle Proms
SPCK author Pam Rhodes will speaking at Battle Proms this ...
- Laura Barry
- 20 Nov 2024
Rachel Mann Do Not Be Afraid Advent Videos
Watch Free Advent Weekly Videos to accompany the bestselling Advent book - Do Not Be ...
- Laura Barry
- 25 Nov 2024
Guest Post: SPCK Author Natalie Collins
SPCK Author Natalie Collins writes about the importance of ending men's violence against women on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against ...
- Laura Barry
- 14 Jan 2025
Understanding the Bible: 10 Essential Books to Deepen Your Christian Faith
Discover 10 essential SPCK books that make understanding the Bible easier, deepen your Christian faith, and help you connect with the teachings of the Bible in a meaningful way. ...
- Laura Barry
- 26 Feb 2025
World Book Day 2025: Costume Inspiration for Kids & Parents
Struggling to find the perfect World Book Day 2025 costume? Discover creative, easy, and fun book character costume ideas to bring your favourite stories to ...
- Laura Barry
- 18 Mar 2025
Discover Our Latest Releases: Inspiring Reads for March 2025
Discover our newest releases, featuring inspiring stories, insightful theology, and fresh Bible editions designed to deepen faith and spark ...
- Laura Barry
- 26 Mar 2025
Stories She’ll Love: Meaningful Books to Gift This Mother’s Day
Celebrate Mother’s Day with meaningful, faith-filled books for every woman who’s shaped your story — from mums and mentors to daughters and ...
- Laura Barry
- 3 Nov 2025
Who Am I? Rediscovering Our True Identity This Advent
In Who Am I?, Bishop Nick Baines invites us this Advent to pause, reflect, and rediscover our true identity in Christ—the God who seeks us out with love, grace, and surprising ...
- Laura Barry
- 12 Jan 2026
Guest Post: Why Belovedness Matters More Than Resolutions This New Year
In her heartfelt guest post, Rachael Newham, author of Beloved is Where We Begin, invites readers to embrace gentleness and God’s love in the New Year instead of chasing unrealistic ...
- Laura Barry
- 2 Mar 2026
Why People Still Come to Church: Voices from Southern Africa
The Most Revd Dr Thabo Makgoba shares reflections from Southern Africa on why people still come to church—highlighting worship, community, resilience and faith in the midst of ...
- Laura Barry
- 6 Mar 2026
What Is the True Mark of Christian Discipleship?
Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, reflects on the Emmaus story and why sharing the good news of Jesus lies at the heart of authentic Christian ...
- Laura Barry
- 13 Mar 2026
Stories of the Saints: Inspiring Saints Every Child Should Know
Discover inspiring saint stories for children as Margaret McAllister shares the remarkable lives of Christian heroes featured in Stories of the ...
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God, AI and the End of History
Understanding the Book of Revelation in an Age of Intelligent Machines
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