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Speaking volumes: The latest book reviews by members
BUT WHERE ARE YOU REALLY FROM?
Amanda Khozi Mukwashi SPCK Publishing I found this to be an intriguing book in which Amanda Khozi Mukwashi talks about her family, her upbringing and the role her faith has played in making her the person she is today. The question ‘But where are you REALLY from?’ opens a pot of emotions that she shares with her readers. This challenges our own perceptions and gives an insight into how black African women are seen by the countries in which they live. Amanda is an inspiring, dignified woman, who shares her upbringing and faith with the reader, taking you along with her as she travels to become the successful woman and leader of Christian Aid that she is today.
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She explains how her quest for racial justice, gender equality and support for all those facing domestic violence has not finished, that she feels God still has work for her to do.
This book made me look at myself and how, through faith, I could relate to Amanda. She writes in a way that carries you along on her journey with her. I find myself returning to the book in my mind and trying to analyse my feelings. An intriguing book, interesting, thought-provoking - and one I would recommend to readers. Kim Wilkinson, Diocesan President, St Albans CANDLES IN THE DARK FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE IN A TIME OF PANDEMIC
Rowan Williams SPCK Publishing This book is a collection of 26 weekly meditations written between March and September 2020 for Rowan Williams local church in Cambridge. The contributions of thoughts and conversations from that community enhance the style of writing. I read the book straight through as we came to the end of 2020, but will re-read it at a slower pace. It is an easy book to read and encourages discussion of one’s faith. The period covered included many Christian festivals, and the deeper insight into, for example, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which was interesting and thought-provoking.
I read the book at a time of personal despair, but the hope and love of the title did shine through, strengthening my faith that, no matter what we face, God is with us. Most, if not all, of the meditations could be used for discussions or conversations. For anyone who leads a group, it is an excellent resource for a meditation, with or without discussion. The conversational style lends itself to thoughtfulness, and I felt as if I were continuing a conversation with a friend. Mary Marshall, Diocese of Leeds
WORDS THAT SPEAK VOLUMES
Mothers’ Union members share their views on the latest faith titles
WE ARE SATELLITES: HOW TO PUT GOD AT THE CENTRE OF YOUR LIFE
Martin Saunders SPCK Publishing This readable book is aimed at young people - nevertheless, this mum of three “youngish” adults found much to ponder and enjoy.
Martin Saunders is Director of Innovation at the wonderful Youthscape, and clearly knows a thing or two about communicating God’s good news. Comprehensive guidance for those who acknowledge God’s reality is the main substance of this text. Packed into nine themed chapters, all the topics you would expect to find in a discipleship manual are explored with ample reference to Biblical authority and context.
The author uses the illustration of people as satellites, constantly orbiting around God at the centre of his creation. To live the fullest lives possible, just as satellites must receive signals before they can broadcast them, Christians require spiritual “input” through engagement with prayer, worship and belonging to the family of the Church. Signal “output” is achieved by getting involved in God’s saving work through the creative promotion of justice and sharing our faith.
There is a pleasing balance between personal testimony, gently self-deprecating humour and profound truths about God. It is accessible without compromising depth of content and would make an excellent gift to any young person ready to deepen their relationship with Jesus. Dianne Scott, Diocese of Durham HOW CAN YOU LOSE AN ELEPHANT?
Jan Fearnley Simon and Schuster The title made me want to read the story, I thought it would be about a boy losing an elephant in a small place! I think it’s a good story because it tells you what’s important in life. I liked the end bit where Oscar lost his trousers - Oscar reminded me of me! The pictures are funny and helped to tell the story. Hugo’s message is try not to lose your temper - we won’t find an elephant in real life but hopefully we’ll remember what Hugo taught us.
THE INVISIBLE
Tom Percival Simon and Schuster Looking at the front cover it makes me think the story is about someone who turns invisible. I don’t think Isabel was really invisible, I think she just felt invisible because of what happened to her. I like the pictures, the colours sort of represent her mood. It makes me realise what some people feel like sometimes, and that we should always be kind to everybody.
These books could be read to three or four year olds, so they grow up knowing what’s important. Children my age (seven years old) could also read them themselves to remember how to behave. Chloe Herrington, aged 7
Last year was a challenge – not least learning how to stay in touch safely with loved ones. However, meeting virtually hasn’t all been negative and many people who nervously took the leap online, often found it enriched their lives, whatever their previous views.
Two Diocesan Presidents,
Sue Rivers of Llandaff in Wales and Christine Sharp from Manchester, have been helping Mothers’ Union members join the digital revolution.
The Diocese of Llandaff started twice weekly devotions during the first lockdown in March 2020. ‘We were thinking: “how can we support our members”, and initially ran phone circles,’ said Sue. ‘We discovered quite a few people were not on social media and started looking at how we could get people online.
‘The problem was that in the first lockdown, people without a computer or a smartphone usually just had a landline and a TV, and the news was so depressing,’ Sue said. She and fellow members in the diocese were worried about people becoming depressed and isolated.
THE REVOLUTION IS COMING TO A SCREEN NEAR YOU
Going online doesn’t have to be intimidating, it can enhance your life, say Sue Rivers and Christine Sharp
Sue contacted the Welsh Minister for Care, who signposted support via Digital Communities Wales and Wales Co-op. With their help, Sue started training virtual volunteers. Initially the group asked for donations of old or reconditioned laptops but found they were too slow, so obtained a grant for iPads with 32GB of data and some mobile devices with wifi and data storage. The mobile devices are the size of an iPhone and fitted with a SIM card and a small amount of data, too.
They negotiated a shortterm broadband connection for participants, who borrowed the iPad or mobile devices with wifi and data storage to see if they could use them, then returned them, and looked into buying their own.
‘We found some relatives of members were protective about them going online, so we got the families involved from the beginning,’ Sue said. ‘We wanted to set people up on YouTube and Facebook, because they could follow live broadcasts of services in their church, which they hadn’t been able to see for months.’
They also invited a bank manager to talk about how to avoid online scams.
For safeguarding, for members and the diocesan volunteers, no members’ financial or personal details are put online and only free apps are allowed. However, once people were able to access Zoom and join branch meetings and services, devotionals and midday prayers, it increased their confidence and they made contact with relatives online too.
‘We put the iPads and mobile devices with wifi and data storage back to factory settings when people return them, so they are wiped clean,’ Sue said.
‘The aim is to roll the project out to other parishioners after Mothers’ Union members,’ said Sue. ‘There is also a Caerphilly centre where people can sign up for virtual training or develop their online skills further.
‘We want to reach out to as many as possible. It is not just older people, there are lots of families who haven’t been able to get online for one reason or another,’ said Sue.
In Manchester, Diocesan President Christine Sharp found that gradually more people have been reconnecting with others online. Services have been particularly popular, with last years’ Harvest getting 140 views, November’s Remembrance had 115, and the Lockdown Poetry series reached 600. Compared previously to an average of less than 20 people attending services at the Mothers’ Union chapel in Manchester.
‘It has been good to meet people in different ways and it has been bringing people together from all over the diocese – and all over the country,’ Christine said.
The Diocese of Manchester plans to start a monthly online group for new mothers so that they can meet virtually after they have had a baby. They also plan to run online talks and arts and crafts sessions for members.
‘We have also noticed that younger members are keen to get involved in projects,’ Christine said. ‘They can do that without needing to meet face to face. For example, members supporting a local domestic abuse service can get the word out that someone needs new school uniforms, and that can easily be sorted out through text or WhatsApp.
‘It makes it easier for someone who is working and has three children for example, to get involved and help. It also means we provide up to date information for people more easily if they can access it online.’
