In this memoir, internationally acclaimed hymn-poet Brian Wren outlines his life story, describes his writing process, and explores the relationship between words and music. Although (because) Christian hymns are typically sung by untrained voices, they exemplify the abiding and universal appeal of human voices joining together in song. This book will be useful and interdenominationally appealing to students and teachers of church music, theological students, pastors, choir members, and worshipers who care about the words they sing.
[Wren's] work is fresh, daring, and suggestive, and at the same time informed, critical, and disciplined. . . . Wren has combined an exceedingly thoughtful theoretical presentation of the linguistic problem and a step-by-step practical walk-through of the issues. . . . It takes a poet, not a clerk, to voice what has been disclosed by God. Wren is such a poet; he invites us to fresh evangelical cadences that will themselves liberate."Theology Today"[Wren] makes an inventive effort to help cure the disease that is devastating the worship scene. He himself writes extraordinary hymn texts that are 'beyond patriarchy,' and he hangs them in 'galleries' in his book. . . . He gives us a readable, convincing book centered on the language question but profoundly theological in its implications."National Catholic Reporter"A book of tremendous value to liturgists, theologians, members of the newly forming men's liberation movement, clergy and policymakers, and anyone interested in the issue of inclusive God-language, including those who are curious about why it matters in the first place. . . . Part of the value of What Language Shall I Borrow? is Wren's graceful, imaginative presentation of his facts. Although there is ample cognitive input, it is interspersed with moving hymn texts, practical workshop ideas and fascinating narratives."The Presbyterian Outlook
Wren discusses the thorny issues involving congregational singing today: the indispensable nature of public worship; contemporary worship music; the lyrics of different types of congregational songs, such as choruses, hymns, chants and ritual songs; and the importance of using hymn lyrics as poetry. He shows why hymn lyrics are altered throughout time and how they illustrate theology.
Few can argue with the power of music to touch the heart. Voices shared in worshipful song allow us to honor God in a truly beautiful way. In Hymns for Today, renowned hymn writer Brian Wren helps us understand why this is so. Wren surveyed hundreds of hymns written since the 1960s to compile this discussion of forty hymn poems and to share the insights they provide for Christian faith. These contemporary hymns are analyzed for how they express Christian faith and traditional themes in fresh ways. Questions for discussion are included for each chapter, making this book an excellent group study resource. The For Today series was designed to provide reliable and accessible resources for the study and real life application of important biblical texts, theological documents, and Christian practices. The emphasis of the series is not only on the realization and appreciation of what these subjects have meant in the past, but also on their value in the present--"for today." Thought-provoking questions are included at the end of each chapter, making the books ideal for personal study and group use.
Preeminent hymn writer and liturgist Brian Wren offers this new collection of worship resources suitable for use in a variety of worship traditions. These theologically sound and creative worship resources include orders of worship (liturgies) and worship elements such as litanies, calls to worship, thanksgivings, and affirmations of faith, all crafted to encourage rhythmic public responses during worship. This book is Scripture based and Scripture oriented. All the worship materials are compatible with the Revised Common Lectionary, but can also be used in churches that do not use the RCL. Additional features include a Scripture index and a topical index listing items that can be used on other occasions during the church year.
Better Birding reveals the techniques expert birders use to identify a wide array of bird species in the field—quickly and easily. Featuring hundreds of stunning photos and composite plates throughout, this book simplifies identification by organizing the birds you see into groupings and offering strategies specifically tailored to each group. Skill building focuses not just on traditional elements such as plumage, but also on creating a context around each bird, including habitat, behavior, and taxonomy—parts so integral to every bird's identity but often glossed over by typical field guides. Critical background information is provided for each group, enabling you to approach bird identification with a wide-angle view, using your eyes, brain, and binoculars more strategically, resulting in a more organized approach to learning birds. Better Birding puts the thrill of expert bird identification within your reach. Reveals the techniques used by expert birders for quick and easy identification Simplifies identification with strategies tailored to different groupings of birds Features hundreds of photos and composite plates that illustrate the different techniques Fosters a wide-angle approach to field birding Provides a foundation for building stronger birding skills
An action-packed novella from acclaimed fantasy author Brian Ruckley, following the adventures of the Free -- the most feared mercenary company the world has ever seen. Wren is a Clever, someone who can shape the unseen forces of the world. Such powers are more a curse than a blessing, and Wren has been running all of her life -- from the consequences of her actions, and from those who would use her abilities for their own ends. Now she finally has a direction. Rumours talk of a legendary Clever living in the Hommetic Kingdom's borderlands, a man who can teach her how to control the forces that rage inside her -- if she can find him. Yet enemies from Wren's past hound her every step, and a horde of ferocious barbarians ravages the very lands that she must travel. Somewhere in this chaos, the Free -- the most feared mercenary company in the world -- are fighting against the invaders. Surely they would help her in her quest . . . Or perhaps the Free will need her help even more.
Charles II's use of access to his person as a political tool was a feature of his reign. At first he believed this access was an important part of uniting the kingdom, but later he controlled it as a means of manipulation, of both supporters & opponents.
The finest, most lavishly illustrated photographic guide to the birds of western North America Combining informative and accessible text, up-to-date maps, and—above all—stunning color photographs, this is the best and most lavishly illustrated photographic guide to the birds of western North America. All of the images have been carefully selected to convey both the sheer beauty and the key identification features of each bird, and many of the photos are larger than those found in other guides. Wherever possible, a variety of plumages are pictured, providing visual coverage and usefulness matching any artwork-illustrated field guide. And many of the images are state-of-the-art digital photographs by Brian Small, one of North America's finest bird photographers. These pictures, many seen here for the first time, reproduce a previously unimaginable level of detail. Finally, the ranges of nearly all species are shown on maps from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, the authority on North American birding. New and experienced birders alike will find this guide indispensable: the clear layout will help novices easily identify the birds they see, while the superb photographs will help seasoned birders confirm identifications. The best, most lavishly illustrated photographic guide to the region's birds Larger color photos than most other field guides Fresh contemporary design—clear, easy-to-use, and attractive Informative, accessible, and authoritative text Range maps from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology Covers entire western half of mainland North America (excluding Mexico) and the arctic and subarctic territorial islands of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Hawaii)
Shines a practical light on the spiritual disciplines that have been in use since the time of Abraham. In a sense, every day of our lives is labor. It is questionable if you can ever be exactly the same person waking up on two consecutive days. How are spiritual sojourners to cope with the constant change? Many are beginning to explore the ancient Christian spiritual practices that have been in use for centuries, everything from fixed-hour prayer to fasting to sincere observance of the Sabbath. What is causing this hunger for deeper spirituality? Brian McLaren guides us on this quest for an explanation of these spiritual practices, many of which go all the way back to Abraham and the establishment of Israel. In the midst of contemporary Christianity, we discover the beauty of these ancient disciplines and the transformation through Christ that each can provide. Why have certain spiritual disciplines been in use for centuries and why is it important? It is questionable if one can ever be exactly the same person waking up on two consecutive days. How are spiritual sojourners to cope with the constant change? Many are beginning to explore the ancient Christian spiritual practices, such as fixed-hour prayer, fasting and sincere observance of the Sabbath. What is causing this hunger for deeper spirituality? Brian McLaren guides us on this quest for an explanation of these spiritual practices, many of which go all the way back to Abraham and the establishment of Israel. In the midst of contemporary Christianity, we discover the beauty of these disciplines and the transformation through Christ that each can provide.
In this remarkable book, now reissued in paperback, Brian Lavery examines every aspect of the Royal Navy, both ashore and at sea, during the Second World War, and casts a lucid eye over the strengths and weaknesses of an organisation that was put under acute strain during the period, yet rose to the challenge with initiative and determination. Divided into twelve sections, the book delves into the structure of naval power from the Board of Admiralty and shore commands to officers and crews, their recruitment and training, daily life and discipline. The roles of the Reserves, Merchant Navy, Royal Marines and Wrens within this structure are also explained. Developments in ship design and technology, as well as advances in intelligence, sensors and armament are all discussed and set in context. The different divisions are dealt with one by one, including the Submarine Service, Fleet Air Arm, Coastal Forces, and Combined Operations. The text is complemented by over 300 illustrations and the personal accounts of those who served.
First published in 1946. This title is a clear and concise account of the march of Labour to the control of the London County Council and its work at County Hall in the 1940s. This study explores the rise of the Labour Party in London and the changes and progress in health, education, and social welfare. Labour in London will be of interest to students of history and politics.
They are the most feared mecenary company the kingdom has ever known. Led by Yulan, their charismatic captain, the Free have spent years selling their martial and magical skills to the highest bidder -- winning countless victories that have shaken the foundations of the world. Now they finally plan to lay down their swords. Yet when Yulan is offered a final contract, he cannot refuse -- for the mission offers him the chance to erase the memories of the Free's darkest hour, which have haunted him for years. As the Free embark on their last mission, a potent mix of loyalty and vengeance is building to a storm. Freedom, it seems, carries a deadly price.
`It is a brilliant work, beautifully written, and brimming with surprising information and stimulating philosophical speculations.' Notices of teh American Mathematical Society --
Look out for more Pitkin Guides on the very best of British history, heritage and travel, specially other titles in the Pitkin History of Britain series. Suitable for Key Stages 3 and 4 of the National Curriculum. More titles in the History of Britain Series
A general survey of what was being built in England and Wales during the Commonwealth years, 1642-60, using the career of architect Inigo Jones (1573-1652) as a framework to demonstrate the gradual move from rich chaos to dull order. Covers the stark churches, the emerging architects of the Puritan order, country houses, London, the universities, gardens, and four large regions. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs and drawings. Distributed in the US by St. Martin's Press. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Paganism means living in harmony with nature and respecting all that nature has to offer. It is a sustainable way of life that has existed in the British Isles for thousands of years and that has survived secretly among scattered households throughout the UK. Although it is not a religious path (true pagans do not worship deities), paganism will appeal to anyone who cares about the environment, who is interested in maintaining an organic lifestyle or who believes in respecting their roots whilst catering for the future. Paganism may be thousands of years old, but it is particularly suited to meeting our twenty-first century concerns. In The Modern Pagan, Brian Day explains how to live in a way that honours the land and its inhabitants. There is advice on celebrating seasonal festivals, on cultivating a true pagan garden, on creating delicious food and drink from hedgerow fare, on herbal medicine, on the importance of pagan parenting and family values, on living in harmony without prejudice and discrimination and much more. The core principles of Modern Paganism will make sense to anyone who is tired of the hustle and bustle of our polluted lifestyles, and who is looking for a way to live that is in balance with our fellow human beings and the natural world.
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