Jesus said that his burden was light, but it doesn't always feel that way. For example, what does it mean to 'take up your cross'? How figurative is the language Jesus is using? Or, 'Those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples,' What does Jesus mean? Or, 'I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.' Does this mean unless I follow Jesus, I am cut adrift in this world, lost and without hope? But I cannot follow Jesus without being crucified ... Following Jesus does not seem as simple as preachers sometimes suggest. So Pen sets out into the wilderness to look for him. 'I have one big question that almost hurts in my heart,' she says, 'because I care about the answer so much. I want to ask him, "Jesus, what do you think of me?
This latest in Wilcockâs The Hawk and the Dove series takes readers into the world of a fourteenth-century monastery struggling to forgive an old enemy seeking refuge. The first of three sequels to the celebrated The Hawk and the Dove trilogy takes place one year after the end of the third book, in the early fourteenth century. A peaceful monastery is enjoying its new abbot, who is taking the place of Father Peregrine, when an old enemy arrives seeking refuge. Reluctantly taking in Prior William, the upended community must address old fears and bitterness while warily seeking reconciliation. But can they really trust Prior William? In her fourth book in the series, Penelope Wilcock wrestles with the difficulties of forgiveness and the cautions of building trust. Taking the form of journal entries, her story will delight the imaginations of readers captivated by a time and place far distant from our current world. Her timeless themes, however, will challenge our prejudices today as we, along with her characters, are forced to ask ourselves, âWhat is the hardest thing to do?â
Recently ordained and more recently divorced, Reverend Esme Browne finds herself at an uncomfortable crossroads when stationed at the Portland Road Chapel. In addition to the seaside town, she also now bears the spiritual responsibility for two country chapels, which should be exciting, invigorating, and even hopeful. Esme, however, has forgotten how to pray and, she fears, how to feel. A chance encounter with an eccentric pair of country gnostics may change all that, but she'll have to be willing to juggle the demands of the church, her parishes, and a bevy of well-intended but nosy neighbors.
Father William knew something was changing deep within him. He felt it-from his belly, from his from his heart, from his soul-the reality of what was streaming forth unchecked. There was no denying it. This was love. Yet Father William has more to worry about than simply upholding his vows to God, to the brothers of St. Alcuin, and to Abbot John. The brotherhood is running out of money and Father William must decide whether or not to take matters into his own hands. Seasoned author Penelope Wilcock unlocks the story of one man's struggles, mistakes, and heart's longings, and traces the possibility of what it means to get things wrong and to begin again.
At St Alcuin's Monastery, in 14th century Yorkshire, Abbot John is in shock after learning of the rape of his sister and murder of his mother. The refugee Father William is discovering his own vulnerability. As they support their leader and their barely-welcome guest, the community of brothers undertake the task of nurturing the grace of God in their souls. The Hour before Dawn explores the psychological impact of grief and trauma, and the possibility of healing. Wilcock deftly weaves themes of the resurrection and ascension throughout the story, exploring the process of having survived suffering, but not yet having moved on. Based on solid historical research, Wilcock's representation of monastic life is authentic, rich with poetic prose and a sense of time and place.
Fifty-two stories about the large themes of life, nature and faith. Positive and life-affirming, 52 Original Wisdom Stories follows the liturgical year and is an ideal resource for public worship. Sid and Rosie are an older married couple, with several children and grandchildren. Through a series of short, engaging narratives, we learn about their faith, their feelings for one another, their hopes and dreams, and their perception of how God speaks to them through the events of their lives. Each story stands on its own; their sequence follows the rhythm of the church's year from Advent through Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, and Harvest Thanksgiving. With an open tone of wonder and reflection, author Penelope Wilcock explores the ordinary and extraordinary topics of daily life: falling in love, marriage, birth, education, illness, woodlands, farming, meeting adversity, hospitality, home-making, work. This beautiful hardback is ideal for personal reflection and growth and as a refreshing resource for church and small group discussions.
Our spiritual growth has been stifled by our long obsession with consumption and possessions. This practical yet visionary book offers a model for a truly healthy life based on gospel simplicity. Ditch the stuff that gets in the way, and your heart is free to respond to God. "What is in these pages works," Penelope says. "It's the medicine for today, it transforms life. It's the message of the Bible that shouts off every page but is silenced before it ever gets to church." Christian simplicity affects our management of time, money, possessions, speech; what we do, eat, and hear; our relationships, resources, homes, transportation; the way we dress. It requires discipline. "But as we journey, a wonderful sense of freedom permeates our lives; the light heart that is necessary to walk gracefully in Christ's way.
These vibrant and thought-provoking studies are intended for use in a group, but could work equally well as an aid to personal devotion. This collection sets out to build a bridge between the eternal Gospel and its lived context in contemporary life; together they form a comprehensive overview of the Christian way of discipleship. Covering a wide-range of topics and themes - such as Baptism, Spiritual Charisms, Grace and Ordination to name just a few - Penelope Wilcock will lead you in greater appreciation and understanding of Scripture in this thought-provoking, challenging and accessible collection.
Imagine meeting up with Jesus for a coffee and some heart-to-heart conversation. What would you say to him? What might he say to you? Penelope Wilcock invites you to listen in on twenty-five conversations she’s had with Jesus about the Christian journey and the meaning of Advent. They delve into many areas: children and families, gifts and graces, angels, homes, homelessness and hospitality – and more besides. Get ready to be surprised and challenged, as you hear Jesus’ own take on the original Christmas and what it means for our world twenty centuries later.
Madeleine Hazell and William de Bulmer have been married a year. She is a healer, a wise woman, practical, intelligent and blunt. He is not only an ex-monk, but an ex-abbot, a man accustomed to authority, a gifted administrator, at home with figures - but perhaps less capable in such matters as shutting up chickens for the night. They are deeply, irrevocably in love. And every conversation may become a battlefield that leaves both wounded and resentful. When the aged monk who served as cellarer dies, Father John, the Abbot of nearby St Alcuin's Abbey, finds himself critically short-handed. Who will handle the rents? The provisions? He is a gifted infirmarian, a capable leader, but estate management is beyond his competence. With a sense of rising panic he turns to his friend, the man who renounced his vows for love, the former Father William - only to find that his own pastoral skills may be required in matters matrimonial ... This is the seventh novel in the St Alcuin's Abbey series, which began with The Hawk and the Dove. Penelope Wilcock publishes a popular blog at www.kindredofthequietway.co.uk.
In this concluding volume of The Hawk and The Dove trilogy, The Long Fall deals with the slow decline of Peregrine's powers as he slides gradually into dementia. Peregrine, strong and beloved abbot of St. Alcuinâs monastery, suffers a stroke. Now incapacitated, he begins an arduous recovery with the help of his brothers in the infirmary. Brother Tom, the young monk closest to him, is horrified by the suffering Peregrineâs illness has inflicted. He keeps his distance, out of his depth. How will he find the courage to make this demanding journey of vulnerability with his friend? How will they communicate, now that Peregrine can no longer speak? How will Tom respond to the terrible, secret promise his abbot asks him to make? In this journey to the depths of humanity, the two men discover together the treasures of darkness and the intimate mystery of compassion. Engaging and beautifully written, warm and haunting, The Long Fall concludes the first trilogy in the Hawk and the Dove series.
This book is about life, not death. When we are with people approaching death, we feel a sense of awe, the solemnity of a great and sacred moment approaching. To accompany other people, along with their loved ones, up to the gate of death, is to enter holy ground; to stand in an awesome place where the wind of the Spirit blows, to encounter peace and grief, insight, intimacy and pain on a level not found in ordinary living. An updated and expanded edition of a classic book, Spiritual Care of Dying and Bereaved People is a fresh, original, and honest look at death and bereavement, including the author's personal experiences. Most of us don't realize how much we have to offer to those who are dying or bereaved. This book encourages readers to grow in confidence as companions, looking honestly at the questions people ask, and offering a reflection on the kind of God those questions reveal. This new edition also includes a practical section on how to plan a funeral.
Sooner or later many of us will have to 'go into care'. How do we, and those who are involved in our care, make wise choices? This book is written both for those preparing to enter residential care and for those (professionals, volunteers, pastors, family members and friends) who can offer support to ease the struggle of transition. Learning to Let Go acknowledges and explores the intense experience of grief and bereavement that surrounds the relinquishment of independent living. The book explores how to ensure that those going into care retain their identity and are not reduced to peripheral status as 'patient' or 'resident'. Covering practical details from how to choose a home to what to pack when moving, this book will help facilitate a smooth transition at this emotional time of upheaval.
William de Bulmer, no longer a monk, but still a most capable administrator, returns to St Alcuins to help the new cellarer manage the challenges of a big society wedding. But this event, fraught with difficult relationships, coincides with their regular Bishop's Visitation. William tries to conceal his presence from Bishop Eric, who wants to bring him to justice for the felony of breaking his monastic vows and the grave sin of attempting suicide. Astute and zealous, the bishop sets out to hunt William down. Meanwhile the arrival of Brother Conradus's mother brings problems of a completely different nature As the story unfolds, a beautiful thread of loving-kindness weaves quietly through the contrasting colours of human frailty, religious zeal, and social pretension.
There is a God. We are created by God, the universe is created by God, and 'all things work together for those who love God'. If we follow the Maker's instructions, things tend to work better. Therefore, there is a 'with the flow' way to go, and an 'against the flow' way to go. How do we know which is which? What is the path of blessing? Using the markers of scripture, conscience, nature, observation, the faith community and the faith tradition, Pen show us how to discern the road of blessing in regard to money, relationships, the home, and the acceptance of responsibility. The outcome may not bring prosperity, but it will probably include joy.
‘Digs deep into the roots of equality. . . A fascinating read.’ Cathy Madavan, Kyria Network Women have proved their equality with men in leadership, scholarship and exercising spiritual gifts, but traditional interpretations of Scripture mean that leadership is still viewed by many as the preserve of men. Penelope Wilcock argues that Christ's new and living way leads us out of all forms of dominance and subjugation, including imprisonment within gender roles. She proposes a reading of Scripture that respects its authority while embracing the full equality of women and men in the eyes of God. I wholeheartedly recommend Pen Wilcock’s eye-opening, thought-provoking and paradigm-shifting book as an agenda for humanity.’ Steve Chalke, Oasis Global ‘A fresh and very helpful look at the issue of equality for the everyday Christian.’ Tola Fisher, Woman Alive
?And while we may yearn for that faultless city, many of us continue to reside in imperfect settlements that often remind us, in the strangest ways, of that which is to come.?Stewart Henderson
These studies provide a bridge for people to find their place in the Bible story. Designed to be used individually, they can also be followed thematically ' with twenty-five studies on Bible characters; twenty lessons from the life of Jesus; five studies from the Law and Prophets, and more. Each double-page spread has a Bible passage, supporting commentary, a series of questions and a prayer. -Have fun with these outlines,- writes Pen Wilcock. -May your home be a place of friendship, somewhere people can learn to love the Lord Jesus, a safe place to become more self-aware and awake to the beauty and the vulnerability of their fellow-pilgrims.
Set in a medieval monastery and following the lives of Father Peregrine and his aide, Brother Tom, this three-in-one package reprints the original trilogy made up of The Hawk and the Dove, The Wounds of God, and The Long Fall, originally published between 1991 and 1993. As the two men grow together in their understanding of Christ, they must each learn to accept their own failings and gain strength from that acceptance.
Our spiritual growth has been stifled by our long obsession with consumption and possessions. This practical yet visionary book offers a model for a truly healthy life based on gospel simplicity.
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