World Book Day Vouchers

Great news! Parents want their children to read good Christian books. Not rocket science really, or at least it shouldn't be. But I have been surprised (perhaps I shouldn't be) at how many people have used their World Book Day £1 voucher in the shop. Actually, I'm more than surprised... I'm excited! In fact, so encouraged that it has spurred me on (with a little push from my enthusiastic admin assistant) to organise a children's activity day during the Easter school holidays. We want parents & children to come to the shop, to spend time browsing, to spend time doing fun activities, to listen to stories, to eat home-made cake (ok, not that important!) to enthuse about READING and to discover that their local Christian Bookshop is not a scary place to go to. If you're around and you fancy popping in, Friday 16th April is the day to put on the calendar. We'll give you more details later or give us a call to find out first.
Lorna

Filling a gap

I think this new book from Catherine Mackenzie fills a gap for children. Aimed at 8-12yr olds it presents the evidence for Christ's death and resurrection in an investigative style. The book is quite 'interactive' - it directs the reader to look up different sections of the book at different points in the investigation, whether it be a fact file, a Bible introduction or a short quiz to illustrate a point. I suspect this style would especially be enjoyed by boys. Almost like a John Blanchard book for children, it is full of facts and easy to read. Catherine Mackenzie also makes it clear that true belief in the reality of the death and resurrection of Christ comes only through faith given by God.
I have to admit, that I was initially unsure of the book (never judge a book by its cover - you would think I should know that by now!), but having read it I think the contents are more seriously treated than the cover and illustrations give the impression of. It is different to anything else on the market for children on the Easter subject, and would certainly answer a lot of the 'whys' that children of this age are likely to ask.
Jesus Rose From the Dead - The Evidence, by Catherine Mackenzie, £4.99, published by Christian Focus Publications.
Lorna

'Easter' Books

We've had to hit the ground running for our March promotion, because it's based around an Easter theme. I call it such for convenience' sake only, because the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ are of course central to the faith, and the gospel as a 'word of reconciliation' must be preached week in week out, all year every year. So please forgive the terminology.
We've made a careful, very focused selection of books, with something for every age group. You will see them from off our website homepage, or click
http://www.christianbookshopossett.co.uk/March%20Offers.pdf
These are books which we like and which we can do at prices so low you will still have change left over to buy all your easter eggs for the children (supposing you were going to anyway). In fact, I would go so far as to make a price promise - find them cheaper elsewhere, let me know, and I'll match it! Can't say fairer than that, even though my name's not Asda.
Jeremy
PS. If you live locally, don't miss our late evening opening before Easter on Monday 17th March. Tea and cakes, plus choc egg with every purchase (if I'm at the till) 7pm - 10pm.
PPS. If you wonder how on earth that pile of books in the photo stands up at its Pisa-like angle, remember there are 20 years of civil engineering experience behind me!

Easter

Blogging activity has been deafeningly silent for the last week because of family illness en bloc. Hence it is almost too late now to nominate a book for Easter reading. But I did have a dip for the first time into Krummacher's devotional meditations collected under the title of 'The Suffering Saviour' and found out why they are held in high repute. He is conscious of the sacredness of his subject, and this is reflected in the structure of the book. It follows the design of the Old Testament tabernacle, and so the increasing intensity of the last days of Christ is followed under the headings of the 'Outer Court', the 'Holy Place', and the 'Most Holy Place'. He is thorough but heartwarming, sensitive but not sentimental, short (there are 53 meditations) but not shallow. Krummacher was a leader in the German reformed churches in the mid-1800s, said to be the greatest preacher in Europe in his time. So although his style is a bit dated it is striking and energetic. I intend looking at this long after Easter has gone.

Banner of Truth published this hardback (see pic) in 2004, but it is also still available from us in an old paperback Baker edition. At £2.50 it is so outrageously cheap that I shouldn't mention it.

Jeremy

PS. There are a range of other titles by Krummacher - see our catalogue - he is perhaps best known for 'Elijah the Tishbite'.