SU Victoria

Acclaimed writer Kathleen Norris explores the almost forgotten but very contemporary concept of Acedia – the phenomenon of losing the ability to care. Related to depression, acedia is in fact experienced by many and often understood as a ’spiritual malaise’ by Christians. This book brilliantly explores this condition, and the conditions and culture that gives rise to it and the damage it does both to the individual and society as a whole.
An important book for anyone suffering from depression, a spiritual slough: or those who just know they are somehow ‘not right’ in their soul.

Do you know what the trends in thinking and spirituality are in the mission fields around you here in Australia? Well, find out!
For any Christian or church leader who wants to be realistically informed about the path Australia is heading along, Hugh Mackay takes a good hard look at who we are now and where we are heading at this stage. While prosperity seems on the rise, depression, anxiety and a yearning for something other than ’stuff’ is on the rise.

From Lucy Moore, the author of the Lord’s Prayer Unplugged and the Messy Church series (also available at SU Vic – see the website), a fantastic resource on creating truly inclusive All Age worship. It’s not an easy task but this latest addition to our collection of resources on this topic sets out a compelling vision of all-age worship, full of inspiration while being wonderfully practical.

The indispensible resource for pastors, church leaders, worship leaders and children’s ministry leaders, The All Age Lectionary Services (Year A – previously quarterly) offers a lectionary based program for worship for one year.
It includes….
*Scripture background information; *Bible readings;
*Bible retellings; *Bible talk guides; *Service beginnings and endings;
*Prayer activities; *Music suggestions; *Games and download suggestions
…and more.
Highly recommended by Chris Barnett and hundreds of church leaders!

Edited by Tim Costello and Rod Yule

‘Christians shouldn’t just be pulling people out of the river. We
should be going upstream to find out who’s pushing them in.’
Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
‘All that is necessary for the triumph of evil
is for good [people] to do nothing.’ Edmund Burke

Christian social reform is one of the most important roles of any true follower of Christ because that is what he did. Not only did he feed those who were hungry, he publicly fought against those who supported structure of injustice and prejudice.
What are you, as one of his followers, doing in this area?
READ THE BOOK!!

Written for youth to read, Lisa Cox takes a piercing look at behind the scenes in the Media Industry. She shows the reader how to critically and independently evaluate the images and messages being pumped out by what we read, see, and hear in popular culture and the media. Lisa also provides advice on keeping a healthy body image while navigating and living within current culture.
A brilliant book for youth, youth ministers, parents and chaplains.
Recommended by Charlene Delos Santos

From the brilliant St Luke’s series of resources for leaders, counselors and pastors, a set of 36 laminated, full-colour cards by Katharina Rapp. A delightful, quirky, light-hearted but compassionate look at the lives of everyday ordinary heroines – particularly those who may feel unnoticed or unknown.
Do we acknowledge even to ourselves the magic and courage of our own lives? A most refreshing and powerful resource for women.

By Ivy Beckwith, author of Postmodern Children’s Ministy

The latest book from Beckwith, already being recommended and used in SU and CTM training days, this resource skillfully explores using story, ritual and relationship to inspire and develop in children’s ministry. Beckwith encourages a ministry in which children are being challenged and shaped by their encounters with God and the scriptures through your ministry.

Being a teenager is not easy at the best of times….
Written by teenager Katie Wood to provide a resource that she herself wanted. Bible reflections, thoughts and prayers written by a teenage girl of God for all the teenage girls out there – whether they know God yet or not.

There’s nothing wrong with scepticism – we all use it as a natural part of out intelligence. But intelligent scepticism means a willingness to explore the story or theory being held in doubt.
In this tract the sceptic is invited to explore what it is they doubt – the life, death, resurrection and power of Jesus.
It is an invitation that is hard to resist for anyone wishing their scepticism to be taken seriously!