Ridley Hall, Cambridge

Resources: Ridley Hall books

Available now for Lent 2010 on the Ridley shop:

Kingdom Encounters

Kingdom Encounters explores some of the many ways in which the people of God have been changed through interaction with one another. In ‘chance’ encounters (though is anything ever chance with God?), in planned meetings; in homes, sacred buildings and on the road; through interruptions by angels, by friends and foes and God himself, God’s mission unfolds throughout the Scriptures as people come together with each other, and with him.

 “What a blessing it has been. We have been quickened, challenged and encouraged by the daily readings...
The high standard of writing and thought bodes well for the evangelical parishes of the Church of England.”
-- a reader of Kingdom Encounters

In some of the encounters described in this book, God is centre-stage, while others are very earthy, human, sometimes sinful engagements. But in every one God is at work, moulding, shaping, guiding, healing. Here is the unfolding story of how God works with people on the way, revealing himself to them and transforming them. The mutual love that Father, Son and Holy Spirit have for one another is the blueprint for all community. Made in his image and likeness, we are most fully human when we are two or three gathered together.

Arranged for daily reading from Ash Wednesday to Easter Day, each reflection focuses on a life-changing encounter recorded in the pages of the Bible and its significance for our own discipleship today.

All royalties from the sale of this book go to support the work of training for mission and ministry at Ridley Hall. Kingdom Encounters was written by the staff and students.

Buy now online at the Ridley shop

Kingdom Encounters can also be bought with Cast of the Kingdom (see below) as a pair.

The Cast of the Kingdom

The Cast of the Kingdom introduces us to a surprising assortment of biblical characters who, in their very different ways and despite often having feet of clay, made critical choices that were used by God to bring about great good and to fulfil his purpose.

In the book we meet a mix of men and women, young and old, well-know and fairly obscure characters from the Old and New Testaments. Only a small number are remembered for outstanding and courageous witness over a lifetime, like John the Baptist, for instance. Others are known for just one simple act of generosity or obedience. Some, like the boy with the loaves and fishes or the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet, are not even named, yet their trust and love have exemplified Christian discipleship since their story was first told.

The book is arranged for daily reading over a six-week period and can be read or re-read at any time throughout the year. Written by the staff, students and spouse of Ridley Hall, this book will enable you to imagine new ways of being God’s faithful, holy people.

Buy now online at the Ridley shop

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"The candour with which these Christians write from their experience of a journey of faith which is leading to ordination is attractive. Like any collection of people, they produce contributions ranging from rich and insightful to light and curious. But from the experience of confronting themselves, the contributors articulate some startling and genuine gospel insights."

Church Times

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More about Ridley Hall books...

Books of meditations produced by the students at Ridley Hall have been an annual feature in the last few years. They are probably now one of the least expensive biblically based daily meditation guides on the market. Limited numbers of earlier books are available:

• I Desire Justice 2005
• His Story, Our Story 2004 (Reflections only - different format)
• We Want to Know Christ (Reflections only -different format)

The above can be obtained at £1.25 per copy + 50 pence contribution towards postage and packing. To obtain these, write to Ridley Hall Books, Development Office, Ridley Hall, Cambridge CB3 9HG enclosing cheque or postal order payable to 'Ridley Hall'.

History of the Ridley Hall books

In 2002 one of our students was deeply concerned that the college's need for a regular flow of additional voluntary income was not something the students themselves could help with. He took this issue to prayer and was given the idea that the students could produce a collection of meditations on Bible passages for Lent which could be distributed in exchange for donations. Thus the Ridley students' Lent booklets were born. The College's current books in this series, though still especially appropriate for Lent, are designed to be read at any time of the year.

The full series has been:

• We Want to See Jesus (2002)
• We Want to Know Christ (2003)
• The Shame and the Glory (2004)
• His Story, Our Story (2005)
• I Desire Justice (2006)
• His Journey, Our Journey (2007)

The booklets have become very firmly established, selling several thousand each year, and have been found especially helpful as prompts to discussion about individuals' personal journeys against a Biblical background. They have been widely used in small groups and in some cases amongst whole church congregations. They have been used by several different denominations. The format is paperback,with Bible readings on left hand side and correspondingly reflection on the right for the period throughout Lent including both Ash Wednesday and Easter day. Each day's meditation is a reflection of the personal experience of a member of this training community.