Some Festive Recommendations

As this will be the last blog until 2025 I thought I might share some festive recommendations in the book and podcast departments.

The list below are some books and podcasts I have found interesting and helpful over the past 12 months.

They cover a variety of genres, as it’s good to hear other perspectives and, as podcasts are something I listen to when doing chores in the kitchen, or when I’m on a car journey, it’s good to grab the opportunity to listen to things that are worthwhile.

Perhaps, in the coming weeks, when you are walking off a big dinner, or you are clearing up after a gathering, these might be worth checking out.

I’m going to start with the books. I love to read and, while I read theology and Christian books, I enjoy some fiction and biography, too.

Let’s start with some good Christian reads. I loved ‘No Neutral Ground’ by Pete Portal. It tells the story of his sense of calling to work in one of the most violent ghettos in Cape Town, and do some work with those who had got immersed in gang violence. There are powerful stories of transformation, successes and failures, and the joy and challenge of engaging in such a challenging ministry for the long haul.

‘Leaving Church – a Memoir of Faith’ is a beautifully written story of how one woman pursued ordination and, subsequently, found church leadership was draining her of spiritual life and growth. She made the courageous decision to step back from that role and serves God through teaching and speaking in a university setting. Barbara Brown Taylor is a wonderful writer and communicator and is so honest in her recounting of her own spiritual journey.

Pete Greig is one of my favourite spiritual writers and ‘How to Hear God’ is a guidebook for those who struggle to hear from God. It’s again refreshingly honest, and there is no pretence of spiritual superiority about some of the times he has got things very wrong.

Liam Brady’s autobiography resonated as he shared his story of growing up in Ireland and emigrating to London to pursue his dream of playing professional football with Arsenal. He describes his illustrious career playing international football, club football in England and Italy, spells in management and punditry.

Tim Weaver is a great storyteller and, if you enjoy thrillers, he has a great way of drawing you into his characters and the plot with many twists and turns.

If you fancy a podcast about reading, I love ‘The Bookshelf’ with Ryan Tubridy. He invites his guests to share something of their life story around 3 books – the book you remember from your childhood, the book that made you cry, and the book that changed your life. He ends by giving a personal book recommendation.

I thoroughly enjoy a wonderful podcast about writing called ‘Always Take Notes.’ The presenters speak to well known writers about how they got into writing, how they got their first book published, and how they go about writing their books in terms of discipline and editing. They are fascinating conversations.

There’s a fabulous podcast on BBC Sounds called ‘Young Again’ with Kirsty Young. She speaks to well known people about their lives and what they might say to their younger selves if they were starting out again, or what things they might do differently.

The podcast that has the potential to change your life is called ‘Lectio365’ and it releases two episodes daily. The episodes get you to pray through and think through a short passage of scripture. Each episode is about 10 minutes long and they are so thoughtful and give you an opportunity to slow right down and to reflect.

I’m a great fan, too, of the 24/7 Prayer podcast which talks about the movement that is growing around the world to encourage people to pray in community and set up prayer spaces. These are often places of profound encounters with God and the presenters share these powerful stories.

Don’t forget you’ll find a whole series of reflections, or ramblings, as well as some fascinating interviews with people about the place faith plays in their lives in the ‘Bitesize Chunks of Faith’ podcast which drops most weeks on Monday mornings wherever you get your podcasts. It seeks to share why having a Christian faith has brought hope and meaning and purpose to my life. Thank you to all the new listeners who have come on board and it’s encouraging that listening figures have risen by 23% over the past years. Thank you for sharing that special journey with me, and keep sharing those episodes you find helpful in 2025.

Can I ask you to hold in prayer the family of our friend, Jim Clarke, who died last Saturday. Jim’s funeral will take place on Monday 23rd December at 1.30 pm in St. Finnian’s.

Can I ask you to hold in prayer, also, our curate, Reverend Andy Hay, as he prepares to share his farewell sermon on Sunday and move to his new parishes of Clonallon and Warrenpoint with Rostrevor in January. There will be a reception for Andy on Sunday evening after our service of 9 Lessons and Carols on Sunday evening at 7 pm. We hope you can join us.

May I also take this opportunity to wish all the readers of the blog, and listeners to the podcast, a very happy and peaceful Christmas and every blessing for 2025.

Much love to everyone,

Jono.

Listen to the latest episode of ‘Bitesize Chunks of Faith’