Joyful!

Yes, my third book, “Joyful Spirit Bubbling” is available from mid-December 2023.

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You can read the prayer from which the title is drawn here.

Here’s what publisher Philip Garside has said about my latest book:

Joyful Spirit Bubbling is a poetic journey through the seasons in Aotearoa New Zealand, capturing the essence of summer – December, January, February – and moving through Autumn and Winter to end with the revival and hope of Spring. The author offers poems, prayers, and reflections, most of which can be read aloud as part of a service of worship. The book explores the liturgical and calendar years.

The poems and reflections within the book touch on themes such as the flourishing spirit of growth, liberating spirit of compassion, and perceptive spirit of insight. Bronwyn incorporates elements of Māori culture, discussing concepts like manaakitanga (hospitality) and emphasizing the sacred in everyday life. She invites readers to celebrate the blessings in their lives, ranging from small kindnesses to the wonders of nature.

“Joyful Spirit Bubbling,” pays homage to the creative spirit in nature and celebrations. It calls for empathy and justice, urging readers to work towards peace and justice while holding in their hearts those in need. The text invokes blessings for the homeless, peacemakers, and those dedicated to social, racial, and religious justice.

This book is a rich tapestry of poetic expressions, prayers, and reflections that invite readers to appreciate the sacred in ordinary moments and actively participate in the shared drama of life.

You can order print copies from me, and both print and ebooks from the publisher.

Words of Spirit and Faith #3

The manuscript for “Joyful Spirit Bubbling” is with Philip Garside Publishing; it should be available before the end of 2023.

My third book of inclusive liturgy follows the seasons in Aotearoa New Zealand, starting with summer—December, January, February—and moving through Autumn and Winter to end with the revival and hope of Spring.

As soon as it’s available, I’ll add details here.

Just in time for Advent: “Something new” republished

Philip Garside (PGPL) has republished “Something new to say: words of spirit, faith and celebration for Advent and Christmas” in an expanded 2nd edition. Available in print and as an e-book, from all the usual booksellers, as well as direct from PGPL.

This collection celebrates a festive season where pohutukawa and rata are in bloom, friends gather around barbecues or picnic at the beach on Christmas Day, and many people travel to catch up with family or enjoy school holidays.

Reviewer’s comment
“Bronwyn’s words are more powerful and real than a thousand theological treatises on incarnation.” Rev Dr Margaret Mayman

The title comes from a Christmas Day reflection which Bronwyn led in 2010:

“Every year, in manses and studies and at the kitchen table, preachers and worship leaders approach Advent with a mixture of joy and trepidation. Joy, because Christmas is the penultimate Christian festival—each week the excitement builds, every week another candle is lit, every year is pregnant with possibilities—but trepidation, because December 25 after December 25, the person leading the service tries to find something new to say!”

Spirit through the Seasons

The third book in my Words of Spirit and Faith series is tentatively called Spirit through the Seasons and will include liturgy resources for both the calendar and liturgical seasons.

I plan to publish it as an ebook first, then find and fund local printing options.