Tiny acts of rebellion by an everyday activist

Andrew Graystone

Andrew Graystone is an everyday activist who believes in the power of tiny acts to change the world. He is the person whose image went viral when, after the mass shooting in the Christchurch mosque, he stood outside the mosque in his Manchester neighbourhood with a cardboard sign saying 'I'll watch while you pray'.

Faith, Hope and Mischief tells funny, prophetic and powerful stories of tiny acts of rebellion Andrew has carried out, alongside arresting reflections on what it means to live in faith and hope. His stories delight and challenge in equal measure, showing how the kingdom of God turns up in all kinds of ways and how small things make a big difference.

His stories encourage readers to take risksm make holy mischief, poke fun at the over-mighty, and believe that despite evidence to the contrary, the world's story is going to end well. This is a manual of everyday activism, a wellspring of wit and wisdom for days when hope is hard to come by, and an inspiration for anyone who feels powerless to make a difference.

'A great read - challenging, hilarious, poignant... you feel that all the lessons of a well-lived life are on a plate here. Like sitting down for a chat with an old friend, I loved reading this book.' - Jeremy Vine

'Andrew Graystone's story of reaching out to his local mosque is funny, touching and lovely.' - Victoria Coren Mitchell

Andrew Graystone is a familiar voice on Radio 2, Radio 4 and Radio 5 Live. A former BBC TV producer, he writes for The Guardian and Private Eye and teaches communications, ethics and digital culture in many UK theological colleges and universities. He speaks widely at churches, events, conferences and festivals.

9781786222596   £12.99   Publication: 1st August 2020   Canterbury Press

Rewilding the Church

Steve Aisthorpe

Following on from his bestselling The Invisible Church Steve Aisthorpe finds inspiration for his new book in the ecological concept of rewilding, an approach to the environment that allows nature to break free from the dulling effects of strategic control and bring wonder back into our lives.

Applying this thinking to the Church, Steve Aisthorpe imagines what might happen if we put less faith in our strategies and plans, which inevitably depend on our own capabilities and resources, and allow the Spirit to lead us beyond our capacity to imagine.

Rewilding the Church explores afresh the compelling invitation of Jesus to 'Follow me' and the call to 'throw off everything that hinders and entangles'.  It poses provocative questions and issues a call to contribute to the great rewilding of the Church - and to be rewilded ourselves. The same human instincts that have disrupted our natural environment have also constrained and domesticated the Church and Rewilding the Church commends a rediscovery of the adventure of faith.

Steve Aisthorpe is one of the freshest and most original voices in the church today.

9780715209813   £16.99   Publication: 30th July 2020   St Andrew Press