Reviews

REVIEWS

BOOKS

Not to be missed

The Church's Hidden Asset, by Michael Apichella. Kevin Mayhew £10.99

THE recognition of ageism and the damage it is doing to our society is beginning at last to attract the attention of Christians. A book such as Michael Apichella's announces itself as a reminder to the Church that "old people can be a rich natural resource with a vital part to play today" (p10) both in church and society.

Michael then offers a clear unapologetic picture of older people in the Bible and in society. "Ageing is not shameful," he declares. "Yet in our ageist culture it has become so"
(p 52).

He majors on the need to look for useful activities that can be done by older people, giving many examples as he does so. In fact, each chapter ends with a section on 'things to do' which are there "to heighten awareness of the role that only the elderly may play in the mission of the Church". (p 10)

There is also a powerful and somewhat frightening chapter on the 'culture of death', linking together legalised abortion and euthanasia; another on today's youth culture and its innate dangers, and a third on the role of the media in what is happening today.

This is a book not to be missed if we are to take seriously as Christians the damage being done to our society by our attitudes to the older people in it.

Rhena Taylor is national director of Outlook, an organisation reaching out to older people

Advice for carers

Never too old to grow – Reflections for Carers, by Alexine Crawford. Bible Reading Fellowship £6.99

Alexine Crawford has drawn on her own experiences of caring for an elderly mother with decreasing abilities and its effect both on her and her growing family. She not only spells out the impact of this emotionally and physically in a refreshing way, but also each subject is prefaced with biblical illustrations.

In this way, she shows clearly how Scripture not only relates to everyday lives and experiences, but also brings to life some of the well known biblical characters in a contemporary setting.

The big problem of increasing dementia is sensitively addressed and she explains that loving is action first and foremost. Doing the loving thing, however you feel about it, is primarily what love is. Self-pity has to be acknowledged for what it is and the author assures the reader that what can so easily be a cage can become 'home'.

She shares the problems she faced in communicating with her mother and how the Holy Spirit helped her to see where apparently obtuse remarks sprang from. Such insights helped her to understand and pray for healing in various areas of her mother's life.

Each of the tiny chapters (usually of two to three pages) allows the reader to dip in and out rather than have to read the whole book at once. Subjects as varied as honouring one's parents, family stress, the needs of the carers themselves, forgiveness and a good dying all have practical as well as wise comments.

Anyone facing problems to do with caring for an elderly or infirm relative should find comfort from the very biblically-based observations and practical suggestions.

Mrs Crawford is to be congratulated on her honesty and willingness to admit the negative and hostile feelings that so many of us experience in the day-to-day commitment of caring. She also shows a way through and how the Lord can turn all our stumbling blocks to springboards.

June Jolly is a social worker and has a Diploma of Christian counselling with CWR

MUSIC

Up-and-coming band

Welcome to my world, by Kato. Elevation (ICC), CD £14.99

Even HM the Queen talks about Britpop, so I make no apology for using it as a stylistic label for Blackpool four-piece Kato. After a couple of independent releases (Seasider and the Home Movie acoustic set) they’ve hooked up with ICC’s new Elevation offshoot, and a greater sense of focus is the result.

Written in just a few hours, the title track sets the scene – it’s powerful yet melodic, and probably more comparable to Blur than Oasis. Here at last former Eden Burning drummer Mike Simpson really gets the opportunity to make his mark in the band, providing a solid rhythmic framework for some inspired antics from guitarist/vocalist and songwiter Keith Ayling.

After more collective bursts of energy on Know What You Believe, string arrangements make an interesting addition to the soundscapes of Die For You, Strong and Heaven Help – a touch of Beatles/Oasis influence maybe?

Trust Me brings to mind the Wannadies' You And Me Song and Can't Sleep (originally released on Home Movie) works much better as an easygoing pop/rock number.

Shows at Spring Harvest have helped to raise Kato’s profile, and no doubt they’ll be popping up at the summer festivals – they’re not to be underestimated.

Peter Dilley is a bass guitarist and co-ordinator/mentor for a support scheme for young people with learning disabilities, with the charity InterAct

© Christian Family Network
is run by CPO, supported by
Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting,
Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.


		REVIEWS BOOKS Not to be missed The Church's Hidden Asset, by Michael Apichella. Kevin Mayhew £10.99 THE recognition of ageism and the damage it is doing to our society is beginning at last to attract the attention of Christians. A book such as Michael Apichella's announces itself as a reminder to the Church that "old people can be a rich natural resource with a vital part to play today" (p10) both in church and society. Michael then offers a clear unapologetic picture of older people in the Bible and in society. "Ageing is not shameful," he declares. "Yet in our ageist culture it has become so" (p 52). He majors on the need to look for useful activities that can be done by older people, giving many examples as he does so. In fact, each chapter ends with a section on 'things to do' which are there "to heighten awareness of the role that only the elderly may play in the mission of the Church". (p 10) There is also a powerful and somewhat frightening chapter on the 'culture of death', linking together legalised abortion and euthanasia; another on today's youth culture and its innate dangers, and a third on the role of the media in what is happening today. This is a book not to be missed if we are to take seriously as Christians the damage being done to our society by our attitudes to the older people in it. Rhena Taylor is national director of Outlook, an organisation reaching out to older people Advice for carers Never too old to grow – Reflections for Carers, by Alexine Crawford. Bible Reading Fellowship £6.99 Alexine Crawford has drawn on her own experiences of caring for an elderly mother with decreasing abilities and its effect both on her and her growing family. She not only spells out the impact of this emotionally and physically in a refreshing way, but also each subject is prefaced with biblical illustrations. In this way, she shows clearly how Scripture not only relates to everyday lives and experiences, but also brings to life some of the well known biblical characters in a contemporary setting. The big problem of increasing dementia is sensitively addressed and she explains that loving is action first and foremost. Doing the loving thing, however you feel about it, is primarily what love is. Self-pity has to be acknowledged for what it is and the author assures the reader that what can so easily be a cage can become 'home'. She shares the problems she faced in communicating with her mother and how the Holy Spirit helped her to see where apparently obtuse remarks sprang from. Such insights helped her to understand and pray for healing in various areas of her mother's life. Each of the tiny chapters (usually of two to three pages) allows the reader to dip in and out rather than have to read the whole book at once. Subjects as varied as honouring one's parents, family stress, the needs of the carers themselves, forgiveness and a good dying all have practical as well as wise comments. Anyone facing problems to do with caring for an elderly or infirm relative should find comfort from the very biblically-based observations and practical suggestions. Mrs Crawford is to be congratulated on her honesty and willingness to admit the negative and hostile feelings that so many of us experience in the day-to-day commitment of caring. She also shows a way through and how the Lord can turn all our stumbling blocks to springboards. June Jolly is a social worker and has a Diploma of Christian counselling with CWR MUSIC Up-and-coming band Welcome to my world, by Kato. Elevation (ICC), CD £14.99 Even HM the Queen talks about Britpop, so I make no apology for using it as a stylistic label for Blackpool four-piece Kato. After a couple of independent releases (Seasider and the Home Movie acoustic set) they’ve hooked up with ICC’s new Elevation offshoot, and a greater sense of focus is the result. Written in just a few hours, the title track sets the scene – it’s powerful yet melodic, and probably more comparable to Blur than Oasis. Here at last former Eden Burning drummer Mike Simpson really gets the opportunity to make his mark in the band, providing a solid rhythmic framework for some inspired antics from guitarist/vocalist and songwiter Keith Ayling. After more collective bursts of energy on Know What You Believe, string arrangements make an interesting addition to the soundscapes of Die For You, Strong and Heaven Help – a touch of Beatles/Oasis influence maybe? Trust Me brings to mind the Wannadies' You And Me Song and Can't Sleep (originally released on Home Movie) works much better as an easygoing pop/rock number. Shows at Spring Harvest have helped to raise Kato’s profile, and no doubt they’ll be popping up at the summer festivals – they’re not to be underestimated. Peter Dilley is a bass guitarist and co-ordinator/mentor for a support scheme for young people with learning disabilities, with the charity InterAct © Christian Family Network is run by CPO, supported by Care for the Family, Marriage Resource, Positive Parenting, Care, Women Alive, Christian Herald and many others.