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ST. PETER'S LIBRARY
St. Peter's Library
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St. Peter's Library is a cataloged, self-service collection of books, magazines, videos and compact disks for adults and children with an emphasis on Christianity and the Anglican tradition. Materials for the study of other religions are also included. Most titles may be checked out for home use by St. Peter's members and friends. Circulation of books is available throughout the diocese for clergy and those preparing for the diaconate or priesthood. Staff assistance is available following both Sunday services.
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BOOK NOTES By Claudette Warlick (Christmas Edition)
Book reviewer Claudette Warlick formerly wrote for the Arizona Republic and is a retired English teacher. She has a B.A. in English from Arizona State and a M.Ed. in English from Armstrong State University.
The church year wisely provides structured times to prepare our hearts, souls and minds for two great mysteries of our faith: the Incarnation and the Resurrection. Those who want to keep Advent might consider studying Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s GOD IS IN THE MANGER: REFLECTIONS ON ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS or Herbert Brokering’s IN THE DEEP MIDWINTER: 40 MEDITATIONS AND PRAYERS FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS.
GOD WITH US: REDISCOVERING THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS is another useful study for Advent , consisting of essays by six contemporary religious writers. The rediscovery process will clarify and enrich the Christmas experience.
Even non-Christians love Christmas carols. STORIES BEHIND THE BEST LOVED SONGS OF CHRISTMAS by Ace Collins is fun and informative reading.
CHRISTMAS UNWRAPPED: THE HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS is a colorful DVD from THE HISTORY CHANNEL. From Roman times through early Christianity and from immigrants to the New World our Christmas traditions – religious and secular are a fascination mélange of faith and festival, myth and miracle.
Delightfully illustrated by Jan Burlington is THE FRIENDLY BEASTS: A MEDIEVAL FRENCH CAROL. Words, music and now pictures tell the Christmas story so simply the whole family will enjoy it.
Everyone likes a romp through THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS at Yuletide. Now Jan Brett adds enchanting illustrations to the words. No one should miss the “six geese a-laying” with their blond braids!
How to explain the concept of the Incarnation to the youngest among us? SONG OF THE STARS: A CHRISTMAS STORY does it beautifully as all creation celebrates Jesus’ birth. Grown-ups, too, will learn from author Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrator Alison Jay.
A wordless story book for all ages, Peter Collington’s A SMALL MIRACLE tells a moving and mysterious Christmas story totally in pictures. The book is a small miracle itself. DON”T MISS THIS ONE!!
The tiniest child will understand ROOM FOR A LITTLE ONE: A CHRISTMAS TALE as peaceful animals welcome each other and the holy family in this gentle, loving story by Martin Waddell with pictures by Jason Cockcroft.
Enough new Christmas CD’s to play from Advent through Epiphany should charm the ears of music lovers. Included are two collections from The Anonymous 4; two carol collections plus Benjamin Britten’s CEREMONY OF CAROLS by King’s College Choir; and Bach’s CHRISTMAS ORATORIO.
Other collections include PUER NATUS EST: TUDOR MUSIC FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS by Stile Antico;
CHRISTMAS ADAGIOS; SONGS OF ANGELS sung by the Robert Shaw Chamber Singers; CHRISTMAS COMES ANEW with Dulcimer and Singing by Madeline McNeil; and CAROLS FROM TRINITY COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE.