Natalie Williams – författare

We’re called to be like Jesus, not like each other - so why are most Western churches predominantly middle class? Could it be that we’re reaching out to people in poverty, but struggling to connect them into church life?Natalie Williams and Paul Brown know all too well that those saved from working-class backgrounds often find themselves discipled effectively - but into middle classism rather than authentic Christianity. Drawing on their own experiences, and mixing theory with practical application, they explore the invisible divides that prevent churches from becoming places of true inclusion and keep poor and working-class people on the edges of faith. Packed full of surprising insights and helpful advice, Invisible Divides will change the way you see church life. Essential reading for anyone concerned with the class divide within the church, it will challenge you to look at the ways in which we inadvertently exclude, alienate and offend people who aren’t like us, and equip you to start working towards making church a more open, inclusive space for everyone.Jesus calls for us all to follow him, no matter our background; together, we can break down the invisible divides between us so that people from all walks of life can come to know Christ and find family in our churches.

'Natalie writes with the raw honesty and authenticity... This book will inspire and challenge you to rediscover that mercy is at the heart of our spiritual formation.'Olivia Amartey, ElimIn a world of polarising politics, cancel culture and social media virtue signalling, we risk losing any sense of what it means to have mercy. And yet Jesus calls us to 'be merciful, just as your Father is merciful' (Luke 6.36).In this thoughtful and practical book, Natalie Williams explores what it means to be a true mercy-bringer. First, we need to develop a deep appreciation of the mercy of God, which is more astonishing than we dare to believe. As the old hymn says, 'tis mercy all when it comes to God's dealings with his children. Once we have understood that, it will transform the way we see God, ourselves and the world around us. We will be drawn closer to Jesus and, as a result, we will reflect his mercy to a world that desperately needs it.'Challenging yet encouraging, moving yet refreshing, and theologically rich yet practically accessible.'Andrew Wilson, King’s Church London'A much-needed book from an important voice for our times.'Graham Miller, London City MissionContentsIntroductionPart 1: 'A God Merciful'Part 2: Our struggle to 'love mercy'Part 3: Merciful thinkingPart 4: Merciful actionsConclusion

The call to pursue justice and mercy is central to the Bible and to the teaching of Jesus.‘What does the Lord require of you?’ asked the prophet Micah. To which he gave the immediate answer: ‘To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’Jesus confirmed Micah’s words when he said, ‘You have neglected the more important matters of the law: justice mercy and faithfulness’ (Matthew 23.23).So what does it mean to act justly and love mercy as a follower of Jesus today?That is the question that Natalie Williams addresses in this uniquely helpful book, in which she reflects on God’s call to justice and mercy as it appears in every single book of the Bible.Packed with arresting insights and prompts for both discussion and action, here is an essential biblical resource that both individuals and groups will find stimulating and rewarding – and, most importantly, motivating!

This book presents accounts of creative processes and contextual issues of current-day and early-twentieth century women composers.

This book presents accounts of creative processes and contextual issues of current-day and early-twentieth century women composers.

This edited volume presents 27 original essays by living composers from all around the globe, reflecting on the creation of their music. Coterminous to the recent worldwide resurgence in feminist focus, the distinctive feature of this collection is the “snapshots” of creative processes and conceptualizing on the part of women who write music, writing in the present day, from prominent early-career composers to major figures, from a range of ethnic backgrounds in the contemporary music field.The chapters step into the juncture point at which feminism finds itself: as binary conceptions of gender are being dissolved, with critiques of the attendant gender-based historical generalizations of composers, and with the growing awareness of the rightful place of First Nations' cultural voices, the contributors explore what, actually, is being composed by women, and what they think about their world. The needs that this book serves are acutely felt: despite recent social gains, and sector initiatives and programs encouraging and presenting the work of women who compose music, their works are yet to receive commensurate exposure with that of their male counterparts. In its multi-pronged, direct response to this dire situation, this vibrant volume highlights established as well as emerging women composers on the international stage; reveals myriad issues around feminism, as broadly conceived; and gives insights, from the composers' own voices, on the inner workings of their composition process.The volume thus presents a contemporary moment in time across the generations and within developments in musical composition. With its unique insights, this book is essential for academics and practitioners interested in the illuminations of the current working landscape for creative women.

This edited volume presents 27 original essays by living composers from all around the globe, reflecting on the creation of their music. Coterminous to the recent worldwide resurgence in feminist focus, the distinctive feature of this collection is the “snapshots” of creative processes and conceptualizing on the part of women who write music, writing in the present day, from prominent early-career composers to major figures, from a range of ethnic backgrounds in the contemporary music field.The chapters step into the juncture point at which feminism finds itself: as binary conceptions of gender are being dissolved, with critiques of the attendant gender-based historical generalizations of composers, and with the growing awareness of the rightful place of First Nations' cultural voices, the contributors explore what, actually, is being composed by women, and what they think about their world. The needs that this book serves are acutely felt: despite recent social gains, and sector initiatives and programs encouraging and presenting the work of women who compose music, their works are yet to receive commensurate exposure with that of their male counterparts. In its multi-pronged, direct response to this dire situation, this vibrant volume highlights established as well as emerging women composers on the international stage; reveals myriad issues around feminism, as broadly conceived; and gives insights, from the composers' own voices, on the inner workings of their composition process.The volume thus presents a contemporary moment in time across the generations and within developments in musical composition. With its unique insights, this book is essential for academics and practitioners interested in the illuminations of the current working landscape for creative women.