Stephen Lake – författare

Children are equal members of the Church by virtue of their baptism', writes Stephen Lake 'and therefore should have full access to the sacraments, the signs of God's love, and most especially to the bread and wine of the Eucharist.' This valuable resource book will assist all parishes in welcoming children to communion now that the Church of England has approved new Regulations. Let the Children Come to Communion: encourages the admission of baptized children to communion; summarizes in one place relevant practice, information and theology; shares the experience of those who have already taken this step; aims to help move the debate on, encouraging the Church into full participation. The author's fervent hope is to stir the Church into action on an important issue and to stimulate decision-making about introducing and developing this ministry with children. There are extended interviews with leading practitioners including: David Stancliffe, Stephen Venner, Diana Murrie, Margaret Withers and Mark Russell. Stephen Lake is Sub Dean and Canon Residentiary of St. Albans Cathedral. Stephen served his curacy at Sherborne Abbey before becoming Vicar of Branksome St. Aldhelm, an urban parish in Poole. He was also Rural Dean. After nine years in Branksome he moved to St. Albans in 2001. He is married to Carol and they have three children, all of whom receive Holy Communion. He is the author of the hugely successful Confirmation Prayer Book (SPCK), and also of Using Common Worship: Marriage (Church House Publishing). "Stephen Lake has written a fine, timely guide to the current discussion. I hope his vision will invite and persuade, and that we shall as a Church continue to discover the riches that await us as we listen more thoughtfully and generously to Christ's youngest friends" Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury

This book is a hands-on guide to the Common Worship Marriage service, including Thanksgiving for Marriage. It offers straightforward and realistic ideas about how to use the services in your church. Drawing on his experience in parishes, Stephen Lake includes imaginative suggestions for a range of local situations, grounded in the thinking behind the new provisions. The features of the services are set out clearly, highlighting the differences from ASB and BCP.The introduction by Andrew Burnham, a member of the Liturgical Commission and of the General Synod Revision Committee working on the services, gives a unique insight into the preparation of the texts and the reasons why they are presented in this way.Using Common Worship - Marriage balances practical tips with theological grounding in a way that will enable parishes to make the most of the opportunities of Common Worship as a whole.