Michael is an ordained minister and a qualified counsellor, recently retired from his post as an NHS mental health chaplain. Now he divides his time between writing about spirituality and pastoral care, making handmade furniture and trying not to act his age.
Those wishing to know more could visit Michael's personal websites: www.michaelforsterauthor.co.uk
A truly instant Nativity, for a totally stress-free Christmas performance - No lines to learn, virtually no actions to perform- Just two narrators directing the others on stage- Free downloadable backing tracks- Celebrates cultural diversity- Encourages children who might struggle learning lines to take part- Sets and props can be as simple or elaborate as you like- 7 well-known carols - listed below No performance licence requiredThe Carols are:O come, all ye faithful,O little town of Bethlehem,See him lying on a bed of straw,See, amid the winter's snow,We three kings,Silent night,Hark, the herald-angels sing. Contents O come, all ye faithfulO little town of BethlehemSee him lying on a bed of strawSee, amid the winter's snowWe three kingsSilent nightHark, the herald-angels sing
£17.99
Michael Forster, one of the Church's leading hymn writers, has provided a hymn for every Sunday and Feast of the Common Worship Lectionary. His texts, which reflect and develop the Readings, are designed to be sung to well-known hymn tunes, thus enabling immediate use without rehearsal. Specifications Format- Paperback Published - October 2002 Weight - 163g Dimensions - 25.4cm x 17.6cm x 0.5cm ISBN - 978-1840039689 ISBN 10 - 184003968X
£13.99
With the insight born out of his own deep experience of both therapeutic and spiritual practice, Michael Forster explores what it means to be a pastoral companion. He examines the areas of personal choice and responsibility, regrets and disappointments, appropriate boundary setting and supervision.
£17.99
These successful books are for parents and children to share at bedtime. Each includes forty imaginative and entertaining stories based on Bible scenes followed by short prayers with delightful illustrations. The author also gives ideas to get children talking about their own lives.
£13.99
This is an ideal setting for parishes wishing to introduce new music quickly. Michael Forster has made metrical versions of the Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei, as well as the Acclamations and Great Amen, and married them to beautiful tunes such as Lord of all hopefulness, Dear Lord and Father of mankind and The Ash Grove.
£11.99
The One: Gospels is a vibrant new interpretation of the four Gospels using engaging, contemporary language: a modern version that tells the story to every generation.
£15.99
Our authors and composers have contributed thousands of new compositions to the worldwide Church for over 40 years and continue that tradition of which we are so proud with these new songs.On this CD you will hear freshly-minted words and music by Sean Bowman, Peter Dainty, Nick Fawcett, Michael Forster, Jean Holloway, Martin E. Leckebusch, Kevin Mayhew and Geoffrey Nobes.Contents1 Christ, my teacher2 Lord, change our world3 Room prepared, disciples meet4 Give me a heart that will honour you5 At this day's end6 Let love be our glory7 God of love8 Lord Jesus, plant a seed of faith9 Now, come to the water10 Lord, you have blessed me11 Saviour, precious Saviour12 The gracious invitation13 Lord, you amaze us14 This heavenly love brings life15 We owe our thanks to you, Lord16 Breathe in me, Lord
£10.99 - £11.99
We might have moved into the computer age, but children and adults alike still love a good story, well told. The 35 stories in this book, 'from both Old and New Testaments', are designed to help with that. The different paragraph styles give the 'teller' confidence to take their eyes off the script and really engage the audience.
£18.99
Key Stage 2This new collection of 50 assemblies from our prolific children's author Michael Forster contains everything you need for a lively and interesting session.Each assembly consists of• Suggestions for group preparation• A bible story retold in a lively way• A photo-copyable dramatised version of the story• Prayers in a language children can relate to• Suitable hymn and song suggestions, and some new songs to learnThe suggestions for group preparation link the stories to present day experiences and encourage further reflection both before and during the assembly.Michael Forster is an experienced teacher and the author of several best-selling children's books. Material in The Bumper Book of Assemblies originally appeared in God's Wonderful Ways and Wonderful World!, both of which are now out of print.
£22.99
Poetry arouses feelings, sparks imagination, prompts arguments, shapes attitudes and keeps us alert to new possibilities. It is there to make us think.This collection of poems has been selected especially for use with children in schools. The poems cover a wide range of topics, including what we think about ourselves, friends, the environment, bullying and forgiveness.Highly suitable for use in any setting, some of the poems have an explicit religious theme, presented in a way that invites reflection and careful thought.This is an exciting resource of engaging and sometimes amusing poems that will help children to think about important issues. Brief commentaries and discussion questions are provided throughout to initiate discussion.Contributing Authors:Alison CarverAli DeeNick FawcettMichael ForsterBarry HartVal HawthornePaul KeebleDenis O'GormanSusan SayersBecky SilverW. L. WallaceSarah WattsContents1. A group of thieves were waiting2. A man he was praying3. All of us are different4. All of us want to be winners5. Am I somebody's son or somebody's daughter? (Who am I?)6. Are we all different or are we the same? (Are you like me?)7. Be patient8. Believe in the future9. Can I give assistance?10. Choices, choices11. Do you ever wish you could fly?12. Don't be scared of questions13. Don't bear a load on your shoulders14. Don't big yourself up15. Don't bottle things up16. Everybody says, 'It's not my fault!' (Blame somebody else!)17. Flowers in the springtime18. Forests are chopped down19. Give some thought to those you mix with20. God gave me a body21. God is good22. God is so much more23. God sends a rainbow24. Hand in hand (We can change our world)25. How can I be a good friend today?26. How do you say, 'Thank you'? (Thank you)27. I can learn28. I can play a part29. I could be a friend30. I could climb the Eiffel Tower31. I dream of a world full of peace, not despair (Dream)32. I may be small or big33. I may not be an Einstein or Isambard Brunel34. If a friend's in need and you just don't care35. If I can be strong36. If I make things up, if I tell you lies37. If only we'd stop, and look, and see38. If you were stripy or dotty (Stripy dotty friends)39. If you're feeling kind of lonely40. If you're feeling worried, troubled41. In this world it's not hard to spot42. Is there a reason behind why we're here?43. It's good to pray44. Let's be green45. Let's have a minute's silence46. Let's take care of our body47. Life is for living now48. Many people worship49. My Granny and Granddad50. People see things this way51. Prayer's like talking on a mobile phone52. Reach for the sky53. 'Roar, roar,' said the lion54. Some are full of action55. Some people say, 'The world's too small'56. Someone in the world is hungry57. Someone near is hurting58. Sometimes my head is busy and buzzy (Heartbeat)59. Stuff!60. There are lots of things (It's good to be me!)61. There's a man we see in town62. There's a word63. There's too much hurting, too many tears64. This is the place where we are safe and free (School Song)65. Though we come from different places66. Try, try, try it again67. What shall I do with today?68. When a challenge starts off easy69. When I fail to be the person70. When I feel nervous, when I feel scared (Friendship)71. When Jesus was my age72. When someone shows a little act of kindness73. When you're feeling nervous, when you're feeling scared74. Who cares for carers?75. Yes, the journey of life76. You can't always have what you want
£19.99
Sam is feeling pushed out from the busy world of adults and from the world of her contemporaries who use exclusion and inclusion as a means of exercising power. Whilst out Christmas shopping with her parents, Sam meets Old Granny Time. Together they travel through time, speeding off into the future to experience Sam's own retirement party and journeying back over 2000 years to witness the Nativity. Sam soon learns that there are other ways of measuring our own worth. This proves to be a life-changing experience – and not only for Sam but for many others, too. The accompanying downloadable backing tracks includes both demo and backing tracks with colourful instrumentals. Contents 01 Prelude02 Shop 'til We Drop03 Inside, Outside04 I Want To Be Included05 Time-Travel Music.06 Silent Night07 Time-Travel Music08 Gonna Throw A Party09 Time-Travel Music10 Are You With Us11 The Gift Of Time12 Old Granny Time Is Revealed13 The Gift Of Time (Reprise)14 Christmas Pudding15 Finale- Inside, Outside (Reprise)16 Finale- I Want To Be Included (Reprise) 17 Finale- The Gift Of Time (Reprise)18 Finale- Gonna Throw A Party (Reprise)19 Christmas Time Click here for sample
£17.99
Michael Forster's light touch, humour and great imagination will appeal to children and adults alike. Each story features beautiful colour illustrations and ends with a closing thought, a prayer or two and a suggested song; all backing tracks are available.
£11.99
Our authors and composers have contributed thousands of new compositions to the worldwide Church for over 40 years and continue that tradition of which we are so proud with these new songs.On this CD you will hear freshly-minted words and music by Sean Bowman, Nick Fawcett, Michael Forster, Susie Hare, Martin E. Leckebusch, Kevin Mayhew and Geoffrey Nobes.Vocalists: Cate Mellor, Paul Barkerand Hannah MayhewContents1. Give me a heart that will honour you2. Light of her life3. Now, come to the water4. This heavenly love brings life5. Called by Christ to be disciples6. The gracious invitation7. Hallelujah Chorus for congregation8. The day will come, that glorious day9. We owe our thanks to you, Lord10. God of present, God of past11. God of life, we come in worship12. Lord, you amaze us13. Lord, today your voice is calling14. Let love be our glory15. Lord, you have blessed me16. Laudato sii
£10.99 - £11.99
Sharing power means making ourselves vulnerable-trusting that others will not abuse the share we give them. This course examines different aspects of power in the light of this understanding. Though challenging, the course will be rewarding for the group and the individual in terms of their relationship with others and with God whose power is love.
£9.99
Worship Interactive takes a new approach to all-age worship by actively involving the whole congregation in the working out of the themes. With storytelling at its heart, each Bible story is given in two versions: an imaginative retelling and a dramatised version.
£20.99
In the words of Michael Forster himself, 'As churches, we can offer no greater gift to others... than the experience of truly being heard, valued and given the space to realise our God-given potential.'The Grace Space is a five-session introductory course to help people and churches build truly effective listening relationships. Each session is in three parts:Practical input and exercisesThe 'Three Rs' - Refreshments, Relaxation and RelatingBible study, allowing the practical work to shed new light on the biblical materialWith with a CD of OHP acetates, and written with an unmatched understanding of people-centred work, Michael Forster's The Grace Space has the potential to change not only the life of the church, but the very lives of the people it is here to serve.
£13.99
Key Stage 2This collection contains 50 ready-made assemblies from prolific children's author Michael Forster. Everything you need for a lively and interesting session, including group preparation, lively Bible stories, photo-copyable dramas, prayers in an appropriate style, suggestions for songs - including some new ones to learn.
£22.99
The One: Acts is the first version of the Bible specifically prepared for all-age worship. It presents a vibrant new interpretation using engaging, contemporary language: a modern version that tells the story to every generation. It's full of passion, adventure, conflict, love, hate, fear, political intrigue and downright treachery! Most of all it's about the Holy Spirit who inspired and led that adventure.
£10.99
Welcome to an exciting approach to junior church teaching! It's called Three + One because three junior church/Sunday school sessions build into an all-age service on the fourth Sunday. There is more than enough material for an average 45 minute session such as prayers, activities, drama, puzzles and each book provides material for 12 weeks.ContentsforewordIntroductionHow to get the best from this bookUnit 1: David - little but largeWeek 1: Samuel anoints DavidWeek 2: David and GoliathWeek 3: David and BathshebaWeek 4: All-age worshipUnit 2: Solomon - called to be wiseWeek 1: Solomon becomes kingWeek 2: Solomon's wise judgementWeek 3: Solomon builds a templeWeek 4: All-age worshipUnit 3: Jesus - simple greatness, gentle powerWeek 1: A king of humble birthWeek 2: A king on a borrowed donkeyWeek 3: The triumphant King of loveWeek 4: All-age worship
£11.99
Welcome to an exciting approach to junior church teaching! It's called Three + One because three junior church/Sunday school sessions build into an all-age service on the fourth Sunday. There is more than enough material for an average 45 minute session such as prayers, activities, drama, puzzles and each book provides material for 12 weeks.ContentsForewordIntroductionHow to get the best from this bookUnit 1: Creation - in the beginning, God...Week 1: CreationWeek 2: FallWeek 3: Noah's floodWeek 4: All-age worshipUnit 2: Jesus - in the new beginning, God...Week 1: New vision - the man born blindWeek 2: New priorities - the rich young rulerWeek 3: New attitudes - a woman in the synagogueWeek 4: All-age worshipUnit 3: Acts - in the Church's beginning, God...Week 1: The gift of the Holy SpiritWeek 2: The conversion of SaulWeek 3: Peter and CorneliusWeek 4: All-age worship
£11.99
The 38 fully worked-out assemblies in this book are a godsend for the busy teacher. Each assembly consists of group preparation, a Bible story retold in a lively way, photocopiable drama versions of the story, suitable prayers, hymns and songs, and further ideas.Suitable for Key Stage - 1
£25.99
Intended to make the Bible alive and accessible for people of all ages, these readings can be used for family and all-age services, Bible studies, enquirers' and young people's groups.
£10.99
Sinner Ella is a great way to present the Gospel at any time of the year. The main themes of Cinderella are followed, but Michael Forster introduces some radical changes to the story. Take the script and have fun with it: encourage all the usual panto responses, and pray that the love of Christ will work through it.Please note made to order items are non-returnable
£13.99
Welcome to an exciting approach to junior church teaching! It's called Three + One because three junior church/Sunday school sessions build into an all-age service on the fourth Sunday. There is more than enough material for an average 45 minute session such as prayers, activities, drama, puzzles and each book provides material for 12 weeks.ContentsForewordIntroductionHow to get the best from this bookUnit 1: Countdown to Harvest FestivalWeek 1: The parable of the talentsWeek 2: The parable of the sowerWeek 3: The parable of the rich foolWeek 4: All-age worshipUnit 2: Countdown to Church AnniversaryWeek 1: The parable of the prodigal sonWeek 2: The parable of the unforgiving servantWeek 3: Jesus forgives Peter for letting him downWeek 4: All-age worshipUnit 3: Countdown to Remembrance SundayWeek 1: Cain and AbelWeek 2: David and AbigailWeek 3: Jesus washes his disciples' feetWeek 4: All-age worship
£11.99
Subscribe to our emails
