Book Review
God of All,
by Gill Dascombe
Church in the Market Place Publications
ISBN 976-0-9933841-0-3
Price £5
All proceeds to Stockport & District MIND - the mental health
charity. Order forms for this publication are available from
the LWPT Office.
Gill Dascombe needs little introduction. The book is an anthology
of observations, prayers, sermons, and poems composed and
prepared as she journeyed throughout the Methodist Connexion,
both in the UK and overseas, during her Vice-Presidential year.
As one would expect, the contents of the book draw deeply on
her own personal experiences, to guide the reader through this
useful resource for private and public devotions .
The book is written in an easy going style, which enables the
reader to relate to both the humour and serious aspects of her
ministry. Gill provides fresh insights into the meaning of some
of the well-known parables of Jesus and other stories of the Old
and New Testaments. Particularly interesting are her thoughts on the stories of “walking on water” and the
meaning of Pentecost/Wesley Day. The story which takes place in Zambia is very moving.
One of the poems will strike a chord with those who find it difficult to comprehend or reconcile the relevance
of God today. ‘Not in the Beginning’ moves the story of Creation to modern times and makes a very good
attempt to make sense of God in the modern world, as well as questioning what God is like – it is very thought
provoking.
Reading the reprints from the Methodist Recorder graphically highlights the special interest of Gill in mental
health issues and the use of pharmaceutical products in treatment - she is a specialist psychiatric pharmacist.
The book is both challenging and thought provoking, at the same time as being inspirational. A very good
read for anybody, including preachers, who want to be mentally stimulated. Preachers will find theological
insights which will enhance any sermon.
Review by Alan Rashleigh
Poetry Success
Congratulations to Mrs Patricia Batstone, a local preacher who has been awarded first
prize in the DH Lawrence Heritage Poetry Competition 2015.
Mrs Batstone is a local preacher in the Mid-Derbyshire methodist circuit.
Further details on the poetry competition are available on the DH Lawrence Museum
website at dhlawrenceheritage.org
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