This inspiring and practical handbook draws on the wisdom of a wide variety of practitioners in ten key areas that enable village churches to flourish: 1 Extending a warm welcome 2 Making the most of Life Events 3 Using buildings creatively 4 Caring for God's Acre 5 Being the heartbeat of the community 6 Celebrating our heritage 7 Cultivating fruitful festivals 8 Welcoming more children 9 Reaching the isolated and lonely 10 Communicating effectively Packed with practical advice and inspiri...

In the hallowed halls of early Christianity, Saint Ambrose penned a treatise that would forever shape the discourse on chastity and the sacredness of virginity. "On Virginity" is a profound exploration of the virtues of abstinence, offering a compelling argument for the superiority of a life dedicated to God over the allurements of the flesh. Through eloquent prose and unwavering conviction, Ambrose extols the beauty and power of virginity, urging his readers to embrace a life of purity an...

Tales of Soldiers and Civilians is a collection of short stories by American Civil War soldier, wit, and writer Ambrose Bierce, also published under the title In the Midst of Life. With a stated publication date of 1891 (but actually published in early 1892), the stories describe unusual incidents in the lives of soldiers and civilians during the American Civil War. Tales of Soldiers and Civilians was named by the Grolier Club as one of the 100 most influential American books printed befor...

While many other areas of design have commercial aspects, the success of a piece of packaging design is inextricably linked with its ability to sell a product. Packaging the Brand discusses the implications of this commercial function for a designer.It explores methods of visually communicating the value of a product to its target audience and examines the entire lifespan of a piece of packaging: from its manufacture and construction, to its display in various retail envir...

First published in 1890. Complete and unabridged edition.

'Nothing is so improbable as what is true'Of all the writers of ghost and horror stories, Ambrose Bierce is perhaps the most colourful. He was a dark, cynical and pessimistic soul who had a grim vision of fate and the unfairness of life, which he channelled into his fiction. And in his death, or rather his disappearance, he created a mystery as strange and unresolved as any that he penned himself. But more of that later.Ambrose Gwinett Bierce was born in a log cabin on 21st...

Jess Maulier's estranged father was more than the quiet professor of linguistics he appeared to be – she is shocked to discover he was also an operative for a covert group that rescues hostages. Before he died he left Jess a vital clue to a rescue. Unfortunately, it's in the form of a children's story, and she has no idea what it means. Though she resents the close professional and personal relationship the handsome and dangerous Tyler Donovan had with her absentee father, she turns to him...

Newspaperman, short-story writer, poet, and satirist, Ambrose Bierce (18421914) is one of the most unique and remarkable scholarly figures America has produced. Dubbed "Bitter Bierce" for his biting satire, his fame rests broadly on an outstanding compilation of barbed epigrams, The Devil's Dictionary, and a book of short stories (Tales of Soldiers and Civilians, 1891). Most of the 16 selections in this volume have been taken from the latter collection.The stories in this edition include: ...

This work explores issues of forgiveness and reconciliation in countries that had experienced political conflicts, civil war, and even genocide. It attempts to move beyond mere discussion by examining case studies and the initiatives taken in dialogue and reconciliation. In many cases, religion can be a force for peace and play a significant role in resolving conflicts. This work also examines the relationship between justice and forgiveness, emphasizing that there will be no peace without...

The original short story that inspired the hit sci-fi serial Zero Hour. In this twisty tale, a lone survivor searches for answers, and finds a lot more than they bargained for.

“Death is a dignitary who when he comes announced is to be received with formal manifestations of respect, even by those most familiar with him.”Set in Alabama during the American Civil War, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge tells the story of Peyton Farquhar, a wealthy plantation owner that attempts to sabotage a railway bridge to prevent the Northern army from gaining ground in the South. The punishment for any civilian found interfering with the Union army’s efforts? Hanging.

The house had not been lived in, but it had never been empty . . .Fresh from their expedition into Rainier Asylum, librarians Sadie and August attempt to dig further into the past, uncovering hideous truths related to the noxious cult.Their research into the diabolical sect dredges up more questions than answers, however—especially where Sadie's own history is concerned. She finds herself wondering just how much of what she's been told about her origins is ...