Logo

 

Banner Image:   Baptist-Times-banner-2000x370-
Template Mode:   Baptist Times
Icon
    Post     Tweet


Hugs from above  


Baptist minister Patrick Coghlan introduces his latest book, a resource of reflections and prayers for those who have entered into retirement and later life


HugsfromAboveIt is with great pleasure that I announce the publication of my new book Hugs from Above – book number 39 (41 counting two that came out only as e books).

A great friend phoned this morning after seeing the book cover, saying, ‘And isn’t that what everybody needs at the moment? – A hug!’

God is great at hugging; he has plenty of hugs available; and social distancing does not prevent us from receiving one.
 
Hugs from Above is about retirement and later life, and ironically it has been published only weeks after I became eligible to receive my state pension. It is primarily a resource of reflections and prayers for those who have entered into retirement and later life. It looks at some of the changes that take place, and some of the difficulties that might be experienced at such a time – pointing the reader towards some helpful and encouraging verses from the Bible. Hugs from Above also offers the challenge of considering starting some new ventures after retirement or in later life.       

The prayers are relevant, uncomplicated and honest. They look at feelings, fears, anxieties, joys, thanksgiving, hopes and dreams. Prayer is the key that unlocks the power and unconditional love of God to flow into our lives, and the lives of those that we love and care about, in amazing ways – just like a big hug from God! Hugs from Above encourages the reader to pray with faith and expectation.
 
Let me tell you a little about myself, and my background: I am the minister at Worstead Baptist Church in Meeting Hill (North Norfolk). I am also the chaplain of Aylsham and district Care Trust (ACT), and the manager of ACT Counselling Services – both of which are based in the ACT Centre, in Aylsham. ACT is a Christian community care charity, and does a lot of work with older people – but not solely. The ACT Centre is part of the St Michael’s Care Complex.

In my work as a minister, chaplain and counsellor, I have had considerable experience of working with people of most age groups, in the context of providing ministry and care. This book follows several other books that I have written for people who are in retirement and/or later life: Never Too Old (Moorleys); A Glass of Homemade Lemonade (Veritas); Creating Church At Home (Kevin Mayhew); and Still Valued and Blessed (Kevin Mayhew).

Patrick Coghlan1I am married to June and we have two grown-up children – Rachel and Jonathan – and June and I have recently become grandparents to Isabella. What a joy that is. For my leisure I enjoy quality family time, dog walking and going out on my red 1950s style motorcycle.
 
I have been an enthusiastic author for many years. I began by putting together little books of poetry, and getting some of my poems included in anthologies. I had my first book published by Moorleys, in 2001 – Anytime – Chats with God (informal prayer). I have written a variety of Christian resources for different age groups, and some family novels.
 
So, why did I write Hugs from Above? First of all, I love writing for God. Secondly, I feel that God has given me a real heart to bring words of truth, comfort, and encouragement to people in later life. Thirdly, I love writing prayers for people to use. And fourthly, when God gives me the idea for a new book, it just seems to flow. I do believe that it is from God the inspiration comes – and I thank and praise him for that.
 
Book number 40 is at the publishers, waiting to come out.
 
Might I conclude by saying, “I have no intention of retiring at the moment!”
 


Patrick Coghlan is the minister at Worstead Baptist Church in Meeting Hill (North Norfolk). He is also the chaplain of Aylsham and district Care Trust (ACT), and the manager of ACT Counselling Services

His latest book Hugs from Above is available from Kevin Mayhew.


 




Do you have a view? Share your thoughts via our letters' page

 
 
Baptist Times, 22/02/2021
    Post     Tweet
Collaboration, and our worship of Jesus
Notes from the two keynote addresses from Dave Ferguson and Alex Harris at the first Everyone Everywhere national conference on 8 October
Israel-Palestine: I can’t keep up
Baptist church member David Nelson has travelled to Israel and the West Bank on three occasions in the past 24 months. He offers this reflection on events in the region
Dwelling in scripture
Anne Le Tissier outlines the practice of remaining in just one or a few Bible verses for an entire week or more, which is explored more fully in her new book 'Dwell – Inviting God’s Word to make a home in our lives, one day at a time'
Protests or race riots?
Justice enabler Wale Hudson Roberts reflects on this summer's race riots. In doing so, he asks: what role can Baptists Together play in addressing the voice of the far right, Islamophobia, and racism in church and society?
Should your faith rely solely on the Bible?
For many of us, the Bible is by far and away the book that has most influenced our lives. But as Baptists, Jesus is our number one authority, writes Chris Goswami
The Church, the far right, and the claim to Christianity
The far right has grown in prominence in recent years - with some cynically employing Christian-sounding language. Helen Paynter highlights the current context - and how the Church can respond
     The Baptist Times 
    Posted: 14/10/2024
    Posted: 02/10/2024
    Posted: 22/07/2024
    Posted: 07/05/2024
    Posted: 12/02/2024
    Posted: 22/12/2023
    Posted: 16/12/2023