I have been desperately trying to get Issue 13 of Spill the Beans finished and published before we take some family time off, and so that I can turn to writing some extra bits and bobs for our Summer Holiday Club which is only a few weeks away. We had a very tight turnaround for the Spill the Beans Resource Team in order to make that happen, so a big thank you to everyone who got their contributions in by the deadlines!

We have actually taken a couple of steps back to the beginning of September with this issue, so that we can embark on a new journey with the Narrative Lectionary as our guide through the Scriptures for the next years. I have already written a bit about this change from the Revised Common Lectionary here and you can find more about why we have made this change here. Suffice to say, as a team we are excited about a new challenge with a lectionary plan that fits the general ethos of Spill the Beans, which has always been focussed on story.

Both to help me get a holiday, and for folks who are seeking to get a head start on the changes, a new look Spill the Beans Issue 13 is now available. 

While the look of Spill the Beans has been given a freshen up, you will find the same rich variety of ideas and resources for worship and age groups. This includes ideas for thematic linking across multiple Sundays, a special section of ideas for Harvest Thanksgiving, and the usual week-by-week resources.

The StB Resources Team has noticed with some amusement that some in the Church of Scotland only think Spill the Beans is providing resources for children. This is far from the case, though that is an important part of the resources provided, as I am sure those who actually dip into and use the resources will soon realise.

Issue 13 is now available for download, and takes us through from Pentecost 13 to 24 (Reign of Christ the King) at the end of the church calendar (7 September 2014 to 23 November 2014).

If you have already used Spill the Beans, you don't need any further comment on what is in this resource, created by folks here in Scotland. If you have not yet, but are intrigued, have a look at this sample.

If you'd like to download a full copy of Issue 13 for use in your church or personally, then click the button below. The cost is only £12. You can make a secure payment via PayPal and then an email with secure link to the download should wing its way to you. Please note that you can only download the file using this link three times, so please make sure you save the file to your computer (or share to your book library if you are using an iPad).

Please follow the instructions carefully. The Adobe pdf file is approximately 5 MB.

Spill the Beans Issue 13

You can also get involved in feedback and discussion on the Spill the Beans blog, where we try to put up weekly PowerPoint backgrounds too, or via our Facebook group available at http://www.facebook.com/spillbeansresources.

Print Copies

If you would like a print copy of Spill the Beans, then this can be arranged. The cost is usually around £20+P&P and these can be arranged directly with the office at Lanark Greyfriars Church. Each issue is in full colour and comb bound for ease of use. We have had to raise the costs of the print copy from our initial issues as we have found the original costs were not covering the costs of producing the copies.

If you would like to order copies (which are all printed to order so there may be a few days to wait before you receive yours) then you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your order details. An invoice will be issued after dispatch of your order. If you prefer you can contact Greyfriars Church Office on 01555 661510 and place your order over the phone.