After you have finished reading all the wonderful new books under your Christmas tree, and you hesitate to check out any more books from the library because there might be a blizzard and the books would become overdue (who needs library fines?), remember to visit our church library in the parlor.
In addition to standard Bible study and inspirational volumes, there are some unusual titles such as: God, Grace, and Granite by Charles W. Kern This history of Methodism in New Hampshire, 1768-1988, seems well researched, and a bit academic; still, you can find a sketch of the ground plans for Wanakee or a picture of a New Hampshire woman who founded the Ladies' Seminary in Nagoya, Japan in 1888 without reading every word!
Remember, there are no DUE DATES in our library!
December 2011
Sometimes it's difficult to reconcile thebirth of Jesus withcommercial emphasis on gift giving andthe anticipation of Santa's arrival......Here's a wonderful picture book the whole family can enjoy! -Dorothy
The Christmas Sweater: by Glenn Beck (2009)
If you have a snow globe, be sure toget it out and give it a shake as you readEddie, hisGrandpa, anddiscover the best Christmas gift of all......" what your heart needs most for Christmas" Happy Holiday Reading!
November 2011 THIS CHILD WILL BE GREAT: Memoir of a Remarkable Life by Africa's First Woman President. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, 2009. Elected in January, 2006, this amazing woman just recently won the Nobel Peace Prize and is now in the process of being re-elected - or possibly NOT. Preliminary results indicate there may be a runoff in early November.
Whatever happens, this book is worthwhile reading in my opinion… for a better understanding of Liberia as well as Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
THE NEW FEMINIST CHRISTIANITY: MANY VOICES, MANY VIEWS.... 28 very scholarly reflections on many strands of women's involvement in religious life. There is no sign of complacency; be prepared! "The Road Is Made for Walking" says Janet Walton..." on the edges, in the gaps, into the openings - where persistence, imagination and action meet and embody a living God."(pg 213)
Personally, I have not always been attracted to the Feminist Movement, but reading this book has helped me to better understand the need for change in many of our Christian traditions that have become oppressive to women. One writer even looks toward the future as a post feminist world where "faithful, humble womenand men focus upon human need, honors the mysteries of life and death, and commit themselves to work toward a better world." Perhaps where God is either male nor female? "God is a Spirit, and they that worship (Him) must worship in spirit and in truth" John 4:24
Thank you Pastor Jill for leaving a few books on the table in the Narthex. Please borrow one to take home
and read! Note: there are more in the Library in the Church Parlor.
September 2011 Al Anderson's Meeting God in the Breakdown Lane, which I mentioned in the last newsletter, is back in the library....in the Ages and Stages section. These titles are shelved alphabetically by title and are books which address issues in our daily lives from birth to death! That's quite a span to cover in three shelves but you might enjoy browsing to see what we have. Remember, the UMW Reading Program books are behind the door; all of the books on the bottom shelf in that section deal with loss and grief. My arrangement of titles is arbitrary: Poetry and Inspiration, Ages and Stages, Christian Education, Fiction, Diversity..........and over near the window all the Bibles and hymnals, study guides, parables and sermons. If you are looking for multiple copies, check in back of the shelved books! Your suggestions are welcome for re-organization; I plan to spend more time with the books and with our church history files. If you would care to join me, please let me know!
July/August 2011
Thinking of Pastor Virg and Pastor Jill surrounded by boxes, reminds me of moving every 3 years during my husband's military career! I could have used the encouragement offered by Jo Carr & I m o g e n e Sorley in Bless This Mess & Other Prayers. Published in 1969, it is still timely... and one doesn't necessarily have to move to be challenged with messes! Just pick up Al Anderson's Meeting God in the Breakdown Lane (1995) and read his stories from his 5 years of hitch- hiking through New England. Very thought provoking! I hope I have it back on the shelf by the time you read this! Does anyone know author Al and does he still live in Wilmington, VT? Have a good read!
- Dorothy Yamashita
May 2011
Who has time for reading? It seems to be a luxury in this electronic age.
And with limited storage space in our church, sometimes it’s difficult to get to the books! But I want to remind you that there is an interesting collection of poetry and inspirational writing, as well as many Biblical references, in the Church Parlor. Sign out in the “little black book” if there is no card….And there’s no due date – so enjoy at your leisure! _
- Dorothy Yamashita
A recent donation to our library is making the rounds. Published in 2001, The Life of Pi by Yann Martel is primarily about human-animal relationships, but possibly a story that will make you believe in God. Told in the first person by Piscine Molitor Patel, the author's fictitious account of a little boy growing up in the Pondicherry Botanical Garden as the son of the zookeeper is a spell-binding story of a shipwreck with a great deal of reflection on the meaning of life. At the age of 16, Pi was walking with his parents and confronted a priest, an imam, and a pundit who all insisted that the boy was devout in his practice of their respective religions! An unusual combination of comparative religion and story-telling! "The truth of life is that Brahman is no different from atman, the spiritual force within us, what you might call the soul. The individual soul touches upon the world soul like a well reaches for the water table. That which sustains the universe beyond thought and language, and that which is at the core of us and struggles for expression, is the same thing".
A new book Talking With God in Old Age has recently been purchased by UMW and is already in circulation. Judging by comments, it may not reach the library shelf for some time! The author, Missy Buchanan, has had experience as a caregiver for her mother who lives in a senior care residence. Talking With God in Old Age addresses the worries, fears and frustrations of older adults - which may not differ from your own! This is Missy Buchanan style: "O Lord, sometimes I say things before I think. In my frustration, words tumble out, and I wish I could take them back. Today I cry out in private prayer. Help me control my tongue. Old age gives no license for prejudice or self-righteous pride. Forgive me when I am puffed up in arrogance, thinking I've earned the right to be sharp and severe..." Such reflections are accompanied by scripture quotations.
Have your read Closing the Food Gap-Resetting the Table in a Land of Pleanty(Beacon Press,2008)? If you have a passion for food justice, this is the book for you! If the term isn’t part of your vocabulary, all the more reason to stop by and check out this little paperback edition. Toward the end of the book I noticed this quote from William Butler Yeats “Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.” And guess what our other new book is! Mr. Yeats, we’re way ahead of you! Too Many Irons in the Fire and They're All Smoking : Cynthia Bond Hopson (2008) Oh, yes! This author advises us to “Make a fire if you must, but be sure to take a seat and bask in its beautiful glow!....God is waiting to bless you with wisdom, abundance, and peace. Hold still and be blessed.” I’m glad I took time to read both books – hope you can too! They are on the top shelf in the bookcase behind the door in the Parlor.
You do not have to be a member of UMW to join the Reading Program. The books we have in our library are listed in the new 2011 brochures. Feel free to phone Dorothy at 448-1067 if you would like to reserve a book.
