Copies of the recommended reading books are available in the Prayer Room (B201) for you to look over and decide if you would like to purchase a copy of your own.
The Way of Forgiveness: Readings for a Peaceful Life and The Way of Kindness: Readings for a Graceful Life
These two books are part of a series (books also available on The Way of Suffering, Peace and Love) that are a collection of essays, fiction, poems, meditations and inspired ideas on the specific topic - each are written by a well-known Christian writer. I love to dip into them when I need a little inspiration or encouragement. Each piece is short but impactful, meaningful and thought-provoking. -Rev. Laurie Moeller
Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith, by Kathleen Norris
As an undergrad, I was assigned this New York Times Notable Book of the Year in my first religion class. It was an easy read and my first exposure to thinking about some of the most complicated and "scary vocabulary" terms we use in Christian theology. Words like "sinner," "judgment," and "eschatology." The author presents a term and defines it abstractly, then gives profound and personal insight into how the concept manifests in her everyday life. Norris, who has struggled with doubt, models how we can embrace these 'churchy' words in a meaningful and relevant way. -Rev. Kena Newkirk
Prayers for Privileged People, by Walter Brueggemann
These prayers are not for the faint of heart. Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann presents these prayers as poems of conviction and a call to societal transformation. Much of my prayer life has been shaped by his deep honesty and guided me into see the world so much differently. This book is less read than meditated on, and I cannot recommend it enough if you think you can handle it. -Rev. Kena Newkirk
A Wesleyan Spiritual Reader, by Rueben P. Job
This book is an easy way to explore the original words of Rev. John Wesley, our spiritual ancestor and mentor. It is structured as a 26-week devotional and offers experts from his sermons, letters, and journey alongside scripture, prayers, and modern reflections to guide the reader through a Wesleyan theme. It is a great way to gently immerse oneself in the spiritual teaching of Wesley. - Rev. Kena Newkirk
Discovering Our Spiritual Identity, by Trevor Hudson.
We are God’s beloved; that is the core of our identity. Trevor Hudson is a Methodist pastor primarily based in South Africa who was jailed with Desmond Tutu during the struggle against apartheid. Communicating the crucial connection between individual and social transformation, Hudson offers counsel on how to live a Christ-centered life as we do laundry, raise children, pay bills, and fulfill all our other commitments. This book offers practical “Holy Experiments” in which we can participate and have a more immediate relationship with the risen Christ. I have done some of the exercises outlined here — not all, I confess — the practices are a means of seeing God’s amazing grace. -Rev. Josh McDaniel
The Way of Forgiveness: Readings for a Peaceful Life and The Way of Kindness: Readings for a Graceful Life
These two books are part of a series (books also available on The Way of Suffering, Peace and Love) that are a collection of essays, fiction, poems, meditations and inspired ideas on the specific topic - each are written by a well-known Christian writer. I love to dip into them when I need a little inspiration or encouragement. Each piece is short but impactful, meaningful and thought-provoking. -Rev. Laurie Moeller
Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith, by Kathleen Norris
As an undergrad, I was assigned this New York Times Notable Book of the Year in my first religion class. It was an easy read and my first exposure to thinking about some of the most complicated and "scary vocabulary" terms we use in Christian theology. Words like "sinner," "judgment," and "eschatology." The author presents a term and defines it abstractly, then gives profound and personal insight into how the concept manifests in her everyday life. Norris, who has struggled with doubt, models how we can embrace these 'churchy' words in a meaningful and relevant way. -Rev. Kena Newkirk
Prayers for Privileged People, by Walter Brueggemann
These prayers are not for the faint of heart. Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann presents these prayers as poems of conviction and a call to societal transformation. Much of my prayer life has been shaped by his deep honesty and guided me into see the world so much differently. This book is less read than meditated on, and I cannot recommend it enough if you think you can handle it. -Rev. Kena Newkirk
A Wesleyan Spiritual Reader, by Rueben P. Job
This book is an easy way to explore the original words of Rev. John Wesley, our spiritual ancestor and mentor. It is structured as a 26-week devotional and offers experts from his sermons, letters, and journey alongside scripture, prayers, and modern reflections to guide the reader through a Wesleyan theme. It is a great way to gently immerse oneself in the spiritual teaching of Wesley. - Rev. Kena Newkirk
Discovering Our Spiritual Identity, by Trevor Hudson.
We are God’s beloved; that is the core of our identity. Trevor Hudson is a Methodist pastor primarily based in South Africa who was jailed with Desmond Tutu during the struggle against apartheid. Communicating the crucial connection between individual and social transformation, Hudson offers counsel on how to live a Christ-centered life as we do laundry, raise children, pay bills, and fulfill all our other commitments. This book offers practical “Holy Experiments” in which we can participate and have a more immediate relationship with the risen Christ. I have done some of the exercises outlined here — not all, I confess — the practices are a means of seeing God’s amazing grace. -Rev. Josh McDaniel
