Richard Ward and Mary Downing invite you to share a longer devotional time of about an hour with Upper Room starting Monday, January 10, 2022 at 7pm via zoom to begin, and possibly in-person as we continue.

Please register on our SignUpGenius page at: Upper Room You will then be sent the Zoom link. We look forward to gathering together, listening to God and to each other. For questions or more information, please contact the office at 360/424-3628 or email office@mvfumc.org.

In the new year, I want to read with you. I have selected 12 books that comprise The Pastor’s Reading Circle. The hope is that once a month we can gather to   discuss a book together. Firstly, this is a shameless attempt to elicit your help in one of my spiritual disciplines. I know that reading is time-consuming, and I rarely make the time.But I also miss out on the deepening wisdom that reading provides. Secondly, I think there are some topics we ought to encounter together. Lastly, it will help us get to know one another.

The format is simple. Each month there is a book to read. There is a gathering on the last Sunday evening of the month to discuss the book. Initially, we will gather by Zoom. As weather and COVID numbers improve, I hope to gather in person.

The book schedule is as follows:
January: An Altar in the World, by Barbara Brown Taylor
February: Spiritual Rhythms in Community, by Keith Meyer
March: Acedia & Me, by Kathleen Norris
April: The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, I’m using the one with a preface by Avery
Dulles, SJ
May: The Liberation of Christmas, by Richard A Horsley
June: Stamped from the Beginning, Ibram X. Kendi
July: A Public Faith, Miroslav Volf
August: Missional, Monastic, Mainline, by Elaine Heath
September: Wrestling with the Prophets, by Matthew Fox
October: The God We Never Knew, by Marcus Borg
November: Rediscovering Mercy, by Anne Lamott
December: You Can Go Home Again, by Monica McGoldrick

You can come to any or all that you like. These selections are mostly from my shelf. Some of these are re-reads for me; others I haven’t even cracked yet. There’s no guarantee that you’ll like any of the books. There is a small fund available for those needing help with the books. If you are interested in The Pastor’s Reading Circle, please contact the office at 360/424-3628 or email me at pastorchristopher@mvfumc.org.