Nurturing for Community

Reading Program 2002

THE AMETHYST HEART
Word Publishing, 2000
376 pages
Penelope J. Stokes (#3404) /$13.00

In this lively novel, 93-year old Amethyst Noble recounts to her great-granddaughter the stories of six generations who lived in her ancestral home as she fights to retain possession of it. Her story begins before the Civil War when Silas Noble befriends a slave and helps him escape to freedom. This is a story of hope, healing, and miracles.

THE BEFUDDLED STORK [A BONUS BOOK] S&D
Abingdon Press, 2000
240 pages
Sally B. Geis and Donald E. Messer, eds. (#3406) /$14.00

Medical technology is altering the circumstances around birth. How should people of faith respond? Should infertile couples try having a "test tube baby?" Should women consider abortion under some circumstances? What about cloning? This book thoughtfully considers these and many other questions, giving different sides of the issues. It includes questions for study and discussion with each chapter. This book can count as two books – one for Nurturing for Community and one for Social Action.

THE BIG PICTURE: GETTING PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT’S REALLY IMPORTANT IN LIFE
Zondervan Publishing House, 1999
271 pages
Ben Carson with Gregg Lewis (#3407) $13.00

Using experiences from his career and early life, a world-renowned neurosurgeon shows that God has a larger purpose for us. Carson’s lively storytelling and deep faith shines through this spiritual memoir.

FINISHING TOUCHES: AN INSIGHTFUL LOOK INTO THE MIRROR OF AGING
Elder Books, 1998
240 pages
Lillian S. Hawthorne (#3420) /$12.95

This sensitive and thoughtful look at what it means to age carries the reader through the changes inherent in growing older, from accepting one’s own image in the mirror to the losses and gains aging brings.

FUN? BUT WE’RE MARRIED! A WISE AND WITTY GUIDE TO A LASTING MARRIAGE S&D
Ave Maria Press, 1999
160 pages
Lois Leiderman Davitz and Joel R. Davitz (#3423) /$12.95

Drawing on their own experience of over 50 years of having fun together, the authors provide a wise guide for those about to marry and those who want to look back on a fruitful marriage with the perspective of years.

LIFE IS SO GOOD (Easy Reading)
Penguin USA, 2001
260 pages
George Dawson and Richard Glaubman (#3439) /$13.00

In this remarkable and inspiring book, Mr. Dawson, aged 101, reflects on his life, sharing his wisdom on everything from parenting to attitude. The grandson of slaves, he learned to read when he was 98.

MORNING SUN ON A WHITE PIANO
Random House, 1998
123 pages
Robin R. Meyers (#3443) /$9.95

Finding joy in the present and reclaiming the lost art of living is this book’s focus. The author guides us to achieve the simple and sacramental life by recognizing what is holy in the seemingly insignificant details of everyday life.

PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS AS SPIRITUAL GUIDES
Upper Room Books, 2000
165 pages
Betty Shannon Cloyd (#3452) /$13.00

This sensitive and practical book invites parents and grandparents to guide children and grandchildren to walk intentionally with God. With the potential difficulties children face today, it is more important than ever that they seek and find spiritual centers.

MY PARENTS, MY CHILDREN: SPIRITUAL HELP FOR CAREGIVERS
Westminster John Knox Press, 2000
253 pages
Cecil Murphey (#3445) /$16.95

The author offers everyday advice and coping and spiritual guidance to those who care for both school-age children and aging parents. Reflections and stories illustrate some of the challenges caregivers face. Devotions, Scripture, and prayer are included in each chapter.

SEXUALITY: GOD’S GIFT [A BONUS BOOK]
Herald Press, 1999
216 pages
Anne Krabill Hershberger, ed. (#3455) /$15.00

Full of practical experience and pastoral compassion, this book offers Christian resources for living a sexually healthy and fulfilling life, regardless of one’s circumstances. This book can count as two books–one for Nurturing for Community and one for Social Action.

STILL GROOVIN’
Pilgrim Press, 2000
115 pages
Ruth Beckford (#3462) $12.95/

With great humor, wisdom and insight, the author shares more than 100 practical and reflective affirmations for women to celebrate life at midlife and beyond on subjects from health to empowerment to romance and inner peace.

TIRED OF ARGUING WITH YOUR KIDS? WISDOM FROM PARENTS WHO HAVE BEEN THERE
Ave Maria Press, 1999
128 pages
Dolores Curran (#3469) /$12.95

As a mother of three, the author became convinced that most of her arguments with her children were really draining and unproductive non-arguments. Gradually she learned what to say to initiate a change in behavior. This practical book can help parents build better relationships with their children.

VICTORY IN OUR SCHOOLS
Random House, 1999
214 pages
Major General John Stanford (#3471) /$13.95

A former superintendent of the Seattle public schools outlines essential strategies to transform a school system of low achievement and morale. The book includes concrete plans of action to mobilize educators, parents, and the community to benefit our children.

WOMEN AND MEN: GENDER IN THE CHURCH S&D [A Bonus Book]
Herald Press, 1998
151 pages
Carol Penner, ed. (#3474) /$15.00

In this sensitive and thoughtful book, male and female writers tackle important subjects: What does the Bible say about gender? How do we create a society that values men and women equally? How does gender identity interact with race and age? Questions for reflection end each chapter and help us explore what it means to be women and men together in the church. This book can count as two books–one for Nurturing Community and one for Social Action.