Nurturing for Community

Reading Program 2001

CHILDREN AND PRAYER: A SHARED PILGRIMAGE

Upper Room Books, 1997
165 pages
Betty Shannon Cloyd (#3108) /$12.00

A warm and inviting guide to help nurture the spiritual life of children, this book includes concepts for teaching children about prayer, prayers written by children, interviews with children, and resources for further study. Parents, grandparents, and those who work with children will find the book extremely helpful.

DANCING WITH DISABILITIES: OPENING THE CHURCH TO ALL GOD’S CHILDREN

United Church Press, 1996
152 pages
Brett Webb-Mitchell (#3114) /$15.95

Writing personally and passionately on this compelling subject, the author puts a genuinely human face on disabled people–on their struggles and triumphs, their frustrations and joys. The book challenges the church to welcome all God’s children to their rightful place in the Christian community.

FRIENDS FOR LIFE: ENRICHING THE BOND BETWEEN MOTHERS AND THEIR ADULT DAUGHTERS

Harcourt Brace & Company, 1997
352 pages
Susan Jonas and Marilyn Nissenson (#3122) /$14.00

This book explores the complex and sometimes difficult relationships between mothers and daughters. Drawing on personal interviews with mothers and professionals, the authors reveal practical ways for mothers to build lifelong friendships with their daughters.

GROWING TOGETHER: UNDERSTANDING AND NURTURING YOUR CHILD’S FAITH JOURNEY

(Study and discussion)
Faith and Life Press, 1996
261 pages
Anne Neufeld Rupp (#3129) /$11.95

This is a helpful guide for parents as they learn to understand and nurture the emotional and spiritual growth of their children. Each chapter contains relevant Scripture, questions for parents’ reflection, and ideas for family times and faith-oriented activities.

I ASKED FOR INTIMACY: STORIES OF BLESSINGS, BETRAYAL AND BIRTHINGS

Innesfree Press, Inc., 1993
119 pages
Renita J. Weems (#3133) /$12.95

The author wrestles with some significant relationships–children and parents, wives and husbands–and some tough issues, including dependent relationships, abuse, homophobia, and death. Using Scripture and her life experiences, she takes us on a personal search for intimacy and faith.

I TELL YOU A MYSTERY: LIFE, DEATH AND ETERNITY

(Study and discussion)
The Plough Publishing House, 1996
153 pages

Johann Christoph Arnold (#3134) /$12.00

In this hope-filled book on overcoming the fear of death and suffering, the author uses stories of ordinary people to show how suffering can be given meaning, and despair can be overcome. These people lived to the fullest by serving others and found, in Christ, the peace "that passes understanding."

LANTERNS: A MEMOIR OF MENTORS

Beacon Press, 1999
180 pages
Marian Wright Edelman (#3140) $15.00/

In a powerful memoir, Ms. Edelman tells of the people–black and white, women and men–who were her mentors, lanterns in her life. There are stories of her parents and of Miz Tee and Miz Lucy who helped her grow up in the segregated South, her teachers at Spelman College, civil rights leaders, and those who inspired her to work with poor children in Mississippi. The book reminds us of our own mentors.

A LASTING PROMISE: A CHRISTIAN’S GUIDE TO FIGHTING FOR YOUR MARRIAGE

Jossey-Bass Publishers, 1998
288 pages
Scott Stanley, Daniel Trathen, Savanna McCain, and Milt Bryan (#3103) /$17.00

Subtitled "A Christian Guide to Fighting for Your Marriage," this book is based on Scripture and offers powerful and practical principles to create a marriage of lasting love. The authors deal with topics such as communication, problem solving, unmet expectations, forgiveness, preserving friendship, and increasing fun together.

RAISING CAIN: PROTECTING THE EMOTIONAL LIFE OF BOYS

Ballantine Books, 2000
287 pages
Dan Kindlon and Michael Thompson (#3156) /$14.00

Powerfully written with deep feeling, the authors reveal a nation of boys who are hurting–sad, afraid, angry, and silent. Through moving case studies and research, the authors show how parents can help boys cultivate the emotional awareness and empathy they need to navigate social pressures and become happy, fulfilled young men.

RECONCILIATION: OUR GREATEST CHALLENGE—OUR ONLY HOPE

(Study and discussion)
Judson Press, 1997
159 pages

Curtiss Paul DeYoung (#3158) /$15.00

Conflict between people, races, and countries holds center stage in our day. In this timely book, the author addresses the problem of division and animosity and issues a call for radical commitment to reconciliation, which he sees as a fundamental mandate of the Gospel of Christ.

SEEING BEYOND THE WRINKLES: STORIES OF AGELESS COURAGE, HUMOR AND FAITH

(Easy reading, Slightly larger type)
Studio 4 Productions, 1998
201 pages
Charles Tindell (#3164) /$12.95

These inspirational stories of people living in a nursing home capture the triumph of the ageless human spirit. Although wrinkled on the outside, on the inside the men and women are full of life, love, and wisdom. Some stories will bring laughs while others will bring tears. All will challenge stereotypes of older people.

TEACHING TOLERANCE

(Study and discussion)
Doubleday, 1997
235 pages
Sara Bullard (#3169) /$14.95

In a time when violence by children against children is on the rise, the need is great for parents to teach their children to respect others and celebrate diversity. This helpful resource guides adults as they help children to relate positively to people of every race, class, religion or sexual orientation. A project of the Southern Poverty Law Center, the book has discussion questions at the end of each chapter.

AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

Gynergy Books, 1998
190 pages
Aniko Galambos (#3170) /$14.95

Moving past the shock of diagnosis to find hope for the future, 12 women who have survived breast cancer relate their inspiring and hope-filled journeys in this invaluable resource for those with breast cancer, and for anyone whose life has been touched by the disease.