This is a basic description of the theology behind Habitat for Humanity. It's informative, though a little tedious.This is a basic description of the theology behind Habitat for Humanity. It's informative, though a little tedious....more
There were parts of this book that I found truly inspirational. Hessel makes a compelling case for a whole church ministry of social justice. Other paThere were parts of this book that I found truly inspirational. Hessel makes a compelling case for a whole church ministry of social justice. Other parts I had to skim through. Overall, a good book to have on the shelf....more
A young man and his father build a boat (starting with a pre-fab hull) and then sail it west to east around Cape Horn. This is a pretty good read, altA young man and his father build a boat (starting with a pre-fab hull) and then sail it west to east around Cape Horn. This is a pretty good read, although they either had a remarkably easy trip around the Horn or they downplayed the drama. As often happens in this sort of book, the cat falls overboard. I guess that's drama. Still, it's a pity....more
What a fun adventure read! Amateur boat builder designs and builds a 10ft long sailboat out of plywood in his Minnesota garage and then sails it 3,287What a fun adventure read! Amateur boat builder designs and builds a 10ft long sailboat out of plywood in his Minnesota garage and then sails it 3,287 nautical miles from Virginia to England in 53 days. What's not to like?...more
I heard Paul Loeb speak at the UUA General Assembly this summer, and was very inspired by his talk. Later in the week, while browsing in the bookstoreI heard Paul Loeb speak at the UUA General Assembly this summer, and was very inspired by his talk. Later in the week, while browsing in the bookstore area, I was practically accosted by the guy. He was signing copies of this and another book and told me that he'd heard from other ministers that they both are great resources for sermons. He signed one of each, so I really had to buy them, right? And I have to agree, this book is filled with good and inspiring stories of individuals who have gotten involved in some sort of justice or political work. Good stuff...although I have to admit, this style of book begins to, well, bore me after awhile, and I found myself skimming the last few chapters. I know what's where, and when I need it, I'll be able to find it. But now I'm ready to move on to reading something with an actual plot. ...more
This is a collection of papers - along with responses and discussion - that were presented in January 2001, as part of a three-day consultation on theThis is a collection of papers - along with responses and discussion - that were presented in January 2001, as part of a three-day consultation on theology, anti-racism, and Unitarian Universalism. Good stuff, including discussion questions to use with a study group in the local congregation. ...more
This was a quick read - parts of it I skimmed. I mostly appreciated - and will find helpful as I work with our Worship Committee, I know - the many reThis was a quick read - parts of it I skimmed. I mostly appreciated - and will find helpful as I work with our Worship Committee, I know - the many reflection and discussion questions at the end of each section. There was a whole big section on communion that, while I may find personally insteresting, I don't find professionally useful. Like almost all Alban publications, this one requires some "translation" efforts by most Unitarian Universalists, as it is very Christo-centric. ...more
I simply ADORE Anne Lamott! I love her frankness and her humor and I can relate almost entirely to her neuroses. Which is sick. This book is based on I simply ADORE Anne Lamott! I love her frankness and her humor and I can relate almost entirely to her neuroses. Which is sick. This book is based on a journal she kept of her son, Sam's, first year. It made me laugh out loud at times, as her non-fiction always does. It was also very poignant and touching as she writes about her fears, her frustrations, and her best friend's cancer....more
This is a book that someone gave to me years ago and I finally got around to reading it. In it, Sobonfu Some shares some of the ancient traditions andThis is a book that someone gave to me years ago and I finally got around to reading it. In it, Sobonfu Some shares some of the ancient traditions and rituals of her Dagara tribe - mostly around child-bearing and -rearing - and also offers some modern ways to implement the rituals here in the West to help renew a sense of connectedness and community. I especially appreciated the idea that a baby is "spirit" coming "home," and that a family needs to prepare a place for spirit and welcome it. This is a quick read with some useful tidbits for sermons about families, church community, and religious education....more
This is simply a collection of all the sermons that have won an annual APF (Annual Program Fund) award. I thought most of them were very good and coulThis is simply a collection of all the sermons that have won an annual APF (Annual Program Fund) award. I thought most of them were very good and could be very useful in providing readings or quotes for sermons or other inspirational talks, whether for an annual stewardship campaign, for a capital campaign, or even for a Membership Sunday....more
I love Barbara Merritt's writings and have always looked forward to receiving the twice-monthly newsletter from the church she has served for over 20 I love Barbara Merritt's writings and have always looked forward to receiving the twice-monthly newsletter from the church she has served for over 20 years. This book is a collection of gems....more
Everyone has been telling me I need to read this. I mean, for months. I even got a copy for Christmas, but I put it off through most of my 5 month sabEveryone has been telling me I need to read this. I mean, for months. I even got a copy for Christmas, but I put it off through most of my 5 month sabbatical and then, when I did start it, it took me well over a month to finish. Not that it wasn't good and cute and everything everyone promised. It's just that I knew Marley was going to kick it in the end and, having two loveable labs of my own, I just needed to postpone the inevitable a little longer. Lots of the anecdotes rang true for our household, too, but I've sure been appreciating how very sane and well-behaved our dogs are in comparison to Marley. Of course, we didn't give them as many chances to go astray as Marley's parents did either. ...more
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