Growth Opportunities
Garden of Reading
Dates:
Mondays: September 12, November 14, February, 13 and April 9
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: The Gathering Room (A 100)
Leader: Karie Leatherman
The Garden of Reading book discussion group, led by Karie Leatherman, encourages women in our church to read, contemplate, and discuss books by seasoned Christian authors. Books are selected to promote a closer personal relationship with God, to provide insights into developing an increasingly more meaningful and joyful daily Christian walk, and to gain information concerning the condition of and influences on today’s church, both nationally and internationally.
Women of all ages are invited to take part in this lively discussion group. Bring a sandwich and join us, even if you haven’t had a chance to read the book.
Monday, September 12
Bonhoeffer Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy written by Eric Metaxas
In this sweeping biography that reads like a novel, Eric Metaxas, author of Amazing Grace, gives us a compelling account of the life of German pastor, theologian, and anti-Nazi activist Dietrick Bonhoeffer. He presents Bonhoeffer as an orthodox Christian “determined to do the will of God radically, courageously and joyfully – even to the point of death.” Filled with insight, outrage, and urgency, the aim of this book is to unsettle, provoke, and inspire us as we observe Bonhoeffer’s struggle against the “prevailing winds of culture to faithfully and bravely interpret Christianity” for his time in history. Clearly there are lessons here for the 21st century.
Monday, November 14
Generous Justice: How God’s Grace Makes Us Just written by Timothy Keller
Most of us know that Jesus came into the world to bring us forgiveness, salvation and grace. Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City and author of The Prodigal God, points out that far fewer of us are fully aware of “the Biblical teaching that a true experience of the grace of Jesus Christ inevitably motivates a man or woman to seek justice in the world… that Jesus Christ has called us to, and loved us to a generous, gracious justice and compassion for those in need. With his intellectual approach to Christianity, Keller offers us a new understanding of justice that will translate our social concern to action.
Monday, February 13
Evidence Not Seen: A Woman’s Miraculous Faith in the Jungles of World War II written by Darlene Deibler Rose
On August 18, 1938, American newly-wed Darlene Deibler landed on the island of Java to prepare for missionary work in the little-known interior of New Guinea. Shortly following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Japanese soldiers took her into custody, and for nearly 4 years, Darlene and fellow missionaries along with 1,600 other women and children “measured our days in forced labor, meted in hours in separation and deprivation, and marked the anniversaries of the deaths of loved ones who succumbed, one by one, to disease, starvation, and the horrific bombings.” Darlene’s unshakable faith in God and God’s awe-inspiring watchcare over this young woman held in a notorious Japanese prison camp will surely touch your heart and soul while building your faith.
Monday, April 9
Health Care You Can Live With: Discover Wholeness in Body and Spirit written by Dr. Scott Morris with Susan Martins Miller
Family practice physician and ordained United Methodist minister, Dr. Scott Morris founded the Church Health Center in Memphis in 1987. This center, which provides quality health care for working, uninsured people, has grown to be the largest faith-based clinic of its type in the United States. After more than two decades of service at this center, Dr. Morris unequivocally states that “health care has to change” and that “the church can choose to get involved by reclaiming the Biblical mandate to bring healing.” He discusses the questions: What is “health and wellness” and how do we acquire it? And what will make a lasting difference in the lives of the center’s patients? Join us for a lively discussion as we consider how God’s generous justice may apply in the area of health care.
Praying in Concert and in Color
Praying in Concert and in Color is a meaningful way of lifting our prayers for revival and personal needs. We spend time sharing, then enjoy private meditation and prayer, and finish with small groups praying for various topics. The book Praying in Color, by Sybil McBeth is available in The Growing Place Library and The Bookmark Bookstore. Join us for this unique time for women. For more information, please contact Mary Lawrence Allen at 756-9642
Dates:
Second Tuesday of each month beginning September 6, 2011 *
Time: 11:05 a.m. – Noon (followed by lunch)
Location: Prayer Room
Cost:
If you stay for the lunch, the cost is $6.00 – advance reservations required
* December meeting will be 12/20/11 (no lunch served at this meetings)
