Hello friends,
People occasionally ask what I’m reading.
In addition to regular scripture reading for worship and bible study, I try to read a variety of books to keep finding inspiration and learning new things. I know our church’s Racial Equity Team book discussion group feels the same way!
Right now I’m reading Meet Me at the Crossroads which is a work of speculative fiction that explores themes of religion, loss, and grief. I’m also reading A Church in A Triangle which is a new book that has documented the connections between Providence’s First Unitarian Church (formerly “Providence’s First Congregational Church”) and the destruction and profits of participating in the Triangle Trade of race-based chattel slavery. At least one enslaved person discussed in the book, Anna Bowen, is buried in the Newman Cemetery.
And I just started reading A Beautiful Year by Diana Butler Bass. This is a book of relatable devotional essays for every week of the year. The church’s Faith-Based Discussion group will be reading and discussing the chapters about Advent and Christmas in A Beautiful Year this December and January. If you would like to be part of these discussions on Friday mornings — or if you would like to join in by reading along on your own schedule — please let me know!
Traveling together,
Sam