We finish our discussions of Bridges Out of Poverty this week. If you haven’t read this book you may want to consider reading it at some point. The authors compare and contrast the hidden rules and attitudes of three economic classes: poverty, middle-class, and wealthy. But the focus is on understanding how persons facing economic poverty survive despite a lack of support systems.
Our next book is titled, Finding Peace in an Anxious World. Our study of this book coincides with our October worship series. This book was written by staff of the Urban Village Church in Chicago. It uses the book of Proverbs and “The Serenity Prayer” as a guide to help us find our way through anxiety, worry, and fear and move towards God’s peace. A peace that surpasses all understanding.
“The Serenity Prayer” shaped a 2015 four-part sermon series at the Urban Village Church. The series helped the church deal with the tumultuous events of that summer. The book offers a framework for how to approach a God who desires peace for the hearts of God’s people in times of anxiety.
Using “The Serenity Prayer” as a scaffold, this book explores ways for us to discover peace through scriptural and spiritual disciplines. The book has only four chapters, each written by a different Urban Village Church leader. Each chapter focuses on different aspects of the prayer—serenity, acceptance, courage, and wisdom—and each concludes with a spiritual practice.
We begin our discussions on September 30. Be sure to reserve a copy now. The cost is $10 but don’t let cost deter your participation. We will make sure each person gets a book that wants a copy.
A few of us meet in person each Wednesday in the upstairs library for lunch and conversation. Check with Pastor Tommy if you plan to attend in person so we can assure social distancing. We’re also online for those who cannot meet in person, are not ready to meet in person, or who do not want to wear a face mask.
Unfortunately, the virus is still a threat and in-person gatherings quickly become super-spreaders if precautions are ignored. Bring your own lunch or coordinate with others to purchase carryout. Potlucks are suspended for now.
I encourage you to join us either in person or online for our Wednesday gatherings. You can call in by phone, be heard, and hear what others are saying by calling (929) 436-2866, and entering the meeting ID, 482458815#.
We are a diverse group and we are delighted when new persons join us. I hope that you will join in on our discussion.
You can contact our office with questions, by phone or simply type your question on our website’s homepage — FlintAsbury.org.