We began reading and discussing Praying with the Church by Scot McKnight as the Season of Lent started in March. We plan to finish our study next week and turn our attention to Easter. 1
We chose this book as a study during the Season of Lent because of the importance of Prayer in the lives of nearly every person on the planet. Even persons who don’t believe in a God may turn to whatever power that may be greater than their circumstances in search of comfort, protection, and forgiveness.
On the Wednesday after Easter we start a new adventure into the slow but rewarding process of self-discovery.
In parallel to a new worship series, Masterpiece, our Book Club digs deeper into the process of self-discovery. But not as a burden to be endured. Rather, as an exciting exploration of who we are behind our layers of protection. Let’s call it our un-doctored selfie.
We’re in search of that divine image that reflects our Creator. We know it’s there beneath the layers of past disappointments, hurts, and abandonments.
Whether you’re a regular on Sunday mornings, only attend on an occasional holiday, or don’t cross the threshold of a church building without coercion, there is something for everyone in this conversation.
The write-up found on Amazon has this to say about our next book:
In a world that preaches a “try harder” gospel—just keep going, keep hustling, keep pretending we’re all fine—we’re left exhausted, overwhelmed, and so numb to our lives. If we’re honest, we’ve been overfunctioning for so long, we can’t even imagine another way. How else will things get done? How else will we survive?
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Aundi Kolber believes that we don’t have to white-knuckle our way through life. In her debut book, Try Softer, she’ll show us how God specifically designed our bodies and minds to work together to process our stories and work through obstacles. Through the latest psychology, practical clinical exercises, and her own personal story, Aundi equips and empowers us to connect us to our truest self and truly live. This is the “try softer” life.
According to her author biography, Aundi Kolber is a Licensed Professional Counselor (MA LPC), writer, and speaker in Castle Rock, Colorado. She specializes in trauma- and body-centered therapies and is passionate about the integration of faith and psychology.
If you prefer to avoid groups or live too far away, I encourage you to join us online for our Wednesday gatherings. Alternatively, you can call in by phone, be heard, and hear what others say by calling (929) 436-2866 — enter the meeting ID, 282 039 5568#.
We are a diverse group, delighted when new people 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.
1 Scot McKnight. Praying with the Church.Brewster, MA: Paraclete Press, 2006.
2 Aundi Kolber. Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode–and into a Life of Connection and Joy. Carol Street, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2020.