Six New Things – Week of June 23, 2025

Amidst contentious divisions, it’s time for humorous humility, creation interaction, and bonding through healthy practices and pride.

ONE

When arguing is considered an art form – and drowns out all actual communication – The Arguers (Rocky Pond) points a lighthearted light on how we all win when we stop to hear one another.

We’ve added this to our Courageous Spaces Toolkit and our Faith, Love, Compassion, and Forgiveness lib guide.

TWO

One source of divisiveness – that is crying out for unity – is our growing climate crisis. Joining God in the Thin Places: Theologies Active in Natural Disaster (Cascade), ‘adds urgency to interacting well with creation’ as it offers ‘examples of local and global… theologies of accompaniment’ resulting in ‘well-being and flourishing’.

Find more in our Worship: Justice & Lament and Emerging Theologies lib guides.

THREE

Divided adults and our subsequent lack of action contribute significantly to the growth of eco-anxiety among young people. The Common Rule Youth Edition: Growing Your Faith in a Distracted World (IVP), might be part of an antidote, with its, ‘roadmap to a balanced and meaningful life’.

Find more in our Meaning & True Self lib guide.

FOUR

For a quick glimpse into those elusive youth hearts and minds, download Thirteen: A First Look at Gen Alpha (Springtide Research), ‘an up-close look at the newest generation: their hopes, their dreams, and their needs’.

Find more in our Youth Ministry lib guide.

FIVE

Invite adults into the graphic novel of ‘four gay Asians navigating love, identity, and friendship’ in Gaysians (Algonquin), ‘a celebration of queer chosen family’ – a great way to round out Pride month.

Find more in our Anti-Racism: Tweens & Teens – Perspectives & Stories lib guide.

SIX

And for everyone (like me!) who didn’t know June was also Caribbean American Heritage Month and Immigrant Heritage Month, check out Social Justice Books recommendations on Cuba, Haiti, and Puerto Rico and Immigration book lists.

Find more in our Anti-Racism: Children & Families –Diversity & Immigration and Social Justice: Immigrants & Refugees lib guides.

 

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I will be ‘out of the office’ and away from emails from June 30-July 7. There will be no Six New Things the week of June 30. I will return to regular communication – and Six New Things preparation on Monday, July 7, 2025.