Six New Things – Week of May 24, 2021
This week it’s all about who’s talking – and who’s listening – and letting story-sharing shift our perspective…
One
Ron Sandison weaves narrative with Scripture, research, parenting tips, prayers, devotions, and more as he tells his own story to inspire others’ journey with God in Views from the Spectrum: A Window into Life and Faith with Your Neurodivergent Child (Kregel Pubn).
Find additional resources for Ministry with Differently Abled Persons in our lib guide.
Two
A child treks across the land in search of someone to whom he can tell his sad story. When he finally meets My Story Friend (Magination), telling his story helps him develop a new perspective, moving from challenge to hope and positivity.
Three
Inspire leaders of all ages – and open up some challenging conversations – with KALW’s The Spiritual Edge podcast. Its first season, Sacred Steps, features profiles of activists and humanitarians who challenge the status quo. Each episode connects listeners to the struggles and hopes of giving everything for the wellbeing of others.
Listen to the trailer here.
Four
One of our most challenging stories is around reopening. Inspire truth-telling and careful listening with the Wisconsin Council of Churches Love Builds Up: thoughtful Returning to Church guidelines and suggestions.
Five
To whom do you tell your stories? Three self-care books for congregational leaders emerge this week:
Thriving as a Single Person in Ministry (Rowman & Littlefield): the same sums it up: find research-based perspective on the joys, opportunities, and challenges of being single in vocational ministry.
Dwell on These Things: A Thirty-One-Day Challenge to Talk to Yourself Like God Talks to You (Waterbrook) might change your life by changing the messages that enter your mind. Learn to see yourself through God’s eyes by spending thirty-one days feeding your heart a new, biblical message of encouragement.
And do not miss the culmination of Thomas Moore’s work, Soul Therapy: The Art and Craft of Caring Conversations (Harper One), written specifically for and to practitioners and care-givers, with wisdom for how to offer soul care for those they assist.
Find additional resources for Personal Care for Care-Givers and Pastoral Care, in general, in our lib guides.
Six
Share your story with us and with other leaders! Join our monthly Round Table, to develop a network of colleagues, all of whom are facing comparable challenges in diverse settings: the perfect spot to swap stories, listen to Great Idea, and get some affirmations, perspective, and inspiration!
Register once and you’ve got the zoom for every Round Table gathering.