Six New Things – Week of November 1, 2021

This All Saints’ Day and start of Native American History Month are about reflection and renewal: remember the saints, revive weary souls, re-vision history, redress oppressive systems, reimagine church, and refresh family relationships.

ONE

Groups or individuals can remember, reflect and be renewed – from All Saints’ Day through Advent – with Iona Community’s Candles & Conifers: Resources for All Saints’ and Advent (Wild Goose); for a smaller pick-me-up, try their two-page download, Rest Beside Quiet Waters.

TWO

Weary souls might be rejuvenated with the affirmation, encouragement, and solidarity offered in the 60-day On Love and Mercy: A Social Justice Devotional (Herald). Once restored, they might be ready to shine, inspired by, The Lightmaker’s Manifesto: How to Work for Change without Losing Your Joy (Broadleaf).

THREE

All of which is timely as we take a more honest look at our shared histories during Native American History Month. Helpful reading is available in An Afro-Indigenous History of the United States (Beacon), the first intersectional history of the Black and Native American struggle for freedom in the US.

For additional Native American History Month resources, see our Indigenous Voices (Adults), Perspectives & Stories (Tweens & Teens), and Identity & Diversity (Children & Families) lib guides.

FOUR

After a healthy look back, reshape the future: Been in the Struggle: Pursuing an Antiracist Spirituality (MennoMedia), “nurtures, challenges, and fosters the work and witness of dismantling racism for the long haul”, while God and Guns: the Bible against American Gun Culture (WJK) promises to “change conversations – and our culture”.

FIVE

The church won’t – and shouldn’t – be immune to change. The Church’s past identities and future hopes are connected to who the Church is today. Remove the Pews: Spiritual Possibilities for Sacred Spaces (Pilgrim) offers concrete suggestions on how congregations can open their church spaces to revive their spirits.

Find additional Reimagining Church resources in our lib guide.

SIX

And there’s no sense in talking about the future if we’re not thinking about our young ones. Inspire intergenerational joy with When Nana Dances (magination) and familial curiosity with The Totally True Book of Strange and Surprising Bible Lists (Beaming).

Support families prepping for Thanksgiving with resources from our Cultivating Gratitude & Hope and Thanksgiving lib guides.