Six New Things: Week of September 21
One
Chalk the Vote!!! Shape the national narrative!
Inspiration:
- Rev. Dr. Michael Piazza’s Liberating Word (citing Octavia Butler)
- Brian McLaren’s The Five Electorates in 2020
Information:
- Stacey Abrams’ All In: The Fight for Democracy
- The League of Women Voters of Portland
- Learning to Give (for Littles – includes School House Rock!)
- The Ministry Lab’s Census & Voting resource list
Engagement:
- MNIPL’s chalk party guide
- Vote Common Good’s:
Two
Rev. Dr. Cameron Trimble considers how stories shape our understanding of ourselves in relationship to the world by reflecting on Iroquois mythology and encouraging us to read Valarie Kauer’s See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love (One World; trailer); while Rick Rouse and Paul Ingram, in The World Is about to Turn (Chalice), affirm how the stories of people of different perspectives and faith traditions can help us discover common ground for a life of mutual respect and care for each other.
Three
As we look forward to Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Oct. 12), let’s move toward a more authentic national narrative with three books from Beacon:
- An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz
- “All the Real Indians Died Off” And 20 Other Myths About Native Americans by Roxanne Dunbar Ortiz & Dina Gilio-Whitaker
- As Long as Grass Grows: The Indigenous Fight for Environmental Justice from Colonization to Standing Rock by Dina Gilio-Whitaker
Four
Help your Tweens, Teens & Young Adults develop their own story with the Awakened Life (Upper Room), an eight-week study that combines a focus on health and well-being with the discipline of meditation and spiritual practices. A Student Guide and in-depth Leader Guide are available; and, download the free guide for leading The Awakened Life virtually.
For your Littles: There are six new Growing in God’s Love: A Story Bible Curriculum units (Thoughtful Christian) – covering the seasons of the church year – becoming available in October. Each unit will include a free, downloadable, customizable at-home kit guide.
Five
The Lewis Center for Church Leadership asks, “What Is Your Narrative?” Mike Bonem asserts that leaders set a positive tone for their churches by framing a narrative that emphasizes bright spots and the belief that God is doing something new.
Six
If The Social Dilemma is getting too much for you, reshape your own narrative: at Music that Makes Community’s Virtual Fall Retreat: A Time to Rest, Reflect and Return Thanks; the Benedictine Center of Saint Paul’s Monastery’s Lean Times, Living Stories, and/or through the MN Conference UCC’s Contemplative Gatherings.
