Current Reads

There's a certain guilt, at times, when the weather is so glorious and one finds themselves sitting inside, reading. 

Ah, well.  Here are a few books I've been reading.


The Book of Uncommon Prayer

This gem is hot off the press from an author I've grown to appreciate the last couple years.  Annie Heppenstall has a gift for writing from a strong theological base, influenced by Celtic spirituality, and as a relevant witness in our post-modern world. 
I've only cracked this book, but already, I can't put it down. 

Last evening, I shared as part of a storytelling evening, and afterwards, the conversation got around to the observation that particularly in the Western world, authentic, deep connection with one another is happening increasingly rarely.  Perhaps in response, there is a surge in storytelling events, in part because some are dissatisfied with the lack of 'safe spaces' which act as bridges between separate groups and people. 

I bring storytelling into this book 'review' because storytelling recognizes that each person has a unique journey, which is of equal worth to everyone else's.  Heppenstall takes great care in this book to create liturgies and prayers which seek to bring a broader perspective on how we express our worship of the Divine.  She aims to create resources which can be used to include a wide range of experiences, a wide range of expressions of faith and spirituality, and a wide range of language.

The Quarreling Book...
I list this book, not because it's informing my life in a particular way, but as an example of a story that demonstrates (in an elementary way) the 'butterfly effect' of both hurtful words and words said in love.  

We got this book to use as part of an all-age service on peacemaking (though, admittedly, it showed up a day late, so we didn't use it...)  Our church doesn't have a strong tradition of using books to introduce themes to children,  and I think that means that the children's attention is often lost quite quickly.  Stories with pictures help more people (yes, adults, too!) get into the day's topic, and that is a top priority for me as I plan worship services.  

And, to be honest, this book shows its age (pub. 1963)  in the plot it uses to get the message across.  But, the message is worth it.

Herbal Tea Gardens
This book showcases a wide variety of plants that can be used for blending herbs for hot and cold drinks, with examples of how one might make a garden plot to address certain health needs.  It's packed with information on particular herbs, their desired growing conditions, instructions on preserving the various parts of the plants used, and more.  It's definitely an all-in-one kind of book. 

As Justin and I start to think about 'what's next' on the horizon, we are each delving into different ideas for how to develop and use our gifts in a new location.  As I've mentioned previously, I've been inspired by the work of Rev. Becca Stevens and Thistle Farms, whom I first encountered at last year's Greenbelt Festival here in the UK.  Rev. Stevens wrote in her most recent book about Thistle Farm's use of tea in their café, and how much of tea's history is complicated by colonialism, and the work done in deplorable, capitalist-driven conditions.

So, one idea I've been thinking about is what it might mean to develop a social enterprise or cooperative around growing and marketing herbal teas (or herbs for culinary uses or...).  Could growing and selling tea be an opportunity to treat the earth well, treat workers well, and respect the bodies and spirits of those consuming?  

This is just one idea, amongst several other.  Any and all ideas will need a bit of community support, community vision, and a community that values one another and the earth.