MISSOURI MID-STATE DISTRICT UMW LIBRARY

Annotations for Books Available for 2012 Reading

printable Request Form for borrowing the books

NOT IN OUR TOWN (DVD) is not on Reading List but a good program resource on prejudice/racism.  Citizens of Billings, Montana united to fight intolerance, and other communities have followed their lead.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: WHAT CHURCHES CAN DO (DVD) is not on Reading List but a good program resource on domestic violence and need for churches to take an active part in meeting needs of victims.

*Printable Guides available online where indicated in blue letters after the annotation.                                 

Books from the 2009 UMW Reading List

EDUCATION FOR MISSIONS

THREE CUPS OF TEA, by Mortenson/Relin - In 1993 mountaineer Greg Mortenson drifted into an impoverished Pakistan village in the Karakoram Mountains. The inhabitants' kindness moved him to build 55 schools, especially for poor girls in mountainous regions of Pakistan. 349pp.(LP 693pp) EM, 2009 [3 copies + 1 Large Print]

NURTURING COMMUNITY

AMISH GRACE, by Kraybill - An Amish Community's forgiving response to the shootings of ten school girls at Nickel Mines, PA, in October 2006. The author interviewed many in the community and explains how their practice of forgiveness is a major part of their deep faith. 237pp. nc, 2009. Bonus book (counts as two for UMW Reading report) [3 copies] *printable group study guide.

HERE IF YOU NEED ME, by Braestrup - Kate Braestrup lost her state trooper husband in a tragic accident, but she fulfilled his wishes and became the chaplain for search-and-rescue missions in the Maine woods, giving comfort to those dealing with dreadful outcomes.  323pp. NC, 2009. [1 Large Print copy]

WHO STOLE MY CHURCH? by MacDonald - Most churches, no matter what denomination, are facing the dilemma of remaining comfortable for seasoned adults but also meeting needs of the younger generation church participants in the 21st Century. Entertaining and thought-provoking fictitious story based on a  pastor's observations concerning that issue.   248pp. NC, 2009. [3 copies]  *printable group study guide.

SOCIAL ACTION

CONFRONTING THE CONTROVERSIES, by Hamilton - UM pastor/author Adam Hamilton offers the reader a solid, Bible based opinion on seven controversial topics: separation of church and state; creation and evolution in public schools; death penalty; euthanasia; prayer in public schools; abortion; and homosexuality. 247pp. SA, 2009. [4 Larger Print copies] *printable group study guide.

LIFTING UP HOPE, LIVING OUT JUSTICE, by Knotts -The Methodist Federation for Social Action was founded on the work of four women through their influence in the social justice ministries between 1907 and 1914. Affected by the injustices they saw in their worlds, they worked to change the human condition.. 100pp. SA, 2009 [3 copies]  *printable group study guide.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

A PERFECT LOVE (expanded version), by Manskar - Makes John Wesley’s “A Plain Account of Christian Perfection” accessible for understanding ones spiritual significance. Dr. Manskar includes guidance to help us better understand our spiritual journey and provides careful theological and spiritual reflection on Wesley’s work. Includes study guide. 144pp. SG, 2009 [1 copy]  *printable group study guide

 

 

Books from the 2010 UMW Reading List

 

EDUCATION FOR MISSIONS

A CREDIBLE WITNESS: Reflections on Power, Evangelism and Race, by McNeil – The author uses Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman and her own experiences to show how to cross barriers of race, gender and social position that too often separate Christians and block many from fulfilling the biblical mandate to “love one another.”  158pp. EM, 2010 [1 copy]

 

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH INDIA: The Story of the Wife and Daughter of E. Stanley Jones, by Jones - Mabel Lossing Jones, an accomplished missionary who served 42 years in India as wife of E. Stanley Jones, contributed greatly to mission in India as did their daughter Eunice. 176pp. EM, 2010 [1 copy]

 

 

NURTURING COMMUNITY

CARING FOR MOTHER: A Daughter’s Long Goodbye, by Owens - Facing Alzheimer’s in a loved one or in the mirror increases for many as baby boomers age into the 85-and older population. 176pp. NC, 2010 [1 copy]

GROWING FRIENDSHIPS; CONNECTING MORE DEEPLY WITH THOSE WHO MATTER MOST, by Klehn - God offers friendships as a lifeline for women, but like flowers they must be handled with care. Excellent advice for finding new friendships, nurturing old relationships and adjusting as friends grow apart.  208pp.  NC, 2010 [1 copy]

THE UNDERTAKER’S WIFE; Wisdom and Musings on Life in a Small Town Funeral Home, by Hastings - Two longtime friends enjoy their children’s path of wonder and wildness, silliness and surrender and discover God and each other in deeply spiritual ways while hanging out in the park, building snowmen, and dealing with dirty diapers and ear infections.  210pp. NC, 2010 [1 copy]

 

SOCIAL ACTION

SACRED SPARK, by Sykes - True story of a child affected by mercury poisoning and his United Methodist cleric mother who alerted her church, the nation and world to the dangers of vaccines containing mercury. 314pp. SC, 2010 Bonus book (counts as two for UMW Reading report) [2 copies]

 

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

LONGING FOR ENOUGH IN A CULTURE OF MORE, by Escamilla - Explores “The Good Book,” “The Good Life,” “The Good Work,” “The Good Society” and “The Good Earth.”  These probing essays make the “life of enough” a natural next step for Christians.  134pp. SG, 2010 [1 copy]

 

A MONK IN THE INNER CITY, by Kownacki - Centuries ago a group of desert dwellers had left the pressures of life to draw near to God in the wilderness. That wilderness for Mary Lou Kownacki, a Benedictine nun and peacemaker, is the inner city of Erie, Pennsylvania, amid drugs, violence and despair, but surrounded by families trying to survive and keep hope alive.  156pp. SG, 2010 [1 copy]

 

ANY CATEGORY

THE SHACK: WHERE TRAGEDY CONFRONTS ETERNITY, by Young - A religious metaphor, following the main character’s relationship to each of the symbolic characters as they grow and develop, just as his spiritual relationship also matures. He gains a gradual acceptance of his daughter’s fate through his stay at The Shack. 252pp. Any category, 2010 [2 copies]

 

 

Books from the New 2011 UMW Reading List

 

EDUCATION FOR MISSIONS

DISFIGURED - A SAUDI WOMAN’S STORY OF TRIUMPH, by Al-Baz - Abused by her husband, Rania Al-Baz agreed to make pictures of her injuries public, sparking criticism of Saudi culture.  As a result, the first Saudi research into domestic violence began in Riyadh. 160pp. EM, 2011 [2 copies]

FOLLOWING GOD’S CALL - INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION, by Whitehurst - More than 100,000 people serve in the UM Volunteers in Mission programs annually.  Walter and Betty Whitehurst, longtime leaders in the program, gathered thoughts and comments of some long-term volunteers. 183pp. EM, 2011 [1 copy]

LIKE BREATH AND WATER, by Rouse - Ciona Rouse started her journey to Africa prepared to learn about prayer. Once there she learned that prayer does not simply petition God, but is a life force, like breath and water and runs deep in the soul of Africa's people. 98pp.  EM, 2011 Bonus book (counts as two for UMW Reading report) [1copy]

PALESTINE: PEACE NOT APARTHEID, by Carter - Former president Jimmy Carter offers an assessment of what must be done to bring permanent peace to Israel with dignity and justice to Palestine. He addresses sensitive issues many American officials avoid and prescribes the steps that must be taken for the two states to share the Holy Land without apartheid or fear of terrorism. 313pp. EM, 2011 Bonus book (counts as two for UMW Reading report) [1 copy]

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

NUCHRISTIAN – FINDING FAITH IN A NEW GENERATION, by Rathbun - Christians and the church are often seen as judgmental, sheltered and overly political. The author provides practical ideas for connecting with new generations through a more authentic faith community that is transparent, holistic, engaged, just, loving and humble. 88pp.LD, 2011 [3 copies] *printable guide  Power Point program available for loan.

 

THE PERFECT BOARD, by Clemons - We are introduced to Rebecca Mayfield, an up-and-coming board member learning the ropes of her new job.  The author shares informative tips he has learned from personal experience and knowledge of board procedure, making this a perfect primer on what it takes to be an effective member of a team. 110pp. LD, 2011 [1 copy]

THIS CHILD WILL BE GREAT: MEMOIR OF A REMARKABLE LIFE BY AFRICA’S FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT, by Sirleaf -- In January 2006, after the Republic of Liberia had been enduring 14 years of civil war, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf—Africa’s “Iron Lady”—was sworn in as president.  She tells about her rise to power, early childhood, imprisonment and exile, and her fight for social justice and democracy.  Her story encourages all women to pursue leadership roles at the highest levels of power.  She inspires perseverance and the knowledge that we can change the world. 354pp. LD, 2011 [1 copy]

THE WOLF SHALL DWELL WITH THE LAMB -- A SPIRITUALITY FOR LEADERSHIP IN A MULTI-CULTURAL COMMUNITY, by Law - The author poses answers to questions about why people retreat to their own groups at a well-intentioned multicultural conference. 131pp. LD, 2011 [1 copy]

NURTURING COMMUNITY

INHERITING THE TRADE, by DeWolf - The author, related to the most successful slave-trading family in U.S. history, and ten family members retraced their ancestor's steps through the notorious triangle trade route - from New England to West Africa to Cuba - and uncovered the hidden slave trade history of New England and the other northern states. 262pp. NC, 2011 [2 copies]

The LATEHOMECOMER - A HMONG FAMILY MEMOIR, by Yang - Born in a Thai refugee camp, Kao Yang immigrated to St. Paul, MN at age six.  She describes their harrowing escape from Laos, their life in the refugee camps, the hardships and great joy of caring for a growing family in a new land, and her own experiences with American life and learning. 280pp. NC, 2011 [1 copy]

SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME - A modern-day slave, an international art dealer, and the unlikely woman who bound them together, by Hall/Moore - Ron Hall and Denver Moore form an unlikely friendship resulting from charity and challenged by tragedy. The story begins in a burning plantation hut in Louisiana and unfolds in the upscale art scene in Texas; it exposes pain, betrayal and brutality, and it shines with an unexpected life-changing love. Large Print. 406pp. NC, 2011 [2 copies]

WARRIOR PRINCESS: FIGHTING FOR LIFE WITH COURAGE AND HOPE, by Zulu - Princess Kasune Zulu grew up in Africa trying to make sense of the mystery illness decimating the continent’s people.  It claimed the lives of her parents, her baby and more than 100 million people worldwide. She, too, tests positive with HIV.  Her message to Zambian villagers, the White House, and the United Nations is that we can become the first generation to end extreme poverty, if only we have the will to do so.  We each have a role to play in bringing healing and hope to our world. 272pp. NC, 2011 [1 copy]

 

SOCIAL ACTION

CLAIMING EARTH AS COMMON GROUND, by Cohen-KienerAn amazingly large and powerful force is required to save the planet by shifting into a more sustainable way of living. People of faith have the numbers, the passion and the mandate to do it. Nothing else is strong enough to counter-balance "business as usual." 176pp. SA, 2011 [1 copy]

NOT JUST A ONE NIGHT STAND, by Flowers/Vannoy – The long-co-pastorate of the authors at Travis Park UMC in San Antonio, TX, is testimony to what can happen in a church that makes Christ Lord and looks for that Lord on the margins. 128pp. SA, 2011. [2 copies]

 

THE TRUE COST OF LOW PRICES, by GallaherLow prices benefit consumers but keep poor workers poor. Topics: nature of globalization; structural adjustment programs; slave labor; needs of workers (especially women), health care, adequate food, freedom from abuse; and violence caused by unregulated work environments.  166pp. SA, 2011 [1 copy]

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

BEING A CHRISTIAN IN THE WESLEYAN TRADITION, by Gooch - Questions and decisions about what it means to be a Christian disciple in the United Methodist tradition, and discover the important differences from other denominations that make us unique.  126pp. SG, 2011 [2 copies]

 

CONTEMPLATIVE CROCHET: A HANDS-ON GUIDE FOR INTERLOCKING FAITH & CRAFT, by Crandall-Frazier - Those who crochet know the satisfaction gained in their art: rhythm of the hook, the feel of fiber, and the miraculous creation of beautiful fabric from thread or yarn can go beyond crocheting.  Develop a sense of the spiritual into a deeper path, whether individually or as part of a group, through original patterns, meditations, reflections and creative exercises. The projects will lead to a whole new state of mind. 194pp. SG, 2011 [1 copy]

GETTING TO THE HEART OF INTERFAITH, by Mackenzie/Falcon/Rahman - Journey to interfaith collaboration of a pastor, a rabbi, and a sheikh.  Their challenges and stories provide spiritual healing and work beyond tolerance.  186pp. SG, 2011 [1 copy]

IF YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE, YOU’LL KNOW WHAT TO DO, by Greer   Ronald Greer uses stories from his own and others lives, showing personal and moral integrity and to do what we know is the right thing to do.  126pp. SG, 2011 [1 copy]

JUST CHOOSE HAPPINESS, by Mohney - Mohney believes a series of committed choices can cause your spirit to sing. Explore with her these committed choices for joyous and happy living. A guidebook for individual and group study. 134pp. SG, 2011 [1 copy]]

TALKING WITH GOD IN OLD AGE; MEDITATIONS AND PSALMS, by Buchanan - Missy Buchanan sensitively addresses the worries, fears, and frustrations of older adults and extends hope, encouraging them to maintain an open dialogue with God.  96pp. SG, 2011 [ 1 Large Print copy]

TOUCH: PRESSING AGAINST THE WOUNDS OF A BROKEN WORLD, by Rasmus - The amazing true story of Rudy Rasmus’ life, his response to God’s grace and his passion to tough every person with God’s great love.  This is a book of biblical truths and ministry principles, but more than that, it is the story of God using Pastor Rudy and St. John’s Church in Houston to reach into people’s deepest fears and highest hopes—and touch them with God’s transforming love. 256pp. SG,  [1 copy]

 

 

2011 Books for Children and Youth

FIVE-MINUTE BIBLE STORIES, by Rock - Twenty of the most popular Bible stories retold with honesty and good humor, and each one can be read in just five-minutes. Colorful illustrations.  96pp, Category: Spiritual Growth—2011 [1 copy]

WHEN THIS WORLD WAS NEW, by Figuerado - Danilito’s family emigrated from a warm island to New York. When his father leads him on a magical trip through new fallen snow, he realizes he can overcome his fears.  Colorful illustrations will enhance story time.  32pp. Category: Social Action—2011 [1 copy]

 

 

Books from the New 2012 UMW Reading List

 

EDUCATION FOR MISSIONS

Because He Lives, by Guess – Into a world of genocide came supplemental UMW giving which has helped the Methodist Mission in Cambodia as well as its women and children.  276pp. EM, 2012 [1 copy]

 

Forgotten Girls, by Strom/Rickett – Stories of women and girls world wide who face starvation, displacement, illiteracy, sexual exploitation and abuse, but have found God’s love and acceptance when their cultures have rejected them. 176pp. EM, 2012 [1copy]

 

Thunder Over Kandahar, by McKay – Two best friends find their dreams shattered when the Taliban burns down their new Afghan school, threatening their lives and that of their teacher.  The girls realize they must flee if they want a future.  260pp.  Youth, EM, 2012  [1 copy]

 

We Wait You, by Hutchison – Story of one woman’s journey which made a difference after the Eastern European revolutions of 1989.  222pp. EM, 2012 [1copy]

 

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, by Kamkwamba – The author’s boyhood dream of building a windmill to bring electricity and running water to his Malawian village is fulfilled by his use of old science textbooks, scrap metal, tractor parts, and bicycle halves.  306pp. LD, 2012 [1copy]

 

Change the World, by Slaughter – Today’s American Christians are known for their love among believers and their potlucks rather than the love they could share with the world and fighting hunger at home and abroad.  Are they truly sharing the message and mission of Jesus?  158pp.  LD, 2012 [1 copy]

 

Women Lead the Way, by Tarr-Whelan – After decades of attempting to move into higher positions of power, society is still missing women’s new perspectives, fresh insights, and practical guidance when critical issues are decided.  213pp.  LD, 2012  [1 copy]

 

NURTURING FOR COMMUNITY

Allow God to Wear Your Face, by Knotts – A simple guide for people who wish to make visits with sick people more meaningful and effective.  64pp.  NC, 2012  [1 copy]

 

Breathe, by Bromley – With one in three women and one in six men abuse, our world is full of survivors longing to be healed.  The author offers guidelines for the victims and those who love them.  180pp.  NC, 2012  [1 copy]

 

Creative Aging, by Bankson – Explores the spiritual dimensions of retirement and aging in a practical way, offering creative ways to share gifts and experience.  152pp.  NC, 2012  [1 copy]

 

I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced, by Ali Nujood Ali’s father arranged for her marriage to a man three times her age.  Once she escaped her harrowing married life in Yemen, local advocates and the press helped her gain her freedom.  190pp.  NC, 2012 [1 copy]

 

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Skloot – Scientists know the poor Southern tobacco farmer named Henrietta Lacks for her still surviving cells called Helas 60 years after her death.  These invaluable cells, taken without her or her family’s knowledge and grown in culture, became one of the most important tools in medicine.  382pp.  NC, 2012  [1 copy]

 

SOCIAL ACTION

Green Church, by Simon-Peter – Citing Scripture and science, the author weaves in personal stories and challenges readers to consider our role in care for Earth and saving it for future generations.  116pp.  Large Print, SC, 2012  [1 copy]

 

The Slave Next Door, by Bales/Soodalter – Slaves are hidden all around us and in plain sight.  Some stories of human trafficking are told with a call to action to bring an end to this horrific crime.  312pp. SA, 2012  [1 copy]

 

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Laugh Your Way to Grace, by Sparks – Laughter is a gift all children are born with, but it tends to fade as we age.  The author helps us find permission to reconnect with our sense of joy and hope. 150pp.  Larger Print, SG, 2012  [1 copy]  Power Point program available for loan.

 

Ostriches, Dung Beetles and Other Spiritual Masters, by McLaughlin – Here we learn about wildlife in Africa as well as about ourselves and our capabilities through stories of those animals.  Individual or group study.  148pp.  SG, 2012 [1 copy] Power Point program available for loan.

 

Outlive Your Life, by Lucado -- Natural disasters and economic uncertainty cannot stop us from spreading God’s love and hope to all corners of the world.  240pp.  SG, 2012  [1 copy]

True When Whispered, by Escamilla – Sometimes God whispers and we must learn to hear his quiet voice.  How do we hear God’s voice in such a noisy world? 132pp.  SG, 2012 [1 copy]

 

UMW Individual Reading Report Form

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