Text Box: LIBRARY LINES By Virginia Hallmark
Text Box: PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH LIBRARY is to serve FUMC congregation with inspirational reading, worship resources, teaching resources and any other printed matter or media which would enrich the spiritual and intellectual lives of our members and fulfill the program ministries of the church. REVIEW: THE BOOK OF BEGINNINGS (The Story of Geneses and Job) by Dr. Steve Stephens. "The storyteller looked to the black star-splashed sky and closed his eyes. Figures about the fire leaned forward, for they knew the time was near. The fire burst red and yellow sparks into the dark air. From the distant rocky hills came the unearthly wail of a jackal, in its hunt for food by the light of a sliver of a moon. The old man opened his eyes. He began to speak.” He was the ancient storyteller of the books of Genesis and Job-some of the most famous stories ever told thru the ages. This book will catch your imagination quickly. Did Lot’s wife die from being struck by lightning in a storm? Read and decide. Your faith and understanding will be strengthened. Recommended! REVIEW: WON’T YOU LET HIM IN by James W. Moore. The Gift of the Christ Child; this is what Christmas is all about: God’s greatest gift to the world, God’s amazing gift to you and me. It becomes our responsibility to receive the gift; to welcome the gift; accept the gift; and celebrate the gift. Pray that God will fill your heart with warmth, love and peace of Christ. Meditate on the busyness and distractions that are always present. AN ADVENT STUDY. REVIEW: 2005-2008 SOCIAL PRINCIPLES BY GENERAL CONFERENCE, UMC. The UMC has a long history of concern for social principles. In the past, they opposed slave trade, smuggling and cruel treatment of prisoners. A social creed was adopted in 1908, and is updated every 4 years by a commission composed of half clergy and half laymen. The principles are meant to persuade, encourage and inform. They are not church law. If you don’t agree with a principle, you must know that you are not the only Methodist not in agreement. For instance, do you believe war is sometimes necessary? Do you believe abortion is sometimes necessary? What do you believe about the death penalty? These are just a few of the challenges we face daily. Please read this book! YOU WILL BE A BETTER METHODIST FOR HAVING READ IT. READING AND DISCUSSION GROUP: February 28, 2008 - THE MEMORY KEEPER’S DAUGHTER by Kim Edwards. Norma Fink was the moderator. This has been previously reviewed. It has proven to be a very popular book, read by many members of First UMC. Also, it continues to be a top selling book. Let’s hope we have more from this talented writer. NEXT MEETING: March 27, 2008 – SALT: A WORLD HISTORY by Mark Kurlansky. Virginia Hallmark will be the moderator. LIBRARY PURCHASES: Books: Religious: PASTOR PARISH RELATIONS by Betsey Weaver GIFT BOOKS: Religious: IF YOU WANT TO WALK ON WATER, YOU’VE GOT TO GET OUT OF THE BOAT by John Ortberg REINVENTING YOUR LIFE WITH GRACE by Women of Faith THE SPIRIT FILLED WOMAN by Beverly LaHaye DAILY SPLASHES OF JOY by Barbara Johnson THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE WESLEYAN HARITAGE by Mack B. Stokes CLARIFYING YOUR COMMITMENT by Navigators A SPIRITUAL ROAD MAP IN A MIXED UP WORLD by Lance Witt Non-Fiction: OVERCOMING OVEREATING by Jane R. Hitschmann LEADERSHIP – RUDOLPH W. GIULIANI - an autobiography THE FEELING GOOD HANDBOOK by David D. Burns PARENTING ISN’T FOR COWARDS by Dr. James C. Dobson THE KEY TO A CHILD’S HEART by Gary Smalley Fiction: JULIA’S LAST HOPE by Janette Oke, ROSES FOR MAMA by Janette Oke PRAYER FOR EASTER: Thank you, loving God that we can always trust in your love, card, and grace. Thank you for the gift of Jesus. Amen.