By Dr. Johannah Myers
Check out these exciting books!
How about something different this month?
My church (the “tidy” one, that is) will host two Dinner and Discussion events this summer where folks gather to discuss a book over a meal together. Both books have travel/pilgrimage as a common theme. Here’s what we’re reading:
Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim’s Tale
First up is a fantastic book entitled “Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim’s Tale” by Ian Morgan Cron. I can’t recommend this book enough! A friend recommended it to me several years ago and I’ve ended up reading it multiple times, including again this summer. Pastor Chase Falcon has his world shaken, leading him on a surprising journey across Assisi where St. Francis helps him put pieces back together in unexpected ways. Seriously. Read it! (If you enjoy audiobooks, this is a great listen, too.)
I’ll Push You: A Journey of 500 miles
Later this summer, we’ll dive into the story of bravery and friendship in “I’ll Push You: A Journey of 500 Miles, Two Friends, and One Wheelchair,” by Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck. This book tells the story of lifelong friends, Patrick and Justin, as they traverse the Camino de Santiago together with Patrick pushing Justin’s wheelchair across the 500-mile journey. The love and friendship on display here is truly inspiring! “I’ll Push You” can also be found as a documentary (Amazon Prime) filmed during the pilgrimage. You can learn more about these friends on their website, as well: https://www.illpushyou.com
I hope both of these books will be as inspiring for you as they have been for me!
Messy Togetherness: Being Intergenerational in Messy Church
Don’t forget that the new edition of Messy Togetherness is now available for purchase. Messy Togetherness takes a deep dive into the all-ages value of Messy Church and why we believe an all-age church is the best way to be church. Martyn Payne and Chris Barnett help us to think more intentionally about WHY and HOW we bring generations together.
We have a coupon code that’s good through the end of June, too. So don’t wait to get your copy! MESSYUSA20 will get your 20% off!
Do you have recommendations to share with our community? Send them my way! Until next month, Johannah
johannah@messychurchusa.org