Every year the United Methodist Women of First UMC-Brighton & Whitmore Lake purchase books that are recommended by the national organization. Reading Program books are divided into five categories: Education for Mission,
Leadership Development, Nurturing for Community, Social Action and Spiritual Growth. We want to share these with the entire congregation. Anyone may check out books from the UMW library located in the parlor, Brighton Campus. There is a sign-out book with easy instructions on the cover.
Contact Maggie Shrier or Shirley Sechrist

January 2023 Book Corner

Let’s start 2023 with a commitment to read more! A UMW member says it well:

“I have known the wonderful sensation of a writer articulating something I’ve always felt somewhere in my spirit, but had never been able to name before seeing it on the page. I have found, too, an invitation into deep engagement with perspectives and experiences far different from my own, challenging my assumptions about other people, and giving me not just new information but new insight.”

The books on the UMW shelves are for all to enjoy. There are many new titles in all categories added for the new year. Here are a few suggestions, one from each category:

• The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek
• Ida B. the Queen: The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of Ida B. Wells
• Vail’s Tales (suitable for children)
• Cousins: Connected Through Slavery, A Black Woman and a White Woman Discover Their Past and Each Other
• The New American: A Novel

We’re pleased to announce the participants in the 2022 Reading Program from our church: Marjorie Buxton, Pauline Schaffer, Maggie Shrier, Teri Muhn, Shirley Sechrist, Jean Beckett, Susan Urban, and Barb Terry.

Contact Maggie Shrier and Shirley Sechrist

December 2022 Book Corner

Speaking Well by Adam Hamilton is a wealth of information about public speaking. It is for those who speak to large assemblies or small groups.

It is written in an easy-to-read style with short chapters. He writes about how he prepares to speak, content, and delivery. Even the choice of clothing he considers important.

The entertaining book can be found in the Leadership Development section of the United Methodist Women Library. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to borrow books from the UMW Library.  The library is located on the small wall in the upstairs parlor near the kitchenette. New books are added in December. Topics feature current social issues and inspirational faith stories.   There are children’s books, too.

Contact Maggie Shrier and Shirley Sechrist

October 2022 Book Corner

The United Methodist Women reading program encourages readers to think critically about current issues. It is an excellent opportunity to deepen your spirituality and to broaden your understanding of the mission work of UMW. Our library is open for all in the church to enjoy. You can find the books in the corner of the parlor on the shelves labeled United Methodist Women Reading Program. Simply use the sign-out notebook found on the shelves.

A book we recommend is Right Here Right Now: The Practice of Christian Mindfulness. Christians have always practiced mindfulness. This book reveals its Christian roots and actual practices that deepen the life of faith and the power of our mission in the world.

In addition, if you have a chance please borrow a copy of response, the official magazine of United Women in Faith (aka UMW). Each issue will touch your heart, stir your soul, and challenge your mind.

Contact Maggie Shrier and Shirley Sechrist

July 2022 Book Corner

The United Methodist Women (aka United Women in Faith) bookshelves in our church library are open for all to enjoy. You’ll find mysteries to biographies to informational books about immigration, racism, mental healthcare and more. There is something for everyone!

A book we recommend is Sleep, Pray, Heal: A Path To Wholeness and Well-Being by Donna Fado Ivery. This is an inspirational memoir of a pastor struggling with physical issues relying on the support of family and the Holy Spirit.

In addition to the books, we highly recommend Faith Talks. These are monthly conversations with women exploring themes and resources that empower us to put faith, hope, and love into action. Link to Faith Talks podcast.

Contact Maggie Shrier and Shirley Sechrist

April 2022 Book Corner

• The Girl With Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee
  This Social Action book is the story of one woman’s struggle to guide her family from North
  Korea to freedom.
• One Dress, One Year by Bethany Winz
  This Education For Mission book shows how even small gestures can have a lasting impact.
  The author’s heart for justice leads her to wear the same black dress every day for a year.
• The Boy Who Delivered Joy by Marvin Bartlett
  This Nurturing For Community book is a true and inspirational story about a young boy who
  did not let childhood cancer steal his spirit.
• Speaking Well: Essential Skills For Speakers, Leaders, and Preachers by Adam Hamilton
  This Leadership book offers helpful information for people of all walks.
• The Watcher by Nikki Grimes
  This Spiritual Growth book is a poem of compassion, friendship, and faith. Its beautiful
  artwork has earned awards for this children’s book that will be enjoyed by any age.

February 2022 Book Corner

The Book of Joy is the result of a 7 day meeting between the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu,  two of the world’s most influential spiritual leaders. At this meeting they discussed the  important question: how do we find joy despite suffering? 

In 2015 Desmond Tutu traveled to India to the home of the Dalai Lama. They both had spent a  lifetime fighting non-violently against oppression in their countries and leading millions of  people in their spiritual journeys. 

The two wise men help the reader learn the process of turning suffering into joy. 

“We create most of our suffering, so it should be logical that we also have the ability to create more joy. When it comes to personal happiness there is a lot that we as individuals can do.”  

-Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu 

Douglas Abrams, Tutu’s co-writer and editor, documented the conversation and put it in the form of this book.