Last Writes Book Club
October 6, 13, 20
For a while now, some of us have bounced around an idea for a book group that would focus on the intentional work around the soul, spiritual growth, mythology, story, and transformation. What would it be like to share in such a deep conversation that takes seriously the ancient practices of our faith, taking seriously the call to stretch our muscles of imagination and creativity?
Honestly, one of my fantasies has always been to have an extremely quirky bookstore where people can come and read fascinating books together and have conversation they maybe can’t have anywhere else. Conversations about the soul, paradox, mystery, and what it means to nurture an incarnational Christianity. Deep end of the pool stuff. Much like what happens when we share Last Rites with people when the pretenses fall away and we look the complexity of life fully in the face. So, “the Last Writes Book Club” seemed to fit.
So, let’s explore what might be possible with a three-week series, at 7 PM on Tuesday evenings October 6, 13, and 20. We’ll meet on Zoom so even more people can share in the conversation. Feel free to have a glass of wine, a beer, tea, or coffee (probably decaf) as well and we can share a great conversation.
To begin, we will read In the Absence of the Ordinary: Soul Work for Times of Uncertainty by Francis Weller. You can find a copy wherever you shop for books. This is an extraordinary book, and my copy is already all marked up and floppy from going back to passages. It is a series of essays that highlights the enormous opportunity we have to delve deeply into a robust practice of faith that takes seriously the truth of our stories and our lives. While not being a long book, it is soaked with insight, and I have no doubt it will foster great conversations.
As part of our time together each week, I will also offer a weekly practice for us to explore. This way, we can integrate the teachings in our lives rather than keeping the insights merely in our minds. So, we’ll have an interactive element as well that should bear fruit.
At the end of our three weeks, we’ll turn to one another and ask where the Spirit is leading us from here. I have no idea what next steps will be, but we’ll discern that together. I’m thankful for the conversation we will explore!
Fr. Stuart