After a wonderfully uplifting graduation service, I will be on the road visiting annual conferences and strengthening church connections over the next month or so. I am taking some summer reading with me and wanted to highlight a few items:
Where Do We Go from Here? Honest Responses from Twenty-Four United Methodist Leaders. Compiled by Kevin Slimp. Knoxville, Tennessee: Market Square Books, 2019.
This book includes essays from Perkins’ own Rev. Dr. Rebekah Miles, former Dean William Lawrence and Perkins alumni Bishops Farr and Ritter. Following the February 2019 session of the United Methodist General Conference, the authors share their response to the question, “Where do we go from here?” I am looking forward to learning from the varied perspectives and insights of colleagues.
Brooks, David. The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life. New York: Random House, 2019.
Continuing his insightful commentary into the intersection of culture and character, in this volume Brooks explores personal commitments that define meaningful lives and help us to maintain the social fabric. After attending a recent session with the author, we invited him to come to headline our Perkins Scholarship Luncheon next February 5, which he has agreed to do. Look for more information soon.
Steves, Rick. Travel as a Political Act. New York, NY: Nation Books, 2009.
Along with Célestin Musekura and Samira Izadi Page, Rick Steves will be a keynote speaker at the 2019 Perkins Fall Convocation on November 11-12. In addition to producing his television show, Steves has written numerous travel guidebooks. This volume includes essays on how travel has shaped his worldview and reflections on what we can learn from other countries and cultures.
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community. Translated by John W. Doberstein. New York, NY: HarperOne, 2009.
This classic text by Dietrich Bonhoeffer speaks anew to our church and culture. Mark your calendars for Friday, February 14, when Perkins will be hosting a series of lectures and the performance at Meadows of Al Stagg’s one-person play on Bonhoeffer.
Whether in the company of these books or others, I trust that you will join me in renewing your mind and spirit over the summer.
Grace and peace,
Craig