Bookshelf

INSPIRATION EVERYWHERE

Worshipping online has given us a glimpse into one another’s homes, and bookshelves have become the background of choice (or convenience) for many. Both fiction and nonfiction books can help to shape our thoughts and discipleship. Jaime Lynch shares selections from her personal reading list.

HARRY POTTER SERIES J. K. ROWLING “I have been rediscovering this seven-book series through a podcast called Harry Potter and the Sacred Text (harrypottersacredtext.com). The inclusive nature of their approach and desire to persevere through challenges inspires my work with youth in church settings and in the classroom. Personal development comes in often surprising and challenging ways. Revisiting these works reminds me of that, and it renews my patience and persistence.” Amazon

and other book retailers

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES HANDBOOK: PRACTICES THAT TRANSFORM US ADELE AHLBERG CALHOUN “This book has provided me with specific practices to help me develop my personal spiritual formation. It has also provided me with tools that I use when I serve as pastor at our local junior high camp. While you might assume that these practices are reserved for ‘super-spiritual’ individuals, the ones in this book are incredibly approachable, even if you don’t consider yourself a ‘spiritual giant.’” Amazon

and other book retailers

THE JOURNEY OF A PEOPLE MARK SCHERER “These Community of Christ history books have given me a better understanding of where we have been and what we have been through as a church. I appreciate learning that while it might feel as though some things have ‘always been this way,’ that is not the case. As a faith tradition, we have continuously changed throughout our story, and we will continue to do so. Learning about what makes us the same yet different from our past has been fascinating.” In three

volumes, from Herald House

THE BODY: A GUIDE FOR OCCUPANTS BILL BRYSON “With so much of my focus on spirituality and relationship building, you might assume that The Body is in reference to the body of Christ. It’s not. It’s literally about our physical bodies. Getting a clearer understanding of how our bodies work helps me in my spiritual journey because I am better able to understand and care for the vessel that seeks to become the ‘hands and feet of Jesus’ to those around me.” Amazon and other book retailers

MAKE YOUR BOOK PURCHASES COUNT If you shop through Amazon, don’t forget to choose Community of Christ as the recipient of funds from AmazonSmile. If you haven’t already, go to smile.amazon.com, click “get started,” and search for “Community of Christ Independence MO” to have us show on the first page of results. Once selected as your charitable organization of choice, 0.5% of your eligible purchases through AmazonSmile will be donated to Community of Christ.

GET TO KNOW

Jaime Lynch

Pronouns: she/her Location: Kendall Park, New Jersey, USA Congregation: Woodbury, New Jersey, USA Priesthood: Teacher Jobs: High school biology teacher, Mid-Atlantic Mission Center Children and Youth Ministry specialist