Spirited Book Group

The Spirited Book Group meets at church once a month, usually on the second Tuesday at 7 pm, and is open to anyone who wants to talk with others about a shared book that touches on spirituality in some way. One book a month is discussed, and the books are recommended and chosen in advance by consensus. There are no requirements for joining the discussion (including finishing the book). Each month’s book is announced ahead in the church newsletter and the discussion is led by a volunteer from the group who is interested in the book. The discussions of the books so far have been insightful, enriching, and spirited! Join us! Contact Nancy or Jessica for more information, or the church office.

How do we select the books we read? Once a year, book group members are invited to present books for selection. These can be “spirited” in any way the presenter defines spirited. The group members vote for up to 12 of the nominated books for the next year’s reading. Books with the most votes are the ones we read. Any changes, tie-breakers, or other complications are handled by the group by consensus.

Spirited Book Club 2026 Book Selections:

How We Learn to be Brave, Decisive Moments in Life and Faith; Mariann Edgar Budde — January 13

The Scandalous Gospel of Jesus, What’s So Good About the Good News; Peter J. Gomes — February 10

Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time; Marcus Borg — March 10

Church Camp,Bad Skits, Cry Nights and How White Evangelicalism Betrayed a Generation; Cara Meredith — April 14 (with author visit)

Walking on Water; Madeleine L’Engle — May 12

The Night Lake, A Young Priest Maps the Topography of Grief; Liz Tichenor — June 9 (with author visit)

The War for Kindness, Building Empathy in a Fractured World; Jamil Zaki — July 14

Life Together; Dietrich Bonhoeffer — August 11

The Bible, A Literary Guide to Scripture; Bill Creasy — September 8

Churchill and Roosevelt : The Big Sleepover at the White House; James Wilson — November 10

Light of the World, A Beginner’s Guide to Advent; Amy-Jill Levine — December 8

Into the Silent Land, A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation; Martin Laird — October 13