We were delighted to have 18 participants in the Fellowship’s first Conference Call Book Club – from Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Missouri, as well as Maine, Texas, and California. A group of four Chicagoans called in from Panera Bread where they enjoyed a light dinner during the discussion.
The book was Amish Peace, by Suzanne Woods Fisher. Our skillful moderator, Tim Hayes, welcomed all participants. Rindy then introduced Tim, who opened by asking some questions, such as:
- Which chapter was of most interest to you and why?
- Which Amish proverb stood out to you?
- The Amish way of life as depicted in this book — is it a spiritual way of life and if so how?
There was also a lively discussion on technology – which the Amish generally avoid.
Thora from Texas, who works with the elderly, appreciated the chapter on community — that the Amish consider depending on others a strength, not a weakness, because each person gets strength from the whole community. When there is a need, the entire community comes together to help.
Rindy from Illinois, who runs a pre-school, appreciated the section on children.
Susan in Maine, added that what struck her is that their children are staying in the community, even though at the age of 16, they are given time to explore the English (non-Amish) life.
The topic that kept coming up over and over, was the chapter on forgiveness. The Amish believe deeply in the Lord’s Prayer, “Forgive us our debts AS we forgive our debtors.” Once an offense is repented and forgiven, no one is permitted to speak of it again. That’s the end of it. Forgiveness runs deep, as the aggrieved families establish life-long heartfelt relationships with the (forgiven) perpetrators. The Amish approach adds a bold dimension of love and healing unfamiliar to the traditional notion of “forgiveness.”
Thoughtful questions and observations from many participants filled the rest of the discussion, and before we knew it, Tim was thanking us for having participated.
The next Conference Call Book Club is scheduled for Sunday, February 20 at 7: p.m., Central Time. The book will be The Gentle Art of Blessing, a Simple Practice That Will Transform You and Your World, by Pierre Pradervand. If you’d like to participate, let us know by adding a comment to this blog, or calling Sandi at 708-422-7877.
Conference Call Book Club — great idea!
I was one of the 18 in last night’s book club session, and I must say it was a great experience for me. I loved hearing from people all over the nation, Wisconsin, Texas, Maine, and Missouri, and of course Illinois. I felt the facilitator, Tim Hayes, did an outstanding job of guiding the discussion with great questions, moving the topics along in a gracious manner and respecting everyone’s comments equally.
The club members were gracious as well; no one dominated, and all had insightful and thoughtful comments, which I really enjoyed hearing.
I thank all who participated, Tim, and all of those who organized it. I am so looking forward to the next book, “The Art of Blessing”, which I’ve heard so many grand comments about.
Again, thank you all for our first meeting… and to many more!
Please mark me down for the next meeting on Feb. 20th.
Thanks for all you’re doing to make the Fellowship what it is. ….it keeps me inspired when sometimes the branch church stuff gets you in the dumps. Hopefully we ALL, church and all, can be lifted up by the Christ in our midst.
See you on the 23rd!
Congratulations on your successful start. Our Book group in Chagrin Falls (cleveland sub) is meeting Feb 3 as I may have bloged we are reading “A New Kind of Christian ” By Brian Mc Laren. I loved reading the The Gentle Art of Blessing and I know you all will too.
Was so inspired by the book group last night, I loved hearing the comments and how the book moved us all in similar ways and hearing different ways it touched us as well. Looking forward to the next group, please reserve my spot! Thank you.
I enjoyed the book discussion last night. So glad that there were so many interested in it. How similar we all are!!!
Enjoyed the book.
What a delightful experience it was to have this unique book club that spans the the 4 corners of our USA . I thoroughly enjoyed listening to everyone share their ideas and expand on true values. I loved learning about the Amish culture. While reading the book I realized how content they are for they have a true sense of community expressed in giving, mentoring, supporting and cherishing one another. I truly enjoy the The Gathering meeting on Sundays and the creative activities. It gives us a chance to communicate and have real fellowship. Rindy and Sandi you both are doing a great job not only for our spiritual development but for the Christian Science Movement. You are helping us move forward and touch the lives of others who need a real sense of community. Thank you.
With love and appreciation,
Barbara
Who knew?! Who knew that a group of relative strangers from Maine to California, Wisconsin to Texas, could get together and discuss, in both supportive and questioning tones, the faith beliefs of a religion we were unfamiliar with – and on a conference call, no less!
Last night’s Book Club discussion of “Amish Peace” was an active, enlightening, fun experience! Tim did a terrific job of getting us started, giving us thought provoking questions to consider, and clarifying points from other resources. It was wonderful to hear how others were thinking about the issues – what troubled us, and what encouraged us.
And though it would have been fun to have all these folks chatting in my living room, what a remarkable, comfortable experience it was to be in touch with all of you last night and to share our thoughts on this book. Thanks for being willing to be part of the first of our monthly Book Club Chats!
A few thoughts/feedback after a wonderful, inspiring 1st book club session:
Would be great to get book titles a bit sooner in case we wanted to get them through interlibrary loan, or library, or a chance to order them online, or use a free swap service.
It was confirmed that the mtgs will not be recorded for anyone who was interested(or relieved!)
As someone not raised in CS, coming to it later in life, I would be very interested in a solid perspective from Christian Science on the issues that do come up in the different books as a part of all the discussions, and wondered if others were interested in that also?
Thanks for all the great thoughtful ideas shared on Sunday evening. It was nice to be a part of it. And Sandi, please plan to put me on the Book Club e-mail distribution list, if you haven’t already. Thanks again.
Jan
The book Club conference call was outstanding. I have ordered both books (for February and March) and they are in.
The keen power of forgiveness practiced by the Amish is so pure. I have shared the concept with many already.
I definitely wish to sign up for the next Book Club Meeting in February. So, please add me to your list!