Visit the bookstore in both Fuller Hall and Buchan Reception!
You’ll find great reading for a cozy evening by the fire on these colder nights!

And, we have books by two upcoming speakers at First Church.

Rabbi Michael Lerner is speaking here Thursday, Jan. 19. His new book is Embracing Israel/Palestine: A Strategy to Heal and Transform the Middle East.

About his book:  A major modern conundrum is how the Arab/Israel conflict remains unresolved and, seemingly, unresolvable. In this inspirational book, Rabbi Michael Lerner suggests that a change in consciousness is crucial. With clarity and honesty, he examines how the mutual demonization and discounting of each sides’ legitimate needs drive the debate, and he points to new ways of thinking that can lead to a solution.

Lerner emphasizes that this new approach to the issue requires giving primacy to love, kindness, and generosity. It calls for challenging the master narratives in both Israel and Palestine as well as the false idea that “homeland security” can be achieved through military, political, economic, or media domination. Lerner makes the case that a lasting peace must prioritize helping people on all sides (including Europe and the U.S.) and that real security is best achieved through an ethos of caring and generosity toward “the other.” As many spiritual leaders have taught, problems like these cannot be solved at the same level at which they originated—one must seek higher ground, and that becomes a central task for anyone who wants a sustainable peace. Embracing Israel/Palestine is written for those looking for positive, practical solutions to this ongoing dilemma.

Rev. John Buehrens is the keynote speaker and will lead a workshop at the Seminary for a Day program on Saturday, Jan. 28.  He will be referencing two of his books, Universalists and Unitarians in America: A People’s History, and Understanding the Bible - An Introduction for Skeptics, Seekers, and Religious Liberals. 

About these books:

Universalists and Unitarians in America - John Buehrens begins his new history with the observation that "Religion is people." While previous accounts of Universalism and Unitarianism have focused on a few great men, this history shines a light on the contributions of many, both exalted and obscure, whose stories illustrate the texture of lived religion. Both faiths are chronicled in parallel development through their consolidation in 1961. Beyond presenting Universalist and Unitarian history in America as more than a list of luminaries, Buehrens weaves a historical tapestry rich in color and meaning that will serve to deepen the faith of modern Unitarian Universalists.

Understanding the Bible - A thoughtful, warm, and witty introduction Understanding the Bible is designed to help empower skeptics, seekers, nonbelievers, and those of a liberal and progressive outlook to reclaim the Bible from literalists. In making accessible some of the best contemporary historical, literary, political, and feminist readings of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, it encourages all who would find in the biblical heritage an ally and not an enemy in the quest for a more just and humane world. Brief and to the point, it can easily be used to stimulate group discussions and personal reading of the biblical texts themselves, and is an excellent introduction to the Judeo-Christian tradition for those of other faiths.

We also have stocked up with books by Hafiz, Rumi, and Rilke in preparation for another one of the workshops at Seminary.

Also of note are two items that address homelessness in the Portland area:

“Live From Nowhere Near You”, a benefit concept CD, is a collaboration of street musicians and professionals (including Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini).  The profits go to homeless and street youth programs of the charity Outside In (right in our neighborhood).

“Bless This House” by Laura Russell and Nicole Bowmer (who is the staff Assistant to the DREs for Children and Youth). In the summer of 2006, nearly 250 families received notice that their three adjoining mobile home parks in Beaverton, Oregon would be closed and demolished to make way for redevelopment.  For two years, photographer Laura Russell and writer Nicole Bowmer documented the stories of this community as lives were uprooted.  “Bless This House” is a collection of landscape and portrait photographs, combined with the personal stories of the residents to create a revealing account of a community on the brink of extinction.  See www.BlessThisHouseProject.blogspot.com for more information.