Faith United Church of Christ schedules book discussions

Submitted by The Rev. Sue Hamly

At Faith United Church this Fall, the book Christianity for the Rest of Us: How the Neighborhood Church is Transforming the Faith, by Diana Butler Bass, will be read and discussed. Reviewers say this is Bass’ “best book yet,” so we are sure to enjoy it!
Because so many people have said the Mainline Church is in decline, it is now commonplace to assume that liberal churches are doomed and only evangelical churches are growing. Bass says that’s just not true in her challenging and hopeful book, which summarizes the findings of a three-year study funded by the Lilly Endowment.
Many mainline churches are struggling, but not because liberal Christianity is a contradiction in terms. The old neighborhood church has fallen on hard times because the old neighborhood isn’t what it used to be. And many mainline churches are thriving. This book showcases 10 of them, including Redeemer UCC in New Haven, Conn., and Saint Mark (Lutheran) in Yorktown, Va. She then examines 10 practices, from hospitality to worship to vigorous theological discussion, and tells us that these practices are the heartbeat of vital mainline churches. Her thought-provoking conclusions include the observation that today’s mainliners have redefined politics by favoring bottom-up acts of service over structural change, and the thriving congregations are neither red nor blue, but purple — a mix of Democrats and Republicans.
There is much to ponder and discuss in this exciting book. The public is welcome to join in Wednesday mornings from 10:15 to 11:30 or Monday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30, beginning Sept. 17 or Sept. 22. To reserve a copy of the book ($11.50) call the church office at 283-2486. Anyone is welcome to join this group. Copies of the book will be available and there will be informal conversation between 10:15 and 11:30 Wednesday. Formal discussion will begin Sept. 17.
Faith United Church is located at 1001 Fifth St.