• Fall Poverty Book Group – November 25 (4th Mondays), 7:00 p.m. This fall, our Poverty Book Group will discuss Somewhere We Are Human, edited by Reyna Grande and Sonia Guinansaca. This book is an anthology of essays, poetry, and art from authors and artists who have been migrants. The editors write, “this anthology is a declaration that even if we are not seen as human beings in the city, the county, the state, wherever we live, we are human everywhere, and no one can take our humanity away.”
   We look forward to reflecting on these works which touch on themes of class, race, gender, nationality, sexuality, politics, parenthood, and  more. Contact Debbie Layman if you have interest in joining the discussions.

• Listening to Black Voices Book Group – Join us via Zoom at 7:00 p.m. November 19, as we continue reading and reflecting on the experience of our African American neighbors, and consider what our faithful responses might entail. In November we will discuss the first half (chapters one through three) of Blue Note Preaching in a PostSoul World, by Otis Moss III. If you are interested, please contact Randy Harris.

• The Gospel of John: A Beginners Guide to the Way, the Truth, and the Life
  John’s Gospel offers readers a new language―of being born anew, of living water, of wind and spirit, of the “I am”―that enhances how we understand the divine, how we experience the world, and how we participate in the mystery of faith. With her characteristic wit and charm, Amy-Jill Levine introduces readers to the world of the Gospel of John by unpacking the stories in their original context, along with examining how the text is read today.
  If you are looking for a fun, engaging group of women to study alongside while building lifelong friendships, please join us. Books are available in the church office for $15. For more information contact Heather Ferguson.

• Women’s Book Group: A new book group is starting for Highland women this fall. The initial book will be The Oak Island Book Club by our own Cameron Kent; the book is available locally at Bookmarks and The Book Ferret, as well as the public library. Contact Debbie Layman for more information or to sign up!

• Parenting the Teen Years – Monday, October 7 (First Monday of the Month), 7:00 p.m. by Zoom
  Don’t read the book! (Or do!) Parents are busy so we have designed a book club to fit your needs. Show up for one of these gatherings throughout the year as we share our parenting wins and woes, practices for faith formation in the home, and raising resilient youth, and grab a book to mark up and look through on your own time. (See email for zoom link)

• Coming Soon: Thursday Morning Women’s Study – Jesus for Everyone, Not Just Christians, by Amy-Jill Levine. Beginning November 21, 10:00–11:30 a.m., Ardmore Room. Why Jesus’s historic and cultural influence makes him fascinating, provocative, and relevant for everyone, not only Christians. Two thousand years after his birth and death, Jesus of Nazareth continues to be of vital interest. Yet much of the scholarship around Jesus focuses on his religious significance. Jesus for Everyone examines his most famous teachings from a fresh perspective, exploring how they have continued to shape ethics and civilization in the West for two millennia. Even for those who reject faith, Jesus’s life and his philosophy are important to study, writes renowned biblical scholar and author Amy-Jill Levine, because of the insights they hold for us today. Poring through scripture, analyzing what historical scholarship has revealed about Jesus’s views on a number of subjects including women—reveals surprising messages sure to be fascinating to all readers. Placing Jesus of Nazareth within his historical context, Levine brings him vividly into focus and invites everyone from faithful Christians, agnostics, and the most committed nonbelievers to appreciate his lasting impact on the modern world. If you are looking for a fun, engaging group of women to study alongside while building lifelong friendships, please join us. For more information or to purchase a book for $10 contact Heather Ferguson.