Stretching Forward: A New Opportunity (and Survey Results)

Hey, everyone! Thank you for completing our book club survey! I’m thrilled by the response, and I’m excited about reading through this book together with you.

Our survey results were very close. In fact, by just one vote, you determined the Fall session of Forward will begin the week of September 11, 2016. One vote. What if that person had not voted? See? Every vote matters. But, I digress. Sort of.

You’ve got plenty of time to treat yourself to a copy of Parker J. Palmer’s book, Healing the Heart of Democracy: the Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit, but today, I want to offer an additional opportunity to you. I’d like to do a bit of a riff on the name of our book club.

When we first began to build this book club, I named it Forward, because I hoped our discussions would be a catalyst for moving conversations forward. Now, I’d like to stretch the way we look at it, and watch it grow and expand. I still believe the original concept is important, and, along with that idea, I’d like to consider some of the ways we might pay forward our experience together. One of the ways I think we can try to do this, at least for the upcoming session of our book club, is to help make sure everyone who wants to participate in the discussion, can.

In order to participate, a book is required, but not everyone can make that happen because spending twelve dollars on a book isn’t always the most justifiable expense, right? I know there are libraries, and many of you may take advantage of that wonderful service. But, a library book cannot be marked up and highlighted. One cannot take notes in the margins of a library book. And so, I’d love it if we could do a little something to make it so that those who want to participate in this book club, can.

Think about this. Pray about it, too. Then, if it feels like the right thing to you, consider donating to help purchase a book for someone who may not be able to purchase their own right now. On or before August 23, use the link below to make a donation in any amount that seems right to you. Later this month, we’ll provide an opportunity for people who need a book to ask for one and, we will give out books until the money runs out.

We will give out books until the money runs out. There are no words to express the joy it gave me to type that sentence! Why? Well, first of all, we will be putting copies of this very important book into the hands of the people who want to read it! Secondly, I have immense confidence in the graciousness of this community and I believe we are about to do something really fun, together.

So, here’s the link I promised you. I cannot wait to see how this turns out! Thanks so much, in advance!