In Philippians 4:8 the Apostle Paul writes, “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Here are a few of the things that members of the Grace community have been reading and listening to that have helped them follow Paul’s exhortation.

Books

Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: I would like to recommend the book Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.  The author is a botanist and a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. She writes that “science can be enriched by the ancient knowledge of the indigenous people.”  Reading this excellent book helps us to think of our relationship to plants and all of nature. I especially enjoyed comments dealing with Native Americans and their true reverence for the earth. Jean Samson

Mary Oliver, Devotions: Poet Mary Oliver would go out into nature every morning and fall in love with the world. Her poems have been lovely companions these many months during the pandemic. Taking daily walks started as a means of staying sane and getting out of the house. Now I try not to let a day pass without exploring my neighborhood with eyes ready to discover something new. I highly recommend this collection of selected poems. Her gifts for wonder and for word remind me of the goodness in the world, which is a welcome relief when the state of affairs weighs my spirit down. Robin Miller Currás

Lily Cameron, Simply Sustainable: Moving Toward Plastic-Free, Low-Waste Living: Our lives have grown to include so much waste, with single-use plastics seeming unavoidable, even though we know the dangers they pose to our environments and ourselves. Lily Cameron offers tips to take you throughout your day plastic-free, from shopping, to cooking and eating, to cleaning yourself and your home. Even if your goal may not be to live completely zero-waste, you will find helpful tips to live a more eco-friendly existence. Emily Rishel

Kristin Hannah, The Nightingale: A riveting World War II novel of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle. It chronicles what each sister does to survive the invasion of their beloved France. Jody Walsh

Patti Callahan, Becoming Mrs. Lewis: This novel chronicles the love story between Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis.  It’s fascinating to get to know the woman who won the heart of C.S. Lewis. The book introduces you to C.S. Lewis the man, the husband, the friend, and the stepfather. Jody Walsh

Our Daily Bread: Many of us at Grace take and read the Our Daily Bread booklet that is found in the Narthex and Fellowship Room. I am fairly new to this booklet and I have learned to use it at our 9:00 a.m. Bible study group on weekdays. As a group, we study and discuss the Daily Bread narrative and the accompanying Bible verses. I have to say that we make the Bible “come alive” in our discussions, and I think we all grow in our faith and we have all become better friends. We also pray for all our church concerns. So, two things: (1) If you do not already read Our Daily Bread you can get one at the church; (2) If your schedule permits, please join our weekday 9:00 a.m. study group. Bob Roe

Esau McCaulley, Reading While Black (African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope): Wheaton College assistant professor Dr. Esau McCaulley asks what the scriptures have to say about the creation of a just society, policing, protesting injustice, the value God has placed upon ethnic identity, how to deal with the pain and rage that come with being oppressed, and slavery. Pat Walsh

The Grace upon Grace team encourages you to patronize local independent bookstores when you buy books. Watchung Booksellers in Watchung Plaza and Montclair Book Center on Glenridge Avenue are Montclair’s local independent booksellers. You can find other local independent bookstores at indiebound.org.

Podcasts

10x the Terror: Pastor Emeritus Paul Leggett and Rev. Ralph Acerno discuss classic and contemporary sci-fi, suspense, and horror movies with a spiritual perspective. Many episodes feature guests including Sara Karloff, Alister McGrath, Ed Asner, Gwen Blackman Leggett, and James Leggett.

Maintenance Phase: The diet and wellness industry earns billions of dollars every year, though many people feel more unhealthy and unhappy than ever. This podcast, hosted by Michael Hobbes and Aubrey Gordon, tries to uncover the truth behind all the cultural messaging we receive about our bodies and our weight, addressing a different topic each week. Emily Rishel

Quick to Listen: Hosts Morgan Lee and Ted Olsen of Christianity Today discuss major events in light of Scripture and the mission of the Church. Weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with experts in a seemingly endless range of disciplines. Pat Walsh

The Englewood Review of Books: Host Jen Pollock Michel, her rotating cohort of co-hosts, and their guests, “discuss how they engage in reading, what it means to read well, and of course the books and writers they enjoy.” I almost never finish listening to one of their episodes without adding a couple of titles to my TBR list. Pat Walsh