By Heather Melton, UTO Staff Officer

Looking for a way to connect with others as a part of your Lenten discipline this year? Look no further! UTO is offering a five-session book club on “Thanks A Thousand: A Gratitude Journey” by A.J. Jacobs. The book follows Jacobs as he decides to try and thank everyone who contributes to his daily cup of coffee. This is a perfect book to explore during Lent because it encourages us to think more deeply about the everyday items we use without really thinking about the effort that goes into creating them. We’ll explore this book together and see what we can learn about gratitude as a tool for being more present in the midst of our daily routines. While reading the text prior to the meeting will enhance your experience, it is not required. Bonus: There is a TED talk with Jacobs you can watch if you don’t have time to read each week. You’re also welcome to attend all five sessions or just the ones when you’re available or where a topic interests you.

Register here

Schedule:

• Tuesday, Feb. 20, at noon Eastern – Introduction, Chapter One: The Barista and the Taster: Thanks for Serving Me My Coffee
• Tuesday, Feb. 27, at noon Eastern – Chapter Two: The Cup Makers: Thanks for Stopping the Coffee From Spilling on my Lap and Chapter Three: The Roasters: Thanks for Taking the Heat
• Tuesday, March 5, at noon Eastern – Chapter Four: The Water: Thanks for Filling My Cup and Chapter Five: The Safety Patrol: Thanks for Keeping me from Dying
• Tuesday, March 12, at noon Eastern – Chapter Six: The Movers: Thanks for Lugging My Coffee Around the World and Chapter 7: The Extractors: Thanks for Getting all the Raw Materials and Chapter 8: The Farmers: Thanks for Growing My Coffee
• Tuesday, March 19, at noon Eastern – Chapter 8: The Farmers: Thanks for Growing My Coffee and Conclusion