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 six-session book club on “Uncommon Gratitude: Alleluia for All That Is” by Joan Chittister and Rowan Williams. The book is broken into three sections: discovering what we are, becoming who we are, and growing into the unknown; however, we’ll break this up a bit more to decrease the reading for each session. This is a perfect book to explore during Lent because as the book jacket describes, it looks at things which are easy to give thanks for and some that are much harder. Williams engages the materials from his belief that no matter what, the proper stance of the Christian in the world is one of gratitude, and as Chittister writes: “Life itself is an exercise in learning to sing ‘alleluia’.” We’ll explore this book together and see what we can learn about gratitude in all aspects of life. While reading the text prior to the meeting will enhance your experience, it is not required. You’re also welcome to attend all six sessions or just the ones when you’re available or where a topic interests you.
Schedule:
Wednesday, March 1, at noon Eastern – Introduction, Faith, Doubt, Wealth
Wednesday, March 8, at noon Eastern – Poverty, Differences, Divisions, Conflict
Wednesday, March 15, at noon Eastern – Sinners, Saints, Genesis, Life
Wednesday, March 22, at noon Eastern – Unity, Otherness, Past, Peace
Wednesday, March 29, at noon Eastern – Suffering, Crises, Exodus, Friday
Wednesday, April 5, at noon Eastern – Death, Future, Darkness, God