Summer is the perfect time to get sucked into a new book. Books have a way of transporting us and even helping transform us as we are exposed to new ideas and ways of being. In many ways as we turn pages of a book, we too may find ourselves turning a page in our life, becoming more aware of what God has made us to be.
During sabbatical, Pastor Matt plans for these books to accompany him as explores music as a source of sabbath, renewal, and identity. You are invited to sample them, or even read along!
Jesus, Bread, and Chocolate by John J. Thompson
Author John J. Thompson will be accompanying Pastor Matt during sabbatical leave, including a 7-day retreat centered upon music as a source of spiritual renewal in Nashville, TN. “Jesus, Bread, and Chocolate” is fresh and enlightening. John’s stories and his memories of discovering and rediscovering music and the power of the arts remind me that it is all spiritual as it weaves itself into the fabric of our lives. I see why the psalmist implores us to ‘taste and see that the Lord is good.’” —Phil Keaggy (songwriter, recording artist, guitarist)
A Song to Sing, A Life to Life by Don & Emily Sailers
Co-authored by Don Saliers, professor of theology and worship at the Candler School of Theology (Emory University), and his daughter Emily Saliers, one-half of the popular musical group Indigo Girls. “This book will challenge you to trace the songlines of your life from childhood to the present. Whether writing about Christian hymns, the worship wars in churches, karaoke, or popular ballads, the Saliers demonstrate on each page their deep and abiding love of music.”
Rumors of Glory by Bruce Cockburn
Legendary singer-songwriter Bruce Cockburn delivers a chronicle of faith, fear, and activism, along with a lively cultural, political, and musical tour through the past five decades.Cockburn shares his family life, personal relationships, Christian convictions, and the social and political activism that has defined him and his music, and has both invigorated and incited his legions of fans worldwide. For Cockburn, music has always been a key way to explore culture, politics and the nature of the spirit, and his remarkable journey has seen him embrace folk, jazz, blues, rock, and world beat styles.
God on the Rocks by Phil Madeira
Phil Maderia is a musician, songwriter, producer and singer. He is a member of Emmylou Harris’ band, The Red Dirt Boys, and the creator of albums including Mercyland: Hymns for the Rest of Us."This gritty, gutsy, funny, moving, insightful spiritual memoir...exemplifies a growing phenomenon on the American religious landscape:an emerging spiritual ethos that defies standard labels and has the feel of our best roots music." —Brian D. McLaren (author, pastor, and speaker)