Quick Notes Update for December 2, 2020
Rev. Wes Granberg-Michaelson
One of our callings is to encourage one another in our faith journey. It's in that spirit that I want to humbly offer a resource--a book I've written that will be published shortly: "Without Oars: Casting Off Into a Life of Pilgrimage." I've come to discover that being a disciple of Jesus Christ launches one into a pilgrimage, often disruptive and unpredictable, where we learn what to leave behind to journey ahead with God. I learned this on the Camino de Santiago in Spain, from going to Lourdes, France, with churches in Nigeria, and elsewhere. So I've tried to share what it means for all of us to understand faith as a pilgrimage, rather than life in a sheltered cocoon of rational beliefs, which is too often the temptation of those in our tradition.

Once the election is over, all of us will need to catch our breath, and God's breath, to replenish our inward journey for the days ahead. I hope my book could be a resource to do so, both for you and those in your congregations. I've also written a Reflection Guide, with quotes, a burning question, and an exercise for each of the ten chapters. The chapters are structured around what we need to leave behind in order to walk ahead in faith.

I've put together a website, and you can find more there, including summaries, endorsements, and early reviews. Chuck DeGroat, a member of our classis, was kind enough to commend the book "to anyone who is open to discover the treasure found in the detours and disruptions of an authentic faith journey." Shane Clairborne simply says, "This book will help you declutter your soul." Here's the website:


And here's the publisher's site. Publication date is November 17, but copies are already being shipped. It's also on Kindle from Amazon.

"Without Oars: Casting Off into a Life of Pilgrimage" Order here:

Please be in touch with any questions.
Rev. Dr. Bob Gram
"Not only is this book a welcome resource for calm during this period of our history, but it is also an important hallmark of how the world is reacting and communicating while in quarantine." Grady Harp, Amazon Hall of Fame Top 50 Reviewer, 5 Stars
Churches in our Regional Synod are participating in Churches Learning Change. Read some testimonials from Wyckoff Reformed about the impact on their church life.
CHURCH BASED MENTAL HEALTH NEWSLETTERS ARCHIVE
We've created an online gathering of all of the newsletters the program has sent out during COVID. Very helpful insights to pass along to your congregations!
The information and materials that appear in the email newsletter, facebook page or on the Website of the Regional Synod of the Mid-Atlantics of the Reformed Church in America ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE OPINION OF THE REGIONAL SYNOD OF THE MID-ATLANTICS OF THE REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA, NOR ARE SUCH NECESSARILY ENDORSED BY THE REGIONAL SYNOD. THE ACCURACY AND VALIDITY OF THE INFORMATION IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PROVIDER OR AUTHOR.