The Community Church
And Books
for Spiritual Growth
This year three books will be
presented in three seasons
Fall
Winter
Spring
We hope you will consider attending one, two, or all three book discussions.
Discussions led by Zach Hancock.
The Fall Book
On The Brink of Everything
(Penguin 2018)
by Parker Palmer
Why we chose to read this book:
Parker Palmer is one of the beloved writers about spirituality and wisdom, and now, on the cusp of his eighth decade Parker has written a beautiful book of reflections and wisdom gleaned from 80 years of life as he catches glimpses of “the brink of everything” not too far out in the distance of his long life.
This book is not for elders only. It was written to encourage adults of all ages to explore the way their lives are unfolding. It’s not a how-to-do-it book on aging, but a set of meditations in prose and poetry that turn the prism on the meaning(s) of one’s life, refracting new light at every turn.
At 215 pages
On The Brink
is right in the sweet spot of length—very manageable to read in a relatively short amount of time.
Reviews of
On the Brink
“Our entire culture is deeply in need of true elders, and you can’t be one until you have arrived there—chronologically, spiritually, and intellectually. Parker J. Palmer is a writer and a man who has clearly earned the title of elder. And he elders with such readability and humor! This book is a generous gift to all of us—and to our attempts at a truly human civilization.”
—Richard Rohr, founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation and author of Falling Upward and Adam’s Return
“Parker Palmer is one of our wisest minds and lives and one of my greatest mentors. He has the spirit of a poet and the stature of a prophet. There is no one I’d rather eavesdrop on as he ponders ‘the brink of everything.’ This book is a companion for not merely surviving a fractured world but embodying—like Parker—the fiercely honest and gracious wholeness that is ours to claim at every stage of life.”
—Krista Tippett, founder of On Being Studios, author of Einstein’s God and Becoming Wise, and winner of the 2013 National Humanities Medal
Pickup your book at Lake Forest Bookstore ($20). Mention that you are part of the Community Church book group and receive 15% off.
Books are available as early as this Friday Sept. 20th.
We encourage you to buy from our local bookseller.
On the Brink
will meet twice, once for a pre-reading discussion and once after all have read the book.
There will be an evening session and morning session to choose from.
Attendees are welcome to attend either time that works, no stipulation on choosing an AM or PM group. Come to the session that works for you.
October 14th 9 AM & 7 PM Gorton Center room 215
October 28th 9 AM & 7 PM Gorton Center room 215
