By Kara Witherow, Editor
The global coronavirus pandemic may have changed much about the way we socialize, attend worship services, shop, and live our lives, but one thing most everyone can do while staying home is read.
Beginning March 2, Connectional Ministries invites South Georgia clergy and laity to join a virtual book club via Zoom.
From the comfort of one’s home or office – anywhere, really – participants will discuss the week’s book, its important themes, and faith.
“The blessing of the virtual platform is it takes away the geographic boundaries and allows for a big table and rich conversation,” said Allison Lindsey, director of Connectional Ministries.
The group’s first book is “
How to Be an Anti-racist” by Ibram X. Kendi. Leading the discussion will be Lindsey and Rev. Andrew (Drew) Young, pastor of Mosaic Church in Savannah. The study will begin March 2 and run through April 6.
“Everyone enters the conversation of racial justice at different places,” Lindsey said. “Our prayer is to create a safe space to learn, ask questions, and see how God works among us.”
The goal of the South Georgia Book Club, Lindsey said, is to build an online community where people of faith can learn and grow together. The virtual platform will include a weekly one-hour Zoom conversation along with a closed Facebook group for participants to discuss the book with each other throughout the week as they read.
“I appreciate Drew giving his time, knowledge, and passion to teach with me for this first book. He has truly offered me safe space to ask questions and have thought-provoking conversation around racial justice,” Lindsey said. “A highlight in 2020 for me was Zooming into a Sunday school class at Mosaic UMC when they studied the book ‘
Grace-ism: The Art Of Inclusion,’ by Dr. David A. Anderson. We have so much to learn by listening to one another.”
The online platform provides possibilities for others to lead discussions for future books and topics. The fall selection will be announced during the summer and Connectional Ministries welcomes suggestions of favorite books for consideration.
Find more details and registration information online at
www.sgaumc.org/book-club.
