Summer Reading Picks from Our Pastors

Summer often brings a slower pace, making it the perfect time to pick up a good book. We asked a few of our pastors here at FAC what they're reading this summer and why these books have captured their attention. Here's what's on their reading lists.

Pastor Morgan's Summer Reads 

1. The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters 

My parents gifted this book to me for Christmas. I love reading novels set during WWI and WWII, but my mom thought that I needed to change it up a bit. So far, it's been a great read! 

2. A Teachable Spirit: The Virtue of Learning from Strangers, Enemies, and Absolutely Anyone by A.J. Swoboda  

I recently read a book that Swoboda co-authored called Slow Theology. I really appreciated his writing style and the way in which he handles the Word of God. I picked up this second book because, for better or for worse, my days are filled with people. I want to be the kind of person who can learn from anyone and everyone. 

Pastor Chet's Summer Reads 

1. Anything from Stephen R. Lawhead 

Over the last 6 months I've been rereading almost everything written by Stephen R. Lawhead. He is a Christian writer who specializes in Fantasy and Science Fiction. Most of his writing is historical fiction; he’ll take a legendary figure like King Arthur or Robin Hood and try to write them into a specific place and time. His writing is so compelling and hopeful, and his world-building is phenomenal. I read his books when I was a teen and young adult, and it's been great experiencing them again.  

2. What is Left of the Night? By Mark Buchanan 

I just finished reading What is Left of the Night? By Mark Buchanan. I was drawn to it because I try to read everything written by him! He talked about writing this book during a class I took from him at Ambrose University while doing my Master’s. This work of fiction is based on the true story of Pastor Andre Trocme and his journey to save Jews during World War II. The book is fascinating, and as always, Buchanan's writing is gripping, poetic and inspiring.  

 

3. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown  

This is a brilliant, timeless, and absolutely necessary read. I read Essentialism every year, and I recommend it to everyone. There are a ton of brilliant ideas and concepts in this book. McKeown declares early on that there are two types of people in the world: essentialists and non-essentialists. This book is a study of how to become an essentialist and how to focus on only the parts of life that are essential to forward movement.  The premise is that we’re all so overwhelmed with tasks and to-do lists that getting it all done is destroying us. Essentialism is the process of determining priorities and then cutting out everything else. Two parts that resonated most with me in Essentialism was a section on the importance of sleep, self care and relaxation. Essentialism rails against the burnout workaholic culture so prevalent in North America. I highly recommend Essentialism by Greg McKeown to pastors, business leaders and anyone who is struggling to find forward momentum in their current work situation. 

Pastor Jerry's Summer Reads 

1. Anything from Ronald Rolheiser 

Books are my mentors. Ronald Rolheiser’s are favorites of mine—a Roman Catholic priest (from Saskatchewan, actually) and professor of spirituality in Texas. I read everything he writes. Everything! Over the years, his books have helped me navigate the common struggles and complexities of transitioning through the seasons of life. You might say we’re growing old together. Ha! 

His newest book, “Insane for the Light: A Spirituality for Our Wisdom Years” came out last week. I’ve been waiting anxiously for this book as it’ll probably be the last of his three previous spiritual classics, “The Holy Longing: The Searching for a Christian Spirituality” (1999), “Sacred Fire: A Vison for a Deeper Human Christian Maturity” (2014, “Wrestling with God: Finding Hope and Meaning in our Daily Struggles to be Human” (2018). 

I can’t read his books without a pen and an open journal nearby. It’ll take me all summer to devour this one, especially because it promises to deal with exactly where I am (and where he is) in life, as the inside cover suggests: “As the shadows lengthen and we find ourselves no longer in the morning or noon of life but rather face its approaching dusk, we uncover a new spiritual task: to give away the final years of our lives and, ultimately, our deaths.”  

What are you be reading this summer? Thank you Chet, Morgan, and Jerry for sharing some of your current and favourite reads! Stop by Cornerstone Marketplace at FAC Deerfoot to see if there’s something you want to add to your beach bag or suitcase this summer.