This "Monday Morning" being written from the church library, a place where I spend most Monday mornings meeting with staff.  In truth, I probably do not spend enough time with the books here, but coming off of a study-leave to Chautauqua Institution, I feel more committed than ever to the life of the mind in service to God.

Chautauqua's summer program emphasizes religion, recreation (which often feels like re-creation) and the arts.  Lydia and I have been blessed to spend a week there every summer for the past six years.

One of the not-so-guilty pleasures that goes with the Chautauqua experience is the bookstore.  Often, as you may expect, the books that are featured are one published by guests of the Institution.  This year, I brought home three to share with you, and you will find them on the table in the library. 

They are: The Great Awakening: Seven Ways to Change the World by Sojourners' magazine editor Jim Wallis, who served as Chautauqua's chaplain last week; Jesus: Uncovering the Life, Teachings and Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary by Marcus Borg, whose work on the historical Jesus has enlivened my faith for years; and The Heart is a Little to the Left: Essays on Public Morality by William Slone Coffin, who entered the church triumphant on Ash Wednesday a few years ago.

One of UPC's many strengths is the number of librarians who worship here.  I pray that this bodes well for the future of the library, and I pray that this facility will be used as much for spiritual formation as it is for meeting, ideally even more so!

It is good to be back in your midst.

Grace and peace,

Ron