March 2013

The Episcopal Church, I Will Bless You and You Will Be a Blessing

The Episcopal Church, I will Bless You and You Will be a Blessing, Call Number 346.0168 Epi2012, is a collection of ceremonial language resources for the witness and blessing of a lifelong covenant in a same-sex relationship, prepared by the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music of the Episcopal Church for consideration at the 77th General Convention. It may also be helpful to partners who wish to conduct an appropriate ceremony while the Church is still considering official language.

Teresa E. Gallion, Contemplation in the High Desert

Teresa E. Gallion, Contemplation in the High Desert, Call Number 815.008 Gal 2011, is a collection of short poems in the tradition of a 13th century Sufi mystic named Rumi. Gallion is a New Mexico poet who is inspired by the spirituality of the New Mexico landscape. It is helpful for Christian readers to remember that, in the Sufi tradition, God is also referred to as “The Beloved.”

Joan Chittister & Rowan Williams, Uncommon Gratitude: Alleluia for All That Is

Joan Chittister and Rowan Williams, Uncommon Gratitude: Alleluia for All That Is, Call Number 241.4 Chi 2010, is a discussion of the possibilities raised by the post-9/11 world. Archbishop Williams and Sister Chittister point out the positive aspects of negative forces, such as doubt, poverty, differences, divisions, conflict, suffering and crises. This is a thought provoking book which is recommended to readers who are overwhelmed by the negativity of contemporary events.