Help from Our Friends

Perhaps some of you will recognize these lyrics from a popular song of the 70's. During my youngest daughter's high school years, I heard it A LOT. I often think of that song now when I watch the caring and lasting friendship of that class.

Human beings do have a natural affinity for community despite all the recent articles and writings on "finding alone time." Community happens -- in hospital waiting rooms (where I sit now trying to write this), in circles of friends who support us with their prayers and presence, with parents on a soccer field, even in groups of teen-agers at opposite ends of a gym floor. And of course, there are the traditional recognized communities such as churches and work and schools. Yes, community happens, but we can have a hand in what kind of community we want to be a part of or offer to those around us. Here are a couple of suggestions about those choices.

By now, I assume all our readers have heard and seen a copy of Dick Meyer's book, ONE ANOTHERING, VOLUME 2 (Innisfree Press, 1999. 156 pages, paper $12.95.) I thought it worth mentioning again in connection with our theme this month. The book follows Volume 1 which gives us a blueprint for small groups. Volume 2 looks at the way small groups form and build community. Dick has done an outstanding job making these books very useable with a variety of discussion helps, biblical references and practical application hints.

OUT OF THE ORDINARY: PRAYERS, POEMS AND REFLECTIONS FOR EVERY SEASON by Joyce Rupp. Ave Maria Press, 2000. 250 pages, paper $13.95.

Need help with prayers or centering thoughts for your small community? Joyce Rupp has put together a thorough and thoughtful selection that covers nearly every circumstance of ordinary living and coping. She includes such areas as the liturgical year, family celebrations, commissioning for service and ministry, and doing works of justice. There is a CD available with chants Joyce has written and often uses at her own retreats and workshops that will enhance the meditations and rituals.

PEACE IS THE WAY: WRITINGS ON NONVIOLENCE FROM THE FELLOWSHIP OF RECONCILIATION. by Walter Wink, editor. Orbis Books, 2000. 275 pages, paper $20.00.

At the heart of good community is the desire for peaceful and reasonable settlement to disagreements. In an increasingly violent world we need all the encouragement we can get with this. Walter Wink has written extensively and very effectively on the powers and principalities Christians face. This collection of writings from such peacemakers as Mahatma Gandhi, Thich Nhat Hanh, Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton is a wealth of resource and support as we make our way toward a peaceful world.

FAITH WORKS: LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF AN ACTIVIST PREACHER by Jim Wallis. Random House, 2000. 350 pages, hardcover $23.95.

I'm hoping Jim Wallis is a familiar name and many of you have had the privilege of meeting and hearing him at a Call To Renewal meeting. An indefatigable evangelist for the uniting of politics and spirituality, he has more than thirty years as a very articulate, very positive and convincing spokesperson for faith and justice. FAITH WORKS tells of a lifetime commitment, basically outlines a way to change our own lives and our communities, and reports how faith communities are and can change the face of our society. With a quiet passion, FAITH WORKS both inspires and comforts. The evening news will not seem quite so depressing when you've read this book.

SPIRITLINKING LEADERSHIP: WORKING THROUGH RESISTANCE TO ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE by Donna Markham, Paulist Press, 1999. 145 pages, paper $16.95.

Most established organizations, even the best, sometimes continue running on well-oiled "we've always done it this way" wheels, even in today's fast moving economy. Donna Markham very effectively writes that changes can be made that will essentially turn organizations into communities. By building circles of friends, creating networks centered on compassion and fostering an interweaving within any given organization, new ideas can be generated and encouraged. Even if you are not responsible for an organization, I think you'll find this book will suggest ways to look at our little spheres of influence and foster community and compassion.