New Book Study “Ordinary Mysticism”

Recently, I asked our SFBC Exploring Contemplation class if anyone could recommend a good book on “soul work.” I was feeling the need to dig deeper into my relationship with my soul, to experience more of a sense of connectedness, of a center.

My friend Jim Segaar recommended Ordinary Mysticism by Mirabai Starr. And it was a great recommendation. I’m only partway through, but I’m relishing her perspectives on experiencing the Divine through the day-to-day. She welcomes us, warts and all, to journey into a spiritual relationship with a soulful power that is greater than we can imagine or experience on our own. It’s the most accessible book I’ve ever read about the contemplative life.

The book is well worth an investment of time in study and discussion. Please join me on Zoom for six Friday sessions over the summer for one hour at 11:00am on June 6 and 20, July 4 and 18, and August 1 and 15.

We will all share in the facilitation of this group. The book is conveniently divided into six chapters. I will lead the first session and Cherry Johnson will lead the second. After that we will be looking for volunteers. “Facilitation” means that you will read the chapter and create a set of discussion questions, which you will send to all group members a few days before we meet. Through Zoom, you will then lead the group, ensuring that all have the opportunity to share their views and comments.

Please sign up for this class so we know in advance who will be attending. You can sign up by emailing smallgroups@seattlefirstbaptist.org or calling the church office at (206) 325-6051. If you are feeling cash-strapped, the SFBC Small Groups Ministry will buy the book for you. You can submit a confidential request for that through the same email and telephone number listed above.

Hope to see you online soon. I can’t think of a better way to spend six summer mornings.

—Margaret Norton-Arnold