Renison Institute of Ministry Drop-In Book Club

02/25/2021

Thanks to those who took part in our recent online discussion!

Here is a recent radio broadcast about Octavia Butler:

Octavia Butler's alternate realities and 'speculative fiction' reveal striking, and often devastating parallels to the world we live in today. She was a deep observer of the human condition, perplexed and inspired by our propensity towards self-destruction. Butler was also fascinated by the cyclical...

02/22/2021

Our Parable of the Talents discussion is tonight at 7:30; send an email or Messenger message if you need the Zoom link.

And whether or not you can make it, here are some more dystopian novel recommendations...

Our pick of the best dystopian novels ever written, from George Orwell's ever-relevant 1984 to Margaret Atwood's feminist dystopian fiction.

02/17/2021

Ashes...

Wounded Christ,
On this day we remember
that we are stardust,
that we share death in common
with all that lives,
that from dust we came, 
and to dust we will return.

Walk with us on every step
of this sacred journey,
and help us not turn away
from heartache, pain, and loss.
In our vulnerability 
may we also find strength,
in our sorrow
may we know the depths of love,
in our living, 
may we learn to die. 

Keep us from grasping at that
which holds us back, but 
doesn’t guarantee life anyways.
Grant us peace of spirit
even as our flesh grows 
weary and worn.
In your mercy, 
hear our prayers.
Amen.

01/16/2021

She created vivid new worlds to reveal truths about our own. Here’s where to start with her books.

01/15/2021

Our next online gathering: Octavia E. Butler's "Parable of the Talents" on Feb 22 at 7:30 PM via Zoom.

Lauren Olamina, a black teenager, grew up in a 21st-century America that was tearing itself apart. Global warming, massive unemployment, gang warfare and corporate greed combined to break down society

11/24/2020

A good and challenging discussion tonight! Whether you made the meeting tonight or not, if you are interested in digging deeper into the book, check out this podcast:

A podcast diving into Octavia E Butler's Parable of the Sower/Talents, hosted by Toshi Reagon and adrienne maree brown. Produced by Kat Aaron.

11/21/2020

It's the beginning of the weekend and there's still time to read Parable of the Sower for Monday night! Send a direct message or email Marilyn Malton at RIM for the Zoom coordinates.

It’s unlike anything else in the genre.

11/13/2020

There is still time to read our next book: Parable of the Sower. Find the book (audio, digital, print), read it, and join in the Zoom-based discussion on Monday, November 23. All are welcome.

(RNS) — The book hit bestseller lists this year 30 years after its publication, not only for its gritty, prophetic portrait of our times but because of its faith in humans to deal with difficult days.

10/25/2020

“In 2025, with the world descending into madness and anarchy, one woman begins a fateful journey toward a better future”. Intrigued? Find a copy of the book and join in the conversation on Monday November 23.

02/17/2020

Monday the 24th we come together to discuss Sam Wells' book A Nazareth Manifesto.

Anglican Diocese of Ottawa education event with the Rev. Dr. Samuel Wells, Thursday, January 30, 2014 and Friday, January 31, 2014. St. Matthew's Church, 217...

01/30/2020

February's book. Let's come together and explore how Sam Wells' thoughts here can enrich our understanding and practice of ministry.

John Inge has nothing but praise for this reflection on ‘with’