Reading Program “Carry Out a Good Book!” Reading Program is the new promotion for the children of St. Matthew’s Lutheran church library. Hungry readers have the opportunity to build the best carry out pizza ever! The reading program will be introduced to the Sunday School classes in late September which offers children ages 3 yr. olds through 5th grade a chance to read 10 books for a Christian prize. This year we will also be piling pepperoni, sausages, green peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes on the giant pizza display in the library representing the amount of books read. Let us see who can pile on the most toppings! Watch for the flyers in late September….it’s as easy as pizza pie!

Lots of smiles, warmth and contentment are words to describe the photo I recently received of Kate and Grace Charlson enjoying a good book tucked in bed. Times like this captured in the picture are a representation of meaningful family time reading. As we cherish these moments, we reflect on books we share with each other. The Charlson family donates a book each year in honor of Kate and Grace’s birthdays. They were so excited to check out the books selected with their own personal name plate in the front of each book. Through the generosity of St. Matt’s, friends and family members can sign up for donating books for their loved ones. The 3-ring binder to sign up for donations is located at the Information Center. Each book donation is $15.00 and a lasting memory will be shared with all that make use of the church library.

Does the image of black patches under the eyes with wording imprinted “John 3:16” sound familiar? That’s an image that lodges in our minds of Christian football player, Tim Tebow. The story is simple. In his own words, Through My Eyes, Tim Tebow shares an inspiring story about a real life ordinary young man born to parents who were missionaries. While living in the Philippines, Tim’s parents sought the advice of doctors because of the concern for the health of Tim’s mom, and the doctors advised her to abort their unborn child. The Tebow family stood tall on their faith in God making the decision to give birth to their son. The Tebows taught their son the importance of a personal relationship with God and hard work. Tebow portrays his family as both fun and godly.

The book is heavy on the details of his college football career at University of Florida. Again, Tebow’s faith in God and commitment to doing all for the glory of God propelled him to excel as quarterback in college. As I read the book, I was surprised to learn how throughout his life he was counseled not to play quarterback because of his body size. Tebow believed that he was made to play this position and continued to pursue this dream despite obstacles that came his way. I appreciated Tebow’s sincerity and down to earth style of writing in this book. I think this book is a great read for football fans and those wanting to read an inspiring story of a modern day young man and his journey to the NFL. This book isn’t just for the guys that are true football fans. As some of you know, I’m a diehard Green Bay Packers fan and I’ll be at Lambeau Field this season cheering on my team, and will remember that Tim Tebow is a positive role model for all sports fans whether they are men, women or children and grandchildren! I plan to share this book with my teenage grandchildren as well.

Check out the new book by Josh Hamilton, currently playing for the Texas Rangers. His book Beyond Belief shares the message of a man seeking to find peace and grace in the eyes of God. Hamilton tells of his journey from a highly touted high school baseball prospect to a drugged out, tattooed troubled soul. The places and people are brought to life through the story of Hamilton’s life. The book describes the rise and fall of his personal and professional life and finding the courage through God’s strength to rebuild his life.

--Bev Etzelmueller, Church Librarian

Summer will come eventually to warm our days and our hearts. In the lazy days of summer at the pool, or enjoying our flower and vegetable gardens, we can sit back, relax with a cool glass of lemonade, and enjoy a good book. We don’t have the hectic schedule of the school bell plotting our everyday ritual. Don’t forget to pack a few good books for that trip to the beach or a week of vacation. My husband, Etz, always says, “Your suitcase wouldn’t be so heavy if you weren’t taking so many books.” But they are all must reads! Here are a few good reads to ensure that you can relax and enjoy your summer.

June Bug by Chris Fabry shares the story of a young girl named June Bug. For as far back as she can remember, June Bug has driven around the country in an RV with her dad. There’s never a destination, only an adventure to where the road leads. At night they park at Wal-Mart. During one stop at Wal-Mart, June Bug pauses to look at the Missing Children posters hanging at the entrance. To her astonishment, she sees a girl named Natalie who looks just like her. This discovery starts June Bug on a journey of discovery and truth. If this man in the RV is not her father, who is he? And where is her family? From the very beginning, this book captures your imagination and the reader falls in love with the char­acters and feels their joy and pain.

Road Trip, Book #3 (Chloe series) is an engaging look at the troubles of teen life especially those under the spotlight of fame. The story line may be Chloe’s diary, but is mainly a third person narration between the key cast members as each suffers from doubts and woes that make them so human. Author Melody Carlson provides a warm but frank Christian teen tale that will provide plenty of enjoyment yet inspire young and old to more than just tolerate others.

Seek and Find Bible Stories is perfect for fans of the ‘Where’s Waldo?’ or ‘I Spy’ books and offers a great summer adventure to take on a road trip! Through this visual, interactive approach, kids can take an adventure through the Bible, from Genesis through Revelation, as they search for Mike who is hiding in every picture. Each story begins with an overview of what’s happening, provides questions to help them ‘seek and find’ details from the story, and ends with a Bible Scripture. Kids will love exploring each and every page as they learn more about the Bible.

The Church Library is accessible during the summer on three Sundays listed below or contact the church office during the week for assistance. If you have a specific need, just give me a call (262-250-3969) for assistance.

--Bev Etzelmueller, Church Librarian

A religious leader recently commented, “The number one reason people give me for not meditating upon Scripture is that they don’t have enough time.” The leader that I refer to wondered if we really have enough time for important things. So, he made a copy of the book of Philippians, cut it into sections and taped it over the columns of the local newspaper. It took up just three columns of the front page. Ironically, if you would have read your favorite parts of the newspaper or just scanned the headlines on the Internet, you actually could have read the book of Philippians. As the church librarian, I also hear these words; “I am too busy right now to check out a book.” However, what if we took the time to read the scriptures or a book “taped over” our alternative media source?

We should take seriously the theme for this year’s Lenten theme “We Walk by Faith” to focus on our Lord’s death and resurrection. The library offers many choices of daily meditations and reflections this Lenten season. Do not forget to share the message with your children and grandchildren. Lent and Easter can be difficult for young children to understand. Good Friday (as Pastor Chris and Donna emphasize that it is “good” Friday) and the miracle of Easter bring valid questions to ponder. Self-examination and reflection is a way for us to share a closer bond with our Lord.

The book Easter in My Heart, at the heart of the Christian faith, offers the potential not only to delight readers’ families, but also to transform them. Beyond the eggs, the candy and the colorful baskets is history’s most earth-shattering and revolutionary event. This year, through the spiritually enriching, family affirming stories in Easter in My Heart, readers can honor the true meaning of this day.

An Easter Gift to Me is a colorful board book for children, which tells about Jesus’ life. It explains his birth and how God sent him from heaven to earth. When He grew up, He told people He was God’s Son and, if they believed in Him and followed His instructions, they could live forever with Him in Heaven. Children will learn of the many miracles Jesus performed. An Easter Gift to Me shows the young reader how some of the people did not understand the way Jesus fit into God’s special plan. The book reveals to children that Jesus hung on a cross and died for our sins but he rose again on Easter morning. In the final pages, a mother explains to her daughter that this story of Jesus is true! She then shows her young daughter if we believe and obey, we can see Jesus in Heaven someday.

I’m in the church library each week and hope to see you this Lenten season also! The Library hours are 9:30-11:00 a.m. each Sunday.

--Bev Etzelmueller, Church Librarian

When you see the book cover from Jaws or Jurassic Park, you instantly recognize the book and the story within the pages.  What draws you to a good book?  Is it the colorful title front or the feel of the book that interests you to pick up the book to investigate it further?  The cover of the book is every bit as memorable as the book’s contents. 

In this day of graphic designs, much effort is put into the design of a cover as it tells the whole story with one image.  Books originated in the 15th century with a wood cover and pigskin protection and they were strong enough to withstand travel and heavy usage.  By the mid 1800’s, cloth books were in use.  The beloved dust jacket appeared by the1890’s offering more value than the traditional cloth book.  Books offered great value because of limited printing and strong usage. 

So where does that leave us in today’s market of books?  A patron does not just own a book, but it is like artwork that we put on display and speaks to who we are.  Graphics can sway your opinion of a book; dark for a mystery book, a delicious piece of cake for a cookbook or a picturesque scene for travel. Covers are like a billboard or a carnival barker shouting, “come read me!”

Yes, we can download books through e-readers.  This has become a wonderful option if you travel or need extra space in your backpack.  E-books are up 193%  which equals 9% of the  $3 billion in the consumer market.  However, what does the future hold for traditional books with all of the great graphics? Graphic artists do not feel that their jobs are in jeopardy.  I also feel that both are here to stay for the time being.  In honor of the wonderful look and feel of books, a display has been set up in the library offering various books with impressionable graphics.  Take a guess of the contents based on the cover!  The library is open each Sunday from 9:30-11:00 a.m. as well as requests to the church office. 

I think back to 4-5 years ago when Leslie Gardner and I were involved in collecting suitcases for foster children through Lutheran Social Services.  The suitcases were collected and transported to LSS for distribution to children in foster care within the Milwaukee area.  Children placed in foster care can be suddenly shuffled from their home into the darkness of the unknown.  The simple act of giving a child a suitcase show that someone cares.  As we attribute the month of February as a LOVE token, we remember the love that we receive and more important, the love that we give to family, the store clerk, and the strangers that the foster children faced in their young lives.  The word LOVE is found in the Bible over 500 times expressing Jesus’ love for others and his Father.  Christian authors share their love through their writings.

Author, Gary Chapman, explores what it means to choose love in your marriage, relationships and life.  Love is a Verb is a collection of 40 real-life stories of everyday people practicing the art of love. Each story is written in first-person and highlights a moment when it was difficult to express or even feel love. Then they share how they ignited their hearts to choose to love once again. Chapman offers a few brief paragraphs of what can be learned from the story.  This book is located in the Christian Life section.

Cookies: Bit-Size Life Lessons  by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Jane Dyer.  The illustrations are easy to fall in love with and the message is a bonus! By using chocolate chip cookies, Rosenthal defines straight-forward cookie-related terms such as Patient, Proud, Modest and Respect in a manner that helps children understand and gives adults a reason to smile. Cooperate means, “How about you add the chips while I stir?" the book begins. The accompanying full-page watercolor, on the opposite page, features a curly-topped redhead stirring batter, while the bunny and dog at either side add chocolate chips (all three sport white aprons). For example, Trustworthy means, “If you ask me to hold your cookie until you come back, when you come back, I will still be holding your cookie." 

I Love You This Much.  This is a wonderful book that helps children understand the love of God for them and their infinite worth as being created in the image of God.  This book works perfectly as a lullaby! I highly recommend it!  These two children’s books are located in the Children – Love section of the library.

Share your love with your spouse, children and extended family in this season of love.  Hug your kids tonight as you pray and think of the foster children that are looking for love and security.  Don’t pass up the chance to give a bit of your heart away to others.  The library is open each Sunday from 9:30-11:00 a.m. and during the week by checking with the church office. 

--Bev Etzelmueller, Church  Librarian

There are many wonderful libraries, bookstores and technology devices available to fulfill our reading hobby. Church libraries, although small, also have fascinating ways to explore and dream through reading.  Sharing books through the church library is for the pure joy of reading and it is refreshing. Not only do you learn things, but reading provides brain stimulation that watching television does not offer.

Recently a church member stopped in the library to browse.  She quickly picked up a book from the Fiction shelf.  She said, “Oh, I just saw this book in the bookstore and almost purchased the book.  I stop in this library and it pops out at me.”  She admitted that she hates to buy books and loves to browse in the library.  Another member thanked me for the Voice write up on a Christian book by Angela Hunt.  She said she thoroughly enjoyed the author’s story and hopes to read more selections. 

Did you know that not every church has a library?  A church library takes funding, space and dedication to provide God’s message to the congregation and the community.  My prayer is that we do not take our library for granted.  St. Matthew’s strives to have a comfortable, inviting library.  Church libraries have kept up with the times, providing Christian books, fiction and non-fiction, compact discs and DVDs.  Selections offer and reflect Christian values to the congregation and community.

What I really want is for people to begin reading and keep reading. One thing about books is that they remind us that there’s another world out there besides our small world. It’s a wonderful sharing time to pass along the love of reading to our children and grandchildren. I truly believe that God can work through books beyond our expectations and hopes.  This is my wish for you for the New Year.  I’m looking forward to seeing you SOON.

--Bev Etzelmueller, Church  Librarian

As the season of Advent begins on November 28, why not take the time during the busy holidays to stop in the library? God asks us to pause and reflect on the true Christmas message. Advent season is meant to slow down the pace of life in preparation for the Good News this Christmas season. The library is open each Sunday 9:35-11:00 a.m. The doors are open to welcome and invite you to hear the message of our Lord. The church library wishes to share a few good books for the season.

A Family Advent is a beautiful book that is sure to become a family tradition. What better way to keep Christ in the forefront of your Christmas season than by celebrating Advent each day? During Advent, we eagerly await the birth of Christ, the coming of the Messiah. Too often, we are caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season and forget why we are celebrating. A Family Advent takes the reader through the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Each week represents a different aspect of the season, Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy. Prayer, scripture readings and an activity are suggested for each day. The activities are fun and informative enjoyable for adults and children. This book is highly recommended by Jill and Brian Due and family.

Small Camel Follows the Star. The story of the Wise Men’s visit to the Christ child is told through the eyes of Small Camel, who has the honor of carrying the precious gifts. “This is the great star I have waited so long to see,” Balthazar told them. “We must prepare for a journey. Groom the camels. Pack enough food and clothing for many weeks of travel across the desert.” So the journey begins for Small Camel, sore feet and all. But when the caravan stops at a humble house and gives the precious gifts to the young Jesus, Small Camel realizes it was all worth it. Sweetly humorous illustrations make this familiar Bible story stand out.

Remember to check out the Christmas CDs and DVDs in the library. A great classic book & DVD is The Polar Express. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

Christmas blessings to you as you reflect on the many choices within the library this upcoming season.

--Bev Etzelmueller, Church  Librarian

As summer comes to a close, the book publishers are busy cranking out new books in anticipation of the fall season and starting early heavy marketing for Christmas. With this in mind we ourselves look for new finds and topics to explore.

In a recent issue of the USA Today, an article stated that “it’s plain and simple…the Amish fiction books are one of the fastest-growing genres in romance publishing.” Along with the Amish, the strictest of sects, are the Shakers, Mormons and Mennonites. So what’s the appeal to modern readers? Simplicity is a staple of that community, and simplicity is powerful. Basically, it is secular Americans that cherish the Amish values; humility, obedience, and they take their scriptures “straight up”. Remember how the Amish astonished the world by forgiving the gunman who shot and killed five little girls at a one-room schoolhouse in Pennsylvania in 2006, then reached out to the killer’s widow and family? This facet of readership will continue to expand and grow within the Christian fiction world.

Yet we can look in other directions into the popularity of Christian fiction. I just looked through my fiction catalog, reserved a few copies at our public library for review, only to have some of the popular ones on hold for 1-2 months. Here are a few temptations for you:

Are you interested in suspense and drama? Let Darkness Come follows a murder trial that is handed off to a young attorney, Briley, who has no business defending a murder case on her own. The twists were a lot of fun and kept the pages turning, especially at the end. And if you’ve come to expect the unexpected from author Angela Hunt’s books, you will not be disappointed with the questions she raises as she wraps up the book.

Interested in a story written in a voice that speaks to your heart? Chasing Lilacs shares the simplicity of life in the 1950s that really wasn’t as simple as it may seem to those of us who didn’t live during that time. The 1950’s generation didn’t have many of the distractions we deal with now, but people were the same as they are now, each with his own secret that adds to the person that he or she is. And despite a person’s secrets, God is still in control. This is what I learned from seeing Sammie’s story unfold through her own eyes. You will feel the characters’ smiles, tears and frustrations.

Come share in the joy of the written word in the name of our Lord. Remember – the Amish keep the pace in life simple. The adult fiction section of the church library is one of the most popular. The library is open each Sunday from 9:30-11:00 or check out the catalog via the St. Matthew’s Website. All are welcome!

--Bev Etzelmueller, Church Librarian

Looking at the sports schedules for my 3 grandchildren, summer can be just as busy as the school year. Yet, there are gaps in kids’ schedules that offer some good summertime reading! Why not take a few good reads along on vacation? Here are a few temptations from the church library.

Faith, Hope and Ivy June by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Two schools, two families, two girls, and two ways of life. The mountain girl, Ivy June is chosen for a two-week exchange program with Catherine from Lexington, KY. Both girls experience a way of life that they couldn’t imagine. This book offers many valuable points about friendship. While both Catherine and Ivy Jean seemed to be nothing alike on the outside, they realized that they were actually kind of similar. Rather than focusing on how different they were, they decided to appreciate each other’s differences and find the things they have in common. This book is great read for Tweens.

Take Your Best Shot by Austin Gutwein. At age nine, Austin watched a 4 minute video about the AIDS orphans in Africa. In an instant, his life was changed and a long journey began. After watching the video, Austin felt the Lord stirring in him a desire to do something to help these orphans. He didn’t know what, but he knew that he wanted to listen to the Lord’s leading. Read how Austin brought thousands of people to the free-throw line and raised over $1 million dollars for AIDS. Austin states, “I don’t want you to finish this book and walk away with just a cool story. I want you to walk away with a burden on your heart. But not just any burden. I want you to be pursuing the purpose to give your own vision of how you can take your best shot to make a difference in the world around you.” Inspiring book for Young Teens as well as Adults.

The Secret Language of Girls by Frances O’Roark Dowell. This book is a heartwarming tale about family and friendship. In the story, an eleven-year old girl named Kate is ignored by her best friend Marylin and twelve year old neighbor Flannery. Kate and Marylin go their separate ways and go on small adventures without each other but in the end realize that friendship is what they need most, and there are other friends they don’t want to keep. Excellent for ages 9-12.

I Love It When You Smile is a simple story of a young kangaroo named Roo who is grumpy for no real reason. His mom does everything she can think of to get him out of his bad mood. He’s so grumpy; he doesn’t even feel like playing. Now that’s grumpy! Not until his mother slips him in her pouch and hops, hops, hops and then slips, slips, slips into a muddy hole does Roo do the unthinkable. He actually cracks a grin! This 3-6 age appropriate book is located in the Love section of the library.

The above selections are a few books dedicated to the church library in loving memory of Vivienne Louise Rose Ubell by grandparents, Irene and Folker Rieflin. A children’s picture is also on display in the church library in memory of Vivienne.

Remember the summer library dates of June 20, July 18, and August 22nd from 9:35-10:15 a.m. each Sunday as well as access to the library during the week via the church office.

--Bev Etzelmueller, Church Librarian

I recently received a card with the following message:
“With God in your world, you aren’t an accident or an incident; you are a gift to the world, a divine work of art, signed by God”, written by Christian author and minister, Max Lucado.  This brief message prompted me to revisit a few powerful books of faith to share with you.

Case for Christ by Lee Strobel - A seasoned journalist chases down the biggest story in history The Project: Strobel determines if there’s credible evidence that Jesus of Nazareth really is the Son of God. The Reporter: Lee Strobel, educated at Yale Law School, award-winning former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune—with a background of atheism. The Experts: A dozen scholars, with doctorates from Cambridge, Princeton, Brandeis, and other top-flight institutions, who are recognized authorities on Jesus. The Story: Retracing his own spiritual journey, Strobel cross-examines the experts with tough, point-blank questions: How reliable is the New Testament? Does evidence exist for Jesus outside the Bible? Is there any reason to believe the resurrection was an actual historical event?  Strobel asks the tough questions to give his readers clear and concrete answers to these questions.

Following his successful book, Strobel hears an avalanche of requests for a version of the book for teenagers. Many parents who were impacted by Lee Strobel's spiritual journey from atheism to Christianity wanted a student-friendly edition to help their teenagers find Christ or deepen their faith. The Case for Christ--Student Edition is the response to this need: a highly readable, thoroughly engaging, and spiritually challenging version designed both for teenagers who are Christians and those seeking the truth about Jesus. This is not a watered-down version of the original book, but an entirely fresh approach to the same subject matter with brand new material. This creative and fast-paced book follows Strobel, an investigative reporter, on e-mail interviews as he unearths convincing evidence that faith in Jesus Christ of Nazareth is not based on wishful thinking or fabricated legends, but on solid historical facts.

Letters from a Skeptic by Gregory Boyd (son) is an excellent book for anyone who is curious about Christianity, the many common misconceptions about what Christianity is all about, and who God is. The book is essentially correspondence between a Father and Son, in which the Father asks dozens of tough questions about his Son's faith, all in letter format. Among the questions are "Why believe in God in the first place?", "Why would an all powerful God need prayer?", and dozens more about the Bible, the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, and Christian doctrine. What makes this book so compelling is the honest way the questions are posed, and the answers delivered. Greg answers these tough questions with logic, theology, science, and uses a straightforward approach which is neither preachy nor academic but rather grounded in everyday language.

Stop in the Church Library to check deeper into these thought-provoking books for adults and teens.  The Library is open each Sunday from 9:30-11:00 a.m.

--Bev Etzelmueller, Church Librarian

The book Stones into Schools is the continuing ultimate story of author Greg Mortenson’s humanitarian achievements in the remote villages of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The story began in his book Three Cups of Tea, where he told of the life changing story of climbing Pakistan’s Karakoram, the world’s 2nd highest mountain in 1993. Mortenson became lost and local villagers cared for him. As thanks, Mortenson promised that he would return to build a school for the village.

In Stones into Schools into Stones he focused on building schools in Afghanistan. Mortenson learned to work with men that were native to the regions and knew the risks that were taken to move forward to achieve schools for girls. Today there are 131 Central Asia Institute Schools that Mortenson has built. This seems like an impossible task, yet reading the book; there are no obstacles that Mortenson couldn’t overcome in the past 16 years. In the world of uncertainty and much unrest, the book offers hope and a future for an almost forgotten society to further education and knowledge. Along with children, adult women wanted education on hygiene, and were eager to learn to use computers and cell phones to communicate with each other. Thus, the Afghan Women’s Co-op was born! The book offers a helpful Who’s Who, Glossary, and regional maps where the schools are located. It is helpful to read Three Cups of Tea first, but not necessary. This book is available in the Christian Life – Witnessing section of the Library.

In this season of Lent, we are mindful of the sacrifices of our Lord Jesus and the joyous moments of Easter Sunday. In the children’s book, My Easter Basket, using the many colors commonly found in Easter baskets, the author takes us through the entire Easter story, from the green palm leaves, to the purple wine, to the red blood, to the brown cave, to the white angel, to the yellow sun. Each section is presented in rhyming format. Stop in the Church Library to see the vast section of Easter books for children to have a strong understanding of the Easter message. Not to be forgotten are the adult books offered during the Easter season.

The church library is open each Sunday from 9:35-11:00 a.m. and during the week through the church office. Stop in and share a good book for yourself and for your family.

--Bev Etzelmueller, Church Librarian

“It’s at God’s direction that we delve into his Word and share that message with others.” St. Matthew’s Church Library has so many good pieces to offer to the congregation. You ask, why take the time to open God’s Message of love, compassion, forgiveness and knowledge? It’s at God’s direction that we delve into his Word and share that message with others. This isn’t a slippery slope to slide down; this is at God’s direction to each of us. Of utmost importance is to share our faith with our children and future generations.

I recently was in Barnes & Noble shortly before Christmas and smiled when I saw the long lines waiting to purchase books as gifts. Yes, I even browsed the “New Finds” shelves. There was the book, Sarah’s Key, still listed as a top reader for the year (remember my story in the airport that I mentioned in a Voice a few months ago?). Of course, God gave me the opportunity to ask the frustrated lady next to me “are you looking for a good read?” Sure enough she was looking for a book for her mother. I had my chance to briefly share this story with the pondering customer. Success!!! Off she went with a good gift in her hands. No, it’s not specifically a Christian book, but excellent story of the history of the persecution of the French Jewish population during WWII. You never know what recommendation will touch someone and have them seek God’s love further.

Come join in reading some of the newly acquired additions to the library.

Who’s Who & Where’s Where in the Bible for Kids. Here is a great tool to get kids into the Bible! Written especially for 8 to 12 year-olds, this easy-to-read reference covers 100 of the most important people and places of scripture. From Aaron to Zacchaeus and Babylon to the Sea of Galilee, Who’s Who and Where’s Where in the Bible for Kids gives the who, what, where, why, and when of each subject and it’s illustrated in full color with maps, photographs, classic paintings, and cool cartoon “narrators.” Best-selling Bible history author Steve Miller has created a fun and fascinating book that kids will love and parents will appreciate. Located in the Children – Bible section.

The Hole in our Gospel by Richard Stearns. Richard Stearns wrestled with the decision to relinquish being CEO of Lenox to become president of World Vision. When his new job promptly put him face to face with disparate needs, reasonable excuses for ignoring God’s hurting children were exposed as shallow. He realized there was a hole in the gospel he had lived by; an almost total lack of attention to one of God’s priorities with a heart for the poor and oppressed. Stearns discovered that serving the broken leads to overwhelming joy. A modern tactful prophet, Stearns challenges us to face our self-absorption, sense of entitlement, and avoidance of the cries of the world’s needy. Can we claim to take up a cause and follow Stearn’s example? This book shares tales of wonders and rejoicing that resulted when people responded to God’s call to serve the least. Located in Christian Life – Witnessing section.

The library is open each Sunday from 9:35-11:00 a.m. The Library is located off of the Commons area of the church. We are looking forward to your visit as well as your family. Seek God’s Word and you shall find a treasure.

--Bev Etzelmueller, Church Librarian

Imagine if you could teach your child something right now that would sharpen their listening and conversation skills, activate their imagination and even increase the salary their could earn as an adult. Guess what? You can! That something is to teach your child the love of reading!

Experts agree that you have a tremendous influence over your kids’ attitude toward reading. Here are some tips and ideas to make reading fun, not only for your children, but for the whole family.

Lucy McCormick Calkins, Ph.D., author of The Art of Teaching Reading, states that most American children learn to read, but not all become readers – people who love to read and do it for pleasure. To grow a reader, parents need to encourage your child’s literacy. Here’s how: Be a reading role model – let your kids see you enjoying books, magazines and newspaper Make sure there’s plenty to read – fill book shelves, keep a stack of magazines on table and newspaper on the kitchen counter. Limit screen time – TV and computer games not only keep kids from being physically active, they make them mentally sluggish. Talk as you read – As you read aloud to young children, say things like “I can just picture that, can’t you?” Try not to be judgmental – Encourage any and all reading. Your goal isn’t that your child read the most difficult books. Your goal is that they love to read.

Recently in the airport, my feet lead to the snack shop and bookstore. I pursued over the top ranking adult books along with children books. A young mother was close by I calmly said “are you looking for suggestions?” She said, “of course”. I suggested a few books that I recently read and then quietly walked away from book display saying a silent prayer of encouragement. I walked back to my area a few minutes later and crossed paths with young lady. She said with enthusiasm, “I bought it!” I gave her the thumbs up and continued walking with a self-satisfaction that I turned on one more person to reading.

As we travel with our grandchildren, I usually have to step over a stack of books that they keep in the van. My granddaughter said that they stopped at Half-Price Books for their recent road trip vacation. Again, I smiled with great satisfaction. If you don’t have a library card, second hand bookstores are great!

As you enter the church library, you will see the love of children’s books that I wish to share with all. Take a few minutes to come to library while your young children are in Sunday School. Many times I hear the words “I’ll meet you at the library after Sunday School.” Music to my ears! Recently children ages 3 year olds through 5th grade received the “Feed My Mind” reading program flyers in Sunday School. The reading program is a great way to promote reading and making use of the church library.

The library is open each Sunday from 9:35-11:00 a.m. and the office will gladly open the library for you during the week. Stop in soon!!!!! 

--Bev Etzelmueller, Church Librarian

Don Peslis, an expert in fitness, health and wellness, states in the publication “Homecoming”, that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of death for women. The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is about one in eight. The positive news, current breast cancer death rates are decreasing probably as the result of finding the cancer earlier and improved treatment. Regular mammograms, clinical breast exams and the breast self-exam are the best defense. The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances that treatment will work.

With these facts in hand, the St. Matthew’s Church Library has strengthened its resources to the congregation and community. Through generous book donations to the library, the knowledge and essential facts can be shared by those seeking support, knowledge, and answers to the many questions when faced with this disease for oneself or a loved one. In the book, Living through Breast Cancer by Dr. Carolyn M. Kaelin, the author explains how to understand one's diagnosis and treatment options, assemble a "care team", handle common changes in looks, and deal with feelings common among women with the disease. What sets the book apart, though, is its author's perspective. Kaelin is a breast cancer surgeon and director of the Comprehensive Breast Health Center and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. Not surprisingly, Kaelin's book is fairly serious, though not overly academic, and filled with anecdotes from not only her own experiences as a breast cancer patient but from many other women, too. The result is a helpful book that will inform patients and their families, giving them a firm grasp on both the medical and emotional aspects of breast cancer. Kaelin's tone is upbeat yet not intense. Her approach will probably best suit women who just want the facts without too much sentimentality.

Being a breast cancer survivor myself for 20 years, it is vital to have the pertinent facts before you. Whether you are facing breast cancer yourself or a loved one, stop in the library and check out the newly created “Cancer Support” section. Look for the bright PINK shelf label setting this section out among the others! The display and emphasis in the library will be featured now through October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Also, watch for forthcoming details for the St. Matthew’s Women’s Wellness Event, Saturday, January 30, 2010, which will focus on breast cancer. More information on the Wellness Event and links for breast cancer information in a document to download and/or print are available [here].

--Bev Etzelmueller, Church Librarian

There are always new and exciting books to browse through in the church library. Thanks for your wonderful donations to the library to make it possible to purchase books to keep the library fresh and alive. If you wish to make a monetary book donation in honor/memory of a friend, loved one or special occasion, sing up at the binder at the Information Center.

It is appropriate to share the book Stand Strong In College as our youth head off to college in August. The youth and future of tomorrow need to “be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord (Psalms 31:24).” College is a fun and an exciting time, but also one that presents teens with many challenges. How can Christian teens prepare for the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual challenges they may face in college? Author, Alex McFarland offers teens help by asking the questions they need to consider for an unshakable faith. Prepared, they can enter college with the ability to identify false worldviews and discern God’s voice. Teens will become proficient at interpreting campus content and circumstances from a consistently biblical perspective.

Pilgrim’s Progress, first published in 1678, John Bunyan’s classic allegory of the difficulties of Christian life has never been out of print. The new edition beautifully illustrated is aimed at readers age 9 years old and up. The pilgrim is the everyman character Christian, whose long and difficult journey takes him from his home in the City of Destruction, through the Slough of Despond, Valley of the Shadow of Death, and other fantastical locations. Although few of today’s readers may attempt Bunyan’s lengthy original, this volume provides an appealing opportunity for readers young and old to get acquainted with Bunyan’s classic story.

In the fiction book, John 3:16, character Roman Paulson finds that after the loss of his wife, life revolves around his son, Billy. As a football hero at the University of Nebraska, Billy has a promising life ahead of him. As Billy’s coach begins encroaching on Roman’s relationship with his son, especially when he brings God into Billy’s life, Roman starts to fear he’ll lose Billy forever. Nothing could prepare Roman for what is about to happen. Roman isn’t the only one whose life has been turned upside down. He’s one of five people whose lives are about to intersect on a bright, fall day, when one of them will hold up a sign at a football game with a short message: John 3:16. This simple act of faith will have the power to change lives forever.

--Bev Etzelmueller, Church Librarian

It’s time for TEENS to take a turn at center stage for good reading from the church library. School is almost over (great!!) and there will be more free time to relax and read a good book! Share the list with your friends as the church library offers a taste of books with suspense, fiction and trilogy. The church library is open each Sunday from 9:35-11:00 a.m. and one Sunday a month during the summer. The church office will open the library upon request. Check it out!

Generation Change: Roll up Your Sleeves and Change the World by Zach Hunter. Read about people who are feeding the hungry, healing the sick, providing clean water for the thirsty and many more ideas. Don't just sit there wondering why our world is so messed up. Get up and be the generation of change.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. Playing on every teen’s passionate desire to look as good as everybody else, the author projects a future world in which a compulsory operation at age 16 wipes out physical differences and makes everyone pretty by conforming to an ideal standard of beauty. The "New Pretties" are then free to play and party, while the younger "Uglies" look on enviously and spend the time before their own transformations in plotting mischievous tricks against their elders.

Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace ..One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson. Some failures lead to phenomenal successes, and this American nurse's unsuccessful attempt to climb K2, the world's second tallest mountain, is one of them. Dangerously ill when he finished his climb in 1993, Mortenson was sheltered for seven weeks by the small Pakistan village of Korphe. In return, he promised to build the impoverished town's first school, a project that grew into the Central Asia Institute, which has since constructed more than 50 schools across rural Pakistan and Afghanistan.

My Name is Chloe by Melody Carlson (Book #1). Chloe, Josh Miller's younger sister, is a free spirit with funky clothes and dramatic hair. She struggles with her own identity, classmates, parents, boys, and -- her biggest question -- whether or not God is for real. But this unconventional high school freshman definitely doesn't hold back when she meets Him in a big, personal way. Refusing to change her image to fit into the "stereotypical Christian preppy mold," Chloe expresses God's love and grace through the girl band she forms, Redemption. In her development as a musician and performer, tender-hearted Chloe will learn tough lessons about following God, her heart, and her dreams.

Across the Wide River by Stephanie Reed. This captivating book uses accurate historical facts to develop realistic fiction about an actual family living in 1787 - 1865. The story and plot are intriguing and will keep readers on the edges of their seats. Following Christian values, no matter the cost, is a central theme. The Light Across the River is a dramatic sequel.

The BookThief by Markus Zusek, Death himself narrates the World War II-era story of Liesel Meminger from the time she is taken, at age nine, to live in Molching, Germany, with a foster family in a workingclass neighborhood of tough kids, acid-tongued mothers, and loving fathers who earn their living by the work of their hands. The child arrives having just stolen her first book -- although she has not yet learned how to read -- and her foster father uses it, The Gravediggers Handbook, to lull her to sleep when she’s roused by regular nightmares about her younger brother’s death. Across the ensuing years of the late 1930s and into the 1940s, Liesel collects more stolen books as well as a peculiar set of friends: the boy Rudy, the Jewish refugee Max, the mayor’s reclusive wife (who has a whole library from which she allows Liesel to steal), and especially her foster parents.

Beyond the Reflection’s Edge by Bryan Davis. After sixteenyear- old Nathan Shepherd’s parents are murdered during a corporate investigation, he teams up with a friend to solve the case, discovering mirrors that reflect events from the past and future, a camera that photographs people who aren’t there, and a violin that echoes unseen voices.

In Everything Give Thanks by Terry Barnes is a touching and realistic coming-of-age story about fifteen-year-old Matt Collins, who finds his world and faith shaken by his father's unexpected death. Matt, almost overnight, goes from being a typical teenage boy with a passion for cross-country running and a desire to be a preacher, to a disillusioned grown-up who is now the man of the house. In his pain, Matt makes a deal with God -- he'll leave God alone, if God will leave him alone.

When Wade Hampton, a teenage boy with cerebral palsy, moves in next door, he determines that Matt is his new best friend. But Matt wants nothing to do with Wade; hanging out with him only brings trouble, and Matt has enough trouble of his own to deal with. But Wade is persistent, and eventually Matt learns that Wade and God have a lot in common--neither one will leave him alone.

--Bev Etzelmueller, Church Librarian