The Riotous Readers meet monthly discussing books that stretch your soul as well as your mind. Last month we discussed One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd by Jim Fergus. Based on the historical event of the U.S. government sponsoring mail order brides with Cheyenne braves in an attempt to “civilize” them, this novel examines how May Dodd was able to escape a mental institution to which she had been confined for her marriage to a man “beneath her station” and marries Little Wolf, a chief in the Cheyenne nation.

This month we are discussing the Pulitzer Prize winning novel A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole. This cult classic was published in 1980 through the efforts of Walker Percy, 11 years after the author’s suicide. The title is taken from Jonathan Swift’s comment, “When a true genius appears in the world, you will know him by this sign: that all the dunces are in confederacy against him.” We will meet on Wednesday, December 8 at 7:30 PM. For more information about how to join us, call the Church office at (732) 671-1905.

In January, our reading takes a serious turn with Sebastian Junger’s War, based on his experience of being embedded with a U.S. Army platoon in Afghanistan in 2007-2008.

The Fabulous Friday Morning Walkers have suspended walks for the winter. We may morph into the Say Yes to Yoga Workout. Call the church office if you are interested in joining us.

Join us Sunday, December 5 at 1 PM for our Adult Religious Education Series, “The Trappings of Theology.” Ever wonder how our theology developed? We will discuss the development of creeds at the Council of Nicea.

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE AT 5:30 PM

Our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service is an early one so that people can get home after that last minute shopping to have dinner with their families. Join us on Christmas Eve and participate in a bilingual service in English and Spanish with our friends from Ebenezer Baptist Church.

The AAUW Book Store is open Saturdays from 9 AM to 2 PM. Not only are you able to buy gently used books for a great price but your purchase at the Book Store provides financial assistance to college students from Monmouth County.

MISSION IS TO THE CHURCH AS A FIRE IS TO BURNING

As a people of faith, we are called to care for others. This is our passion. Share your passion to care for others by joining us in Mobile Meals, meals to the elderly at Middletown’s Senior Citizen Housing. We deliver meals and company on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Call the church office at (732) 671-1905 to learn more.

The Calico Cat Thrift Shop is a thrift store operated by the Community Outreach Group that sells gently used items to persons who cannot afford even discount prices. The COG also has a food pantry and an emergency assistance program. If you have a few hours during the week, the Calico Cat could use your help. Call (732) 671-0550 if you would like to help in this important ministry.

The New Jersey Anti-Poverty Conference is scheduled for December 7 at the War Memorial in Trenton. Learn how you can help change public policy on this important issue. Call the Church office at (732) 671-1905 or go to the New Jersey Anti-Poverty Network website at antipovertynetwork.org for more information.

AND WHAT TO DO ON NEW YEAR’S DAY?

Join the American Littoral Society’s Annual Beach Walk at Sandy Hook: 11 AM The Society’s Headquarters is Building 18 at Sandy Hook. Bring goodies to share and hot cider and chocolate will be provided. It’s free and open to the public but do let them know if you want to go by calling (732) 291-0055.

START YOUR NEW YEAR RIGHT!

Join us at 8:30 AM for a short contemporary worship or at 10:30 for our traditional worship with fellowship and stimulating discussion to follow.