The Riotous Readers meet monthly discussing books that stretch your soul as well as your mind.

Last month we discussed Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese, a novel about two twin boys, born in Ethiopia and their struggle to find their biological father and their own identities. Born to a nun who has died in childbirth, the boys are raised by adoptive parents at the Mission Hospital. The book is set in the last days of the reign of Haile Selassie I, who called himself the “Lion of Judah,” arguing that he was a descendant of the meeting of Solomon and Sheba. The book interweaves the personal struggles of the Mission doctor parents, the growth and development of the twins, and the political situation that led to how many westerners view Ethiopia.

This month we are reading Breaking Night: A memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homelessness to Harvard by Liz Murray. What happens to a child born to drug addicted parents? What are the problems, the challenges, and the heartbreaks endured? This is tough reading because it gives us a picture of lives and situations that we do not want to think about.

Copies of the book are available at the Middletown Library. We will be meeting on Wednesday, July 13 at 7:30 PM in Fellowship Hall. For more information about joining us for our usual riotous discussion along with refreshments, call the Church Office at (732) 671-1905.

The Fabulous Friday Morning Walkers, undaunted by the weather, are walking again! This is a great way to have stimulating conversation while putting your body into shape. We walk in some familiar and unfamiliar places. Call the church office at (732) 671-1905 if you are interested in joining us.

The AAUW Bookstore is closed during July and August. Watch for our fall reopening announcement.

People to People International will present an exciting program about Ecuador on Sunday, July 17 at 2:00 PM. Experience Cuenca, Ecuador's third city and a place with beautiful Spanish colonial architecture, and learn about the serious environmental threats to the Galapagos Islands, the place that gave birth to Charles Darwin's musings on the development of species.

MISSION IS TO THE CHURCH AS A FIRE IS TO BURNING

Mission needs continue through the summer as well.

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.


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