*First Church's Rowe Library

Books Newly Added to Our Rowe Library

In the Biology / Autobiography Section, west wall, north end upper

Adam's Gift

Thanks to two of our church members, Adam's Gift has been added to our library. A personal memoir by Jimmy Creech, a former United Methodist pastor, it begins with the impact on him of one of his parishioner's (Adam's) anguish over the refusal of our denomination to ordain "self-avowed practicing" homosexuals. As one of those quoted on the jacket wrote, "Jimmy Creech risked his own life and ministry for the sake of the marginalized and scorned."

This story, of course, relates in a positive way to our First Church congregation's decision to become a "reconciling congregation," clearly welcoming members of the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender community.

60 Years of Love! The life story of Verla and Reg Goff

Prepared with the help of their children, Ruth and Jim, it both verbally and visually replays the personal stories, adventures, ministries and missions of these two, even though Reg has been 'away with the Lord' for many years and Verla is now 98 years of age.

Included are stories of the phenomenal growth of their Methodist church in Worland, Wyoming, their leadership in both E. Stanley Joes' Ashrams and Camps Farthest out (including internationally), Verla's meeting with Mother Teresa in India, and their early leadership in the Walk to Emmaus.

Verla has placed several copies of this wonderful book on the table in the Rowe Library. Please return any copies borrowed so that others may enjoy it, too.

Reading Resources in First Church’s Rowe Library

The church library is called Rowe Library as a memorial to Suzanne Van Ort’s mother, Emily Shaw Rowe. Rowe Library is loaded with great reads. Come browse, read and borrow. Here is a guide to what you can find in Rowe Library:

SOUTH WALL (left/east to right /west)

In corner: Cassettes and Dictionaries

Past window: Fiction (top rows)

Miscellaneous (bottom rows)

WEST WALL (left/south to right/north)

Bibles; Bible Commentaries; Bible History and Studies (first two sections)

Religious Art (bottom of second section)

Methodism (third section, top)

Theology (third section)

Church Studies (third section, bottom)

Biography (fourth section, top rows)

Hymns (fourth section, lower)

Christian Education (fourth section, bottom)

World Religions (fourth section, bottom)

NORTH WALL (left/west to right/east)

Inspirational, by author (first two sections)

Health Issues (third section, top)

Aging and Death (third section, just below top)

Raising Children (third section, toward bottom)

Self Help (third section, bottom)

Holidays (third section, bottom)

UMW (United Methodist Women)—fourth section

Education for Missions; Spiritual Growth;

Social Action; Nurturing for Community

Children’s Books (fourth section, bottom)

Additions to the Church’s Rowe Library

In the Theology Section, west wall, mid-way:

The Heart of Christianity, Marcus Borg (2003)

Subtitled "Rediscovering a Life of Faith. How We Can Be Passionate Believers Today," reviews essentials of the Christian Tradition and Life in a "Time of Change."

In the Fiction Section, south wall, mid-way-high:

Dream Sounders, Carroll Rinehart (2010)

Written in the third-person by one who becomes a prime figure in this full-of-surprises, full-of-meanings first novel. The conclusion? "We must hold on to dreams."

In the Social Action Section, north wall, east end:

Is There No Other Way?, Michael Nagler (2001)

Subtitles "The Search for a Nonviolent Future," these stories resonate with people of faith everywhere, touching the spiritual core of humanity. (Tribute by Bishop Shaman, United Methodist.)