More help for grief and loss, right in our library

Did you know that we have a list of grief resources on the website, as well as printed copies in the library? These books are all available from the King County Library System and have been recommended by members of the Pacific Northwest Association of Church Libraries. We've just added an especially good book from the list to our own library: A Grace Disguised: How the Soul Grows Through Loss by Jerry Sittser.

From Amazon.com:
An expanded edition of this classic book on grief and loss---with a new preface and epilogue. Loss came suddenly for Jerry Sittser. In an instant, a tragic car accident claimed three generations of his family: his mother, his wife, and his young daughter. While most of us will not experience such a catastrophic loss in our lifetime, all of us will taste it. And we can, if we choose, know as well the grace that transforms it. A Grace Disguised plumbs the depths of sorrow, whether due to illness, divorce, or the loss of someone we love. The circumstances are not important; what we do with those circumstances is. In coming to the end of ourselves, we can come to the beginning of a new life---one marked by spiritual depth, joy, compassion, and a deeper appreciation of simple blessings.
Find it on the new books rack now, and later in adult nonfiction by the fireplace under 248.8.

Historical Romance: A Vote of Confidence by Robin Lee Hatcher

If you like Janette Oke and other historical romance authors, why not give one of our newest books a try? A Vote of Confidence is the first in Robin Lee Hatcher's Sisters of Bethlehem Springs series. This book is set in 1915 and tells the story of Guinevere Arlington, a "woman in a man's world" who runs for mayor. Doesn't sound like a romance? Well, when her opponent turns out to be a handsome bachelor...
Find it in our adult fiction section, by the outside doors.

Are you running on empty?

If you're feeling guilty or overwhelmed because you don't feel like you spend enough time with God in practices like prayer and Bible reading, Refuel: An Uncomplicated Guide to Connecting with God by Doug Fields book may help. It's a short, quick read with lots of practical suggestions to help you put God first in your life in ways that work for you.

From Amazon.com: As a Christian, you know you need to have devotions. You've heard it from your pastor; you've seen the study guides; you may have even made a dent in the One Year Bible. Some of you have valiantly set your alarm clocks back an hour for morning quiet time, only to find that life creeps back in to steal your resolve. It isn't because you don't love God. You quit because you "bought into" someone's unsustainable habit at an unreasonable pace. But you don't have to keep running on empty. Bestselling author Doug Fields offers an uncomplicated, practical plan that you can carry out. This book won't teach you how to "cram God" into your already-full schedule. Instead, Doug will show you a practical, doable way of setting God first, and then letting everything else in your life fall into place. You will experience the fullness God has for you-just take some time to refuel.

Find it on the new book rack for now, and later under 248.4 in the adult non-fiction section to the left of the fireplace.

Want to know more about the library?

On the right side of the page, below the reading list and subjects, you'll find a new "About Our Library" section. Follow the links to read our new mission statement and collection policy

The library's mission directly supports Cross and Crown's mission to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, nurture all members, and reach out to serve the community. Each part of our mission statement is intended to help the church carry out part of its overall mission.

A collection policy helps a library fulfill its mission. Every library has just so much space, money, and people with limited amounts of time. It's important to use those resources in the most effective way possible, and collection policies provide guidelines that enable libraries to focus on providing the resources that meet the needs of their communities. They can also help people interested in donating to the library get ideas about what kinds of things might be most useful. If you have any questions or comments about our policy, please let me know!

A new book for Easter

Want a new book to read to the little ones in your life for Easter? We have a new book thanks to a generous donation: The Easter Story by Carol Heyer.


From Amazon.com: This inspiring book takes the young reader from Christ's birth through his life, his death, and his Resurrection. The true meaning of Easter's rituals and traditions comes to life in Heyer's portrayals of the Last Supper, the crucifixion, and the glory of Easter morning.

Find it on the new book rack for now, and on the Easy Readers shelf (the bottom shelf of the bookcase by the door, below the biographies and adult fiction) after Easter.

Devotional calendars: tools for daily worship

Thanks to a generous donation we have two new devotional calendars in our library. You can find them both under 242.2 in the adult non-fiction section to the left of the fireplace. By the way, if you'd like some pointers on how to find books in our library, please let me know. I'd be happy to show you around!

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence was written by Sarah Young, a missionary who has traveled around the world with her husband. They currently live and serve in Perth, Australia. The book encourages prayer as a dialogue with Jesus. Or try Daily Splashes of Joy: 365 Gems to Sparkle Your Day if you like a strong dose of humor with your devotions. Barbara Johnson is the author, so it's a good one to try if you enjoy her other books like Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy!

The library is a great place to "try it before you buy it" and check out a devotional book or two to use at home for a while. Put some variety in your daily devotions and see how God speaks to you!