The fourth and final volume in the (ACRS) series The Geography of Our Faith will be released during the October 13-15 at 草莓社区.
Authors and editors will be present at a celebration and book-signing from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13, at Martin Chapel in the seminary building. The book will also be available at the and from .
听Making a Difference in the Journey features 15 Mennonite and Church of the Brethren writers who tell their stories 鈥渨ith candor鈥� and 鈥渁 good dose of self-effacement and humility, providing a delightful read and giving hope for the future,鈥� writes Richard L. Benner in the book鈥檚 introduction.
The 15 authors, many of whom are alumni of EMU and/or Eastern Mennonite Seminary, include Robert Earl Alley, Martin Lehman, Fred W. Swartz, Beryl H. Brubaker, Joe Lapp, W. Robert McFadden, Lee M. Yoder, Doug Hostetter, Paul Swarr, Rick Yoder, Dick L. Benner, Larry Hoover, Allon H. Lefever, Peggy B. Shenk and Shirley H. Showalter.
鈥淭hese are leaders whose different ways of serving enriched and, indeed, saved the lives of many,鈥� said Nancy V. Lee, the managing editor. 鈥淟ike the earlier volumes, this volume is a historical EMU treasure, providing, as it does, the memoirs of men and women, many related to EMU through their tumultuous years as students, professors, administrators, pastors, writers and overseas directors.鈥�
In addition to Benner鈥檚 introduction, the book includes an editor鈥檚 preface by Lee, the series editor鈥檚 preface by , a foreword by Lee F. Snyder, and an appendix by .
Making a Difference in the Journey describes 鈥渢he series of events 鈥� often awakenings 鈥� that led [the storytellers] to high positions of responsibility and resulting actions,鈥� said Lee.
In her foreword, Snyder writes that each contributed story includes 鈥渁ll the elements of a good read: suspense, outrageous encounters, and examples of courage and uncommon grace. What moves me about these stories is a sustained sense of awe in life鈥檚 unfolding surprises鈥�. This is wisdom literature, offerings by sages, creative thinkers, professionals in the trenches, individuals called to second and third careers.鈥� Snyder is president emeritus of Bluffton University and has held numerous roles including an interim presidency at EMU.
The book series developed as ACRS members began telling each other their stories at the group鈥檚 monthly meetings, according to series editor Ray C. Gingerich, professor emeritus of theology and ethics and founding director of ACRS.
鈥淲e said, 鈥榃e鈥檝e got to write this stuff up,鈥欌�� Gingerich said. 鈥淭hat gave birth to the first two volumes. It was never intended to become the flagship of ACRS, but it has become our most prominent identity.鈥�
ACRS is 鈥渁 community of elders with an Anabaptist perspective鈥� that meets monthly during the academic year, according to their website.
Learn more about the series
The Geography of Our Faith series includes three previous volumes,: Making Sense of the Journey, , and .
According to Vernon Jantzi, the books may be available in the bookstore, but in limited quantities since unsold copies can’t be returned. However, all four volumes in the series will be on sale by ACRS at registration on Friday and Saturday in the Campus Center, at the launch of Volume 4 at the Jubilee Luncheon on Friday and at the ACRS Sunday lunch in the West Dining Room (open to all).