Studies show that reading for pleasure reduces stress, heightens empathy, improves students' test scores, slows the onset of dementia, and makes us more active and aware citizens. Plus, reading in community with your church can help us grow in friendship and faith. This month you’re invited to read The Shack (2007) by William Paul Young.

 The Shack is one of the bestselling Christian novels of all time and one of the very few books to receive the Diamond Award (for sales over 10 million copies). The Shack wrestles with the timeless question, "Where is God in a world so filled with pain?" After his daughter's murder, a grieving father confronts God with desperate questions -- and finds unexpected answers -- in this riveting and deeply moving #1 New York Times bestseller. The book has been both praised and criticized; it’s theology and spirituality lends itself to engaging conversation about how we understand God.

 On Sunday, October 3, at 7:00pm we will gather to discuss The Shack. The book is available on Amazon and from the library. To help with our planning, we ask you to RSVP to the church office (office@stjohns-lc.org) by Sunday, September 26.