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Reading Program

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The Reading Program encourages members to think critically about current issues through an annual selection of member-reviewed books. It offers an excellent opportunity to deepen your spirituality and to broaden your understanding of our mission work. Click the books above to explore the 2013 Reading Program selections and purchase online.

The Reading Program Leads to Action!

For 140 years, members of United Methodist Women and predecessor organizations have been involved in mission that includes prayer, study and action. The Reading Program is a study opportunity, but it should also lead to action.
*Learn more about participation in the Reading Program
*Find a Reading Progam Plan: There are four plans to choose from 

About the Books 

Every year, the Women's Division recommends a diverse range of books to broaden exposure to a variety of concepts. Books are organized into 5 categories:

The books vary in level of difficulty, type of print, and in suitability for study or discussion. To make it easy for you to find them, a variety of other books are in separate categories:

Bonus Books

Bonus BookWhen you see the "B" near a book’s title in the Reading Program catalog, it is a bonus book. Bonus books count as two books -  either as two books in one category or as one book in each of two categories.

Promoting the Reading Program in Local & District Units

  • Join the Reading Program group through UMWOnline.
  • Form an action team to take action on an issue addressed in one or more books.
  • Start a reading group of adults and/or children or youth.
  • Present book reviews of Reading Program books at United Methodist Women unit and circle meetings and on the Reading Program online community.
  • Take Reading Program books and response to retirement and nursing homes and read regularly to residents.
  • Inform parents, grandparents and others with children and youth that books for children and youth are available through the Reading Program.
  • Let pastors, church leaders and Sunday school teachers know of the books available through the Reading Program.
  • Highlight large print books to include a wider variety of readers.
  • Honor those who participate in the Reading program; present Reading Program certificates (PDF) to those who complete plans.
  • Show special recognition to units or individuals who complete Plans III and IV.
  • Develop displays to encourage book sales, especially around holiday seasons.
 
 

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