Book Club

 

On the second Monday of the month a book club meets at lunchtime. We bring a sandwich, make a drink and have a chat then get down to a good discussion. So far we have discussed The Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult; two books of the Bible; Peter 1 and 2 , Andrew Whites book‘The Vicar of Bagdad’, Jackie Pullinger’s book Chasing the Dragon and the the book of Ephesians

The next book club will be held on 8th January at 12.15pm in the Parish Lounge. Bring sandwiches – tea and coffee provided.- new members welcome, no experience necessary! Please contact the church office for more details

Book Review:Laughter and Tears

 

I read this book on holiday in Holland. It is published privately by Irene Powell of St Luke’s Church and is a biography of her friend Johanna. Some of you may have met Joanna as Irene pushed her around Formby in her wheelchair including the walk of witness on Good Friday this year.

What a remarkable lady and a remarkable book. Reading it in Holland was especially poignant as Johanna is Dutch and the account of the poverty and hunger she experienced as young girl growing up in Holland under Nazi occupation is frightening. I went to Amsterdam and visited Anne Frank’s house after finishing the book which was again incredibly moving and humbling.

Johanna’s life has been remarkable. Her story of faith and how she has enacted her faith are testament to an enduring and faithful love for Jesus and other people, even when she was treated very badly by Christians including her own father. The laughter part of the book mainly refers to her time in nursing both training at Southport Infirmary and as a midwife in Litherland,

It’s a good read, not a heavy book, but a very good read, May God bless Johanna as she lives out the rest of her life she has been a good and faithful servant; not at all pious and very lively! Recommended and if anyone wishes to purchase a copy of the book they can get it direct from Irene Powell (878419) price £10. .
Kath