Book Recommendations
Clergy can receive 1 CEU for 20 hours of self directed learning, including reading. Forms are available on the website. The books listed here are not required, but simply serve as a suggestion. It is recommended that clergy review the reporting form for requirements prior to pursuing self directed learning.
• Awareness by Anthony de Mello
This book is a wake-up call. Not for the timid, Awareness challenges the reader to live free of the illusions we have fabricated to keep our lives small and manageable. De Mello, instead, provides a vision of what it means to live fully awake to the larger life God intends. This book changed my perspective on ministry when I needed a serious renewal of focus. (Review by Rev. John Cannon)
• Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life by Thich Nhat Hanh
Peace Is Every Step - Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist monk and peace activist, writes this extremely practical and simple book on how to practice love in daily living. This is my go-to book when I need a reminder of how to live my Christian commitment to loving others, especially when the "others" are a challenge to love. I frequently recommend this to parishioners who are struggling for peace in relationships. (Review by Rev. John Cannon)
• Collective Poems of Lucille Clifton
Clifton (1936–2010) was a major American poet; her poems are best known for their expressions of feminist ideals, African-American history and contemporary life, and intimate family life. They cover a vast array of human experiences, as this surprisingly large complete volume attests. The average Clifton poem isn’t quite half a page long, but they are a life’s work, but don’t confuse brevity for lack of depth.
• A Thousand Mornings by Mary Oliver
In A THOUSAND MORNINGS, Mary Oliver is in her typical fashion—patient, paying attention to the teachings contained in the smallest of moments. In these pages, Oliver shares the wonder of dawn, the grace of animals, and the transformative power of attention.
• A Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri J. M. Nouwen
I first came upon this book through Rob Fairly of the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana. In it, Henri Nouwen has gone to the heart of his subject matter with penetrating insights, especially in the religious context.
• The Road to Peace: Henri Nouwen, edited by John Dear
The theme and conviction that intimacy with Christ requires active involvement with powerless people in the world is the organizing principle of this book. It contains dozens of essays, interviews, and occasional writings. His reflections on the March on Selma in 1965, the funeral of Martin Luther King Jr., the legacy of Oscar Romero, and his work with handicapped people at the L'Arche communities and others. Throughout, it integrates Nouwen's spiritual beliefs and social concerns.
College/University/Seminary
It may be possible to enroll in a College or University course that would meet the requirements for CEU from the annual Conference, you are encouraged to discuss your needs and the potential course with your district superintendent and one of the co-directors for Continuing Education for the BOM.
Most seminaries offer January and May short semesters. While many of the offerings are for Doctorate in Ministry programs you may be able to apply and enroll in one of those courses.
Typically for successful completion of a 3 credit hour university/seminary course you would receive 4.5 CEU.
