Announcing the Nouwen Book Discussion for Advent 2018

Please plan to join us this Advent season as we delve into and discuss Henri Nouwen’s Here and Now: Living in the Spirit.

As with all of Henri’s work, Here and Now penetrates the profound and important issues of living a spiritual life and examines them in a gentle, insightful, and relatable manner.

The book reads like a devotional. Concise, pertinent entries make it a perfect choice for thoughtful discussion and contemplative reflection on topics such as living in the present, prayer, relationships, joy, family, forgiveness, and death. (If you are fearful about death, this book provides comforting thoughts and wisdom about life’s ultimate mystery.)

Join us on Wednesday, November 28th for greetings and introductions. Then beginning on Sunday, December 2nd, we’ll journey together through Advent reading and sharing insights on this inspirational and life-changing book.

Moderated by Ray Glennon, the Advent online book discussion is a wonderful way to enhance your Christmas preparations and make this Advent particularly special and memorable.

We do hope you will join us. The reading schedule is posted and can be viewed by clicking on the Reading Schedule tab in the menu bar above.

Need a copy of the book? It is available at many bookstores, or you can order it online through the Bookstore tab in the menu bar above.

25 Replies to “Announcing the Nouwen Book Discussion for Advent 2018”

  1. I’m testing out my participation. I participated in October of 2017. I am hungry for this study. I live in the US. Washington State. Henri Nouwen’s thought nourishes me.

  2. I am glad to be joining you all from the UK . Looking forward to an Advent alongside each other in fellowship and with a favourite guide Henri Nouwen .

    1. Hi Joan,

      Click on the “Advent 2018 Reading Schedule” tab beneath the above photo. When the page opens, scroll down to the “How to Submit and Reply to Comments” section for details on how to participate in the online discussion. (Since you were able to submit this query, it seems you’ve already mastered it!)

      Don’t forget, the discussion won’t actually get underway until the first Sunday in Advent. But join us on November 28th for greetings and introductions. It’s great to have you onboard!

  3. Thank-you for facilitating this – I have been looking forward to the Advent book and am excited that it is Here and Now! This book was my introduction to Henri and is a book I have returned to often. Looking forward to our discussions!

  4. Thanks for inviting us once again for Advent sharing. I recap this book as the first Henri Nouwen book I have read. Many more followed after.

  5. I’m always glad to spend intentional time with Nouwen/group reading and conversation. Thank you, l look forward to the upcoming Advent season, awaiting with others what gifts God desires to give in/thru “Here and Now.”

  6. Hi, I am so pleased to find that there is going to be an Advent Study on Henri’s book. I shall download the ebook and be ready for the Introduction. Henri has been my guiding light since I found Spiritual Direction. I connect with his Wounded Healer book and will be thrilled to read his book for our Advent Study. It is my favourite time of year.

    1. Hi Jennifer,

      Glad to hear you will be joining us. Come back on November 28th to introduce yourself and to meet Ray and the others. Discussion of “Here and Now” begins on Sunday, December 2nd.

  7. Thank you.

    Like one of your above submissions Advent is my favourite ‘contemplative’ time.

    I am questioning more and more why different Christian Churches promote their differences -a hard line—claiming ‘the one true Church. If we seek to follow Christ, could we not eliminate the practice of ‘difference’ and practice quiet inclusion, quiet imitation of Christ?

  8. Is there an email list I can sign up with to get emails on the Book Discussion Blog. I am new to the Henri Nouwen group and I enjoy receiving the daily meditations as they are a great way to start my day.

    1. Hi Felipe,

      Delighted to hear that you are enjoying the Daily Meditations. They are a wonderful way to begin the day.

      At present, there is not a similar email for the book discussion blog. But once things get underway at the end of November, simply keep coming back to this blog to keep up with all comments. Ray will post thoughts and questions each Sunday, but the discussion continues all through the week. I’m sure you’ll find it a wonderful way to journey through Advent.

      Best regards,
      William

  9. Am new to online book groups, so how to participate eludes me. But I very much want to as Advent is my most favorite season. I’ve just gotten the book on my kindle. Need to know the technical aspects of how one does this. Thanks

    1. Hi Isabelle,

      Glad to hear you will be joining us for the Advent online book discussion.

      You can click on the “Advent 2018 Reading Schedule” option in the black bar beneath the above photo for instructions on how to submit and reply to comments.

      Remember that things don’t get underway until greetings and introductions on November 28th, followed by the actual book discussion facilitated by Ray Glennon beginning on Sunday, December 2nd. Comments are moderated, meaning they won’t appear as the site as soon as you hit the submit button, but only after they have been reviewed by Ray (simply to prevent Spam and rogue submissions.)

      Please spread the word about the book discussion. I trust you will find it a blessing and encouragement.

      Best regards,
      William

  10. Ray, thank you for facilitating still another Advent discussion for those of us who share a love of Henri Nouwen and his beautiful messages. I look forward to learning from the group of seekers who meet here every Advent and Lent.

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