Month: June 2014

Reading:  Forward by Ron Hansen, Acknowledgements, and Outside Back Cover

July 5th Update…  The post for July 6th to July 12th: Prologue and Introduction is now available.  The comments section for this post is now closed.  Please go to the post for the week of July 6th  and submit any new comments there.    Ray Glennon

A heartfelt welcome as we gather together for our summer book discussion of Can You Drink the Cup?, one of Henri Nouwen’s most popular books. I’m glad that you will be joining us on this journey as we follow Henri’s lead and seek to find our own answer to this (not so) simple and lifelong question that Jesus poses to his friends.  The complete Summer 2014 Reading Schedule is available by following the link in the image above.

Welcome back to those who have participated in previous discussions.  You already know how rich and rewarding the exchange of ideas within our online community can be. For those joining for the first time, rest assured your appreciation of this book will be deepened by the comments and insights shared among this special group. And we will all be blessed by gathering together for this journey.

Here is how our discussion will proceed.  Each Sunday a new “post” will be added to the blog’s homepage that will include a title shown in bold, a reminder of the reading being discussed that week, and several questions that may help to get our discussion started.  You can then add your comments to the post for the current week and reply to the comments posted by others.  You may choose to respond to one or more of the questions, to share your reflections on the reading, or to comment more broadly from your life’s experience.  Please note that when comments are submitted they are held for moderation so it may be a few hours before you see your comment posted.   If you have any questions about how to use the blog, please feel free to contact me at ray.glennon@1972.usna.com or Maureen at admin@henrinouwen.org.

This week we will gather and begin to form our community.  You are invited to introduce yourself and to look ahead by considering the preliminary readings.
In your introduction you may choose to share:
a)      Your general geographic location
b)      To whom or what you dedicate your days and energy, and why
c)      How you learned about this book discussion (e.g., noticed in the Daily Meditation email, Henri Nouwen Society website, email from Nouwen Society, social media, referral from a friend)
d)     How the work and legacy of Henri Nouwen has influenced your life; you might include the name of your favorite book by Henri and briefly explain why it is meaningful to you
e)      Whether or not you’ve participated in previous book discussions, or if you are joining us for the first time
Please feel free to include your thoughts and reflections  on this weeks’ reading as well.

I look forward to hearing from each of you as we share this wonderful book together.
Ray

We are pleased to announce a summer book discussion on Henri Nouwen’s Can You Drink the Cup? which will begin June 29th, facilitated by Ray Glennon. There is no need to register for this discussion; simply return here during the week of June 29th. Ray will welcome you with an invitation to post a brief introduction of yourself if you wish to share – there is no requirement to do so. The following Sunday (July 6th) Ray will begin a weekly posting of questions for reflection. Participate in any way that is nourishing for you – there is no requirement to ‘accomplish’ anything. You may feel moved to share your reflections or you may prefer to keep a journal during this time or reflect in solitude. Come and see!

RAY GLENNON actively volunteers in his parish Confirmation and adult faith formation programs. He and his wife are members of a Catholic charismatic community where he also  chairs the school board. Ray is an experienced group facilitator and throughout the summer book discussion he will work to create a safe and welcoming space that provides the opportunity for participants to reflect on the readings, and to share thoughts and encouragement with others.

Ray first became familiar with Henri’s work over 20 years ago. He came to know and trust in Henri’s written word in a special way in 2004 when he found The Return of the Prodigal Son for sale after Mass at the cathedral in Singapore at an important point in his life. Since 2010 Ray has been an active participant in nine of our Nouwen book discussions led by our regular facilitator Brynn Lawrence. Brynn will rejoin us for the Advent book discussion. In her absence, Ray has agreed to facilitate our discussion this summer. If you have any questions for Ray, please contact him directly at ray.glennon@1972.usna.com and you can follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/@RayGlennon.

Can You Drink the Cup? can be purchased in US dollars from our website. Please click here for purchases in Canadian dollars.

We look forward to hearing from our old friends, and welcoming new ones! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at admin@henrinouwen.org

Blessings,
Maureen Wright
Nouwen Legacy Manager
1-866-226-2158