Good morning!

I just wanted to let everyone know that the 2024 selection for One Book, One Church is  Pulitzer Prize winner Horse, by Geraldine Brooks!  The books will be for sale in the connector between the 9:30 and 11:00 services for $15.  You can pay with cash or a check.  Programming will begin in February and we have wonderful and thoughtful speakers coming to facilitate discussions around topics that arise from Horse.  If you have Audible, this is a great book to listen to!

In this year’s selection, we will step into the captivating world of American horseracing and the antebellum.  Brooks explores the prestige and profit associated with racehorse ownership for wealthy white men in tension with the expertise of their enslaved grooms and trainers. While the common thread of the narrative is the legendary racehorse Lexington, it is about so much more than horse racing.

The story unfolds through a brilliant interweaving of historical figures and imagined characters. Meet Jarrett, an enslaved groom and trainer, who forms a profound connection with the racehorse Lexington. They both operate within a system that values them as a resource to be used, exploited, and even sold at the whims of their owner. Also, meet Thomas Scott, a young artist from the North whose livelihood and status rise through paintings of the celebrated horse.

Fast forward to the present, where Theo, a Nigerian-American art historian, discovers a discarded painting of Lexington, setting him on a path that crosses with Jess, a Smithsonian scientist who has been asked to reassemble Lexington’s skeleton for research. Together, they uncover the forgotten legacy of this iconic horse.

Brooks confronts the harsh realities of history with determination, nuance, and humility Her meticulous research and masterful storytelling make "Horse" a compelling must-read, shedding light on forgotten stories and unraveling the intricate web of connections that define America. The brutality and racism of the past cast long shadows into the future, where they continue to be reckoned with despite generations of work and hope to see them end.  Join us on this literary exploration, going beyond the racetrack to embrace a broader narrative of history, humanity, and the resilience of the human spirit.

We are excited to honor Black HIstory Month with this book and related topics that will be explored.  Please join us for as many of the classes as you can!  If you have any questions, just ask!

Janice Mack

Betsy Girard

Jan Frohner

Mary Bollinger

Rick Davis

Lora Davis

Kristin Laws

Becky Greenhow

Anne Sieger

Becky Greenhow

Nancy Devos