Shades of REaD

We're not your typical book club...

SHADES OF REaD is a month-by-month book club with no purchase agreements or contracts to sign. Each month’s selection comes with unique and creative ideas for group interactions, along with ideas for missions outreach that are designed within the context of the monthly reading.

You may want to know...

How to start SHADES OF REaD

Book Club tips

Q&A

This Month . . .
Embraced by the Father

Book Review by Shirley Cox
Trusting our heavenly Father after growing up in a dysfunctional family often requires years of spiritual growth. Susanne Scheppmann, author of Embraced by the Father: Finding Grace in the Names of God, was raised by an alcoholic father and a mentally ill mother. Her parents divorced, her mother died, and the house she and her father lived in was once so infested with maggots, the property was condemned.

Click here to read the full review

Coming Up . . .
Click here to see a listing of books for the upcoming season.

How to start SHADES OF REaD
The time and commitment level spent with SHADES OF REaD is really up to you! Every month in Missions Mosaic, a book is featured and the “five shades” (step-by-step planning tips and activities) are shared. Groups may choose to do one month or all twelve in any given year. Books are paid for at the time you place your order at www.wmustore.com. If you currently don’t receive Missions Mosaic, you may place your order here.

Book Club Tips
There are a number of logistics that have to be worked out prior to beginning a book club! Allow time for planning on your own, or with a team of women who are leading. Consider the questions below, gather responses that may work for your women and, when necessary, fill in any gaps.

Here are some basic questions to consider:

  • How long will the group meet?
    Groups typically meet one to two hours.
  • How often will the group meet?
    A group will usually meet monthly. Some choose to take summers off, or some only meet during the summer. This is good alternative for Women on Mission and Adults on MissionSM groups who want more variety during the summer.
  • How will we get the word out?
    Spend some time discussing what needs to go in the advertisement/announcement, such as the book selection, time, place, and a teaser. And be sure to mail announcements early enough for everyone to read the book selection. Be sure to use the SHADES OF REaD clip art in your advertisements, in order to build consistency and familiarity.
  • How many should be in a group?
    A group may be of any size. A good sized group usually consists of around 10–15 people. Too many makes it difficult for everyone to participate.
  • Who will lead the discussion?
    It could be one leader, rotating leaders, or a combination of. It really depends on the dynamics of individual groups. Keep in mind the importance of building ownership within the group and the importance of various leadership styles. Different people relate to different styles, and your ladies may benefit from hearing from various facilitators.
  • How will we decide which books to discuss?
    SHADES OF REaD selects them for you—non-fiction, biographies, older titles, newer titles, classics, or award winners. You simply decide which months to participate in. Bear in mind that people often join a book group to read books that they would not have otherwise read. Consider availability of copies—library, in stores, online, and a variety of formats.

Q&A
What is the purpose of SHADES OF REaD?
The overarching goal of Women on Mission and Adults on Mission is to reach men and women for Christ and to mobilize them to do missions. A book club is a unique way that may appeal to some who won’t attend a meeting. By exploring the books and linking group members with a mission-action project, we are providing a unique and fun way for people to be radically involved in the mission of God.

What resources do I need to get started?
You’ll need a copy of the SHADES OF REaD book selection and the corresponding SHADES OF REaD page from Missions Mosaic.

What is Missions Mosaic?
Missions Mosaic is the premier magazine for women who are interested in learning and leading a missional lifestyle. It is published monthly, and subscriptions are just $20.99.

How do I order Missions Mosaic?
New subscriptions may be purchased online or by phone: www.wmustore.com or 1-800-968-7301. If renewing an order, please call Customer Service at 1-800-968-7301.

How early are the SHADES OF REaD meeting plans published?
Missions Mosaic is mailed about five weeks prior to the actual month. For example, the January issue will be mailed the last week of November. This gives your group about four or five weeks to plan for the upcoming month. 

Don’t see your question here? Please email us at mosaic@wmu.org.
 

 

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