Reading Program: 2020
The Reading Program is a cherished United Methodist Women tradition that brings together members in mission as they explore, share and discuss the books.
To participate, select one of our four plans and start reading! From captivating novels and heartfelt biographies to urgent messages about issues such as climate change and mass incarceration, there’s something for everyone.
Reading Program books are divided into five categories and are available for people of all ages and reading levels. As you read, track your progress using the Reporting Form. When you submit the Report of Completion Requirements, you will be recognized with a Certificate of Recognition.
Earning your Certificate of Recognition is just one way to show what you’ve gained from the Reading Program. The Reading Program is not meant to be completed alone or in a vacuum. As you read, consider taking one or more of the following actions:
Track Your Progress
- Share the program with United Methodist Women members and members of the community.
- Help people attain books. Distribute this guide.
- Connect with local and district groups. Start a book club, download books onto an e-reader to pass around and share, present book reviews at group meetings.
- Display a progress chart in your church for all who wish to participate, and post displays to encourage book sales.
- Pray. Books often raise concerns about people, countries and issues. Bring these concerns to God during your prayer time at home and at group meetings.
- Advocate for tangible change. Many Reading Program books address issues such as climate change, mass incarceration, immigration and racism. Organize a task force to address these issues in your community.
God bless you as you pray, study, act and organize in Christ’s name.
New For 2020
Where to Find Books
You might notice that books in this publication are not listed with stock numbers; nor will you find the usual order form and shipping information. For the first time, this year United Methodist Women members will obtain Reading Program books exclusively through third parties—libraries, local bookstores and online. Think of this resource not as a catalog, as in past years, but as a guide.
Although Amazon is always a convenient option, please consider obtaining Reading Program books through:
- School and public libraries
- Local independent bookstores
- Franchises of larger bookstore chains
As always, most Reading Program books can also be found for reading electronically on your Kindle, tablet or other devices. For ebooks free of charge, check your local library, Google eBookstore, Project Gutenberg or Open Library.
If you do order books through Amazon, please remember to visit smile.amazon.com, Amazon’s charitable giving page, and select “United Methodist Women” as your charitable organization. For all eligible purchases made on smile.amazon.com, Amazon will donate 0.5% to United Methodist Women.
Children and Youth Books
As in the past, this year’s Reading Program includes books for readers of all ages. Books that would formerly have been listed under “Children” and “Youth” are now distributed among the remaining categories. Look for the line “Suitable for children” or “Suitable for youth” when selecting books to read.
Bonus Books
As always, Bonus Books count as two books. This year, Bonus Books are also the current mission studies, pro-viding even more of an incentive to select these books as part of your Reading Program plan. To purchase United Methodist Women mission studies, go to: umwmissionresources.org.