Influencers: A Summer Reading List

At Arapaho UMC, we believe faith is not something we inherit and protect, but something we live, wrestle with, and grow into. This summer, our worship series Influencers: Voices That Shape Our Journeys invites us to listen to the theologians, poets, activists, and prophets who have helped many of us reconstruct faith after seasons of doubt, disillusionment, or change.

These voices don’t offer easy answers. Instead, they teach us how to ask better questions. They remind us that following Jesus often means challenging the status quo, showing up at the margins, and learning to see the sacred in everyday life. Their words have shaped how we understand justice, belonging, love, and what it means to be faithful in a complicated world.

To help you engage more deeply with this series, we’ve put together a summer reading list. Each section highlights one of the voices we’re lifting up in worship and offers a few book suggestions along with why their work matters. Whether you’re looking for your next book club pick or simply want to sit with a thoughtful voice on your porch this summer, we hope these resources stir your heart and expand your understanding.

James Cone — Speaking Truth to Power

What to Read:

• The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James H. Cone

• Black Theology and Black Power by James H. Cone

Why It Matters:
James Cone is often called the father of Black Liberation Theology. His work helps us understand how Christian faith speaks to the reality of racial injustice. Cone shows us that God is always on the side of the oppressed, and that real faith requires confronting the systems and stories that sustain inequality. His books are bold, prophetic, and deeply rooted in the liberating message of the Gospel.

Dorothy Day — Love at the Margins

What to Read:

• The Long Loneliness by Dorothy Day

• Dorothy Day: Dissenting Voice of the American Century by John Loughery and Blythe Randolph

Why It Matters:
Dorothy Day co-founded the Catholic Worker Movement and lived a life shaped by hospitality, justice, and peace. Her story challenges us to bring our faith into the gritty, real places of hunger, homelessness, and poverty. She teaches that love of God and love of neighbor are inseparable, and that we often meet Christ most clearly in those the world forgets.

Wendell Berry and Annie Dillard — Grounded Faith and Sacred Attention

What to Read:
Wendell Berry

• Jayber Crow (a beautiful novel about small-town life and vocation)

• The Art of the Commonplace (a collection of essays on community, place, and sustainability)

• Sabbath Poems

Annie Dillard

• Pilgrim at Tinker Creek

• Teaching a Stone to Talk

Why It Matters:
Both Berry and Dillard invite us to pay attention—to the natural world, to our communities, and to the present moment. Their writing helps us reconnect with the earth and remember that spiritual wisdom often grows in ordinary soil. Their work is quiet and contemplative, offering a slower pace and deeper insight into God’s presence all around us.

Rachel Held Evans — Faith Reimagined

What to Read:

• Searching for Sunday

• Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again

• Faith Unraveled

Why It Matters:
Rachel Held Evans gave voice to a generation of people who loved Jesus but struggled with the church. Through personal storytelling and deep engagement with scripture, she made space for doubt, curiosity, and authenticity. Her work is full of grace and invites us to stay rooted in our faith even when our beliefs shift or fall apart. If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t fit the mold, her words will feel like coming home.

John Wesley — The Unfinished Revolution

What to Read:

• A Plain Account of Christian Perfection

• The Journal of John Wesley

Why It Matters:
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, didn’t set out to start a movement. He simply wanted to take faith seriously. Through his theology of grace, his passion for justice, and his desire for holy living, he inspired a faith that was both deeply personal and boldly public. Wesley’s vision still invites us to grow in love, serve our neighbors, and keep our hearts open to transformation.

LGBTQ+ Saints — Hidden Histories and Holy Lives

What to Read:

• Queer Virtue by Rev. Elizabeth Edman

• Our Lives Matter: A Womanist Queer Theology by Pamela R. Lightsey

• Transgender Warriors by Leslie Feinberg

• Black on Both Sides by C. Riley Snorton (for historical context on Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera)

• Queer As All Get Out: 10 People Who've Inspired Me by Shelby Criswell

• The Stonewall Riots: Making a Stand for LGBTQ+ Rights by Archie Bongiovanni & A. Andrews

Why It Matters:
The lives of LGBTQ+ saints and activists have often been left out of the church’s story. But their courage, faith, and pursuit of justice reflect the heart of Christ. These books offer insight into the struggles and triumphs of queer Christians, as well as the movements they helped lead. Their stories challenge us to expand our vision of who belongs in the kingdom of God—and remind us that God has always worked through those who live at the edges.

A Final Invitation

Whether you’re deconstructing, rebuilding, or just asking new questions, these voices can offer guidance, challenge, and comfort. Read one or read them all. Let them stir your imagination, open your heart, and help you follow Jesus more fully in a world that needs justice, compassion, and courageous love.

Why Is a Church Talking About the Baggage That Comes from Belief?

It might seem strange at first but why would a church talk openly about the baggage that sometimes comes with belief? Isn’t church supposed to be the place where belief is celebrated, where doubt is hushed, and where the answers are already settled?

If we’re honest, many of us know what it feels like to carry spiritual baggage.

Maybe it came from a childhood faith that taught you to be afraid of God.
Maybe it came from a church that said you couldn’t belong because of who you love or how you think.
Maybe it came from messages that told you your worth was tied to your behavior, your certainty, or your conformity.

That’s baggage. And it’s heavy.

Here at Arapaho UMC, we believe that naming this pain is holy work. And we believe that church should be the safest place to talk about the beliefs we’ve inherited, the ones we’re questioning, and the kind of faith we’re still hoping to find.

That’s why we’re in the middle of a worship series called Belief Without Baggage: Loving, Leaving, and Finding Faith. It’s for people who have been burned by religion, who are holding on by a thread, or who are searching for a faith that actually feels like good news.

Each week, we’ve taken on a different part of the faith conversation, not to deconstruct for the sake of tearing down but to uncover what is still beautiful, still life-giving, and still worth holding on to.

We start by asking: What if belief isn’t about agreement but about trust and love?
In the first message, we are looking at Jesus’ words: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” We talked about how the original sense of “believe” is closer to beloving—not intellectual assent, but relational trust. That reframes faith as something we do with our whole being—not just our heads. And it makes room for questions, for wonder, for love.

The next week, we asked: What if sin is not about shame but about healing?
We are leaning into the idea that sin is not a list of moral infractions but, as theologian Cornelius Plantinga says, a "culpable disturbance of shalom"—a disruption of peace and wholeness. Sin, then, becomes a way of naming the harm we cause ourselves and others—and repentance becomes the invitation to return to the person we were created to be. That’s not guilt-driven religion. That’s a path toward healing.

On Mother’s Day, we are exploring: What if love really is the whole story?
Too many of us have been handed distorted versions of love - conditional love, tough love, love with strings attached. But 1 John tells us, “God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God.” We are talking about the four kinds of love: storge, philia, eros, and agape, and what it means to experience love that builds up, never tears down. That’s not sentimental, it’s transformative.

We are also reframing what it means to follow Jesus.
Instead of “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” being about exclusion, we see it as reassurance. Jesus wasn’t drawing a line, he was offering a path. A way of living rooted in love, justice, and presence. It’s not a checklist, it’s a way of life.

And we are beginning to reimagine God not as a distant figure in the sky, but as a presence woven into our very lives.
Through stories of healing in the Gospels and the quiet transformation of Nicodemus, we’re asking what it means to let go of the God we were told to fear, and begin to encounter the God who is already here with us, for us, and ahead of us.

So why are we talking about belief and baggage?

Because too many people have been told they don’t belong.
Because faith should set us free - not weigh us down.
Because healing comes when we tell the truth about what hurt us and start to imagine something better.

We believe the way of Jesus is not about closing doors it’s about opening them wide.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to leave your brain, your identity, or your questions at the door of a church, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to carry that baggage anymore.

There’s room here for your doubts, your deconstruction, your hope, and your becoming.

We’re not here to tell you what to believe. We’re here to walk with you as you find your way toward a faith that heals, liberates, and loves without conditions.

How To Talk To Kids About The Easter Story

Written By Rev. Jonathan Perry

As we approach Easter, I’ve heard from several parents wondering how to talk with their children about the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Honestly? I share those questions, too!

Easter is at the heart of the Christian story—but it can be a hard one to share with kids. There’s life and death in it. Pain, power, and mystery. Some families believe it happened exactly as it’s written in the Bible. Others see it as a powerful story of love and renewal, whether or not it happened just that way.

Wherever you are, that’s okay. There’s room for you here.

Here are a few gentle, life-giving ways to talk with your kids that invite curiosity, compassion, and hope.

1. Start with Wonder, Not Fear

It’s okay to begin with wonder rather than having all the answers. In fact, that’s often the best way to approach the mystery of faith—especially with children. Instead of trying to explain everything, you can open the door to curiosity and connection. Try saying:

“Easter is the story Christians tell about God’s love being stronger than anything—even death. What do you wonder about that?”

This kind of open-ended question creates space for your child’s imagination and heart to engage with the story at their own pace.

👉 When we lead with wonder, we make space for hope to grow.

2. Be Gentle With the Hard Parts

The crucifixion is a painful story. But it doesn’t have to be scary. You don’t need to go into graphic detail to be honest. Younger children especially benefit from gentle, age-appropriate framing that acknowledges suffering while centering love. You might say:

“Some people were afraid of how Jesus loved so boldly. They hurt him, and he died. But we believe that wasn’t the end of the story.”

This kind of language tells the truth without overwhelming a young heart. It models empathy and shows that even in sadness, God is close.

👉 Even in sadness, God’s love keeps going.

3. Let Resurrection Be About Hope

You don’t have to explain how it all happened—especially when even adults wrestle with that! Focus on what the story means instead of how it works. Easter is a celebration of love, renewal, and God bringing life out of death. You can say:

“Some believe Jesus came back to life. Others think the story reminds us that God brings new life out of hard things. Either way, Easter says love wins.”

This keeps the emphasis on hope, while honoring different ways families approach the mystery of resurrection.

👉 If things are hard, the story’s not over.

4. Make Room for Questions and Doubt

Not every parent—or child—believes the same things. That’s okay. You can model that faith doesn’t require certainty, and that doubt and questions are part of the journey. You might say:

“Some people believe every part of the story happened exactly like it says in the Bible. Others believe it’s true in a different kind of way. What do you think?”

This shows your child that their thoughts and questions are valid—and it gives them space to grow a faith that’s honest and resilient.

👉 Questions can lead us deeper into love.

5. Connect Easter to Everyday Life

The best theology is lived. Easter isn’t just about something that happened a long time ago—it’s also about how we see the world today. You can help your child recognize Easter in everyday moments:

“Have you ever seen something beautiful come out of something hard? Or felt love even when you were sad?”

These questions teach kids that hope is not just an idea—it’s a reality we’re invited to notice and participate in. More than a one-time event, Easter is the way God works!

👉 Easter reminds us that hope shows up in real life, too. 

6. Come Back to the Heart of the Story

At its core, Easter tells us something about who God is. And we see that most clearly in Jesus. Through him, we see a God who loves us, forgives us, heals what is broken, and brings life where we least expect it. The good news is this:

“Easter tells us that God’s love and life are stronger than anything—even death. And that love is for everyone.”

This is the kind of story kids (and grown-ups) need. It reminds us that if life feels hard, it doesn’t mean we’ve come to the end.

👉 If life feels hard right now, remember: it’s not the end of the story.

Easter invites us into a story that is both tender and powerful—a story full of mystery, love, and hope. As parents and caregivers, we don’t need all the answers to guide our children well. We just need the courage to walk with them, ask good questions, and trust that wonder, compassion, and honesty will lead the way. Whether you hold the story of Easter as literal truth, symbolic meaning, or something in between, its heart remains the same: love is stronger than death, and hope always has the final word. May that truth find its way into your home, your conversations, and your hearts this season.

Announcing A New Pastor

Beginning on July 7, 2024, Arapaho United Methodist Church is excited to announce that our new senior pastor will be Rev. Jonathan Perry. Pastor Jonathan along with his wife Lindsey and two children, will be joining AUMC from First United Methodist of Denton. Pastor Jonathan has been serving as their Executive Pastor of Strategic Leadership as well as Pastor of Open Worship. Additionally, Pastor Jonathan's work has centered and continues to center on social justice, leading interfaith partnerships, racial justice initiatives, as well as supporting immigrants and asylum seekers.

Rev. Jonathan Perry, an Ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, has been appointed as Senior Pastor of Arapaho United Methodist Church. Jonathan and his family come to our church from First United Methodist Church of Denton, TX, where he served as Executive Pastor of Strategic Leadership and Pastor of Open Worship. His ministry has been marked by a dedication to creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity, fostering vibrant faith communities where all are welcome and find belonging and sacred purpose.

Jonathan and his wife, Dr. Lindsey Perry, have been married for 18 years and have two children: Hudson, age 10, and Grace, age 7, as well as a cute pup named Bella, and an 18-year old cat with seniority named Kitty. Lindsey works for Compassion International, a faith-based international development agency that serves children in extreme poverty in 26 countries around the world. Prior to coming to Arapaho, Jonathan served at FUMC Denton beginning in 2016, when he was first appointed as Associate Pastor to establish Open Worship, an inclusive worship community dedicated to embracing diversity and providing a safe space for all, particularly the LGBTQ+ community and others whose faith journeys left them searching for a home.

In 2021, Jonathan was named Executive Pastor of FUMC Denton while continuing to serve as pastor of Open Worship. In this dual role, he led the staff and spearheaded strategic initiatives with laity, including a campus master plan, financial sustainability pathways, and affordable housing initiatives, as well as missional work in areas like racial reconciliation and care for immigrants and asylum seekers at the Border and in the DFW area.

Jonathan's passion for serving both in the Methodist tradition and with those from other backgrounds deconstructing and reconstructing faith is shaped by his own journey. Jonathan grew up in Panama City, Florida, as the son of a pastor in the Baptist tradition. After much seeking, it was in the community and theology of the United Methodist Church that he found a spiritual home and a renewed sense of purpose.

Jonathan, Lindsey, and their family are excited to embark on the next chapter of their ministry at Arapaho UMC. With a focus on building relationships, empowering the church, and serving others. They look forward to contributing to the vibrant community and amazing work taking place at Arapaho UMC as it continues to be a creative, constructive, forward-leaning Christian community, committed to becoming more like Jesus Christ.