Is 'Church' A Good Novel To Read For Book Clubs?

One of the standout moments in 'Why Not Me' by Eric Church is the sheer emotional weight of the lyrics. There’s a vulnerability that really resonates with listeners, especially when he expresses feelings of wanting something deeper in life. It's like he’s standing on the edge, asking the universe, 'Why not me? Why can’t I be the one to have it all?' This reflection hits home for many of us who feel overlooked or lost in the hustle and bustle of life. The line about yearning for love and understanding brings a wave of nostalgia, reminding me of those late-night drives when the world feels quiet, and you're just trying to sort through your thoughts. It’s almost poetic how he captures that longing, making you think about your own experiences. It’s not just a song; it’s a relatable anthem for every soul searching for connection and meaning. The way he narrates his journey through triumph and heartache feels like he’s telling a universal story. Listening to it feels like sitting in a dimly lit bar, sharing your troubles with a friend and realizing you’re not alone. Eric has a talent for encapsulating raw feelings into his music, and this song, especially its lines, serve as a reminder that it’s okay to question your path. It’s a shared human experience, after all!

Churches in fantasy are rarely just sets of stained glass and incense; I find them to be one of the richest tools for shaping a world’s texture and politics. In the stories that stuck with me—whether the overt allegory of 'The Chronicles of Narnia' or the corrupt ecclesiastical power plays scattered through grimdark settings—the church often defines what counts as truth, who gets to read, and which histories are burned. That means a church can create literacy or suppress it, canonize heroes or erase dissenters, and by doing so it sculpts everyday life: holidays, mourning rituals, names for months, even architectural styles. Beyond law and lore, churches provide plot mechanics. Monasteries are natural repositories of lost texts, relics become quest MacGuffins, and pilgrimages forge travel routes where roads, inns, and economies spring up. If divine magic exists, clergy are gatekeepers or frauds; if it doesn’t, the church still wields authority through social institutions like marriage, education, and oath-swearing. I love using this when I write—establish a doctrine, then seed contradictions: saints whose lives don’t match scripture, secret orders, or a bishop who funds an army. Those tensions create believable societies. Writers should treat a church like a living organism: doctrine, bureaucracy, saints, and scandals. Think about incentives and what the institution needs to survive—land, followers, legitimacy—and let those needs collide with kings, merchants, and radicals. When the bells toll in my scenes, I want readers to feel the weight of centuries behind them and the hum of conflicting loyalties beneath. It’s endlessly fun to play with, and it gives a world real gravity.

The Bible app is created by YouVersion, a ministry of Life.Church. Life.Church is an American evangelical Christian organization based in Oklahoma, known for its innovative use of technology in ministry. The app is developed as part of their mission to make the Bible accessible to people around the world in multiple languages and formats.

Great timing — this question pops up all the time when churches want to digitize bulletins or project readings. I’ve had to sort this out for my own congregation more than once, and the short, practical version I always tell folks is: don’t assume a PDF equals free use. The 'NRSV' (New Revised Standard Version) is a modern translation with an active copyright, so public worship use has some permissions attached depending on what you want to do — reading aloud in the service, projecting verses on a screen, printing whole passages in bulletins, or posting the text online are treated differently. First thing I do: check the copyright page inside the PDF. The 'NRSV' copyright is normally held by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA and it’s often published/licensed by major publishers (depending on region). That copyright page usually tells you what’s allowed without extra permission and what isn’t. In many cases, reading Scripture aloud during a worship service is fine, but reproducing scripture passages (printing them in leaflets, posting full chapters online, or projecting large portions) may require permission or a license. Livestreaming or posting a service that shows scripture on screen can be a different licensing issue too — many publishers want a specific streaming or electronic use license. If the PDF’s fine print is unclear, I contact the copyright holder or the publisher listed on the page. There are also licensing services churches commonly use, like CCLI and OneLicense, which cover a lot of liturgical materials and can include rights for projecting and printing worship resources; however, these services vary by publisher and translation, so you’ll want to confirm whether the 'NRSV' is covered under the license you’re considering. When you request permission or buy a license, ask specifically about: bulletin printing, projection, website posting, and streaming — those are the common stumbling blocks. If permission is granted, most publishers also require a credit line in your bulletin or projection — something like: "Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the NCC, used by permission." Keep a record of the permission or license in your church files. If obtaining permission looks complicated or costly and you need a quick alternative, many churches use public-domain translations like the King James Version for printed materials, or they limit printed quotations to short excerpts and include references instead of full text. But personally, I like following the formal permission route when possible — clarity beats awkward second-guessing. Anyway, check the PDF’s copyright page, contact the publisher or the National Council of Churches if needed, and consider a CCLI/OneLicense check for the types of use you plan. If you want, tell me exactly how you plan to use the PDF (bulletins, projection, livestream, etc.) and I can help walk through the likely next steps or sample permission wording.

Some Sundays I flip through old bulletins and think about what little sentence could steady someone's week — a tiny lantern on the page. I tend to favor short, Scripture-based lines for the top of a bulletin: for example, 'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.' (Psalm 23:1, KJV) or 'Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.' (Philippians 4:4, KJV). Those are classic, compact, and carry weight without taking up space. Beyond scripture, I like tasteful quotes from Christian writers that invite reflection — a line from C.S. Lewis or Teresa of Avila can be lovely. Try something like: 'You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream' (a paraphrase works well when space is tight), or slightly more devotional: 'We are mirrors whose brightness is wholly derived from the sun that shines upon us.' Small, resonant phrases read well while folks sip coffee after service. Practical tip from my little experiment with design: choose a quote that fits the season (Advent hopes, Lenten repentance, Pentecost boldness), keep it to one or two short sentences, and place it where people’s eyes land first—top or just above the schedule. If the bulletin has a theme for the month, rotate short thematic lines: mercy, service, joy. I often jot a few favorites into a note on my phone so when Sunday morning sneaks up I’m not staring at a blank page, and it always feels good when somebody mentions that the line stuck with them.

Ponyboy decided to stop going to church because he started feeling a disconnect after the tragic events that unfolded. The church felt less like a sanctuary and more like a reminder of the pain he was going through. It was a place filled with memories of a simpler time, and each visit just brought back the heaviness of loss. He needed space to process his feelings and figure out what's next for him and his friends. The whole experience was about finding his own path and healing in his own way.

I stumbled upon a gem called 'Fractured Reflections' while scouring AO3, and it nails the emotional turmoil between Eggsy and Harry post-church scene. The author paints Eggsy’s guilt with such raw intensity—his nightmares about Harry’s 'death,' the way he replays every moment leading up to it. Harry’s return isn’t just a reunion; it’s a minefield of unspoken accusations and fragile trust. The fic dives into their strained dynamic, with Harry struggling to bridge the distance Eggsy forcefully creates. Another standout is 'Ghosts in the Gallery,' where Eggsy’s anger simmers beneath his polished Kingsman exterior. The fic cleverly uses their missions as metaphors for their fractured bond—Eggsy throwing himself into danger, Harry desperate to protect him but held back by his own regret. The dialogue is sparse but loaded, and the emotional payoff when they finally confront each other in Harry’s art-filled safehouse is breathtaking.

During church services, a liturgical reader plays a significant role that goes beyond just reading scripture. From my own experiences attending various services, I’ve come to appreciate how essential this position is in adding to the overall vibe and atmosphere. Liturgical readers are tasked with vocalizing specific passages during services, typically from the Bible, and their delivery can influence how the congregation receives the message. The responsibility involves more than just reciting words; it requires an understanding of the texts, their meanings, and the emotions behind them. Picture a lively service: the reader stands at the front, their voice clear and resonant, making the scriptures come alive. They help to set the spiritual tone of the service, guiding the congregation through prayers and readings. In many traditions, a reader is chosen for their ability to engage the congregation, ensuring that each word resonates with the people present. Whether it’s a solemn reading during a special occasion or an uplifting passage on a regular Sunday, the way it's presented can really enhance the worship experience. I’ve seen how different styles can resonate depending on the atmosphere of the service. Some readers might adopt a more dramatic approach, using intonations to emphasize key themes, while others may prefer a softer, contemplative delivery. Each brings their unique flair, which can vary greatly from service to service, making every experience a bit different. There’s also a deep sense of community that comes from this role; readers often engage directly with the congregation, fostering a connection that enhances collective worship. It’s not just about reading; it’s about fostering an atmosphere where the words can touch hearts. In many instances, being a liturgical reader can also serve as a spiritual journey for the reader themselves. The act of preparing and internalizing the readings can deepen their understanding and experience of faith. I've observed that many readers often remark on how it impacts their spirituality, turning what may initially seem like a mundane task into a meaningful part of their church life. And as someone who has been part of various church communities, I find this transformative element fascinating. Every service feels like a new opportunity to grow together in faith and fellowship. It’s truly special.