➺rave reviews CD
BOOK
The First Thanksgiving Reviewed by Susan E. Richardson The Mayflower set sail from Dartmouth, England on September 6, 1620, carrying a mixed group of passengers to the New World. We all know of their terrible voyage, their reasons for leaving their home, and the hardships they faced in their new country. But mostly we remember them for the yearly custom of Thanksgiving, which they passed down to us. Or do we? The First Thanksgiving by Robert Tracy McKenzie shatters most of our long held conceptions of Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims, giving us a new thoroughly researched picture. This portrait may not show the expected black-dressed and buckled Pilgrims, turkey, or Native people wearing war bonnets, but leaves us much to contemplate. The first chapters explain the various possible approaches to history, set the historical context, and take a closer look at the Pilgrims themselves. The author’s main focus is on history, but he does not neglect the spiritual lessons we can gain from the past. Nor does he hesitate to point out where we can become guilty of idolizing the Pilgrims. McKenzie’s writing is engaging and approachable for a wide readership. Consider the book for teens looking for a deeper understanding of the past. From the menu at the first Thanksgiving to how the Pilgrims became a standard part of our yearly celebration, McKenzie brings out a multitude of fascinating facts for anyone interested in history, though you may want to pass on his suggestion that, “If you’re striving for authenticity, try serving turnips and eel next Thanksgiving.” Y Susan E. Richardson is a writer, critique reader, and former Christian retailer with a passion for meeting people’s needs through the written word. You can reach her through her website www.nextlevelcritiques.com.
Finding the Right Fit for You
Michelle Whitaker Independent Insurance Agent
P.O. Box 54174 | Pearl, MS 39288 601.954.1620 | Mwhitaker2006@aol.com
Specializing in Medicare Supplements, Life & Health 48 NOVEMBER 2013 ❘ Metro Christian Living
Keith and Kristyn Getty Live at The Gospel Coalition Getty Music announces the release of the first live album from Keith and Kristyn Getty, which was recorded at The Gospel Coalition in Orlando, FL, this past spring, features 13 previously released songs along with a new tune, “Lift High the Name of Jesus.” Keith and Kristyn Getty Live at The Gospel Coalition is comprised of several performances occurring during the 5-day conference that included sermons from such well-known speakers as Tim Keller, Senior Pastor of Redeemer Church in New York City/Author; John Piper, Founder/Teacher of desiringGod.org; and Don Carson, Research Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Keller says, “The 2013 Gospel Coalition National Conference blended the spoken Word and the sung Word in an unforgettable way. Substantive expositions of the Biblical text were interwoven with the Getty’s’ theologically rich worship hymns. Together they truly did ‘tune our hearts to sing His grace.’” The Gettys are in their homeland of Northern Ireland spending time on a songwriting sabbatical and reconnecting with family and friends. When they return to the States in late August, they will begin rehearsals for a fall tour in support of the new project that will run SeptemberNovember and crisscross the country. For continued updates for Keith and Kristyn Getty please visit online at www.gettymusic.com. Y