The Calvary Reading List


Whether it's a book, a video series, movie, or some other resource, the goal is the same for each selection: that we would have the opportunity to engage with it over the course of a month and, sometimes, be able to come together for a time of sharing and reflection.


We highly recommend using the local resources of the Kent District Library to borrow any books if possible!  or if you want to participate and need help getting a book, please do not hesitate to ask John Quist.


View the PDF of past reading list opportunities here:

Spring 2021, Summer 2021, Fall 2021, Winter 2021/2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Winter 2023, Spring 2023, August Film Series 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, Spring 2024, August 2024, September 2024, October 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026, Summer 2026, Fall 2026


Works of Wendell Barry


Wendell Berry was an American novelist, poet, essayist, environmental activist, cultural critic and farmer. He died on August 31, 2026.


”Here was a poet who seemed to understand that paying attention to the world could itself become an act of devotion.”


“More than anything else, Berry showed the world to be as Scripture described it, the manifest word of God”


Some recommended readings: The Unsettling of America, Jayber Crow, What Are People For?




Love Matters More

How Fighting To Be Right Keeps Us From Loving Like Jesus

Jared Byas


"A biblically-based Christian life is not grounded in having all the answers but in a living relationship. This ultimately shifts our focus from collecting the “right” answers to loving others deeply and authentically. With stories and insights drawn from his years as a pastor, professor, and podcast host, Jared Byas calls us back to the heart of the Bible: that truth is only true when it’s lived out in love. 

In a refreshing voice that’s both witty and profoundly revelatory, Jared unpacks the concept of truth, its meaning, and why we so often fight over it. He makes a compelling case for how what we believe is less important than how we believe it and that, more than anything else, telling the truth in love is about following Jesus.

For anyone who has ever felt forced to choose between truth and love, acceptance and rightness, this book offers a path forward beyond truth wars and legalistic religion to a love that matters more"


The Ministry of Ordinary Places

Waking up to God's Goodness Around Us


Shannan Martin


"In a world where hope seems dim and solutions feel complicated and partisan, Shannan Martin offers us a starting point that is as radical as it is domestic: widen your circle, hush your mouth, and pay close attention. This book is the right book for this moment in time and I simply cannot get over it. I either laughed or cried on almost every page. We need these lyrical, prophetic words now more than ever before." --Emily P. Freeman, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Simply Tuesday

"This is a message the world needs. So often we overcomplicate 'service' or this elusive call to ministry when all the while ministry is right in front of us. Shannan reminds us of the simple, yet beautiful call to love our neighbor and what that could really look like today. We are reminded that extravagant love in ordinary moments does indeed lead to an extraordinary life." --Katie Davis Majors, New York Times bestselling author of Kisses from Katie