I've often been asked if a person must be born a Mennonite to be part of a Mennonite church. As one who didn't grow up in a Mennonite church myself, I can testify that "outsiders" are welcome to join the Mennonites.
In the book From Streetlights to Stars, Becky McGurrin shares her family's journey from Buffalo, New York to a Mennonite community in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Not only did Becky experience the cultural difference of a new church community but she exchanged northern city life for rural southern living. Becky descriptions of the misunderstandings as they adapted to the perplexities of their new life had me laughing aloud.
My favorite aspect of From Streetlights to Stars was Becky's realization that though she may not make a perfect pie crust or sew beautiful quilts like some Mennonite ladies, she could serve the Lord with her own talents and still be a Mennonite.
Several years ago, our family was on vacation and stopped at a little Mennonite church on a Sunday morning. We knew no one at the church but they welcomed us to worship with them. The McGurrin family invited us to their house for lunch and we enjoyed an afternoon of fellowship with new friends. I know Becky and her family are real and her book reflects much of the joy that she exhibits in person.
Vision Publishing offered a copy of From Streetlights to Stars for a giveaway. For a chance to read Becky's story yourself, enter the giveaway by writing a comment.
Giveaway is open for one week to US residents. Please give an email address to contact you.
I was given a review copy from Vision Publishing but all opinions of this review are my own.
sounds like a book we would love to read and share with others. Love your blog,have used some of your wonderful recipes. Rachel
ReplyDeletelorae@embarqmail.com
I'm not mennonite, but I have had mennonite friends.This sounds like an interesting story.
ReplyDeleteOh my! I just met Becky in the last several years and what a joy! She's a delightful person. I didn't know she'd written a book. I may just have to buy it if I don't win it! ;) lindastoltzfus at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very interesting novel. Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteMandy in GA
This sounds like quite an interesting read, and my dear hubby was even chuckling at her catching style as I read the exerpt on Vision Publishing. I'm glad to have found Vision Publishing, too....looks like many good reads!!! :-)
ReplyDelete~eunice b
tigergal01 @gmail .com
I'd love to read this. I have a dear friend who recently embraced the Mennonite faith; she has helped me to see SO many things about our lifestyle from a different perspective.
ReplyDeleteHi Gina - I'd love to read this book! I've been so inspired when I look at our culture and way of life through the eyes of another perspective. The neat thing is that one thing we can have in common with anyone from other cultures is our relationship with Jesus Christ. That's what makes us sisters, isn't it!
ReplyDeleteI've read lots of Amish books but not many Mennonite ones. However my most favorite cook book in the whole world is More-with-less!!! I'd be excited to win this book!
ReplyDeleteNever heard of the book, but any good book is welcome here! Carmen
ReplyDelete7happylappys@gmail.com
What a great experience for you and your family. I would love to read her book :)
ReplyDeletePlease include me in the drawing. I am an avid reader of almost everything, but I particularily like true stories. Thank you
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this. Sounds like a wonderful story.
ReplyDeleteJust heard about this book from a sil. Now I'd like to read it myself. Ymaevangel@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read this book. I'm with Linda -- if I don't win (and the library doesn't have it) I may just have to buy this book.
ReplyDeleteschilcoat at embarqmail dot com
Thanks for the chance.
A story I would enjoy reading. I also enjoy your blog. It's one I love recomending to others.
ReplyDeleteSherilyn
I would love to read her story as I could very much relate I'm sure! mckechnie.a at gmail.com
ReplyDeleteA Mennonite myself, I'd love to hear another's story.
ReplyDeleteTracy C
btcassel@verizon.net
Oh, I know Becky from CLP home school workshops. I'd love to read about her life.
ReplyDeleteThanks for offering this.
Lucinda
I love to read and try to make sure I'm spending my time on something worthwhile. This sounds like it would be one! --Lorraineeby@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWould love to read this! My own journey is quite varied but haven't managed the book part yet, lol.
ReplyDeleteDarla (diaperswyper at gmail dot com)
manyweavers.blogspot.com
This has been on my wish list, since hearing about it. I also want to pass this on to a friend, as well.
ReplyDeleteWendy
themrzook at gmail dot com
Sounds like an awesome book. I have always had an interest in the Mennonites and Amish. I use alot of Mennonite homeschooling material also. Love your blog, it is always very helpful-thank you for taking the time to let us know a little about your life.
ReplyDeleteNicolestory@bellsouth.net
Would love to read this - I agree with Linda, I'll have to buy it or see if the library has it if I don't win it!
ReplyDeleteI would love to read about her adventure. Hope to win.
ReplyDeleteJeanna
watersjeanna@gmail.com
oh my gosh I would love to read this book!!! I live in the Shenandoah Valley!! More closer to Winchester, How "its a small world" is that!!! I am not mennonite but I have worked with members of the mennonite community before I was married!! How amazing it would be to read about something so interesting based on one of one's own "neighbors"!!!
ReplyDeleteGosh I would love to win!!!
chcsmommy@hotmail.com
Sounds interesting. I love to hear stories of people who have joined the Mennonites and stayed.
ReplyDeleteLanita
joy_unspeakable.lk711@yahoo.com
I would love the opportunity to read the book. It sounds like a really good book. Enjoy your day and God bless.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful true story that I would enjoy reading! And how very neat that you have actually met the author!
ReplyDeleteoh yes! I didn't know Becky had written a book. How neat! Would love to read it. I was "there" in that Mennonite community when the McGurrin's came... I agree...what a neat family.
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this book! Thanks for the great giveaway.
ReplyDeleteIm sure this book will be very popular! Many people these days, myself included, are finding ourselves retreating from a rapidly degenerating society and looking for a deeper, more natural, decent and meaningful way of life! I know that as I go back to the basics of Bible faith and family, (and gardening!) the results are often quite unexpected!! Can't wait to read Becky's book! What a blessing to share the journey!!
ReplyDeletegulfcoastruth@yahoo.com
I would love to read this book :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to win a copy of this book. We are not Mennonites but I love to shop at a Mennonite store.:)
ReplyDeleteHello, We've been attending a mennonite church for a bout a yr. We love the church but still don't understand somethings. I 'd love to read this.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book, one I'd enjoy reading.
ReplyDeletemartinacres08@gmail.com
I've always wanted a Mennonite friend and your the next best thing. Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteKathie in SC
Sounds interesting! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteJoy
Thank you so much for the opportunities that you share with us. I am very curious about mennonites and I feel this might help me find the way I am looking to travel with my life.
ReplyDeleteEven if I don't win, I will probably read this book! Thank you for bringing it to my attention!
ReplyDeleteWould really like to read this book. I've enjoyed reading your blog. accrisanti at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteColeen
I would very much love to read this story and to learn how her life has changed; as well as why she made the change.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting. My Dad joined the Mennonite church from "outside". The most important thing is that we know Jesus.
ReplyDeleteMarie
richdandmarie@gmail.com
This book sounds like a great read! Would love to win it. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful read!
ReplyDeleteKatjo
d.katjo at yahoo dot com
Would love to be included in the drawing. Love your blog by the way!
ReplyDeletejayceecrim@hotmail.com
Thanks!
As someone who wasn't raised Mennonite but has been attending Beachy Amish/Mennonite services for the past year and a half, I am guessing I could identify really well with Becky's experiences!
ReplyDeletehannahkathryn2003@yahoo.com
I'd love to read it!
ReplyDeletelorendak@centurylink.net
This sounds like a great book to add to one's personal library! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteLynita
lonnyslynny@pa.net
This sounds like a wonderful story and I would love to read it!!!
ReplyDeletethanks for the great giveaway!!!
sistermomy at hotmail dot com
This sounds like a wonderful book with a story that would interest me. Gina and her life is one I admire greatly!
ReplyDeleteComing from the "inside" it would be interesting to read and see what ones stepping in face. I have a friend who is facing at this moment the challenges of such a change from the past. Rhonda
ReplyDeletenrfaus2000@frontiernet.net
I'm a Mennonite by blood, but haven't seemed to inherit the Mennonite talents; cooking, sewing, gardening, etc. It would be interesting to read about a non-Mennonite's transition. She's probably more Mennonite by now than I am!
ReplyDeletejazimri@gmail.com
well, i might not be mennonite, but we both know that brethren are mistaken for mennonite rather frequently! =) thanks for the giveaway; what an interesting book from your description!
ReplyDeletejoanna
daisycheer@comcast.net
I am not a Mennonite by birth, but have attended a Mennonite church for 22 years,6 months ago my husband began supporting my conviction to wear a veiling .I am at peace now as never before.Would be interested in this book, as we are from The Finger Lakes of New York , not too far from Buffalo. Blessings, I surely enjoy your blog.Dawn E. Brown
ReplyDeleteI myself did not become Mennonite until I was eleven years old so I remember our journey quite well. Still a journey! I would love to read someone else's story!
ReplyDeletekurtzhomestead@sbcglobal.net
I myself did not become a Mennonite until I was eleven years old so I remember our families journey quite well! I would love to read someone else's story! Jamila - kurtzhomestead@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteWhat a great read! I would love to win!
ReplyDelete~Julia
Sounds like a very interesting book worth reading.
ReplyDeleterichlyblest6@verizon .net
Sounds fascinating!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway,sounds interesting!
ReplyDeletemansarg@gmail.com
Sounds like a neat story! I like everyone else that has posted thoroughly enjoy your blog and look forward to each entry. Although my knowledge is limited to all aspects of the Mennonite community, what I do know makes great sense to me and I kinda feel like I must be one at heart! : ) Same interests, faith, principles, etc. Hope I win..but if not, I'll see if our library has it.
ReplyDeletejlw2005@hotmail.com
I love relating to first generation Christians and Mennonites! I think they have so much to teach us that have always grown up in this setting. I would love to win this book! Jewel Nolt
ReplyDeletejewinbunch@dejazzd.com
I love your blog, Gina, and the spirit of community life and family you make transparent with your posts. I don't know any mennonite person or anything about mennonites. I believe in the possibility of community and family guided by true love in their actions and interactions. In my experience religion divides, more than joins. Maybe mennonites are different.
ReplyDeletei would love to read this book! thanks for your blog!
ReplyDeletei love to read and would love to have a copy of this book....
ReplyDeletekauffmangals@frontier.com
I would love to read this! email is thegoodnewsfarm at yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting book.
ReplyDeleteAnne @ lapps4him@epix.net
I grew up in a small town in NY where we attended a Mennonite Church. I was very young. What a great book this sounds like.
ReplyDeletejenbrandes@gmail.com
This seems like a wonderful book to read.
ReplyDeletethis looks like such a great book to read! i love the books written about real life, i hope to win!
ReplyDeleteallisonmdodge at gmail dot com
I would love this book. I think even if I am not lucky enough to win it I will try to read it.
ReplyDeletejust heard about this book recently and would love to read it!!Diana
ReplyDeleteluv2skate@gmx.com
I have a lot of Mennonite friends. I would love to hear of her life and how God works in wonderful ways. Teresa
ReplyDeletectbott@msn.com
Wow, the book sounds awesome. We live near a Mennonite community and I get to chat with the ladies over fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI have been reading books about the Mennonite and Amish people trying to learn more but had not found any that talked about the transition.
Thanks for telling us about it!
Heidi
HeidiRider@aol.com
Would love to read this book. I enjoy your blog and many of your recipes have become a staple.
ReplyDeletepkfunk@verizon.net
Would love to read this book -- thanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeleteJean - MN
vesta8xstitch at gmail dot com
Would love to read this book. Heard about it recently over the pulpit. :)
ReplyDeleteBusymomkh@gmail.com
I would love to read this!
ReplyDeleteWould love to read this book -
ReplyDeletetwinhoovers@yahoo.com
I am not Mennonite, but have grown up around Mennonites and Amish, many being friends while in school. This sounds like an interesting story. :-)
ReplyDelete~Teresa (TheBakers4Him@gmail.com)
I love to read stories like these, it sounds very interesting! Thank you for the offer!
ReplyDeleteGina -
ReplyDeleteYour blog is one of my favorite! Years ago, we were at BBI together! Blessings!
Anne
I'd like to read this too. If I don't win it, thank goodness for Interlibrary Loan!
ReplyDeletekunertmay at gmail.com
I have seen the book and would love to read it! lynellesbox @ gmail . com
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a very fun book!! andrea . globetrotter (at) gmail . com
ReplyDeleteI know that this contest ended a long time ago, but I just wanted to say I bought this book and am on chapter 4. I am so enjoying it. I wish there was a Mennonite Church near us that we could visit. So curious if our family would be a good match. I have enjoyed your blog very much and I wanted you to know it is appreciated.
ReplyDelete