Thursday, March 8, 2012

Giveaway - From Streetlights to Stars

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to join a Mennonite church?

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.

86 comments :

  1. sounds like a book we would love to read and share with others. Love your blog,have used some of your wonderful recipes. Rachel
    lorae@embarqmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm not mennonite, but I have had mennonite friends.This sounds like an interesting story.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh 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

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sounds like a very interesting novel. Love your blog!
    Mandy in GA

    ReplyDelete
  5. 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!!! :-)

    ~eunice b
    tigergal01 @gmail .com

    ReplyDelete
  6. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi 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!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'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!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Never heard of the book, but any good book is welcome here! Carmen
    7happylappys@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a great experience for you and your family. I would love to read her book :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Please include me in the drawing. I am an avid reader of almost everything, but I particularily like true stories. Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  12. I would love to read this. Sounds like a wonderful story.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Just heard about this book from a sil. Now I'd like to read it myself. Ymaevangel@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'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.

    schilcoat at embarqmail dot com

    Thanks for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  15. A story I would enjoy reading. I also enjoy your blog. It's one I love recomending to others.
    Sherilyn

    ReplyDelete
  16. I would love to read her story as I could very much relate I'm sure! mckechnie.a at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. A Mennonite myself, I'd love to hear another's story.
    Tracy C
    btcassel@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh, I know Becky from CLP home school workshops. I'd love to read about her life.
    Thanks for offering this.
    Lucinda

    ReplyDelete
  19. 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

    ReplyDelete
  20. Would love to read this! My own journey is quite varied but haven't managed the book part yet, lol.

    Darla (diaperswyper at gmail dot com)

    manyweavers.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. This has been on my wish list, since hearing about it. I also want to pass this on to a friend, as well.

    Wendy

    themrzook at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  22. 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.
    Nicolestory@bellsouth.net

    ReplyDelete
  23. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I would love to read about her adventure. Hope to win.
    Jeanna

    watersjeanna@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. 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"!!!
    Gosh I would love to win!!!
    chcsmommy@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Sounds interesting. I love to hear stories of people who have joined the Mennonites and stayed.

    Lanita
    joy_unspeakable.lk711@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I would love the opportunity to read the book. It sounds like a really good book. Enjoy your day and God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Sounds like a wonderful true story that I would enjoy reading! And how very neat that you have actually met the author!

    ReplyDelete
  29. oh 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.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I would love to read this book! Thanks for the great giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Im 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!!
    gulfcoastruth@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I would love to win a copy of this book. We are not Mennonites but I love to shop at a Mennonite store.:)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hello, 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.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Sounds like a good book, one I'd enjoy reading.
    martinacres08@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I've always wanted a Mennonite friend and your the next best thing. Love your blog!

    Kathie in SC

    ReplyDelete
  36. Sounds interesting! Thanks for the giveaway.
    Joy

    ReplyDelete
  37. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Even if I don't win, I will probably read this book! Thank you for bringing it to my attention!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Would really like to read this book. I've enjoyed reading your blog. accrisanti at yahoo dot com

    Coleen

    ReplyDelete
  40. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Sounds interesting. My Dad joined the Mennonite church from "outside". The most important thing is that we know Jesus.
    Marie
    richdandmarie@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. This book sounds like a great read! Would love to win it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. Sounds like a wonderful read!

    Katjo

    d.katjo at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Would love to be included in the drawing. Love your blog by the way!

    jayceecrim@hotmail.com

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  45. 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!
    hannahkathryn2003@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I'd love to read it!

    lorendak@centurylink.net

    ReplyDelete
  47. This sounds like a great book to add to one's personal library! Thanks for the giveaway.

    Lynita
    lonnyslynny@pa.net

    ReplyDelete
  48. This sounds like a wonderful story and I would love to read it!!!
    thanks for the great giveaway!!!

    sistermomy at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  49. This sounds like a wonderful book with a story that would interest me. Gina and her life is one I admire greatly!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Coming 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

    nrfaus2000@frontiernet.net

    ReplyDelete
  51. 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!


    jazimri@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. 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!

    joanna

    daisycheer@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  53. 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

    ReplyDelete
  54. I 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!
    kurtzhomestead@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  55. 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

    ReplyDelete
  56. What a great read! I would love to win!

    ~Julia

    ReplyDelete
  57. Sounds like a very interesting book worth reading.
    richlyblest6@verizon .net

    ReplyDelete
  58. Thanks for the giveaway,sounds interesting!
    mansarg@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. 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.
    jlw2005@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. 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
    jewinbunch@dejazzd.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  62. i would love to read this book! thanks for your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  63. i love to read and would love to have a copy of this book....
    kauffmangals@frontier.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. I would love to read this! email is thegoodnewsfarm at yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  65. Sounds like an interesting book.
    Anne @ lapps4him@epix.net

    ReplyDelete
  66. 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.

    jenbrandes@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. This seems like a wonderful book to read.

    ReplyDelete
  68. this looks like such a great book to read! i love the books written about real life, i hope to win!

    allisonmdodge at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  69. I would love this book. I think even if I am not lucky enough to win it I will try to read it.

    ReplyDelete
  70. just heard about this book recently and would love to read it!!Diana
    luv2skate@gmx.com

    ReplyDelete
  71. I have a lot of Mennonite friends. I would love to hear of her life and how God works in wonderful ways. Teresa
    ctbott@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. Wow, the book sounds awesome. We live near a Mennonite community and I get to chat with the ladies over fabrics.
    I 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

    ReplyDelete
  73. Would love to read this book. I enjoy your blog and many of your recipes have become a staple.
    pkfunk@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  74. Would love to read this book -- thanks for the giveaway


    Jean - MN
    vesta8xstitch at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  75. Would love to read this book. Heard about it recently over the pulpit. :)

    Busymomkh@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. Would love to read this book -
    twinhoovers@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. I am not Mennonite, but have grown up around Mennonites and Amish, many being friends while in school. This sounds like an interesting story. :-)
    ~Teresa (TheBakers4Him@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  78. I love to read stories like these, it sounds very interesting! Thank you for the offer!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Gina -
    Your blog is one of my favorite! Years ago, we were at BBI together! Blessings!
    Anne

    ReplyDelete
  80. I'd like to read this too. If I don't win it, thank goodness for Interlibrary Loan!

    kunertmay at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  81. I have seen the book and would love to read it! lynellesbox @ gmail . com

    ReplyDelete
  82. This sounds like a very fun book!! andrea . globetrotter (at) gmail . com

    ReplyDelete
  83. I 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

I love to hear from you.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails