Here We Go Again: Another Trip to Narnia!

Here is the note we just sent out to those from our church who are participating in our Chronicles of Narnia summer reading challenge. I print it here on The Book Den to perhaps scatter a little interest among others of you who might want to join in the project.

Dear friends,

The Narnia reading challenge of Grace Bible Church is underway and we thank you for being a part of it.  Though just announced a little over a week ago, there are already 13 adults and 6 younger readers on board with what looks like several more just getting ready to “open the wardrobe” and join us in the grand adventure.  That’s terrific.

Now the primary purpose of this note is to remind you that the reading challenge is just that – an invitation for you to include in your summer activities the reading of the 7 acclaimed novels of C.S. Lewis that make up The Chronicles of Narnia.  There are no exams or book reports involved here.  No grades.  No competition whatsoever.  You read the novels (or listen to audio versions) at your own pace and for your own pleasure and spiritual edification.

However, the purposes we hope to serve by doing this reading challenge as a group are several.  1) On several levels, reading is a beneficial activity so we are all for anything that helps increase the motivation and accountability to read quality literature.

2) Reading The Chronicles of Narnia offers special benefits not only for a believer’s spiritual reflection and application but also, because of the immense popularity of the books and the movies they inspired, for effective conversion starters with others.

3) As you know, the biblical definition of fellowship is “things held in common.” Therefore, when church members share wholesome and profitable things (be it prayer, Bible studies, service projects, giving, or yes, even reading books together), they are encouraged and built up in the Faith, not to mention being better equipped to shine their lights in the surrounding culture.

4) The Narnia books are also unusually helpful in sparking intergenerational connections and anything that helps Christians of varying ages find avenues of fellowship is super.

And, finally, 5) A reading project of this sort provides a great excuse for a party!  In this case, it will be a barbecue with burgers and dogs, cookies and Narnia cake, samples of authentic Turkish Delight, prizes, and more.  We’re looking at dates in mid to late August for this celebration.

So, I hope this answers a few questions and serves as both an encouragement and a thank you for your participation in the Narnia reading challenge.  We also hope you find opportunities to share your responses to the novels with other Narnia travelers as we go through the summer.  To aid in that latter activity, you might find helpful a set of discussion question posted on The Book Den which cover each of the Narnia novels.  (https://thebookden.blogspot.com/ Just use the word Narnia in the search engine at that blog to locate those specific pages.) Also, we will soon be providing nifty Narnia “tags” that will help you identify your fellow Narnians in this adventure.

Okay, that’s it.  Enjoy your reading. And remember…take courage, dear friends, for Aslan is on the move!