(from the movie Nonnas, on Netflix)
I found out yesterday that in fact some folks studied the book Grateful by Diana Butler Bass with Kevin in 2018. As I pointed out in yesterday’s blog, I am thinking we might use it as a book study in the late summer or early fall. Those who looked at the book in 2018 might be interested in revisiting the conversation, or perhaps even loaning their copy of the book to someone else who wants to read it. Let me know what you think.
This Sunday, we look at the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch in the book of Acts. We look at themes of belonging, community, diversity, and family – both chosen and biological. It is Christian Family Sunday, what some have historically called Mother’s Day.
You can find lots on the internet about the origins of Mothers Day, which is credited to Anna Jarvis in 1905. But decades earlier, author and poet Julia Ward Howe promoted a Mothers’ Peace Day, calling for “women to gather once a year in parlors, churches, or social halls, to listen to sermons, present essays, sing hymns or pray if they wished — all in the name of promoting peace.” (5 Facts About Mother's Day Origin - History of Mother's Day)
My experience tells me that there are mixed feelings around Mother’s Day. And there are lots of reasons for those mixed feelings. Perhaps it is about loss - whether it is recent, or long in the past. Perhaps the day brings up painful memories, not happy, warm memories. Anne Lamott has captured the complexity of the day in a 2010 essay on Mother’s Day which she reposts every year. You can read it at at the link below … but beware, it’s not for the faint of heart.
Why I hate Mother's Day | Salon.com
If you are looking for a great, feel good movie this weekend check out Nonnas on Netflix. Starring Vince Vaughn, Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Brenda Vacarro and Talia Shire, “Nonnas” is inspired by the life of Jody Scaravella, who, after losing his mother, opened Enoteca Maria on Staten Island in 2007.
Here’s the trailer for the movie: (337) NONNAS | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube
Still thriving two decades later, the restaurant became famous for the grandmothers or nonnas in the kitchen. Each of them cooking dishes from different Italian regions. It has now expanded to include grandmothers from all over the world. You can check out the story about the movie and the restaurant CBS Sunday Morning at
Watch Sunday Morning: "Nonnas" share food "made with love" - Full show on CBS
See you Sunday!
