Shaping Families

Families Under Construction

Gareth Brandt calls his book, “The men’s book for men who don’t read men’s books by an author who didn’t.” It is called, Under Construction: Reframing Men’s Spirituality (Herald Press, 2009). As the guest on Shaping Families this week, he tackles why men often seem to relate best to each other around sports, why they are more than just “babysitting” when involved in childcare, and how parents can enhance their family life by establishing certain rituals unique to their family.

Listen - Transcript - Study Guide

Frog Hollow

Sam Heatwole

I remember serene evenings as a teenager biking with new friends on the streets of Winnipeg, the soft night air washing heat from the pavement as we flashed from island to island of light in the streetlamp glow. Around the corner at the Green Gables, high school kids gathered for as much serenity as a Wurlitzer cranked up to full volume would allow.

Under Construction: Reframing Men’s Spirituality. Using the story of Joseph from the Bible, Gareth Brandt shows how male spirituality reaches its height when it shows compassion to all people, beginning with those close to us.

Blog and Website for Under Construction. Gareth’s blog on men’s spirituality. Read some thought-provoking blogs and join the discussion. 

Full curriculum vitae for Gareth Brandt.

National Fatherhood Initiative – Resources of special interest to fathers and families from all walks of life and faith perspectives.

BOOK
Frog Hollow Journal – Sam Heatwole reads from Frog Hollow Journal frequently on Shaping Families. Written by his father-in-law, James G.T. Fairfield, this colorful memoir is peopled with vividly drawn neighbors, family members, and a beloved dog. It is the story of one family’s quest to carve out a more authentic life amid the demands of modern society. Anyone, he proposes, can learn to live “Frog Hollow style,” practicing integrity, neighborliness, and indomitable faith.

WEBSITES
Mennonite Men is an organization in Mennonite Church USA providing focus for men’s group for projects and nurture.

Reimagining the Hero

Burton Buller

In his Shaping Families interview this week, Gareth Brandt gives a lot to munch on. In his book, Under Construction: Reframing Men’s Spirituality he takes on the archetype of the male hero. Pretty gutsy, given that the archetype is as old as storytelling itself.

Up next: Michael Berenstain with an inside look at the Berenstain Bear book family. Michael talks about his father and mother who started the Berenstain Bear books, how he dealt with people wondering if he was “Brother Bear” and how he now helps write and illustrate the famous series. Today the Living Lights series of books, with a gentle faith perspective, are among the most popular of the Berenstain books. Shaping Families Facebook fans will get a special opportunity for a drawing for free signed copies of some Berenstain Bear books.

Lasagna

 When producer Melodie Davis asked her children what favorites to put in the Whatever Happened to Dinner? recipe book, the first email she got back said, “You have to put in your ricotta-less lasagna recipe.” This recipe makes enough for one large 9x13-inch pan and a second bread pan to freeze and have handy to take to new moms or move-ins or shut-ins or for a busy day.

• Shaping Families Update - May 12
• Shaping Families Update - May 5
• Shaping Families Update - April 28
• Shaping Families Update - April 21

The Shaping Families free offer from this week’s program is no longer available. Visit our online store at www.MennoMedia.org/store if you would like to purchase the item offered. Some items are not offered on the store.