LOCAL AUTHOR & UMC PASTOR MARY SCIFRES brings the transformative message of her newest book “The Gospel According to Beauty & the Beast” to Community UMC Sunday, January 28. Please join Mary as she preaches & leads us in worship and then for a discussion and book signing following worship. Books will be available for purchase, or can be purchased beforehand on Amazon’s website or by visiting Mary’s bookstore at www.maryscifres.com

The story of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, like the gospel stories of Jesus’ life, unveils many tools of transformation. In the pages of The Gospel According to Beauty and the Beast, Mary Scifres illuminates the teachings of Jesus in light of the lessons that Belle, Beast, and their fairytale friends discover as they embark on journeys of both personal and communal transformation. With Mary’s insights, you will explore the transformative power of perception, perspective, self-giving love, and even community. Through the words of a skillful story teller, you will discover the wisdom of both scripture and fairy tales, and will learn the tools to help guide your own transformative journeys. Guided by the beautiful lessons of Jesus’ teachings and the inspiring and transformative tale of Beauty and the Beast, discover your own “happily ever after” as you move toward a fuller, freer life of purpose, joy, love, and meaning.