The newly released book Sounding the Trumpet: How Churches Can Answer God’s Call to Justice has been praised by Cornel West as “a masterpiece. . .with deep spiritual truths.” The book was coauthored by the Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt and the Rev. Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Sr. Additional endorsements of the book have come from Congresswoman Barbara Lee and anti-apartheid leader Allan Boesak. All are welcome to attend a gala event for the book at which selections from the book will be read and copies signed. The event will be held at First Congregational United Church of Christ on Sunday, November 10th at 11:15 am. The reception will feature a special cookie mentioned in the book: burning bush marshmallow cookies. More information about the book can be found at www.soundingthetrumpet.org. Because Smith is currently recuperating from an illness, at the book gala, his son Tony Smith will be the one reading selections from the book authored by his father.