Zoom conversation with Kate Bowler

No Cure for Being Human (And Other Truths I Need to Hear) was one of my favorite books of 2021. In it, Dr. Kate Bowler grapples with her cancer diagnosis at 35, her ambition, her hopes as a parent, and her faith as she tries to come to terms with limitations in a culture that promises anything is possible. In her writing, I recognized myself, my faith, and my wrestling in a way that at times comforted, at times made me laugh, and at times made me feel seen. At the invitation of Episcopal Booksellers Association I spoke with Dr. Kate Bowler about this book, faith and life on November 11, 2021.

Building Faith: Explore Eucharist With Children Through Modeling and Picture Books

“We Gather at This Table” was written to provide a tool for families and faith communities to explore what sharing the bread and wine means for them and how it inspires their lives.

Building Faith: What Does This Day Mean? Reflections for Pentecost at Home

Created with Jennifer McNally, these are simple instructions for households to celebrate Pentecost at home. Instructions include symbols of the Holy Spirit, scripture reading with very brief contextual note, “wonder” questions, and prayer. Created for Pentecost 2020, this one-page handout can be used year after year to help Christians better understand the work of the Holy Spirit and the formation of the Church.

Building Faith: What Do These Days Mean? Reflections for Holy Week at Home

Created with Jennifer McNally, this is a series of simple, one-page instructions for households to share Holy Week at home. Each day’s instruction includes a symbol, a brief overview, scripture reading with very brief contextual note, a “wonder” question, and prayer.

Building Faith: Processing Grief and Death with Picture Books

In the last year several children in my life have experienced death for the first time. Their parents, also grieving themselves, wondered how to explain death and grief in age-appropriate ways. One of the tools to which they turned is to picture books. My top recommendations of books on death and grief published in the last few years are listed below, each with their own gift to offer.

Red Church Door Podcast: a conversation about “Today Is a Baptism Day” and adoption

I’m a bit of a podcast nerd, so I was excited and nervous for my first podcast interview. My conversation with Colin Chapman was warm and energizing. What began as a discussion of “Today Is a Baptism Day” unexpectedly and naturally moved into my experience of waiting to adopt as one of my most formative spiritual practices. If you have twenty minutes to spare, have a listen!

Building Faith: Talking Stewardship: A Gift To Young People

Those of us who parent and/or work with children and youth closely are called to talk about money with them. Yet, money is one of the most taboo topics in American culture and uncomfortable for many to discuss. When the topic of money feels overwhelming, I find encouragement in the simplicity of this story with my dad.

Luther Seminary: A Holy Process towards Stewardship Speaking: Part 2

Luther Seminary: A Holy Process towards Stewardship Speaking: Part 1

Even for those of us often given microphones, pulpits, or any other external sign of authority, there can still be deep anxiety in preaching about money. What do you need to enable yourself to preach the good news of stewardship?

StoryPath: “Today Is a Baptism Day”

I originally created "Today Is a Baptism Day" to be used within my ministry and faith community. Here are suggestions on ways you too can use it in your ministry. 

Building Faith: Explore Baptism with Children Through Storytelling and Picture Books

Sometimes concepts like baptism can seem too large to talk about with our children. Where do we start? The good news is that children have a concept of God and a sense of the Holy that changes as they age. As adults, we can best support their faith by respecting their experiences while helping them find vocabulary and practices to sense, name, question, and wonder about God. (We don’t need to have all of the answers.) One of the best places to start is at home with our own sacred stories.