In a society that celebrates youthful energy and productivity, we have largely dropped any value for the distinctive features of the second-half of life. But clearly God made a world in which the process and experience of aging is a defining feature, which means God must value it. Join Fr. Eric Stelle of St. John’s, Gig Harbor for a 3-week class that explores the inherent spiritual worth of knowing ourselves as aging creatures, and the potential of this being a
From Sue Tait, Diocesan Librarian: How do we consider the challenges ahead, challenges to the church, our congregations, ourselves? Three recent books provide some thought provoking responses. Books written before 2020 can see hopelessly naïve now, speaking of a world that no longer exists. That is not true of all of them of course, as Alice Scannell shows us in her book below. But one of our tasks of the future will be to apply learnings developed in a more
During the Diocese of Olympia’s Town Hall on June 7, Bishop Rickel made reference to a number of books dealing with issues of racial justice and racism that individuals can read to learn more for themselves, to share with others, or even to start virtual discussion groups in their congregations. Sue Tait, our Diocesan Librarian, has compiled the list of titles mentioned by Bishop Rickel and added several others which might be helpful for individuals wishing to learn more. America’s
Question: What is new or noteworthy in books for Easter? I seem to gravitate to the same titles and ideas year after year. I’m particularly interested in looking beyond Easter as an event in time, to Easter as a season and even a way of incorporating the Easter message in our lives. Sue Says: I’m so glad you asked. I can think of several books for different ages to tell you about. If you are searching for material for small
The Diocese of Olympia is delighted to welcome author, blogger, educator, and faith formation cornerstone of the Episcopal Church, Sharon Ely Pearson, to Seattle on March 7 and 8. Recently retired as editor and Christian formation specialist with Church Publishing Incorporated (CPI), Sharon brings over 30 years of experience in Christian education for children, youth, and adults. She has written and edited numerous books, including the best-seller, Call on Me: A Prayer Book for Young People; The Episcopal Christian Educator’s
From Bishop Rickel: So, on my sabbatical I got to read some more, but not nearly as much as I had hoped. Upon my return from sabbatical, I rediscovered all the time I have in a car! And Audible is your friend for that. I finished a book I have very much enjoyed called Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed, by Lori Gottlieb. I honestly cannot remember how this got on my
From Sue Tait, Director of Resource Center: Question: Every year someone asks for an “instructed liturgy” and I’m wondering if you know of anything in print or online. Answer: Well, first it depends on what group you are trying to reach. An instructed Eucharist specifically for children would be different from one for the entire congregation. But recently, I came across a fairly new and entirely unique way of presenting the information to adults called How2charist. All you need is an email address to
From Sue Tait, Director of Diocesan Resource Center: Question: A few weeks ago, I heard Stephanie Spellers from the Presiding Bishop’s staff speak, and she mentioned a new curriculum for adults called “Sacred Ground.” What is that and how do I find out more about it? Sue Says: “Sacred Ground” is a ten part series on race and reconciliation that considers “family histories and stories, as well as important narratives that shape the collective American story.” The guiding star, according
From Sue Tait, Diocesan Librarian: The Way of Love: Practices for Jesus-Centered Life This material helps individuals, groups and congregations move more deeply into our lives as the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement. “Early in his ministry, Jesus of Nazareth was surrounded by crowds. He turned and asked, “What do you seek?” (John 1:38). Many of us seek love, freedom, abundant life and we seek Jesus. In this third posting of resources for the Way of Love we consider
From Sue Tait, Diocesan Librarian: The Way of Love : Practices for Jesus-Centered Life This material helps individuals, groups and congregations move more deeply into our lives as the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement. “Early in his ministry, Jesus of Nazareth was surrounded by crowds. He turned and asked, “What do you seek?” (John 1:38). Many of us seek love, freedom, abundant life and we seek Jesus. In this third posting of resources for the Way of
