In Their Own Words: Books by WMA Authors

In Their Own Words: Books by WMA Authors

The Rev. Vicki Ix, Managing Editor

Here are a few of the newest books from WMA authors. Some have written several titles and, for others, this is their first. In addition to works that are theological and formative for the Christian life, this round-up includes a novel and a children’s book. We are happy to introduce you to the writings of six local Episcopalians whose faith is at the core of their work. ♦

Seeing the Unseen: Beyond Prejudices, Paradigms, and Party Lines

The Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith, Missioner for Spirituality & Leadership

“In our increasingly polarized world, there are forces and voices that want us to limit our vision and take refuge in our political, ideological, and spiritual silos. Using stories, scripture and personal reflections, the book explores opportunities for people to see in more expansive ways—and to find common ground in the midst of tension—which happens to be in the DNA of our 500 year old Anglican tradition.” ♦

The Creation Care Bible Challenge

The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas, Missioner for Creation Care

"The Creation Care Bible Challenge includes 50 short passages from the Bible, each one accompanied by a brief meditation, a few questions, and a prayer. This book—almost small enough to slip into your pocket—makes a fine companion for individuals or small groups interested in daily prayer and in considering what Scripture has to say about the natural world. I enjoyed composing a meditation on the story of Adam naming the animals—the other contributors chose passages ranging from Exodus, the psalms, and the prophets to the Gospels, Romans, and Revelation." ♦

For Theirs Is the Kingdom

The Rev. Chris Carlisle, Founding Director, Building Bridges Veterans Initiative

“Ben Cabot, a millennial Boston lawyer is deployed to Montreal, where he chances on “Cathedral in the Night” and its renegade priest, Luke Hale. In a bankrupt time of ambition and greed in and outside the church, Cabot embarks on a spiritual journey through the privileged life he is living.” ♦

My Dear Far-Nearness: the Holy Trinity as Spiritual Practice

Dr. Robert A. Jonas, Founder, The Empty Bell

"Years of prayer and study have convinced me that the God we know in three Persons—as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—can be experienced directly in our daily lives as three facets of our awareness. My Dear Far-Nearness: The Holy Trinity as Spiritual Practice takes its title from the name that a 14th century mystic, Marguerite Porete, used for God. Drawing from Scripture, the creeds, Christian mystics from the 2nd century to the present, and contemporary psychology, My Dear Far-Nearness shows how we can attune ourselves to God’s presence and live in union with God, who dwells within and among us. For more information, visit the book’s website, www.mydearfar-nearness.org." ♦

The Adventures of Chirpy

Tanya S. Lewis, Trinity Episcopal Church, Shrewsbury

“Nature gives me inspiration to use my imagination, to create a story of how fascinating nature is and the life cycle it provides to our universe. For children, giving a voice to the creatures enables them to understand the real relationship we have with creation.” (available exclusively from Apple Books) ♦

This is God's Table: Finding Church Beyond the Walls

The Rev. Anna Woofenden, Rector, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Northampton

"While This is God’s Table: Finding Church Beyond the Walls is about a particular model of church (outdoors in an urban farm), in a particular place (an empty lot in the outskirts of Los Angeles), my prayer is that it is a story for here and now. As readers walk through the liturgical year with the Garden Church community, they are invited to see how the Holy Spirit might be inviting you to find church beyond the walls in your community here and now." ♦