In the online universe of bloggers, a group of women coalesced around their common work as pastors. Many of them were pioneers—they’d left the denominations of their childhoods to follow Jesus; they’d taken risks and talked about that story in the news no one wanted to hear connected to the Gospel; they’d been the first woman to serve a church, or the first mom. Deep relationships formed in the writing and sharing of their their stories of ministry in the pulpit, through the sacraments, outside the church walls, in their homes, in holy moments and at times when they wondered why they don’t teach plumbing in seminary. This collection captures and expands that fierce and faithful bond, offering insight into the lives of Christian clergywomen and the rigors that come with commitment to religious life. Fifty contributors represent almost twenty denominations, as well as dozens of seminaries and colleges. They come from twenty-five US states as well as Canada and the United Kingdom. Their churches are large and small, liturgical and not, urban and rural. They serve as chaplains, in specialized ministries and through their writing. Their backgrounds are as diverse as their approaches to ministry—single, married, divorced, widowed; some in clergy couples; gay and straight, cis- and transgender; parents and not; ranging in ages from 20-something to 70-something. Intended for laypeople, women discerning a call to ministry, and clergy of all levels of experience, these stories and prayers will resonate, challenge, inform, inspire and amuse anyone who has a passion for the work and the faith that they love.

Much has been written about the changing landscape the church finds itself in, and even more about the church's waning influence in our culture. From her vantage point as an under-40 pastor, Carol Howard Merritt, author of Tribal Church, moves away from the handwringing toward a discovery of what ministry in, with, and by a new generation might look like. What does the substance of hope look like right now? What does hope look like when it is framed in a new generation? Motivated by these questions, Merritt writes Reframing Hope with the understanding that we are not creating from nothing the vital ministry of the next generation. Instead, we are working through what we have, sorting out the best parts, acknowledging and healing from the worst, and reframing it all.

Find peace, connection and heartfelt joy in everyday life. "[This book] doesn't come at me as a self-help list of things I ought to be doing, adding to my full life, but focuses me on my own path. Each week offers practices that encourage gratitude, mindfulness and listening.... With gratitude for Anne’s words, I hand t his book over to you, so that we might journey, contemplate and practice together." —from the Foreword by Rev. Carol Howard Merritt In this week-by-week guide to living more thoughtfully, Anne Kertz Kernion leads you through an exploration of everyday spirituality, combining the wisdom of spiritual luminaries, life lessons, and insights from social science and neuroscience. A businesswoman, wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Anne shows how it is possible to bring more awareness, love and gratitude into your busy life, keeping in touch with your deepest beliefs and most authentic self.

Carol Howard Merritt, a pastor in her mid-thirties, presents a vision of the "tribal church" that intentionally reaches out to the nomadic culture of young adults and responds to their special gifts and needs. Merritt's metaphor of a tribe describes the close bonds that form when people of all ages decide to walk together on their spiritual journeys. Merritt points out that mainline churches have much to offer young adults as well as much to learn from them. By breaking down artificial age barriers and building up intentional relationships, congregations can provide a space for all people to connect with God, each other, and the world. With few places left in society that allow for real intergener-ational connections to be made, Merritt suggests a compelling way for churches to be able to approach young adults on their own terms. Outlining the financial, social, and familial situations that affect many young adults today, she describes how churches can provide a safe, supportive place for young adults to nurture relationships and foster spiritual growth.

A wartime manifesto on the moral obligations of democratic citizens from the most influential first lady in American history. With the threat of the Third Reich looming, Eleanor Roosevelt employs the history of human rights to establish the idea that at the core of democracy is a spiritual responsibility to other citizens. Roosevelt then calls on all Americans, especially the youth, to prioritize the well-being of others and have faith that their fellow citizens will protect them in return. She defines this trust between people as a trait of true democracy. Roosevelt advances an optimistic model for the democracy of the future, and although we've taken some steps in the direction of her vision, it's still a long way from reality. The issues first addressed in this 1940 essay-namely financial inequality and racial discrimination-are sadly still relevant today, as bigotry continues to undermine our national unity. Her first publication as first lady, The Moral Basis of Democracy is an honest and heartfelt call for all Americans to choose love and faith over hatred and fear. Roosevelt takes an inspiring stance in defense of democracy, progress, and morality; the wisdom imparted here is timeless, and a must-read for every American. This edition features a foreword by Rev. Carol Howard Merritt, an introduction by Roosevelt historian Allida Black, PhD, and an illustrated biography of Eleanor Roosevelt including images from the author's estate.