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.

It's the sort of experience familiar to many: Somewhere between illness and divorce, abusive relationships and brushes with death, faith failed to provide answers . . . or we failed to live as though we believed faith held answers. But surely, it's different for clergy, the ones who preach and practice faith? But faith requires more, and authors Martha Spong and Rachel G. Hackenberg, who grew up in the church and became ordained ministers, know first-hand about coming to terms with God and life, the need to search for answers . . . or at least assurance we are not alone in struggling for renewed hope. Denial is My Spiritual Practice is a companion for the wondering and struggling. The authors offer their own stories as evidence that God remains, both when faith fails and when faith finds new understanding. They combine stark life experiences, offbeat spiritual perspectives, and Scripture to offer comfort, grace, laughter, and a few tears along the way.

An interfaith collection of prayers, blessings, and poems offering comfort and hope to the healthcare workers that give so much. The COVID-19 pandemic has left few of us unaffected, but our healthcare workers have borne the brunt of its impact. Chaplains and clergy across all lines of faith have ministered to those caregivers through prayers and blessings. This curated collection of interfaith prayers, blessings, and poems was written by those who minister to healthcare workers. It's a beautiful resource that those who work on our medical front lines can carry with them or keep at their workstations for daily inspiration. It can also be used by chaplains and pastors who offer support to medical personnel. Many of the prayers were written to meet specific needs during the pandemic, yet they speak to the shared grief and hope we all have carried as we continue to navigate this extraordinary time. Contributors include The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Rev. Barbara Crafton, Catherine Meeks, Jennifer Grant, Rev. Ineda Pearl Adesanya, and Rev. Gayle Fisher-Stewart.