Notes from the Road: CT
Notes from the Road: CT
Asylum Hill UCC and my incredible colleague Erica Thompson welcomed me to Hartford, CT next. This book event was a highlight for me for several reasons.
First, who doesn’t want to hang out with Erica Thompson? She’s hilarious and brilliant, such an incredible leader, and second, she’s the caretaker of a distinctly beautiful community of faith (I may have taken pictures of all the cool ideas in Asylum Hill’s church building—Hawaiian versions of those ideas will be forthcoming—get ready Community Church of Honolulu!).
On Friday night Erica and I had the opportunity to talk about “Beautiful and Terrible Things” with a group who came out that evening for a book talk. One of the best parts about this book tour so far has been the variety of audiences and experiences that have driven conversations about the book. That night we talked a lot about what it’s like to be a woman in church leadership; the constant stress and sexism we encounter; and the beautiful parts of plowing new ground for those who are in our care and those who will come after us.
I’m still getting my book-talk feet under me, so after the event that night I asked a friend if she had any feedback for me—any tips for doing better next time? She was very kind to say that she thought the event went really well, but if she was going to offer any feedback she’d tell me to try to tone down the swearing—especially when I’m in a church.
It’s good advice; I’ll try. I don’t feel particularly hopeful for success.
On Sunday morning, Asylum Hill welcomed me into their pulpit to preach one of my favorite passages—Matthew’s version of the parable of the wedding banquet. (Preaching nerds out there: those last few stories in Matthew’s gospel—the ones where Jesus is impatient, annoyed, afraid, and generally pissed off—those I love to preach!). The good news is that I did not use any profanity in worship. And, the congregation was lovely and welcoming and full of the sense that God was there with us. What more can a visiting preacher ask for?
Thank you, Rev. Thompson and Asylum Hill UCC. You are a beautiful, beloved community and it was my honor to be with you.
More Photos from the Road
