For the last year and a half, I’ve been serving as solo clergy at Good Shepherd while the vestry and search committee have searched for a new rector. It’s amazing to think that while my title is Associate Rector, I have spent more time serving as the only clergy person than as an associate!
I am excited to share that Good Shepherd has now called a new rector, the Rev. Dr. Sanford, H. Groff, Jr.! It will be wonderful to have a colleague again at Good Shepherd. He started at the beginning of December, and we had a wonderful Christmas together.
Here’s to an exciting 2024!
Service of Institution of a New RectorService of Institution of a New RectorChristmas Eve
I love children’s books. There is something incredible about the simplicity of language and beauty in illustrations which capture truth in a wonderful way. I don’t think children’s books are ever just for children. Every time I read them aloud, the adults are just as mesmerized–perhaps more so–than the children. God speaks to us through children’s books.
When it comes to children’s books on faith though, there’s a lot out there that is not so beautiful or helpful, at least from my point of view. Many children’s books on faith feature problematic theologies which instill more shame than wonder in those that read them. So I am always very attentive when I read a book to its inherent theological worldview.
The video and list below include many of my favorite children’s books on faith. I have lots of others, but these are the ones that are capturing my attention right now. Most of them are progressive and/or inclusive, and some of them lean liturgical in orientation (that’s because I’m an Episcopal priest, after all). These are the gifts I am giving to my coworkers for Christmas this year. Because remember, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 18:3).
What are your favorite children’s books on faith?
A Church for All by Gayle E. Pitman, Illustrated by Laure Fournier
This is the Church by Sarah Raymond Cunningham, Illustrated by Ariel Landy
Images of God for Young Children by Marie-Hélène Delval, Illustrated by Barbara Nascimbeni
What is God Like? by Rachel Held Evans and Matthew Paul Turner, Illustrated by Ying Hui Tan
Mother God by Teresa Kim Pecinovsky, Illustrated by Khoa Le
Dear Mama God by Daneen Akers, Illustrated by Gillian Gamble
All Things Bright and Beautiful, Illustrated by Jean Claude
Silent Night by Lara Hawthorne
Brother Sun, Sister Moon: Saint Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures by Katherine Paterson, Illustrated by Pamela Dalton
When God Made Light by Matthew Paul Turner, Illustrated by David Catrow
God’s Holy Darkness by Sharei Green and Beckah Selnick, Illustrated Nikki Faison
Go and Do Likewise: The Parables and Wisdom of Jesus by John Hendrix
The White Cat and the Monk by Jo Ellen Bogart, Illustrated by Sydney Smith
Wherever You Are by Glenys Nellist, Illustrated by Sian James
I Am Earth’s Keeper by Lisa M. Hendey, Illustrated by Giuluano Ferri
Candle Walk: A Bedtime Prayer to God by Karin Holsinger Sherman
Moments with Jesus by Bill Johnson and Eugene Luning, Illustrated by Kristen & Kevin Howdeshell
Through the Year with Tomie de Paola by Catherine Harmon and John Herreid, Illustrated by Tomie De Paola
Holy Troublemakers & Unconventional Saints by Daneen Akers
Bonus book of family devotions:
Seasons of Wonder: Making the Ordinary Sacred Through Projects, Prayers, Reflections, and Rituals by Bonnie Smith Whitehouse
Thoughts on Faith 