On Sunday, September 29 at 5:30 pm, the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration is pleased to welcome writer, pastor, and activist John Pavlovitz. A 20-year veteran in the trenches of local church ministry, Pavlovitz is committed to equality, diversity, and justice – both inside and outside faith communities. Over the past several years, Pavlovitz’s blog, Stuff That Needs to Be Said, has reached a diverse audience of millions of people across the world. His popularity is not surprising, given that his core message is one that many are yearning to hear: that hope is still possible, and that kindness, inclusion, and compassion are the way forward. His work in this respect has earned him the nickname “The Pastor of the Resistance.”

Such a nickname may sound radical and confrontational, and indeed Pavlovitz does not shy away from speaking his mind on difficult topics. Yet his message is deeply rooted in his Christian faith. His book, Hope and Other Superpowers: A Life-Affirming, Love-Defending, Butt-Kicking, World-Saving Manifesto, provides a road map of sorts, leading the reader away from the rhetoric of negativity, hatred, and violence that are so pervasive in our culture and towards a practice of compassion and concern for others. Pavlovitz motivates us to live outwardly and find purpose and identity as we care for the world in large and small ways.

In his time with us at Transfiguration, he’ll bring these gifts of compassion and care as he discusses another of his significant contributions to Christian life and faith: A Bigger Table: Bringing Messy, Authentic, and Hopeful Spiritual Community. He’ll explore why so many people who were raised in the Church seem to have left it behind, address the woundedness they’ve experienced in the name of Christ, and guide us on how we can reach out in love to the lost, the lonely, and the left behind in our communities. His talk will be followed by a Q&A, a book signing, and light refreshments.

The evening is offered as a free event, but registration is requested. Childcare will be provided for those who request at time of registration. Join us!