Stories carry a sometimes-simple, often-profound truth, and fiction offers an extraordinary means of exploring one’s spiritual life. This weekend draws on that medium to examine personal spirituality and issues of social justice. Please read and bring along William P. Young’s The Shack as an opening to the weekend. We will use Gordon’s novels Flying to Tombstone (2003) and Vicar of Bisbee (2009), which are about an Episcopal congregation near the Mexican border struggling with personal spirituality, illegal immigration, the underage sex trade, and the church’s own internal squabbles. Discussions will include his Ghost of Midsummer Common (2008), a mystery set in England which charts the spiritual awakening of a middle-aged history professor. Participants are invited to bring and share one or two favorite contemporary novels.

The Rev. Canon Gordon McBride, PhD has been a professional musician, a professor of European and English history, and a parish rector. Wide-ranging interests include the development and leadership of spirituality programs and flying small aircraft. At present he is serving the Diocese of Arizona as chair of the Commission on Ministry and concentrating on his writing. Visit www.gordonmcbride.com

Program fee $120 Room & board $200 Total cost $320
Program check-in 4:00-6:00 pm Friday
For registration information visit www.adelynrood.org