In his poem, “When Fear Takes Over,” poet James Crews writes, “Let kind words wrap around you like a blanket so thick it soaks up the sound of every secret worry spoken to the air.” Please join us, alongside James, at this year’s Morter Lecture, as we explore how words of presence and compassion can help us face our fears in a troubled world. This year’s theme is, Unlocking the Heart: Words for Presence, Connection & Compassion in a Grieving World.
On Saturday, September 27, from 2:00-3:30 pm, James will share his journey with poetry, writing and spiritual practice, including thoughts from his books: Unlocking the Heart, Love is for All of Us (poems from the LBGTQ community) and Turning Toward Grief.
On Sunday, September 28, James will read poems during each service and from,1:00-2:30 pm, will lead a contemplative writing workshop for non-writers and writers alike.
Whether you never read poetry or read it daily, or are a novice or long-time writer, please join us as James helps facilitate our explorations to discover connection across differences, and to open our hearts to wonder and transformation.
In addition to his own books of poetry, James is the editor of several poetry anthologies, including Kindness Will Save the World. For more information about James, visit: jamescrews.net.
Nancy Cross Dunham, 2025 Morter Lecture Team Member