Personal Update, workshops and consulting

I was sitting in a pew yesterday after thirty-seven years of parish ministry when the congregation sang this traditional Georgia Sea Island Spiritual …

Let your little light shine, shine, shine.
Let your little light shine, O my Lord.
There might be someone down in the valley tryin’ to get home.

People have asked what my plans are after my retirement.

My transition from bivocational parish and writing ministry will focus on my writing and encouraging other writers. I and co-author Maria Mankin are very excited about the late spring arrival from Pilgrim Press of A Child Laughs – Prayers of Hope and Justice, an anthology including the work of more than seventy-five contributors from around the world. In the fall there will be a new book of Advent and Christmas poetry, prayer and worship resources.

I am expanding my workshops on writing poetry, liturgy, memoir or fiction. I have experience with schools, senior settings, faith communities, correctional facilities, recovery and survivor groups, and English Language Learners. I offer both spiritual and secular single workshops, a series of events, or retreats.

In addition to group work I will have more time for my book mentor or book consultant practice. Over the years I’ve nudged, organized and edited many books — from memoir to cozy mystery. Some new writers need one solid session of bouncing ideas or setting a schedule, while others need ongoing editing or publishing suggestions. A website in development will share author testimonials.

If you are interested in my offering a workshop for your group or in my consulting services, please contact me: mctirabassi@gmail.com. Definitely continue to use giftsinopenhands@gmail.com for your submissions to the blog.

And remember, my friends, we are in a season that calls all of us to shine our lights.