Mark Scandrette

After a bit of holiday in August and a great Labor day weekend, my attention has (belatedly) turned toward my upcoming trip to Texas in October. I’m looking forward to connecting with old and new friends, sharing some stories from my book, SOUL GRAFFITI, comparing notes along the journey in the ways of the kingdom with other communities and leaders and, with any luck, tasting the best of Texas Barbeque all over the state!

Below is a list of commitments I already have and the days and slots I still have open during the week. When I travel, as long as I am away from my family, I like to make myself useful in whatever ways I can:

*Speaking to faith communities
*Networking with leaders
*Visiting emerging church cohorts
*Guest lecturing at colleges or seminaries
*Doing a bit of spoken word and some readings at a café
*Hanging out in cafes, clubs, pubs, parks and restaurants.

I can also do a bit of drywall, tile and some woodwork and wall painting– and love to cook for large groups of people. And I do a good bit of spiritual direction. I would also love to see places where culture, arts and justice come together in your city.

If you can think of any opportunities to connect and serve, please let me know.

Saturday October 6   Arrive in Dallas 9:50 P.M.
Sunday    October 7   Journey Church in Dallas, P.M. (Appearing with The Cobalt Season)

Monday  October 8   OPEN (In Dallas)
Tuesday October 9   Oak Grove Abbey, Austin, TX .M. (Appearing with The Cobalt Season)

Wednesday October 10 Casa De Soupiset, San Antonio, TX P.M.

Thursday October 11 OPEN

Friday October 12      OPEN

Saturday October 13  OPEN

Sunday October 14  Riverbend Church, Austin A.M.

Monday October 15   OPEN until 1 P.M. Likely flying out of Austin

Feel free to pass this along to all your relations.

This afternoon Craig Burnett stopped by to do an NPR style podcast interview with me about SOUL GRAFFITI. You can listen to or download our conversation here. Craig’s interview focused on aspects of the book that addresses our common desire for a more holistic understanding of “gospel,” acknowledging the essentially experiential nature of living spirituality. I hope someday to be less embarrassed when I hear myself speak on a recording– with less pauses and “um….ah.”

I was ill last weekend and had to cancel appearing with The Cobalt Season CD release and house parties. On Sunday night, my daughter Hailey took my place and did a reading of my Poem, The Road Ahead. Go here to see the movie clip (Thanks to Michael Toy).

Next Sunday, June 3, I will be speaking on SOUL GRAFFITI, along with THE COBALT SEASON playing songs from their new album, IN SEARCH OF A UNIFIED THEORY at FLOOD, Sacramento. If you live in the area, come out and see us– maybe we can have dinner after the event (5-7 P.M.)

THis morning I am being interviewed by Michelle Mendoza on am 630 in the Seattle area.

In a conversation at the book party for SOUL GRAFFITI on Saturday night I tried to explain my general approach to spirituality by suggesting that we try to live into our questions– about God and ourselves. The important thing is that we keep asking, searching and seeking. In previous generations people tended to rely more on external authorities and institutions for their religious answers. The remix of spiritual authority in our culture provides us with the opportunity to be more engaged in wrestling with our questions about how to love God and one another. The story of an authentic search and the conversation carries increasing authority in our society. I would even suggest that this is what Augustine is most remembered for (His Confessions more than his theology). And the warrior/poet/king David of Israel is the quenticential example of one who lived in the questions.

My friend Ryan Sharp is a contemporary example of one who bravely wrestles with the larger questions in a way that is soulful, honest and articulate. He teamed up this time with his wife, Holly Sharp and friend Dan Dixon to produce a wonderful new album called “In Search of a Unified Theory.” Less angry and more constructive than his previous Cobalt Season albums birthed out of an era of deconstruction, “In Search of a Unified Theory” is, I believe, a coming of age album for Ryan, in which he settles into a more mature voice musically and spiritually. The addition of Dan Dixon’s Eno-esque arrangements and instrumentation add sonic complexity,nuance and added intrique to Ryan’s singer-song writing and near tearful croonings. It is also more of a piano album than previous releases– with banjo and chimes added by Dixon. “In Search of a Unified Theory” is a hopeful audio companion for anyone striving to live with greater intentionality, conscience courage within the ambiguities of human fraility.

You can hear The Cobalt Season perform live at Goat Hall at the end of May. See details below. I will also be doing a reading from SOUL GRAFFITI as part of the festivities. (Ryan and I will be doing several dates together over the next few months).

I did a taped interview earlier this week with Pat Williams for WTLN - 950 AM radio in Orlando, Florida. The interview will play this Saturday in the morning. So, if you live in Florida, enjoy hearing me feel my way through my first radio interview.

A NEWS FLASH:

Come celebrate the release of Mark Scandrette’s new book, SOUL GRAFFITI, (published by Jossey-Bass Wiley). Now available in stores nationwide and at amazon.com

WHO? Friends, family, fans and companions of Mark Scandrette (families with children welcome).

WHEN? Saturday May 12, 2007—6:30-9:30 P.M.

WHERE? Goat Hall (On Portrero Hill)
400 Missouri Street
San Francisco, CA 94107

WHAT? Drinks and hors d’oeurves, desserts, dancing and a book reading by Mark. (with special musical guests,The Cobalt Season)

• Copies of Soul Graffiti will be available for sale at-cost for $15 (32% off the publisher’s list price). Bring cash, (or checks can be made out to ReIMAGINE).

Enter the drawing on-site to take home a free copy of SOUL GRAFFITI.

For more information check out: www.soulgraffitibook.com www.markscandrette.com

To R.S.V.P. and for more information contact Amy Ross (amy AT reimagine DOT org)

Help me create some buzz. I have free galley copies of SOUL GRAFFITI for the first 10 bloggers who email me with their mailing address. (Of course I would love it if you read the book and post review comments on your blog). Please contact me at mark AT reimagine DOT org. Thanks!

Next week we are heading to Washington, D.C. for a family learning trip and book promotion. We are also looking forward to seeing friends. We thought that before we venture to Europe together we should stop by this nation’s capitol to study U.S. government and history. I will also be visiting Emergent cohorts in D.C. and Baltimore, promoting SOUL GRAFFITI. Here are the details, in case you live in the area:

Monday April 9: The D.C. Emergent Cohort at The Harp and Fiddle in Bethesda, MD 7-9 P.M.
Tuesday April 10: Baltimore Emergent Cohort at The Bare Bones Grill Ellicot City, MD 7-9 P.M.