The events of 2020—global pandemic, economic devastation, revelations of social injustice, the legacy of slavery, political division, and violence against institutions—have created crises of meaning for many. In these times, communities of faith turn to prayer and theological reflection, but also to art, which seeks new images and metaphors to name and understand the human experience.

This spring, our friends at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church invited writers of all ages to submit original poetry to a contest that aimed to honor our collective pandemic. Poets were asked to reflect on “Has this year brought forth language of lament or hope?” and “However you experience the divine, where do you see God working through the chaos?”

The event will be hosted by poet Julia Spicher Kasdorf with readings by contest winners Kathleen Morrow, Marjorie Maddox, Mary Shay McGuire, Myah Robbins, and Akio Ohmoto.

The event will include a panel discussion moderated by The Rev. Jeffrey A. Packard, with panelists The Rt. Rev. Audrey Cady Scanlan, Bishop of Central Pennsylvania, Tierra Williams, and Julia Spicher Kasdorf.

The event is free.