12 min.  Maureen and Pierre discuss a book project at Pierre's church.  The book is called Mountains and Valleys.  It's a project to connect the church's ministers to the congregation, and the congregation to each other by sharing faith stories while they hike mountains and valleys during their sabbatical.  

The congregation recently lost more than a few people and held memorial services to honor their lives.  In each case, so many details of those persons lives emerged, much to the amazement of persons in the congregation who did not know that information.  The book committee thought it would be wonderful if people shared their "faith story" and in that way we could get to know one another better.

Pierre's question and skepticism about participation levels is answered here, but not in the podcast.  About 71 stories were submitted from approximately 100 people who regularly attend church.  Amazing participation and amazing stories. 

In a little lighter part of the conversation Pierre makes a pun out of the importance of punctuation and English words for Maureen's amusement, she being an English teacher.  The pun:  Eat organic, dear vs. Eat organic deer.   

The podcast winds up with wisdom of the ages:  be impeccable with your word.  Join us for a sidebar on the power of faith stories and truth telling.