Congratulations to Pastor Trey Ferguson on the release of his lovely new book, Love is Good Religion, which dropped yesterday! Grateful he took time out of his full schedule and book launch busyness to chat for our Off Script series. We talk about what it means to seek wholeness, how love is a commitment more than a feeling, and how old-fashioned words like “salvation” find fresh meaning when we look anew at our sacred text.

Here’s Trey reflecting on one of my favorite parts of the book: in the beginning was the intention, and the intention was with God, and the intention was God.

And as promised, here is Michael Danner’s definition of shalom, near and dear to Trey’s heart and well worth carrying around!

Shalom is a social condition where all people, in all places, and at all times, have everything they need to thrive as people created in the image of God.

This includes the absence of some things and the presence of others.

Until all people experience it, shalom is not present.

As I like to say, that’ll preach.

Check out Trey Ferguson here. And learn more about my book, Better Than Normal: Virtues for an Off-Script Life here.

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A sermon preached at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Herndon VA on September 6, 2026. Here’s the scripture text.

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A sermon preached at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Herndon VA on September 6, 2026. Here’s the scripture text.

A few references in the sermon:

* Bureau of Communication

* Carrie Newcomer’s song Don’t Push Send (and check out her writing on Substack)

* The late Peter Cullen talks about the origin of his most iconic voice

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Thanks to all who tuned in live for my conversation with Clint Schnekloth, Lutheran pastor who’s been writing online even longer than I have (and that’s really saying something—2003, baby).

Off Script is a podcast series in conjunction with my book Better Than Normal: Virtues for an Off-Script Life. Clint and I talk neurodivergence, LGBTQ+ welcome and affirmation, and the values and practices that sustain the work of creating truly liberating and inclusive spaces in our congregations and beyond.

Find Clint’s work at Lutheran Confessions. His book is A Guidebook to Progressive Church.

Here’s the recording of his chapter on neurodiversity that inspired me to invite him to participate in the Off Script series.

And here’s the documentary he mentioned, called Crip Camp.

Thanks for listening, and see you next time!

And remember, reviews, ratings, and shares are always welcome.

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A sermon preached at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Herndon VA on August 9, 2026. Here’s the scripture text.

If you’re listening via podcast app, thanks for sharing this with anyone you think might need to hear it. Ratings and reviews are also much appreciated.

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A sermon preached on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Herndon VA. Here’s the scripture text.

If you’re listening via podcast app, thanks for sharing this with anyone you think might need to hear it. Ratings and reviews are also much appreciated.

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A sermon preached on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Herndon VA. Here’s the scripture text.

If you’re listening via podcast app, thanks for sharing this with anyone you think might need to hear it. Ratings and reviews are also much appreciated.

Thanks for reading The Blue Room with MaryAnn McKibben Dana! This post is public so feel free to share it.

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Well folks… this totally lovely conversation was thwarted by some bad Internet. I’m sharing it with that caveat, because it’s worth a listen for some real gems. It’s such a shame because I’ve known Andrew Plocher for some 15 years and he’s one of my favorites! Kind, thoughtful, and full of integrity.

We will have him on for a do-over soon! In the meantime, check out his Substack, called Second Psalms.

Thanks for listening!

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A sermon preached on Sunday, June 21, 2026 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Herndon as part of our faith250 worship series. Here’s the scripture text.

It’s a bit harrowing to try and reflect responsibly on church and state in a sermon, but I think we avoided any obvious trip wires. People seemed to appreciate the chance to reflect on these matters in advance of the United States’s 250th, so I’m getting this out there quickly. Would love to hear your thoughts.

And if you’re listening via podcast app, thanks for sharing this with anyone you think might need to hear it. Ratings and reviews are also much appreciated.

Thanks for reading The Blue Room with MaryAnn McKibben Dana! This post is public so feel free to share it.

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In celebration of the publication of Better Than Normal: Virtues for an Off-Script Life, and to explore the themes of the book, our Off-Script series continues! So grateful to Amy Julia Becker for this conversation, and for her ongoing work.

Here’s a great overview of her work on belonging. And here’s the episode I mentioned of her podcast, Reimagining the Good Life, about how we can design a more human and humane world.

Follow along with Amy Julia’s work on Substack here.

Thanks for listening, and see you next time!

And remember, reviews, ratings, and shares are always welcome.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit maryannmckibbendana.substack.com/subscribe