Hello Everyone!
I have an exciting announcement to share. But first, a little background…
In 2021, after years of preaching the lectionary and consulting for other pastors, my wife Ashley and I launched The Art of Preaching. I am having so much fun writing notes for preachers each week on the lectionary readings.
When we started out, we always believed that, when we hit the three year mark—having notes for the entire cycle—we would look into publishing something. And…it’s happening! I am now working on my first book.
Pope John Paul II famously said of the Church:
“We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song!”
My new book will be focused on the Season of Easter, developing my notes for a lay audience. I hope to have it released soon before the Easter season. I have always loved this season as I believe that the practices of celebration and feasting are central to what it means to be a Christian. In this season, we are given the stories of resurrection and the early formation of the Church. Because of resurrection, the world will never be the same.
If I’m going to do this, I need your support! This will be a self-publishing project, and I have to jump over some upfront hurdles to make this happen. Here are a few ways that you can get involved:
* I am looking to raise about $4,000 to get this book to print. This will allow me to hire a professional editor and cover some early printing costs. Rather than a Kickstarter or other funding campaign, I am making this simple: If you can help, Venmo me at @preston_sharpe. I will send you an early, PDF version of the book before it is released to those who give $20 or more. I am also looking at some other “swag” for those who give more.
* Help me get the word out! In the coming weeks, I will unveil the book title, cover art, description, etc. I’d love for you to share it with your friends and family. Again, this book is for everyone and I hope that it serves as a witness to Christ’s resurrection.
* As always, your paid subscriptions to The Art of Preaching makes a big difference in supporting our work. The Deep Dive subscription is BY FAR the best value (about 15 pages of notes per week). If the yearly price is too high, please reach out to me about monthly payment options.
* Would your church benefit from hearing more about being a “resurrection people”? So many people are looking for hope, for a true and lasting source of joy. I’d love if you would want to host a book signing sometime during the Easter season (Late April-early June, 2025) or even beyond, because we are always Easter people!
The Art of Preaching will continue uninterrupted. This year, as part of my weekly notes, I have begun adding the alternate Old Testament reading, as well as continually editing and updating the work from previous years. I am always looking at the new scholarship on these readings and thinking about our current cultural milieu. So there will always be something new for subscribers!
Thanks for taking this journey with me. I look forward to what’s ahead!
Blessings on your preaching,
Preston Sharpe †
Get full access to The Art of Preaching at theartofpreaching.substack.com/subscribe
