Many of you know that I’ve been working on a film for a long time–in fact, it has been about three years now.  The good news is that the film, entitled “Raw Faith,” will have its World Premiere at the Nashville Film Festival on April 16!  It will screen again on April 18.  It is one of 5 films nominated for the “Humanity Award.”

“Raw Faith” is a full-length documentary about my transition out of parish ministry and my surprise in falling in love, and then struggling to accept that love.

I had no idea when Scott and Ashley MacEachern, members of First Unitarian, suggested that I do a film that this would be the result!  The film got jump-started with some funding from Jane and Jim Driscoll; we formed a non-profit film board called SameBoat; and we began looking for a director.  We eventually decided upon Peter Wiedensmith–and again, I jumped into the project not knowing much about Peter.  I had no idea how marvelously skilled and committed Peter is, and how generously he would give of himself to this project.

No one guessed where the film would go, in terms of its narrative line, when we got started–I had as yet to connect with George, the love interest in the film.  But when that happened, everything changed–everything in my life, and of course everything in the supposed direction of the film.  Yes, it was about leaving my beloved congregation, but the film also had to examine my fears about love, which reached way back to my childhood, fears that had to be dealt with.

I want all of you who are interested to be able to see the really wonderful trailer that Peter created, and also to hear “Love Will Remain,” an original song by Sheryl Crow which was inspired by and written for our film.  If you like what you see, please become a “fan” of “Raw Faith”–and please pass the trailer on to friends who might be interested.  The link is www.facebook.com/rawfaith

We haven’t as yet nailed down a date for the Portland premiere, but as soon as we do, I’ll let everyone know.  Many of you who read my “Reflections” attend First Unitarian and will in fact be seen in the congregation as the camera pans over the audience–and some of you are present in interviews.  Thanks to Tom Disrud, to the staff, and to all the congregants who made this film possible.  I see it as an extension of my ministry, now that I have left the parish.  I hope that all who see it will be uplifted and inspired.