what people are saying

  • "Sowing Seeds in the Sand equips congregations to address one of the most persistent challenges in Christian formation: speaking truthfully, pastorally, and developmentally appropriately about systemic racism. The curriculum combines biblical stories with local and modern history, creating intergenerational spaces for storytelling, wonder, and dialogue. This approach frames antiracism as a matter of Christian discipleship, rooted in Scripture, the sacraments, and the Baptismal Covenant. It has equipped leaders to address difficult realities in their communities, while inviting children to participate fully in the Body of Christ. The curriculum was shaped through collaboration, consultation, and feedback from diverse communities, ensuring it is relevant, contextual, and grounded in lived experience. Since its inception, Jen and Will have trained over one hundred storytellers across denominations, helping congregations nationwide implement the curriculum and fostering conversations that might otherwise have been avoided."

    — Forma Award Description for “Innovation in Christian Formation” 2026

  • “Unlike many trainings that rely on definitions and head-centered frameworks, their approach begins with the heart. When you begin by reaching people’s hearts, real transformation can take place. Their stories, like the one about Ruby Bridges, moved me deeply and helped me rethink how we approach healing. This is more than education—it’s spiritual formation. ”

    — Rev. Shaneequa Brokenleg, Staff Officer for Racial Reconciliation, The Episcopal Church

  • "I’ve seen the curriculum used across a variety of contexts and age groups, and I’m consistently moved by the depth of responses and conversations it inspires. It offers an accessible, thoughtful, and well-researched approach to addressing a profoundly difficult topic."

    — Carmen Piggins, Cannon for Ministry with Young People, Episcopal Diocese of MIchigan

  • “These stories are the most accessible program I have encountered for teaching people of all ages the stories of the Church’s intersection with (both complicity in and resistance to) the Lie that causes racism. Adults and children alike appreciated the profound, simple, and direct messaging that intimately connects the dots between what are often disjointed historical narratives. The powerful visuals, concrete messaging, and advanced theological grounding engaged people across political persuasions in the good news of God’s liberating and life-giving love for the whole created order. Knowing the simple stories empowers both children and adults to use their voices and values to kindly, confidently, and faithfully challenge narratives of control, division, and degradation so easily used by those in power."

    — Rev. Chana Tetzlaff, Associate Rector, St. Chrysostom’s Episcopal Church Chicago