Our Events
Dear River: Writing Our Watersheds
In this generative writing workshop we will read poems about rivers, write about our own watershed, located as we are in the Lower Grand River Watershed and its sub watersheds. We will consider how we might address our rivers through the medium of poetry and what the work of restoration ecology might have to do with the work of “re-storying” our watersheds.
An Evening with Barbara Mahany
Join us for an evening with award-winning journalist and former oncology nurse Barbara Mahany as she discusses her new book, Broken Open, in which she recounts the rare cancer diagnosis that reshaped her life and invited her to see the world differently. Perfect for readers navigating grief, illness, or disruption, Broken Open is a hopeful meditation on living with deeper faith and courage in the present moment.
2028 Festival of Faith & Writing
The Festival of Faith & Writing is a unique celebration. For three days every other April, we gather on the campus of Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to explore the power of belief and the written word.
Writing Workshop | Witness: Writing from a Changing Place
This one-day writing workshop—Witness: Writing from a Changing Place—will guide you through crafting vivid, compelling depictions of a beloved landscape. Led by author and teacher Tamara Dean, participants explore techniques for immersing readers in place-based experiences and capturing the deep personal and ecological shifts unfolding before us. By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a draft ready to develop further into a story, essay, poem, or longer work—one that speaks to the place that speaks to you.
Speaker Series | An Evening with Sy Montgomery
Join us for an evening with Sy Montgomery, a naturalist, devoted conservationist, author, documentary scriptwriter, and radio commentator who writes for both children and adults.
Montgomery will present a talk and participate in a short Q&A, followed by a book signing.
An Evening with Barbara Brown Taylor
Join us for an evening with Barbara Brown Taylor, author of An Altar in the World, Learning to Walk in the Dark, and the forthcoming Coming Down to Earth, with a book signing to follow.
Jess Ray in Concert
Join us for an evening concert with Jess Ray in the Chapel on Calvin University’s campus. This concert is open to all Festival attendees, as well as the public.
An Evening with Ross Gay
Join us for an evening with poet and essayist Ross Gay, author of Inciting Joy and The Book of (More) Delights, with a book signing to follow.
Leap of Faith Screening
Join us for a screening of Leap of Faith by Nicholas Ma. After the film, Ma and Michael Gulker, Director of The Colossian Forum, will participate in a 30-minute moderated conversation.
An Evening with Robin Wall Kimmerer
Join us for an evening with Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of The Serviceberry and Braiding Sweetgrass, with a book signing to follow.
Festival of Faith & Writing
The Festival of Faith & Writing is a unique celebration. For three days every other April, we gather on the campus of Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to explore the power of belief and the written word.
Festival Opening Plenary: Laurie Halse Anderson
Join us as we kick off the 2026 Festival of Faith & Writing! This celebratory free event features young adult author Laurie Halse Anderson, author of Rebellion 1776, Chains, and Speak.
The Art of Scott Erickson
In partnership with the Festival of Faith and Writing, the Center Art Gallery brings you select works of Scott Erickson.
Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: An Evening with Beth Allison Barr
Join us for an evening with Beth Allison Barr, author of the brand-new book Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman's Path to Ministry. Barr will present a talk based on her book and participate in a short Q&A, followed by a book signing.