Do you have a day job?

I am the Minnetonka Campus Pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Twin Cities. This congregation is the product of a consolidation in 2016. Two separate congregations voted to close and become one new congregation with two campuses. It’s a different way to become a multiple site church. It’s a lot of death and resurrection - messy and wonderful work. Learn more about BLCTC here.

Do you take requests?

Yes! That’s the story behind several of my published poems. I’d love to hear about the sentiment that inspires your request - the person, place, or party! Contact me for more information and rates. I do my best to accommodate requests whenever my schedule allows.

Can i book you to speak?

Sure. I love to meet people who bless the ordinary, get creative about liturgy, and think about what worship is saying out loud in the world.

I can talk about, read from, and sell my books. Or, if you’re looking for a workshop experience, I can help you write original liturgies or blessings that speak to you and your community. If I’m unavailable or ill-suited to the task, I’ll refer you to some amazing writers, preachers, poets, and colleagues who would be even better!

What are you working on now?

I am collaborating with a sacred music composer named Carol Miles to develop and distribute original liturgies and poems inspired by Shalom Hill Farm in southwestern Minnesota. We hope they will be a blessing worship communities all over the prairie.

My newest project is still abstract and becoming, but aims to accompany parish pastors. So many of my colleagues feel disenchanted and isolated in their work - what might happen with the relationships and resources they need to flourish and come home to the joy of their fullness and faith?

Can YOUR WORDS and MY ART be pals?

I was honored and inspired when Choir of the North at UAF Fairbanks asked if a stanza from my poem could be used as lyrics for a choral anthem that became “Give Me Room” by Emerson Eads.

I love writing liturgies with musicians and designing resources with other artists. If you see ways my poetry could benefit the spirit of your art, let’s talk!

How do I get permissions for use?

Anything I post on my website or Instagram is free to use and reprint in not-for-profit settings like worship, yoga or meditation gatherings, and as devotional material for meetings or groups. Credit the work with my full name in print. If it comes from a published book or article, credit that source, too. Tag me on social media @metaherrickcarlson and the books #ordinaryblessingsbook and #speakitplainbook. I love seeing how these blessings show up in the world.

Please do not alter or edit my poems and blessings for public use without written permission. However, liturgies in Speak It Plain are meant for contextual adaptation. In these cases, credit given might read, “adapted from” or “inspired by”.

For more specific inquiries related to my words published by Fortress Press and Broadleaf Books, please contact the 1517 Media copyright folks. They will give you a speedy and accurate answer to your question.

WHERE should I buy YOUR BOOKS?

I get the same (tiny) financial benefit no matter where you shop. If you buy from a big distributor online, please rate and review the book. Bookshop and IndieBooks can help you find an independent bookstore near you that carries it. If you’re not in a hurry, request it at a store that doesn’t have it in stock and they’ll order it for you. You’ll end up with a book - and a bookstore that learns about my book.

To inquire about a bulk order discount from my publisher, email salesandservice at 1517 dot media.