SHORT BIO:

Meta Herrick Carlson (she/her) is a pastor and poet whose ministry labors for more meaningful ritual, accessible language, and healthy communities. Her theology is informed by the sacred wisdom of recovery groups that meet in church basements and the embodied stories of survivors of sexual violence. Meta is the author of five books that proclaim God’s delight for our ordinary lives. She laughs at her own jokes and packs extra snacks just in case. Learn more about her poems, blessings and liturgies at www.MetaHerrickCarlson.com.

LONGER BIO:

Meta Herrick Carlson (she/her) is a pastor and poet whose ministry labors for more meaningful ritual, accessible language, and healthy communities. Her theology is informed by the sacred wisdom of recovery groups that meet in church basements and the embodied stories of survivors of sexual violence.

Meta’s first book Ordinary Blessings: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Everyday Life (Fortress Press, 2020) proves a worthy gift in these uncertain times. Her second book Speak It Plain: Words for Worship and Life Together (Fortress Press, 2020) contains blessings and resources for church nerds and liturgical worship communities. Ordinary Blessings for Parents: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Family Life (Broadleaf Books, 2022) is inspired by God’s delight in the ordinary lives of kids and those who love them. Her fourth book, Ordinary Blessings for the Christmas Season (Broadleaf Books, 2023) offers blessings for what is holy and hard about the holiday season. Her fifth book, We Remember Your Baptism (Beaming Books, 2026) is a beautiful read-aloud picture book for baptism celebrations and any time a family or church community wants to retell the story of a child's baptism. Meta laughs at her own jokes and packs extra snacks just in case. Learn more about her poems, blessings and liturgies at www.MetaHerrickCarlson.com.

I write and live on Dakota land in Minneapolis, Minnesota.