Minneapolis church plans a celebration for beloved poet Mary Oliver

A public event Sunday morning will celebrate the work of poet Mary Oliver, who has entranced audiences in Minneapolis as well as around the world.

January 29, 2019 at 8:28PM
Mary Oliver.
Mary Oliver. (Laurie Hertzel/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Mary Oliver. New York Times photo.

When poet Mary Oliver died on Jan. 17, Travis Norvell, pastor of Judson Baptist Church in Minneapolis, wrote on the church's Facebook page: "I think we, Judson Church, have quoted more from Mary Oliver than from the Gospels."

He then suggested that churches around the country should hold celebrations/ memorial services for Oliver, "to give thanks for the depth she brought to our spiritual lives."

And so at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 3, Judson Memorial Baptist Church, 4101 Harriet Av. S., Minneapolis will offer a Celebration of the Life and Poetry of Mary Oliver.

Among the speakers will be Minneapolis writer James Lenfestey. Blues musician Jimmi Langemo has set one of Oliver's poem to music. All are welcome.

Click here to read her poem, "The Sun." And check the Sunday Star Tribune books pages for an appreciation of Oliver's visits to Minneapolis.

about the writer

about the writer

Laurie Hertzel

Senior Editor

Freelance writer and former Star Tribune books editor Laurie Hertzel is at lauriehertzel@gmail.com.

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