Rev. Dr. J. Marshall Shamell

Author of “40 Years In the Wilderness: How The Church Can Support Those With HIV/AIDS”

Thursday, Jan 22 | 6:00 PM

About the Book: 40 Years In the Wilderness explores:

1. The historical and theological roots of stigma within the church.

2. Eye-opening survey data from pastors, congregants, and individuals living with HIV/AIDS

3. Practical steps congregation can take to create ministries of compassion.

4. Inspiring stories of transformation and resilience in faith communities

About the Author: J Marshall Shamell has served in the gospel ministry since 1991 as a youth pastor at several churches and as an associate minister. Previously, he served as an event and meeting planner for several non-profit organizations. He also worked in the hospitality industry as a sales manager, for two major hotel companies. He currently works in theological education as a recruiting specialist. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Marian University in Indianapolis, a Master of Divinity from the Morehouse School of Religion at the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio. He is the father of the late James Allen Propes.

Shari Pacanowski

Author of “The Least of These”

Friday, Jan 23 | 11:00 AM

About the Book: Sam Izbicki entered the world fragile and unwanted, the third child of seven in a family where survival meant silence and fear was the common language. His father—a hardened Marine—ruled with a strap in one hand and a bottle in the other, while his mother, weary and overworked, offered only scraps of comfort. The Least of These is more than a coming-of-age story. It is a haunting portrait of a childhood fractured by violence and shame, and a powerful exploration of identity, family, and faith. Told with piercing honesty and unexpected beauty, Sam’s journey asks the questions we all carry: Can the past ever be escaped? Can love truly heal the deepest wounds? And is grace strong enough to reach even the least of these?

About the Author: Shari Pacanowski (April 25, 1958 – April 16, 2025) was a gifted writer, selfless partner, and loving parent and nana. She had a passion for beaches, bakeries, and books. Shari desired to share the love of Christ with those who felt marginalized and excluded by mainstream religion. This novel was her life’s work and was published after her untimely passing. It is the hope of her earthly loved ones that this book honors her memory and imparts one simple truth: God loves you, just as you are.

Shari's husband, Richard Pacanowski, will be present at the table during this book signing.

Mike Roth

Author of “Story and Table”

Friday, Jan 23 | 12:00 PM

About the Book: For millennia, religious storytelling has been a driving force in shaping communities throughout the world. What stories do Christians tell? Central to Christian storytelling are stories about the Bible, the gospel, salvation, atonement, and an afterlife. Do these stories lead to human flourishing or harm? Mike Roth examines this question, covering a broad swath of Christian thought in a manner that is concise and practical. Story and Table presents an evolving, nonviolent Christianity that sets inclusive, loving tables, around which humans are freed and inspired to flourish.

About the Author: Mike Roth, PhD, is a theologian and pastor in Portland, Oregon. As a theologian, he explores ancient and evolving Christianity that can, with integrity, be called good. As a pastor, he cultivates inclusive, sacred space to ponder the mystery and love of God. You can find Mike nurturing nonviolent community at Pearl Church and on Substack at storyandtable.substack.com.

Tim Seelig

Author of “Tale of Two Tims: Big Ol' Baptist, Big Ol' Gay”

Friday, Jan 23 | 1:00 PM

About the Book: The decision to write my life story began as an exercise to make sense out of it all. But it moved quickly to being a tool that would help me put it all in order. My life has been punctuated by some pretty dramatic events. I wanted it all out there. So take this ride with me; I promise it won’t be boring! At the end, I hope you are smiling.

Kali Cawthon-Freels

Author of “Reclamation: A Queer Pastor's Guide to Finding Spiritual Growth in the Passages Used to Harm Us”

Friday, Jan 23 | 1:00 PM

About the Book: Kali Cawthon-Freels seeks to use the infamous “clobber” passages (the handful of passages used by religious conservatives to demonize LGBTQIA+ people) as tools for our spiritual growth and well-being.

About the Author: Rev. Kali Cawthon-Freels currently leads the Faithful Pride Initiative at Good Faith Media and serves on the pastoral staff of Williamsburg Baptist Church in Williamsburg, VA. For Good Faith Media, she writes extensively at the intersection of queerness and spirituality, recognizing both as gifts from God. She also strives to integrate those insights into how she pastors. When she’s not writing or pastoring, Kali enjoys playing nerdy boardgames with her wife Haley and cooking.

Tim Schraeder Rodriguez

Author of “Conversion Therapy Dropout: A Queer Story of Faith and Belonging”

Saturday, Jan 24 | 2:30 PM

About the Book: Conversion Therapy Dropout is a behind-the-scenes look at megachurch culture, the hidden harm of non-affirming Christian spaces, and the ongoing impact of conversion therapy on gay Christians. This isn't just a coming-out story--it's about what happens after. About rebuilding a life outside the only world you've ever known. And the radical act of stepping into the light after being told your whole life to stay in the shadows. Sometimes, the greatest act of faith isn't holding on--it's letting go.

About the Author: Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez spent almost a decade in gay conversion therapy and worked behind-the-scenes at some of evangelical Christianity's most influential megachurches―Hillsong Church, Elevation Church, Willow Creek. After embracing his identity as a gay Christian and stepping away from church work, he co-founded Church Clarity. Born in the Midwest, he now calls New York City home, where he continues his work as a writer, digital strategist, and advocate for queer people of faith. His first book, Conversion Therapy Dropout: A Queer Story of Faith and Belonging, releases May 5, 2026.