The theme for 2008 will focus on Changes. This will dovetail with a major program initiative for Faith At Work in 2008, the Everything Must Change Tour (see Issue #4 of 2007 Magazine, and Deepshift.org). FAW often uses what we call “The Four Primary Relationships” (God, Self, Others, and Creation) to look at the whole of our lives. This year we will do a slight modification on these four relationships to focus our Change theme for the four issues.
Issue #1 (Deadline Dec. 15)
Changes: In How I Relate to God
Our relationship with God changes. The way we understood God when we were younger is often different than how we understand God today. Our life experiences and the world around us impact the way we relate to the Holy. We go through times of conversion, closeness and “dark night of the soul.” Some potential ideas for articles include:
Issue #2 (Deadline Feb. 15)
Changes: In How I Relate to Myself and Others
The way we understand ourselves and others changes through the years as well. How people deal with aging (at any age!) or the changes brought on by physical or emotional illness change our self image. We also change in the way we relate to others around us. Many people in long term commitments report that “The person I married 25 years ago is not the same person I am married to today.” And of course the way we understand ourselves impacts the way we relate to others. Some potential ideas for articles include:
Issue #3 (Deadline May 15)
Changes: In How I Relate to My Work
FAW defines work broadly, framed by the question, “What is my work in the world?” This includes people who are volunteering and/or retired. Using this definition, it is clear that our work in the world takes a lot of our time. How is that work changing? How is our call shifting or moving in the realm of work? Is it time to stay with our work, or look for changes? How does our work impact those around us? How does it contribute to the common good? These work questions are appropriate as we head into the fall and “return to work.” Some potential ideas for articles include:
Issue #4 (Deadline August 15)
Changes: In How I Relate to Creation
More and more we are aware that our relationship to the Creation matters. For many the creation is a primary way to connect with the Creator. The way we interacted with the creation as a child may be different than the way we understand it now. Earth care usually involves some sacrifice of time or money — how does that get balanced with the everyday stresses of life? Some potential ideas for articles include:
We promise to consider everything prayerfully, though we cannot guarantee that we will publish every article we receive. It may be that we will hold on to your article until it better matches an upcoming theme. While we do not pay for articles, we can assure you of an interested pool of 7,000 readers who will be impacted by your story.
If you are interested in writing, read the Guidelines below as well. I look forward to hearing from you.
Doug Wysockey-Johnson
Editor, FAW Magazine
Audience:
Our magazine is a resource for individuals and groups who want to deepen their connection with God, themselves, others and the Creation. Most of our readers are Christian, but not sectarian or narrow minded.Your Experience
: Our readers want your experience, not a theoretical or “preachy” piece. As with our small groups, the point is not to fix others. The magazine is an attempt to share stories of what it might mean to try to put faith to work in daily life. Simplistic or easy answer stories are not helpful; wrestling with the questions and the complexity of life is. We are especially interested in examples of:Be Specific
: Readers can relate to your story when you tell it the way you lived it, describing your feelings and thoughts, barriers and breakthroughs. Think of how it was, what happened and how it is now as an outline.Length and Editing:
We are looking for manuscripts of 650 words (3 double spaced pages). Fewer words and a picture or image will increase the impact of your story. FAW reserves the right to edit for sake of clarity and space needs.Please send your manuscript to us at Faith At Work (addresses below). Include a brief biography (2-3 lines) and a picture of yourself. Digital images are fine, as long as they are sharp, clear and have enough pixels. After publication, we will return your pictures and illustrations to you. If you want your article returned, if we are unable to use it, please include a self addressed stamped envelope.
If you have questions about possible articles, please feel free to contact
the editor.