Sometimes “big names” on tour like to take a break and appear in small, intimate venues. Queen Anne United Methodist Church, 1606 Fifth Ave. W., is becoming a stop for those so inclined.
The church continues its ongoing series, “The Well: A gathering place for conversation,” with the appearance of New York Times best-selling writer Alexander McCall Smith on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m.
McCall Smith, author of more than 80 books, including the popular “The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency,” is also retired professor of medical law at the University of Edinburgh and a recognized expert on bioethics.
“He’s a serious ethicist by trade,” said church pastor, Katie Ladd. “He uses these kinds of light stories and embeds them with small ethical dilemmas.”
McCall Smith will speak about people and the worlds in which he writes and the importance of place and location in self-understanding.
McCall Smith follows a number of high- profile speakers who have visited the church over the past year, including Kathleen Norris, Cornel West, Tavis Smiley and Biblical scholar John Dominic Crossan.
On Nov. 1, Bill Mallonee, former lead singer for the Vigilantes of Love, will perform and facilitate a conversation on art, faith and cultural relevance. Rolling Stone says his music “continues to probe through Americana rock 'n' roll, proving that sometimes the only story worth telling is that of the journey.”
On Nov. 8 Emerging Church leader Tony Jones will discuss his book, “A Better Atonement: Beyond the Depraved Doctrine of Original Sin.”
Anne Lamott is on tap for Nov. 13. The best-selling author has a new book, “Help, Thanks, Wow: Three Essential Prayers,” which displays the kind of honest treatment she has shown in her previous nonfiction, largely autobiographical work, which discusses alcoholism, depression, single-motherhood and Christianity.
How does Ladd get these people to appear in 120-seat venues at reduced fees?
With John Dominic Crossan, who has been featured on NPR’s “Fresh Air,” Ladd said: “I went to his website. There was a place where it said, ‘Contact me,’” she said with a laugh.
“We’re trying to do something that’s more than a speaker’s series in a world so virtual, but to have people face to face,” she added. “Our hope is to explore issues about meaning.
“We’re not allowed anymore the opportunity to be gentle with each other,” Ladd continued. “I want to have a place where we can disagree with one another, but generously.”
Tickets for Alexander McCall Smith and Anne Lamott are available at www.BrownPaperTickets.com. A ticket for the Lamott event includes an autographed copy of her new book. Tickets for Mallonee and Jones appearances require a phone call or e-mail: 206-282-4307 or thewellqueenanne@gmail.com.
For more information: www.qaumc.org