2026 Festival of Faith and Writing: Full Schedule

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8:00am EDT

Friday April 17, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am EDT

Join Jess Ray for an early‑morning Matins performance—a 30‑minute gathering of song and quiet attention that invites participants into a grounded, contemplative start to the Festival day.

Speakers

Jess Ray

Jess Ray is a singer-songwriter, producer, and creative supernova based in her beloved home state of North Carolina. Crafting a new wave of music for those seeking God, Jess blends fresh sonic style with timeless truths, delicately weaving it all together with the realities of the human experience... Read More →

Friday April 17, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am EDT
Chapel

Matins

11:45am EDT

A Conversation with Ariel Lawhon

Friday April 17, 2026 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT

Chapel

Book signing follows in the Chapel Narthex

Speakers

Ariel Lawhon

Ariel Lawhon is the New York Times bestselling author of The Frozen River as well as several other works of historical fiction, including I Was Anastasia and Code Name Hélène. The Frozen River was an instant paperback bestseller, rapidly ascending the New York Times bestseller... Read More →

Friday April 17, 2026 11:45am - 12:30pm EDT
Chapel

Concurrent Session, Interview

2:30pm EDT

Finding Faith in Traditionally Published Children's Books

Friday April 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT

Chapel

Karina Yan Glaser, the New York Times bestselling children’s book author of The Vanderbeeker series and the Newbery Honor-winning The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli, reflects on how faith informs her work and guides the creation of the characters in her stories. 

Book signing follows in the Chapel Narthex

Speakers

Karina Yan Glaser

Karina Yan Glaser is the New York Times bestselling author of the Vanderbeeker series, the standalone middle grade novel A Duet for Home, the chapter book Poppy Song Bakes A Way (part of the multi-author series The Kids in Mrs. Z's Class), and the Newbery Honor-winning historical... Read More →

Friday April 17, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
Chapel

Concurrent Session, Solo Session

4:00pm EDT

Making and Meaning: The Creative Rhythm of Courage and Reflection

Friday April 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

Chapel

In conversation, artist Scott Erickson and scholar Lanta Davis explore the essential interplay between creating and pausing, making and discerning, considering why creative work demands both bold action and thoughtful reflection–and how holding these modes together can deepen our art, our faith, and our capacity to see the world with clarity.

Book signing follows in the Chapel Narthex

Speakers

Lanta Davis

Lanta Davis writes and teaches about the sacramental imagination, beauty, and character formation. Her book, Becoming by Beholding: The Power of the Imagination in Spiritual Formation, was named one of Christianity Today's best books of the year, and her writing has also appeared... Read More →

Scott Erickson

Scott Erickson is a touring painter, performance speaker, creative curate, and author. Scott's work has appeared on CNN, National Geographic, and in various magazines and newspaper outlets. He is the author of Say Yes: Discover the Surprising Life Beyond the Death of a Dream, Hon... Read More →

Friday April 17, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
Chapel

Concurrent Session, Conversation

8:00pm EDT

Jess Ray in Concert

Friday April 17, 2026 8:00pm - 9:30pm EDT

Chapel

Join us for an evening concert with Jess Ray and Band, whose “friendly folk” blends indie pop textures with spiritually rich, lyric-driven storytelling. Rooted in faith and experience, her music creates space for reflection, hope, and connection through songs exploring devotion and everyday grace.

Speakers

Jess Ray

Friday April 17, 2026 8:00pm - 9:30pm EDT
Chapel

Evening Activity, Concert

2026 Festival of Faith and Writing

8:00am EDT

Jess Ray

11:45am EDT

Ariel Lawhon

2:30pm EDT

Karina Yan Glaser

4:00pm EDT

Lanta Davis

Scott Erickson

8:00pm EDT

Jess Ray

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