Fran McKendree

Really Helpful Organizations

AwakeningSoul is the partnership of Ann Holtz and Fran McKendree. We are within the Christian household and welcome people wherever they are on their journey. For each of our events we invite; spiritual leaders and wisdom teachers, poets and storytellers, progressive theologians who are deeply steeped in Biblical scholarship, gifted musicians, people engaged in the hard work of love and justice, seekers on the journey, hungry souls, hopeful and despairing, young and old, all looking for ways to connect and deepen their relationship with the Divine and each other.

Come for ...

sanctuary

a sacred space of hospitality where we can find rest, respite, and renewal

sustenance
abundant food for hungry souls; intellectual and spiritual nourishment that both challenges and nurtures

inspiration

deep conversation, uplifting music, evocative art and spirit-filled worship, encouraging us to look deeply into our lives and choices, energizing us as we return to our communities

Sawyerville

This is a wonderful, ongoing project...life changing.

The Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing

My dear friend Dr. Catherine Meeks is the director of this center.

The Diocese of Atlanta is proud to be home to a new resource for the worldwide Episcopal Church. Located at the Atlanta University Center among Morehouse, Spelman and Clark Atlanta campuses on the Westside of Atlanta, the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing will provide parishes and dioceses around the world with the support to address racism head-on through racial reconciliation and healing. The resource and training center is housed in what was known as the historic Absalom Jones Episcopal Center and Chapel building. The creation of the Center aligns with The Episcopal Church and our Diocese’s commitment to reach across the borders and boundaries that divide the human family of God.

Doctors Without Borders

One of the best...

Heifer Project

One of the best in the world...please visit the site and make a difference!

Save the Polar Bears

Very important work. Please give as generously as you can!

Bread for the World

When you're looking for a way to help...

musicians

LiveHymnal

Charles Milling has founded and nurtured this amazingly talented group of folks...new life into some great hymns!

Isabel Castellvi

Isable is a member of the AwakeningSoul Ensemble. What a gift it has been to get to know her and work with her on a number of different projects. Her smile and soul light up the world.

Isabel Castellvi is a cellist, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, and composer. As a versatile musician you can find her collaborating with musicians from around the globe. These collaborations span many genres, including world music inspired projects, indie rock bands, her own solo projects, free improvisation, performance art, western classical music, and music for dance and film. Isabel is grateful to share music all over the world through performances, recordings and teaching. Her musical travels have taken her throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Central and South America and the Middle East. These experiences continue to be a great source of inspiration, deepening her understanding of music’s powerful ability to connect people and communities. She received a Bachelor’s in music performance at DePaul University and a Master's in the Contemporary Performance Program at Manhattan School of Music. Isabel has studied North Indian Classical Music with renowned vocalist Rajyasree Ghosh in Kolkata, India and Falu Shah in New York City. She currently lives, teaches and performs between Asheville, NC and Brooklyn, NY.

Chris Rosser

Chris is a member of the AwakeningSoul Ensemble and truly one of the most talented and fun musicians I've ever worked with. His songs are insightful and touching, always with a surprise and great sensitivity.

River Guerguerian

River is an inspirational musician...unique and visionary, fun and profound. I experienced the joy of working with him during the 2008 Advent conference that I co-coordinated at Kanuga. Please visit his site, and treat yourself to his music.

Caroline Cotter

Caroline is a friend and colleague - we work together once a year in July at ECC in RI - a music and arts camp. Caroline's energy and patience are a joy to behold. She has a voice that I could listen to for hours and a life affirming spirit!

www.eliotwadopian.com

Eliot is a bassist extraodinaire! Dear friend and all around incredible musician.

www.thewaybacks.com

Great group...longtime friend and colleague, Chuck Hamilton is the drummer in this very unique band.

Kira Small

Kira is a fantastic, soulful singer in Nashville, TN. Her song 'I Will Raise My Voice' is a masterpiece! Please visit her site, and buy her cds!

wise ones

Barbara Brown Taylor: Life changing insights from this incredibly gifted writer/teacher
Read the Spirit: David Crumm has created a wonderfully rich and insightful site here. Tons of information, stories and interviews that you won't find anywhere else.

Fran's brochure

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