Psalms in Ordinary Voices
Psalms in Ordinary Voices is an exciting new collection of the Bible's 150 Psalms, each rewritten in contemporary language by an "ordinary" person. The authors are teachers, daycare providers, inmates, physicians, plumbers, locksmiths, janitors, children, artists, hair stylists, secretaries, pastors, a homeless man, and a sheriff, among others. A portrait of the writer in his or her everyday environment accompanies each Psalm. Together, the words and images reveal the beloved Psalms as both timeless and timely. Down-to-earth and deeply moving, Psalms in Ordinary Voices is filled with images, metaphors, hopes, and visions that build on and refresh the Psalms. A decade in the making, this book was created by Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian, who conceived the project and edited the text, and photographer Ellen Augarten, whose images give insight into each writer's background.
Andrea Ayvazian, Ellen Augarten
The Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian is the senior Pastor of the Haydenville Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Western Massachusetts. Andrea was formerly the Dean of Religious Life at Mount Holyoke College. A long-time activist for peace and social justice, Andrea is an anti-racism educator, singer and songwriter. She lives in Northampton, Massachusetts with her partner, Michael Klare. They have one grown son, Sasha. www.haydenvillechurch.org Ellen Augarten grew up in Queens, New York and came in the mid-1970s to Western Massachusetts, where her career in portrait photography began and grew. She received her Master of Fine Arts degree from Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford. An active community member, she lives in Northampton, Massachusetts with her husband, Mark. They have two grown children, Libby and Noah. www.ellenaugartenphotography.com
