Best-selling author and former Midlands resident brings his new books to Columbia on June 10

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Roger Hutchison, a former Midlands author and spiritual leader, returns to Columbia at All Good Books on June 10 for readings and conversations around his two recently released books.

Hutchison’s “The Art of Calm” explores his struggles with mental health—which included panic attacks so severe they required hospitalization—and his journey to living a grounded life of wellness and peace. His children’s book, “Sparrow’s Prayer,” teaches children the delight in learning to pray in different ways.

Hutchison spent 17 years in Columbia on the staff of Trinity Cathedral after living in Sumter and Myrtle Beach. While in Columbia, Hutchison received the Order of the Silver Crescent in 2014 for outreach in Columbia—including with St. Lawrence Place—and in Newtown, CT, after the Sandy Hook school shootings. That work expanded to include his current work as a writer and speaker focused on mental health advocacy and as a Christian educator in the Episcopal Church. He now lives with his family outside of Houston, Texas.

Filled with deep personal insight and uplifting practical guidance, “The Art of Calm” begins by charting the author’s 2017 mental health crisis. Weaving these personal stories with thoughtful questions, journaling prompts, and a wide range of inspirational practices—from photography, music, and meditation, to cooking, hiking, and art—Hutchison provides the tools to help discover a more centered and peaceful life.

“Sparrow’s Prayer is” an illustrated children’s book about an unexpected and life-changing encounter with the holy told through a sparrow’s experience discovering different ways to pray. The sparrow learns when words are hard to find, prayer blooms in unexpected ways.

Hutchison will be at All Good Books at 734 Harden Street in Columbia’s Five Points on June 10 for events related to both of his books. At 10 a.m., he will do a “Sparrow’s Prayer” reading and craft activities for children. Then at 6 p.m., he will hold a reading and conversation around “The Art of Calm.”

Currently, Hutchison is the Director of Christian Formation and Parish Life at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston. An artist who paints with children in a variety of contexts, he is the author of nine books including “Jesus: God Among Us” and “The Painting Table.”

More information about the books and the All Good Books events can be found at rogerhutchisonbooks.com.