Set in what the author affectionately calls ""the spiritual-but-not-religious center of the universe,"" Open tells the story of a scrappy little church in southeast Portland, Oregon, and its many encounters with the poor in its neighborhood and beyond. In the city that in 2020 became a focus of national attention because of tireless protests against police brutality, the complexity and vulnerability that characterize racial struggles in America's whitest city also characterize the struggles of this neighborhood church and its priest's hunger for justice and hope. The church opens its doors and hearts to people marginalized by sex work, poverty, prejudice, or addiction--people whom others cannot or will not help--while on a national and global scale 2020 shines a light on legacy racial and economic injustices. The book explores intersections between faith, social unrest, and one clergywoman's search for meaningful work.
Industry Reviews
“Open is a deeply moving story of vulnerability and grace about what it means to do urban ministry in these challenging times. We are in debt to Sara Fischer for giving us this honest account of life as a priest called to be in solidarity with those who walk the streets or are at risk in our cities.”
—Stephen V. Schneider, Episcopal priest, Diocese of Oregon
“Sara Fischer offers a brave and compelling memoir. Rooted in the year 2020, with COVID-19, George Floyd, and Oregon wildfires, it weaves the story of a transition in her priestly ministry together with the biblical story: Abraham and Sarah, Rahab, Jesus and all the Marys. Strong, enticing metaphors propel Sara’s narrative, from running water to hunger to a fitting pandemic tattoo. Throughout, she relentlessly explores what hospitality might mean in church and on the streets.”
—Mark Lloyd Taylor, Seattle University, emeritus
“Open is required reading for anyone struggling for connection in this time of complex division. Sara Fischer’s unflinching inquiry into her own relationship with meaning and grace, brought to a profound climax during COVID-19, vibrates with our deepest human impulses.”
—Suzy Vitello, author of Faultland
“Equal parts memoir and guidebook, Open offers exactly what it promises: wisdom (like water) poured out and into the cracks of our parched beings. Fischer paints pictures and spins stories that inspire us to be more curious, seek less perfection, and activate our flawed, human, yet still massive potential for the good of all people, especially those who’ve suffered from a lack of radically hospitable spaces.”
—Doreen Dodgen-Magee, author of Restart: Designing a Healthy Post Pandemic Life
“Sara Fischer has written a modern adventure story of faith-in-action in our muddled, complex world. A page-turning saga of one woman’s search for meaning, as well as her true calling, Open is soulful and witty, smart and captivating. Truly a tale to treasure.”
—Karen Karbo, author of In Praise of Difficult Women
