The Healing Power of Storytelling - An Author-Led Workshop

Join us for an unforgettable evening with acclaimed author, storyteller, and community-builder Mark Yaconelli, as he leads us into the heart of why stories matter — and how they can save us.

This workshop is the capstone event of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church’s 2026 Book Club Brunch series, where we will be reading Yaconelli’s powerful book Between the Listening and the Telling: How Stories Can Save Us February through April. Whether you’re reading independently, forming your own book group, or joining us for our in-person brunch gatherings, you’re invited into this transformative experience.

About the Event

In a world that feels increasingly hurried and divided, stories slow us down long enough to truly encounter each other. As Anne Lamott puts it,

“You will find Mark Yaconelli to be a wise and patient teacher with a lovely sense of humor… You’ll find direction, validation, and a lot of great wisdom in his words.”

Through decades of work with his nonprofit The Hearth, Yaconelli has helped communities across the U.S. and U.K. use storytelling to heal trauma, confront injustice, bridge divides, and rediscover hope. In this interactive two-hour workshop, Mark will guide us through practices that open us to compassion, connection, and courage.

Expect laughter. Expect depth. Expect something in your life to shift.

Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Location: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church — San Carlos, CA
🎟️ Format: In-person workshop, interactive elements, Q&A

Book Club Brunch (Optional, but highly encouraged!)

Join us for monthly Book Club Brunches leading up to the event.
📅 Dates: February, March, and April 2026
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM (Saturdays)
ℹ️ Details & exact dates: Available on the Holy Trinity website.

You can participate in all three, drop in for one, or simply read the book on your own — the author event is open to everyone.

Where to Get the Book

Purchase your copy at Reach & Teach in San Carlos and receive 10% off when you use the discount code trinity at checkout.

Support a fantastic local bookstore, and come ready to dive deep.

About the Author — Mark Yaconelli

Mark Yaconelli is a writer, retreat leader, spiritual director, community builder, husband, father, and founder/executive director of The Hearth, a nonprofit dedicated to healing and justice through personal storytelling. He has trained and led communities, nonprofits, churches, and organizations across North America and the U.K., including:
• The Greenbelt Arts Festival
• Princeton Theological Seminary
• The Ford Family Foundation
• The National Youth Workers Convention
• The Global Gathering for Spirituality and Justice

His work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, BBC News, ABC World News Tonight, and The Washington Post.
He is the author of six books, including:

• Between the Listening and the Telling (Broadleaf, 2022)
• The Gift of Hard Things (2016)
• Wonder, Fear, and Longing (2009)

Mark lives in Southern Oregon with his wife, Jill, and is the father of three adult children.