Of Green Stuff Woven: a novel

Around the globe, small bands of eco-activists are working to save one reef, one rain forest, one river at a time. Of Green Stuff Woven depicts a group of native gardeners who are restoring tall grass prairie on land connected to their historic Episcopal cathedral in the middle of the financial district in Des Moines, Iowa. They are approached by hotel developers and are caught between their passion for the prairie and their need for money to repair their crumbling cathedral. Of course, the parish’s largest donor stands to profit from the deal! The creation? Or the cash? As flood waters rise, so do the stakes of their choice.

Of Green Stuff Woven springs from the experience of two devastating floods and of the burgeoning prairie restoration movement. Told by Brigid Brenchley—kind and quirky cathedral dean—it is Brigid’s tale but also the story of a faith community: hardworking plant enthusiasts, parishioners of varied persuasions; the bishop; the mayor; and most importantly a beloved cathedral member who loses his home and life to the flood. All converge like spokes in the spinning wheel of this decision. The book articulates the depths of Anglican spirituality that undergird creation care ministry, while compassion highlights the plight of threatened plant species and people vulnerable to climate events, and challenges us all to examine the decisions we make in the stewardship of our land.

It does all this while taking readers on a good ecclesiastical romp and retaining realistic hope.