THE BIG CHURCH READ

THE BIG CHURCH READ

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN (ECW) AND THE VERY REVEND DR. MARY ELLEN ARE EXCITED TO INVITE THE ENTIRE CONGREGATION OF ST. GREGORY’S TO PARTICIPATE IN:

THE 2026 BIG CHURCH READ EVENT AT ST. GREGORY’S

ASK ME FOR A BLESSING (YOU KNOW YOU NEED ONE) BY REV. ADRIAN DANNHAUSER

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 | HARRIS HALL

WE WILL GATHER AT 9:45 AM | THE EVENT BEGINS AT 10:00 AM

Have you started reading Ask Me for a Blessing (You Know You Need One), this year’s St. Gregory’s Big Church Read selection?

We hope you're enjoying this year's Big Church Read book by The Rev. Adrian Dannhauser. To learn more about the book and its inspiration, please visit askmeforablessing.com/book.

Our second shipment of books has already sold out! We will be ordering a few more copies; however, delivery times may vary. If you'd like to begin reading right away, the book is also available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Don't delay!

The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) and The Very Rev. Dr. Mary Ellen Cassini invite you to save the date for our Big Church Read Half-Day Retreat on Saturday, September 19.

Beginning at 10:00 AM in Harris Hall (doors open at 9:45 AM), we'll gather for coffee, tea, donuts, small-group discussion, worship, and fellowship as we explore this year's book together. Meals with Meaning will provide a delicious light lunch, and childcare will be available with advance notice. The event is free to attend, with a suggested donation of $10. Please RSVP to reserve your spot now via the form at the bottom of this page.

We look forward to sharing this special day with you.

Happy reading!

About the Book:

Ask Me for a Blessing (You Know You Need One):
What is a blessing? Do you have to believe to receive one? Can you doubt while you pray? And can you extend grace to others while still desperately in need of it yourself? Once a week, Episcopal priest Rev. Adrian Dannhauser stands outside her Manhattan church beside a chalkboard sign that reads "Ask me for a blessing (because God knows you need one)." Passersby stop, chat, and ask for for a sick friend, an addicted son, an upcoming job interview, the state of our nation, or the grief of our world. Bus drivers sometimes open their doors for a quick prayer before the light turns green, and someone once took her to meet their doorman so she could bless him, too. Half of those who stop are in crisis. Someone always cries. A few are simply curious. Through the heartfelt, frank, and sincere stories of her unique ministry, Dannhauser offers glimpses into the tender, holy, and sometimes hilarious moments of sidewalk prayers. With a potent blend of reverence and irreverence, as well as insights from Christian scriptures, she delves into the power that ancient ideas--blessing, forgiveness, miracles, and prayer--hold in a disenchanted world. For people of Christian faith, other faiths, or no faith at all, having spiritual conversations, even awkward ones with strangers on the street, can help us face our vulnerability, where we may discover a grace sufficient for all.

About the Author

Rev. Adrian Dannhauser is Rector (i.e., senior pastor) at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation in Manhattan, where she has served since 2015. She is particularly passionate about evangelism and mission, seeking to empower others to share God’s love through faith-filled conversation in daily life and service to those in need. Adrian has been featured in Religion News Service for her ministry of blessing people on the street and by BBC World Service radio for her work against human trafficking.

Before entering ordained ministry, Adrian practiced corporate bankruptcy law and financial restructuring at the Wall Street firm Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP. She also has a history in dance ministry and a lifelong love of ballet. Adrian holds a BA from Duke University, a JD from Vanderbilt University Law School, and an MDiv from Yale Divinity School. She and her husband, Jess, have one daughter, who lights up their lives and, like all teenagers, keeps her parents humble.

Special Thanks

Special thanks go out to Rebecca Sorensen, Nancy Stroud, and the entire ECW Ministry for sponsoring The Big Church Read and to The Very Reverend Dr. Mary Ellen Cassini for helping to orchestrate such a wonderful event.

FOR QUESTIONS AND MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE EMAIL THE CHURCH OFFICE.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email the church office at office@st-gregorys.

Registration Form

Please complete the form below to register for The Big Church Read!