-Dr. John M. Bracke, Professor Emeritus, Eden Theological Seminary

Picking Up the Pieces: When Faith and Culture Collide is an educational resource for the church. It is filled with theological reflections on life situations and issues calling the reader to be engaged. Questions at the end of each essay help the reader focus on the particular essence or message.

However, Picking Up the Pieces: When Faith and Culture Collide is not only a resource for the church; it can be used for private devotions or meditation or with a study group.

The essays come from a series of reflections the author wrote for his church newsletter. Some readers have found comfort in the essays, some had their consciences pierced, and some were moved to consider new behavior. The essays are meant to help the reader reflect and see life and faith differently.

About the Author

The Rev. Dr. Alva F. Hohl Jr. is a retired pastor, ordained in the United Church of Christ. For forty years, he served parishes in New Hampton, Iowa; Webster City, Iowa; Sioux City, Iowa; and South Bend, Indiana. He is a graduate of Elmhurst College (BA) in Elmhurst, Illinois; Eden Theological Seminary (MDiv), Webster Groves, Missouri; and United Theological Seminary (DMin), New Brighton, Minnesota.

Rev. Hohl continues writing essays in his retirement and spends hours making furniture in his woodshop. He is an avid sports enthusiast (an Iowa Hawkeye, Chicago Cubs, and Green Bay Packers fan), enjoys fishing, bowling, and story-telling.

The author and his late wife, Kathy, are the parents of two adult children and grandparents of three with one on the way. He and his wife, Carole, live in Huntington, Indiana.