Janet Parsons Mackey

Janet Parsons Mackey is a Minnesota native. She grew up in a politically progressive household in a Twin Cities suburb, where her great-grandparents and grandparents had pioneered. After leaving home, she began to reflect about the post World War II Red Scare and its impact on her liberal family. Her book THINGS GET REARRANGED is the result of her sorting through those personal and historical dynamics. She combed through family correspondence and remembered conversations, as well as her grandfather's books and newspaper columns, to write her way into understanding and appreciation.

Her work as an ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ has also strengthened her interest in how families transfer traditions, ideals, and values -- but not always in obvious ways. Even without a direct connection, she sees her grandparents' influence at work in siblings, grandchildren, and herself.

The author was graduated from the University of Minnesota, Yale Divinity School, and Andover Newton Theological School. After retiring from work in Massachusetts, she moved to Virginia. She relishes her frequent contacts with her two sons, daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren. She has traveled throughout her life, primarily in France and Russia.

Although this is her first book, Janet Parsons Mackey previously contributed to a book about the practice of interim ministry (TEMPORARY SHEPHERDS) published by The Alban Institute.