Caroline Westerhoff begins her exploration of the Christian life with the memory of childhood afternoons spent rocking in green wicker chairs on her grandmother's front porch, listening to the stories of the women who came to call. The image of calling-as baptismal vocation, as the sharing of time and conversation, as the Christian vision that informs our actions and choices-is vividly described through Westerhoff's stories from her life and work. Narratives of what it means to live the Christian life provide the lyrical variations on the baptismal themes of ministry, community, and responsibility in this "song for the baptized." Each movement, theme, and variation is introduced by an aspect of the baptismal service. John Westerhoff's guide for study suggests ways in which Calling can be used not only for those preparing for baptism, but also for individuals and groups who wish to consider further the meaning of baptism and ministry.