Peace | The Podcast

Include and Transcend | How We Grow Pt 3 | Acts 17:22-25, 28

In the final part of our series called 'HOW TO GROW', we will look at how our faith moves beyond just a personal set of beliefs, and through empathy we can respect and include the beliefs of others. We recognize the desire for shared values and respect that those values are found beyond our own tradition or faith system.
In this episode, Jason spends some time talking about the tragic death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, Tennessee. How does our faith hold injustice and systemic inequities? How does faith move us to justice? 
'HOW TO GROW' is a series exploring spiritual formation, the process by which our faith matures and adapts and expands and settles and fluctuates. Like the human body that grows, the mind that creates new neural pathways, or a relationship that deepens over time - our spiritual lives develop. Faith is not simply a list of beliefs, but a relational dynamic that fluctuates. How we tend to our faith and invest in our spiritual growth can make all the difference in living a life of meaning and purpose. 
The work of James Fowler from Stages of Faith is featured in this episode, as is the work of James Marcia.

A Dream and A Nightmare | Rev Linda

In this special message, we hear from Rev Linda Koelman as she talks about the need for unity in the midst of our difference.
Rev Linda expertly navigates between the lives of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, her time as pastor of North UMC in Minneapolis, and the writing of Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:10-18. Reconciliation and unity are not easy, especially in complicated communities where hurt and pain have become ingrained. But there is hope through Christ.
In this episode, Rev Linda references the work of James Cone: Martin & Malcolm & America: a dream or a nightmare.
 

Disordered Development | How We Grow Part 2 | Matthew 5.43-47

In part 2 of our series called 'HOW TO GROW', we will look at what can happen to our faith when life gets chaotic and complicated and new. Sometimes we find our foundation - our 'container' - to be a little less dependable or satisfying. Sometimes we are enticed to consider something new. Sometimes we have doubts. This is disordered development. 
'HOW TO GROW' is a series exploring spiritual formation, the process by which our faith matures and adapts and expands and settles and fluctuates. Like the human body that grows, the mind that creates new neural pathways, or a relationship that deepens over time - our spiritual lives develop. Faith is not simply a list of beliefs, but a relational dynamic that fluctuates. How we tend to our faith and invest in our spiritual growth can make all the difference in living a life of meaning and purpose. 
The work of James Fowler from Stages of Faith is featured in this episode, as is the work of James Marcia.

’Building Your Container’ | How To Grow Part 1 | Deuteronomy 6.4-9

In part 1 of our series called 'HOW TO GROW', we will look at what it means to 'Build Your Container'. This is the phrase used by Richard Rohr in his book Falling Upward, that describes the first half of life pursuit to create definition and foundation for our lives. 
'HOW TO GROW' is a series exploring spiritual formation, the process by which our faith matures and adapts and expands and settles and fluctuates. Like the human body that grows, the mind that creates new neural pathways, or a relationship that deepens over time - our spiritual lives develop. Faith is not simply a list of beliefs, but a relational dynamic that fluctuates. How we tend to our faith and invest in our spiritual growth can make all the difference in living a life of meaning and purpose. 
The work of James Fowler from Stages of Faith is also featured in this episode. 

Almost Out Of Cheeks | Matthew 5.9

'Almost Out Of Cheeks' is a sermon given on October 9, 2022 in the middle of a series we called 'On Your Side'.
The Beatitudes of Jesus in Matthew 5 are a foundation launching point for what it means to follow Christ. We used Rob Bell's translation of 'Blessed' to say that 'God is on the side of...' the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and the peacemakers. There is something unique about God's presence when we find ourselves in these positions. AND - these are the places that God is calling us. It might seem counter-intuitive, but we are called to meekness and mourning and peacemaking.
'Almost Out Of Cheeks' is a message on verse 9 - 'Blessed are the peacemakers...'. 
Enjoy!

Tending Abundance | Matthew 5.5

'Tending Abundance' is a sermon given on October 2, 2022 in the middle of a series we called 'On Your Side'.
The Beatitudes of Jesus in Matthew 5 are a foundation launching point for what it means to follow Christ. We used Rob Bell's translation of 'Blessed' to say that 'God is on the side of...' the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and the peacemakers. There is something unique about God's presence when we find ourselves in these positions. AND - these are the places that God is calling us. It might seem counter-intuitive, but we are called to meekness and mourning and peacemaking.
'Tending Abundance' is a message on verse 5 - 'Blessed are the meek...'. 
Enjoy!