The Suburban Vicar Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rev. Stephen Silverthorne
We live in an increasingly technological world, with advancements past generations never could have dreamed of. Yet, we feel increasingly isolated and without a sense of place in the world. Neighbourhoods no longer feel like home, and we don't always know why. Through reflections and interviews, the Suburban Vicar Podcast explores why communities are failing so many today and what we can do to make them more livable again.
Part 2 of a 2-part episode. We've all faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. We're aware of our own needs and what is helping us cope. Yet, we may not be as aware of the kinds of challenges people face in other walks of life, and how they are navigating the challenges of the quarantine. These are the people we were used to seeing at church, or at sports events or children's birthday parties. Now that we can't see them, we risk losing our ability to understand them. In this two-part episode, Fr. Stephen interviews local people who are facing our pandemic in different ways and in different circumstances. Episode HighlightsUnique challenges faced by a local non-profit organization Unique challenges faced by a local pensioner Unique challenges faced by local churches Further Referencehttps://www.larche.ca/ (L'Arche Canada). L’Arche creates communities of friendship and belonging. In L’Arche, people with and without intellectual disabilities live, work, learn, and grow together. https://www.larcheottawa.org/ (L'Arche Ottawa.) The local branch of L'Arche Canada, serving the Ottawa-Gatineau area. https://www.stjames-manotick.ca/ (St. James Manotick.) An Anglican parish church in the village of Manotick, Ontario. To Connect with Fr. Stephenhttps://twitter.com/SHSilverthorne (Twitter feed) https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-suburban-vicar-podcast/id1444200169?app=podcast&mt=2 (Subscribe through Apple Podcasts) https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBpcHBhLmlvL3B1YmxpYy9zaG93cy81YmZlYTlhZmYyOGU5NjU2NTk2YTIyYzQ%3D (Subscribe through Google Podcasts)
We've all faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. We're aware of our own needs and what is helping us cope. Yet, we may not be as aware of the kinds of challenges people face in other walks of life, and how they are navigating the challenges of the quarantine. These are the people we were used to seeing at church, or at sports events or children's birthday parties. Now that we can't see them, we risk losing our ability to understand them. In this two-part episode, Fr. Stephen interviews local people who are facing our pandemic in different ways and in different circumstances. Episode HighlightsUnique challenges faced by a local veteran's organization Unique challenges faced by a local business Unique challenges faced by local parents Further Referencehttps://legion.ca/ (The Royal Canadian Legion.) A non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Veterans and their families in need, honouring those who sacrificed for our country and providing essential services within our communities. http://www.rcl641.ca/ (The Barrhaven Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.) The local chapter of the Royal Canadian Legion, where Stephane Guy serves as President. https://stiff.ca/ (Stiff.) A marketing and communications company based in south Ottawa. James Hannington is the CEO. To Connect with Fr. Stephenhttps://twitter.com/SHSilverthorne (Twitter feed) https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-suburban-vicar-podcast/id1444200169?app=podcast&mt=2 (Subscribe through Apple Podcasts) https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBpcHBhLmlvL3B1YmxpYy9zaG93cy81YmZlYTlhZmYyOGU5NjU2NTk2YTIyYzQ%3D (Subscribe through Google Podcasts)
Cooking at home can be a chore. Yet, the cookbooks and shows we turn to for inspiration can give us the impression cooking needs to be expensive and complicated. This episode explores a better way, set forth in the book The Supper of the Lamb by Robert F. Capon. Today, Fr. Stephen interviews Amanda McGill about Capon's reflections on cooking. As a parish priest and writer, the late Fr. Capon brought a Christian perspective on food, cooking, and eating as gifts from God which show His goodness in ordinary things. McGill unpacks some reasons why this perspective can bring deeper significance to the mundane task of cooking, and can bring a deeper sense of rootedness to our homes and lives. Episode HighlightsWhy The Supper of the Lamb is worth reading What led Amanda to writing about the book How Capon helps us find the greatness in small things How cooking and eating can be a kind of healthy worship Capon's applicability to real cooking vs. romanticized cooking Festal vs. Ferial cooking How to appreciate food without over-indulging The delights of Capon's humour and writing style Further Referencehttps://www.amazon.ca/Supper-Lamb-Culinary-Reflection/dp/0375760563/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1588794199&sr=8-1 (The Supper of the Lamb) by Robert F. Capon. http://northamanglican.com/the-supper-of-the-lamb-and-lent-pandemic-cooking/ (The Supper of the Lamb and Lent-Pandemic Cooking) by Amanda McGill. An article reflecting on Robert Capon's "Supper of the Lamb" and why it is particularly relevant during our pandemic. https://thehomelyhours.com/ (The Homely Hours Website). A blog dedicated to bringing church worship into our homes, helping people develop an Anglican family spirituality which works for households today. http://northamanglican.com/ (The North American Anglican Website.) A web journal exploring faith and culture from an Anglican perspective. To Connect with Fr. Stephenhttps://twitter.com/SHSilverthorne (Twitter feed) https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-suburban-vicar-podcast/id1444200169?app=podcast&mt=2 (Subscribe through Apple Podcasts) https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBpcHBhLmlvL3B1YmxpYy9zaG93cy81YmZlYTlhZmYyOGU5NjU2NTk2YTIyYzQ%3D (Subscribe through Google Podcasts)
Faith in community is always challenging. But what about faith when a community is quarantined? Today, Fr. Stephen talks with Josh Wang about the current COVID quarantine. Josh is pastor of https://www.renewalchurch.ca/ (Renewal Church), which serves the community of Barrhaven. He's also a long-time friend of Fr. Stephen. In this conversation, they discuss the quarantine, the effect it is having on home and church life, and what this experience is teaching them about faith, life and ministry. Episode HighlightsFamily life under the "Shelter in Place" order The effect on relationships with wider community Processing grief over our situation, without despair The importance of lament and sorrow Jesus' care for our personal needs, despite how small they seem Covid's effect on how we do church Positive changes being brought to the church Pros and Cons of using technology in maintaining church community Faith formation at home Reflections on Holy Week during quarantine Changes to preaching & worship Further Reflectionhttps://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+4%3A13-18&version=NRSV (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.) A scripture passage reminding us that we are free to grieve real losses without losing all hope. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+11&version=NRSV (The Raising of Lazarus.) A scripture passage from John 11, telling about the resurrection of Lazarus https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+2%3A11-22&version=NRSV (Ephesians 2:11-22.) A scripture passage describing the church members as a building, constructed by God and held together by Jesus To Connect with Joshhttps://www.renewalchurch.ca/ (Renewal Church Website) https://www.facebook.com/renewalottawa/ (On Facebook) https://www.instagram.com/renewalottawa/ (On Instagram) To Connect with Fr. Stephenhttps://twitter.com/SHSilverthorne (Twitter feed) https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-suburban-vicar-podcast/id1444200169?app=podcast&mt=2 (Subscribe through Apple Podcasts) https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBpcHBhLmlvL3B1YmxpYy9zaG93cy81YmZlYTlhZmYyOGU5NjU2NTk2YTIyYzQ%3D (Subscribe through Google Podcasts)
Being a good neighbour should be easy. Just be kind to those you live near. However, most of us don't find it easy at all. We could all use some help in getting it right. In today's episode, Fr. Stephen talks with Dave Runyon on how to be a good neighbour. Dave is co-author of the book "The Art of Neighboring". In this interview he talks about what being a good neighbour means, what some of the the challenges are, and why it's important. He also provides some valuable advice on how to take the first steps in helping your neighbourhood thrive. Episode HighlightsWhy being a good neighbour is important What keeps us from reaching out to those we live near First steps to becoming a better neighbour How to navigate conflicts with neighbours How to share your faith in a way that honours others dignity Ways to mobilize your church towards greater neighbourliness Further Referencehttps://www.amazon.ca/Art-Neighboring-Building-Genuine-Relationships/dp/080101459X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=art+of+neighboring&qid=1582745895&sr=8-1 (The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door) by Dave Runyon & Jay Pathak https://www.artofneighboring.com/ (Art of Neighboring Website.) Features resources for churches and individuals on how to be better neighbours.
We all know plants are a pleasant addition to our homes. Yet, perhaps they are meant to be more than pleasant decoration. What if plants actually taught us something? Today's guest is Summer Rayne Oakes, author of How to Make a Plant Love You. She argues that plants are far more than pretty things to brighten up our homes. They are living beings, and for this reason invite us into a relationship of care. They invite us to let go of our own needs for a while and find joy as we cater to the mysterious and wonderful life-force which animates plants and which ultimately provides the oxygen and nutrients necessary for our survival. Episode HighlightsThe benefits of viewing plants in relational terms What plants teach us about human relationships How plants bring a sense of place to the suburbs Some ways to get started in plant care Things to consider when buying a plant How to find a good garden centre
To Purchase Summer's Bookhttps://www.amazon.ca/How-Make-Plant-Love-You/dp/0525540288/ref=sr_1_1?crid=22OCC0A56VSNA&keywords=how+to+make+a+plant+love+you&qid=1581102777&sprefix=how+to+make+a+plant%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-1 (How to Make a Plant Love You.) Available on Amazon. Further Referencehttps://www.summerrayne.net/ (Summer Rayne's Personal Webpage). Information on Summer, her projects, and contact information. https://www.youtube.com/user/summerrayneoakes (Summer's Youtube Channel.) Tips, tours and reflections on gardening and the world of plants https://www.greenthumbgarden.ca/ (Green Thumb Garden Centre.) A high-quality local garden centre in Ottawa. http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/index.html (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.) Ontario's equivalent of the county extension office in the USA. Provides info on Ontario growing conditions and plants. Connect with Fr. Stephenhttps://twitter.com/SHSilverthorne (Twitter feed) https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-suburban-vicar-podcast/id1444200169?app=podcast&mt=2 (Subscribe through Apple Podcasts) https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBpcHBhLmlvL3B1YmxpYy9zaG93cy81YmZlYTlhZmYyOGU5NjU2NTk2YTIyYzQ%3D (Subscribe through Google Podcasts)
Farming is one of the oldest human professions. Today however, most of us live far from where our food is produced and usually don't know where or how our food is grown. The result can be a sense of disconnect from the land we live on, and the food we eat. On today's episode, Fr. Stephen explores this disconnect with Jeremy Colbeck. Together with friends, Jeremy runs BeetBox farm here in Ottawa. This is not only a local farm, but also an organic farm and part of the community supported agriculture movement. Fr. Stephen and Jeremy talk about farming, connection to the land, and the impact it has on local community. Episode HighlightsWhat CSA is and why it is attractive How Beetbox operates The community-building power in CSAs What Beetbox produces How to use vegetables you haven't seen before What organic farming involves How Jeremy got into farming How to connect to BeetBox
Further Referencehttps://beetbox.ca/ (Beetbox farms on the web). Find more about the farm, and how to order their products https://www.facebook.com/beetboxcoop/ (Beetbox on Facebook) https://knowwhereyourfoodcomesfrom.com/ (More information on local and community supported Agriculture) Connect with Fr. Stephenhttps://twitter.com/SHSilverthorne (Twitter feed) https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-suburban-vicar-podcast/id1444200169?app=podcast&mt=2 (Subscribe through Apple Podcasts) https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBpcHBhLmlvL3B1YmxpYy9zaG93cy81YmZlYTlhZmYyOGU5NjU2NTk2YTIyYzQ%3D (Subscribe through Google Podcasts)
Eating is an essential part of life. Yet, eating is often more than an exercise in absorbing nutrients. It can be a relationship-building, and even transformative element in people's lives. Today's guest is Kendall Vanderslice, who has written about the ways food and faith work can work together to form deep and meaningful community. In this episode, Fr. Stephen talks to her about her recent book https://www.amazon.ca/We-Will-Feast-Rethinking-Community/dp/0802876307/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3EEWN12CS8FE1&keywords=we+will+feast&qid=1573931962&sprefix=We+Will+Feast%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1 (We Will Feast), and the ways church communities have made eating a central part of their life together. She reveals the power and grace we can find around something as simple as the supper table. Episode HighlightsThe central role food plays in Jesus' ministry Examples of how churches let meals transform community How meals are a part of worship, not just a pleasant extra Ways mainline churches can incorporate lessons from meal-centred churches How to make meals easier for introverts How churches can balance inclusion with Christian distinctiveness How to subvert class distinctions in how we eat together Further Readinghttps://www.amazon.ca/We-Will-Feast-Rethinking-Community/dp/0802876307/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3EEWN12CS8FE1&keywords=we+will+feast&qid=1573931962&sprefix=We+Will+Feast%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1 (We Will Feast: Rethinking Dinner, Worship, and the Community of God) by Kendall Vanderslice. Explores the practice of eating together as Christian worship Connect with Kendallhttps://kendallvanderslice.com/ (Her Website). https://twitter.com/kvslice (Her twitter feed) https://www.patreon.com/edibletheology (Her Patreon) Connect with Fr. Stephenhttps://twitter.com/SHSilverthorne (Twitter feed) https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-suburban-vicar-podcast/id1444200169?app=podcast&mt=2 (Subscribe through Apple Podcasts) https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBpcHBhLmlvL3B1YmxpYy9zaG93cy81YmZlYTlhZmYyOGU5NjU2NTk2YTIyYzQ%3D (Subscribe through Google Podcasts)
Church is meant to be a model community, where the hurting find rest. Yet, this isn't always what they find. Sometimes, people's experience of church is painful, disappointing or even abusive. How do we live with these hurts, and why hold on to church community when it hurts you? In today's episode, Fr. Stephen interviews Eve Tushnet, the editor of Christ's Body, Christ's Wounds. The book is an anthology of personal accounts from different writers who have experienced hurt from the church but chose to stay despite those hurts. Eve discusses these stories, and the ways people find church worthwhile even when it doesn't live up to their hopes. Episode HighlightsHow the author was led to put this book together Some of the ways church life can be painful The damage done from bad models of who Jesus is How people have been able to re-frame this model for themselves How following the rules isn't the highest goal of Christian life Learning to own that God's view of us is tender and loving How to begin letting go of hurtful images of God How and why to take on the hard path of forgiveness What a healthy view of the church can be How wounded Christians are a comfort to others Eve Tushnet's Workshttps://www.amazon.ca/Christs-Body-Wounds-Staying-Catholic-ebook/dp/B079FPLKKD/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=christ%27s+body+christ%27s+wounds&qid=1572721581&sr=8-1 (Christ's Body, Christ's Wounds): Staying Catholic When You've Been Hurt by the Church. The book brings together twelve authors who describe the pain they've experienced in Catholic institutions--and the pathways they've found to healing and renewed faith. https://www.amazon.ca/Gay-Catholic-Accepting-Sexuality-Community-ebook/dp/B01N2OISBK/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1572721603&refinements=p_27%3AEve+Tushnet&s=digital-text&sr=1-2&text=Eve+Tushnet (Gay and Catholic ): Accepting My Sexuality, Finding Community, Living My Faith. A personal reflection on the author's life as a gay Catholic who lives in faithfulness to church teaching. https://www.amazon.ca/Amends-Novel-Eve-Tushnet-ebook/dp/B0145UWYUY/ref=sr_1_4?qid=1572721627&refinements=p_27%3AEve+Tushnet&s=digital-text&sr=1-4&text=Eve+Tushnet (Amends): a Novel. Follows a diverse group of characters on their way through drug and alcohol recovery. https://www.patheos.com/blogs/evetushnet/ (Eve's Blog:) Conservatism Reborn through Twisted Sisterhood. Social commentary, cultural criticism and the life of faith. https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2019/02/22/value-public-penance-age-clerical-abuse-mass-incarceration-and-metoo (The Value of Public Penance in the Age of Clerical Abuse, Mass Incarceration and #MeToo). An article examining the value of public repentance. For Further Interesthttps://www.amazon.ca/Imitation-Christ-Thomas-%C3%A0-Kempis/dp/1514694085/ref=sr_1_2?crid=HAN7NPURAZVV&keywords=imitation+of+christ&qid=1572722081&sprefix=imitation+of+%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-2 (The Imitation of Christ) by Thomas a Kempis. A classic work of Christian devotion. Composed in the 15th century. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_to_Canossa (Walk to Canossa.) Historical incident of public penance by the Holy Roman Emperor in the 11th century. https://www.amazon.ca/Return-Prodigal-Son-J/dp/0385473079/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2AVMHUBYJN4Y6&keywords=henri+nouwen&qid=1572723106&s=books&sprefix=henri+nouwen%2Caps%2C164&sr=1-6 (Return of the Prodigal Son) by Henri Nouwen. A personal reflection on the story of the prodigal son. Contact & Subscribehttps://twitter.com/SHSilverthorne (Fr. Stephen on Twitter) https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBpcHBhLmlvL3B1YmxpYy9zaG93cy81YmZlYTlhZmYyOGU5NjU2NTk2YTIyYzQ%3D (Subscribe on Google Podcasts) https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-suburban-vicar-podcast/id1444200169?app=podcast&mt=2 (Subscribe on Apple Podcasts)
Walking through the doors of a church can be difficult under the best of circumstances. Even if you've been to church many times, it's easy to get nervous about what you'll find there and who you'll meet. It's also easy to find yourself getting lost in the service, when you encounter practices you don't know and don't understand. Things like eating the bread and wine of communion or bowing at certain times, or making certain gestures, can all be confusing. Even worse, they can be boring. This episode of the podcast lays out some of the reasons why the church holds onto rituals and what they are meant to do. It's an explainer we hope you'll find entertaining and informative. Episode HighlightsRitual is an important part of church worship Rituals are ordinary, repetitive activities repurposed to point to a higher goal The way we approach food reveals that it serves a higher purpose Communion is an example of food eaten for higher purpose Baptism is an example of bathing for a higher purpose We understand these things when we ask what ordinary thing it looks like Then ask what's different about it These differences show the higher purpose the ritual is for Further Reading & Viewinghttps://www.amazon.ca/Human-Rites-Rituals-Habits-Sacraments/dp/0802876005/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Human+Rites&qid=1570032310&s=gateway&sr=8-1 (Human Rites) by Dru Johnson. An easy to read reflection on the place rituals have in our lives. Helpful in teaching readers to understand what's going on in church but also in larger cultural activities. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0133093/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1 (The Matrix )directed by the Wachowskis. A thrilling sci-fi action adventure exploring the difference between dreams and reality https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5638642/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1 (The Ritual) directed by David Bruckner. A spooky tale of supernatural evil lurking in the forests of Sweden. Contact Informationhttps://twitter.com/SHSilverthorne (Fr. Stephen on Twitter) https://www.facebook.com/GoodShepherdALM/ (Fr. Stephen on Facebook)
Do you ever get the feeling that parenting is harder than it used to be? We have fewer kids, but we seem to work twice as hard at raising them. Today's guest argues that this isn't how it needs to be. Author and activist http://www.freerangekids.com/ (Lenore Skenazy) joins me in this episode to argue for giving children more freedom, more independence, and less parental supervision. Kids benefit from making more decisions for themselves, and grow to become more self-reliant and accomplished adults as a result. Listen in as she explains how we have become over-protective of our kids, why that's a problem, and how to start making changes which make us and our kids more joyful and free. Episode HighlightsWhy Lenore is America's Worst Mom How attitudes towards childhood independence have changed Why independence is good for kids, families, and communities How we can help our kids towards independence
Further Readinghttps://letgrow.org/ (The Let Grow Organization). Let Grow counters the culture of overprotection. It aims to help parents and communities prepare their children for the future by freeing them for more autonomy and independence. Provides helpful reflections and suggestions on how to help children grow. https://www.amazon.ca/Free-Range-Raise-Self-Reliant-Children-Without/dp/0470574755/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3U4LZU89ROK4A&keywords=lenore+skenazy&qid=1564417576&s=gateway&sprefix=lenore+sken%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-1 (Free Range Kids) by Lenore Skenazy. In this book, the author argues that protecting children from all risks prevents them from growing up. Through statistics, encouragement, and common sense she provides help for parents seeking to give more independence to their kids. https://letgrow.org/alan-levinovitz-and-the-art-of-wabi-sabi-parenting/ (An Interview with Alan Levinovitz.) Dr. Levinovitz argues that faith has an important place in relieving our worries about parenting, and helping us to let kids make choices for themselves. https://letgrow.org/program/lgproject/ (The Let Grow Project) Ideas from Let Grow to help parents and schools introduce kids to free-range activities. https://cpha.ca/unstructured-play?resource=play-infographics (The Canadian Public Health Association.) A non-profit organization advocating for public health. Provides statistics and information about unstructured play and its importance Connect with Lenorehttp://www.freerangekids.com/ (Her Website). https://twitter.com/FreeRangeKids (Her twitter feed) Connect with Fr. Stephenhttps://twitter.com/SHSilverthorne (Twitter feed) https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-suburban-vicar-podcast/id1444200169?app=podcast&mt=2 (Subscribe through Apple Podcasts) https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBpcHBhLmlvL3B1YmxpYy9zaG93cy81YmZlYTlhZmYyOGU5NjU2NTk2YTIyYzQ%3D (Subscribe through Google Podcasts)
Life in North America presents unique challenges to Christian community. We are called to love our neighbours, but we live lives which make it hard even know our neighbours' names. We are called to be hospitable, but we are afraid to let others see the mess and disorder of our homes. How can Christian community flourish in these circumstances, and how do we get started in forming thicker connections with each other? In this episode, Fr. Stephen interviews Leah Libresco, author of https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=building+the+benedict+option&crid=2T4KQPWVQWJ6J&sprefix=building+the+bened%2Caps%2C379&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_18 (Building the Benedict Option: A Guide to Gathering Two or Three in His Name). This practical book encourages us to learn a lesson from St. Benedict of Nursia, who saw the ways his culture encouraged isolation and uncertainty, and responded by founding monastic communities of mutual love and service. Leah explains that most of us won't be called to being monks or nuns, but we all can take on small acts of hospitality which encourage honest, authentic Christian community. Show HighlightsWhat is the Benedict Option? Some ways modern life undermines faith Small ways to start building community Why small actions matter so much Why a public expression of faith is important How to pray in ways which don't offend others How to overcome hangups & nervousness about inviting people to your home How hospitality gives others the gift of being cared for How families can serve single people & how singles can serve families How hospitality feeds our sense of being needed How to foster meaningful friendships Loving the socially awkward To PurchaseBuilding the Benedict Option by Leah Libresco https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=building+the+benedict+option&crid=1P1LXUDU5JAFT&sprefix=building+the+benedict%2Caps%2C157&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_21 (On Amazon) https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/building-the-benedict-option-a/9781621642176-item.html?ikwid=building+the+benedict+option&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0 (On Chapters/Indigo)
Further Reading & Viewinghttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt1588337/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 (Of Gods and Men) A dramatized account of the true story of Trappist monks in Algeria who were martyred by Islamist terrorists https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060665/?ref_=nv_sr_1?ref_=nv_sr_1 (A Man for All Seasons) Based on the true story of St. Thomas More and his martyrdom, this movie examines the importance of holding on to faith when pressured to recant it https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5900988/?ref_=ttpl_pl_tt (Summer in the Forest) A gripping documentary on the founding of the L'Arche community, an organization dedicated to the service of handicapped people https://www.larche.org/welcome (The L'Arche Community) The official website of L'Arche International, explaining the organization's mission and purpose https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=556 (The Life of St. Benedict of Nursia) A brief summary of Benedict's life Connect with Leah Librescohttp://www.leahlibresco.com/ (Leah's Website) https://twitter.com/LeahLibresco (Leah's Twitter) https://www.facebook.com/leah.libresco (Leah's Facebook) Connect with Fr. Stephenhttps://twitter.com/SHSilverthorne (Fr. Stephen's Twitter)
Subscribe to the Suburban Vicarhttps://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-suburban-vicar-podcast/id1444200169?app=podcast&mt=2 (On Apple Podcasts) https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBpcHBhLmlvL3B1YmxpYy9zaG93cy81YmZlYTlhZmYyOGU5NjU2NTk2YTIyYzQ%3D (On Google Podcasts)
The suburbs are home to more than 2/3 of Canada's population. It's where most of us live and play and spend our off-work hours. Yet, many of us who live there don't really feel at home there. Even worse, churches sometimes give us the impression that the kind of spiritual life that really matters, is lived elsewhere. Places like slums, medical missions or government projects are where God is really at work. Somehow the suburbs go unnoticed. Today, Fr. Stephen interviews an author who challenges some of these assumptions. In her new book https://www.amazon.ca/Finding-Holy-Suburbs-Ashley-Hales/dp/0830845453/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Finding+Holy+in+the+Suburbs&qid=1562162188&s=gateway&sr=8-1 (Finding Holy in the Suburbs), https://www.ivpress.com/ashley-hales (Dr. Ashley Hales) argues that the suburbs offer Christians unique challenges and also unique opportunities to do God's work in the world. More than that, it's the kind of work all of us can do. Listen in and consider ways you might find holiness in the suburb you live in. Show HighlightsWhat are the spiritual challenges of living in the suburbs? How a Christian critique is different than other critiques Why suburban life can be a fruitful place for Christian life and ministry How we can build better relationships with neighbours How to overcome our excessive concern for safety Why embracing exile and homesickness is a good thing What a holy suburb might look like To PurchaseFinding Holy in the Suburbs by Ashley Hales is available on https://www.ivpress.com/finding-holy-in-the-suburbs (IVpress), https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=finding+holy+in+the+suburbs&crid=23YHCKQ503LUU&sprefix=finding+holy+in+the+%2Caps%2C525&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_20 (Amazon), and wherever fine books are sold Further Readinghttps://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/080101459X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (The Art of Neighbouring by Jay Pathak & Dave Runyon.) Through compelling true stories of lives impacted, the authors show readers how to create genuine friendships with the people who live in closest proximity to them
https://www.amazon.ca/Price-Privilege-Advantage-Generation-Disconnected/dp/006059585X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=14M7GGUHQYO2W&keywords=the+price+of+privilege&qid=1562170593&s=gateway&sprefix=the+price+of+prv%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-1 (The Price of Privilege by Madeline Levine) In this ground-breaking book on the children of affluence, a well-known clinical psychologist exposes the epidemic of emotional problems that are disabling America’s privileged youth, thanks, in large part, to normalized, intrusive parenting that stunts the crucial development of the self.
Connect with Dr. Haleshttps://aahales.com/ (Ashley's Website) https://twitter.com/aahales (Follow Ashley on Twitter) Connect with Fr. Stephenhttps://twitter.com/SHSilverthorne (Follow Stephen on Twitter) Subscribe to the Podcasthttps://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9nb29kc2hlcGhlcmRiYXJyaGF2ZW4uY2EvY2F0ZWdvcnkvcG9kY2FzdC9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qv (Google Podcasts) https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-suburban-vicar-podcast/id1444200169?mt=2&app=podcast (Apple Podcasts)
It's hard enough to convince yourself to go to church for the first time without having to figure out obscure language and odd rituals. So why does the church hold on to a strange set of seasons with names like Lent and Advent? Why not just go by the calendar we use every day? In this episode, Fr. Stephen introduces the reasoning behind the church calendar. It's not a pointless old tradition. Instead its an important way the church community comes to appreciate the meaning and purpose God has for it. Listen in for an overview of the church calendar and why we it's worth hanging on to this old tradition even though it can seem confusing at first. HighlightsWe mostly use calendars to keep track of time Sometimes we use them to give meaning to time The church calendar gives meaning to the whole year The weekend rest helps us find meaning in our weekly work Festival days teach us important things about God and ourselves Church seasons prepare us to appreciate the festivals Further Readinghttps://shrineofstjude.org/learn/liturgical-seasons/about-the-liturgical-calendar/ (A simple summary of the church calendar) in the Roman Catholic Church. Very similar to the one used in Anglican and Lutheran churches.
Today's podcast is the second of a two-part interview which looks at different of aspects of Indigenous culture and how it relates to the church. Featured today is Donna Naughton, a First Nations woman who serves as executive director of https://katerinativeministry.ca/ (Kateri Native Ministry). Kateri is a https://catholicottawa.ca/ (Roman Catholic) organization devoted to the healing, reconciliation and spiritual growth of Indigenous peoples. Also featured is Irene Barbeau, is a First Nations woman who serves on the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa's https://ottawa.anglican.ca/amr/ (All My Relations) working group. Episode HighlightsMore on Kateri Ministry's founder, John Corston Dealing with disappointments in the Church How ritual in Native and Church contexts compliment each other Some positive developments in the Church for Indigenous people
Further Informationhttps://katerinativeministry.ca/giving/ (How to support the Kateri Ministry) https://www.facebook.com/katerinativeministryofottawa/ (Kateri Ministry on Facebook)
Modern day Canadians often struggle with a lack of real community. This wasn't the case for the first inhabitants of the country however. The First Peoples of Canada have always been strongly focused on community and culture from ancient times. Yet, in the modern era many of Canada's First Peoples struggle with a similar lack of community. Today's podcast is first of a two-part interview which looks at some of the reasons why this has changed, and how First Nations people are working to reclaim this sense of community and pride in their culture. Donna Naughton is a First Nations woman who serves as executive director of https://katerinativeministry.ca/ (Kateri Native Ministry), a https://catholicottawa.ca/ (Roman Catholic) organization devoted to the healing, reconciliation and spiritual growth of Indigenous peoples. Irene Barbeau, is a First Nations woman who serves on the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa's https://ottawa.anglican.ca/amr/ (All My Relations) working group. This https://ottawa.anglican.ca/ (Anglican) group promotes and advocates for educational programming about Canada's First Peoples. Fr. Stephen sat down to interview them at Kateri's offices in downtown Ottawa. Part two of this interview will be available in two weeks' time. Episode HighlightsBackground on the Kateri Ministry A short history of the Indian Residential Schools Irene reflects on her life as a Residential School survivor Some ways Kateri and other groups are helping Natives reclaim their heritage Some ways the Church is responding to its problematic history with Natives Further ReadingSome information on http://kateritekakwitha.net/ (St. Kateri Tekakwitha) Some background on the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system (Indian Residential School) system
We leave many decisions up to our kids, letting them make big life choices only once they are adults. So, why should we make the decision to introduce them to Christian faith, and church life, rather than waiting till they are old enough to choose for themselves? In this episode, Fr. Stephen explores why bringing children to church can be a good thing, even if you aren't sure yourself about faith and Christian life. Show HighlightsChoosing to let kids decide for themselves is itself a choice we make for them Some things can't really be known until you try them out Christianity provides a language for expressing meaning, even if you don't always agree with the church's conclusions Church opens up discussions with your kids about things which really matter Parenting involves making choices you aren't certain about, but which have to be made anyway. The important thing is making those choices with their well-being in mind. They'll forgive you if you end up being wrong
Today's guest argues that huge size of environmental issues shouldn't scare us away from the small, local activities we can all do. Things like community gardens, neighbourhood associations and faith groups can all have an effect on the social and physical ecology of the areas we live in, even the suburbs. Her name is http://www.faithcommongood.org/team#open-katherine_forster (Katherine Forster), and she is a local representative for http://www.faithcommongood.org/ (Faith and the Common Good), a non-profit organization committed to helping faith groups contribute to greener, healthier, more resilient neighbourhoods. Show HighlightsThe importance of faith to the common good The effect faith groups have on the local community The inspiring work Faith and the Common Good undertakes Ways they can help faith groups and secular groups add to the greening of their communities Unique challenges facing the suburbs Ways we can improve the social architecture of our neighbourhoods, one person at a time
Resources/Further Readinghttp://www.faithcommongood.org/ (Faith and the Common Good) Some information on Katherine Forster's organization http://www.faithcommongood.org/ottawa_sustainable_garden_network (Sustainable Gardening Tips) Information on how to garden sustainably https://www.commondreams.org/views/2018/08/10/best-medicine-my-climate-grief (On Climate Grief) Peter Kalmus reflects on the psychological effects of climate change https://www.cardus.ca/ (The Cardus Institute) An institution dedicated to responsible urban development, which highlights the important place of faith communities https://www.cardus.ca/news/news-releases/canadian-cities-gain-tens-of-billions-of-dollars-worth-of-benefit-from-halo-effect/ (The Halo Effect of Local Faith Communities) An article on the effect faith communities have on the wider community https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/ap-exclusive-google-tracks-your-movements-like-it-or-not (Google Tracks Users' Location) Some disturbing information on the amount of data Google collects from us
This episode introduces us to the subject of the podcast series: how we renew and encourage a sense of community in suburbs where community is hard to form. Father Stephen talks today about who he is, why he started the podcast, and why community and faith might be important considerations for everyone in the suburbs--even if they don't consider themselves religious. He discusses why caring about neighbours isn't just important for them, but helps us grow and in the end helps us become more fulfilled and happy people. Show HighlightsAn introduction to the host of the podcast series Reasons why neighbourhood, community and local geography matter Unique challenges to community faced by residents of the suburbs What we can look forward to in future episodes, as we explore how to help ourselves and our community grow stronger
Resources/Further Readinghttps://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/30/opinion/hugh-hefner.html (An obituary for Hugh Hefner)