PCOM Podcast: Recent Episodes
PCOM Podcaster
Stories of God at work in and through the ministries of Presbyterian Church of the Master in Mission Viejo, California.
Cover art photo provided by: https://unsplash.com/@christopher__burns
He went to all of them. Three colleges in three semesters, with a fourth down the road. This wasn't the plan. This wasn't the "right" path. Thank God.
The life of David has it all. Friendship, intrigue, faithfulness, unfaithfulness, murder, worship, poetry... Truly it's a tale for the ages, which is why we're spending all summer with David.
Join Pastor Courtney for an inside look on some resources we can dive into as we learn about this fabulous, brilliant, broken, forgiven man.
A reminder to fill up our cups with rest, connections with God, and play when seasons get extra busy.
Mary holds it in her heart, Bono attempts to help God cross the street. Jeff tries to make some sense of it all, but in the end falls back on abundant grace.
What does it mean to have faith like a child? There's no better guide than a child herself! Join five-year-old Felicity Ellis for this special episode on favorite Bible stories, the wonderful things about being a pastor's kid, and why Jesus is so darned cool.
Two things you should never discuss in polite company: faith and politics. We talk about faith all the time at PCOM, but today on the podcast, Pastor Courtney is tackling the second. Is she brave? Foolish? Wise? Let's find out.
Get a taste of Looking Up: A Birder's Guide to Hope Through Grief. Plus, hear a bit about the long process between a book's beginnings and holding it in your hands.
When we learn to offer our past selves some kindness and grace, it might make it easier to offer others the same.
Pastor Courtney walks us through Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and joining Jesus in his suffering.
Plus: an Easter invitation and what's coming up at PCOM in the days beyond.
How can we welcome newcomers as Jesus did? What are some practical tips for asking whether people are new or not? Why is it important to look for the outsiders in our midst? Join Pastor Courtney for a conversation about Christian hospitality.
Jeff talks acceptance and welcoming (not of feral monkeys, but of almost everything else). Jesus is always inviting us into peace, into presence, into accepting what is. There's healing there. Also, have you seen the show Bluey? It's not just for kids.
Is it possible to hear from God? If so, how? Pastor Courtney talks about discerning God's voice in our loud and busy world.
Dan digs into church history to explain why we do, or do not do, certain things during this season of Lent heading into Easter
An invitation to a simple, soulful Lenten practice. Plus: new study guides, Ash Wednesday, and an answer that goes beyond "fine."
Easten Given joins the podcast to hear a bedtime story from his parents' adventurous journey to Krabi Thailand.
Three invitations for new (and ancient!) offerings at PCOM to bring a spring to your step and depth to your discipleship in the new year.
Three stories of awe from Pastor Courtney, and an invitation to seek out wonder and beauty in 2024.
Pastor Courtney unpacks our spiritual formation plan for early 2024, from small groups to Roots to Fruits to study guides and sermon notes.
It's a New Year! What new light, new life, new gift might we experience, receive, and offer this year?
From the start of a new year to the celebration of Epiphany, Pastor Courtney leads us into 2024 with stories, questions, and joy.
Plus: what's your weirdest holiday food tradition?
Have you ever been presented with a task that you were physically unable to complete? And yet…
There is SO much goodness ahead! Pastor Courtney invites us to dig in this Advent with Unity Sunday (12/3 at 10am), an Advent Adventure class in Roots to Fruits (12/10 and 12/17), and a beautiful devotional guide for the season by Plough Publishing.
PCOM's own 5-year-old bundle of energy joins Pastor Courtney in the podcast studio to give her opinions on animals, colors, songs, and why following Jesus is where it's at.
Dan looks at idolatry then and now (with a personal story and a word about Vision Casting)
... and other things only God can do. From Psalm 118: "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." Jeff Given explores how God can transform even our worst moments into something beautiful.
Pastor Courtney describes the chronic condition gripping our country, and God's invitation to each of us to be part of the solution.
In week three of our vision series, Pastor Courtney chats through the Biblical story of the Passover, and how remembering God's goodness to us in past seasons can give us courage for today.
... especially ones that are miraculously on fire!
We continue in our "Seeds into Branches" PCOM Vision Cast with the move from disempowerment to empowerment. Will we answer the call?
It's vision cast time! Where is God calling PCOM over the next few years? Join Pastors Daryl and Courtney as they talk about this exciting journey and how the faithfulness of so many here for so many years has primed us to plant some new seeds.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, grandparent, or just an innocent bystander, this season can be a little bit bonkers. Here is a gentle reminder from Jesus in Matthew 14 to take courage, even when the wind and the waves are coming hard and fast.
Wisdom on honoring the past while planning for the future from Isaiah 43. Plus: check out our church library book sale!
"So what do you do when you're not up there singing on Sundays?" Jeff gives some insight into the life of a worship director.
Pastor Courtney takes us back to 2014 and the journey that brought her and Pastor Daryl to PCOM. From the wisdom of PCOM's Associate Pastor Nominating Committee to the patience of God to a hilarious moment with Pastor Jackson, this is a great story of adventure in the faithfulness of Jesus.
Peek behind the curtain at the life and ministry of a pastor! (Hint: we DON'T work just one hour a week.)
Plus: will Jeff and Dan answer the challenge to let us in on the day-to-day of a worship director and a professional podcaster? Time will tell!
Rather than a deep dive, how about a meandering boat tour along the waters of these two beloved hymns: On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand and The Love of God.
Pastor Courtney, with special guests Felicity, Wilson, and Lincoln Ellis, talk about PCOM's history of Vacation Bible School. Plus: how you can be praying for the kids, parents, volunteers, and staff during this awesome week.
What could it look like to hold a higher view of humanity? How might we see and name the Divine spark in everyone and everything?
From the best birding app to podcast and tv/film ideas for summer, join Pastor Courtney to hear what she's listening to and watching. Then let her know: what's captivating you these days?
Looking for a book to pick up over the summer? Pastor Courtney covers nonfiction, fiction, memoir, and two children's books, too!
Dan continues his look at different kinds of Christians throughout history and asks you "how do you define yourself as a Christian?"
Pastor Courtney's maternal grandfather died on April 13, 2022. On the one-year anniversary of his passing, the family toasted him across the country. Then, on April 19, her paternal grandfather died.
Courtney reflects on her trip to Michigan for the funeral, on the weight of grief, the presence of Jesus, and how to walk alongside those going through seasons of sorrow.
Plus: Felicity Ellis refuses to pray for "bad guys."
Today, you determine the meaning and metaphor. When trimming a tree, which branches should be pruned? How do we determine when and how to prune them? And what might it all mean on a broader scale? You decide! And let us know what you discover.
Why Pastor Courtney can't get enough of the avian world. Plus: Jesus's words about the birds and how paying attention to nature can influence our spiritual lives for good.
Pastor Courtney explores the 50 day celebration of Easter with a little help from N.T. Wright and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Holy Week is upon us - it is a gift to walk this path with you, as we seek to follow the One who knows the way.
Pastor Courtney shares some stories of "gotcha" evangelism from her youth, and suggests possible gentler paths of inviting people into a life with Jesus.
On this episode Dan walks through how the early church thought about what it meant to live the "Christian life"
Do we trust and harness the wind, as unpredictable as it may be, or do we drop our sails, kick on the engine and just motor along?
Let’s go sailing.
Pastor Courtney shares stories of the long walk of Lent, encouragement for the journey, and reminders that it isn't about perfection but grace.
What do the Transfiguration, Jesus welcoming children, and a spunky four-year-old have in common? So glad you asked! Join Pastor Courtney (and Felicity) on an exploration of the mystery of God and what we can learn from becoming like children again.
Dan does a little history and talks about his experience with PCOM's youth this past weekend.
Pastor Courtney gives an invitation to a unique Lenten practice, and we celebrate Valentine's Day with a surprising patron saint.
The shepherds, the magi, even the beasts of burden were welcome at the manger. Might we be too?
Pastor Courtney celebrates the work of God in the churches around Mission Viejo (and beyond!). Plus: stories from the rural Wisconsin Ministerial Association and love for our Lutheran, Episcopal, Baptist, Reformed, Catholic, and nondenominational brothers and sisters.
What do Stille Nacht, a grumpy teenaged choir, and a man named Arlo have in common? A simple, hopeful story of God weaving a beautiful story across the years.
Dan talks about the past and future of church attendance and what it means for all of us at PCOM
Invitations to a few simple, soulful practices to remind you of God's love in this new year.
On today's show Dan takes one of the stranger stories in the New Testament and why the church has stopped to remember it every year in January
Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri
Light from Distant Stars by Shawn Smucker
The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
The Talented Ribkins by Ladee Hubbard
Liberation Day by George Saunders
Bewilderment by Richard Powers
Dan talks about fruitcake, the 12 Days of Christmas, and stories of redemption at Christmas
Nonfiction books on life and faith for 2022.
Frederick Buechner - Listening to Your Life
Rich Villodas - Good and Beautiful and Kind
Madeline L'Engle - A Stone for a Pillow
Makoto Fujimura - Culture Care
Jeff brings some more post-apocalyptic literature, a few scripture verses, and an invitation to a new nostalgia.
Links for Advent:
Fleming Rutledge's Advent, the Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ
Fleming Rutledge on the perfect books for Advent
W.H. Auden's Christmas Oratorio: For the Time Being
John's call to repentance: Matthew 3:1-12
Our new Associate Youth Director, Lizzie, sits down with Jeff Given to share a bit of her story including the remarkable circumstances that led her here to PCOM.
Jeff is somehow a longtime Philadelphia Eagles and Duke Mens Basketball fan, as well as a recent Las Vegas Aces WNBA fan (and not because they just won the title!), yet doesn't see any lack of consistency there... he also has an incredible brother he'd like to share a story about.
Dan tells a story from the Reformation, talks 10 Commandments, and asks about personal devotional practices
PCOM's new Church Business Manager, Peter Sedlewicz, shares some wit and wisdom along with a few beautiful stories of God's faithfulness.
Dan walks us through a brief history of how we got our modern Bible and the various translations
From Colombia, to Horticulture classes, to the Philadelphia Eagles, Jeff ponders the ups and downs of “certainty” and what the Gospel might have to say about it.
On this week's episode we get to know PCOM's "Newest" staff member Miranda, our Children's Ministry Director.
Dan dives into a local story near and dear to his own heart and with a connection to PCOM
The heat is upon us! What better time to DO LESS and move VERY LITTLE. Let's sit in stillness, keeping cool, while allowing the Spirit to grow our awareness and acceptance and okay-ness.
Join us for the PCOM Podcast's Greatest Hits! In this special series, Pastor Courtney leads us through the most popular episodes of past seasons.
Today we revisit our most popular episode of ALL time, from April 6, 2020, just a few weeks into the start of the pandemic. Emergency Room Doctor Ian Ellis came to share how we could care for ourselves and our neighbors and where he saw God at work in these days of stress and uncertainty.
Subscribe to the PCOM Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to tell a friend!
Join us for the PCOM Podcast's Greatest Hits! In this special series, Pastor Courtney leads us through the most popular episodes of past seasons.
Today we revisit Pastor Jackson's interview from May of 2020. Meeting digitally as we prayed for the pandemic to end soon, he and I met for an interview over Zoom to chat books, hope, and how literature helps us find our way through.
Subscribe to the PCOM Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to tell a friend!
Join us for the PCOM Podcast's Greatest Hits! In this special series, Pastor Courtney leads us through the most popular episodes of past seasons.
Today we revisit the "best books of all time" episode from January of 2021, with help from many of you!
Subscribe to the PCOM Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to tell a friend!
It's the PCOM Podcast's Greatest Hits! In this special August series, Pastor Courtney leads us through the most popular episodes of past seasons.
Today we revisit Pastor Daryl's wisdom on joining Jesus at work from June of 2019. (Good news: it's all still true!)
Subscribe to the PCOM Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to tell a friend!
Join us for the PCOM Podcast's Greatest Hits! In this special series, Pastor Courtney leads us through the most popular episodes of past seasons.
Today we revisit Jeff Given's special on tree trimming from January of 2021.
Subscribe to the PCOM Podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to tell a friend!
Hebrews 11 is a who's who of the faithful: Abraham, Moses, Rahab, and more! It brings up the question: in addition to these wise men and women of the faith, who is in your "cloud of witnesses," cheering you on and leading you in wisdom? Pastor Courtney shares stories of pastors, mentors, and family members who have guided her faith through the decades and asks the question: who's in your hall of faith?
On this episode Dan tells the story of a Swiss barbecue that forever changed the church
From birdwatching to looking out over our city to learning to join Jesus on his mission, this simple, soulful spiritual practice can have a lasting impact.
What might the Psalmists and Simon Peter have to say about to whom and, maybe just as importantly, to whom we might NOT, want to cast our cares…
on this episode Dan walks us through the big picture and brief history of singing in the Church, from Psalms to the New Testament to Sunday's at PCOM.
The biblical basis for Sabbatical and Sabbath rest. Plus: the story behind Pastor Courtney and Daryl's upcoming sabbatical, how you can support them in their time away, their deep thanks to the church for this time and support, and embracing God's gift of rest.
Deuteronomy 31, Leviticus 25, and Psalm 23.
Psalm 42 & 43
Bible translations including the NIV (New International Version), NLT (New Living Translation), NRSV (New Revised Standard Version), and (MSG) The Message.
Bible tools mentioned included BibleGateway.com, the PCOM Connect App, and the YouVersion app.
Paul reads a few poems from his recent collection Somewhere To Follow. Jeff reads a bit of John Steinbeck.
Pastors Courtney and Daryl chat about the Lord's supper and baptism, how God meets us with his grace, the role of repentance, and their hopes for the season ahead.
Plus: a story about their time as hospital chaplains and how God makes ordinary things--bread, wine, juice, us!--holy.
After a difficult season of prophet-ing, what's Elijah to do? He's ready to throw in the towel, but God has a surprise in store.
A word of encouragement from 1 Kings 19.
Plus: Pastors Courtney and Daryl are going on sabbatical? What's that about?
Dan takes another dive into Church history and gives some recommendations (like the music of Larry Norman and Pedro the Lion!)
Author of "Invitations to Abundance: how the feasts of the Bible nourish us today," Alicia Akins, describes the profound goodness of God and how learning to eat together can build relationships, deepen friendships, and remind us of God's love.
We're looking at Romans 8 today, and as far as we can tell, the apostle Paul never refereed a basketball game. But he could sense that even that type of event would not fall beyond the reach of God's goodness and grace.
Social media can be polarizing, partisan, and downright panic-inducing! Should Christians log off, or is there a way to use it without letting it use us?
Pastor Courtney interviews pastor & author Doug Bursch on his book Posting Peace: Why Social Media Divides Us and What We Can Do About It.
Find Doug at fairlyspiritual.org.
Dan talks about the history of the church calendar, Easter, and worshipping with Christians across space and time.
For a list of our current college students, email cya@mypcom.com
Cards, letters, stickers, and other written encouragement may be dropped off at the church office.
But we don't talk about Bruno! How might we move forward in truth and love by naming the reality of where we have been?
Pastor Courtney shares a story of a fasting meltdown. Plus: how our human frailty (even in its most embarrassing moments!) can be a reminder of the deep love of our Savior.
Lessons from Nehemiah 1 on God's nearness to us in our suffering. Plus: how fasting can help connect us to the depths of our emotions and God's heart.
Dan talks about a few of his favorite movies depicting events Church history- including one in particular about a feast
An invitation to Lenten fasting and its Scriptural basis, from the Old Testament to the New with Pastor Courtney.
Wrapping up our journey through surprising spiritual practices, how might Psalm 27 help us pray for ourselves and for others.
Walking and praying, praying and walking. What prayer labyrinths can teach us about the long and winding journey of faith, suggestions on how to engage in this practice, Scriptures for meditation, and an exciting announcement about Lent at PCOM.
Episode three in our surprising spiritual practices series.
On this episode Dan van Voorhis tells the story of Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier- two unlikely college roommates whose spiritual practices would change the world
Praying for a bird from the Lord as we ponder how surprising spiritual practices can draw our gazes heavenward and help us love our neighbors right here and now. The Holy Spirit as a wind, a fire, and a dove. Plus: Psalm 102 and an invitation to stillness.
Episode one in our new Surprising Spiritual Practices series.
Elizabeth Prentiss wrote the words to the hymn, "More Love to Thee, O Christ" in 1856.
They're still ringing true:
Let sorrow do its work
come grief and pain;
Sweet are thy messengers
sweet their refrain
When they can sing with me:
More love, O Christ to Thee!
Jonah is not a fan of the Ninevites. Yet God is a God of compassion. What's a grumpy prophet to do? Lessons on tenderness amidst turmoil from Jonah 4.
Pastor Courtney shares a hockey story of just surviving. Plus, 1 Kings 19 on the beauty of a God who ministers to us in our physical needs.
How are you surviving these days?
A celebration of surviving - even if we're not always thriving.
For more on Moses reading his end, and how God met him with compassion, check out Numbers 11:4-35.
Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and theology.
What was your favorite read of 2021?
Books mentioned:
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
On Reading Well by Karen Swallow Prior
This Day by Wendell Berry
Abuelita Faith by Kat Armas
Journal of a Novel by John Steinbeck
Art & Faith by Makoto Fujimura
Invitations to Abundance by Alicia Akins
The Nature of Small Birds by Susie Finkbeiner
Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk by Eugene Cho
There, There by Tommy Orange
Dr. Dan van Voorhis joins us again as guest host to chat Christmas carols, why we sing at Christmastime, and other historical Advent-y goodness.
Habanero peppers and air mattresses - what could go wrong? Just about everything. Can we discover laughter and joy even amidst embarrassment and shame?
Our final episode of our gratitude series! Pastor Courtney shares the story of how YOU helped buy her a house (really!), the gratitude of being on mission in a neighborhood, the joys of Thanksgiving, and a word from Paul in 1 Corinthians.
Pastor Courtney on how holding two big emotions together can help deepen our thanksgiving.
Why's that turtle on the fencepost? Plus, a reminder that someone else planted the apple tree, and why that knowledge can deepen our gratitude. A warning against grumbling, Psalm 107, and a new sign off.
Want to share your story of gratitude for the podcast? Pastor Courtney would love to hear from you! Call the church and leave her a voicemail, or email her at courtney.ellis@mypcom.com
What's the difference between biblical gratitude and toxic positivity? What are the people of PCOM thankful for these days? Hear from David Schramm, Dianne Lam, Dwight Woodruff, and Carol Marleau on what they are grateful for today.
Plus, pastor Courtney on the biblical basis for gratitude and why we're starting Advent ridiculously early this year.
What do the gospel of Matthew and the Pirates of the Caribbean have in common? Well, not much. But maybe one can shine a light of truth and beauty on the other. Maybe.
Join professor and professional podcaster Dr. Dan van Voorhis in a witty and wonderful journey into the history of our late-October holidays within and outside of the church. Plus: his story of how God called him and his family to PCOM (it involved a hiking trail!).
You won't want to miss this special episode of the PCOM Podcast.
Pastor Courtney shares stories from her heart of three fellow ministers who died unexpectedly this year. Hebrews 12:1-3, the history and church tradition behind All Saints Day, and a reminder that grief is A-Okay, even (especially!) for the people of God.
TW: Suicide.
Continuing in our series on Philippians, what might it mean to "do all things through Christ who strengthens us"?
Pastor Courtney on Philippians 2, the humility of Jesus, and the Poseidon adventure. Plus: The New City Catechism and why you really should try Asian Box.
Pastor Courtney on Philippians 1 and an invitation to insight, understanding, knowledge, and love from Paul. Plus: Alfred Lansing's Endurance (yes, Pastor Courtney can't get enough) and recommendations on surfing documentaries, macabre novels, and a birding board game.
Philippians, Paul's letters, church in context, and an embarrassing story about Pastor Courtney and dating at a Christian college.
Plus: Why taking verses out of context is (almost) always a disaster, and how to soak in the richness of Scripture.
In Matthew's gospel, Jesus says to those who will hear "You are the salt of the earth." So let's explore salt together to see what all the fuss is about.
Also, another kitchen catastrophe (Marmalade Hands), and some culinary wisdom picked up along the way.
SEE JEFF'S FAVORITE KITCHEN TOOLS HERE: https://imgur.com/a/jkfNsa8
Alyona Koolhaas, PCOM's MOPS and nursery coordinator, shares stories of God at work from her childhood in Kiev to the fall of the Soviet Union to falling in love with an American in Wisconsin. From her love of tiny tots to her deepening relationship with great big God, this is not a story to miss.
Pastor Courtney on how sitting in a different chair can change your life. (Seriously.) Also: words of wisdom from Clayton Simon, gentle invitations to innovation, recommendations, and news about what's coming next.
Pastor Courtney reads an excerpt on whimsical worship from her new book - Happy Now - and asks the question: is it okay to play in church? She invites listeners to write in with stories of their own joyful worship experiences, and to offer feedback in how our church can imagine new ways of fellowship, mission, and worship after the unique season we've encountered.
Happy Now by Courtney Ellis
How can we love our neighbors as ourselves if we don't seek to know and understand our neighbors' points of view? Pastor Courtney unpacks the power of story to see things--and people--as complex, nuanced, and interesting rather than one-dimensional.
We talk about how many years it took Courtney and Daryl to begin seeing one another well within their marriage (hint: it's still a journey!), and take a note out of Mark Twain's book for reading the world (and Scripture!) through the eyes of wonder rather than just utilitarianism.
Two Ways of Seeing a River by Mark Twain
What is the role of the imagination in a life of faith? Can a Christian imagination transform our lives, our churches, and our communities? Words of wisdom from a literature professor, a philosophy professor, and a Psalm. Plus: an invitation to explore our own imaginations for the sake of the Gospel.
C.S. Lewis's essay on faith and imagination
Karen Swallow Prior's book: On Reading Well
The Holy Post Podcast interview with Karen Swallow Prior
Psalm 57
Jeff shares stories about his cooking failures (see: nearly burning down the house) and a few tips along the way.
How can our food affect and influence our lives of prayer? Can cooking be an act of prayer? How about a beautifully set table? Do we always need to pray before our meals? What are some new prayer practices we might engage around the food that we eat?
Whet your appetite for an episode on food, faith, and our good Creator God!
What do we do when our feelings feel too big, untidy, or unacceptable to bring to God? A story from Psalm 137 on bringing a difficult feeling before the Lord, lessons from speaking anger rather than letting it simmer, and a picture of the God who answers our prayers from a place of expansive goodness and light, no matter what we ask.
Psalm 137
How the objects we use to gently lead us into prayer can help us connect with the Object of our prayer. Prayer beads for Protestants, pocket stones, and visual reminders that God is with us. This episode is all about easy physical reminders that God is near.
How writing out our prayers (especially when we never have to show them to anyone else, including ourselves) can slow the spin of thoughts, worries, fears and doubts in our head... and can even lead to silliness and giggling.
Pastor Courtney describes ways written prayers can help guide us on our journeys, and invites us to read a prayer this week. Whether we are drawn to an ancient prayer from Scripture, the words of the church fathers and mothers like St. Augustine or Julian of Norwich, or a modern-day liturgy about changing diapers or enjoying hot coffee, the words from the community of faith are a wonderful tool for prayer.
Resources for reading prayer:
Every Moment Holy by Douglas McKelvey
The Liturgy of the Hours
The Book of Common Worship (free online!)
The Book of Common Prayer (free online!)
Good news! We don't have to sit still to pray! Wisdom from the Jesuits, the Benedictines, and an old friend of Pastor Courtney's on praying in motion, plus an invitation to you to pray on the go this week.
The good news of prayer is that we can start so small. How small? We're so glad you asked! Pastor Courtney invites us into a super-simple prayer practice. Plus: wisdom from Ellie Roscher's book 12 Tiny Things, Psalm 121, and a "bird from the Lord."
A Bird from the Lord (Fathom Magazine)
We intro our summer series on invitations to creative prayer with a poem by Aarik Danielsen (read by the author!). Join Pastor Courtney to discover rich rhythms of prayer from out of the box places as we connect with God more deeply this summer.
Prayer Language by Aarik Danielsen
Fathom Magazine
Let's explore the visual arts and continue to expand our imagination around what good and authentic worship of God can look like.
Hear from Emily Wood, ER doc Ian Ellis, Fuller NT professor Chris Blumhofer, singer/songwriter Natalie Schlabs, author and activist Dorcas Cheng-Tozun, novelist Shawn Smucker, and journalist Aarik Danielsen on a year like none other and how God saw them through.
Take a tour through the past with us as we revisit April and May of 2020 - the uncertainty of almost everything AND the faithfulness of God in this greatest hits episode.
Pastor Courtney shares some stories of whimsy and an invitation to join God in holy play. How do you play best?
Recommendations for kids:
Bluey on Disney +
Big Nate books
Books by Kate DiCamillo
Recommendations for adults:
Ted Lasso on Apple TV
The Cornell Bird ID app
Change is hard! How do we embrace positive change and also name, normalize, and grieve the losses change entails? When is change too much? How can we love one another well in seasons of change? Plus: why Pastors Courtney and Daryl sobbed as they drove away from their wedding reception. (Hint: it's NOT that they were sad they married each other!)
Resources:
The Leaders Journey podcast: Two Feet Walking
Disquiet Time, edited by Jennifer Grant and Cathleen Falsani
Jesus is in the boat! Mark 4:35-41
Life Index Change/Stress Scale from Dartmouth
May the Lord bless you and keep you, make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
God has not abandoned you. God will not abandon you. Amen.
Hear from Pastor Daryl on what God has been doing in and through PCOM over the past year. Plus: hear how YOU can be part of what God is doing!
Renew video
For more information: https://www.mypcom.com/renew
Congregational stories about vaccines from Pastors Jackson & Daryl, Clayton Simon, Dwight Woodruff, Elaine Pappas-Puckett, Mary Smith, April Rudge, Kristy Vetter, Heidi Galloway, Jon Mooney, Jon Saur, and Vicki McRobbieralls.
Clayton Simon's Marina Hills Animal Hospital mRna Video
Hesitant about the COVID vaccine? Have no fear, we've got your back! Check out these resources, from people far wiser than us in the area of epidemiology:
Are mRna vaccines risky?
Info on the COVID vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control
Commonly asked questions about the vaccine
Find a vaccine near you (nationwide!)
Invitations versus commands, angelic arrivals, the answer of presence, and the gift of more information.
What are you afraid of?
Deciduous trees, evergreen trees, and sleeping babies in between.
Here is a link to the image of our Floss silk tree (Ceiba speciosa):
https://imgur.com/a/CVAK00A
Frederich Buechner on how life will be both "beautiful and terrible." The heartbeat of the Gospel meeting us in our sin, brokenness, and sadness with the merciful grace of God.
What makes a great story? Tips from Jesus - and from Pixar! Plus: how enjoying and telling great stories can draw us closer to one another.
Storytelling According to Pixar
A few of Pastor Courtney's storytelling favorites:
Gettysburg (based on Michael Shaara's book The Killer Angels)
Inside Out (Pixar)
Singin' in the Rain (Gene Kelly)
Good stories shape our appetites. Can movies draw us closer to Jesus? Can they help us love our neighbors well? What is the role of empathy in the Christian life, and how can film grow our compassion? Plus: favorite movies from our pastors.
Common Sense Media
Christ and Pop Culture's Mission Statement: Christ and Pop Culture exists to acknowledge, appreciate, and think rightly about the common knowledge of our age. Our mission is to edify the Church, glorify God, and witness to the world by encouraging and modeling a biblical presence within culture that is characterized by nuance and appreciation while resisting the extremes of thoughtless condemnation and uncritical embrace. We stand on the gospel and exist for the Church.
Movie favorites:
Pastor Jackson - The Usual Suspects
Pastor Daryl - National Treasure
Stephanie Cleye - Twister & Love, Actually
Jeff Given - Black Panther
Pastor Courtney - The Peanuts Movie, Hotel Rwanda, Lincoln, Miracle, The Greatest Showman, Hidden Figures
Favorite poems and poets, and where to go for more.
Brett Foster's The Tree Felled, The Tree Raised
Jane Kenyon's Let Evening Come
Jose Hernandez Diaz's The Fall
Langston Hughes's I, Too
Ogden Nash's The Duck
T. S. Eliot's Ash Wednesday
Mary Oliver's Maybe
Wendell Berry's This Day
Pastor Courtney is bad at waiting. How about you? How the Lenten school for patience can shape, form, and hearten us. Plus: wisdom from Charles Spurgeon, Jim Elliott, Edna Hong, and Psalm 37 on God's presence with us in the ache of longing.
Lent is commonly a time when Christians turn to spiritual practices. Some fast from a particular food or another comfort item, others take on a spiritual discipline like prayer journaling. Why do faith leaders encourage the practice of Lent, and how might we enter into this season in a special way during this odd year?
Plus: a short, simple prayer to start you on your way.
What is Lent and why do we practice it? What role do rhythms, rituals, and rest have for our spiritual growth? Join us as we prepare together for the 40 days of Lent.
Plus: a story from a beloved college professor on Lent's abundant lessons of grace and frailty
New books. Is there anything better? Fiction and nonfiction releasing in 2021. Plus: Pastor Courtney's next book and the spiritual delight of waiting for a "bird from the Lord." (No, that isn't a typo.)
Esau McCaulley's Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope
Makoto Fujimora's Art & Faith
Tish Harrison Warren's Prayer in the Night: for those who work or watch or weep
Heidi Barr and Ellie Roscher's 12 Tiny Things
Shawn Smucker's The Weight of Memory
Susie Finkbeiner's The Nature of Small Birds
Pastor Courtney's newest book: Happy Now: Let playfulness lift your load and renew your spirit
Looking for a devotional read for 2021? We've got you covered! From topical Bible studies to artistic expressions of faith, you've come to the right place.
Paul J. Pastor's The Listening Day
NT Wright's Philippians for Everyone
Kludt and Jenkins' Field Guides for the Way
A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants
Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter
Michelle van Loon's Growing Sage
(That's just, like, your OPINION, man!)
Pastor Courtney's favorites, your favorites, and best reads of all time.
PCOM members share their love of story + award-winning author Susie Finkbeiner pops in to say hi.
PCOM Readers' Faves
Mudlarking by Lara Maiklem (Lauren Popkowski)
Words on Fire by Jennifer A. Nielsen (April Rudge)
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano + The Other Americans by Laila Lalami (Elaine Pappas-Puckett)
We Are Called to Rise by Laura McBride + Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist (April Lehman)
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson (Heidi Galloway)
Pastor Courtney's Faves
All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner
Jane of Lantern Hill by L.M. Montgomery
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Kruger
Art & Faith by Makoto Fujimara
Endurance by Alfred Lansing
All Shall Be Well by Catherine McNiel
The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby
The Way Up is Down by Marlena Graves
This Too Shall Last: Finding Grace When Suffering Lingers by KJ Ramsey
The tragic, hopeful story behind It Came Upon the Midnight Clear. (Also: did you know it was "the" and not "a" Midnight Clear? It was news to Pastor Courtney!). How God's peace meets us beside the weary road with the singing of angels.
PLUS: Don't forget to send in your book recommendations for our January series - best books of 2020, books to look forward to in 2021, and best books of ALL TIME.
Eduardo Ballerini on reinvention, grief, and disappearing enough to let someone else's story come through.
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear from different voices:
Jeff Given + Anna Simon
Ella Fitzgerald
Josh Groban
Mahalia Jackson
Carpenters
Johnny Cash
St. Paul's Cathedral Choir
A brief history of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Pastor Courtney's favorite reminder from 1 Kings on God's grace when we reach our exhausted end, and exciting news about our upcoming January podcast series.
Hear the carol from a variety of different voices:
Jeff Given + Anna Simon
The Petersons Bluegrass Band
King's College, Cambridge
Nat King Cole
Keith & Kristen Getty
Jars of Clay
Join Pastor Courtney in learning the theology and ecumenical history of the hymn "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus." Plus, Advent wisdom from Fleming Rutledge, what longing can teach us about hope, and a bit about Susanna Wesley's apron.
The hymn, from a variety of voices:
Jeff Given & Awake
Red Mountain Music
Fernando Ortega
Christ Church Mayfair
Sara Groves
St. Olaf Choir
Lexington Road Band
Join us for the hymns of Advent! This week features "O Come Emmanuel," its ancient roots, Scriptural allusions, and timeless truths. Plus, a little joy from Wilson Ellis. Click below in the show notes to listen to different artists performing this phenomenal hymn.
A Collection of Artists Performing "O Come Emmanuel"Jeff Given & The Awake ServiceThe Piano Guys
The Petersons bluegrass band
Sufjan Stevens
David Crowder Band
Alison and Elizabeth Beck (instrumental)
The Oxford Trinity Choir
Jeff speaks to the coolness of winter, the darkness of night, and the interconnected nature of darkness and light. Also Christmas decorations and a revisit of Psalm 139, featuring Easten Given.
Hear from beloved PCOM members Evie Olson, Clayton Simon, Mary Smith, Arlene Weller, Ralph Parris, and Linda Payne about their gratitude on this Thanksgiving holiday.
We at PCOM are thankful for each one of you, dear friends. Happy Thanksgiving!
A very special good-news-is-on-its-way episode. Emergency room doctor Ian Ellis - no relation to our pastors! - shares his experiences fighting COVID on the front lines, and his wife, professional actress Sonia Ellis, shares what it's been like to support an essential worker and step back from her own career. They have lots of hope to offer, along with wisdom in how to stay the course as we wait for the end (the END, friends!) of the pandemic in 2021.
Plus, send your prayers to Dr. Ian and Sonia (or any questions you'd like them to answer!) by emailing Pastor Courtney (she'll forward them on!).
Gratitude & Giveaways part 2. Hear stories of gratitude from PCOM members Dennis Hirschberg and Kelly Colvin on God's faithfulness. Discover wisdom in a world that seems chaotic from a martyred faith leader. Hear Jesus' reminder to look for the signs of what is right and true and good. Plus: recommendations for Advent devotionals as we look toward that season of holy longing.
And remember: it's not too late to send YOUR stories of gratitude in to the podcast! (And win a free book!)
Matthew 11
Advent by Fleming Rutledge
Watch for the Light, a devotional guide
Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent by Enuma Okoro
Gratitude & Giveaways Part 1. Stories of small gratitudes and how they can transform us from the inside out. Plus, a book recommendation and wisdom from Colossians.
Seven Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude from Forbes Magazine
Beholding and Becoming by Ruth Chou Simons
Happy Now - Pastor Courtney's new book (out August, 2021)
Colossians 3:17
It is election day here in the US, but that's not really what we're talking about. Not really.
Perhaps an old song has something for us. Perhaps we can sing it together.
We are taking a deep breath and drinking from the well of hope and peace. We are praying for our neighbors. We are sitting with the Psalms and singing blessings. As the PCOM Podcast series on politics draws to a close, we reflect on what's next.
Plus: THERE IS A PCOM APP! I know, right? Exciting times.
Richard Rohr on centering ourselves amidst the storm. (Thanks to April Rudge for sending it on!)
Download the PCOM Connect App for Apple (click here) or Android (click here)
The Pittsburgh Blessing
Psalm 71
Checking your sources, spotting misinformation, and stopping the gossip train. Plus, Pastor Courtney nabs a plagiarizer, and inspiration from the book of Proverbs.
Snopes Fact Checking Site
Proverbs 1
The Osterholm Update podcast - Dr. Michael Osterholm, epidemiologist at CIDRAP (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Prevention)
Magnatiles Children's Toy
Fathom Mag
Center Political Sources:
The Argument - Ross Douthat and Michelle Goldberg on controversial issues (also available as a podcast)
Center/Left Resources:
The New York Times
Politico
The Hill
National Public Radio
The Atlantic
BBC News
The Washington Post
Center/Right Resources:
Ross Douthat and Esau McCaulley at the New York Times
The National Review
The Dispatch
The Daily Wire
The Federalist
First Things
The Economist
Join us for a very special episode with longtime PCOM member and current Mission Viejo City Council Member Wendy Bucknum to chat about how and where to vote in 2020!
Plus, comfort from the gentle Jesus in Matthew 11, praying for our politicians, and a countdown to the election.
https://www.ocvote.com/
https://cityofmissionviejo.org/departments/city-clerk/election-information
https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place
As a kid, Jeff stood on tables at fast food restaurants and sang at the top of his lungs. And other examples of what our worship might look like.
Politics Part IV. Why keeping a kudos file can help keep a leader going. Praying for our local leadership. Plus: lessons from the book of James on why not many of us should seek to be teachers. (Hint: it's a hard gig!)
Email addresses to send notes of encouragement:
Saddleback Valley School Administrator: Dr. Crystal Turner
Capistrano Unified School Administrator: Kirsten Vital
PCOM Preschool Director Vanessa Renich
PCOM Children's Director Stephanie Cleye
PCOM Youth Director Matt Becerra
Recommendations:
Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk by Eugene Cho
Honoring God in Red or Blue by Amy Black
PCOM Politics Pod Part III: idealism in American politics, from Emma Lazarus to Martin Luther King Jr. to Eugene Peterson. How can hope guide us? Plus, a wise word from James on true religion and the poet Scott Cairns on why paper training is so difficult for tortoises.
Emma Lazarus's "The New Colossus"
Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream"
Eugene Peterson's "Hope on the Line"
James 1:27
The Barkley Marathon
Matthew West's "Amen"
Perfectly Human: Nine Months with Cerian by Sarah Williams
Scott Cairns' "On Slow Learning"
PCOM Politics Pod Part II (say that five times fast!). Clearing our heads so we can listen well. Reading /listening to the news rather than watching it. Proverbs illuminates the need for wisdom. Plus, how disagreeing in love can help strengthen our positions and our faith.
The Argument - Ross Douthat and Michelle Goldberg on controversial issues (also available as a podcast)
The Greatest Showman movie
The Greatest Showman workshop video
The Osterholm Update podcast - Dr. Michael Osterholm, epidemiologist at CIDRAP (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Prevention)
Center/Right Resources:
Ross Douthat and Esau McCaulley at the New York Times
The National Review
The Dispatch
The Daily Wire
The Federalist
First Things
The Economist
Center/Left Resources:
The New York Times
Politico
The Hill
National Public Radio
The Atlantic
BBC News
The Washington Post
Pastor Courtney on following Jesus into the choppy waters of politics, Pastor Daryl on 1 Peter's instruction to "honor the emperor," Pastor Tim Keller on the Christian call to engage in politics without accepting any party's entire platform, and loving each other well, even when we disagree.
Rev. Dr. Tim Keller - "How Do Christians fit into the Two-Party System? They Don't."
Marilynne Robinson's new novel Jack
Marilynne Robinson's essays: The Death of Adam
Plus, unexpected gifts of a pandemic season, a guide to devotional guides (see what we did there?), and goodness from the Gospel of Matthew.
NT Wright's "Philippians for Everyone"
Carol Bechtel's "Interpretation Commentary on Esther"
A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants
Glorious Weakness by Alia Joy
An Oral History of the Office by Brian Baumgartner
Plus, praying for our small business owners, Matthew 6, Psalm 42, breaking cycles of worry, and this week's recommendations.
The Osterholm Update - Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota (Dr. Michael Osterholm)
November: Lincoln's Elegy at Gettysburg by Kent Gramm
Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza card game
Matthew 6
Psalm 42
Examples of blessings and benedictions from Scripture.
The New York Times Magazine's Decameron Project.
The Last Dance - Michael Jordan documentary
Jemar Tisby's The Color of Compromise
What month is it again? Pastor Courtney on loving our neighbors, lifting up our performers and encouraging our families. We introduce our first Q&A segment with a wonderful, thoughtful question on Matthew 1, Luke 3, and why Jesus' family lineage was so important (and so radically different in these two Gospels!).
Have a question for the PCOM Podcast? Send it to Pastor Courtney: courtney.ellis@mypcom.com
A reading from Matthew 1, Alfred Lansing's great book "Endurance," a new podcast Q and A section (send me your questions!), an invitation to a Bible study, and staying connected across the miles.
Praying for those who are on the other end of the isolation or overwhelm spectrum. Setting ourselves up for Scriptural study success. Pastor Jackson's sermon text (Matthew 1:1-17). And a story about Pastor Courtney's 20-month-old daughter, who has decided she is invincible.
Jesus tells a story about a kid who asks for his inheritance then splits. You may have heard it before.
Books on Prayer
Prayer by O. Hallesby
Prayer: Living with God by Simon Tugwell
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero
Podcasts
Rev. John Ortberg - Menlo Church Sermons
Rev. Tim Keller – Gospel in Life Sermons
Woven Podcast
The Leader’s Journey Podcast
Fiction Recommendations
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Kruger
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
This Week's Sermon Scriptures
Galatians 3:26-29
1 Corinthians 11:17-26
Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry
These Nameless Things by Shawn Smucker
Andy Crouch's March article on ministering in the long haul
Letter from a Birmingham Jail by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
51 Questions to start conversations around race and justice by Alicia Akins
John 19
1 Corinthians 6
Pastor Jackson shares the story behind his love of reading (it involves dishes and Little House on the Prairie!) and how narratives can help us through rocky seasons. Plus, he and Pastor Courtney each share five recommended reads from their favorites lists. And we wrap it all up with Psalm 91 and praying for our pastors and those in leadership in this stretching season.
Psalm 91
Pastor Jackson's list:
Under the Unpredictable Plant by Eugene Peterson
The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene
Crime and Punishment by Fedor Doestoevsky
The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren
Father Elijah by Michael D. O'Brien
Pastor Courtney's list:
Silence by Shusako Endo
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
Jeff shares a story about his fears out in the wild while his gracious father, Dean Given reads from Psalm 27.
"The object of our waiting is always God."
We wrap up Mental Health awareness week on the PCOM podcast with brilliant and lovely author and therapist KJ Ramsey sharing the story of her new book "This Too Shall Last: Finding Grace When Suffering Lingers," describing how trauma can steal our tongues, and reveling in the hope of the Psalms.
Plus, Psalm 126 and praying for the most vulnerable among us.
Associate Dean of the Baylor School of Social Work, Dr. Holly Oxhandler, on pandemic coping strategies, the pressures of this uncertain season, and what to do if we or someone we love is feeling suicidal.
COVID Mental Health Support
The Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (or text HOME to 741741)
Email Pastor Courtney for a mental health referral
Contact The Bridge Ministry for confidential spiritual care and prayer
Perfectly Hidden Depression by Margaret Robinson Rutherford
Our own Malaika Clelland shares strategies for coping with disappointment, the importance of small acts of self-care (are you eating well? getting enough sleep? staying connected to friends?), and the importance of acknowledging our feelings, big and small. Plus, selections from Psalm 69 from The Message and praying for those who struggle with anxiety and depression.
Email Pastor Courtney to confidentially request the list of counselors PCOM refers out to
Request spiritual care and prayer from The Bridge Ministry
The Anxiety Workbook
Atlanta-based counselor specializing in adolescent mental health Robert Vore on ministering to our high schoolers, college students, and emerging adults.
Robert's tips for helping teenagers and young adults cope with difficulty and disappointment:
1) Validate their emotions. Then, after calm is restored (minutes or hours or days later), challenge the harmful thoughts.
2) Facilitate safe social interactions whenever possible. A Zoom movie night, online social gaming, phone calls with friends, digital hangouts.
3) Lean into the context of your own setting and struggles. Don't just minister to your teen, also check in on how YOU are doing and make sure you aren't coming in hot or anxious to their struggles.
Resources for further reading, from Robert (with notes!):
- The Teenage Brain by Frances Jensen // if folks are wanting to learn more about the neuroscience of adolescence but in a way that’s written to be understandable for parents (and by extension, people ministering to youth).
- Parenting a Teen Who Has Intense Emotions // this one is super practical, focusing on how to interact with adolescents
- The Stressed Years of Their Lives by B. Janet Hibbs & Anthony Rostain // I highly recommend this one for folks who work with your late high school/college-aged kids. The first few chapters in particular gives one of the best overviews of the current state of college kids (and the factors that go into that) that I’ve read.
- Under Pressure by Lisa Damour // focuses mostly on girls & anxiety, but still great [information for parents of any teenager]
How some of the most well-loved hymns of the faith were written in remarkably difficult seasons of life. The history behind "It Is Well with My Soul," the echoes of heartache in the Psalms of lament, and praying for our listeners.
Jeff introduces two practical images that may help us enter into our practice of Centering Prayer.
Is anyone else forgetting what day it is? Tips and tricks for remembering God when things are muddled. Plus, Psalm 22.
Poet David Wright reads "Making Confession," "Local Talent," and Psalm 32. Plus, how the pandemic is affecting universities, staff, and students and how we can pray.
Local Talent
Lines from the Provinces
Marlena Graves, author of "A Beautiful Disaster" and the upcoming "The Way Up is Down" on falling in love with Scripture, the hard but oh-so-powerful lessons of desert seasons, and Psalm 145.
Preorder "The Way Up is Down" at Hearts and Minds Bookstore, InterVarsity Press, or Amazon
Exciting upcoming podcast guests (Marlena Graves! David Wright!), Psalm 37, and praying for our friends.
What does God have to teach us when we come to the end of ourselves? Plus, lessons from Psalm 10.
At the End of Ourselves, There is Grace (The Glorious Table Devotional)
Deep wisdom on rhythms of prayer (and easy tools!) for an upended season of life. Plus, how the church can care for singles, praying for international students currently stuck in the United States, and the grace of a rough season leaving us different than it found us.
Psalm 77
The Single Ladies' Catechism
Dorcas Cheng-Tozun on her new book about bringing light to the third world ("Let There D.Light"), outbreaks of violence against Asian-Americans, and how the church can help stand in solidarity with those who are hurting from some of the side effects of this global pandemic.
Psalm 90
Let There D.Light
Start, Love, Repeat
Winsome worship leader Jana Alayra shares what first drew her into writing songs for children, what happens when your global tour gets cancelled, pivoting to virtual concerts, and learning more about God's great love when we realize how small we are. She also shares a gorgeous original song, "Day by Day."
Plus: Jana has a free online concert TODAY at 2pm Pacific Time! Click here or here to watch and sing along!
Enjoy a quick look back at where we were on March 17 at the very start of this pandemic. We'd just done our first livestream worship service, schools were newly closed, and lots of uncertainty lay ahead. And still - as always! - God was present.
Psalm 95
New episodes resume tomorrow!
Why does Scripture invite us to confess our sins not just to Jesus but to one another? Pastor Courtney shares a devotional centered around Psalm 51 and invites us into the spiritual practice of confession this morning.
Jeff Given walks us through the "simplest" of prayer practices - Contemplative Prayer - while Stephanie and Easten Given read Psalm 131.
Can you believe it's our 50th episode (and thus, our 50th day of "Safe at Home" guidelines?). No one saw this season coming, but Pastor Courtney shares her gratitude to be on this journey with each one of you. Plus, Psalm 50, preparing for worship, and praying for our actual neighbors.
Natalie Schlabs shares her new single, talks about the faithfulness of local art and ministry, and reads a beautiful version of Psalm 139.
Psalm 139
Listen to "Home is You," Natalie's new single
Natalie's website
Author of Light from Distant Stars, Once We Were Strangers, and the upcoming These Nameless Things (comes out June 30th!) Shawn Smucker joins us to talk about creativity, Christian art, Psalms that dare to question God, and parenting in a pandemic.
Psalm 77
Light from Distant Stars
Once We Were Strangers
Preorder These Nameless Things
Shawn's podcast with his wife, Maile, on art and marriage - The Stories Between Us
College & career specialist and PCOM Deacon Ann Bergen encourages high school seniors (and those who love them!) in this season with wise words of advice and hope. Plus, Isaiah 35 and praying for our high schoolers, their parents, and those who work in college admissions.
Author of the newly released "This is God's Table: Finding Church Beyond the Walls" shares how God brings hope out of unlikely places, how the churches she serves in Massachusetts are responding to the crisis, spiritual practices that can help get us through, and an excerpt from her beautiful book.
Donate to South County Outreach's Food Bank
This is God’s Table: Finding Church Beyond the Walls
It can also be found here or here
Read more from Anna Woofenden here.
A call for donations to South County Outreach (our local food bank), a brief appearance by Boomer (the class parakeet), rejoicing in the day the Lord has made, and the complexity of the Psalms.
Art & music editor for the Colombia Daily Tribune shares how his faith informs his writing, how we can pray for those working in journalism, why truth is so important, and ways we can support our local newspapers. Plus, Psalm 86 and what Andy Bernard from The Office has to teach us about the Imago Dei.
A Four-Part Miniseries on Faith and Journalism, from Fathom Mag
A Theology of The Office, from Think Christian
Don't You Forget About Me (Coronavirus and The Breakfast Club), from Fathom Mag
Subscribe to our local paper, the Orange County Register, here
4-year-old Wilson Ellis shares Psalm 91:1-2 from memory and asks us to pray for the mommies, the daddies, and the doctors on this short but sweet episode of the PCOM Podcast.
Where is God when it's too foggy to see the next steps? Catherine McNiel reads from her book All Shall Be Well, talks about meeting God in desperate seasons, and shares wisdom from the wilderness.
All Shall Be Well: Awakening to God's Presence
Long Days of Small Things
Pastor Daryl on the hidden gifts of a unique season, reading novels, practicing Sabbath, and praying for those working in finance. Plus, praying through Psalm 1.
Expert educator and 3rd grade teacher extraordinaire Courtney Hinshaw shares tips and tricks for parents helping their children learn at home, how to find God in the midst of the chaos, and a reminder that we're all in this together. She shares Psalm 27 and we pray for those working in education and those who are learning.
(Pastor Courtney refers to her as "Irvine teacher of the year," but Courtney Hinshaw wants to be clear that it was for her individual school, not the district at large. Please forgive the error!)
Psalm 27
Ramona Recommends - Courtney Hinshaw's reading + resource site
Emotional Must-Have Picture Books
Pastor Courtney shares some recommended resources on the Psalms, encourages us to pray for those who will be worshiping today, and we read Psalm 50 together.
Psalm 50
Reflections on the Psalms by C.S. Lewis
Psalms, the Prayer Book of the Bible by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Psalms for Everyone by John Goldingjay
The Spirituality of the Psalms by Walter Bruggemann
Everyday Psalms by Peter Santucci
High school senior Jenny Kroger talks about an upended graduation year. Hear how she's mourning the losses and finding hope, ways to pray for our seniors in high school, how our youth are blessing our older members, and a beautiful reading of Psalm 46.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer on how we never pray alone, praying for our faithful delivery people, and Psalm 125.
Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Elder for spiritual formation Mary Smith shares a call to daily, listening prayer, including the importance of setting a "cue" so we're reminded daily. Plus, Psalm 16 and praying for our seniors.
Psalm 16
Writer and theologian Hannah Anderson on the danger of conspiracy theories and the importance of expertise, praying for those who are grieving, and Psalm 124.
Hannah Anderson's post
The Center for Disease Control's Coronavirus Info Center
The World Health Organization's COVID-19 Response Page
Upcoming special guests (Mary Smith! Ray Irwin! Courtney Hinshaw! Jenny Kroger! Catherine McNiel!), the blessing of Eastertide, and Psalm 147.
Good Friday noon worship led by Pastor Dee Lilly, with music by Gene Roberson and a reading of Scripture by longtime PCOM Member Terry Jenkins.
Where is God when we're forced to wait? Why must we never call bad things good? Lessons from Jesus on Good Friday, brought to us by the deeply wise Visiting Assistant Professor of New Testament (and occasional PCOM guest preacher!) Chris Blumhofer. Plus, praying for our educators, and those who have been drafted into home education in this unique season.
C.S. Lewis - "Learning in War Time."
Psalm 131 set to music - Waterdeep
Psalm 131 set to music - Sandra McCracken
Praying for our tech workers and volunteers, the meaning behind Maundy Thursday, an encouragement to love and serve one another however we can with what we have right where we are, and a reading from Psalm 119.
Psalm 119
Vanderbilt Divinity School's Revised Common Lectionary Resource
Praying for the poor and those struggling financially, the Wednesday of Betrayal, updates on Holy Week, and Psalm 70.
Psalm 70
Bread & Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter
High school juniors Kendall Kennedy and Nick Nolan share their idea for a new and vital ministry at PCOM, the courage of following Jesus, and how we can be praying for our teenagers during the coronavirus crisis. Plus, Pastor Courtney reads the short and sweet Psalm 117.
Psalm 117
Click here to request grocery assistance (or offer grocery assistance!)
Emergency Room doctor Ian Ellis fills us in on everything from face masks to virus shedding, including how we can help care for our neighbors, pray for our medical professionals, and remember that Jesus is Lord, even in the storm.
Psalm 91
Ian's sneeze video - why wearing a mask can help keep us all safer
DIY sewing face masks
Where to donate N95 respirator masks in Orange County
Pastor Courtney reads Psalm 5, shares some wisdom from theologian Edna Hong on returning, again and again, to the cross during Lent. Plus, a preview of some exciting upcoming special guests (Emergency Room Doc Ian Ellis! New Testament professor Chris Blumhofer!) and some notes on our Palm Sunday worship.
Psalm 5
Today we let the "third way" response we found in the Welcoming Prayer (neither avoidance or aggression) point us toward Jesus' invitation to love even our enemies.
Brilliant musician Emily Wood shares how we can prayer for artists and musicians, what happens when a graduate program in music moves completely online, the silver linings in the midst of the storm, and how music practices can bless and embolden us. Plus, an original song written and performed by Emily, and a prayer from Psalm 130.
Psalm 130
Opera Livestreams from the Met
Digital Concert Hall's Livestream
Voces8
Early Music America
Licensed clinical social worker (and registered play therapist!) Malaika Clelland joins us to talk about healthy coping strategies, tools of the trade, online therapy, getting outside, and her prayer for our nation.
Psalm 62
Malaika Clelland: The Nest Family Therapy
Pastor Courtney reads Psalm 4, plus words of wisdom from Catherine McNiel's book "All Shall Be Well," prayers for our widows and widowers, and updates on virtual Holy Week.
All Shall Be Well by Catherine McNiel
Psalm 4
Pastor Courtney reads Psalm 6, plus N.T. Wright on lament, a poem by Thomas Curtis Clark (shared by longtime PCOM member Bob Everett), and happy birthday to Wilson!
Psalm 6
Christianity Offers No Answers to the Coronavirus. It's Not Supposed To. N.T. Wright in Time Magazine
Hymn writer and poet Thomas Curtis Clark
Wisdom from Emergency Room doctor's wife, Sonia Justl Ellis, on how we can pray for those on the front lines. Why we're short of equipment like ventilators in the United States, what type of masks doctors need most, and what the average layperson can do to help the most.
Psalm 100
Mortality vs. Morbidity by Ian Ellis, Emergency Room Doctor
Flattening the Curve
Praying for those on the front lines by name, a reminder that it's okay (and important!) to keep laughing, and Psalm 92, read by Pastor Courtney.
Clergy Bloopers from online services
Psalm 92
Easten Given leads us in Matthew 11:28-30, plus Stephanie and Jeff Given walk us through The Welcoming Prayer:
Welcome, welcome, welcome.
I welcome everything that comes to me in this moment
because I know it is for my healing.
I welcome thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons, situations and conditions.
I let go of my desire for security.
I let go of my desire for approval.
I let go of my desire for control.
I let go of my desire to change any situation, condition, person, or myself.
I open to the love and presence of God and the healing action and grace within.
-This version of the prayer courtesy of Contemplative Outreach
Pastor Courtney reads Psalm 76, plus prayers for the sick, exciting upcoming podcast guests, and ancient words of wisdom from church leaders who have lived in times of plague.
Martin Luther's "Whether One May Flee From A Deadly Plague" (1527 A.D.)
"Against Heresies" from Bishop Irenaeus (200 A.D.)
Wise words from C.S. Lewis, songs to encourage and bless, prayers for our food service workers, and a reminder about our new PCOM Family website where you can connect to offer help or receive it. We're all in this together, friends!
Psalm 87
Sparrows and Lillies - Pat Barrett
Isaiah 43 - Jeff Given
We Will Feast - Sandra McCracken
"On Living in an Atomic Age" by C.S. Lewis
What role do creativity and beauty have in times of difficulty? A call to pray for the leaders of our nation, our state, and our community. Plus, a few links to stories of the arts in anxious times that just might lift your spirit. Pastor Courtney reads Psalm 43 today.
A virtual art opening by textile artist Michelle Montjoy at LUX
JG's Reptile show (great for kids!)
San Clemente pianist serenades her neighbors
College student Maddi Hundley had her freshman year at the University of Utah cut unexpectedly short. How can we be supporting and praying for our college students, where is God in the midst of disorienting times, and what Psalm is giving her hope today?
Psalm 61
A prayer for our scientists and researchers working to stop this nasty virus, a reminder to reach out to the widows, widowers, and singles who may be feeling the isolation in particularly acute ways, and a prayer from Hebrews 12 that God would help us strengthen muscles we haven't used in awhile--muscles like staying put, being creative, and being still.
Psalm 18
The Doctor Who Helped Stop Smallpox Explains What’s Coming
The Hammer and the Dance: Stopping Coronavirus
Stop the pandemic, I want to get off! A reminder that God is with us in this journey, Lynn Ungar's poem "Pandemic," a reminder about our Sunday worship service (connect here!) and wisdom from Psalm 16.
Who are these new voices hosting the pod today? It's Jeff and Stephanie Given! Jeff directs our AWAKE worship service (and performed our podcast music!) reading Psalm 23.
Plus, a story from Lloyd Ogilvie, wisdom from Jeff's dad, clinical psychologist Dean Given, and a word of comfort in the midst of fear.
Pastor Courtney returns as host tomorrow. Jeff has graciously agreed to be our new regular Saturday host because he's just that awesome!
Psalm 23
City Council Member (and longtime PCOM-er) Wendy Bucknum on what the city is doing to protect the health and safety of our people, the importance of supporting local businesses in creative ways (food delivery! buying gift cards online!), where to go for local updates, and how to pray for those on the front lines. Plus, Pastor Courtney shares Psalm 71 and closes us in prayer.
Psalm 71
City of Mission Viejo COVID-91 Information
Creative Ways to Support Local Businesses During Coronavirus
Pastor Courtney's dad weighs in on God's lessons in times of uncertainty, being thankful for each breath, and the love of God that extends throughout all generations.
Psalm 100
Philippians 4:4-6
Best Vince Lombardi quotes
April Rudge, educator, music teacher, Bridge minister, and all-around-awesome human, joins us to read Psalm 138, share prayers that are boosting her spirits, describe the ways music can bring us together (even while we're under a lockdown in Orange County!), and how God meets us in grief, big and small. (Scroll down to see the show notes with lots of links and goodies!)
Psalm 138
The Orange County Emergency Health Measures
The Metropolitan Opera's free live stream
The Serenity Prayer
Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World's Greatest Hymn Stories
In honor of St. Patrick's Day:
"An Irish Blessing" and "A Clare Benediction"
Music Together's Hello Everybody App ( 8 Welcome Songs, Karaoke, and an eBook sing a Long Storybook)
Virtual Piano Keyboards
Piano Chords & Scales
When anxiety rises, what's a person to do? Clues from breath prayers, poet Jane Kenyon, WWII Christian Corrie Ten Boom, and Psalm 1.
Online worship around the world, Italians singing from balconies, a poem by Richard Hendrick about the music of this unique season, and (just to make you smile) the groceries NO one is panic buying. Join us to pray Psalm 95 together.
Pastor Katie Nix at Grace United Methodist Church in St. Louis.
Pastor Steve Yamaguchi at Union Presbyterian Church in Tokyo.
Our worship service from yesterday.
Groceries no one is panic buying.
A poem by Father Richard Hendrick - "Lockdown"
Neighbors singing to neighbors under lockdown in Italy.
Psalm 95
Encouragement from God's people offering help in creative ways, a note from a wise Wheaton College professor, and Psalm 23 read by Wilson Ellis, age 3.
Show notes:
"When Loving Your Neighbor Means Staying Home" by Esau McCaulley, Wheaton College professor, in the New York Times
Psalm 23
PCOM's worship livestream
News about our online worship for this Sunday, a poem about the strength of God's love by Denise Levertov, and a morning Psalm with Pastor Courtney.
Postponing in-person worship? Closing down campus events? Coronavirus pandemic? I HAVE FEELINGS ABOUT THIS. Good thing God is here for our deepest feelings, be they frustration, grief, fear, anger, or anything in between.
Tune in to our new, 10-minute daily prayer PCOM podcast with Pastor Courtney and a variety of guests. Today we hear from Pastor Daryl, talk about the beauty of both collective worship and church beyond its walls, and read through Psalm 91.
Longtime PCOM member (and Sunday School teacher, former Women's Ministries coordinator, dentist, mom, sister, ballroom dancer, and more!) Kristy Vetter shares her walk down a path no one wants to tread - the death of a spouse. Where is Jesus in grief, how can the church support those who suffer such a significant loss, and what is the balance between vulnerability and keeping things close?
For more information on the Grief Recovery program or the Bridge Ministry that Kristy mentions, contact Pastor Courtney or the church office. We'd love to help get you connected with that type of support. PCOM also offers regular AA meetings.
"There was still life to be lived and still church and community and God to be served." Lessons from 48 years of marriage, the loss of a wife, daughter, and son all within fifteen years, and the decision to walk with Jesus through the valleys of life as well as the joys. Dwight Woodruff is our current Elder for Buildings & Grounds, a longtime member of the PCOM Choir, an avid reader, former Air Force serviceman, and is currently working on a memoir of his life.
What happens when God surprises us in ancient ways? Retired librarian Mary Smith is a pro storyteller with a wonderful tale of God, fellowship, and stepping out in faith.
If you'd like to get connected with a men's or women's Spiritual Growth group, or for more information on spiritual practices, contact a pastor or the church office - we'd love to help you get started on a transformative journey of your own!
What is the Lord's Supper and who is welcomed to the table? Why do we baptize infants? What are the sacraments, essentials, and distinctives of the faith we practice here at Presbyterian Church of the Master? I'm so glad you asked! Join our pastors for a spirited conversation on why we do what we do.
One vitally important (and super easy!) thing parents can do to help raise their children in the faith, why so many teenagers and young adults wander from the church for a season, and why historical novels are the best kind (it's true!). Plus, lessons of daily bread, daily trust, and daily joy from our Sunday School Coordinator and longtime PCOM member Kristen Cerfogli.
What do brownies, ping pong, and an open door have to do with youth ministry? Just about everything! Former radio DJ Kelly Kroger does the traffic report (yes, really!) and shares her story of God's faithfulness at PCOM, from Vacation Bible School silliness to digging deep in the faith and beyond.
What happens when a 24-year-old ends up in a medically induced coma immediately after giving birth? How can we pray when it looks like our plans might not be God's? What does it look like to ask for a miracle? Join us for a truly incredible story of God's faithfulness from longtime PCOM member Kassy Najm, just in time for Thanksgiving.
Who rocks at junior high ministry AND extreme cycling classes? This girl. Hear about Dakota's passion for helping kids fall in love with Jesus, the secret to building a successful program (hint: more Jesus), her seminary studies, and why coffee makes the world go round.
A beloved Sunday School teacher talks about helping kids (and adults!) fall in love with Jesus, the gifts of evangelism, and his own story of coming to faith later in life. (And a bit about gardening, too!)
Stephanie Cleye, PCOM's Children's Ministries Director, shares stories of God at work in the lives of our children, parents, and families, and tells us about some exciting upcoming ministry events.
Pastor Jackson shares about his sabbatical, finding God in new rhythms of silence, prayer, and Scripture reading, traveling to Italy, missing home, and what's next for PCOM
Greg McClure talks about his Canadian roots, painting a vision for the future, why giving is good for the soul, and how healthy thinking about stewardship can transform more than just our finances.
Ann Bergen, former elder for Communications and College & Career Advisor at Laguna Beach High School, describes God's unique call to each of us to pursue knowledge, use our gifts, and serve in the world.
What elements does a worship service need to be faithful? Why are both lament and celebration important? How can music help us reflect upon truth? And why is a guy who grew up in Santa Barbara such a die-hard Philadelphia Eagles' fan? Get to know Jeff Given, Director of Awake Worship, meat-cooking-vegetarian, and musician extraordinaire.
Youth Director, loud laugher, and Scrabble-master Matt Becerra on what draws teenagers to Jesus, what brought him to PCOM, how having fun has a deeper purpose, and his famous tattoo (you'll recognize it!).
Why welcoming guests, visitors, and strangers is the heartbeat of the Gospel, and what we can learn from God's gift of hospitality.
Carol Marleau on how listening well can change a life, the hard lessons of trust, and coming to faith early--and again later--in life.
Mission, miracles, and how a knock on the door forever changed her life. Elder Linda Payne on the work of God in the world and the joys of participating in the kingdom.
Get to know Vanessa Renich, the creative mind behind PCOM Preschool, learn what makes her tick, and discover why play is good for both the brain and the soul.
Get to know Pastor Daryl Ellis, his heart for Jesus, how he came to faith, how many years passed between him asking his wife Courtney out on a date and her finally saying yes (!), and what he's most excited about as PCOM continues on mission.