Unanswered Prayers Podcast: Recent Episodes
Unanswered Prayers Podcast
Reaching beyond the pews and traditional church setting to ask the tough questions and grow in our faith.
This episode of Unanswered Prayers Podcast is generated remotely, once again, as we maintain social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. St. Paul's Pastor Sami calls in for this episode and discusses with Debbie (St. Paul's communications director) where God is during the COVID-19 pandemic, where do we put our faith, and is virtual church still church? Pastor Sami encourages us to be patient, prayerful, and listen to those positive voices in our communities as we navigate these unprecedented times and consider reopening our churches for in-person worship.
Pastor Sami calls in to our podcast and discusses why we practice Lent, what happens during Lent, and why it is important. Lent lasts for 40 days and is normally a time for reflection, before we celebrate Jesus' resurrection at Easter. The coincidence of the COVID-19 pandemic ramping up during the Lenten season has given us ample opportunity to reflect and really absorb how it feels to journey through the darkness and not be in control, much like the disciples must have felt. Pastor Sami encourages us to rely on our faith, God's everlasting love, and our community to get us through this time.
St. Paul's Pastor Sami and Debbie ask Pastor Chuck, from The Cross in Erie, PA, to share his journey to the frontlines of homelessness in Erie. Pastor Chuck tells us about the beginnings of The Cross, their mission, and his vision for the future. The 16501 zip code, where you will find most of the resources to serve those who are experiencing homelessness, has the infamous designation as the poorest zip code with a population of more than 1,000 households. Pastor Chuck shares the work being done in 16501 to serve those with the greatest needs, reminding us that "the fruit of our faith is our care for the poor," and challenges us to set our privilege aside to build those bridges out of homelessness.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Unanswered Prayers Podcast invites Pastor Sami from St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Pastor Kim from Lamb of God Lutheran Church, and Pastor Allie from Abiding Hope Lutheran Church, all in Erie, PA, to offer their commentary on their journey to the pulpit. We touch upon their education, various calls, challenges they have faced because of their gender, how far we have come as a church, and where we still have work to do.
Join St. Paul's Pastor Sami and Debbie, Communications Director, for a dialogue with our 10-12 graders while on a retreat. We delve into what it means to be a practicing believer in high school, touching upon temptation, integrity, and morality. We also inquire how adults can best support them on their faith journeys. We thank our students for their willingness to share, quite candidly, their thoughts, challenges, and beliefs.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) issued a statement declaring it a sanctuary denomination in August 2019. As part of the ELCA, @stpaulserie's Communications Director, Debbie, and Pastor Sami begin the conversation and ask what this means and how we can best support the resolution to offer assistance to our refugee and migrant neighbors. @stpaulserie thanks one of our students, Sam, for our new opening jingle on the podcast!
Unanswered Prayers Podcast once again plays host to St. Paul's Pastor Sami & Communications Director, Debbie. They explore the "spiritual, not religious" life stance, what it means, why spirituality still needs religion, and what mainstream churches can learn from those who identify as spritual, but not religious.
@stpaulserie's Pastor Sami & Communication Director, Debbie, kick off St. Paul's monthly podcast with Unanswered Prayers Podcast: Making Sense of Faith. We begin our podcast where the church year begins, Advent. Pastor Sami explains why we do Advent, what it means, & how we can slow down and prepare for Christmas, while still embracing the excitement of the Christmas season. We encourage listeners to weigh in at UnansweredPrayersPodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for listening!