The Cracked Pots: Recent Episodes
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The Gospel of Matthew introduces us to how Jesus came not just for Israel, but for the world.
The prophet Isaiah points to a coming hope for all the nations that will bring justice to our world.
When you're in the right place, at the right time, will you have the courage to do the right thing, even if it costs you?
As we move into the prophets for the next few weeks, how do we know how to identify a true prophet?
Solomon gets the label of being wise - and yet, just like his father, no king is perfect.
Should we really view the "law" as something that is restrictive, or something that gives us permission to live lives of freedom?
The story of Joseph reminds us that despite what we may endure, God is still faithful in the midst of difficulties.
God makes promises to Abraham and his descendants. What are our expectations about how long it takes for God to fulfill a promise?
The story of the flood is a story about God's struggle with - and commitment to - humanity.
In Romans 16, Paul sends a large group of women to the church in Rome to help lead them - reiterating the point that Paul clearly viewed women as capable of being in leadership roles.
We don't get a lot of information about Lydia, but we do get shows us a woman who stands out against the culture of the day.
God's Wisdom in Proverbs is a personified woman and prophet. But what is "wisdom" exactly?
Deborah - Judge, Prophetess, and Military leader. A woman leading in a patriarchal world was no easy task.
God finds value in everyone - even those we may think are living in ways we don't approve of.
Pharaoh's daughter uses the privilege of her social station in Egyptian society to defy Pharaoh's decree to accomplish something good. Just a single act of compassion can have a lasting effect on the future.
The women of Genesis (Hagar, Rebekah, Rachel, Leah) must work within the confines of their role in society to achieve their goals. In the midst of that, God sees and sides with the unloved and the marginalized.
Hot chicken & how we treat others even when we're having a bad day is the topic this week.
In the wake of yet another school massacre, Philippians 2 drives us to ask the question: What are we willing to give up for the sake of our neighbor?
Paul reminds us that all things are possible, even when we're in the midst of utter defeat and despair.
While the widow being willing to give everything up for God is a wonderful example of true faith - what responsibility did the faith community have to her?
Jesus tells Pilate that his Kingdom is not of this world. What does that mean for us in the here and now?
We've all felt betrayed by someone in our lives - how different are we from Peter, though?
Jesus calls to task those who claim to see, and yet still ignore God at work in their midst.
So much of our identity is wrapped up in our geographical location - yet God sets all that aside.
Jesus invites us to "come and see" what he's up to. What things can sometimes hinder this invitation?
John's Gospel reminds us of how the Creator of the Universe became flesh and lived among us...
What does a vision about an army being raised from the dead 2500 years ago have to do with us today?
Jeremiah (is not a bullfrog) encourages the people that despite their exile, seek God and God's ways again.
It isn't about Moses - it's about God working through Moses to break the Egyptian system of slavery.
The story of Jacob begins with a lot of deceit and lying - and yet, Jacob goes from being "the usurper" to "one who strives with God."
The story of Abraham being willing to sacrifice his son when God demands it is troubling on many levels - and yet it's still a story about the depths of faith.
In the story of Sarah and Abraham, Sarah laughs cynically at the notion of having children at her age - but that laughter turns to joy as God's promises are fulfilled.
This week's text deals with the stigma of mental health - and how Jesus enters into our brokenness when even our mind is unraveling.
This week's text focuses on the story of Job. Pastors Chad and Rebecca explore the issue of how simply being present with those who are suffering is enough.
Pastors Chad & Rebecca look at the story of Moses' birth from Exodus 1 & 2 and discuss what it's like when to have all the hopes and dreams you might have for your kids unravel.
Pastors Chad and Rebecca discuss the story of "doubting Thomas" - though Thomas is hardly the only doubter in this story.
Pastors Chad and Rebecca discuss all the ways in which we shame others - and yet to be Christ-like is to break down all the ways in which we feel shame.
The story of the conversion from Saul to Paul is filled with challenges - not just Paul accepting a new way of life and being, but for the early Christian community and their call to love and accept those who have been their enemies.
Pastors Chad and Rebecca discuss the text from Exodus 5:1-2; 7:8-23 - We like to dump on Pharaoh, but how often are we more like Pharaoh than Moses?
The Cracked Pots Weekly Podcast is back! With a new format. Pastors Chad and Rebecca talk about the previous weekend's text and sermon. This week: the story of Rizpah from 2 Samuel 21:1-14. How do the powerless get the attention of the powerful in order to achieve justice?
Pastors Chad and Rebecca discuss the "War on Christmas" phenomenon in the United States.
Fun fact: Puritan Christians actually banned Christmas in Boston in the 1600's... https://www.history.com/news/when-massachusetts-banned-christmas
At the ELCA's Churchwide Assembly, they voted to become a "Sanctuary Church." That term has elicited a lot of confusion as to what exactly that means. Pastors Chad and Rebecca unpack its meaning, and discuss the effects of racism in our culture.
What's the best way to engage our youth? Try listening to them. Pastors Chad and Rebecca brought in special guest Christopher Carnes, one of our youth, to talk about the importance of youth ministries.
Sometimes trying to read the Bible cover to cover can be daunting. Pastors Chad and Rebecca discuss some of the challenges and tips for how to better read and understand scripture.
Cher Fisher from Family Promise joins us in our latest podcast to talk about homeless families in Martin County and what we can do about it. https://www.mcfamilypromise.org/
With the recent rise in attacks and violence against places of worship, what should we be doing as a community of faith?
So often we talk about "God's plan" in terms of our individual lives and our collective future. But what exactly is "God's Plan" and what does scripture have to say about it?
As Christians, should we be concerned about how we utilize the resources of our planet?
What happens to my atheist friend? Or my Muslim friend? Or any friend or family member? Is it really believe or burn? Or might God's love be bigger than that?
The questions was asked of us, what is the church's role as a safety net to help out where the government fails? This episode we look at the logistics and realities of the church trying to serve our neighbor with the resources currently available.
In light of recent decisions made by the UMC church to not ordain or allow same-gender marriage, Pastors Chad & Rebecca bring in a special guest, Christina McGrath Fair, LMHC, to discuss this highly controversial and difficult topic.
Links:
LGBTQScience.org
itscalledmetrosexual.com
Pastors Chad and Rebecca tackle the question about why younger generations are simply not going to church anymore.
Pastors Chad & Rebecca delve into the always controversial question regarding the relationship between religion and politics.
In this kick-off podcast, Pastors Rebecca & Chad tackle a question that is posed by one of their confirmation students: Do people who commit suicide go to heaven or hell?
(If you are feeling depressed and suicidal, there is help. Please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255)