Pulpit To Pew: Recent Episodes
Rev. Beverly Gibson and Johnny Gwin
Pulpit to Pew, a podcast that features a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to further explore the weekly lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life. The Very Reverend Beverly Gibson, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, and Johnny Gwin, a newcomer to the Episcopal family, discuss what Beverly intended and Johnny heard, or got wrong. To view Johnny's pew sketchnotes that accompany many of the Pulpit To Pew episodes visit, pulpittopew.com.
In this episode, Rev. Gibson and Johnny Gwin dive deep into the Book of Ruth. This short book but long story details the lives, hardships, and redemption of Ruth, Naomi, Boaz, and the early lineage of King David and eventually Jesus. Within its narrative and lessons, we learn of Ruth as a powerful and resilient woman who represents the threshold of grief and hope. Ruth is the biblical gold standard of loyalty and self-sacrifice. Her story is one of hope, faith, and the power of love overcoming fear and violence to make all things new. Her self-giving and loyal actions have been an inspiration to millions of Christians, Jews, writers, and artists. You should really get to know Ruth.
Readings:
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12:38-44
About Pulpit To Pew
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Learn more about Christ Church Cathedral.
Please come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am (central)
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration.
There are so many secular views of what Heaven may be. Most are child-like, non-theological and created with comforting imagination. No one knows the real Heaven, but God's Kingdom is described in many ways throughout the Old and New Testament. In this episode, Rev. Gibson and Johnny discuss the secular and sacred nature of Heaven and the New Jerusalem. Where is Heaven? When is Heaven? Heaven is a real place created by God for his People, and Its ultimate end is not floating in the ether but is made new and fully here in the present. Plus, Rev. Gibson explains the Church's view of the Saints, the dearly departed, and their connection to us and the presence of God.
Key Takeaways
Heaven described in Isaiah and Revelation is a goal and vision. A vision that shapes us in this broken world to have hope so we can participate with God to work to heal it, recreate it, and make it new and whole.
All the things and people that have been created by God continue in Him.
Prayers to the Saints and to our loved ones in the Cloud of Witnesses lift us up and unify us to the Divine and strengthens our unity as a community gathered in Christ.
We do not come to God, he comes to us.
New life comes from God's power over death.
Readings:
Isaiah 25:6-9
Revelation 21:1-6a
John 11:32-44
About Pulpit To Pew
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Learn more about Christ Church Cathedral.
Please come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am (central)
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration.
In this episode, Rev. Gibson and Johnny discuss the Disciples and their constant and almost comical chronic misunderstanding of Jesus's teachings of humility and prophecy of his tragic suffering and crucifixion. Jesus preached a message of extreme service and sacrifice for others. Yet, just like us, the Disciples frequently fell to ego, earthly desires and pride. This week's show focuses on defeating the ego, never forgetting your mission, a lifetime of learning, embracing the mindset of the eternal student, and silencing the talk, talk, talk in our heads. Rev. Gibson shares the insights of Ryan Holiday, and his book Ego Is The Enemy and the many lessons within its covers. Metallic, Megadeath, Gilda Radner and Marlon Brando are all discussed, and Johnny can't quit talking about Season 3 of Netflix's Daredevil series. The key takeaway from this installment of Pulpit to Pew: silencing our ego and embracing this "silence" creates a space for God's work to be done within us and in the world. This silence starts by accepting the reality of the present, exercising humility, following the acts of Jesus, and putting our calling before our being. Enjoy the show!
Resources:
Ego Is The Enemy - by Ryan Holiday
CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK
Readings:
Job 38:1-7, (34-41)
Hebrews 5:1-10
Mark 10:35-45
About Pulpit To Pew
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Learn more about Christ Church Cathedral.
Please come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am (central)
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration.
No one prays to God to be "tested"? Usually, we pray to be shielded from such trying times. Does God test us? Rev. Beverly Gibson discusses her belief that God does, and why asking to be tested can be a blessing. Johnny Gwin inquires about the life of Job and the lessons that his example can teach us. Also, Rev. Gibson talks about the Church's, society's, and her views on the tragedy and trauma of divorce. There is growth in suffering. Relationships and bonds are tried and forged in the hardest of times. How can we create positive outcomes from pain and tragedy? Lastly, Jesus (in his constant testing by the Pharisees) shows us how to expect the law but to dig deeper into its meaning and purpose. Be more than followers of the rules. Recognize the suffering of others, be compassionate, humble, and do not fall into the trap of the hardness of heart.
Readings:
Job 1:1; 2:1-10
Psalm 26
Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12
Mark 10:2-16
About Pulpit To Pew
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Learn more about Christ Church Cathedral.
Please come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am (central)
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration.
In this episode, Rev. Beverly Gibson and Johnny Gwin discuss the weekly lectionary lessons and Rev. Marshal Craver's beautiful sermon on how we can be set free of our addictions. Jesus loves us regardless of our faults, sins, and fixations (good and bad). He wants us to be free of the servitude of unhealthy obsessions, and our devotion to the wrong things. Assigning too much attachment to "things" erodes our freedom and harms our relationship with God, others who depend on you, our neighbors, and our community. Truth, humility, compassion, and the ability to ask for help are the holy multitool for cutting out the habit of assigning too much devotion to the things that can become a barrier to becoming the person who we want to be, and who God made us to be. We all have our golden calf or banana in a coconut. We hold on to those things very tight. However, for real transformation, we must work to strike our addictions with a sword, dig deeper, and do more than stop our actions. We must change our hearts.
Readings:
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
James 5:13-20
Mark 9:38-50
About Pulpit To Pew
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Learn more about Christ Church Cathedral.
Please come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am (central)
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration.
In this episode, Rev. Beverly Gibson and Johnny Gwin talk about the nature and identity of "the wicked" and the creation and summoning of Death. Who is The Righteous Man from the Wisdom of Solomon, and why is he reviled as "inconvenient"? What does the 1982 Disney film, Something Wicked This Way Comes, have to teach us about humility, courage, facing our shadow selves, and drawing closer to God? Drawing closer to God starts with us inviting God to be present more in our lives and practicing this purposeful action will bring more light and peace into our dark and shadowy world.
Key Takeaways:
- The Wisdom Literature of the Bible is an excellent guide for the faithful to explore the nature of righteous living.
- Our arch-enemies are not always external. Most of our biggest struggles and conflicts stem from the darkest (and unknown) parts of ourselves.
- Look inward to find our true selves that can fully participate in a life with God.
- Drawing closer to God can start by bringing our "Sunday Selves" to our Monday morning lives.
- Embracing righteousness, humility and sharing God's light repels the "the wicked" around us that is summoned by the World.
Readings:
Wisdom of Solomon 1:16-2:1, 12-22
James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
Mark 9:30-37
Resources:
Something Wicked This Way Comes - Film (1982)
Ray Bradbury
Waiting For My Real Life - Colin Hay Documentary
About Pulpit To Pew
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Click here to learn more about Christ Church Cathedral.
Please come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am (central)
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration.
It is said that last week's lesson can be fearful for the Priest and send them into fits of trembling. Plus, according to Rev. Gibson, most of the ears in the pews don't want to hear the hard lessons of Mark 8:27-38. How does the world see Jesus? How did the disciples see Jesus? How do we see Jesus? Jesus's story and mission pivot at this point of Mark's Gospel and he has to deliver a hard message of what is going to happen to him. What is going to happen to anyone that picks up their cross and follows him? Ridicule, suffering, and death. Not the message his entourage wanted to hear, especially Peter. Then like now, spreading the message of Jesus is hard when the lessons focus on self-denial and sacrifice instead of success and abundance. Truly following Jesus as a disciple in this world is hard, uncomfortable, deep, and dangerous. If we choose to walk with Jesus on his mission the first step is assessing how we see and experience him. How do we see Church and its place in our life? What is truly important in life and what worldly things must we deny ourselves for spiritual growth?
Readings:
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 116:1-8
James 3:1-12
Mark 8:27-38
Resources:
Of Gods and Men - Film
About Pulpit To Pew
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Click here to learn more about Christ Church Cathedral.
Please come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am (central)
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration.
All desires are not the same. There are the personal wants and desires, and then there is God's desire for us. God longs for us and wants us to be connected to him and those around us. Are your and God's desires aligned? How would you know? When our hopes and wants align with God's calling that is called the "heart's desire". Jesus healed the deaf and mute man in Tyre so that he could hear and speak clearly. Are we clearly listening to what God wants from us? And when we have unearthed our "heart's desire" are we expressing that with genuine "heart" in our words and actions? In this episode, Rev. Gibson and Johnny Gwin discuss the nature of delighting in the Lord, faith, longing, transformation, and getting the most out of Church.
Resources:
Psalm 37:4 As Kingfishers Catch Fire - By Gerard Manley Hopkins
Readings:
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
James 2:1-10, [11-13], 14-17
Mark 7:24-37
About Pulpit To Pew
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Click here to learn more about Christ Church Cathedral.
Please come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am (central)
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration.
Hello my fellow Pew People, it's FOOTBALL SEASON in the South and tis' the season to wear our favorite team apparel, avoid our rival team neighbors and family members and LIKE me last Sunday - miss Sunday Service. So, my playing hooky from Church as well as Rev. Gibson having a bye week from the Pulpit this weekend and the need for a PuIpit To Pew show I dug thru the P2P vaults of unused show tape and found some relevant instant replays. Bonus: a tape with a personal confession, or personal foul (OK...last football pun!) dealing with my struggles of prioritizing the bigger things in life and allowing uncontrollable, external and small things to get in the way of me best the best version of myself. The self that that doesn't just talk like a person in the Way of Christ but acts that way as well. Especially one that doesn't embarrass himself in front of my sweet and wonderful Grandmother. Again, I am so sorry about last Iron Bowl Grandma Clayton.
I hope you enjoy this candid conversation between parishioner and priest...actually it's more than that. Rev. Gibson has been my co-host of Pulpit To Pew now for 2 1/2 years and we have developed an off the mic friendship. Well, I think so, it's hard to tell because Beverly is such a very nice person in general. Anyway...I consider her a trusted friend and steady voice - not just my spiritual sherpa. I mention this because most of my favorite podcasts are more than interviews and information. Great podcasts feel like personal and interesting conversations not in a studio but over a meal or wine. Conversations I want to eavesdrop on when I am sitting next to an animated couple or table full of rowdy friends next to me at a restaurant - or even better a BAR. I think this episode really nails this type of podcast format.
The title of this podcast - College Football Vs. Church is a bit cheeky but Beverly and I touch on some very big issues about Scripture, the role of the Church, dealing with our neighbors (good and not-so-good), and walking the Christian talk. Have a great football season and let's all try to remember that some things are bigger than mascots, school ties, team slogans, and bitter rivalries. Saturday is for team colors and fun but we should all recognize that we are on the same team on Sunday. Enjoy the show!
- Johnny Gwin
In this episode, Rev. Gibson concludes the final hard lessons of the Bread Of Life Discourse (John 6:56-69) and delves into Paul's Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20) letter to the Ephesians. Jesus's words and ideas challenged, confused and ran off many of his early disciples. What would it take for you to walk away from Jesus? Or, your Church? What about eternal life confuses and makes others uncomfortable? What are the rulers, authorities, and roaming spirits of evil are you letting into the interior of your life? Rev. Gibson suggests that we all need to try to break away from daily negative influences, take time, and create a quiet space to contemplate higher thoughts and things that challenge our beliefs, habits, and mindset. Spiritual growth comes from being aware of what we take in mentally and spiritually, continuous learning, listening not just hearing, and silencing negative voices and powers that can knock you off your path.
Resources:
Marcus Aurelius
Earl Nightingale - The Strangest Secret
Readings:
1 Kings 8:[1, 6, 10-11], 22-30, 41-43
Psalm 84
Ephesians 6:10-20
John 6:56-69
About Pulpit To Pew
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Click here to learn more about Christ Church Cathedral.
Please come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am (central)
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration.
Engineered, edited, and produced by Johnny Gwin
In moments of difficulty, most people will cling to their past, become apathetic, disoriented, and cease to stop going forward in life, goals, and projects. Meriwether Lewis (of Lewis and Clark) ran into mountains on his canoe expedition to the Pacific Ocean in 1805. A heartbroken Lewis shook off his frustration, regrouped, led his team out of their canoes, reframed his vision, trusted his training and found a way to fulfill his mission. In the Bread of Life Discourse, Jesus asked the audience to see a new way to understand God. Many listening rejected this radical message but many were open to Jesus' shocking message of a loving God and eternal life through accepting him as a new "Bread of Life." Most things in life rarely turn out like it was planned and predicted. Ideas and new information challenge our views, perceptions, and beliefs. When reality stands in the way of our hopes, completing important work or reaching a final destination we have 2 choices. One, we can quit! Or, we can shake off the disappointment, evaluate the situation, relook at the intended plan, and be open to learning new ways of moving forward into uncharted territory. Instead of certain disappointment from falling short of your intended mission, when chosing a new path, you might be surprised by the outcomes and revelations that come from your courage and discovery.
Key Takeaways:
When your plans, hopes, and beliefs are crushed by reality and things seem out of your control you need to reframe your mission, let go of the past, be open to learning something new and have the courage to "figure it out as you go".
Define your mission and core values. For Christians, it's having a loving relationship with God that is alive and ever expanding. Plus, we are to share that joy and love with others.
The Church is rich in history, traditions, and time-honored forms but if The Church (or it's people) is not open to new ways of learning, growing, and connecting with others then we will see moments of difficulty.
Resources:
Canoeing The Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory - by Tod Bolsinger
Readings:
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Psalm 111
Ephesians 5:15-20
John 6:51-58
About Pulpit To Pew
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Click here to learn more about Christ Church Cathedral.
Please come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am (central)
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration.
Most of us know a Bible is revered, sacred and important but is it alive to you and a part of your daily life? In this episode, Rev. Gibson and parishioner Johnny Gwin explore Keri Smith's Wreck This Journal, Eugene Peterson's Eat This Book, John The Divine's eating of a sacred scroll, Jesus's Bread of Life Discourse and discusses meditating, consuming, and metabolizing the Word of God. From cover to cover The Bible's teachings, words and actions offer a lifetime all-you-can-eat buffet of spiritual nourishment that can expand our faith, reveal the endless world of God's love, and enrich our lives. Let's take our Bible's off our dusty shelves, devour it's teaching, and share its strength with others.
Readings:
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
John 6:35, 41-51
Resources:
Wreck This Journal - by Keri Smith
Eat This Book - by Eugene Peterson
About Pulpit To Pew
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Click here to learn more about Christ Church Cathedral.
Please come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am (central)
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration.
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In this episode, Rev. Gibson discusses her lifelong love of reading, her admiration of educator and author Samuel Holt Monk, Nathan confronting King David, Midrash, and the lessons from the Bread of Life Discourse.
Kind David needed the intervention of Nathan's Rich Man/Poor Man story of the Ewe to be enlightened about his abuse of power and sinful acts concerning Bathsheba and Uriah. Jesus taught his high concepts and holy ideas to his followers in simple stories and parables so they would be able to grasp his promise of "something more" with Him and the Bread of Life. Reading and hearing stories allows us a way to see ourselves in the mirror of narrative, events, and characters. This "seeing yourself" can aid us in the awareness of understanding our true selves and how we interact with the world around us. Am I the rich man, or the poor man? Am I the hero, or the villain? This reciprocal internal and external self-examination (and realization) from literature, more specifically scripture, has a name - Midrash. Midrash is not some "new age" spiritual trend; it's an age-old rabbinical teaching method of interpreting and learning from the people, context, and lessons found in Scripture. Midrash asks us to look deeper into our shared stories to find a personal connection from the written word to our modern daily lives. Rev. Gibson points out that Midrash is not just used with spiritual texts, educators like Samual Holt Monk also reveal this type of learning in their critical analysis and works of secular literature and satire. Knowing ourselves, uncovering our blind spots, or answering a spiritual question can come in many forms, but we must be open to hearing the truth. Are you listening and looking for these revelations in Scripture or any other literature? Seeing ourselves in the life of Jesus and imitating his actions are some big steps in walking in the Way of Christ. Realizing our actions that aren't like Christ are even bigger.
Readings:
2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a
Psalm 51:1-13
Ephesians 4:1-16
John 6:24-35
About Pulpit To Pew
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Click here to learn more about Christ Church Cathedral.
Please come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am (central)
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration.
In John's Gospel of the loaves and fish feeding the multitudes (John 6:1-14) Jesus felt the need to feed the 5000 followers waiting to hear him speak because he knew they were hungry. Transforming 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish into a horde of food fed those followers physically but also spiritually. His loving gesture and service filled their bellies but it also nourished the belief, faith, and commitment. The bounty and scarcity of food have always been so important our BC and AD human existence and evolution. Today, and a little closer to our own lives - the passion for making and serving others genuine food might be engrained in our Southern DNA. Heck, it's practically another religion in these parts. John T. Edge explores this shared Southern food culture and history with his research and southern food stories in his book The Potlikker Papers. Food is a common thread and a powerful force in our lives and community. It's one of life's necessities but it can also be symbolic, unifying, and a kindness (watch neighbors start cooking when news of a tragedy or death befalls their community.) Jesus knew the power of nourishment and sharing a meal to communicate and connect with others, he did it quite often throughout the New Testament. On that mountain next to the Sea of Galilee his actions and role of cook and server to nourish his 5000 followers is no small miracle or lesson. With little resources, so much abundance was created that salvage needed to be carefully collected so nothing went to waste. All in attendance were invited to that table and everyone had their fill. Jesus fed his flock in the same life-giving way that God fed the Israelites in the desert. Are we preparing and serving healthy nourishment to multitudes of others? Are we properly feeding the shared lives of ourselves, family, church, and community? Are you the cook, the server, the guest, or the stranger that feels left out? As Southerners, we pride ourselves on our genuine hospitality, but is it genuine? Are we equally open and welcoming to all and is everyone invited to our bountiful table?
In our fast food world of spirituality, if we want to follow the Way of Christ and consciously nourish the lives of others, then we must create a culture that values preparing and offering a welcoming table of love, faith and real connection to anyone who seeks to be fed. Do you know your role in this powerful and sacred act?
Resources:
The Potlikker Papers: A Food History of the Modern South - By John T. Edge
The Bitter Southerner
Readings:
2 Samuel 11:1-15
Ephesians 3:14-21
John 6:1-21
About Pulpit To Pew
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Click here to learn more about Christ Church Cathedral.
Please come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am (central)
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration
In this episode, Rev. Gibson and Johnny talk about seeking refuge, making a place to dream and pray, and how we must make ourselves a dwelling place for the Lord. Johnny goes on his own Indiana Jones search for the location of the Ark of the Covenant and Beverly shares her vacation stories and insights from Arkansas, Christ of the Ozarks, and Thorncrown Chapel. Rev. Gibson's sermon this weekend focuses heavily on the inspiration of the safe and purposeful space of Thorncrown Chapel. This beautiful and peaceful sacred tourist destination that offers travelers and guests tranquility and inspiration for a guest to worship, look inward, rest and dream. Who are monuments and buildings of worship like Thorncrown Chapel and Christ of the Ozarks built for, God or his us? Beverly and Johnny explore the nature and our need for these architectural and spiritual havens, portals, and locations.
To round out this show Rev. Gibson discusses the universal quest many have to find shelter and peace in this noisy and disruptive world. For Christians, many of us seek a closer relationship with Christ for this sense of wholeness, refuge, and peace. Are we honoring this mission by purposely acknowledging that the architecture of our faith is built on the foundation of the Saints with Christ is our cornerstone? Christ unifies us into a new humanity and Kingdom. If we can create the right environment to feel safe, dream, and be open to transformation we can cease becoming aliens and strangers and find our rightful place as a full citizen of Christ.
Readings:
2 Samuel 7:1-14a
Ephesians 2:11-22
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
Resources:
Thorncrown Chapel
The Poetics of Space by Gaston Bachelard
Shelter From The Storm by Bob Dylan
In the Land of Sheba: A Pilgrimage to Ethiopia by Eliza Griswold
About Pulpit To Pew
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Click here to learn more about Christ Church Cathedral.
Please come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am (central)
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration
In this episode, inspired by Groucho Marx (and Rev. Gibson being on vacation), we have pulled audio out of the well-guarded archive vaults of Pulpit To Pew and Deep Fried Studios. Rev. Gibson and Johnny Gwin discuss the intriguing Old Testament scripture, ancient archeology, and spiritual mystery of Moses' death and disputed location of his tomb. We hope you enjoy this short Pulpit To Pew episode and after listening to this podcast if someone tries to quiz you on the whereabouts of Moses' tomb you can smartly say, "God only knows."
Resources:
The Unknown yet Known Place of Moses’ Burial
Why are the circumstances of the death of Moses so mysterious?
About Pulpit To Pew
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Click here to learn more about Christ Church Cathedral.
Please come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am (central)
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration
Inspired by David's Song of the Bow written in the throes of grief due to the death of King Saul and Jonathon, in this episode Rev. Gibson and Johnny discuss the nature of grief and it's power on artists as a spark of creativity. From Milton to Donne, to David Bowie and Warren Zevon artists throughout history have created some of their greatest works by venting their sorrow or deciphering their feelings about death in poems, song, painting, and literature. Can death be defeated? What does our understanding of Jesus's life and death show us about our perspective of death and grief?
Resources:
2 Samuel 1:17-27
Two recent nonfiction books:
Nina Riggs - The Bright Hour (2018)
Paul Kalanithi - When Breath Becomes Air (2016)
Poems:
John Milton “Lycidas” (1638)
Alfred Lord Tennyson - In Memoriam (1849)
Ben Jonson, “On my first son” (1603)
William Wordsworth, “Surprised by joy” (1815)
John Donne “Divine Meditations” sonnet #10, “Death be not proud” (1635)
Donne’s poem references 1 Corinthians 15:26, 54.
Music:
David Bowie - Blackstar
Warren Zevon - The Wind
Eric Clapton - Tears In Heaven
This episode is centered on just some kids, their lives, times, struggles, creations and significant influences on the world. Rev. Gibson (struggling thru a summer head cold) discusses her theological connectivity of a young King David, Jesus, his disciples, and punk-poet Patti Smith. All these luminaries found themselves (voluntarily and involuntarily) in a new world of suffering, pain, fear, and violence and on their journey, they all endured and eventually created something important, transformative and beautiful out of the mess all around them. On a boat tossing and turning in a storm Jesus saved his friends and questioned them, "Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?". With what all that these young Disciples had seen how did they not have the conviction to be brave in the storm and trust Jesus and their divine mission? Why did wanna be artist, poet, and musician Patti Smith know that to follow her dream she had to courageously leave the comfort of her small hometown and stick with her plan in the big, scary, dangerous, and gritty city of New York City in 1967? These stories and lessons remind us to look at our desires, values, faith, grit, and convictions needed to propel us forward to follow the unseen path that God has set out for us. It's said that God acts in the chaos and his plans for us is one of slow change. If this is the case, for us to be one of his collaborators we must be patient, open to opportunity, trusting, committed and have a willingness to get our hands deep, down and dirty in the mess and chaos.
Readings
1 Samuel 17: (1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49
2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Mark 4:35-41
Resources:
Patti Smith - Just Kids (Autobiography)
Eugene Peterson
Pierre Teilhard de Chardin - Trust In The Slow Work of God
About Pulpit To Pew
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Click here to learn more about Christ Church Cathedral.
Please come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am (central)
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration
Paul writes in last week's epistle "we walk by faith, and not by sight", what does this mean for those where faith is their point of view? Rev. Beverly Gibson and Johnny discuss Divine vision and how humans can not see the hearts of others or beyond the limited vision of the "right now." While we may not be able to see the hearts of others, we can learn to evaluate our own and then discern the real values and things that matter to us in our past, present and future. This examination along with simply living, humility, compassion, and love of neighbor are the proverbial "mustard seeds" that must take root in ways seen and unseen to help our polarized world adopt the "New Creation", the Kingdom of Heaven point of view. This core of a life in faith can be found in Scripture and all of Jesus's teachings, but we have to be open and able to hear it.
Readings:
1 Samuel 15:34-16:13
2 Corinthians 5:6-10,[11-13],14-17
Mark 4:26-34
Resources:
Richard Rohr
About Pulpit To Pew
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Click here to learn more about Christ Church Cathedral.
Please come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am (central)
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration
In this episode, Johnny Gwin asks Rev. Gibson to discuss the meaning of "hearing God" and how modern society views this prevalent, misunderstood and ridiculed phenomenon. Historically, many have spoken of hearing God. Hearing the words and actual voice of God are well documented throughout the Bible. Anecdotally and culturally many have said that God's voice and presence can be heard in unique, personal and creative ways such as music, nature, earthquakes, deep space and even simple vibrations. Beethoven once said that "music was a fuller way to God." Samuel Taylor Coleridge waxed poetically about the sound of the divine in nature and God's presence in the wind across the string of a beautiful harp. The writer Tilden Edwards in his book Living in the Presence: Disciplines for the Spiritual Heart focuses on the awareness of God all around us especially in the dimension of sound and silence. Shared stories across many religious traditions have mentioned hearing and experiencing the Godhead through common things such as bells, drums, horns, and chants. Hearing God is a more common human experience than many believe and can arrive in a plethora of unique and beautiful forms. So, the next time someone speaks of "hearing God," Rev. Gibson advises we would be well not to judge so quickly or take that person's words too literally.
Resources:
The Eolian Harp by Samual Taylor Coleridge
Living in the Presence: Spiritual Exercises to Open Our Lives to the Awareness of God by Tilden Edwards
About Pulpit To Pew
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Click here learn more about Christ Church Cathedral.
Please come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am (central)
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration.
You would think that honoring the Sabbath would be engrained into the human DNA. It's been a part of our existence since God took the 7th day off after creating the universe. Even though God made "Keep Holy The Sabbath" the 4th of his Ten Commandments it still seems humankind has a hard time honoring this gift of a day of rest, peace and reflection. The cultural phenomenon of constant hustle and radical distraction seems to creep into almost all of our quiet and introspective time, and that includes all of our Sabbaths. This perpetual busyness and ignoring of the Lord's day of rest is a pattern that can be decaying our relationship with God, each other and ourselves. Maybe it's time we all took a step back and relooked at what the Sabbath is meant to be. This "day of rest" was given to humankind not as a rule but as a gift from God for us to have a protective time and space for us to open to new things and hear the small voices and inner wisdom. The Sabbath is more than a day on the calendar; it can be a powerful tool for deep listening, inner peace, rest, rejuvenation, and active worship that cultivates what is precious in our life and guides our fruitful work with wisdom. Resetting our Sabbath rhythms and allowing it to come to us come can be a transformative beginning to a stronger connection to the Divine and a whole new way of being.
Readings:
1 Samuel 3:1-10(11-20)
2 Corinthians 4:5-12
Mark 2:23-3:6
Resources:
Jane Kenyan - Let Evening Come
Wayne Muller - Sabbath
Thomas Merton - Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander
About Pulpit To Pew
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Click here learn more about Christ Church Cathedral.
Please come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am (central)
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration.
In this episode, Rev. Beverly Gibson expounds on the main points of Rev. Craver's Trinity Sunday Sermon dealing with the nature and the mystery of the Holy Trinity. St. Augustine is quoted saying “If you try to understand the Trinity, you will lose your mind. But if you deny the Trinity, you will lose your soul.” If this grand theological thinker feels this way it seems we all must be in the dark concerning this powerful foundation of our faith. Why are all the common descriptive metaphoric examples of the Trinity flawed? Why is the Holy Trinity so important to our faith? How does this mystical element of our faith affect our daily lives? Leaning heavily on the work of Episcopal Priest and Spiritual Writer Cynthia Bourgeault, Rev. Gibson shares a unique Trinity description of "a process" and "a drivetrain" from the book The Holy Trinity and the Law of Three: Discovering the Radical Truth at the Heart of Christianity. Join us as we dive into this fascinating, unthinkable but knowable divine mystical force in our faith and life.
Resources:
Rev. Dr. Cynthia Bourgeault
The Holy Trinity and the Law of Three: Discovering the Radical Truth at the Heart of Christianity
About Pulpit To Pew
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Click here learn more about Christ Church Cathedral.
Please come and worship with us every Sunday at 10 am (central)
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration.
In this episode, Reverend Beverly Gibson and parishioner Johnny Gwin discusses the gospel of the first Pentecost and explain the nature and power of the Holy Spirit, then and now. This Advocate, or the Holy Spirit, inspires and ignites us to go out into the world to share our faith, love, compassion, and understanding with others. First, the spirit moves within us and then evolves to send us on our travels through the arches of the world and into the great unknown. God's "new wine" presence is constantly with us and among us helping us to pray, lifting us up and moving us forward in all truth, daily life, and our worship. This force is not a corporate religious action to get us to "get things done," it's more of a submission to the reality God has placed us in and the spiritual quest we have been set on. The Advocate is a comforter and at the same time a mighty spark that guides us to spread our love, words, and actions to others like fire and wind to transform the world.
Yes, Beverly and Johnny discuss the show-stopping Royal Wedding sermon ‘There’s power in love’ by Bishop Micheal Curry. What did you think of this high profile message of love?
Readings:
- Acts 2:1-21
- Romans 8:22-27
- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Resources:
Bishop Michael Curry's Sermon
Thanks for listening.
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration.
Due to some things outside of our control this week we decided to rebroadcast one of the most listener-requested shows from 2016. We hope you enjoy this vintage Pulpit To Pew.
In this episode, Rev. Gibson discusses the nature of obedience, Paul’s prison letters to Timothy, and the service reading of Luke’s Gospel. Plus Johnny shares his thoughts on Jesus and Paul's management styles and his correlation with singing the Blues and the readings of the Book of Lamentations.
Key Takeway:
The Good News is that God is with us, always. When the challenges we meet in life appear bigger than we can handle, we are to remember that God is handling them. We are just the obedient workers. God will give us more than we can ever deserve. It is God who powers our faith, God who works through our small actions to accomplish his great things, God whose presence and action should never be forgotten.
Readings: Lamentations 1:1-6
Lamentations 3:19-26
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Luke 17:5-10
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Prayer is a creative act because it can create something new that was not there before. It can be much more than memorized verses and taught prayers. Maybe prayer can be listening for the Word the Spirit speaks through another voice. This ambient awareness and "being attuned" to this divine encounter shapes us and is an authentic direction for us to do the work that God has planned for our lives. Living, listening and moving with the Spirit is not easy to do in the hustle of our busy lives. This creative interaction with God takes participation, discipline, and patience. Growth can be found in a changing heart, but we have to be willing to be transformed and actively seek out new ways to encounter God in the world. Rev. Gibson suggests praying the Word for a week and see where this takes you. Next, listen for the Word the spirit speaks and then listen for the Spirit speaking through the voices of others. She hopes that you find something there for you that was not there before.
Main Points:
- Can prayer be a creative act?
- How do we grow out of the places where we get stuck?
- Are we missing messages and visions from God?
- How can we participate in God's ongoing creative work of life?
Resources:
Mission St. Clare
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration.
Rev. Marshall Craver (Christ Church Cathedral) asks us to start looking and listening for the divine in all the everyday things in life, especially the mundane and small emergencies. He calls these events his "Please God Incidences". These prayerfully pleading moments can become transformative in reminding us aware of our relationship with (and need for) God. Jesus is the vine, his father is the vine grower and we are the branches. The sermon and gospel lessons illustrate our mutual and organic relationship with the divine and how it flows from our "being" and not just our "doing". Are we fruit-bearing branches? And if so, are we perennials or annuals?
In life, there are no chance things and God is the center of everyday life, even if we realize it or not. Are we taking time to abide love, God, and the Sabbath in our over-crowded lives? Are we "centering down" and finding rest in God not only on Sunday but a little bit on a daily basis?
Readings:
- Acts 8:26-40
- 1 John 4:7-21
- John 15:1-8
- Psalm 22:24-30
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration.
In this episode, Rev. Beverly Gibson and Johnny Gwin discuss Bishop Kendrick's sermon illustrating the power of the name of Jesus and all of the ways we do and do not honor him when we use it. Plus, they examine the weekly lessons, themes, and readings. This week covers the topics of the necessity of love in power, inviting everyone to know Christ, showing our faith through truth and action, and the courage of declaring "I am Christian." Lastly, Rev. Gibson gives a behind the pulpit view of the events and orchestration of a Cathedral Celebration Sunday, the arrival of the Bishop, 6 Confirmations, and 3 Baptisms. This Broadway-like production is not just known to Christ Church Cathedral; most churches have very similar circumstances. Rev. Gibson shares how she struggles and tries to stay present during the Mass and the day with all of the movie parts and orchestration.
- Acts 4:5-12
- 1 John 3:16-24
- John 10:11-18
- Psalm 23
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Pulpit To Pew is a Christ Church Cathedral and Deep Fried Studios collaboration.
Welcome back! Not to this podcast but a place away from the edges of life. These edges are the mundane, chaotic, and distracting elements of life. The things that keep us away from what William Butler Yeats called "the center" in his poem "The Second Coming." Due to the dismal state of the world after WW1 Yeats saw a world of despair writing that "the center cannot hold." His fatalistic view seems as relevant today as it was in his lifetime. How do we, as Christians, avoid this hopeless and fearful view of life? This Easter sermon Rev. Gibson reminds us that the risen Christ is our solid center in the circling chaos and darkness of the world. The light from an empty tomb guides us to carry on and "keep going" with the stuff and muck of life. We are reminded to stop looking for Jesus among the dead and go and see him among the living - where he reigns. We need to go into the world to demonstrate our light to the rest of the world. Rev. Gibson ends her sermon with a list of ideas from author and artist Austin Kleon to keep moving forward in life and hacks them for aiding us to follow Jesus. Easter is not a single day. It is a season, beginning on Easter Day and continuing for seven full weeks. During this week of weeks work to bring lasting beauty into a world that sometimes feels like it is falling into chaos and darkness.
Readings
- Acts 10:34-43
- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
- or Mark 16:1-8
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
In this episode, Rev. Gibson and Johnny Gwin discuss themes of the resurrection of the physical human body, unity with God, fellowship with others, doubt, walking in the light and 2 lb. miracles. Miracle lives, like those of Mary Lindsley Golden, are a reminder of the gift of life and our connection to God and each other. Baptism of these miracle lives (well...all lives) is a beginning journey for one but it is also a recharging physical action for all that witness and publicly announce promises made to God to spiritually shepherd and care for the child baptized. Have you ever read what you are actually promising in the Baptismal Covenant? These oaths are substantial and significant. This call and response oral contract is a verbal and philosophical description of what we believe. Unlike "Doubting" Thomas, we state our belief in God and resurrection without physical proof or scientific method. Why do we do this? Are we foolish not to demand "proof"? The (occasional) Baptismal Covenant and The Nicene Creed (we recite each Sunday) is not just a part of the Mass, it's a declaration of who we are.
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
In this episode, Rev. Gibson & Johnny Gwin discusses the routines, rituals, and readings from Palm Sunday at Christ Church Cathedral. Starting in the garden, reenacting Mark's dramatic Passion Play, striking the Alter and leaving the church (not our Holy Week service) in silence. Palm Sunday's powerful reading covered the Passion from the Gospel of Mark with all the emotions and parts we have heard so many times. The borrowed colt, 3 denials before the cock crows twice, the arrest, the trial, the weight of the cross, and finally the human death of the "God-Man." Jesus, the God sent to Earth and instead of wielding his power emptied himself in the body of a man - a servant that was humble and obedient all the way to his own death. Our "God-Man" on the Cross - the "Tree of Life" is the bridge between life, our hell (sin), and the connection to heaven - the love and presence of God. The enduring eternal love of God in the person of Jesus Christ - The God-Man on the Tree - is offered for all, even when we sin and imprison ourselves (and others) in Hell. God offers us the door into heaven. Jesus stands with his lantern knocking at your door that only opens from the inside. Will you open the door to Christ during these final days of Holy Week?
Additional Topics:
The description and nature of Hell?
Was Judas forgiven for betraying Jesus?
Where does the term "God-Man" come from?
What is the Norse Mythology of the "Tree of Life"?
Who was Barrabbas and what became of him?
Insights and ideas to make the most out of the final week of Lent and the Easter Sunday celebration.
Weekly Readings:
- Isaiah 50:4-9a
- Philippians 2:5-11
- Mark 14:1-15:47
Resources:
Holman Hunt - Light of the World Painting
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
The recent passing of scientist Stephen Hawking prompted Rev. Gibson (Christ Church Cathedral - Episcopal) and parishioner Johnny Gwin to discuss faith, science, the power of the human brain, the purpose and need for God, forgiveness, and God's divine law written on our hearts.
Hawking frequently wrote that his life's work of math, quantum physics and looking into the fearful darkness of the nature of black holes led him to not be afraid of the dark and to a mindset that humanity no longer needs to believe in God and a fairytale afterlife. In all of Hawking's scientific accomplishments and his heroic story of the human spirit and genius many Christians also see a tragic tale of a great human that failed his biggest test. Dr. Hawking's life of struggle is an inspiration to millions and his death is a loss to the world of science, family, friends, and fans. His passing is also a reminder that we all will have a final sunset and a meeting with that dark "unknown."
We all should be inspired by men like Stephen Hawking by turning suffering into something beautiful and having the courage to not fear the darkness. However, as Christians, we are compelled to do more. We should continually be working to evolve into a new way of being by being repentant, seeking forgiveness of changed hearts and embracing the unknown darkness of the universe with the faith of a loving God that promises he will never leave those who ask for his mercy and divine life.
Readings:
- Jeremiah 31:31-34
- Hebrews 5:5-10
- John 12:20-33
- Psalm 51:1-13
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Rev. Beverly Gibson & Johnny Gwin discuss the lessons and readings from Laetare Sunday (fourth Sunday of Lent) covering the meaning of the Bronze Serpent of Numbers, our web of spiritual and physical connections in our lives, cosmic struggles, Oscar speeches, and God's grace. Rev. Gibson describes the ever-present, ever merciful love of God. Even when we act out of impatience and disobedience (like the Isrealites in the wilderness), God's loving response is grace and healing. In a world of struggle and sin, God collaborates with his followers personally and universally to raise us above the darkness and sin of the world. God did this by sending us the source of his "light", Jesus Christ. Jesus is the source of the deeds done in God in a world full of poisonous sin. Sending his only Son to be sacrificed on The Cross was not to condemn us but to save us from the snakes of our flaws and the ubiquitous "ruler of the air." We are not alone in this world and this is Good News. Why? Because all of life is a collaboration and God's mercy is our binding force and saving grace.
Readings
- Numbers 21:4-9
- Ephesians 2:1-10
- John 3:14-21
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
In this week's Pulpit To Pew, we discuss radical kinship, understanding through bewilderment, second chances, unconditional love, abiding in faith and the foolishness of following God's wisdom and The Cross.
Jesus frequently used confusion and bewilderment as a means of teaching and leading his disciples to repentance and to metanoia. Metanoia is redemption by going beyond the present mind, to get past our fear and disorientation of the "choir" (hint: the choir is us), turning the corner and running into something new. This inner journey of metanoia pushes us to reach a new and extreme kinship with God and those around us. God gave the "whining" and unfaithful Israelites a second chance with a new covenant and 10 words of "Holy" clarity with the 10 Commandments. Jesus's disruptive action of cleansing the temple was a profound reorientation to seeing the nature of God and a new way to worship. Present day Jesuit priest and author of Barking At The Choir - The Power of Radical Kinship, Father Gregory Boyle lives and gives rise to redemptive second chances with his LA Gang Outreach Mission, Homeboy Industries. His community's stories and found connections demonstrate a new model of Church as a community of inclusive kinship, tenderness, and redemption. In a broken and chaotic world, Father Boyle advises for us to focus on the awe of the incredible gifts God has given us and instead of the judgment of others and our existing situations. We should look for the surprising beauty of receiving and giving second chances. By being open to rethinking our status quo and being on the lookout for ways to confound and deconstruct our reality we can be the foolishness of God's wisdom and the weakness of God's power. Confused? It's OK, this is a good thing.
Lectionary:
- Exodus 20:1-17
- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
- John 2:13-22
Resources:
Homeboy Industries
Barking To The Choir
Father Gregory Boyle
Dr. Brenee Brown Sermon
In this episode, Rev. Gibson shares her recollection and thoughts on this Sunday’s gospel lessons and Rev. Marshall Craver’s sermon. Rev. Craver’s sermon focused on faithfully following God’s plan, reversal of Divine Power, and the true nature of Jesus The Christ. In Mark's gospel, Peter refused to believe what Jesus was telling him when he revealed the prediction of the Passion. Jesus’s impending death on the Cross and his loving service to others is the opposite of our culture’s perception of God's power. Instead of Jesus being God’s dynamite, Jesus's life, death, and mission of self-sacrifice over self-power and active love over control are true examples of God’s reversal of Divine Power. This “theology of the cross” (not “theology of glory”) is rooted in God’s ever-present mercy, serving others instead of being served, and giving not grabbing represents the difficulty and high stakes of discipleship. Self-protection and self-promotion have no value in the life spent following Jesus. Only in losing the life the world values and having faith in God’s plan for us can we find the true life given to us as children of God.
Weekly Readings:
- Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
- Romans 4:13-25
- Mark 8:31-38
Thanks for listening. Please rate and review our show on iTunes.
Pulpit to Pew, a podcast that features a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to further explore the weekly lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Sponsor: Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal)
Recorded at Deep Fried Studios ~ Mobile, Alabama
Produced by: Johnny Gwin
In this episode, Rev. Gibson discusses a two-fold movement from the life of Jesus from the Gospel of Mark that will characterize our whole experience of Lent. First, at Jesus' baptism, God expressed pleasure at who Jesus is -"You are my Son, the Beloved; with you, I am well pleased." Then, "immediately," Jesus was driven into the wilderness to undergo testing by Satan for forty days, a ritual of prophetic self-knowledge.
Our Lenten forty days begins the exact same way: we are God's well-loved children, in whom God takes great pleasure. Then we are called to take the time to look inward and ask the tough questions of self-awareness in order to become who God calls us to be. What is our "wilderness"? A place that is free of distractions and gives you space to ask "who am I?"
Plus, Rev. Gibson and Johnny explore the concept of being tested instead of "tempted" by those dark voices of denial and fear that find us when we quiet ourselves while searching for meaning and purpose. This "testing" can be a positive act to help us to fully get to know ourselves. We may stumble along the way on our Lenten journey but learning along the way, instead of feeling defeated, keeps us moving forward instead of giving up. Lastly, Rev. Gibson shares the ideas of Dr. Jordan Peterson from his book 12 Rules For Life, An Antidote To Chaos. In his book, Dr. Peterson suggests that we need to consider his rule #4: "compare yourself with who you were yesterday, not with who someone else is today." As long as we stay focused on our own plans and personal work, strengthening our relationship with God and each other, and walking the world with purpose our Lenten journey will be well worth the effort.
Readings:
- Genesis 9:8-17
- 1 Peter 3:18-22
- Mark 1:9-15
Resources:
12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Dr. Jordan Peterson
In this episode, Rev. Gibson talks about the nature of true freedom and liberty found in our life in Christ. What is this freedom so graciously given to us and what obligations does this new freedom come with? Just like the "mother-in-law" that was healed in Mark's gospel, Jesus frees us from the barriers and maladies that get in the way of sharing our work and the good news with others. What are we doing personally, and as a church community, to choose to use our calling and gifts to serve ourselves, others and the people around us?
Johnny asks Rev. Gibson about Jesus's true mission and who or what was he beholden to and obligated. Plus, he manages to sneak in the classic Twilight Zone episode "To Serve Man", where people are served by a visiting and polite alien race...for dinner.
Readings:
- Isaiah 40:21-31
- 1 Corinthians 9:16-23
- Mark 1:29-39
- Psalm 147:1-12, 21c
In this episode, Rev. Beverly Gibson reflects on Rev. Marshall Carver's sermon from the week's lessons and service at Christ Church Cathedral (Mobile, Alabama). She discusses the pros and cons of using popular music (and culture) in a sermon and how Rev. Craver did an excellent job of incorporating Simon & Garfunkel's Sound of Silence to deliver his message of managing the light and darkness in our lives. Do we close ourselves off to our family, world, and God when darkness arrives? Do we know how to communicate this uneasiness to those that can help us? Can we see that Jesus calls us to stand with him when evil and darkness arrives in our lives? Rev. Gibson explores the concept and meaning of Jesus's "authority" reflected in Mark 1:21-28, and Johnny tries his best to explain his understanding of Paul's 1 Corinthians 8:1-13. Lastly, William Blake's "The Lamb," "The Lion," his "Doors Of Perception" are examined to delve into the duality of the light and darkness in "this world" and "not of this world."
Worship Notes From Rev. Beverly Gibson
Readings
- Deuteronomy 18:15-20
- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
- Mark 1:21-28
- Psalm 111
The Sound of Silence
by Simon & Garfunkel
Hello darkness, my old friend
I've come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence
In restless dreams I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone
'Neath the halo of a street lamp
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silence
And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never shared
No one dared
Disturb the sound of silence
"Fools," said I, "you do not know
Silence like a cancer grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you"
But my words like silent raindrops fell
And echoed in the wells of silence
And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming
And the sign said "The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls
And whispered in the sound of silence"
We can waste a lot of time and energy ignoring God's calling and following the whims and diversions of the false self created in our minds. Life is rushing by all of us and lays hold of the most important things in life in the time given to us. The lessons this week are filled with this theme of time, callings, and a sense of urgency to do the important work. Andrew and Simon, without hesitation, got up, left their nets, life, and families to follow Jesus's call. Are you owning the day, your precious time, and following God's calling? If not, you're in good company. The poster prophet of second chances, Jonah, did the same thing in this Sunday's first reading. He ran away from God and his very specific prophetic task. In the end, God's pursuit (and a big ole' whale) set Jonah straight which allowed him to make things right. The life God has given us in time is finite; every moment is precious. Our ownership of time is slippery and limited. Therefore those things important to us need to be done immediately and without distraction and if we do find ourselves trapped in the belly of a whale God wants us to ask for help to find our way out. To make the most of our time on this dry land use this biblical time management lifehack: come and see, follow Him, and get up and go.
What nets are you still clinging to?
Other Topics Covered:
Seneca and his stoic philosophy of time and productivity
Margaret Wise Brown's The Runaway Bunny correlation to Jonah
The Book Of Jonah - a book of conflict and irony
Rev. Gibson's story of putting down her nets
The Heroe's Tale and In The Belly of the Whale
Tide Pods are something that should not be eaten
Readings:
- Jonah 3:1-5, 10
- 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
- Mark 1:14-20
- Psalm 62:6-14
Resources:
Greg Carey - Mark 1:14-20: A Call Worthy of Their Lives
Seneca - The Shortness of Life: Seneca on Busyness and the Art of Living Wide Rather Than Living Long
How To Be Stoic - Seneca to Lucilius: on saving time
Margaret Wise Brown - The Runaway Bunny
Keeping with the spirit of one of the messages of Sunday's sermon, Pulpit To Pew threw caution to the wind to experience performing an unrehearsed LIVE podcast in front of a lively parish audience. Thanks so much to all that stuck around for the maiden voyage and recording. Rev. Gibson and Johnny had such a good time and will be planning more in the near future.
In this LIVE episode, Rev. Gibson makes us aware that learning and worshiping at Christ Church Cathedral can be more than just passively sitting and listening to the Mass. There is so much to visually absorb from the architecture, beautiful art, floral arrangements, woodwork and the stain glass windows to feel a connection to God. In fact, one of our Tiffany stain glass windows depicts the gospel lesson this week, Nathaniel meeting Jesus under a fig tree. In the Gospel, Phillip asks Nathanial to "come and see" this holy man from Nazareth and this skeptical seeker ventures out to meet Jesus. Eventually, he becomes one of Jesus's earliest believers, friends, and one of the twelve apostles. What if Nathaniel had not gone to see Jesus due to his pre-conceived notions, knowledge, and bias ("Can anything good come from Nazareth")? Do we close ourselves off because of our own biases from getting out of our comfort zone by exploring the world and being open to new experiences? Being open to exploration without purpose (and bias) can lead to personal transformation, spiritual growth, and new revelations about ourselves and our relationship with God. Is God calling to us to be open to seeing him like he sees us? Are we listening? Are we ignoring this divine invitation?
Topics Covered:
Nathanial the skeptic, true Israelite, man with no agenda or guile, and apostle.
How did Jesus see and chose his disciples?
God's vision and how he sees us.
Listening and answering back to God's calling.
Can anything good come out of Nazareth?
The significance of the fig tree reference in the Bible and the Rabbinical tradition?
Who is John Stilgoe and what can his book Outside Lies Magic can teach us?
Learning to be more creative, create more ideas and respond to problems energetically?
Glorifying and spreading the word of God by purposely performing your job to the best of your ability.
Resources:
John Stilgoe - Harvard Historian and Photographer
Outside Lies Magic: Regaining History and Awareness in Everyday Places by John Stilgoe
It's a new calendar year and a liturgical season and the lessons this week were all about beginnings. Reverend Gibson and Johnny Gwin discuss the Priestly Story of Divine Creation, Mark's Gospel of Jesus's baptism, the power of our own baptism, and how it's all connected. From God's breath across the water of the formless void all creation in life is continually coming into being. We are all a part of God's creation from our new life of baptism, to our daily actions and the role we play in God's ongoing story.
In this episode, Rev. Gibson & Johnny discuss the annual Christ Church Cathedral's Children's Christmas Pageant. The little shepherds, angels, bearded Joseph and Mary all did a wonderful job delivering the weekly Gospel this past weekend. In addition to the children's performance, three young parishioners shared their own Christmas Pageant moments and cherished memories with the congregation. This event is fun but also important to the growth of our Church family. Including all people, young and old, as active participants in the liturgy and weekly mass strengthens the connection to your faith and each other. Hearing Christmas story form Luke's gospel through the lens of children gives us a new perspective and can make us all recall those joyous times of our youth during the magical season of Christmas. To wrap up the show, Johnny manages to connect the new Star Wars film story and themes to the weekly lessons and the reflections of past and present Christmas Pageants.
Merry Christmas from the Pulpit to Pew podcast. Thanks so much for sharing 2017 with us. Keep your lamps lit for the coming of the Baby Jesus and we will see you in 2018.
Modern day Christians tend to think of the Prophets as bearers of harsh warnings of present misbehavior and impending doom. Johnny always seems to draws them as frustrated, crazy, and wild-eyed characters with frazzled hair (e.g. Doc Brown from Back To The Future movies). This perception (and doodle) is not exactly accurate, in fact, the Prophets could be seen as the first "motivational speakers". Prophets, like modern day business gurus and Ted Talk internet superstars, inform and encourage their audiences to see the world different and to prepare for something that is coming. Which often, in the case of biblical witness, is the "Good News." Reverend Gibson examines the words and prophetic call of Isiah, Elijah, John The Baptist, and even 1960's AM radio broadcaster Earl Nightingale (considered to be the first motivational speaker) and how these "influencers" delivered messages of restoration and renewal to those longing for guidance and inspiration. Like the early Christians, we live in difficult times and are many are listening and longing for encouragement and motivation of action towards a brighter future. Isaiah and John The Baptist spoke of living in harmony with a loving God and understanding and preparing "The Way" for us to walk with Christ. Mr. Nightingale's "The Stranger Secret", while not exactly authorized biblical canon, it is a positive message of encouragement and has instructed many listeners on how-to work to become the person they long to be. Oh by the way, NIghtingale's "Secret" is this: be aware of what you think about; this is what you will become. It's not a complex insight, but it can be very prophetic.
BONUS: Rev. Gibson shares Elinor Gibson's Christmas gift wish list.
Questions To Consider:
- What do you think about the most when you are thinking?
- What or who are you listening to that influences your thoughts?
- Are you hearing and heading the good news of God's Prophets?
- Who do you want to become?
- How are you preparing "The Way" and a path for Christ to come to you?
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Readings:
- Isaiah 40:1-11
- 2 Peter 3:8-15a
- Mark 1:1-8
Resources:
Earl Nightingale - The Strangest Secret
Reverend Gibson was inspired by a purpose statement from the poet and memoirist Mary Karr. Karr, the best-selling author who candidly shares the story of her life – from earthy Texas native, to teacher, to struggling addict, to eventually becoming fully alive – living a life of faith. Karr writes, “Having devoted the first half of my life to the dark, I feel obliged to revere any pinpoint of light now.” Her purpose statement sums up why people are drawn to her stories and gives us a connection to this week’s gospel lessons. This week’s lessons, being Jesus’ apocalyptic instructions and lessons to his disciples to patiently wait and stay awake in order to be vigilantly aware of finding the “light” in the darkness around them.
Mary Karr’s re-telling of her earthly struggles and on-going redemption have inspired many fans and lifted them up emotionally and spiritually.
This type of story-telling of our lives can be a powerful exercise in our own journey of faith. What stories do you have of God or someone else renewing and reviving you from a dark time or situation? What gifts or acts have you received which helped you overcome a barrier or tragedy? There is real power in the act of curation of our own stories chronicling the recurring pattern of God in our lives.
The structure of our own stories is usually something like:
• We awaken in darkness
• We come into an awareness of our vulnerability and powerlessness
• We arrive at an understanding o our need for the saving power of God
• We find ourselves living in the light of God’s promises and living as God’s own people awaiting his return
Perhaps the structure is formulaic, but it’s also a compelling narrative that can be a device to replenish our spiritual lamps, renew our faith, and remind us to stay awake to recognize the signs of God’s love and grace when he reveals himself to us in our daily lives. So, this Advent, hit the rewind and play buttons on your “stories,” share them with loved ones, and more importantly, share your heroic journey of darkness to light with someone else who might need the inspiration.
Readings
- Isaiah 64:1-9
- 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
- Mark 13:24-37
Labeling and the cultural tendency of categorizing others narrowly and dismissively seems to have elevated to the level of entertainment, sport, and national pastime. Unfortunately, many (even those that are frequently labeled and marginalized) are drawn to this behavior that creates a barrier to understanding each other, our shared problems and the ability to work together to solve them. Labeling stifles the spirit of love and runs counter to the central Gospel imperative of the greatest commandment - to love God with all your heart and one another as you love yourself. In this episode, Rev. Beverly Gibson and Johnny Gwin discuss how labeling and a rigid mindset is at the center of Jesus' Parable of the Talents. How does this action become a barrier that keeps us from knowing the true nature of God, ourselves, and specifically those "others" that do not pass the litmus test of like-mindedness? The takeaway from this podcast is that daily, we should be engaging our God-given imagination and skills to create an environment that embraces working together with others to build the Kingdom of God.
Topics covered
The lessons and writing of the man who taught and copywrited "love", Dr. Love, Leo Buscaglia
The 1970's Dr. Love "Hippy Love" talk on the surface is compatible to the core teaching of Christianity
Do fixed positive and negative mindsets of people, tasks and things pre-determine outcomes?
Knowing ourselves entails being open to knowing others as they really are. That means knowing God as God really is - not as human labels have made him.
Its lifelong work to inquire, decern, and unlearn the labels we have long established in our minds to know ourselves, others, and God in new, creative and generous ways.
Richard Rohr and his view of non-dualistic conceptions of God and of existence.
Is the Holy Spirit the energy and inspiration that creates the push for Christians to be open to new things, opportunities, and love?
The laziness of stereotyping limits the transcendent power of the Spirit
Strive to go outside of our homes, ourselves and comfort zones. This is how we learn about things have become what they are how they be improved and built stronger.
It’s not news that we live a world of uncertainty, fear, and anxiety, but how can we improve our spiritual and mental lives in such uncertain and dangerous times and confidently carry ourselves forward? What guidance and wisdom can scripture and the teaching of Jesus provide us to prepare, handle and process the seemingly endless stream of bad news from media, culture and social media? In this episode, Rev. Beverly Gibson discusses the parable the lamp oil and the ten bridesmaids and how this lesson is directly related to dealing with impatience, fear, anxiety, and dealing with the unknown in today’s world. God wants us to be joyful, at peace and yes, resilient. Not just the ability to bounce back from hardship or a temporary set-back resilient but a courage filled and bold confidence to overcome fears and trauma. Many of us are seeking an on-going way of approaching life that we know will be filled with a seemingly endless series of challenges and problems. Maybe by wisely opening up to living a life of faith, grace, balance, vigilant resilience, and doing the work that God has called us to do we could prepare ourselves to adapt well in the face of adversity, threats, fear, and tragedy.
Recently, the nature of resilience and dealing with uncertain times was discussed in a Wall Street Journal article by writer Meg Jay, The Secrets of Resilience. While this more of a guide to implementing resilience in our individual life, it can be seen equally relevant and beneficial for our Church family and spiritual life.
Meg Jay's steps on learning to become resilient and conquering adversity:
- Take on long-term and long-form projects that can feel like challenges but not threats.
- Resist defeat by setting your mind on positive things.
- Reach out to others who care and work together.
- Make a realistic plan to improve your situation.
- Work plan day by day.
- Remember the ways you have been courageous and strong in the past.
Life is a gift from God, and it should be lived as fully as we can live. We should do all things, including the path to resilience, in the light of Christ’s resurrection and his presence among us, even as we await his coming again. As Christians, our foundation is our baptism, it's nurtured and grown in a life of discipleship, and our lamp oil is the energy generated in doing the work we are called to do. We do these all things because they are what Christ he has told us to do in his teachings. In the doing so, we become stronger in our faith and more capable of proclaiming the good news that has been given to us.
Readings This Week
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Matthew 25:1-13
What in the world does Netflix's suspenseful Stranger Things, have to do with All Saint's Day and it's biblical lessons? Rev. Beverly Gibson (Christ Church Cathedral) uses this wildly popular series plot of two seperate realms that are connecting and colliding as an analogy for understanding our spiritual realms of Earth and God's Heavenly Kingdom, and the unity of the living and the dead.
What you will hear:
- Are the two realms of Earth and God's Kingdom separate?
- How are they united?
- How do we leak more of God's Kingdom into our harsh reality?
- What role do the Beatitudes and Jesus' teachings play in this connection to this intertwining of these two worlds?
- What is mercy and how can it's energy bind us all closer to God and each other?
- Is there ever a quarrel between Man and God?
Readings
Revelation 7:9-17
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12
Topics and discussions
Celebrating All Saints Day at Christ Church Cathedral
Unity of the living and the dead
The eternal presence of God for all people and all creatures
Looking back at those we have lost we experience the harsh realities of the reality of what we know and a realm in which we can only speculate.
The common thread of the town of Hawkins in Netflick's show Stranger Things and the reality of upside down which is decay and darkness and the right side up - things that seem light and full of mercy and light
The two realms of Hawkins is separate but intertwined and connected - much like our world and heaven. Separated but connected
All Saints Day described in the illustration of John's Cloud of Witnesses and the Temple Cult of Heaven in the Book of Revelations is the realm of light and mercy while the realm of earth can seem dark and scary
While Stranger Things is a TV entertainment experience and just an example of a correlation of two realms that collide, the experience of All Saints Sunday is different, and our connection to the Kingdom of God is a spiritual one
Separated but still connected
Jewish apocalyptic literature has a purpose of revealing a temple cult in heaven where God is worshiped eternally no matter what is happening on Earth. Even the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem.
Worship in the eternal temple goes on
We are to worship God from Earth with an eye to this other Temple of Heaven
We worship God on Earth by following the teachings of Jesus laid out in the Beatitudes
Beatitudes - another vision of the blessed who are a part of the eternal worship of God
Mercy is an action
Is a constant and unconditional living force that moves through all things that bind us all together in God
The energy of God's love that runs throughout the universe
Thoreau - aware of God's loving energy moving through all things
There are no quarrels with God. Only we, humans create quarrels with God in our own wilfulness and misunderstandings
All Saint's Sunday focus us on that uniting force through time and space in the eternal now
We live and move and have our being in mercy
To be merciful with ourselves, with others, and with our world is to receive that energy that runs through all creation and unites us
Learning things about ourselves, the world and spirituality can be learned in many modern stories that are all around us
Making something like Revelations accessible to others by using stories like Stranger Things as a metaphor
Bible references in many pop-culture stories and art
C.S. Lewis and the Chronicle of Narnia as an allegory
The universal and ancient stories that is passed down in our traditions and history of a species
These stories of universal existential mysteries combines us to our ancestors and helps us make sense of these big questions of existence and the darkness of our own time
Stranger Things did an excellent job of balancing the existence of the darkness of evil and the light of good
I Sing Of The Saints of God - Saints are everywhere and "I want to be one too"
The Cloud of Witnesses includes the living and the dead
Saints can be alive today by living mercifully and the teachings of the Beatitudes
The transformative power of studying and understanding the lives of Saints
Not hiding children from stories that have dark themes if there is a valuable lesson in the story
We must have eternal vigilance against evil because there is no such thing is real life that is happily ever after
The Bible is a historic and guide that can be used to learn to handle issues that we may not understand, much like the Stranger Things kids used Dungeons & Dragons to give them insight into something no one can explain.
Understanding apocalyptic visions like the Book of Revelations and how to see there are many interpretations of that reading
Talking about death with hope and in the vision of God's love and mercy helps us to ease our fear of death
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In this episode, Rev. Beverly Gibson and Johnny Gwin continue to discuss the issue of the nature (and confusion) of Jesus as both human and divine. Using Matthew's gospel of the account of the Pharisee's Lawyer trying to trap Jesus with the question of "What is the greatest commandment," Rev. Gibson reveals that there is more to the greatest commandments. Jesus answered "loving God with all your heart, soul and mind" is the greatest commandment but he also added a second part to his answer, the "Golden Rule." Loving your neighbor as yourself is the coat hanger in which all the rules and laws of God is shaped and formed. Is understanding the letter and the spirit of the "Golden Rule" the lynchpin that connects all the lessons, laws, and ideas in Christianity? What would the world be like if more of us asked the question "Am I being loving" in all of our deeds and relationships?
In our present cultural moment, we have gone beyond uncomfortable silence with discourse. We have been actively resistant and hostile to silence and have been moved straight to outright rage and protest when we hear things that trigger internal opposition to ideas and theories. Thinking needs the head and the heart. When we quit listening to someone because they don't "see things like us" we might be doing ourselves a disservice to understanding something more or in a deeper way. Jesus had a way of using "silence" in his teachings. Not only is there wisdom and faith in his words but also in his "between the lines" delivery if his messages. Jesus left his detractors silenced when he was challenged. He gave those that wanted to destroy him the time and respect to at least hear them out, and then after a pause of powerful silence lovingly gave them the chance to hear and absorb the truth that he was freely teaching to everyone to turn people toward God.
Takeaway: This week "Just Give 5 Minutes" to prayer, yourself and your neighbors. Especially those neighbors that think and see our world much different than you.
Readings:
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Matthew 22:34-46
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Pulpit to Pew, a podcast that features a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to further explore the weekly lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
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This week Rev. Beverly Gibson and Johnny Gwin look at the nature of allegiance. Most of us have heard and comprehended the meaning of "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's," but what is our debt to God? The answer to this profound teaching, from the Gospel of Matthew, is found more in Jesus's unspoken parallel than what he said. What is God's image imprinted upon? God's image is upon "us." We are what is owed to our Heavenly Emperor. More specifically, giving our physical and spiritual presence to Him, ourselves and others is the true debt that is owed.
Also discussed in this episode:
Jesus's handling of those that are conspiring against him
Jesus's rabbinical teaching method
Tithing
The human and divine nature of Jesus
God's greatest gift to the world and His followers.
Pulpit To Pew wants to congratulate Christ Church Cathedral parishioner Carl Cunningham Jr. and the young men of the Kappa League of Mobile for earning their National Chapter of the Year Award. Your presence at Sunday services is always a gift, and thanks for sharing your achievements. Your diligence and accomplishments are an inspiration to our whole community.
Weekly Readings Exodus 33:12-23
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Matthew 22:15-22
Complete Show:
Carl Cunningham, Jr. and the young men Kappa League of Mobile and their success, 12 million in scholarships and the National Jay Crosby Award joined us at service
Rev. Marshall Craver as a new addition to the Christ Church Cathedral family and the adult education program
The Pharisees and Herodians laying a trap for Jesus in the gospel of Matthew
Is it lawful to pay taxes to the Emperor or not?
Jesus in true Rabbinical tradition answers a question with another question
The image on the emperor's coin
If the coin belongs to the emperor what does God own?
What does God have his image on? Us.
Tithing and "the more" that is asked of God
The sharing of each other's presence
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons in ourselves and others?
How Rev. Gibson prepares for the podcast when she doesn't deliver a sermon
Rev. Craver's earthly father's advice of never to speak of politics, religion, and money in public
Facebook seems to break Rev. Craver's sound fatherly advice
How we are not too different from the Pharisees and the Herodians
Herodians and Pharisees make strange bedfellows aligning together against Jesus
What does God have his image on
The profound teaching is the unspoken parallel of what is not said
The light and dark side (Star Wars reference) of ourselves and one another
Arguing the exact nature of Jesus - fully human, fully divine, or both
God's great compassion is giving his only son as a human being and sending him to live and die among us
What was Jesus like during the time he was finding his way in life from the age of 13 to 30
We all were or are trying to discover our calling during our teens and twenties
Seeing Jesus in the people around us and sitting next to us
The divine in the human being is transcendent in many many religions
Is our soul the divine within each and every one of us
Johnny's need to explore William Blake other than his knowledge of this great artist from the Hannibal and Red Dragon movies
The Men of Kappa League wearing the garments of righteousness and inspiration
Big things are very important, but it is those little things that make us know we are loved
Nick Saban and The Process - nothing is minuscule, it's all important
God is in the details or is the Devil in the details
Workaholism and the temptation of working to help others instead of working on ourselves
To hear Rev. Beverly Gibson's sermons or for for more information on Christ Church Cathedral please click here.
This has been a production of Deep Fried Studios.
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In this our 50th episode of Pulpit To Pew, Rev. Beverly Gibson shares one of her memorable moments from her summer sabbatical and family trip to Europe. Rev. Gibson introduces us to the "Wonder Worker of Britain," Saint Cuthbert, the Bishop of Lindisfarne and patron saint of Northern England. A visit to Cuthbert's Shine is said to awaken our awareness of the Benedictine Monasticism that is a part of the Church of England heritage in the Episcopal Church. This Benedictine Monasticism core value - The Care of Persons - are in our Episcopal DNA. This Care of Persons is a guideline of how we are to treat all people:
- Harmony and unity
- Generosity to all
- Rejoicing in Christ in all things
- Putting on a garment of Christian righteousness
St. Paul describes this Care of Persons core value in the Epistle lesson this week with his letters to the Philippians (Phil. 4:1-9). This high ideal and value are essential to our Church mission of stewardship.
What is the lesson from the Gospel reading of The King's Banquet? Rev. Gibson explains to Johny that our gift is not the invitation but the acceptance of the offer. But, there is a catch with this all-inclusive gift. To stay at the feast, we must adhere to the King's rules (Matthew 22:1-14.) Christians must do more than show up. We must put on the garments of Christ, like the pious St. Cuthbert did oh so many centuries ago. We must start to start living like Christ, walk in his ways and always work to take care of others. Can we begin to see all people as Christ did? And lastly, what if we saw everyone as important as how the followers of Cuthbert preserved and cared for his famous coffin, remains and legacy?
Lastly, Rev. Gibson asks us to start seeing that we Episcopalians are more than just a Reformation Church. We have a long a deep history, revered Saints, legends, stories and family legacies that make up the DNA of our traditions, rituals, and faith. This awareness of the overall larger picture of God's Kingdom and creation and connecting our spiritual past could be a common thread to strengthen us individually, our parish, diocese, and the whole Church.
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Sometimes losing something can give us a much-needed reset and can present us with a refreshing gift. Hurricane Nate disrupted life and our normal Sunday Services this past weekend, so Rev. Gibson decided to try something different for this show. Instead of discussing the weekly lessons and sermon, Rev. Gibson shares a meditation with Johnny and you, the listener. Very often when we miss Sunday Service we feel that something is "just off." We hope this episode fills your spiritual gap and shows you a different perspective of missing Church.
Covered Topics:
Hurricane Nate led to the cancellation of services at Christ Church Cathedral, Baptisms, Kappa League Breakfast
Predictions, even the best, is just that. A Prediction.
Tom McGhee, article on Hurricanes then and hurricane's now
The Pause that we take
The silent sun and moon and what they can teach us
Divine instructions from the heavens, the sun, and the moon
Anam Cara by John O'Donohue - witness every sunset and sunrise for a month
Within the continuing rhythms of nature we live out our life looking for purpose
The pause from our smaller purpose - a time to listen and learn from the Heavens
The Psalmists
Divine Instruction of Torah from Heaven
The big pause button of Divine Intervention and teaching
What is an absolute truth?
Don't overthink your presence - be present and aware without trying "to do"
What are meditations?
Johnny rethinks his St. Thomas of Aquinas book of meditations that he discounted in the past
Meditations and The Epistles are intimate looks into the thinking and thoughts of holy men and biblical icons
The beauty and the power of the poetic language of the Psalms
This has been a production of Deep Fried Studios.
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In this first show of season 3, Rev. Gibson and Johnny Gwin discuss the lessons from the Oct.1st readings and sermon that center on questioning authority, spiritual leadership, God's economy of grace, and claiming the infinite gifts that God bestows upon us all. And NO, one of those divine gifts (while considered an exceptional consumer product) does not include the Yeti Cooler that Rev. Gibson read about in a recent New York Times article. This NYT article focuses on the cult-like hype and love of the almighty Yeti Brand. Quoted is a Ms. Tannehill (Augusta, Ga.) describing this $300 product as practically a divine gift, “God dropped the Yeti down: ‘Here you go, South, it’s hot, I see you’re struggling.” Plus, the reporter Steven Kurutz retells the story of this summer's Great Yeti Heist of the Springhill Ace Hardware Store.
Covered Topics:
Understanding and questioning authority
The Economy of Grace vs. The Economy of Merit
The Open Enrollment of God Economy of Grace
God's limitless love
The show up and failure clause of the Baptismal Covenant
The Pharisee's lack of understanding and heated conversations with Jesus (Mathew 21: 23-32)
The importance to listening to the teachings of John The Baptist
The challenges of the Spiritual Leader
The difficulty of balancing the business of the Church and the purpose of the Church
Claiming God's ever-present infinite love
How "living love" is a life's work
Parable of the 2 Sons explained
A Flannery O'Connor and a first class/coach airline analogies of the gospel lessons
The Yeti Mug that glows within each of us...maybe
Weekly Readings:
Exodus 17:1-7
Philippians 2:1-13
Matthew 21:23-32
Rev. Gibson and Johnny are so excited to start the third season of Pulpit To Pew and want to thank all the listeners for your support and patience. They and Deep Fried Studios promise to deliver every week the best show using our God-given gifts and energy.
To hear Rev. Beverly Gibson's sermons or for for more information on Christ Church Cathedral please click here.
This has been a production of Deep Fried Studios.
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In this episode, Rev. Gibson discusses the theme of Bishop Russell Kendrick’s “What goes on in there?” and the mission statement of his “generosity” sermon. The conversation then leads us to relook at the lesson of the Good Shepherd and sparks us see this representation of Jesus in a whole new way. From discussing the occupational function to the spiritual significance of the “Good Shepherd”, we see how a great leader teaches, protects, and sacrifices for their flock. Johnny Gwin specifically inquires about the “I am the gate” metaphoric and beautiful language of the Gospel of John. And we touch on who and what are the thieves and bandits mentioned in the lesson. And of course, a recap of the long awaited Steeple Dedication of the Christ Church Cathedral celebration is covered from spire to foundation.
What you will here:
Planning and logistic details of putting on the Christ Church Cathedral Annual Celebration
The outstanding work of Carl Cunningham and his very successful group of young leaders - The Kappa League of Mobile
The Good Shepherd & The Gate
A description of how the Early Christian Church functioned and it's mission of "pure generosity"
"Generosity" should be the overall mission and purpose of any church
A vision fueled by hope for us to do things that seem foolish to most of the present-day consumer driven world
The Christ Church Cathedral view of the new steeple as something foolish
Seeing the new steeple as a visual motivation and symbol for current parishioners to strive to be more generous. Be more of an example of the inclusive and positive lessons taught by Jesus Christ
What are we doing for the sheep - not in our flock - to show them our generosity and care that pass our "Church Gate" everyday?
Readings Referenced:
- Acts 2:42-47
- 1 Peter 2:19-25
- John 10:1-10
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew?
We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
Like Pulpit To Pew Podcast?
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- Rate and review the show on Apple iTunes This one helps us a ton – seriously!
Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
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In this episode, Rev. Beverly Gibson and Johnny Gwin discuss the themes and lessons from the story of Doubting Thomas. Thomas needed to see the hands and pierced side of Jesus to believe he had risen. Did he not have enough faith? When in our life are we like Thomas, needed empirical evidence over our faith? Like the Disciples, we can cloister and hide in a room or our beliefs not letting new ideas and unexpected outcomes to enter into our reality. We can create our own prisons within our rigid belief systems, delusions of control and our inflated sense of self-worth. Jesus, in his resurrection, defeated death and unlocked the doors of our fears. Jesus has shown us that life is about living - not death, belief without proof, and to be open to the possibility of the letting the unknown into your world. Our big takeaway this week: joy is in your life, here and now, not just in Heaven.
What You Will Here:
Rev. Gibson's crazy week with the Christ Church Cathedral Steeple raising
The apparitions of Jesus after the resurrection and how can move between worlds and realms.
Fulfillment of prophecy: none would be lost
Johnny talks about the influence of stain glass windows on his weekly SabbaDoodle sketchnotes
Epictetus - We can't change events, but we can change our attitude toward those events
Epictetus and the common language and messages of Buddhism - the search for the good life
Living the good and un-dramatic life
How not to be imprisoned by one's fears
Fighting the human fear of death
Jesus has defeated death, and God loved his creation so much he destroyed death so that his creation might live
Jesus sends us out of the locked door of fear
Faith allows us to believe without seeing
Thomas's job to proclaim the good news and pass that blessing along to those that can not see Jesus
The Commission
Peter - the Acts of The Apostles - proclaiming the truths to the same people who just killed Jesus and was searching for the Disciples
Terminal Witness joke - explained
The tough job of martyrdom - it's no job for a sissy
What "our faith will be tested by fire" means
You can't have faith without doubt
The clear faith of Atheists
Agnostics are lazy, atheists are hard workers
Christopher Hitchins - writer and atheist
Closed debates by true believers
Letting the possibility of the unknown into the world
The illusion of control
Your self-made mental prison - getting stuck and escaping
The joy of the unexpected results
Plato's The Cave allegory - explained
North Korea and their skewed reality and our skewed reality of American Exceptionalism
Epidemic of affluence
Disney's Wall-E as a prophetic story of the future
Having faith in our beliefs and then still being able to question those same beliefs
The danger of faith environments that focus on pain, sin and
Recounting of early church apocryphal sermon - The Harrowing Hell - Jesus goes to Hell to free those that are not made for death, kicking open the doors of Hell, and defeat death
Death would not control life
Adam & Eve are the first to be awoken in Hell
What is hell?
Not being in the presence of God is death - that can be Hell
The faith that is given to us at baptism and we have to choose to access it and grow it
Everlasting life - life in your life
Joy is here and not just in Heaven
Faith as a rechargeable battery - a low energy level indicator and a proper cord to recharge your faith
Peace Is Every Step - book of Buddhist teachings of the emotional knots that tighten inside of you
Learning to live in the new way of living after a death of something - a change
Pentecost - the coming of the Holy Spirit to the whole world not just the Disciples
The death of The Shakers
Being flexible in the hard beliefs and expectations of actions and events in our lives
Readings Referenced:
- Acts 2:14a,22-32
- 1 Peter 1:3-9
- John 20:19-31
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew?
We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
Like Pulpit To Pew Podcast?
Here’s how you can help the show:
- Like our Facebook Page
- Subscribe (for FREE) to Pulpit To Pew on Apple iTunes (or Overcast App)
- Rate and review the show on Apple iTunes This one helps us a ton – seriously!
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In this Easter episode, the theme of not "holding on" to the image of our childhood Jesus, or the one we think we know. How would our life and faith be enriched by committing to seeing Jesus, and our Church, anew? Rev. Gibson discusses the importance of this difficult act and how it can give us insight and freedom. Can we take the faith, belief, and orthodoxy that we are comfortable with and be open to diving further into exploring the infinite dimension of the teaching and example of the Risen Christ? Johnny embraces Rev. Gibson's sermon message of "letting go" and "living the life of what your reading" by relinquishing his weekly stringent podcast editing process and allowing (painfully) a "practically unedited" episode to go out into the world. Hopefully, the show is up to snuff and he, and you the listening audience, can take something to grow and learn from this unorthodox Easter message.
What You Will Hear:
Our 45th episode, we are getting close to the podcastically monumental 50th episode
The swing flower cross of Christ Church Cathedral
The elements of theatrics of service - especially Easter and high holy days
Why was Mary Magdelene drawn to go to the tomb?
What was she looking for?
The tomb was not in good shape - things were out of sorts and missing
Wess Floyd - Likes how St. John made a point of making sure we all new he was a faster runner than St. Peter
Men are men no matter time, place and culture
The power of tears - summon of angels
Jesus Green Jeans - The Gardner - 1st apparition
So caught in the moment that you do not see what is in front of you - locked in grief
"Do not hold on to me" - theme
Jesus is setting the table of preparation for what is to come and what the Disciples have to do
The Great Commission
The Risen Christ is a complete reorientation of being a follower of Christ
The Confirmation Promises
Don't hold on the the faith you had as a child and a young self
Religion as a habit and not a commitment
Open mind, open heart mindset
Seeing Jesus and religion anew
Start experiencing weekly Church services the same - change something to find a new connection
Learning from the ugly and dark things of life and the gospels not just the shiny and beautiful aspects
Parents fear and anxiety of grown children not being involved with Church or faith
Church needs to present tradition and orthodoxy in new ways to keep it fresh to all involved
Infectious speaker (Priest) when they are energized and excited about their message
Rumi & Shams - a story of a mentor and soul friendship
The story and lesson of the Dry Book
You need to live your life not just read about it
Rumi searching for the lost Shams
Rumi's realization that Shams is always with him - a part of him
Live the example of Jesus not just read and study it
Set your mind to things that are above, not those things of the Earth
Jesus waking Adam & Eve in the deepest parts of Hell
Our message is not about sin and death, it is all about life
"Don't fall asleep" - Jesus's request in Gethsemane
The Church needs to open the doors and go out into the world and meet it's challenges head on - not just hide behind the doors of the Church
Balancing tradition, ritual, change, and disruption
The institutional creation of the church in Rome - was it a good or bad thing?
The explosion of Punk Rock and how it shook a system of tradition and belief
The pros and cons of hiding behind the walls of a University or Church
Our transformation from personal relationships of higher learning mentors, teachers, and peers
Universities set the table to create an army of people that will change the world in ways even the teachers can imagine
The unknown powerful force of Jesus when he was no longer seen, held or Earthly
Readings Referenced:
- Acts 10:34-43
- Colossians 3:1-4
- John 20:1-18
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In this episode, Rev. Gibson and Johnny Gwin discuss the story and lessons in the Palm Sunday Gospel. Through the dramatic reading of the physical and existential journey of Jesus, and exploring the Way of The Cross, Beverly lays out a roadmap to lead us through the coming week of Holy Week. We walk with Jesus from being welcomed by Jerusalem as a hero, to him self-emptying emotion and power, to his brutal death on the Cross. Do we look at the real self-sacrifice, shame, and suffering Jesus endured for us? What things in life do we do to betray Jesus? When are we like Judas? Like Peter? Do we show up for God using our gifts, talents, and resources to help Christ and our whole community? The Church needs to be seen as a place for you to give back (sacrifice) to your community not a "what's in it for me" mindset.
During Holy Week and Easter, try to see Christ in the challenges, frustrating and ugly things in life? Could you see Christ in dealing with the most difficult people in your life? Perhaps your calling is not to judge and retaliate; maybe your roll is to serve those frustrating and challenging people.
What You Will Here:
What's a dramatic reading of Palm Sunday Gospel?
Mystery Plays is a very old traditions of Church
Infotainment for the ancient
Bringing the hassles and distractions of the world into the Church and Mass
Starting Palm Sunday in the garden - the beauty and the challenges
Palm Sunday sermon is challenging for many priests
Beverly lays out roadmap of leading through the coming week of Holy Week
Passio - root word for passion - means suffering and pain
Passion and love - can be a painful endeavor
Walk on the way of the cross to find the way of peace
Self-offering and pouring yourself out - Self-emptying
John's Gospel - the dinner with Jesus at Mary & Martha's home with Lazarus - a human and tender moment
Washing of the feet - Nard and Mary - a precious offering
Judas questions the use of the nard oil
The existential journey of Jesus heading to Golgotha
Jesus grieves and pleads in Gethsemane
The consumer culture glosses over the pain and suffering of The Passion - we sanitize
What is in it for me? - Church shouldn't be this way
The Way Of The Cross - the taunting and the shaming - sanitizing
Twitter shaming and Jon Ronson
Social media and when the world turns on people who makes mistakes
Turning on a "hero"
Jesus as the ultimate outsider - Nothing good comes from Nazareth
The mob mentality of Jerusalem turning on Jesus
"Sealed with a kiss" - does that have to do with Judas kissing Jesus
What was Judas's motive to betray Jesus?
Judas had turned well before the betrayal
The shame moments: Peter denying 3 times, the bag of money, the crowds shouting "Crucify Him!"
Palm Sunday - a story of shame and failure
If you want to be a leader - you have to be a servant of all
Maundy - Queen Elizabeth viewed that her sovereignty was thrust upon her by God to serve her subjects
If you are only doing Church for you then you are missing the point
What is faith that doesn't encompass suffering?
Holy Week Challenge: Attempt to see Christ this week in all things - not just the brighter parts of life and the pleasant people.
Try to see Christ in the challenges, frustrating and ugly things and in the worst people in your life
Perhaps your roll is to serve those frustrating and challenging people
The mob mentality in biblical context and in the Church parishioners
Easter is the Christian Superbowl
Easter is the start of the spiritual year
The 3 acts of the Easter Season
God resurrected by the agent of Jesus
Human leaders do not self-sacrifice and voluntarily giving away of power
Military as a self-giving and true sacrifice
Peggy Noonan - What has happened to the American Dream?
Noonan: we have simplified and commoditized the national ideals we use to hold so important
Balancing between taking for yourself and giving to others
Historically looking at the place of the Church in community, social initiatives and services
A greater good for all of us when giving up of one's self
Joseph of Arimathea - shows up at pivotal time and is an excellent example of someone using his gifts and resources to help Christ, his followers, and the whole community
Readings Referenced:
- Isaiah 50:4-9a
- Philippians 2:5-11
- Matthew 26:14- 27:66
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew?
We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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In this episode and continuing our Lenten Journey out of the wilderness, Rev. Beverly Gibson discusses "breathing new life" into the lifeless and the hope for the everlasting life that defeats death. To raise Lazarus Jesus relied and call on his Father to perform this miracle. How do we respond to Jesus' example of such confident dependence on God? It can give us the power of hope in adversity.
What you will hear:
Mardi Gras makes Lent an active season in Mobile, Alabama
Journey ramping up to Palm Sunday and Easter
The finer points of summering in Point Clear and Manhattan
Ezekial - Valley of the dry bones discussion, commentary, and insights
Bones: Isreal is dry in spirit and hope
Ezekial is told to call on the "breath" and "wind" to fill the bones and animates the bones with God's Spirit
Is the Valley Of The Dry Bones an example of a priestly call?
Prayer in Mass to animate the Eucharist in turn to feed and animate us in God's Spirit
Rev. Gibson's reason and virtue of using Rite 1 during Lent
The Prayer of Humble Access - explanation. What does this say about my existence with God?
The women that grabs Jesus's cloak - example of humbleness and being made whole by your faith
Your desire to claim your faith is the thing that heals you and makes you whole
What if we don't see ourselves as "dry" and "dead" in our faith?
What are the tombs of our lives?
Breathing "new life" into the segments and parts of our general life
The "breath of life" = inspiration
Ryan Murphy, TV writer reference
What is a muse?
Anam Cara - the "soul friend" reprise
The "It's Complicated" relationship of the early Israelites and God
Jesus and Lazarus - the power over death
What's the last thing a redneck says before they die?
Lamb by Christopher Moore - perspective of Biff - Jesus's friend (book)
Jesus is preparing for his entrance into Jerusalem
Knowing the context of the story before the weekly readings from the pulpit
Jesus's human and close relationship with Martha, Mary, & Lazarus
Why was Jesus two days late to get to Lazarus?
Jesus is fully God and fully human - did Jesus have any fear that he might not be able raise Lazarus?
Why did Jesus weep at Lazarus's tomb?
A priest's perspective of speaking and presiding over a funeral
Understanding and seeing the depth and complexity of The Bible
What happens to Lazarus?
If someone is brought back from the dead can you die again
Jesus's power over death and his choice to die for us and understand death
Grace - Losing faith and having the strength and gifts to regain it
The gift of the Spirit: Living in Christ not living of Christ
Leveling up in the life in Christ
The Burial Right - The deceased me grow in strength after death
Eternal life - there is no death
Resurrection within your life and still continue to grow with strength
Why Rev. Gibson doesn't recycle sermons year to year
Connecting with the listeners in the pew
Where we are on our Lenten Journey: our dependence (reliance) on God
To bring life back in the lifeless places
Readings Referenced:
- Ezekiel 37:1-14
- Romans 8:6-11
- John 11:1-45
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew?
We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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In this episode, Rev. Gibson and Johnny Gwin explore how the endeavor of self-discovery is transformed when we realize the grounding of our identity in God. Illustrated in the lessons of the blind man (from birth) being healed by Jesus and Samuel's anointing of a young King David, the subject of their and our spiritual transformation is addressed. This spiritual and physical formation to the person God wants us to be starts with our baptism. In our baptism, a complete rebirth, we are given all the faith from God we will ever need. However, there is a catch, to be truly transformed it's our duty to draw it out, mature it, develop it. Are you taking responsibility for your Christian formation? Are you assisting others on their journeys of self-discovery and complete formation? Are we capable of seeing our path and the way to properly worship and honor God? Or, are we blind to his truth, gifts, and possibilities?
What You Will Hear:
Learners not the learned will inherit the earth
Be open to seeing the truth and not being so sure you know everything - while you can see are you really seeing
Is the doctrine and the culture of the Church become too rigid?
Jesus's use of parables to be read in many different ways
Parents protecting their son in the Gospel - not so much fear but protection
Opened up completely spiritually and physically to be able to see the truth and be transform to a believer
Blind man being healed is a true narrative of someone being reborn into the world spiritually and physically
A new birth = Baptism
Once your baptized your formation will continue - it's a total rebirth
In your baptism you are given all the faith you will ever need - it's your duty to draw it out, mature it, develop it
Ministry Architects helping our Christ Church Cathedral to put us on the path of our parish self-discovery
Taking responsibility for our spiritual formation
Christ Church is metaphorically in the teenage years of our formation
Christ Church Cathedral - an old church that is actually young. We are a peculiar entity that creates an opportunity of new life and possibilities
Beverly's pop culture reference: Might Morphin Power Rangers movie and how she was entertained and enlightened by this teenage movie
Leaders and Gurus typical reaction of "these are the chosen ones for this gift or mission"
Samual - the King Maker choosing King David - the biblical dating game
David the forgotten is the actual choice
God doesn't see the world like Man. Man sees the outward appearance, God sees the heart
Transformation has to happen before the education
Information versus formation & education versus formation
Transformation comes from ritualian routine, some sort of literal practice that you engage in
Western Christianity adopting more the ancient ways and even the Eastern ways
Self-examination and the importance of this exercise to Self Discovery
Our relationship to Samual and David in the first reading
The Imposter Syndrome in the weekly lessons
The Spirit Voice versuses the Parent Voice. Which should we should listen to
Teachers learning from the students
Working to form others when you are still working on forming yourself
The Church seen as a school
Being around the young is an opportunity to see another world - it can enrich your life
Power Rangers origin story reflects that the idea that before they can "morph" they need to come to a certain place of self-awareness, vulnerability, and a realization of a reliance on others
Your formation and transformation is within you, but you have to do the work and have the awareness to release it from within you
Readings Referenced:
- 1 Samuel 16:1-13
- Ephesians 5:8-14
- John 9:1-41
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew?
We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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In this episode, Rev. Gibson and Johnny Gwin discuss the themes of meeting God and Living Water. What would it be like to meet Jesus? What would you say? Would you know who he was? Jesus's interaction with the Samarian women at Jacob's Well and his meeting with Nicodemus shows us a very "human" and intimate conversation with the people around him. Jesus seems to be an excellent listener and a teacher in these gospel stories from John. What could we learn about life and ourselves from such a personal conversation with Jesus?
Moses and his Israelites are also discussed, and we are reminded of the "human nature" to not only turn on each other but God when things look bad and not going our way? Beverly illustrates how Moses shows us (in Exodus) that God is always among us and he provides when we are in need. Is our faith and spirit strong enough to see God when we think he has abandoned us?
Hear Johnny actually describe the show summary accurately this week, and he manages to sneak in a Jean Grey (from X-Men) and Bruce Lee mention into today's conversation.
What You Will Hear:
Discussion of "setting a scene" with the intimate conversations that John describes in his Gospel (Nicodemus & Samarian Women at well)
The Samarian Woman description and her significance
The well at the center of the city and the importance of Jacob's Well
Living Water = Moses delivers from a rock and Jesus discusses how we will deliver water that will quench your thirst forever
Theme of "Living Water" - not stagnant but "flowing" from one person to another. Spirit and faith should be "flowing" through us and to each other
"I am He" - how Jesus knew the Samarian woman
The "human exchange" between Jesus and the Samarian Women
The place of Samarian women in the Jewish world
Jesus is the "deep listener" that can hear what reverberates through your soul
Jean Grey (X-Men) and her burden of knowing what everyone thinks and feels
To know what to do with someone's pain and weight when you can recognize it
Third week of Lenten Journey of Spirit: meeting God
Over 40 years the Israelites turn on and quarrel with Moses many times
The actions and complaints of the Israelites is the story of "US."
Beverly shares that she has given up "Facebook" for Lent
Moses mighty Staff and his connection and relationship with God
When things don't go our way - like the Israelites - we pick up a rock, shake or fist to the sky and blame God.
Faith allows us to come back and God will provide for us
Hearing God getting "tired and over" the Israelites and their straying from Him
40 years in the desert? Moses must have wandered in circles
The controversy of where Mt. Sinai was located
Biblical maps gives some readers a grounding to a place to help us understand a story and lesson
Fleeing and hiding in "the Wilderness" is not a bad thing - it can be a regrouping and reenergizing time
Jesus's ministry and journey in the wilderness until he "points his face toward Jerusalem"
Moses also used "the Wilderness" to prepare to what was coming
Meeting your Yoda in the Wilderness
Finding focus and learning how to work without distractions - Cal Newport's Deep Work best-selling book
Withdrawing from society and going deep in your inner world, thoughts, and feelings to find some clarity
Carl Jung had to build a sanctuary to find his center and focus
The importance and power of a retreat
JK Rowling's technique to finish the last "Harry Potter" book
Going deep to see God, Jesus, the world around us and the "real you"
The difficult of judging ourselves
Deeping diving into understanding ourselves (Christ Church Cathedral) with Ministry Architects
Deep Listening and the Deep Listening Band and their music of reverberation and evolution of participating with the environment
"Going with the flow" just like water
Bruce Lee and his martial arts analogy of "being like water, not like the rock"
Emerging from "The Wilderness" and the importance of the "parking lot" conversations with others
Spiritual growth and opportunity in every interaction with people and places
Are we the same person at 18 and at 38?
Shutting out the world, looking inward, focusing and listening to others to discover who we are and what makes us happy
Cal Newport's view of "letting go" of social media
Balancing between the world of "letting go", the wilderness and the hustle and bustle of the world
Of the Earth vs. not of this Earth balancing battle
The lessons and the message from the discipline of Lent
Johnny admits that excess social media and the disruptive world getting in the way of prayer and spirituality makes him as quarrelsome as the Israelites in the desert
Living a life that embraces "minimalism"
The world and culture of "MORE"
Lent is a good time for attendance at Church
The purpose of a Sabbatical
Katherine Deaton's living artisanal water well
The Baptism - living water giving to you from a stagnant rock
Pulpit To Pew suddenly turns into a financial podcast concerning oil, artisanal water, and the upcoming water supply bubble
Readings Referenced:
- Exodus 17:1-7
- Romans 5:1-11
- John 4:5-42
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew?
We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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In this episode, Rev. Gibson shares her Leadership Alabama experiences from her trip thru Huntsville, Alabama. Huntsville's history is a story of rebirth when economic outlooks looked bleak and it's people are well-known for their spirit of perseverance, evolution even when their future was unknown. From the NASA space program, to new biotech companies, to new emerging technology industries, this city is a great example of building something important by conversion and transformation. Faith can be defined as belief plus action and Huntsville must have it by the rocket payload to make lemons out of lemonade at every turn.
Most cities, and especially people, lack the ability and faith to be able to pivot or blindly change everything when the signs indicate a change is needed for a positive outome. Abram was 75 years old when God gave him a calling to move to a new part of the world and build a new Kingdom. He left without questioning the decison. Nicodemus, a Pharisee and religious leader, had to change the way he looked at his beliefs and the "law" to be able to grasp Jesus's message of the New Covenant. Do you have enough faith to change your whole life if God calls you to do so? Would you know what that calling looked and sounded like? Is there something stirring inside you that feels like you need to transform your life to something more and positive? It's never to late to design the life that you want. A life that God wants for you, that God has given you the gifts to make a reality. Do you have the spirit and believe to do complete the actions needed to seize an opportunity that you know exists but have not been able to see?
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Readings Referenced:
- Genesis 12:1-4a
- Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
- John 3:1-17
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew?
We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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In this episode, Rev. Gibson and Johnny Gwin continue discussing Jesus's beautiful, self-giving and sacrificial lessons of the Sermon on the Mount. "Love your enemy" and "pray for those that persecute you" are not only hard things to do but seems to be in direct opposition to the Old Testament "eye for an eye" rule of retribution. Jesus not only taught these new revisions of what God expects from us; he lived them. He forgave his persecutors and was actually "polite" with his killers until his final mortal breath. Christ's "perfection" and holy actions are an extreme example of his guiding light to navigate us today in such a polarized world of angry words, hurtful insults and bad actors.
In the last half of the show, Rev. Gibson parallels Rachel Cusk's New Yorker Magazine essay "Age of Rudeness" with this week's lessons and readings. Ms.Cusk she shares some real-world experiences and observations of a "rude" world and frames the question: "As the social contract frays, what does it mean to be polite?"
{Except from Rev. Gibson's Weekly Worship Notes}
Ms. Cusk refers at several points to the Bible, and specifically, to Jesus. Here is one: "[Rudeness] is the outward sign of an inward and unseen calamity. Rudeness itself is not the calamity. It is the harbinger, not the manifestation, of evil. [...] What Jesus did was to sacrifice himself, use his body to translate word to deed, to make evil visible. While being crucified, he remained for the most part polite. He gave others much to regret." In her conclusion, her suggested answer to her presenting question, Ms. Cusk draws on Jesus' example: "It strikes me that good manners would be the thing to aim for in the current situation. I have made a resolution, which is to be more polite. I don't know what it will do: this might be a dangerous time for politeness. It might involve sacrifices. It might involve turning the other cheek." In the end, she writes, "it would be good to have something to navigate by."
Could following Christ's teachings and living up to his expectations free us from our "win at any cost" world? What small things can we do as individuals to help bring peace and understanding in such a turbulent environment? How can we start to understand, transform and implement this radical "Christ-like" example of how to deal with even our most difficult neighbors and yes, enemies? The discipline of resisting the urge of "getting someone back" will take a lot of work, patience, prayer and sacrifice but learning to overcome this common human instinct could be transformative for yourself and those that need a swift drop-kick of kindness and understanding.
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Click to read Rev. Gibson's full worship notes
What Will You Hear:
Understanding, following, and living the teachings of Jesus is not always Rainbows and Unicorns
The Sermon on the Mount and it's messages can be very hard to follow in today's worldly and modern society
Insights into the Book of Leviticus
We are instructed to treat other's like we treat ourselves - does this apply to people who treat themselves poorly?
Do we treat ourselves well with our own interior voice? Can we be too hard on ourselves compared to how we talk to and treat others?
You have to be happy and calm internally to be able to give back to others and be there for others
Internal harsh expectation carries over to others
"The Age of Rudeness" - Rachel Cusk - New Yorker Magazine
The Christ way of not returning a harsh word for a harsh word, or what we know as "turning the other cheek"
How not to amplify rude and tense moments with strangers
The truth of rude words and the harsh conversation of family members
The dangers of talking harshly to the one's we love - our family & friends
Pay It Forward movement in daily life
Ms. Cusk makes a conscious decision - what will happen if I make a constant effort always to be polite? Will this make a real difference in the world?
Beverly and how her priest collar diffused a tense moment in the post office
How we are - as a culture - programmed not to act up when we are around priests and church authority
Sermon on the Mount - more than just being non-confrontational
Christians need to show that they are more than what worldly authority knows
Jesus always remained "polite" with his persecutors even up to moment of his death
I live my life by a different code than that of the world
"bless your heart" has become a joke and code that may amplify a tense conversation or moment
What kind of discipline is Jesus asking us to live up to?
Can Churches be a divisive force personally and in the community?
Balancing the message of and act of politeness with the natural instinct and reaction of our reptile aggressive brain
The power of silence in confrontation and tense moments
Email is difficult to understand communication and context when it comes to complex issues
Jesus's teachings free us from living in a "win at any cost" world.
The book Deep Work by Cal Newport - Beverly's positive input suggestion for this week
John Adams HBO mini-series - Johnny's positive input suggestion for this week
Takeaway: Try our best to be the example that Jesus taught and lived in his life. Even when dealing with your biggest rival or nemesis to rise above pettiness, see God in all, and instead of fighting power with power - try understanding, empathy, courtesy and silence.
Readings Referenced:
- Leviticus 19:1-2,9-18
- 1 Corinthians 3:10-11,16-23
- Matthew 5:38-48
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew?
We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
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Historically, pilgrims have been described as foreign travelers journeying to reach a destination - physically and spiritually. It's not just the act of traveling to passively see the sights and gain some memories, that's more like a tourist. Pilgrims undertake a purposeful external journey, called a pilgrimage, with the aim to bring about a profound internal transformation.
Even though we are not physically on a long and dangerous spiritual pilgrimage (like the Camp de Santiago), maybe we Christians could incorporate the qualities of dedication and mindset of the pilgrim when journeying through our everyday life. What if we decided to "choose life" like Moses suggests in Deuteronomy and embrace Jesus's teachings of the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew. This episode focuses on how when walking with God; we are called to be pilgrims, not tourists? The "Pilgrim's Way" is not an easy path, but like anything worthwhile, it takes sacrifice, persistence, and discipline.
What you will hear:
Describing the premise of being God's Tourist and God's Pilgrim
The Characteristics of a Pilgrim - Jonathon Edwards
Rev. Gibson's connecting thread of the "Pilgrim's Way" sermon message and the weekly readings
The journey of the physical and external change needs to include the total transformation on the internal
The Great Commandment
The "Pilgrim's Way" as an example of fulfilling the baptismal covenant
Was Moses and Jesus pilgrims?
A Pilgrims Way teaches a discipline to finish something
Are we all pilgrims in the normal day everyday journey of life and living
Dante's Inferno beginning introduces the whole poem and the idea of his mid-life crisis
Blindly going through life and how we quietly lose track of your own being
Poet's Way - Dante's personal quest for the search for the divine
The Pilgrim's Way dealing with the mid-life crisis
Sermon on the Mount messages and taking the hard route
Star Wars Jedi Path as an example of the "Pilgrim's Way"
The word Parish - translation of a house for pilgrims
Moses message of yes or no. There is no maybe when choosing to truly walk with God
We are all in this life together. Pilgrims do things for themselves but also do for their fellow travelers. Pilgrims travel and support each other
Zoe Keating (musician) - Beverly loves her music and how she integrates her art with technology, crypto currency, and service
The Way (movie): Johnny suggests Emilio Estevez's movie to see an inspirational movie about modern day pilgrimage on a pilgrimage. Available on Netflix.
Readings Referenced:
- Deuteronomy 30:15-20
- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
- Matthew 5:21-37
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew?
We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
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This is an extra special episode of Pulpit To Pew. Rev. Gibson was visiting Troy, Alabama this Sunday and Johnny was out of pocket. So, we thought this was a great week to share some discussions that didn't make the last couple of episodes. Beverly and Johnny talk about Paul's message of unity to the Corinthians and how that relates to the "common ground" and differences of all the Christian denominations. Plus, they share some personal entertaining and inspiring literature and movie recommendations. Enjoy the show and thanks for your support.
What you will hear:
Paul's admonishment of the lack of unity in the name of Christ
Early Christians seeing the Apostles as a fixation and not the original message
Joining a church because of the body of the church, not the head and the charismatic leader
With so many different denominations and organizations can the Is Christian world be considered united?
Focusing on the common ground of our religions, not the differences
What does unite all our different Anglican communities?
Can religion help to combine our divided nation?
Church's as community example of Unity
Showing others an example of Christian acts, not just words
Episcopal confession versus Roman Catholic confession
The scale of penance in the Catholic Church
The liturgical form of Episcopal confession
You come to Church to unburden yourself that something that is weighing on you with a private meeting with a Priest
The Priest's role in matters of forgiveness, personal and marital relationships, and matters of mental health
Beverly's book recommendation of Snowy Tower: Parzival and the Wet Black Branch of Language
Johnny's movie recommendation of the unlikely friend and mentor story St. Vincent starring Bill Murray. You can find St. Vincent on Netflix.
Readings Referenced:
- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew?
We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
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In this episode, Rev. Gibson discusses how Jesus presented and teached his ministry for building God's Kingdom - the Beatitudes. Jesus's vision plan laid out to his early followers, grounded in the Sermon on the Mount gospel, goes against every philosophy of power, wealth, and strength to build a kingdom. Re-examining and re-evaluating this power, beautiful and radical message could be a transformative tool when reflecting on our present lives and the tense moments many are experiencing in our nation. Lastly, Beverly and Johnny look at humility from the pulpit and Prophet Micah's prophetic message of what God expects from us: to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God.
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Click to read Rev. Gibson's full worship notes
What you will hear:
Micah - the "lawsuit" reading
How to be good: to do justice, to love kindness, and walk humbly with God
Overthinking messages and lessons can be a barrier
The mission statement of Jesus's journey and building God's Kingdom is the Beatitudes
God's way of Kingdom building
The Beatitudes comes off as the opposite message of what the people of the time (and now) needed to established a great nation: wealth and power
Jesus came
Humility - grounded from the earth - lowly
We are only here for a season and you are not God - we are temporary
We are loved and valued by God, but we are temporary and not above anyone else
We are the creatures, and he is the shepherd
World Leaders - how should they see themselves
The first shall be last, and the last shall be first
Following the way of the cross is not for the weak
The Beatitudes - this message will rule the whole path
The Beatitudes as a vetting and weed out class for his followers
Reconditioning our perspective to understanding Jesus's message of Sermon on the Mount
Exegesis defined
The Sermon on the Mount doesn't need a lot of exegesis analysis and added interpretation because of the beauty and powerful message
Sermon on the Mount used by great speakers in history as a servant leader speech model (Martin Luther King, Jr and Gandhi)
World leaders need for humility and the need for someone to ground them
Not managing but empowering others leadership message and philosophy
Another Star Wars reference - the tug of war of the pure light and the darkside
What is "the pure of heart"?
To will one thing and to will one thing is to know God
Relooking and rethinking the descriptions and language of the Beatitudes
The difference preaching prophetically or pastorally
What Prophets do
Prophets: let me tell you what God said to mend your ways and find a way to get you closer to God
Dealing with an uncertain world from the pulpit as an individual and at the same time as a priest and leader of a diverse parish
The Gospel speaks itself, and the priest doesn't have to speak from a perspective to the message to fit a trying and disruptive moment in time
The pulpit that contains in it - "we want to see Jesus"
Not getting to emotionally and spiritually attached to the temporary leaders, events, and times of the present
Don't believe everything that you think
Balance your beliefs with the timeless messages with the moments and the urgent temporary world
The deepest longing we have to be a part of something more than something temporary and more
Johnny and Beverly admit to be spoiled children
Johnny Dad's message of "things are never as bad or as good as you think it is" - keep things in perspective
Prophet Isaiah's messages seems very relevant in these recent times
Cast a big vision, be grounded in where you are now, and figure out where you are going in the future
Weekly Readings:
- Micah 6:1-8
- 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
- Matthew 5:1-12
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew?
We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
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In this episode, Rev. Gibson and Johnny Gwin discusses Matthew's gospel retelling the early walking ministry and the focus of the mission of Jesus. How did Jesus recruit the people he needed for his earthly purpose? How did the first apostles react to Jesus's request to "follow me"? What made Jesus so charismatic and such a strong servant leader? How would modern people react with such a "life-changing" request to leave the safety and comfort of job, home, family, and city to join Jesus to "fish for people?"
Within the historical background, prophecies, teachings and the Bible narrative of the past, present and what is to come - where are we as individuals in these stories and lessons. Where do we start walking the road with Jesus? Do we walk with him at all? Jesus's vision is so strong that he becomes a magnet for the right tribe of people to make his ministry and ministry work. How can we take the example of Jesus's vision and approach to designing the lives that we want?
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Click to read Rev. Gibson's full worship notes
When the time was right, Jesus took his internal vision and set off in the world to fulfill his purpose. As he took to the road, he met, touched and connected with the external world and others. Against barriers, fear and the unknown Jesus's ministry started with his first steps. Can we use this "Follow Me" message and lesson to begin the long journey that our vision casts? Maybe it's time for us to quit talking and start walking down the long road of designing our lives and purpose.
What you will here:
Jesus's use of youth for his ministry
Jesus was not really known as who he was - he was an unknown quantity
Jesus netting 4 apostles Andrew, Simon, John, James
The power and aura of confidence that Jesus had to recruit the people he needed for his vision and mission
Did the apostles know the backstory and the background for the coming of the "Savior"
The grounding mythos of the "Coming Savior."
Casting a vison like a net and cathing people up
Would we have known and what Jesus was if he approached us?
What is the "call place" - where am I in the narrative of the big picture?
Jesus as the example of the servant leader
Jesus left his own family and security to assemble his own tribe
The team dynamic of the 12 apostles
The transformation of individuals in the dynamic of the tribe or group
That one person every group that is a "nutjob"
Defining the "crazymaker" - Julian Cameron - The Artist Way
Judas - The Apostle's "crazy maker"
Johnny's early fear of podcasting
The barrier and power of fear
Who is Milton Glazer and Debbie Millman?
Debbie Millman and her "How To Design A Life."
The life and hard crisis moment of vision or "the other way"
Graphic Design into Life Design
The 5-year plan and the tools to help you design the life for you
Writing the last chapter of your story first.
Writing the last chapter helps you not get stuck in the sticky, long and messy middle chapters
Rev. Gibson has to put out her vision for how she sees her vision for the Church
Clarifying "vision" from hallucination visions
What's a stretch goal?
Jesus's walking ministry
Walking through the world and touch it to touch you
Weekly Readings:
- Isaiah 9:1-4
- 1 Corinthians 1:10-18
- Matthew 4:12-23
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew?
We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
Like Pulpit To Pew Podcast?
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Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
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In this bonus episode, Johnny quizzes Rev. Gibson on the details of the mysterious Three Wise Men. Who were they? Where were they from? What the heck is a magi? Why are they significant to the Christmas story, Epiphany, and our Christian traditions. Johnny manages to get a Gary Larson (The Far Side) reference in the mix and Beverly shares the beauty of T.S. Eliot's poem Journey of The Magi. As always thanks for listening and please let us know what you think about this bonus Pulpit To Pew Episode.
Help support Pulpit To Pew with our Patreon campaign
Click to read Rev. Gibson's full worship notes
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew?
We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
Like Pulpit To Pew Podcast?
Here’s how you can help the show:
- Like our Facebook Page
- Subscribe (for FREE) to Pulpit To Pew on Apple iTunes (or Overcast App)
- Rate and review the show on Apple iTunes This one helps us a ton – seriously!
Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
Download | Subscribe (Free)
In this episode, Reverend Gibson and Johnny time travel from the Epiphany to the baptism of an adult Jesus by John The Baptist. This act is seen as the event that starts Jesus's earthly ministry. Have you ever wondered why the Son of God needed to be baptized? What does his baptism signify and how is it relevant in today's world and worship. Our baptism was the full inclusion in the Church and the gateway to everything in the Church for all of us. Join Beverly and Johnny as we take an in-depth look the inward and outward elements of this sacrament, sign and gift of God's grace - baptism.
Help support Pulpit To Pew with our Patreon campaign
Click to read Rev. Gibson's full worship notes
What you will hear:> What is Epiphany and why we observe this day
Downtown Abbey and Johnny's education of Epiphany and 12th Night
Fast forward of Jesus's birth to immediately his baptism by John The Baptist
The ministry of Jesus was short - maybe 5-7 years
Why did Jesus need to be baptized?
His baptism of the ever present lesser/greater message
His baptism is an example that it serves all and Jesus model as a Servant King
His baptism is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and John The Baptist prophecy and mission
His baptism is the initial coming of the Holy Spirit and it started with the one - Jesus
Baptism was Jesus's first gift
Baptism is the gateway to everything else
Baptism is full inclusion in the Church
Why do we baptize children?
Jesus was always sure to check off the boxes of fulfilling Jewish Prophecy
What is a sacrament?
Baptism and Eucharist is seen by the Church to be essential in people's lives
What's "sacramental" and what does it represent?
"Sacramental" as slang and use by lay people concerning secular things
Last Rights as an obligation and Beverly shares a touching story of a recent use of oil during an Unction visit
Johnny needs "unction" defined?
Go out into the world and be an example of God's grace and love
Our mission to take God out of the Church and through the doors into the real world
Viaticum defined as food for the journey
Why it's been uncomfortable for Johnny to invite others to join him at Christ Church Cathedral
Johnny recommends a positive book called A Curious Mind by Brian Grazer
Reverend Beverly Gibson recommends to give the podcast Backlisted a listen to be inspired
Weekly Readings:
- Isaiah 42:1-9
- Acts 10:34-43
- Matthew 3:13-17
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew?
We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
Like Pulpit To Pew Podcast?
Here’s how you can help the show:
- Like our Facebook Page
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- Rate and review the show on Apple iTunes This one helps us a ton – seriously!
Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
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This end of the year episode is a little peak behind the veil at how Pulpit To Pew gets made. Reverend Beverly Gibson and Johnny Gwin occasionally riff off the main weekly sermon lesson themes - sometimes they veer way off course - and we either keep these audio bits, or we trash them. They plucked this audio from Episode 32 - Once Upon A Tax recording and decided to share it with everyone on this 2016 wrap up show. Beverly and Johnny felt that this 10-minute conversation revealed the spark, purpose and breathe of this podcast. Johnny explains his Sabbadoodles, and Beverly discusses her sermon creation and how they both have evolved and transformed this year since starting Pulpit To Pew. Thanks so much for your ears and support this year, happy New Years and rev. Gibson and Johnny will see you stronger than ever in 2017.
Help support Pulpit To Pew with our Patreon campaign
What You Will Hear:
Not sketchnoting (Sabbadoodle) on Christmas Eve - which Johny did actually do.
The difference between sketchnoting in real-time or from a recording
Feeling in the moment over details
Has Johnny ever been moved by something in the service and instinctually was he inspired to draw something.
{Editor's note: Johnny misunderstood this amazing question and did not answer it very well.}
The formula's of sketchnoting
Older sketches vs. newer sketches
The energy of the older Sabbadoodles and the finesse of the newer ones
Johnny misquotes musician Brian Eno (should have been Robert Fripp) comparing Sabbadoddles to making music - An album is like a love letter and a live show is like a hot date.
Beverly discusses using some Sabbadoodles when presenting at workshops - the reactions and emotional response
Chateau De' Jesus ad Sabbadoodle example
Sabbadoodle wine ads getting to the "Blood of Christ"
Other pop culture and commercial design mash-up examples with weekly sermons, Scripture readings, and lessons
Johnny's fear of other's seeing these Sabbadoodles as being "irreverent"
Beverly shares that she feels that she walks this line herself in her sermons with her "hook" intro style
The effect is to "jolt" others to hear and think about information in a new and different way
Johnny talks about sharing the biblical messages in the Sabbadoodles to secular groups like design classes at universities and graphic design industry professionals at design workshops
Sketchnoting in Church has made the services fun for Johnny
Beverly breaking the formula of sermon writing to keep things fresh for the congregation and the Priest
How much do you reveal about yourself and your personality when delivering a sermon or any presentation?
The Southern Baptist sermon formula of conversion story and witness - the traps and purpose
The world's worst sign out in podcast history
Happy New Years and salutation
Pitch for patreon campaign to support the show
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew?
We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
Like Pulpit To Pew Podcast?
Here’s how you can help the show:
- Like our Facebook Page
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- Rate and review the show on Apple iTunes This one helps us a ton – seriously!
Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
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In this episode, Rev. Beverly Gibson and Johnny Gwin recap the well-known Christmas story of Mary, Joseph and the birth of Jesus. First thru the eyes of Christ Church Cathedral kid's pageant, then from insights of English-writer Jeanette Winterson, and finally from the personal experiences of the show hosts. Examining all of the complex events that had to happen to make the birth of Christ happen and fulfill an ancient messianic prophecy is stunning and fascinating. Have you ever taken the time to re-read this story and look at the logistics and all the conscious choices these people had to make to get to that moment, that stable, that birth, and the broadcast of the news that billions of people celebrate each year? And we think our build up to Christmas is full of drama. Plus, Beverly and Johnny discuss Joseph's kindness, Mary's grace, and their simpatico relationship that endured immense struggle and pressure. Lastly, Beverly shares how Christmas Eve Mass can be a mystical and spiritual moment of rebirth for all of us.
Click to read Rev. Gibson's full worship notes
Help support Pulpit To Pew with our Patreon campaign
{Editor's note: This is an excerpt from Rev. Gibson's worship notes}
Perhaps the greatest gift our children will give us this Sunday is the gift of time-time given and spent in attention to one another, concentrating on what is precious, worth our loving, and worth our whole lives. This gift is the best gift you can give anyone this Christmas season, to be spent telling and listening to stories, setting aside differences and enjoying laughter and good company.
If you were to read this week's lessons from scripture, you would find: Isaiah's prophecy that God would send a sign to the house of David in the young woman who would bear a son she would name Immanuel; Paul's confirmation to the Church in Rome that Jesus Christ was this prophesied son; and, Matthew's recounting of the appearance of an angel in a dream to Joseph, telling him that the child in Mary's womb is that prophesied Emmanuel, "God with us."
The angel's message to Joseph changed all his plans. He did marry Mary, and he named the child Jesus, as the angel had instructed. But those changes in plan were only the beginning! God is always about changing our plans, even though we resist change at every turn. Accept God's
life-changing gifts this Christmas, thankfully and joyfully.
What You Will Hear:
The luxurious Joesph beard and the Christ Church Cathedral's Kid's Christmas Pageant recap
What does Noel mean? Christmas in French.
The talking shepherds and the quiet angels
Angels are blue and yellow ghosts
The frightening biblical description of angels
The retelling of the dreaded "lump of coal" story as a myth
Chris Kringle, Santa Claus, and St. Nicholas
Joseph's dream and visit from the Angel (Mathew
Emmanuel and Immanuel - the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy
Joseph and Mary's engagement and the virgin pregnancy
The kindness and grace of Joseph - how he handled the news of Mary's pregnancy and him quietly "letting her go"
Annunciation of Mary - the realities of a 13-14-year-old girl questioning the Angel Gabriel how can this be?
Mary and Joseph's choice to go forward with the birth of this miracle child
Mary's acceptance and embracing this reality as it has appeared to her
Joseph and Mary as a couple and on the frequency
The instability of a young couple with a baby fleeing a chaotic system
Jesus the precious little scamp
Seeing the reality of Joseph and Mary as 3-dimensional characters that really existed - not two-dimensional characters in just a story
The Sorrows of Mary
The dangers and the life expectancy of the world of early Christian word compared to the world we have today
Angels, shepherds, the star - the whole world was being drawn to this point in time and place
What did all these look like? Sound like?
Jeanette Winterson's insights on the importance of Bethlehem and the call for the Roman census
Roman decree that we need to tax the whole world and the context in which all of these events happens
What started with a man's request for money ends with God's gift to mankind
The misconception and the reality of what type of Messiah Jesus was and will be
Grace - a gift from God to have the ability to say "Yes" to God and to follow through on some things
Grace vs. Intuition - the difference
Control and relinquishing control to God because of freewill, acceptance and earned trust in Him
The great complexity of being a human being
Jesus came to live and die as one of us
Interplay of instinct, genetic makeup, consciousness, and unconsciousness, choice and suffering
Faith building rereading of well-known scripture to notice all the choices these people made to stay on the path
The hectic onion of Christmas chaos and still taking the time to focus on the realization that this all started with the birth of a baby
The reason and the purpose of the "dark church"
Christmas Eve is a mystical and special nice that
Church as a place to slow down and find some "peace"
The drama of the seats and saved seats of Christmas Eve mass with all the people
Creating a spiritual environment in the Church that feels like floating in this island of timelessness
Giving yourself over to this spiritual experience that transforms you and connects you with all these people Christmas events, other Christians worshiping all over the world, the people to come in the future.
Rev. Gibson's understanding why some people come to Christmas Eve Mass when they don't come to other services throughout the year
Weekly Readings:
Isaiah 7:10-16
Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:18-25
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew?
We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
Like Pulpit To Pew Podcast?
Here’s how you can help the show:
- Like our Facebook Page
- Subscribe (for FREE) to Pulpit To Pew on Apple iTunes (or Overcast App)
- Rate and review the show on Apple iTunes This one helps us a ton – seriously!
Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
In this episode, Rev. Beverly Gibson and Johnny Gwin explore and share thoughts on hope, purpose, courage and the Heroes Journey. Carefully, Rev Gibson parallels this week's lessons and readings with the epic good vs. evil tale of pop-culture staple Star Wars. Yes, the Luke Skywalker and Han Solo Star Wars of 1978, titled A New Hope. The characters of the scripture readings and the fictional ones in a galaxy far, far away, seem to be in a constant tug of war of embracing the light and fighting the darkness of the forces of their foes, the external world, and themselves. These Biblical and Sci-fi epic stories of struggles that seem too large to overcome are eventually transformed into victory only when hope, guided by insight and purpose, evolves into real courage. These timeless and heroic tales aren't just stories; they are reflections of who we all are. Hope is something that we are wired to search for and follow. Hope is what can give us strength to carry on and control our fear of the unknown until we reach our final goals. We can find ourselves in dark places and hard times, but each of us (like the apostles and the rebel force) have talents and gifts that we can contribute to making things better. We are called to discover what those God-given gifts are and to step away from the darkness and fight to walk and bring others into the light.
Heroes need a purpose, as well as, strength and a brave heart when bringing down an empire or reclaiming a kingdom. What can we do to transform ourselves and our communities from mere mortals to epic heroes full of hope and courage that (against all odds) work to make a better world we all envision?
Click to read Rev. Gibson's full worship notes
Help support Pulpit To Pew with our Patreon campaign
What you will hear:
The convergence of passion and purpose
Beverly's inclusion of the Star Wars (A New Hope) universal themes in this week's sermon
The ubiquitous parallels of Star Wars lessons in the classroom setting
The double edge sword of presenting fiction like Star Wars from the pulpit
The comparable motifs and themes of epic journey fiction and stories in the Bible
The messages of transformation and the "calling" that changes the person
Penny Dreadful (TV show) and it's example of personal transformation
The "monster" is always within and the rejection of that reality
Tim Ferris and his practical way to bring more light in daily life.
Build fires in as many ways as possible until the storm blows over
Bring more light (and kindness) during this hectic and stressful Christmas season
Less about yourself. It's not where I think I am going; it's more about where am I am now and the awareness to adjust my "inner compass" based on what happens on the journey
Eliminate the idealized world and be aware of what is "really happening"
Small acts of kindness can bring light in the world
The shocking confessions of parishioners who have not seen Star Wars
Johnny recommends the awful 1979 Star Wars Holiday - made for TV -Special featuring Chewbacca and his family
We all are called to discern our purpose of drawing ourselves and others away from darkness and toward the light
Beverly suggests Tracy McMillian and her thought provoking posts on Instagram for daily inspiration
Johnny suggests listening to the podcast Where There's Smoke by Brett Gadja & Nick Jaworski - this insightful show brings light to the dark internet
Weekly Readings:
Isaiah 35:1-10
James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew?
We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
Like Pulpit To Pew Podcast?
Here’s how you can help the show:
- Like our Facebook Page
- Subscribe (for FREE) to Pulpit To Pew on Apple iTunes (or Overcast App)
- Rate and review the show on Apple iTunes This one helps us a ton – seriously!
Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
In this episode, we discuss prophet visions, repentance, God's covenant and preparing the way of the Lord. Forgiveness is the past, repentance is the future and repentance is a necessary component to our reconciliation with God. Rev. Beverly Gibson reveals the 3 "R's" of repentance:
Recognize - who you are and where you are in your own internal narrative?
Regret - examine and count the true cost of your sin for you and for others and what it has kept me from accomplishing in my life?
Reorient - regain your bearing in your life and determine where you are headed after your turn around.
Prophet obsessed Johnny Gwin discusses his revelation of The Bible as one big promise and contract that God has with his people and how we repeatedly wander away and back to that covenant. Lastly, Rev. Gibson defines what is a Gentile, details the Court of the Gentiles and where is it located in the Church. Today's takeaway is to always strive to create a welcoming Church for others (especially strangers) and for Jesus to be pleased with out works upon his return.
Click to read Rev. Gibson's full Worship Notes
{Editor's Note: this is an excerpt from Rev. Gibson's Worship Notes}
On this second Sunday in Advent, we turn our attention to the prophets, those figures in life and history who have the capacity to see clearly the mistakes of the present and to foresee the possibilities of the future, whether these are catastrophic or idyllic.
...God sent the prophets as messengers to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation. We ask for grace to listen to their warnings and abandon our wrong ways so that we can greet the coming of Jesus Christ with joy.
...The call to repent this Advent season is extended to us as well. The reconciliation with us that God seeks, as well as the ministry of reconciliation to which we are called, demand that we should recognize our wrong behaviors and our wrong directions and reorient ourselves toward the way of Christ. This requires the hard work of coming to self-knowledge-and we probably know ourselves less well than we think.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
What you will hear:
The peaceful and reflective Advent Lessons & Carols Celebration
The difficult and outcast lives of the Biblical Prophets
Isaiah's vision of restoration & final day of the Lord
The Last Days and the disruption of the Left-Behind
The more kind and gentler view of the end of times and Rapture
The Stump of Jesse - who is Jesse?
Jesse was the father of David - chosen King by God's emissary - Ely
Harmony and peace message of Isaiah's vision.
John The Baptist preaching and retelling the vision and prophecy of Isaiah
Johnny 's theory that The Bible is all a long term promise between God and his people.
The simplification of the promise with Jesus and his single commandment: Love your God with all your heart.
John The Baptist and Paul Preaching that the new Kingdom is for everyone including the Gentiles and not just the "sons of Abraham."
The promise of being God's children and his relationship with him in the Garden of Eden
A covenant of living in harmony with God and each other in continuing new ways
The covenant - that agreement with God hits right at the heart of Reconciliation
Repentance is a necessary part of Reconciliation
Repent - means to turn around, look around and going in a new direction
James Martin podcast with Kristen Tippet (podcast from 2014)
James Martin and the Ignatian Way to form a relationship with God.
Giving up something to be truly free
The problems of working in the affluent world and the problems of the Rich
Turning your back on something is not always bad, but that we can be freed by something
David White and vocation - our progress thru life with our gifts God has given us and the path is not a straight path. It's a constant ebb and flow of forward progress that changes.
Episcopal repentance vs. Catholic sacrament of confession
Westworld (HBO show) analogy of the maze of the robots consciousness and the straight line path relationship with God
The misconception of the straight line path of education and the process of learning
An active spiritual life and dedication helps us with an unpredictable world
Forgiveness is the past - Reconciliation is the future
Reconciliation is the agreement of how people are going to come together and live as a one as a community
The heart of Christian Teaching - God made us for himself but we have, over history, wandered away from him and God sent his only son to reset our relationship - The Ultimate Sacrifice
The importance of the Confession of Sins and how it prepares us weekly for the taking of the Eucharist
Anamnesis - you give something life as you relive it (Christmas)
Christmas is more than Jesus' birthday
Are we in a contract with God?
Rev. Gibson's remembering her vow and promise to God as a priest
Are we Gentiles?
The Epistle lesson - Christ came not only for the Jews but also the Gentiles
What is the Court of the Gentiles and where is it in the Church?
Our Gentiles = strangers, outsiders and visitors
We are all Gentiles and Paul's point is that Jesus came for everyone
How welcoming are we to all the Gentiles?
How do we make our Church more welcoming to strangers?
When Jesus comes back will he find us welcoming to others and be pleased with our works?
Weekly Readings:
- Isaiah 11:1-10
- Romans 15:4-13
- Matthew 3:1-12
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew? We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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This one helps us a ton – seriously!
Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
Advent calls us to prepare and be open to something new personally and spiritually. In this episode, Rev. Beverly F. Gibson & Johnny Gwin explore the significant enlightenment and connections the solitary act of reading can make with others and ourselves. Literature and stories allow us to lose and find ourselves by experiencing the ideas and lives of others in fiction or non-fiction. Challenging ourselves to being more open, connecting with, and loving people that you know or those that are different from you is equivalent to receiving Christ. We all should try to read more this Advent. It's a great tool for self-examination, awareness, and connectivity which are all transformative actions for us as Christians and members of a community. "What are you reading?" It's such a simple question, but it can be so powerful in the process of making a connection with ourselves and others. Sure, The Good book is the Word of God and is the cornerstone of our faith, but spirituality and the gifts of God can be found in other works of literature and art.
Rev. Gibson's Advent "little Lenten" challenge: Ask someone (you want to have a closer connection with) "what are you reading?" Then take the time to read that book. Let's actively work to form a closer bond or a new connection by taking interest in others and their interests.
{Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from Rev. Gibson's Weekly Worship Notes}
During this brief season (Advent) we live in at least three dimensions: the calendar days leading up to Christmas, the period of waiting from the announcement of the coming of the Messiah up to his birth, and the on-going period lasting from his ascension through his coming again, in which we continue to wait. We await Christmas; we await Christ's first coming; we await Christ's coming again.
After a year of raging darkness and waging personal battles in the political arena in our country, my prayer is that this Advent season can be for us a time of stepping into the light and looking forward to the new life God holds in store for us.
Click to read Rev. Gibson's full worship notes
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What you will hear in this episode:
Johnny's absence at Church confession
Beverly's "off the notes" sermon
After the Iron Bowl service description...a.k.a 1st Sunday of Advent
Musician & Preacher analogy and commonalities
Experimenting with sermon style when the service is poorly attended
Rev. Gibson's personal thoughts and desire (post-election) to read the writer Proust and why
Proust's In Search of Lost Time story and description of relevance
Immersing yourself into a book to understand how we know or don't know ourselves and other people
The three dimensions of Proust and Advent
Fiction is a great way to see and understand people
Modernity and where did it go
Why sometimes Rev. Gibson doesn't go to The Bible when she needs some solace and perspective
Our current Gulf Coast Bishop talks about that in the Episcopal tradition we start with The Bible, and then we move on to other books and works of art
God's presence in art and in all things
The three dimensions and the waiting of Advent
Inattentive of the messages and our actions in our lives
Looking at the deeper meanings of things we have heard and ritually done for years
The waiting of Advent and how our modern world is not good at waiting
Staying awake - openness and attentiveness message of the weekly gospel
Being open to Christ and the fulfillment all of the Christian promises
Prayer - giving something attention, homage, and reverence
Transforming the written Word of God into images and life. God is in the Word and in the world
The Episcopal and eastern religion connection
The Yin Yang and the light and the darkness messages
The self-examination of seeing the light and the darkness
The "Lenten" part of Advent
The active participation of reading
Movies & TV Shows vs. books
Reading allows you to understanding and the empathy of others
The Need To Read article in the Wall Street Journal
Grandmother connecting with grandson with The Hunger Games
Connecting with others through books art
Rev. Gibson set herself up to get kicked like a football to read The Hunger Games that her daughter has recommended for some time
Connecting, making relationships and understanding our view of the world is just that - ours - not God's or some else's
Why are many fascinated and drawn to dark and negative entertainment
Wresting with the light and the dark and your life
" The beach is boring without waves" analogy
Sleep of the mindless behavior
The zone of highly attentive activity of a snowboarder and a soldier
Active attention to seeing Church every Sunday
The early Christians thought Christ was coming back sooner - the frustration of waiting
Don't wear dirty underwear because we don't know the day or the time when Christ will return.
Being open and loving to people that are different from you or you do not know is equal to receiving Christ
Weekly Readings:
- Isaiah 2:1-5
- Romans 13:11-14
- Matthew 24:36-44
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew? We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
In this episode of Pulpit To Pew, to end the Green Season of ordinary time, Reverend Gibson and Johnny Gwin dive deep into the world of Christian mysticism. They discuss the ideas of "Divine Time" and "Divine Leadership." The creative, divine and eternal nature of the Celtic tradition of Anam Cara and the retelling of the story of Rumi and his "Soul-Friend" Shams. On this Feast of Christ the King, let's explore the beauty of unifying, not dividing, the Christian world and our own personal relationships. What if we looked at Jesus as our closest friend and eternal confidant? What if that closeness was something that was not abstract but real and in the present?
Today's lessons focus on:
1. Replacing our perception of linear time to understand the fullness of God
2. The actions and lesson of the ancient text of the Bible are bringing God's past and promises to the present.
3. Growth, development, and expansion of our souls.
4. Seeing Christ more than just a "King" but our "Soul Friend and Heart King."
5. The transformative moments of mixing the spiritual connection between past and present, and life and death.
Click to read Rev. Gibson's complete sermon notes.
{Excerpt of Rev. Gibson's Sermon Notes:}
"...It contains what may be a fragment of a baptismal hymn that asserts the supremacy of Christ over the cosmos and the Church, describing him in the same terms as the Lady Wisdom, or Sophia. He existed before all things, and in him all things are held together. All things were created through him and for him. He is the head of the Body that is the Church, and he is the beginning of its eternal nature, as the firstborn from the dead. "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross." This is the full picture of Christ the King."
"Our experience of Christ as King this Sunday will fold time together, bending and blending the present and the future, earth and heaven, the cross and the resurrection, our brokenness and our forgiven life in love."
What you will hear:
How the liturgical calendar works and helps frame the Pulpit To Pew Show.
The subject of "Divine Time"
Explanation of the Jeremiah reading - Shepards and prophecy.
The journey into mysticism and mystical teaching.
The folding of time - time happening in the eternal.
Christians embody Divine Time and it connects the living and the dead.
Looking at the Bible as Literature
The "Word" starts to become life.
The dynamic transformation of "The Word" and how it generates life. That in turn, generates more life.
The limitations of language concerning the divinity and power of the Bible.
The Divine Life
Leonard Cohen - and the other artists that use the Bible and Scripture to create more art and other life.
The Kingship references of Christ seems "foreign" to Rev. Gibson
The Shepard's that are divided the flock in 500BC and relevance today.
The large vision of unity - Pope Pius XI created Feast of Christ The King to unite all the religion under one king - ruler.
The failure of us as a worldwide community to worship united.
Anam Cara - The "Soul Friend" vs. the Kingship view of Christ.
Anam Cara (Celtic Christian Tradition) defined - an eternal friendship that knows you more than anyone else. Makes you a better person and pushes you to a fuller life.
Poet and Philosopher John O'Donohue and his writings on the Anam Cara.
Colemon Barks (University of Georgia) "Soul Friends" and the story of Rumi and Shams.
Rumi, Shams and the book in the water - story.
Out of the classroom and into the world.
The creative, divine and eternal nature of this Celtic tradition of Anam Cara
The Mysticism of a Soul Friend
Time if folded over and expanded out.
Jesus - the "Heart King" - Your "Soul King.".
Your relationship with Jesus needs to be bigger than just friendship.
The "mobius" lesson from the weekly scripture.
Anam Cara is the person that you do not hide anything from, and you confess to that person.
The repentive criminal on Golgotha with Jesus.
Always moving forward message in today's lesson.
Growth, expanding and development of your soul.
Transformative experiences and gifts of spiritual moments after the passing of a loved one.
The mixed and spiritual connection between life and death.
Impact of important people on your soul and your life.
Honoring the gifts important
Sophia - the image and biblical image of "wisdom."
Paul's letter to the Colossians - Jesus is and always eternal.
The different and wrong ways to learn about the "Trinity."
Weekly Readings: Jeremiah 23:1-6
Colossians 1:11-20
Luke 23:33-43
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew? We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
In this podcast, Rev. Beverly F. Gibson and Johnny Gwin talk about healing a wounded nation and moving forward as a community after a tense, ugly & divided election by reflecting and putting into practice some of the most basic lessons of Jesus. Jesus offers his direction for how we should respond: "I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." Let your cheek be struck without reciprocating; let someone who needs your coat take it. Give to everyone who begs from you. And finally, "Do to others as you would have them do to you." As a nation, we have a long journey ahead of us to unite such a broken spirit. Uniting the country is a large task but changing yourself and looking at learning to love better is something we can all do to start the healing process.
Click to view Rev. Gibson's full version of Worship Notes.
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What You Will Hear:
Celebrating the gifts of those that have past before us
The polarizing environment of the recent 2016 Presidential election cycle
Creating a Church that is a welcoming and warm place for everyone
Realizing our family, neighbors and friends are more important than political candidates and political issues
Maureen Dowd's "Little Basket of Deplorable" discussion and examples.
The good, bad and the ugly of social media
Social media relationships are not true relationships and why
Rev. Rob Gulledge and his John Wesley Facebook post that inspired Johnny to share a message of religious traditions od election etiquette and guidelines.
Episcopal Church - The Republican Party in prayer myth addressed.
Political tenor of Christian religion and from the pulpit.
The old adage that your political vote is yours and should be sacred and doesn't always need to be shared.
Valuing others on a political vote or affiliation is not in our Christian teaching or is it good for our community.
CBS 60 Minute Frank Luntz discussion and insights. Everyone is talking, and no one is listening.
Being seen fully and wholly for who we really are
The Scripture lessons of patience and faith in the face of tough times
Honestly, who are we perceived to be and who are we really? And knowing those tough and difficult truths
Catching up a being aware of how we have changed and what are becoming
Hearing the expansive music that is the "Divine Voice" from the lessons of Leonard Cohen.
Lessons and advice in moving forward as a communtiy to get over the divisive nature of the past election.
Get to know your real self and the real self of others
Be hopeful and strive to have a better tomorrow for future generation
Being "heard" by Washinton is abstract but our congressman and senators are a conduit to DC and can be "real people" and helpful
The power of listening instead of always talking
The church pulpit might be one of the only places left on earth were only the speaker is speaking.
The energy of affirmation from a congregation for a priest or speaker.
Simple good and bad ways to get the congregation attention from the pulpit. Humor always helps.
The misunderstanding and hurtful nature of sarcasm
Seeing Church as a School for Loving
Learn to love better - others and ourselves and practice that
The two great commandments.
Love is the basic teaching of Jesus. Repeated over and over in the Scripture.
Beautitudes - Love your enemies and those that curse you.
American's mentality of win at all cost can be a barrier to being a transformed and giving member of a community or parish.
Building from the "Glorious Bottom" - the Way of The Ashes
Thinking, projecting and building a foundation for the future - works for business, church and for our spiritual life.
The "community" mindset of the younger and millennial groups.
Weekly Readings: Daniel 7:1-3,15-18
Ephesians 1:11-23
Luke 6:20-31
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew? We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
Like Pulpit To Pew Podcast?
Here’s how you can help the show:
1. Like our Facebook Page
2. Subscribe to Pulpit To Pew on Apple iTunes (or Overcast App)
3. Rate and review the show on Apple iTunes
This one helps us a ton – seriously!
Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
This Pulpit To Pew episode focuses on a much loved story from Jesus’ ministry on earth, illustrates how Christ always sees us, sees into our hearts, and is ready to draw us out of our brokenness and set us on the way to new life. Reverend Beverly Gibson shares her priestly origin story and some confessions of her personal life, as well as discussing the relevance of the see those that are "invisible" and the "invisible" being seen. Johnny Gwin inquires about the nature of a "Zacchaeus Moment" and the positive and negative aspects of being open, taking a chance, being seen and brought into the spotlight. Rev. Gibson challenges us to ask ourselves these questions: What gift is hidden inside you that is something that needs to come out and be seen? Plus, what am I doing with those gifts to improve my life and strengthen my family and community?
We need your help to make Pulpit To Pew better? Please check out and support our patreon.com campaign.
Click to view Rev. Gibson's full version of Worship Notes.
{Editor's Note: This is an excerpt of Rev. Gibson's weekly Worship Notes}
The gospel lesson from Luke is the familiar story of Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in his region and this job had allowed him to become rich; he also happened to be “short in stature.” Zacchaeus wanted “to see who Jesus was,” and so he joined the crowd in Jericho, awaiting Jesus’ passing through on his way to Jerusalem. Because he couldn’t see over the crowd, Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree for a better view. As Jesus passed by, he looked up, directly at the little man, and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” Again, Jesus was choosing the company of the wrong sort of people, and the crowd grumbled. The effect of Jesus’ presence on Zacchaeus was immediate and powerful: he repented, not simply by adopting a new way of life in giving half of his wealth to the poor, but also by making amends through repaying four-fold what he had defrauded from anyone. Jesus announced to the crowd then, “Today salvation has come to this house.” This is the reign of God, coming into the world. Jesus went his way, on to Jerusalem. Zacchaeus stayed put, establishing new life in God right where he was. Jesus’ last line in this reading is a summation of his whole ministry: “the Son of Man came to seek out and save the lost.” Jesus saw what this man desired; he offered it to him, and Zacchaeus responded. This collaborator with the Roman authorities, despised by his neighbors as he grew rich on their suffering, is the one Jesus chooses and changes. What does this tell us?
10/30/2016 - Sabbadoodle (by: Johnny Gwin)
What you will hear:
Retelling and insights of the much beloved Luke's story and lesson of Zacchaeus in the tree
The significance of seeing and being seen
Reverend Gibson's priestly origin story and confession of being a habitual volunteer, doer, and considerer. She has no problems saying "sure" to opportunities.
Jesus thoroughly and completely seeing Zacchaeus and truly knowing him. The power of those that feel lost or invisible being seen.
Zacchaeus's immediate repentance and making amends based on Jesus's recognition and presence.
Zacchaeus is very similar to many modern day Christians. Just a person with a lucrative job, unfortunately not liked by community, and a sinner. But he is not sick, afflicted, possessed, or seen as a tragic person which Jesus usually helps on his travels.
What is a Zacchaeus Moment?
Christ Church Cathedrals, new renovations and steeple are going to be a Zacchaeus Moment for the Christ Church Cathedral congregation.
The positive and negative aspects of being open and seen.
How SEC football fits into the planning of the Church Services
The Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison's book reference and it's relevance to today's lesson and modern society.
The importance of the gifts hidden inside of us and how they need to be brought into the light.
What are your God given gifts that can be shared with your community?
Increasing your fullness of life and thus improving your life and honoring the gifts God has bestowed on you.
Johnny's sketchnoting as a gift and why he shares it with the world.
Jesus wants us to really live. To have the life that you want and can create.
Rev. Gibson's joy of a holistic approach to administering the faith. Looking and caring for the whole person when working and counseling Parishioners.
How religion should NOT infringe on being what you want to be, or having fun. Rules are there to live a better, more ethical, less dramatic life.
Startup Podcast with Alex Blumberg reference - Jerry Colonna (The CEO Whisperer) and his advice on dealing with personal darkness and handling those issues.
Lose illusion of yourself (previous episode). Take a truthful look at yourself at your weaknesses.
Alex Blumberg's sharing his personal story on Startup podcast and his emotional outburst at his SWOT/360 work personality test.
The swinging door of taking chances.
Doing things for yourself but still consider the others in your life.
Rev. Gibson shares her seminary, growing family & NYC story and trials.
Giving birth to something is wonderful and new. It's amazing but also disruptive and stressful. It's how we handle those changes that reflect our character and spirit.
Israelites time in exile and how it relates to our everyday modern life. During times of change and upheaval, we still need to be patient, pray, have faith in God and still keep living.
Be gentle with yourself and learn to have "us" conversations more than "me" conversations.
Only child Rev. Gibson's second confession of the day: monocular view of selfishness by giving away her time.
Balancing life and hopes, dreams.
Johnny admits to wanting to be next Evil Knieviel.
The plus and the back of the "sure".
Johnny's stereotyping of Old Testament Prophets. They all remind him of Doc Brown from Back To The Future. This is why Johnny draws the prophets, wild-eyed, crazy-haired and frustrated.
Martyrs as "terminal witnesses," prophets, Habakkuk, and prophetic ministries explained.
A signal was seen from the stars that may be an Extra-Terrestrial Intelligent (ETI) creation. Could it be real little green aliens?
And as always, Beverly's parting words of "Amen."
Weekly Readings: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
Luke 19:1-10
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew? We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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This one helps us a ton – seriously!
Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
In this episode, Rev. Gibson touches on the absurd and frightening news that swirls around us and draws us into its darkness and anger as we draw closer to the national election. Her insights on this week's lessons look at a long-term, long-view perspective that will hopefully make our present context seem small and passing. From the Book of Joel to The Parable of the Pharisee vs. Tax Collector, Rev. Beverly F. Gibson and Johnny Gwin talk about humility, embracing disillusionment, seeing the "real" world and creating one-on-one relationships with God and your neighbors.
It is very easy in this season of posturing, self-promotion, and graceless speech to fall into the ways of thinking and speaking that we hear and read daily through the media and social contacts. This is spiritually toxic. Maybe it's a good idea to lose our illusions and open your mind and heart, find some light and hope and genuine truth may enter. Instead of wallowing in the darkness we should strive to be children of light.
{Editor's Note: Interview references the thoughts and writings of Parker Palmer (On Being Podcast) and David Brooks (The Power of the Dinner Table) :
Click to view Rev. Gibson's Worship Notes
Weekly Readings: Joel 2:23-32
2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18
Luke 18:9-14
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew? We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
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Media: Download
In this episode, the clear theme is perseverance (patience + faith in action). Although we may associate perseverance with struggle and difficulty, we might just as easily associate it with something more positive-discipline, which leads to accomplishment and growth. Rev. Gibson and Johnny Gwin share their personal memories and anecdotes on the importance of perseverance in our spiritual and daily life (even though Johnny keeps saying "persistence") and how we should be consistent & structured in or prayers (in good and bad times) and never lose hope. Rev. Gibson introduces Johnny to the writer/poet Mary Karr and they discuss the lessons in her real life and spiritual transformation from agnostic childhood to alcoholic, to the Spiritual Exercise of St. Ignatius and the Catholic Church. Plus, they re-enforce the running theme of why we should all create a welcoming and loving church for others, especially those that we see as "different." Mary Karr's observation that "America's new religion is doubt" is addressed and Rev. Gibson gives insight into us rejecting this mindset by seeing and using our words and actions as a gift to our culture and an example of the positivity of the Jesus Movement.
Click for Full Text of Rev. Beverly Gibson's Weekly Worship Notes.
{Editor's note: paraphrased from Rev. Gibson's weekly worship notes email}
We continue to follow the prophet Jeremiah's account of Israel's exile in Babylon. What God indicates in Jeremiah's prophecy is that the law will become so instinctual that the traditions of teaching would become unnecessary. This implies that the relationship between God and his people would become ever closer and more intimate; God would "dwell in" them, and they would know the law in a new way. As Paul closes his second letter to Timothy, he encourages his "beloved child" to be steadfast in his ministry. He is to rely on scripture, to teach it, to use it for discipline in good works. Jesus takes up the theme of persistence as well in this week's parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow. This parable is a plain example of the power of not giving up. Although the judge in the parable does not care about justice and has no sympathy for the widow, he grants her request just so she will leave him alone. How much more, then, will God, who is justice and who loves us very much, grant our requests. Still, we must not give up in asking, thinking that because we do not see immediate results from our prayers, God is not at work. In fact, God's answering may not look like we had imagined; it may well be daunting, even terrifying, asking more of us than we want to give. We all encounter moments of challenge in life, times when more is demanded of our discipline and devotion that we think we are able to give. Our lessons and prayers this week remind us that the key is not giving up-persevere in discipline.
Challenge this week:
Reflect on this question: Why do I follow Jesus?
Weekly Readings: Jeremiah 31:27-34
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Luke 18:1-8
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew? We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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In this lively Pulpit To Pew episode, Reverend Beverly Gibson and Johnny Gwin explore how we personally, and as a community, see poverty and its complex causes and how it imprisons some of our neighbors. What is our role as Christians and citizens to be a resource to our whole community? What does real gratitude look like? Why we should and how do we build stronger communities is an often unfair and cruel world. Join our conversation that dives deep into present-day issues and illustrates the commonly used saying "make the best of a bad situation" and why it's steeped in biblical relevance and more than a just a turn of phrase.
Click here to read Rev. Gibson's full worship notes
{Editor's note: excerpt from Rev. Gibson's worship notes} The readings for the 21st Sunday after Pentecost all deal with how we respond to challenges and adversity. The people of Israel faced repeated exile and hardship in the course of their history. Paul was imprisoned for spreading the gospel. Jesus spent his earthly ministry among the outcast, marginalized, and diseased. The Bible is not the story of people in perfect or ideal conditions; it contains the stories of people like us, who face uncertainty and who live with difficulty and doubt. Its counsel is never despair, avoidance, or retreat. Its direction is toward the active life of faithful living.
Daily Take Away
Building lives and healthy communities, living and sharing the good news of God’s love in Christ, and practicing gratitude—this is the direction of God’s word. This is the way we are counseled to live, no matter what the challenges and circumstances around us may be.
Weekly Readings: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
2 Timothy 2:8-15
Luke 17:11-19
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew? We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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Whoa, we're excited by this Pulpit To Pew episode. A wee-bit long BUT we promise the discuss flows quickly as Rev. Gibson & Johnny Gwin discuss the complex readings and lessons this week concerning faith, obedience and doing what God expects from us.
What you will here:
How is our readings like singing and understanding the "Blues?"
Jesus and Paul as CEO and business mentors.
It's not the amount of faith you have, it's using it to do God's good works that counts.
The importance of the physical Church and the important acts and example we set within the Church.
Servant leadership for politicians and the whole community.
Beverly shares wonderful insights on the beautiful Book of Lamentation, Paul's prison letters to Timothy and the service reading of Luke's gospel:
{Editor's Note: Text from Rev. Gibson's weekly worship email}
The reading from Luke's gospel comes from a passage in which Luke collects a number of Jesus' shorter sayings. The verses in our lesson follow his warning about being an impediment to those new to the faith (the outsiders Jesus has been bringing to him). Causing these "little ones" to "stumble" is a grave offense for a follower; the world is hard enough and will test their faith beyond endurance, so other believers must support and not challenge them. Jesus also calls in this section for repeated forgiveness; indeed, there is no limit to how far forgiveness must go. It is not surprising, then, that the disciples realize that they need more faith than they think they have! Jesus is quick to respond: it's not bigger faith you need, but an awareness of how big your God is. It is God who powers your faith, God who works through your small actions to accomplish his great things, God whose presence and action should never be forgotten. And don't think that hard work from us satisfies God: God expects our genuine service, done with gratitude. We do not earn anything through our service. Our value does not lie in service, but our expected obedience does.
Daily Takeaway:
The Good News is that God is with us, always. When the challenges we meet in life appear bigger than we can handle, we are to remember that God is handling them. We are just the obedient workers. God will give us more than we can ever deserve. This is the faith Paul expresses when he writes, "I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him."
Click for Rev. Gibson's Weekly Worship Notes
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew? We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
In this Pulpit To Pew episode very big and complex issues springboard from the weekly readings and sermon that take material wealth as their subject matter. Rev. Gibson and Johnny look at the Rich Man & Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) parable and dive into questions about our belief and existence of Hell. Beverly discusses the subject of the temptation to false security that may be found in wealth. Plus, Johnny asks some questions that arise from Paul's letter to Timothy (1 Timothy 6:6-19) that is the source for the often heard saying that "the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil." Is wealth inherently sinful? Will those who suffer in life not suffer in eternal life, while those who enjoyed comfort, will suffer? How should we handle the issue of poverty individually and as a community?
Thinking idealistically about feeding the hungry and helping the poor is easy. Beverly challenges us to think hard about-and practice-hospitality that welcomes into our lives and spaces those people who are different from us, lacking the advantages we have, perhaps with different ideas and beliefs and experiences. Again the show messages circles back around to the recurring message that our minds and hearts should aim for life on earth to be "as it is in heaven."
Beverly closes this episode with the powerful lesson of how we should use our awareness of abundance:
1. Do good works
2. Share generously
3. Store up the treasure of a good foundation for the future in God's economy
4. Do not waste your riches, time or talent
5. Take hold of the life that is really life
What you will hear:
Special shout out to listeners Lolita Reyes and Lissa Watkins
What is the Episcopal view of Hell?
Is Hell a real place?
We are all marked by Christ unless someone outright rejects it
The cultural view of Hell post Dante's The Inferno
The Christian appeal of Hell as a sense of retribution and justice for the wicked
The transformative power of prayer
The difference between longevity of life and "fullness" of life
Hell is a state of being in the here and the hereafter
Hell is an imprisonment of souls
How we are all imprisoned by something and how we need to be aware of this "Hell on Earth"
What is the call to reconciliation?
Squandering your God given gifts impoverishes your life
What is divine justice?
The positive messages of Christ vs. the avoidance of Hell as a motivation to live a Christian life
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew? We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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2. Subscribe to Pulpit To Pew on Apple iTunes (or Overcast App)
3. Rate and review the show on Apple iTunes
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Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
This week's Pulpit To Pew episode, Rev. Beverly Gibson and Johnny Gwin discusses the ins and out of the Shrewd Manager parable (Luke 16:1-13) from this week's readings. What can we learn from the cleverness of the world to deliver a righteous message, make friends, and grow our beloved community? Do you find yourself mastered by to-do lists and your daily routine? Are you open to the unknown? Beverly talks about Ted Talk speaker Courtney Ferrall and her insights on finding energy in our lives from instead of fearing the unknown, embracing it. Beverly and Johnny candidly express the benefits of being willing to open ourselves up to break from the "letter of the law" and the "this is the way we do it" mentality to be a welcoming presence in our Church, community, and family.
If we follow the story, what Jesus is advocating for Israel, in the face of crisis, to try something far less cautious: forget all the extra, add-on rules and regulations, and get down to the essentials of the Law—loving God and neighbor. Make friends, and bring those friends into God’s Kingdom, too.
Read Rev. Beverly Gibson's Sermon Notes
What you will hear:
The meaning of the "Is there no balm in Gilead". (Jeremiah 8:18-9:1)
Why we should pray for our leaders? (1 Timothy 2:1-7)
Discussing Jesus's struggle with the Pharisees and challenging them to make his message "bigger" and more inclusive not "holier."
What do we mean by "less add-on rules, more love"?
The importance of making friends (allies) to be a resource and a part of God's plan.
Using "worldly ways" and resources as tools to growing a movement and community.
Abandoning fear of the unknown and how it gives us energy.
How can we learn and use the Ritz Carlton Way to surprise & delight others with our actions when welcoming others into our community.
The benefit of doing more than what we are supposed to do but striving to surprise & delight others with our actions.
What is the "Also Life"?
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew? We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
Welcome to the second season of Pulpit To Pew. On this episode, Rev. Beverly Gibson & Johnny Gwin discusses the spiritual and daily messages and lessons drawn from the Good Shepard and Lost Coin parables. Beverly shares her sermon's inspiration of Stephen Covey's business philosophy of "replacing your watch with a compass" and her fascination with artist Jake Weidmann's penmanship skills and his Sojourner's Rose drawing. Johnny actually gets "lost" in the podcast interview but redeems himself by sharing some anthropological wisdom concerning the often overlooked Lost Coin parable. Fellow traveler's join us as we explore the guiding principles of finding your own life's compass, path, and the skills to stay on the "true" course.
Listen to Ep.4 - Beverly discusses how "being lost" doesn't have to always be seen as a bad thing.
Key questions addressed:
What is your compass?
What is Jesus's philosophy on repentance?
Why is the one lost sheep so important to the Church?
Should the activities of God be our activities?
What is a 2pm Seal Show?
Readings
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Luke 15:1-10
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew? We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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3. Rate and review the show on Apple iTunes
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Thanks for listening and have a great and peaceful week.
Welcome to the 18th episode of Pulpit To Pew. Reverend Beverly Gibson and Johnny Gwin weigh many topics, including the pervasive and addictive nature of technology in our current society as well as the importance of escaping that technology. They also discuss the idea of taking inventory and analyzing the illusions and mindsets (shackles) that can block us from understanding others, positively moving forward and staying focused on your mission.
Bonus: Reverend Gibson shares that see is not a "Goody Two Shoes".
Questions:
Do we have the freedom to shatter those illusions and perspectives that distract us from our gifts, relationships with others and God?
What shackles do you have in your life?
How can I shatter my shackles and move forward on the right path?
How do I want others to see?
Are we willing to be brave enough to "break our shackles" and follow Jesus, now?
Readings:
2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
Galatians 5:1,13-25
Luke 9:51-62
What you will hear:
There may be some things we are shackled to that might be leading us on a path that we shouldn't be on.
Distancing yourself from devices and perceptions that shackle and distract you from your gifts and your true path.
Rigid perspectives & mindsets can harm us and cloud the truth
The dangers of unexamined assumptions
How your occupation and interests shape the way you see the world
The "grooves" of our lives
Confronting your illusions
Elijah & Elisha lesson explained
Paul's letter to the Galatians explained
Flesh vs. the fruit of the Spirit
The Vulcan view of diversity
Letting go of my perspectives and mindsets
Iceberg analogy of what people know and see
Watch out for the manipulators in the world
Hardcore Zen book reference - "Question everything and everyone"
The hypocrisy of punk rock conformity
Toni Morrison - Claiming the permission to succeed
The importance of compassion and empathy with relationships
Explanation of "anyone that looks back can not fit in the Kingdom of God"
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew? We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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Here’s how you can help the show:
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2. Subscribe to Pulpit To Pew on Apple iTunes (or Overcast App)
3. Rate and review the show on Apple iTunes
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Thanks for listening and have a great week.
Welcome to the 17th episode of our show, Johnny Gwin and Reverend Beverly Gibson sit down and talk about a wide range of topics including: comparing Jesuits and Episcopalians, the influence of art and painting in the church, the idea that utilizing your gifts is a form of worship, and the importance of small details. This week’s episode was a bit different, as there was no sermon to discuss due to Johnny traveling over the weekend visiting the Jesuit retreat at Manresa.
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew? We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
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Welcome to the 16th episode of Pulpit To Pew. This week Rev. Gibson and Johnny Gwin compares and contrasts the biblical villain Jezebel, wife of King Ahab, and her legacy of vengeance, power, and possession with the ‘woman of the city’ who humbly requested Jesus to forgive her of her sin. The themes of the episode revolve around the ideas of interacting with others with an open heart and mind, allowing others to be given a new chance in life, and accepting that others are as valuable as oneself. What steps do we need to take to "become new" in the eyes of God and ourselves? What is humbling ourselves before God mean? What role does forgiveness play in becoming the "best version of ourselves?"
What You Will Hear:
The Old Testament's Jezebel and her legacy in the Bible, culture and on our plates
King Ahab - The weak, and whiny baby ruler of the Northern Kingdom of Isreal
Jezebel - the enabler and schemer
Elijah - God's police detective?
The Beginning of the end for the Northern Kingdom of Ahab and Jezebel
Correlation of Jezebel and Luke's "woman of the city"
Dominance versus wholeness
Possession, power, and vengeance
Acceptable and unacceptable view of possession
Marriage as a shared possession and ownership
Open hand vs. closed fist
Paul's transformation and possession of Christ
Transforming but remaining you
The process of letting go of your past
How to be a new and better you
Following each other in marriage
Listening and trusting your partner
Letting go of your own shame
Toni Morrison - claiming your own creativity
Giving up my sense of worthlessness
Claiming the forgiveness that you desire
Willingness to be forgiven
Forgiveness of others starts with you
Readings:
1 Kings 21:1-21a
Galatians 2:15-21
Luke 7:36-8:3
Pulpit To Pew is a discussion between priest (Rev. Beverly Gibson) and parishioner (Johnny Gwin) on the weekly lessons and readings. Please subscribe to the podcast on Apple iTunes, Overcast App, Soundcloud.com and of course pulpittopew.com.
Love is action. - Reverend Beverly Gibson
The song "Is That All There Is?", made famous by Peggy Lee, is sung from the disenchanted point of view of a woman underwhelmed by unique experiences of life and even love. Charles Taylor writes about this disenchanted world of secularism and a societal disembodiment of spirituality in his book "A Secular Age". Are these prevalent feeling in our noisy and "more is better" world? Is there a yearning for more epidemic - especially with Millennials? If so, how do we offset this ennui for ourselves and others?
On our 15th episode, Reverend Beverly Gibson shares her thoughts and insights on the readings of Elijah and Jesus's miracle of resurrecting a child from the dead. These readings are strong lessons of God's power to "give life back" to us after loss and misdirection-in unexpected, sometimes sudden and shocking ways. We may go through a time in which all joy and the possibility of hope and life seem impossibly beyond our reach. And then something unexpected, surprising happens, and we are "given life back." We can participate in this happening for others, too, if we genuinely have and act on the compassion that Jesus and Elijah shows.
Today's Pulpit To Pew show, lesson and daily take-away is more questions of reflection than answers: Do I (we) bring life to other's? Like Anne Litt's music curation lists for Spotify and KCRW, do I (we) routinely contribute uplifting and surprising things that others normally would not have found? Or, should we do what Peggy Lee suggests: stop worrying about life and "break out the booze and have a ball - if that's all there is"?
Readings:
1 Kings 17:8-16 (17-24)
Galatians 1:11-24
Luke 7:11-17
Pulpit To Pew is a discussion between priest (Rev. Beverly Gibson) and parishioner (Johnny Gwin) on the weekly lessons and readings. Please subscribe to the podcast on Apple iTunes, Overcast App, Soundcloud.com and of course pulpittopew.com.
Pulpit To Pew took the Memorial Day Weekend off, but Johnny was saving this “unused” conversation - that did not make one of the previously published podcasts - to use when they needed it. We hope you enjoy this candid and personal conversation between priest (Reverend Beverly Gibson) and the curious parishioner (Johnny Gwin).
What you will hear:
What are we really agreeing to with the Episcopal Baptismal Covenant?
What is the Episcopal (and Rev. Gibson’s personal) view of politicking from the pulpit?
Is a parish priest a therapist?
What is finding a “Home” in a church and a parish?
What do you think about Pulpit To Pew?We would love to hear what you think, or maybe what you would like us to talk about on an upcoming podcast. Email producer Stacy Wellborn at stacywellborn@gmail.com and join in the conversation.
Like Pulpit To Pew Podcast?
Here’s how you can help the show:
1. Like our Facebook Page
2. Subscribe to Pulpit To Pew on Apple iTunes (or Overcast App)
3. Rate and review the show on Apple iTunes.
This one helps us a ton - seriously!
Thanks for listening and have a great week.
Hide and seek with God is a natural process of creation and mutuality. – Reverend Beverly Gibson
Hide and seek is familiar to all of us, a fond memory developed from peek-a-boo. While a childhood game, it also is a process through which we come to know God. In this week's episode, Dean Gibson and Johnny discuss how we metaphorically play hide and seek with God, who also plays hide and seek with us. God’s plan and promise is creative; it is an ever-changing cycle of ebb and flow. Hiding doesn't have to be seen a negative. It's a cyclic process that provides an opportunity to properly plan, grow and reinvent, as individuals and communities. Lastly, the concept of patiently waiting is discussed as the key to the process of gestation and the emergence of ideas and identity.
Readings:
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Romans 5:1-5
John 16:12-15
In this episode:
David Whyte, poet, and consultant, how hiding can be a positive and create a sense of self-protection
Beverly describes a positive example of “hiding” with a Star Wars reference, Padawan period of training
Trinity – three in one; Holy Spirit as advocate
Johnny’s idea of “Trinity for Dummies.”
Cyclic process of renewal; Opportunities to reinvent
Why Johnny loves Jujitsu and what he learned from flailing on the floor
Rilke – Letters to a Poet – everything is gestation; patience is everything.
In teaching and learning, participation is key.
Hide and seek should be playful, joyful. Play is the best way to learn.
Relationship with God is joyful, be patient. Allow it to gestate, grow and then emerge.
Thanks for listening to Pulpit To Pew. Please subscribe to, rate and review Pulpit To Pew on iTunes.
No one can mess up the space that God inhabits. - Reverend Dean Beverly Gibson
Does God want us to make our own plans? What if our plan is in contrast to God's Plan (Genesis 11:1-9)? This week's lessons and sermon from Pentecost Sunday at Christ Church Cathedral in Mobile, Alabama goes from the Tower of Babel, the story of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-21), to Philip asking Jesus to "show us the Father"(John 14:8-17,25-27).
Reverend Dean Gibson discusses:
how man's plans cannot disrupt God's plans.
discovering and aligning our goals and visions with one's that resembles the "Jesus Movement."
being filled and transformed weekly by the Holy Spirit to make life and share the Good News with the world when we leave our Church service.
balancing a human or societal need plan and discovering "God's Plan."
the "Godness" in all things especially in books, music, and art.
leadership vision and how to direct what Christ Church Cathedral can be.
generous listening, awareness and waiting patiently with "empty hands." (Annie Dillard's fishing technique)
Warning: Johnny brings up more ridiculous Star Trek religious analogies concerning Reverend Gibson's weekly lessons and sound insights. Please bare with his sci-fi obsession - being an enlightened and more spiritual being is a process.
Peter had a vision to go to Macedonia and spread the word ofGod, and he set off on an a trek without thinking about theobstacles. Why do we modern Christians not have "visions" anymore?Would we even act on the message of the "vision"? Have we adultslost the ability to see the visual and sometimes not "rational"world of our spirituality? In this week's Pulpit To Pew ReverendGipson suggests that we should see the world and church servicesthrough the eyes and open mind of a child. We should make room forthe Holy Spirit by offering up drawing, art, music even gardeningas a way of prayerful action to God. Using Lynda Berry's "TheUnthinkable Mind" approach, being mindful of God's presence inscripture, church services, and the details of our life couldcreate an openness and new view of the joyous wonders of God andhis works. Johnny shares his love and benefits of sketchnoting inthe pews plus his St. Clare of Assisi Patron Saint of Televisionplastic glow in the dark miniature novelty statue.
Readings:
Acts 16:9-15
Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5
John 14:23-29
On This Episode:
What is Rogation Sunday?
Episcopal prayers for commerce, industry and harvests
The Tree of Life
Who was Lydia, the Macedonian cloth merchant
Modern day visions = crazy
Episcopal mysticism - pursuit of contact with a spiritualtruth not in the rational perception
Experiencing Scripture and Mass with the open mind of achild
Should we have adult coloring books in the pews?
Opening yourself o hearing and experiencing a whole bodyservice
Making space for a the "advocate" - the Holy Spirit
The Unthinkable Mind and world of Lynda Berry
The process of making visions make sense of "visions" to themodern church congregation
The Master and His Emissary (the right and left brain)
Scientific proof of God as seen by The Story of God and MorganFriedman
Icons and their place in religious tradition, language, andworship
The tug of war between faith & proof
The spiritual crisis of mid-life
How church can and needs to be fun
The importance of stimulating and engaging teens in Church,Services, and Scripture
Why Reverend Gibson uses Twitter to know more about Beyonceand her Lemonade song
The double aged sword & energy working with youngpeople
Turning vision into action
Pulpit To Pew is a discussion between priest (Rev.Beverly Gibson) and parishioner (Johnny Gwin) on the weekly lessonsand readings. Please subscribe to the podcast on Apple iTunes,Overcast App, Soundcloud.com and of course pulpittopew.com.
In this episode, Rev. Beverly Gibson shares her favorite podcasts, her philosophy of sermon style and delivery, and how to prepare for a sermon (even when you don't feel so hot). Johnny gets excited because he manages to get Shawn Mullins, Eric Clapton, and J.J. Cale into this week's podcast.
Johnny was a sponsor for new church member Richie Scherer, and Reverend Dean Beverly Gibson was actually sitting in the pews this week for her daughter's confirmation. Bishop Russell Kendrick gave a rousing sermon and beautiful service at Christ Church Cathedral's 11th Annual Celebration. Due to all the festivities, Rev. Gibson suggested that we put together a Pulpit To Pew episode of some of the bonus material she and Johnny have cut from other shows.
What you will hear:
Other podcasts on Reverend Gibson & Johnny's playlist.
Why Reverend Gibson is hesitant to listen to other religious or preaching podcasts.
Finding and growing a sermon style for a specific church audience and community.
The importance in earning trust with an audience.
How tough is it to deliver a sermon consistently and when you don't feel well?
Psyching up or praying up to prepare for a sermon & Mass.
A peek behind the curtain - pre-mass prep, prayers, and reminders for everyone on the alter. Especially the acolytes.
Body language and facial expression feedback from the pews.
Delivery and style sermon differences and diversity.
The benefit of a microphone when preaching.
Memorizing vs. outlines when delivering sermons.
Please subscribe to Pulpit To Pew on Apple iTunes or Overcast App. The best way to support our show is to share with your friends and post an APPLE review and rating. Want to know more about Pulpit To Pew, Reverend Beverly Gibson, Johnny Gwin or Christ Church Cathedral with pulpittopew.com. Thanks so much for listening.
Like Nipper the dog in the vintage RCA logo, do we know our master's voice or are we even trying to be able to hear it? In such a busy and noisy world, how do we hear the call of our Good Shepard? Reverend Dean Beverly Gibson discusses generous listening (Rachel Remen), being curious, and seeking to want to know answers. Is life an endless struggle to regain the pure knowledge and purity that ancient stories have said we possessed and lost at birth with an "angel kiss?" Reverend Gibson and Johnny discuss the benefits of learning to listen actively and listen in a loving silence that hopefully can be a powerful way to connect with our true selves, spirituality and each other.
"By listening to the shepherd's voice. His voice doesn't demand things of us or tell us what to do. His voice tells us that he loves us; he calls us each by name and tells us that we belong to him. Eternal life is found in that love." - Reverend Dean Beverly Gibson
Readings and Lessons:
- Acts 9:36-43
- Revelation 7:9-17
- John 10:22-30
- Psalm 23
Pulpit To Pew is now available on Apple iTunes Podcast App and Overcast App. Listening is a great way to have a richer connection with others, and we thank you for making a connection. Please subscribe to our show, leave a review and share with some friends.
Confession time, Johnny used this title to help with search engine optimization (SEO) for this week's podcast (meaning: using a "high trending" word in the title to make the show easier to find on Google Search). Reverend Dean Beverly Gibson started off this week's sermon with a confession of her own. During her week off she binged watch Netflix's women's prison dramedy hit show, Orange Is The New Black. Not quite endorsing the show from the pulpit, Reverend Gibson mentions that this show's subject matter of imprisonment strangely aligned with the lessons and Gospel reading this Sunday. The Disciples were imprisoned and freed in Act 5:27-32 and they were "laying low" hiding from the authorities in John 20:19-31. Reverend Gibson discusses with co-host Johnny the "self-made" prisons that Jesus can help free us from, both spiritually and personally. How do we choose to breach our own prisons? Why we should preach about our "escape" from our prisons? Why we should pray to be thankful for our "freedom". Plus, they discuss how faith and trust in Jesus (and others) will help him hand us a pardon from our "self-made" confinements and sins.
Breach > Preach > Thanks
What you will hear:
What's Low Sunday?
Why we all can understand St. Thomas, the Doubter
Revelations: difficult read or bad acid trip
The Bible as good literature & inspiration for novelists
Star Trek Deep Space Nine mythos and The Bible
Wrestling of faith & belief
American Horror Story and repeating the "same ole" mistakes
Creating "self-made" prisons
The Biblical Shawshank Redemption
Who was Gamaliel & his "observational scientific testing" of God's plan
Today theme thread: locked doors
*Liking but not endorsing Orange Is The New Black from the Episcopal pulpit
The "self-made" prison of an "I'm stuck" world
Was Thomas's doubt his self-made prison?
Hiding behind a spiritual and personal crisis of trust
Better living through spirituality
(Reprise) Bishop Kendrick's "turning the page" faith sermon
The prison of control & hubris of anticipating unknown outcomes
Common plots & structures of classic storytelling (Mamet, Campbell, Vonnegut)
Breach - Preach - Thanks CLARIFIED
rechargingyou.com
Erie, Pa. or bust
C&E Christians is a “wink and a nod” term that consistent church-goers use to describe people who only come to mass during Christmas and Easter. The church is more crowded, a new face might be in your normal seat and pew, and there are fewer places to park. Instead of seeing this cyclical phenomenon as a nuisance – what if we use this opportunity to welcome someone to our close community? What if your kind words make that person decide to come to church more than twice a year? Reverend Dean Gibson and Johnny Gwin admit that in their lives they were “C&Es” plus they discuss ways “C&E Christians” can get the most out of their time in the Church Mass and how the “regular” Church members can heighten their Easter Sunday experience. The “Good News” is here and maybe it’s all of our jobs to welcome others to it.
What you will hear:
A “C&E Christian” is a term for a person that comes to church only for Christmas and Easter services
The recipe for a “good” Easter sermon
Delivering a powerful sermon focused on well-worn subject matter
Staying fresh and avoiding pitfalls when writing sermons
Enjoying the full senses of the “Big Show” of the Easter Mass experience
The always positive Good News message of an Easter sermon
Johnny and Dean Gibson both admit to being a “C&E Christian”
The importance of a Church Home
The energy and gift of a diverse Church community
How the “regular” Church-goer can heighten their Easter Sunday experience
Historic view of pew and seat rental
The pride of Christ Church Cathedral – the Floating Flower Cross
The Easter event nobody will ever forget
The Indigo Girls version of the Jesus Christ Superstar – an Easter Tradition
The intersection of the cosmic cycle of our personal and spiritual life
Fasting as a discipline, not a penance
One of the “gifts” of Mobile Mardi Gras
Happy Easter from Reverend Dean Gibson, Johnny Gwin and Pulpit To Pew
What if we looked at challenging times and indecision by focusing more on hope than despair? Uncertainty is a part of life. It’s not always a bad thing – uncertainty can create an openness, opportunity for action, creative problem-solving, and a full participation in life. How do we learn to want to “stay in the game” and help participate in whatever the outcome? In this weeks Pulpit To Pew, Reverend Dean Beverly Gibson and Johnny Gwin discuss the richness and depth of The Passion, having faith in uncertainty, embracing hope over despair, and actively participating in scripture and mysteries during Holy Week (Christian’s March Madness.)
Podcast Theme: Hope and despair in uncertainty
What you will hear:
• The Episcopal view of the controversy of Jesus riding a donkey or horse into Jerusalem
• The dramatic & theatrical movement of the Passion/Palm Sunday service and gospel
• The Episcopal law violated by our Church service (shh! keep this quiet)
• Anamnesis? Taking an active participation in the Paschal mystery
• Joining the spiritual and physical journey with Jesus through Holy Week
• Hope and despair on Skull Hill
• Christ’s participation in death – confronting our own mortality
• The light on the other side of the darkness
• Preparing your mindset for Holy Week
• Seeing uncertainty as a good thing
• The strong pacifist Revolutionary, Servant Leader, and the non-aggression movement.
• The Disciples and their very “human moments.”
• Simon Peter’s three denials and “The Way Of The Ashes.”
• All may, some should, none must – “The Episcopal Way.”
• Praise of the musical talents of the musicians at Christ Church Cathedral
This bonus episode of Pulpit To Pew podcast Reverend Dean Beverly Gibson and Johnny Gwin discuss how the week 5 of Lent’s readings (Isaiah 42:16-21 & Philippians 3:4b-14) reminded them of Bob Dylan’s song Pressing On (1979). Like Saul’s transformation to Paul – Bob Dylan redefined his relationship with the Lord and became a born again Christian. Dylan created three albums of what has been called his “Gospel Trilogy” during this time in his life.
This segment is an excerpt from Ep. 5 – Pressing On (Mary Anoints Jesus’s Feet)
Why a bonus episode? Well, Reverend Gibson and Johnny talks are very free-form and always speak longer than the actual podcast length. There are many reasons to cut segments out of the interview to make the podcast. This 3 minutes was a segment that both Johnny and Beverly thought was fun and insightful and instead of cutting it – they wanted to find a way to share it. They hope you enjoy this episode as much as they enjoyed making it.
In this week’s episode, Reverend Beverly Gibson and co-host Johnny Gwin discuss the themes of expressing love, perseverance, and the awareness of Christ’s gifts. The conversation explores many aspects of this week’s (Week 5 of Lent) readings and lessons. What is the significance of Mary’s actions while anointing Jesus’s feet (John 12:1-8)? What does Isaiah mean by “I am about to do a new thing? (Isaiah 43-16-21)” And what is Paul’s message of “pressing on for the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3-4b-14).” Johnny manages to compare Lazarus to Jesus’s “smoking gun” of prophetic messianic proof and Reverend Gibson explains to her co-host her idea and significance of “In doing you achieve by being.”
Daily Takeaway: Press on through a painful journey that you know has a reward for its conclusion. And to commit to love (like Mary) by engaging in a deeper relationship with Christ and imagining Jesus’s physical experience during Holy Week.
What You Will Hear:
The life and significance of Lazarus
Mary anointing the feet of Jesus at Bethany
Mary’s act of love vs. Judas’s words of concern
Proof texting
The gifts of Christ’s death & resurrection
Clarification of the fragrance of death
What is Isaiah’s “new thing”?
What is Paul’s hope for his own resurrection
Jesus as a disruptor and the effect on Paul
Jesus leading by example
Pressing on and perseverance
What is the “heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus?”
{Producer’s Notes: sorry we had some technical difficulties with the recording this week and there are a few pops in the playback.}
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
To hear more episodes visit pulpittopew.com
The Prodigal Son is a parable that most of us have heard all of our life. Reverend Dean Beverly Gibson (Christ Church Cathedral) explores a new perspective of the “prodigal son”. What if we look at the “Prodigal Son” as an adventurer instead of someone that is “wasteful?”. Did the returning Son transform to a better version of himself after his return to his loving home? Of course, Johnny finds another opportunity to mention his hero Kris Kristofferson. Plus, manages to mention the Rolling Stones version of the “Prodigal Son” written by Rev. Robert Wilkins.
Daily takeaway: Vulnerability and embracing being lost can be a blessing and allow yourself to be the first to tell others “I Love You.”
What you might learn:
God loves “finding” & the three parables of Luke.
Considering the Prodigal Son as a “risk-taker” not “wasteful.” (Luke 15:11-32)
BCP Rite 1 and the Episcopal “comfort-zone.”
Brené Brown – The power of vulnerability & the loss of connection in relationships.
The River Jordan and passing to the unknown.
Trust and the reset button.
The “disgrace of Egypt clarification. (Joshua 5:9-12)
Are we “ambassadors of Christ?” (2 Corinthians 5:16-21)
Why Me Lord (Kris Kristofferson*) reference to The Prodigal Son.
The strength of the willingness to be weak.
The message of salvation for the afterlife or the daily life?
* this is not becoming a Kris Kristofferson fan podcast…promise!
In this bonus episode of Pulpit To Pew Johnny tries his best to compare the song To Beat The Devil by Kris Kristofferson to the story of Jesus tested in the wilderness (Luke 4: 1-13). Reverend Dean Gibson entertains Johnny’s tangent and actually makes sense of his ramblings. What is your calling? What does God call you to do? Like Moses (and Kris Kristofferson) what would stop you from doing what God wants you to do?
Why a bonus episode? Well, Reverend Gibson and Johnny talks are very free-form and always speak longer than the actual podcast length. There are many reasons to cut segments out of the interview to make the podcast. This 6 minutes was a segment that both Johnny and Beverly thought was fun and insightful and instead of cutting it – they wanted to find a way to share it. Plus, they both like Mr. Kristopherson’s body of work. They hope you enjoy this episode as much as they enjoyed making it.
In Ep.3 of Pulpit To Pew Podcast Reverend Dean Gibson and Johnny Gwin discuss the beauty, challenges and balance of being a preacher, teacher and performer from the pulpit. Dean Gibson revisits the discussion and importance of discernment in our spiritual and daily life and Johnny talks about his recent experience as a speaker and the concept of “failing forward” (a concept discussed by Scotty Russell). This episodes explores the Lenten theme of renewal and rejuvenation and as always we dive into the weekly lessons and gospels.
In this episode:
1.00: Dean Gibson’s preparation for creating a sermon.
2.11: Difference between preaching, teaching and performing from the pulpit
5.15: The beauty and challenge of preaching
5.40: Deeper discussion of discernment (Acts 2: 42-47)*
11.45: Failing Forward (concept of Scotty Russell)
12.32: The Burning Bush
14.40: Moses & modern day leaders
17.23: Reluctant leadership & battlefield promotions
19.00: The hope of the Priest for the Listener
21.03: Bearing Fruit lesson
22.40: Literal meaning of Lent
24.50: Episcopal vs. Catholic view of reading
What is listening with a “whole soul experience” and how important is it to embrace discernment? Rev. Beverly Gibson and Johnny discuss the significance of Abraham’s covenant conversation with God (Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18) and Jesus’s run in with two threatening Pharisees (Luke 13:31-35). Johnny shares his hero-worship of the “anti-authoritarian” Jesus, and Rev. Gibson answers the question: What is the strongest single characteristic of a disciple of Jesus?
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Philippians 3:17–4:1
Luke 13:31-35
Giving yourself to engaged listening (and responding) can connect you more to your faith, community and the people closest to you. Plus, it adds fullness and richness to your spiritual and daily life. A church and a community is one of many and communication is a strong tool, enriching and improving our relationships and understanding of each other. Rev. Gibson shares ways to be a more aware and engaged listener.
Pulpit to Pew is a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to explore further the weekly Sunday sermon and lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
Pulpit to Pew, a podcast that features a conversation between priest and parishioner, to understand how the message translates and to further explore the weekly lessons within the Episcopal tradition and daily life.
The Very Reverend Beverly Gibson, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, and Johnny Gwin, a newcomer to the Episcopal family, discuss what Beverly intended and Johnny heard, or got wrong.
Episode 1 – Into The Wilderness (February 14, 2016) discusses the weekly readings and Rev. Gibson’s sermon compared to Johnny’s sketchnotes (called Sabbadoodles).
Lessons
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Romans 10:8b-13
Luke 4:1-13
Link to hear Rev. Beverly Gibson’s sermon from Christ Church Cathedral ~ Mobile, Alabama: bit.ly/1TniiXS