Pomona Valley Church: Recent Episodes
Curtis Miller & Meredith Miller
We're a church on Zoom, based in Southern California, who want to follow Jesus into the world together.Here you'll find:-Our weekend sermons from Church on Zoom-The Backdrop: bonus episodes where Curtis dives into the Bible passage beyond the sermonAnd, if you're getting to know our church, seasons 1 and 2 walk through our vision and values for this new community.
Curtis looks at what Luke's stories about Paul in Acts tell us about how we as Christians can engage with the political world
In this sermon, Meredith looks at the....um...delicate issues that threaten to split the early church in Acts
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the themes that arise in Paul's first missionary journey
In this sermon, Meredith considers the type of Church Luke shows us in Acts and the type of church we want to be today
In this sermon, Curtis looks at why Luke places the long story of Peter and Cornelius right at the heart of the book of Acts and what themes emerge from it.
In the midst of major stories of conversion, Luke turns our attention to what the story is really all about
In this sermon, Meredith looks at the story of Paul's conversion, and particularly the character of Ananias
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the intersection of power and life in the story of Acts
This week, Meredith looks at Stephen's prayer during his stoning and the ripples it had in the life of his killer
In this sermon, Meredith uses the story of Stephen to ask the question, "What do we mean when we say we trust God?"
In this sermon, Meredith looks at what healing is all about in the opening chapters of Acts
In this sermon, Meredith looks at how the disciples in Acts interact with those in "authority"
In Acts 3 we have the story of a healed man, and in this sermon we consider what that story might tell us about who we are and what is available to us.
In this sermon, Meredith looks at the main elements of the earliest church, and what they might mean for our church today.
Curtis continues our Acts series looking at the reason the early Christians did what they did
Meredith kicks off 2026 and our new Acts series looking at the beating heart of the book and the Church
Meredith continues our Rhythm of Life series, looking at how we can joyfully and sustainably be both open to God and open to the challenges of the world around us.
Curtis kicks off our new series, where we are going to look at the practices and habits that can contribute to life-giving rhythms in our day-to-day.
Meredith closes out our series on loving our neighbor by looking at the extent of Jesus' love for us.
In this sermon, Meredith looks at the many times God's people are commanded to love the foreigner.
Curtis considers the connection between the ideas of loving our neighbor and being a blessing
Curtis kicks off our new series with an exploration into how "love your neighbor" is the second greatest commandment
In this final sermon of our Samuel series, Curtis looks at the message of grace threaded through it all
In this sermon, Curtis looks at two more characters and their response to the moment of crisis in Israel: David and Jonathon
In this sermon, Meredith looks at the time Abigail stopped David in his murderous tracks
Curtis looks at two out of four main characters and how they react to a crisis that threatens their reality.
In this Easter sermon, Meredith looks at how you celebrate Easter in the midst of empire.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the difficult story of Saul and the Amalekites to draw some lessons in how we can read hard stories in the Bible.
Meredith looks at the contrast between Saul -- who makes it all so hard -- and Jonathan -- who just acts.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at how God takes even the most horrific things and brings life and redemption out of them.
Curtis looks at how the highly ambiguous character of Saul is introduced, and how God's Spirit can make even a man like him into a king.
Meredith looks at Israel's demand for a king, to be like all the other nations. (Sorry for the audio quality on the second half!)
Curtis looks at the words of Samuel, and the paradox that choosing to trust Yahweh alone leads not to constraint, but to freedom
Curtis looks at the story of the ark of the covenant in Samuel 4-6, and how it highlights the character of our God.
Curtis looks at the fascinating character of Eli: a complete failure who is also given a crucial role in God's plans for Israel
Curtis looks at how the story of the boy Samuel encourages us to practice hearing God's voice ourselves.
Meredith looks at Hannah in the story of Samuel, and how she contrasts with the "arrogant jerky men" who claim to represent God.
Curtis looks at the character of Hannah in the opening chapters of Samuel and what she knew about God
Meredith starts our new series going through the book of Samuel by focusing on a tough spirited woman who dared to put her hope in a God of new beginnings.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at how Jesus' Sermon on the Mount helps us understand why Jesus' birth stories talk so much about the Old Testament prophets.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at why we tell and retell stories about God's miraculous feedings
In this sermon, on the eve of the election, Meredith looks at that time Jesus healed the man whose ear Peter chopped off.
Curtis launches our new series, telling and retelling our favorite stories about Jesus. We begin where the disciples did: "Follow Me".
We close out our Eight More Themes series with our tenth theme: the fruit tree. Curtis looks at what this image brings with it in the pages of Scripture
Why yes, our 8 week series does actually have 10 weeks, why wouldn't it? In week 9, Meredith looks at the image of the vineyard as it shows up in the stories of Scripture
Meredith looks at the image of clothes in the Bible, and what it tells us about God taking care of us
Meredith looks at the image of temple in Scripture, and how it intersects with our daily lives.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the image of clay in the Bible, and what it tells us about human life.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the image of blood: what it does and doesn't mean when it shows up in the Bible.
In this episode of the Backdrop, Curtis looks at some of the interesting details in the final section of 1 John, before turning to the other, much shorter, letters of 2nd and 3rd John
Curtis looks at what the Bible emphasizes most when it uses the image of a marriage or a wedding. (Hint: it's not gender roles)
In this sermon, Meredith opens our new series on eight themes that show up throughout the Bible with Kingship
In this sermon, Curtis closes out our series on 1-3 John, looking at what 3 John has to say about power in the Church.
In this sermon, Meredith looks at the final sentence of 1 John: guard yourselves against idols.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at John's emphasis on truth - what it is, and what it isn't
In this sermon Curtis looks at the confidence and security that come from being children of God, before offering a practice of breath prayer.
In this episode of the Backdrop, we look at the themes and points of interest in the middle section of John's letter.
The Backdrop returns, with an introduction to the book of 1 John as well as a look at the interesting questions and details from its first section.
In this Easter sermon, Meredith looks at why the resurrection matters for how we live, and why how we live shows the resurrection matters
In this week's sermon, Curtis uses Palm Sunday and 1 John to contrast the "realm of guilt" with the "realm of grace"
In this sermon, Meredith looks at what John means when he says that fellowship makes his joy complete.
We're starting a new series going through the letters of 1, 2, and 3 John. In this first sermon, Curtis looks at the ways that stories about Jesus undergird these letters.
Curtis concludes our Practicing Shalom series with this sermon looking at our regular, everyday lives.
In this sermon, Meredith looks at the onramps and offramps of our work, whatever form that work might take.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the practice of discernment, and how it impacts our internal sense of shalom
Curtis introduces our new series Practicing Shalom, and leads us in a Year-Beginning Examen
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the decisions faced by four men, or groups of men, at the coming of Jesus
In this sermon, from our live gathering together, we consider how we might prepare room for Jesus this Christmas season
In this sermon, Curtis pulls together the many different aspects of the symbol of fire in the Bible
Meredith preaches the first of our four week series looking at common themes that show up throughout the Bible. What is the Bible signifying when water shows up, and why does that matter?
In this final week of our Exodus series, Meredith simultaneously launches our look at the several ways that Bible talks about Sabbath. What makes Sabbath holy? And why does it matter?
In this sermon, Meredith concludes our series in Exodus looking at God's own words of self description.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the story of the Golden Calf, seeing two contrasting reasons for following God.
In this sermon, Meredith looks at the importance of place, using the chapters of Exodus devoted to the building of the Tabernacle.
These are Curtis' framing remarks about the Law chapter of Exodus, before the interactive discussion that made up our September live gathering
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the lie that is exposed by the story of God providing manna, water, and quail in the wilderness
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the story of God splitting the sea, and how it helps us read all of the Exodus better.
In this sermon, from our live gathering, Meredith looks at the story of Passover, and what it tells us about identity.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at where Yahweh is found in the Exodus narrative, and how that contrasts with the places the rest of the gods are found.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the plague stories and what they reveal to us about the lowercase gods.
In this sermon, Meredith looks at the main purpose of the plagues: that all people would come to know and trust Yahweh
In this sermon from our live gathering, Curtis looks at what Exodus 6 tells us about what it means to know God
In this sermon, Meredith looks at the obstacles to trust the Israelites face, and what it tells us about hope today.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at why God might have hardened Pharaoh's heart, before moving into a response that asks what we can do with troubling stories and troubling circumstances.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the contest that begins in chapter 5 between Pharaoh and Yahweh, and how it informs our understanding of the idols in our day.
In this sermon and response practice, Curtis looks at Moses' interaction with God in the burning bush story. How can we be open to the voice of God in our own lives as well?
In this sermon, Meredith looks at what we can take from Moses finding oppression everywhere he looks in the opening chapter of Exodus.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the Israelite; no, Hebrew; no, Egyptian; no Midianite, that is Moses, and what he has to do with our identity.
In this sermon, Meredith looks at the way the women in the story of Moses birth point us to God.
Curtis looks at some of the literary features that show up in Exodus 2, and how those enhance our understanding of the story.
In this Sermon, Meredith looks at the creative resistance of two women in the opening chapter of Exodus
In this first sermon of our new series going through the foundational book of Exodus, Curtis looks at the way God describes themself: A God who sees, hears, knows, and has come down to deliver.
In this Easter sermon, Meredith looks at what it means to live in hope in the waiting time.
In this sermon that was originally part of our live, in-person/zoom hybrid Palm Sunday service, Curtis looks at what we might have in common with Judas.
In this sermon, from our latest live gathering, Meredith asks if changes to the word Evangelical affect whether we would use it to describe how we follow Jesus into the world, together.
In this sermon, Meredith takes a look at what we hope is true when we gather together for worship
In this final sermon of our Joyful and Sustainable series, Meredith looks at the news the angels brought to the shepherds.
In this week's sermon, Curtis looks at the ways we use our money, and one way that relates to joyful and sustainable life
In this sermon, Meredith looks at how treating family as everything can get in the way of joyful and sustainable living.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the way our vision of God can get clouded, and why that prevents us living joyfully and sustainably.
This week, Meredith looks at the ways financial anxiety can drag us from the joyful, sustainable life Jesus invites us into
This is the first sermon of a new series looking at the ways our world pushes back on the good news that Jesus yoke is easy and his burden is light. This week, we look at frenzy.
In this final sermon from our journey through Romans, Meredith reflects on the Glory of God.
In this final Backdrop episode for Romans, we look at Paul's travel plans, his many, many greetings, and women in ministry
In this sermon, Meredith looks at what Paul's "failure" tells us about faithfully following Jesus.
In this episode of the Backdrop we look at what Paul has to say about eating meat, celebrating holidays, loving one another, and more.
In this week's sermon Meredith looks at Paul's words to the Romans about loving one another.
In this sermon, Meredith looks at what Paul's words in Romans 12 tell us about our ordinary lives.
In this episode, we turn practical, looking at what Paul has to say about the way the church relates to those inside and outside its community.
In this sermon, we close out the third section of Romans with awe at the wisdom and glory of God.
This week, Curtis looks at Romans 10, and what Paul is getting at when he says that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law.
In this sermon, Meredith looks at how Paul's words in Romans 9 help the Church make sense of Christian Nationalism
In this episode we recap where we've been so far, and see what Paul has to say about Israel in Romans 9.
In this episode of the Backdrop we close out the second section of Romans, looking at Paul's rationale for the confidence Christians can have in Jesus.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at what Paul has to say about the eternal destiny of Jesus' family.
In this episode of the Backdrop, we look at one of the central chapters of Romans, where Paul considers how the Torah and Sin relate to one another.
In this episode of the Backdrop we focus on chapter 6 of Romans, and the core contrast at its heart: life aligned with Sin, versus life aligned with Jesus.
In this episode of the Backdrop, we start looking at the second main section of Paul's letter to the Romans, chapters 5-8.
In this sermon, Meredith looks at what Paul means by having a faith like Abraham in Romans 4.
This episode we focus on Paul's extended exploration of the story of Abraham in Romans 4.
In this episode, we reach Paul's short preview of the solution to the problem he's laid out so far in Romans (not-at-all-a-spoiler: the solution is Jesus).
We are going to be spending the next seven week putting together a little series of responses designed to help us adjust the rhythms we are living so that they might be more life giving for ourselves and for the world.
This episode is the first of those practices, one that Meredith led our community through when we were live on Sunday.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at what is at the heart of Paul's contrast between faith and works
In this sermon, Meredith looks at the solution to the problem facing God in Romans 1-3, Jesus' faithfulness.
In this episode, we continue looking at Paul's first main section of Romans, where he lays out the problem God intends to address through Jesus.
This episode, we look at how Paul opens the main argument of Romans, including what he has to say about Sin (with a capital S)
Curtis gets into the body of Romans, looking at the details of how Paul opens his letter.
What do we do when the world seems beyond repair? Curtis looks at Paul's words in Romans 1:16-17 for an answer.
Curtis begins our new series on the book of Romans, looking at Paul's summary of the Good News, and why it matters.
The first in a new series of Backdrop podcasts going through the book of Romans. This intro episode looks at the setting and themes of the letter and some key terms that Paul uses throughout.
This Easter, Curtis looks at the connection between the promise God makes in Deuteronomy 30, and Jesus' resurrection.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the songs of Moses in Deut. 32-33, and the stubborn God they reveal to us.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at how Deuteronomy invites the people of God to care for, yes, even them.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at what Deuteronomy tells us about the economic values of the people of God.
In this sermon, Meredith looks at what Deuteronomy has to say about power in sexual relationships.
In this bonus Backdrop Pod, Curtis looks at the sometimes confusing, definitely troubling commands of what Israel is to do to the Canaanites as they conquer the Promised Land.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the words Deuteronomy has for those with political, judicial, and religious power in society.
In this sermon, Meredith looks at the broad, life-giving implications of Sabbath in Deuteronomy.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at how Deuteronomy teaches us to see tithing as a practice of remembrance, instead of an obligation.
In this sermon, Meredith looks at who Yahweh God is in Deuteronomy Chapter 10, and who gets to bask in the glow of Yahweh's glory.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the major theme of Deuteronomy 7-11, and what it means to trust Yahweh and not idols.
Meredith looks at Chapter 6 of Deuteronomy, and what it tells us about being the people of God today.
We're closing out our series on the book of Revelation with a wedding party, so come hungry and bring your dancing shoes.
This week we are skipping the Ten Commandments to look at what happens right after them: the people shrinking away from the presence of God.
In this sermon, Meredith focuses on one part of Moses' story that causes us to wonder about prayer.
We kick off our new series working our way through Meredith's favorite book of the Bible with a look at the invitation in chapter one to say "Wow" to the bigness of the promises of God.
We kick off a 2022 that's looking a whole lot like 2021 with the question of what it means to follow Jesus in this, our actual life.
We're back with a Final Battle Megapod, looking at chapters 17-20 of Revelation. We're talking Hell, Fire, and Magog. Who could ask for more?
In this sermon, Meredith asks what the story of the wise men can tell us about God with us.
In this episode of the Backdrop, we look at the final judgments of chapters 15 and 16 of Revelation.
This week Curtis looks at the story of King Herod, and how the empire reacts to God with us.
We talk about the dragon, the beasts, and 666, as our special Backdrop series on Revelation continues.
Curtis continues our Christmas series, looking at how God is with us in the confusion of life.
Things start to get weird as we begin John's vision cycles. That's right, the seven seals are opening and the horsemen are riding!
Meredith continues our Christmas series by looking at the story of Mary and Elizabeth, asking how God might be with us in moments of connection.
In this episode, we move on to the visions of God's throne room in chapters 4 and 5 of Revelation.
Curtis continues our Christmas series, asking what it means for God to be with us when life gets disrupted. Then, Meredith leads us through a practice of centering prayer that we might use in those disruptive times.
Join me on a walking tour of Turkey, as we explore the letters John writes to the churches of Asia in Revelation chapters 2 and 3.
Meredith begins our Christmas series, God With Us, by looking at how God can be with us in times of anticipation.
Curtis wraps up our series, asking 'what is the Church supposed to be in light of the Mission of God'? Then, Meredith gives some updates about what Pomona Valley Church is going to be in the coming season.
The time has come for a stand alone series of The Backdrop diving into the weird, wild world of Revelation. In this first episode, Curtis talks about the themes, setting, and literary devices of the book in order to set us up to read and understand it well in the episodes to come.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the dominant storyline of the Bible, the Exodus, to help us understand how we can be a people who make God known.
In this sermon, Meredith looks at how understanding the Mission of God helps us to understand the passages that use the word "jealous" to describe God.
In this week's sermon (we're all caught up!), Curtis considers how the Old Testament warnings and realities of judgment fit into The Mission of God.
In this sermon Meredith looks at how the call to holiness fits into the Mission of God.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the name God gives in the Exodus story, and what that name tells us about God and God's mission.
In this sermon, Meredith looks at what it means for Israel, and then the Church, to be "chosen" by God.
In this sermon Curtis looks at the creation of humanity, asking: what if we both underestimate and overestimate our importance to God's mission?
In the second week of our Mission of God series, Curtis looks at what we can learn about what God is up to in the world through the creation story in Genesis 1.
We're starting a new series this episode, asking the questions "what exactly is God up to in the world, and how do we as individuals and as a church fit in to that mission?" Meredith starts us off with a picture of God's mission, setting us up to trace that mission through Scripture in future weeks.
Curtis wraps up our series learning from Black theologians by comparing two different images that could be used to describe our faith: a wall or a web.
We're learning how to read Revelation better these next two sermons. In this one, Meredith follows the lead of Black theologians in how they read the Apocalyptic parts of the book.
We're learning how to read Revelation better in these two sermons. In this second week, Meredith follows the lead of Black theologians in how they read and understand the violence of the book.
We continue to learn how to read the Bible better by looking at how Black theologians understand Jesus' words to Pilate, that his kingdom is "not of this world".
As we continue our series learning from Black theologians, Meredith looks at why John tells us to love one another.
As part of our series learning from Black theologians, Curtis looks at the importance of a complete understanding of Sin.
As part of our series learning from Black theologians, Meredith looks at freedom in Galatians.
In this series, Black theologians are teaching us to read the Bible better. This week, they help us see what Paul meant when he talked about unity in Galatians and elsewhere. (Spoiler: in exactly the opposite way that many white churches interpret it)
In this new series, we are seeing what we can learn from Black theologians, and how they can help us to read the Bible better. In this first sermon, Meredith starts us off where Black theology starts off, with the centrality of liberation and freedom in the Biblical story. What does it mean that our God is a God of liberation?
We are wrapping up our walk through Matthew with one final Backdrop episode. In this one, Curtis dives into the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus.
We've come to the end of our journey through Matthew! In this sermon, Curtis looks at the words from Jesus that Matthew saw fit to end his gospel with, what is often called the Great Commission.
As we draw close to the end of Matthew's Gospel, Meredith looks at four responses to Jesus that we find in chapters 26 and 27.
In this special Backdrop, we look at all things afterlife.
Hat tip to N.T. Wright and his big green book!
As we arrive at the climactic chapters of Matthew, Curtis looks at the story of a woman anointing Jesus and asks why she "gets it", and how we can too.
We continue our journey through the book of Matthew with Meredith looking at the difference between participation and destination as the goal of the Kingdom of God.
On this episode of the Backdrop, woe to the Pharisees, Jesus is King, and Caesar is not. Also, death and taxes.
As we continue our journey through Matthew, Meredith looks at how Jesus is God's wisdom, and what that means for us.
Connect with us on instagram [at]PomonaValleyChurch, or join us in "Zoom worship" Sundays at 9am Pacific. Find a link on our website, PomonaValleyChurch.com
As we continue our journey through Matthew, Curtis talks about the end of the world...sort of.
Connect with us on instagram [at]PomonaValleyChurch, or join us in "Zoom worship" Sundays at 9am Pacific. Find a link on our website, PomonaValleyChurch.com
As we continue our journey through Matthew, Curtis looks at what exactly the Pharisees got wrong, and what that can teach us about following Jesus.
Connect with us on instagram [at]PomonaValleyChurch, or join us in "Zoom worship" Sundays at 9am Pacific. Find a link on our website, PomonaValleyChurch.com
As we continue our journey through Matthew, Curtis looks at the parables Jesus tells in chapters 21 and 22. Also, Hell.
Connect with us on instagram [at]PomonaValleyChurch, or join us in "Zoom worship" Sundays at 9am Pacific. Find a link on our website, PomonaValleyChurch.com
On this episode of the Backdrop, Jesus wins arguments, loses? arguments, and hands out keys.
On this final episode of our mini-series of pods, Curtis read about the Civil Rights movement and Black Theology. Also, Dr. King was brilliant.
For Black History Month (and maybe a little beyond), we are reviving "What Curtis Read This Week", using the book African American Religious History, a compilation of primary source documents from the history of the Black Church in America edited by Milton C. Sernett.
In this fourth installment, some interesting items from the era of the Great Migration.
As we continue our journey through Matthew, Meredith asks what we can learn from how Jesus upends and redefines "status".
Connect with us on instagram [at]PomonaValleyChurch, or join us in "Zoom worship" Sundays at 9am pacific. Find a link on our website, PomonaValleyChurch.com
As we continue our journey through Matthew, Curtis looks at Jesus' 'triumphal entry' to Jerusalem, and what it means for the people of God.
Connect with us on instagram [at]PomonaValleyChurch, or join us in "Zoom worship" Sundays at 9am pacific. Find a link on our website, PomonaValleyChurch.com
For Black History Month (and maybe a little beyond), we are reviving "What Curtis Read This Week", using the book African American Religious History, a compilation of primary source documents from the history of the Black Church in America edited by Milton C. Sernett.
In this third installment, a couple interesting and important things from the years between the Civil War and World War I.
As we continue our journey through Matthew, Curtis asks what it means for us to pick up our cross and follow Jesus.
Connect with us on instagram [at]PomonaValleyChurch, or join us in "Zoom worship" Sundays at 9am pacific. Find a link on our website, PomonaValleyChurch [dotcom].
On this episode of the Backdrop, it's food week, as we look deeper at the odds and ends from chapters 13-14 of Matthew.
For Black History Month (and maybe a little beyond), we are reviving "What Curtis Read This Week", using the book African American Religious History, a compilation of primary source documents from the history of the Black Church in America edited by Milton C. Sernett.
In this second installment, a couple interesting and important things from the pre-Civil War North.
As we continue our journey through Matthew, Meredith looks at the meals in chapter 14, and how meals shape life in the Kingdom.
Connect with us on instagram [at]PomonaValleyChurch, or join us in "Zoom worship" Sundays at 9am pacific. Find a link on our website, PomonaValleyChurch [dotcom].
On this episode of the Backdrop, we dive into chapters 10, 11, and 12 of Matthew, looking at the disciples, John the Baptist, Jesus arguing with the Pharisees about the finer points of Biblical interpretation, and more.
As we continue our journey through Matthew, Meredith looks at the parables in chapter 13 that speak to the value of the Kingdom.
Connect with us on instagram [at]PomonaValleyChurch, or join us in "Zoom worship" Sundays at 9am pacific. Find a link on our website, PomonaValleyChurch [dotcom].
As we continue our journey through Matthew, Curtis finishes out the parables in chapter 13, considering the question: "why do bad things happen?".
Connect with us on instagram [at]PomonaValleyChurch, or join us in "Zoom worship" Sundays at 9am pacific. Find a link on our website, PomonaValleyChurch [dotcom].
For Black History Month (and maybe a little beyond), we are reviving "What Curtis Read This Week", using the book African American Religious History,a compilation of primary source documents from the history of the Black Church in America edited by Milton C. Sernett.
In this first installment, a couple interesting and important things from the pre-Civil War South.
As we continue our journey through Matthew, Curtis looks at the first, and longest, parable in the central chapter of Matthew's Gospel, ch. 13.
Connect with us on instagram [at]PomonaValleyChurch, or join us in "Zoom worship" Sundays at 9am pacific. Find a link on our website, PomonaValleyChurch [dotcom].
As we continue our journey through Matthew, Meredith looks at Jesus' invitation to an easy yoke, and a light burden (complete with three part alliteration!).
Connect with us on instagram [at]PomonaValleyChurch, or join us in "Zoom worship" Sundays at 9am pacific. Find a link on our website, PomonaValleyChurch [dotcom].
It's backlogged sermon release day!
As we continue our journey through Matthew, Meredith looks at how Jesus portrays God as a good parent in the Sermon on the Mount.
Connect with us on instagram [at]PomonaValleyChurch, or join us in "Zoom worship" Sundays at 9am pacific. Find a link on our website, PomonaValleyChurch [dotcom].
Now that we're caught up on sermons....
As we continue our journey through Matthew, Curtis looks the new family that Jesus is forming around himself, and what it might mean for us today.
Connect with us on instagram [at]PomonaValleyChurch, or join us in "Zoom worship" Sundays at 9am pacific. Find a link on our website, PomonaValleyChurch [dotcom].
It's backlogged sermon release day!
As we continue our journey through Matthew, Curtis looks at what Matthew 8-9 have to say about Jesus' power.
Connect with us on instagram [at]PomonaValleyChurch, or join us in "Zoom worship" Sundays at 9am pacific. Find a link on our website, PomonaValleyChurch [dotcom].
It's backlogged sermon release day!
As we continue our journey through Matthew, Meredith looks at the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6, and the invitation it extends to God's Kingdom.
Connect with us on instagram [at]PomonaValleyChurch, or join us in "Zoom worship" Sundays at 9am pacific. Find a link on our website, PomonaValleyChurch [dotcom].
On this episode of the Backdrop, we dive into chapters 3 and 4 of Matthew, looking at temptation, shame, repentance, fire. It's fun.
In this episode of The Backdrop, Curtis looks at the puzzling way Matthew uses the Old Testament in chapters 1 and 2, as well as some other odds and ends.
As we continue our journey through Matthew, Curtis looks at Jesus' "hard teaching" in Matthew 5, and how it gives us practices to live in the Kingdom of God in our everyday, regular lives.
Connect with us on instagram [at]PomonaValleyChurch, or join us in "Zoom worship" Sundays at 9am pacific. Find a link on our website, PomonaValleyChurch [dotcom].
As we continue our journey through Matthew, Curtis looks at what Jesus' words in the Beatitudes tell us about the life of the Kingdom of God.
Connect with us on instagram [at]PomonaValleyChurch, or join us in "Zoom worship" Sundays at 9am pacific. Find a link on our website, PomonaValleyChurch [dotcom].
As we continue our series on Matthew, Meredith looks at what it means for us that Jesus comes into a world of tyrants, like Herod in Matthew 2.
Find us Sunday mornings on Zoom, link is at pomonavalleychurch [dot com], or connect with us on Instagram, @pomonavalleychurch.
This Christmas Eve, Curtis considers the smallness of Matthew's story of Jesus' birth, and what that means about how God's Kingdom comes.
As we continue our series on Matthew, Curtis looks at what we can learn from the story of the Magi who bring gifts to Jesus in Matthew 2.
Find us Sunday mornings on Zoom, link is at pomonavalleychurch [dot com], or connect with us on Instagram, @pomonavalleychurch.
The Backdrop is back! It's the belated Backdrop! The Backdrop Begins!
In this episode, Curtis gives an introduction to some of the themes and ideas that run through the gospel of Matthew.
As we continue our series on Matthew, Meredith looks at the story behind the genealogy at the start of Matthew 1.
Find us Sunday mornings on Zoom, link is at pomonavalleychurch [dot com], or connect with us on Instagram, @pomonavalleychurch.
As we continue our series on Matthew, Meredith looks at Jesus' temptation and what it can tell us about HOW the Kingdom of God comes.
Find us Sunday mornings on Zoom, link is at pomonavalleychurch [dot com], or connect with us on Instagram, @pomonavalleychurch.
In this episode we begin our new series working our way through the Gospel of Matthew, asking ourselves What Matthew Saw about Jesus.
This week, Curtis offers an introduction to a key concept that frames the whole of Matthew's Gospel: the Kingdom of God has come near, so repent!
Find us on Sunday mornings online. A link is at our website pomonavalleychurch [dot com]. You can also find us on instagram, [at]pomonavalleychurch.
What does it mean to follow Jesus into the world when the world's gone mad? In this sermon, Curtis looks at Jesus' words on the cross to help us answer that question.
This is the first of a two sermon mini-series we preached the first two Sundays after the election. We had a few people ask for us to post these, and so here they are.
What does it mean to follow Jesus into the world when the world's gone mad? In this sermon, Curtis looks at how the early Church answered that question and avoided the common responses of fear, hate, apathy, and self-righteousness.
This is the second of a two sermon mini-series we preached the first two Sundays after the election. We had a few people ask for us to post these, and so here they are.
In this, the final episode of our walk (stroll? saunter?) through Jeremiah, Curtis looks at chapters 46-52, ancient geography, and also Revelation.
This week we conclude our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the final chapters of Jeremiah, the prophecies of destruction for the nations, where we find one final reminder that Yahweh can be trusted, even in exile.
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
In this episode of the Backdrop, Curtis looks at the story in chapters 40-45 of Jeremiah, of the people reversing the Exodus, and going back to Egypt.
This week we continue our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
In this sermon, Meredith looks at a time when Jeremiah reminded the people of the story they were meant to be living as the people of God, and the way they had lost the plot.
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
On this episode of the Backdrop, Curtis looks at what Jeremiah chapters 37-39 can tell us about the factions in Jerusalem in the years leading up to the siege by Babylon.
This week we continue our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
In this sermon, Curtis asks what success means for the follower of Jesus.
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
In this episode of the Backdrop, Curtis looks at Jeremiah chapters 33-36, which touch on God's faithfulness, people's fickleness, and two contrasting ways the powerful might react when confronted by the challenge of God's word.
This week we continue our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
In this sermon, Meredith uses the story of the Rekabites in Jeremiah chapter 35 to consider the difference between legalism and today's obedience.
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
In this episode of the Backdrop, Curtis looks at the many, many reversals and connections in Jeremiah, chapters 30-32.
This week we continue our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at the invitation we receive in chapter 32 to make a risky investment in an unseen future.
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
In this episode of the Backdrop, Curtis looks at Jeremiah chapters 24, 25, and 29, and what Jeremiah has to say about the exile that Judah will experience. Then, he discusses what the proper place is for the Church in society.
This week we continue our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
In this sermon, Meredith looks at what Jeremiah has to say to the remnant that has gone off into exile in chapter 29
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
In this episode of the Backdrop, we pause to do a bit of "midterm review", looking back at some of the major themes from the first half of the book of Jeremiah.
This week we continue our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
In this sermon, we turn our attention to God's wrath, which Jeremiah has been warning and warning is to come. What is wrath? Why is wrath? What do we do about wrath?
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
In this episode of the Backdrop Curtis looks at, among other things, the political machinations on display in Jeremiah, chapters 26-28.
This week we continue our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at Jeremiah, Chapter 26, to see what we can learn about the fundamental reason for prophets to exist in the first place.
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
In this episode of the Backdrop, Curtis looks at the words about false prophets in Jeremiah, chapter 23, God's Cabinet Meetings, and burdensome messages.
This week we continue our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
In this sermon, Meredith looks at the words of Yahweh to the false prophets in Jeremiah 23, and how we can tell what is or is not a word from God.
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
After Meredith's sermon this week, Curtis led us through a practice of imaginative engagement with Jeremiah 27-28.
In this episode of the Backdrop Curtis looks at references to the Torah in Jeremiah chapters 21-22, and dives a little deeper into what it means to say that following Jesus is political.
This week we continue our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
In this sermon, Curtis gets political, looking at what Jeremiah has to say to the powerful in Jerusalem, in chapter 21-22.
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
In this episode of the Backdrop Curtis looks at pottery, God's sovereignty, fruitfulness, and name-changes in Jeremiah chapters 18-20.
In this episode, Meredith walks us through the experience that Jamey brought for us in person this Sunday, of following Jeremiah's lead and bringing our pain and disappointment to God in the form of a Psalm.
This week we continue our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
In this sermon, Meredith looks at the pain Jeremiah experiences as God's prophet, and what Jeremiah does in response.
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
As a church, we want to joyfully and sustainably live the one-anothers from the Bible, neighbor well, and do justice. We call this having a 'rhythm of life'--ways we connect with God in our ordinary days.
Since March, the ways we do all this have been massively disrupted. So, this 6-part mini-series walks through one key question each day to help you rebuild your rhythm in this unique time.
In this episode we talk about Anti-Racism.
In this episode of the Backdrop, Curtis looks at some miscellaneous notes from chapters 15-17 of Jeremiah, including a New Exodus, the Sabbath, Jeremiah's exclusion from society, and ancient anatomy.
This week we continue our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at chapter 17, which asks THE central question of Jeremiah: Where do we put our trust?
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
As a church, we want to joyfully and sustainably live the one-anothers from the Bible, neighbor well, and do justice. We call this having a 'rhythm of life'--ways we connect with God in our ordinary days.
Since March, the ways we do all this have been massively disrupted. So, this 6-part mini-series walks through one key question each day to help you rebuild your rhythm in this unique time.
In this episode we talk about movement.
As a church, we want to joyfully and sustainably live the one-anothers from the Bible, neighbor well, and do justice. We call this having a 'rhythm of life'--ways we connect with God in our ordinary days.
Since March, the ways we do all this have been massively disrupted. So, this 6-part mini-series walks through one key question each day to help you rebuild your rhythm in this unique time.
In this episode we talk about the input--reading, podcasts, music--that we need.
As a church, we want to joyfully and sustainably live the one-anothers from the Bible, neighbor well, and do justice. We call this having a 'rhythm of life'--ways we connect with God in our ordinary days.
Since March, the ways we do all this have been massively disrupted. So, this 6-part mini-series walks through one key question each day to help you rebuild your rhythm in this unique time.
In this episode we talk about ending our day.
As a church, we want to joyfully and sustainably live the one-anothers from the Bible, neighbor well, and do justice. We call this having a 'rhythm of life'--ways we connect with God in our ordinary days.
Since March, the ways we do all this have been massively disrupted. So, this 6-part mini-series walks through one key question each day to help you rebuild your rhythm in this unique time.
In this second episode we talk about starting our day.
As a church, we want to joyfully and sustainably live the one-anothers from the Bible, neighbor well, and do justice. We call this having a 'rhythm of life'--ways we connect with God in our ordinary days.
Since March, the ways we do all this have been massively disrupted. So, this 6-part mini-series walks through one key question each day to help you rebuild your rhythm in this unique time.
In this first episode we talk sleep.
In this episode of the Backdrop, Curtis considers God's dirty laundry, the connection between people's sin and creation, and the cost of being a prophet.
This week we continue our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
In this sermon, Meredith explores the way God's people can hope and stay faithful in the midst of suffering, together.
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
In this episode of the Backdrop, Curtis looks at some of the interesting aspects of Jeremiah chapters 8-11, including the covenant, chaism, and professional mourners.
This week we continue our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
In this sermon, Curtis looks at implications for us of the emotional life of God.
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
In this episode of The Backdrop, Curtis looks more closely at Jeremiah chapter 4, where we find destruction, deception, and the un-doing of creation. But hey, it's not ALL bad! Well...maybe it is...
This week we continue our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
In this sermon, Meredith asks how to live in a world turned upside-down.
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
In this episode, Meredith leads us through the exercise we did together on Sunday: a reflection designed to help us begin to think through how we might rebuild our Rhythm of Life so that it truly brings life in this strange season.
In this episode of The Backdrop, Curtis looks more closely at Jeremiah chapter 7, the theme of 'listening' we find there, and the connections to the final days of Jesus' life, as recorded in Mark's Gospel.
This week we continue our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
In this sermon, Curtis considers Jeremiah's message in chapter 7 to a people who were putting more trust in their religious practices than in the God those practices were supposed to point them towards.
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
In this episode of The Backdrop, Curtis looks more closely at Jeremiah chapter 3 and the historical context that clarifies what it means to "return".
This week we continue our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
This week, Meredith looks at God's call in chapter 3 to "return".
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
In this episode of the Backdrop, Curtis looks more closely at what Jeremiah chapters 2 and 5 say about idolatry and "The Good Life"
This week we continue our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
This week, Curtis looks at Jeremiah's condemnation of a culture that doesn't allow the vulnerable to "be successful".
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
Curtis leads us in a practice of Lectio Divina designed to help us experience deeply the reality that God is a fountain of water in a dry land.
This week we continue our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
This week, Meredith looks at Jeremiah's words against the idolatry of the people of Israel. What did idolatry mean then, and what might it mean for us?
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
In this episode of The Backdrop, Curtis explores a little more of the marriage metaphor that is introduced in Jeremiah, chapters 2 and 3.
This week we continue our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
This week, Meredith and Curtis explore the metaphor of marriage in Jeremiah 2 and 3. What did it mean to the original hearers, what might it mean to us today, and how might we understand some of the more challenging implications of this passage?
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
In this episode of The Backdrop, Curtis dives deep into the imagery and historical context of Jeremiah, chapter 1.
Meredith sets up a listening prayer exercise to help us consider the question 'what does faithfulness look like for me, this week.'
This week we begin our series working through the book of Jeremiah, seeing what God's words to God's people in exile then might say to God's people in exile today.
First up, chapter one, Jeremiah's calling, which outlines for us, too, the calling to be faithful.
Find us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] com, connect with us on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail.
This week we celebrate Easter, closing out our series about Good News with a look at the many, many ways that life just keeps breaking out.
Connect with us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] org, or on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch
This week we celebrate Palm Sunday, continuing our series looking at the different ways the Bible talks about Jesus as Good News, asking the question "could this still be good news for me, and others around me, today?"
In this sermon, Curtis looks at how the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem offers Good News to those who long for Justice.
Connect with us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] org, or on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch
This week, Curtis brings a three-part practice that helps us physically experience the reality of God's hope.
This week we continued our series looking at the different ways the Bible talks about Jesus as Good News, asking the question "could this still be good news for me, and others around me, today?"
In this sermon, Meredith looks at the sometimes strange book of Hebrews and what it means to say that our hope is Jesus.
Connect with us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] org, or on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch
In this episode, Meredith leads us through an exercise of listening to God for how we can be peace bringers this week.
This week we continued our series looking at the different ways the Bible talks about Jesus as Good News, asking the question "could this still be good news for me, and others around me, today?"
In this sermon, Curtis looks at how Isaiah and Jesus both speak of the coming Good News that the followers of God will be bringers of peace, shalom, holistic well being, into the world around them.
Connect with us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] org, or on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch
In this episode, Curtis leads a practice designed to help us experience the peace of Christ in the midst of anxiety.
This week we continued our series looking at the different ways the Bible talks about Jesus as Good News, asking the question "could this still be good news for me, and others around me, today?"
In this sermon, Meredith looked to the book of Daniel for the good news of peace in the midst of anxious times.
Connect with us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] org, or on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch
This week we started a new series looking at the different ways the Bible talks about Jesus as Good News, asking the question "could this still be good news for me, and others around me, today?"
In this sermon, Curtis looks at Paul's words in Galatians, and how they communicate the good news that we all are welcome in God's family.
Connect with us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] org, or on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch
In this episode, Curtis and Meredith share a few ideas for practices that help us experience our identity as reconciled with God, and a few ideas for how we can join in the ministry of reconciliation.
Connect with us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] org or on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch.
In this episode, Curtis and Meredith share a few ideas for communal practices that help us Do Justice and Be Holy.
Connect with us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] org or on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch.
This week, Curtis considers the Bible's interconnected and in-tension commands to Do Justice and Be Holy, and why doing both within a community of Faith matters.
Connect with us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] org or on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch.
This week, Meredith looks at how Jesus shows us what it means both to be reconciled to God and to be God's ambassadors in the ministry of reconciliation.
Connect with us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] org or on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch.
Curtis and Meredith share a few practices of engagement and rest that might help you build your Rhythm of Life.
Curtis and Meredith share a few ideas for practices of knowing God and knowing the world that might help you build your Rhythm of Life.
Curtis and Meredith share a few ideas for practices of celebration and mourning that might help you build your Rhythm of Life.
This week, Curtis looks at what Genesis tells us humanity was made to do and be: God's partners in the work of helping all creation to flourish.
Connect with us at pomonavalleychurch [dot] org or on instagram [at] pomonavalleychurch.
This week, Meredith considers how the Bible tells us that we ought to celebrate, and also that we ought to mourn. How do we do both, and what practices might allow us to engage with that reality?
Meredith and Curtis jump on the pod with some ideas of practices we might try to be more intentional about listening to God in solitude or engaging in and developing meaningful relationships.
Follow us [at]PomonaValleyChurch, and get in touch at PomonaValleyChurch [at] gmail [dot] com.
This week, we asked whether following God is all about relationships, or about meeting with God in solitude. Curtis looked at creation, and the stories of Elijah and David, to say that most of us need more of both.
Meredith delivers a sermon about how following Jesus means connecting to, getting-to-know, and learning more about both God and the world.
Meredith leads us through a practice that helps us stay connected to Jesus, so that we can be both fully in the world and fully separate.
Sorry we didn't get this out last week!
Curtis starts our 2020 series on Rhythm of Life talking about how following Jesus means being both fully a part of the world and fully separate at the same time.
In this special year-end episode of the Launch Pod we look back at 2019, what has happened, where we've been, and what we're looking forward to in 2020.
Thanks to all our listeners, supporters, and friends.
Special thanks to Justify.ME
This week, Meredith looked at John the Baptist's role in the Christmas story, and how the practice of repentance is crucial preparatory work for us to join Jesus in peacemaking.
This week, Curtis began our look at the Christmas story, considering what it might mean to make room for Jesus by welcoming the stranger, both near and far.
Meredith then led us through an exercise to equip us to practice welcome this week.
Note: This week we have both the sermon and experience in one podcast.
In this week's sermon, Meredith talks about what it means to celebrate a meal each week "in memory of Jesus". Unfortunately podcasting technology doesn't allow us to let you share in the bread, wine, and cheese. Sorry about that...
In this episode of The Backdrop, Curtis looks at some of the cultural context in which the story of Jesus eating at the Pharisee's house takes place. Topics include Honor and Shame, the Patronage system, sin as a contagious force, and the worldview of the Pharisees.
Resources mentioned in this podcast include:
The Gospel of Luke (The New International Commentary on the New Testament Series) by Joel Green
The New Testament and the People of God by N.T. Wright
The Social World of Luke-Acts edited by Jerome Neyrey
Backgrounds of Early Christianity by Everett Ferguson
This week, Curtis looks at the story from Luke 7 when a woman anoints Jesus' feet while he eats at the house of Simon the Pharisee. Why is she so foolishly generous, and what might that mean for us?
Note: it didn't make sense for there to be a separate experience podcast this week, so instead there is a short epilogue to this sermon podcast explaining what we did together on Sunday.
In this episode of The Backdrop, Meredith talks more about discernment, the social "map" that is a meal, and why eating with Cornelius was such a problem for Peter.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
The Social World of Luke-Acts edited by Jerome Neyrey
In this episode, Meredith leads us through the discernment experience that Lesley facilitated on Sunday.
Note: This is one of those experiences that was highly interactive in person in a way that it unfortunately just can't be as a podcast! Feel free to pause, reflect, and talk back at Meredith as needed.
Meredith takes us through the story of Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10-11, and asks what it means to discern what God is up to, and how we might join in.
On this episode of The Backdrop, Meredith gets into the story of Jesus talking with the Samaritan woman, including who she was, and how it's ok if we don't identify with her.
This week, Meredith preached on John 4, the story of Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well. She invited us to come and see that we are known and wanted by Jesus.
In this episode of The Backdrop, Curtis goes on tangents about condemnation, spiritual practices, and the Kingdom of God.
Resources mentioned this episode:
Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Calhoun
The Life You've Always Wanted by John Ortberg
Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren
John: A Commentary by Marianne Meye Thompson
Kingdom Ethics by Glen Stassen and David Gushee
The Next Right Thing Podcast
Meredith leads us through an experience that is one great way to open ourselves up to being shaped by the Spirit. This Lectio Divina was originally led by Lesley on Sunday night. And yes, there's a fair amount of silence in this one, so don't worry, the podcast hasn't stopped!
This week Curtis preaches a sermon on John 3, where Jesus encourages us to open ourselves up to God's Spirit, so that we can be shaped, both as individuals and as a church.
In this episode of the Backdrop, Curtis talks about when exactly Jesus cleared out the temple, whether we follow culture, more about ancient temple building stories, and other odds and ends that flesh out John 2.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
The Lost World of Genesis One and
Ancient Near Eastern and the Old Testament, both by John Walton
Meredith walks through a framework for how we might join Jesus in engagement with the injustice we find in the world around us.
In this week's sermon, Curtis looks at the story of Jesus clearing out the temple courts in John 2, asking what it might have to do with our commitment as a church to "do justice".
Meredith talks about things big and small that inform our understanding of John 2.
Resources mentioned in this podcast include:
John: A Commentary by Marianne Meye Thompson
This week, Meredith unpacks the story of Jesus' sign at the wedding in John 2, and how it invites us to revolt against a culture of scarcity by trusting in Jesus' offer of abundance.
On this week's Backdrop Pod, Curtis takes a look at ten allusions that John makes in 1:35-51, and how understanding them helps flesh out our understanding of the passage.
Resources mentioned in this Backdrop Pod:
John: A Commentary by Marianne Meye Thompson
As we continue to look at the opening chapters of the book of John, Curtis considers the calling of the first disciples in 1:35-51. John wants us to 'witness' to what we know about Jesus, but what does it mean to be a witness, and what doesn't it?
Meredith leads us in a time of reflection (which Lesley led for us on Sunday) designed to help us answer the question, 'what exactly would it mean for ME to witness to Jesus?'
In this episode of the Backdrop, Meredith unpacks two segments of John 1:9-18 -- logos made flesh and its implications for salvation & what we might learn and imitate from the incarnation within our own settings.
Resources cited in this episode include:
- John: A Commentary by Marianne Meye Thompson
- Dynamic Adventure by Dan Steigerwald et al
Curtis introduces a practice to help us see our neighbors--literal and otherwise. It can equip us to follow Jesus into the world by getting proximate to the people around us the way Jesus gets proximate to us.
In Week 2 of our exploration of the opening chapters of John, Meredith considers what it means that God has drawn close to us in Jesus. John 1:10-18.
In this supplemental pod, Curtis gives some of the background context for John 1:1-9. Topics include the ancient understanding of creation, the culture of Ephesus, and why the Bible has authority in the first place.
Let us know what you think at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail [dot] com.
Resources mentioned include:
John: A Commentary by Marianne Meye Thompson
Scripture and the Authority of God by N.T. Wright
The World of the New Testament: Cultural, Social, and Historical Contexts edited by Joel Green and Lee Martin McDonald
Backgrounds of Early Christianity by Everett Ferguson
Ancient Near Eastern Thought and the Old Testament: Introducing the Conceptual World of the Hebrew Bible by John Walton
The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate by John Walton
Meredith walks us through a practice that can help equip us to truly see Jesus as we go about our daily routines.
In the first sermon from our Fall series "Come and See", we take a look at how John introduces Jesus in John 1:1-9, and what it might have to do with us as we follow Jesus in a chaotic, unpredictable world.
We give some updates about what is coming Fall 2019 for Pomona Valley Church. We also give a brief refresher/introduction of who we are and what we're all about.
See you Sunday!
For more info head over to pomonavalleychurch [dot] org, find us on instagram @pomonavalleychurch, or email us at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail [dot] com.
We continue our mini-series (S2 Ep 8-10) looking at some of what we hope will make Pomona Valley Church unique.
In this episode we talk about Kids and Youth, and how Pomona Valley Church will serve them. (hint: we plan on loving them and taking them seriously as fully human and fully a part of our community)
Follow us on instagram @pomonavalleychurch, check out show notes at our website pomonavalleychurch.org, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail [dot] com, and come join us some Sunday to make this thing real.
Hat tip to Liz Lemon for the episode title.
We continue our mini-series (S2, Ep 8-10) diving into some of what we think will make Pomona Valley Church unique.
In this episode, we talk about why we plan to gather together weekly and what elements we hope to include in each and every gathering. These include: stories, communion, a SHORT sermon (we promise), relationships, diversity, and experiential elements.
We think these elements, consistently included, will help us practice following Jesus into the world, together.
Find show notes at pomonavalleychurch.com, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail [dot] com, follow us on instagram @pomonavalleychurch, share this podcast with a friend, subscribe to our newsletter, and, hey, come join us some Sunday to help make these ideas a reality!
The Launch Pod returns, this time from California! We are starting a new series of episodes addressing some of the common questions we get about Pomona Valley Church.
To kick things off, we are talking about something that makes Pomona Valley Church unique: in the midst of embracing women in leadership and teaching, pursuing diversity as a community, and being fully-inclusive for LGBTQ+ people, we are still evangelical.
If that word trips you up, you are not alone. But we walk through the four markers that have historically characterized 'evangelicalism', and make the case that even if the word is challenging, we do still affirm those pillars (although we might nuance what we mean by each.)
Find show notes at our new website PomonaValleyChurch [dot] org
We give a brief update on our big move and what is coming up in July for Pomona Valley Church.
This is our last episode for a few weeks as we settle in. Thanks to our listeners and subscribers, and a great, big "see you soon!" to everyone in California!
Follow us on instagram and sign up for our newsletter for updates and details. Get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail [dot] com.
We talk about kinship, a concept that helps us understand what it means to neighbor well and do justice, two things we want to equip people to do well at Pomona Valley Church.
Also, updates on the move to California, and Curtis read an interview with David Bailey about racial reconciliation.
Follow us on Instagram at pomonavalleychurch, get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail [dot] com, find show notes and subscribe to the newsletter at meredithannemiller [dot] com.
Special thanks to Bible Bounce Houses.
In this episode talk about our hope of being a community that takes seriously one of the greatest needs of our culture. What are the small, consistent practices that could mark our church as a place of belonging?
Plus, sleeping is spiritual.
Get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail [dot] com, follow us on instagram @pomonavalleychurch, find show notes at meredithannemiller [dot] com.
Special thanks to Saintly Shorts.
In this episode we give an update on our move to Claremont, and more importantly an update on the Champions League. Our main topic is about equipping people to experience the joy of everyday life with God. Fair warning: there's Latin.
Plus, Curtis read about the tyranny of tech efficiency.
Get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail [dot] com, follow us on instagram @pomonavalleychurch, find show notes at meredithannemiller [dot] com.
Special thanks to UberPriests.
In this episode of the Launch Pod, we talk about why the mess and discomfort of community, the "messy togetherness" of church is a feature, not a bug. In other words, it's the mess itself that actually allows us to be who God created us to be, as individuals and as a community.
We also give an update on our incorporation as an official, legal non-profit.
Get in touch at PomonaValleyChurch [at] gmail [dot] com, follow us on instagram @PomonaValleyChurch, and find show notes on Meredith's blog, MeredithAnneMiller [dot] com.
Special thanks to Sermonizer.
This episode we talk about the consistent outward focus of the Bible. God's people are called to move toward the world, bringing reconciliation with them.
Also in this episode, Meredith gives us an update on the house hunt, and Curtis read an interview about raising boys.
Get in touch with us at PomonaValleyChurch [at] gmail [dot] com. Find show notes at MeredithAnneMiller [dot] com. Follow us on Instagram @pomonavalleychurch.
Special thanks to PastorStylez.
We're back with season 2 of The Launch Pod for Pomona Valley Church! We had so much fun, we just couldn't stay away.
In this episode we give some updates on the process of starting Pomona Valley Church. Then we dive into the topic of following Jesus, the contrast between his way of being, which he invites us into, and the ways of being we often see around us. Especially as it relates to power.
We close with a new segment: Wait, That Counts? where Meredith shares a decidedly NOT classical spiritual practice.
Get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail [dot] com
Find show notes and links at meredithannemiller [dot] com
Special thanks to Holy Smoke Fog Machines
Meredith closes out our Easter week devotionals with the crucial truth that God's great love is FOR us now, and always.
It's Easter week, and we decided to do a series of short devotionals to celebrate!
Each day this week we will post a 5-ish minute reflection on a part of the Easter week story. We hope you find them meaningful, and a helpful starting point for some intentional reflection about what it means to follow Jesus into the world this Easter.
(We'd encourage you to listen to these one per day, even if you're coming to them late, as opposed to binging them all at once, but it's your call)
Today, Curtis reflects on God's silence.
It's Easter week, and we decided to do a series of short devotionals to celebrate!
Each day this week we will post a 5-ish minute reflection on a part of the Easter week story. We hope you find them meaningful, and a helpful starting point for some intentional reflection about what it means to follow Jesus into the world this Easter.
(We'd encourage you to listen to these one per day, even if you're coming to them late, as opposed to binging them all at once, but it's your call)
Today, Curtis reflects on the implications of serving a God who has suffered and died.
It's Easter week, and we decided to do a series of short devotionals to celebrate!
Each day this week we will post a 5-ish minute reflection on a part of the Easter week story. We hope you find them meaningful, and a helpful starting point for some intentional reflection about what it means to follow Jesus into the world this Easter.
(We'd encourage you to listen to these one per day, even if you're coming to them late, as opposed to binging them all at once, but it's your call)
Today, Meredith explores the Last Supper and its past, present, and future implications.
It's Easter week, and we decided to do a series of short devotionals to celebrate!
Each day this week we will post a 5-ish minute reflection on a part of the Easter week story. We hope you find them meaningful, and a helpful starting point for some intentional reflection about what it means to follow Jesus into the world this Easter.
(We'd encourage you to listen to these one per day, even if you're coming to them late, as opposed to binging them all at once, but it's your call)
Today, Curtis talks about feet. And also why we take the risk to serve and love others.
It's Easter week, and we decided to do a series of short devotionals to celebrate!
Each day this week we will post a 5-ish minute reflection on a part of the Easter week story. We hope you find them meaningful, and a helpful starting point for some intentional reflection about what it means to follow Jesus into the world this Easter.
(We'd encourage you to listen to these one per day, even if you're coming to them late, as opposed to binging them all at once, but it's your call)
Today, Curtis reflects on the disappointed expectations of the crowds.
It's Easter week, and we decided to do a series of short devotionals to celebrate!
Each day this week we will post a 5-ish minute reflection on a part of the Easter week story. We hope you find them meaningful, and a helpful starting point for some intentional reflection about what it means to follow Jesus into the world this Easter.
(We'd encourage you to listen to these one per day, even if you're coming to them late, as opposed to binging them all at once, but it's your call)
Today, Meredith turns over some tables.
It's Easter week, and we decided to do a series of short devotionals to celebrate!
Each day this week we will post a 5-ish minute reflection on a part of the Easter week story. We hope you find them meaningful, and a helpful starting point for some intentional reflection about what it means to follow Jesus into the world this Easter.
(We'd encourage you to listen to these one per day, even if you're coming to them late, as opposed to binging them all at once, but it's your call)
Today, Meredith starts us off with Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
We talk through a tentative timeline for how Pomona Valley Church will form, and where you all come in to help make it a reality. Thanks for listening, praying, and dreaming along with us!
Find show notes, including the link to donate at meredithannemiller [dot] com
Get in touch at PomonaValleyChurch [at] gmail [dot] com
We love you all!
Note: This is an updated version of Episode 10 based on some great feedback we got from friends around the country.
We wanted to devote a whole episode to our final value, diversity, both because it is, in some ways, the most controversial of our values and also because it's the one that most benefits from a more thorough, nuanced discussion.
We talk about our commitment to diversity in race, culture, gender, and sexual orientation in particular.
There is also a decidedly more somber installment of "What Curtis Read This Week".
Find show notes and resources at meredithannemiller [dot] com
Get in touch with us at PomonaValleyChurch [at] gmail [dot] com
There are certain values that we hope will be the very first things people think of when they think of Pomona Valley Church. These are Sacrifice, Openness, Relationship, Authenticity, and Diversity.
In this episode we tackle the first four of these values, saving Diversity for its own special episode.
We talk through what we mean by each value, give some stories of how we've seen them in action before, and give a little preview (where we can) of how we hope to equip Pomona Valley Church to embody them in the future.
We also share some exciting news (for us) about the next steps in making Pomona Valley Church a reality.
Find show notes at meredithannemiller [dot] com
Get in touch at PomonaValleyChurch [at] gmail [dot] com.
We extend the conversation from episode 05 to talk about how we hope Pomona Valley Church will relate to those outside our church community.
What does it mean to neighbor well and do justice?
We tell some stories of how others have been good neighbors to us, give a framework for how we will equip one another to do this in our everyday lives, and talk about what it means to be engaged in doing justice in the world around us.
There's also the next installment of "What Curtis Read This Week", in which Curtis unequivocally displays that not all his reading is profound or meaningful...at all.
Find show notes at meredithannemiller [dot] com
Get in touch at PomonaValleyChurch [at] gmail [dot] com
In this bonus episode, Meredith walks us through a tool we created to help you build a Rhythm of Life. The tool itself is available now on her blog. Our desire is to help people follow Jesus in a way that is joyful and sustainable, so we created something to help you do just that.
For best results, print out our pull up the Rhythm of Life tool and follow along as you listen, jotting down any ideas or thoughts you might have. Then, spend some time reflecting and planning.
Find the Rhythm of Life tool at meredithannemiller [dot] com
Get in touch with us at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail [dot] com
At Pomona Valley Church we want to equip people to follow Jesus joyfully and sustainably.
One way we hope to do that is by providing practical tools that help people follow Jesus in their everyday lives, tools like a Rhythm of Life. In this mini-bonus episode we set the stage for the first iteration of that tool, which is available now on Meredith's blog.
We give a little context for the next episode that will show up in your feed shortly, and invite everyone to join us in building a Rhythm of Life for this season.
Find the Rhythm of Life tool at meredithannemiller [dot] com
Get in touch with us at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail [dot] com
In which we unpack what it means to live the one anothers in a community.
We share some stories of how we've experienced communities that do this well, by holding babies, cleaning up, setting us straight, and eating together.
There is also the triumphant return of "What Curtis Read This Week", back by popular(?) demand.
Find show notes at meredithannemiller [dot] com.
Get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail [dot] com
In which we unpack how we want to follow Jesus in our everyday lives at Pomona Valley Church.
We introduce the idea of a 'rhythm of life' and some of the markers that can make that rhythm joyful and sustainable. We want our rhythms to be:
Real not Idealized
Seasonal not Forever
Personal not One-Size-Fits-All
Communal not Individual
Faithful not Quick-Fix
Originality is overrated.
Find show notes at meredithannemiller [dot] com
Get in touch at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail [dot] com
On the third episode of The Launch Pod for Pomona Valley Church, we dive into a theological disconnect that impacts the effectiveness of the church: what exactly is the good news? If the answer is too narrow, it can become irrelevant.
We explore the alternative: how a re-expanded understanding of the gospel, and a church that is trying to live out that re-expanded gospel might connect with people in a more compelling way.
Join us, as we let our theological nerd flag fly!
Find show notes and other good stuff at meredithannemiller.com
Get in touch with us at pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail [dot] com
People are increasingly disconnected from the Church, but does it have to be that way? We explore a few of the major disconnects we are seeing, and how we might bridge those gaps at Pomona Valley Church.
In this episode we ask whether church could:
- Actually fit into my schedule?
- Not be so 'one-size-fits-all'?
- Fully include me, my friends, and the people I care about?
Get in touch with us with questions, comments, or just to talk more about Pomona Valley Church at PomonaValleyChurch [at] Gmail [dot] Com
Find show notes and such at meredithannemiller.com
Come for the church chat, stay for the obscure Princess Bride references.
In which we launch the Launch Pod for Pomona Valley Church! An overview of the reasons we think it's time to start a new church and what that church is going to be like.
Show notes and more at meredithannemiller.com
Want to know more about launching Pomona Valley Church? Get in touch with us (we don't get tired of talking about this stuff!): pomonavalleychurch [at] gmail [dot] com.