The Stories of Faith Project: Recent Episodes
Denise Maier Pawliuk - Diaconal Candidate (she/her)
Through reflection, wondering, and open-ended questions Denise empowers the listener to unpack complex ideas to support a broader and deeper understanding of Bible stories and faith all through the lens of the Lutheran tradition.
This reflection on the first reading of Advent, Mark 13, encourages us to keep awake, keep open to the possibilities of God.
A reflection on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 that nudges us to be rebellious like Jesus and love.
The Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids from Matthew 25:1-13 reminds us that life and faith are all about relationships.
The reading from Exodus 17:1-7 describes the fear of the ancient Israelites. How do we deal with fear and what would happen if we leaned on the Creator.
Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes the weariness and the weight overcome us. But God is with us.
There is a sense of not being in control when the power goes out. You are powerless (pun intended) to change your circumstances. Yes, you can alter your experience if you have a generator or a battery bank but the reality is you are disconnected from the grid.
Paul told the Athenians that God was not found within a specific building. Have we forgotten that? And what happens when life fills us with fear and lament? Are we alone in that?
Sometimes we get a little bit off kilter due to holidays or some other change in routine. How do we get out of that liminal space?
What happens when we set aside “doubting Thomas” and instead focus on how Jesus returned to earth looking different…looking imperfect?
How do we make sense of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples, particularly through the lens of now?
We each have so many gifts and opportunities. How do we put down our privilege and lift up others? Start by listening.
Just like children we continue to grow and develop, well our faith and spirituality continues to form.
We want to know, and be prepared for, emergency situations. But life doesn’t always work that way.
Jeremiah 23:1-6 reminds us that the role of all leaders, the role of all people of faith, is to care for the widows and orphans, of every time.
Jesus calls us to transformation but we have trouble with the changing seasons. Thankfully, we are not in this alone.
Jacob wrestles the whole night long and in the end is both injured but blessed. How are we changed and blessed by our wrestling?
Jesus cares for and cares about the people on the margins. I wonder, does that make him a deacon?
The reading this week, Luke 17:5-10 calls us to ask God to strengthen our faith. But sometimes, we get caught up in being human.
Parables are stories that are windows into the kingdom of God. This parable contrasts the rich and poor and it urges us too lean into God. But what does THAT look like?
Where we are from and where we live now shape us. Places influence our formation. How does your prayerful approach reflect where you were born and raised?
As we face climate crisis, the continuing pandemic, and sheer exhaustion there is really only one thing to do. Put it all down!
The reading from Luke 14:25-33 calls us to follow Jesus. To go on an expedition. What are we going to bring?
As people of faith we are asked to serve one another. To care for others. Sometimes that is hard to do but Jesus the Rebel has there with us.
The reading of Jeremiah 1:4-10 is a gift for us. It reminds us, awakens us, nudges us to know….God is always alongside.
We are called to respond to crisis, to address injustice, because we believe. Not for a reward. Some pretty challenging stuff.
Two sons, a father, and the division of wealth. This story seems to be about money but what is is really about? Love and loss.
Jesus, Peter, James, and John travel to the top of a mountain. Then some surprising things happen, including the arrival of some visitors.
Jesus is not on a mountain, or a boat, he is on level ground to engage with humanity. He asks us to meet him there!
The people of Jesus’ home town were hoping they would have the same benefits as all the places Jesus visited…but that is not the case.
Jesus has become well-known, people are following him, they want to be near him. But sometimes, people need to eat. How do you do that when you don’t have a lot of money?
How does Jesus feed about 10,000 people and get 12 baskets of leftovers? Why with 5 fish and 2 bread loaves of course!!
The Ark of the Covenant carries the 10 Commandments, the 10 best ways to live. David, decides to move it to Jerusalem.
The disciples have been hanging out with Jesus for a while. They have seen miracles and heard preaching. But, it is their own experience with Jesus that really causes them to wonder...who is Jesus?
Parables are gifts to us. Gifts that tell us about the Kingdom of God. But, what does a mustard seed have to do with God?
God created the world. God created woman and man. While the man and woman live in Eden their story is a story of growing up.
Where is, who is, what is the Holy Spirit up to? Is this podcast the ideas of theologians, Pentecost biblical passages, and personal insights all come together for the big reveal.
Resources Referenced:
Book by: Serena Jones and Paul Lakeland Constructive Theology: A Contemporary Approach to Classical Themes.
Chapter 7 - "Spirit-Sophia" written by Elizabeth Johnson in the book: She Who is: The Mystery of God in Feminist Theological Discourse
Bible Passages: Ezekiel 37:1-14 / Acts 2:1-21 / John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
We explore the flood and the promise God made with Noah and all creatures. Have paper and pencil ready to draw!