Hashcast: Recent Episodes
Anam Cara
A short podcast where preachers hash out their sermons together. The calm before the (brain)storm, if you like.
Tim and Jason sit down with their old seminary classmate Travis Meier to talk about understanding Jesus through the lens of organizing. As is often the case, the story behind the story is nearly as crucial as the story itself – how can a historical perspective of the Savior and our stories about him break open a wholly relevant way of seeing him today?
Listen in.
Pastors Jason and Tuhina sit down with the bold and brilliant Rev. Dr. Elle Dowd to talk about why we rarely see images of anything but white Jesus (not to mention smoking hot Jesus) in our churches, how being obsessed with the body subverts the incarnation, and what it means to live in coffins of conformity – or, as Jesus might have called them, whitewashed tombs.
The AC Three (Pastors Tuhina, Tim, and Jason) are back in studio to talk about the upcoming lectionary texts – particularly Jesus' miraculous feeding of the multitudes. The earliest Christians depicted this one story more than any other, one that had nothing to do with his crucifixion (contrary to what we might think given the preponderance of crosses in modern Christianity). What do we make of this?
Pastors Tuhina and Tim sit down with the thoughtful, effervescent Rev. Priscilla Paris-Austin, to talk about battling the demon of racism in the Christian church. How do we discuss the sacrament of racial reconciliation, particularly within the ELCA, the whitest denomination in America (whiter than the Mormons)?
Pastor Priscilla (also of the podcast "Sacred Storytime") guides us through this all-important conversation, which is only ever just beginning.
The AC Three (Tim, Tuhina, and Jason) jump back on the Lectionary Train to discuss one of those mysterious Jesus parables, wading through the concentrated buildup of previous theologies to look for something new. How is Jeff Goldblum a good indicator of what God's welcome might be like? What role does apocalyptic literature play – back then, and now? Who's the coolest of the AC Three? (Trick question: we're all equally cool.)
Jason and Tuhina sit down with the brilliant Savanna Sullivan to talk about how intergenerational work is really intercultural work, what it means to trust young people (including the younger versions of ourselves!), and how deep curiosity paired with power sharing really can change the world.
Also we're legally required to take this opportunity to register our unwavering support for the Clemson Tigers.
Tuhina and Jason sat down with the Border Church pastor, the Rev. Manuel Retamoza, to talk about what it means to preach about the God of peace amidst the machinery of war – a God of justice across walls of division and destruction. Why is it actually easiest for him to write a sermon when he's going to preach at the U.S.-Mexico border? Tune in.
Tim and Tuhina sat down with the lovely and insightful Rev. Ian McConnell, senior pastor at Fabric in south Minneapolis, to get down to the basics when it comes to preaching: What are we doing when we preach? Even more importantly, why?
Hashcast is, in large part, a podcast that goes behind-the-scenes with preachers and their processes – in that case, this episode might be the most Hashcast-y of all the Hashcast episodes!
So get your notes ready: Pr. Ian is dropping some wisdom.
The brilliant and thoughtful Revs. Priscilla Paris-Austin and Tamika Jay joined Hashcast (asynchronously) to talk about Juneteenth, their own relationships with it, and why it still matters today – maybe even more so.
Tuhina and Jason sit down with writer and advocate Deepa Iyer to discuss her transformational concept of a social change ecosystem. What does it mean to live together and work for meaningful change within a living, breathing ecosystem? How can this framework empower all different kinds of people to make this world better?
Tuhina and Jason sit down with lay leader extraordinaire, Dr. Emma Northcott, to talk about what it means to bring an intergenerational focus to the work of being church together. How seriously do we take the idea of the priesthood of all believers? Emma brought her years of wisdom and experience to bear on the subject, and we were all the better for it.
The lovely and thoughtful storyteller-poet-minister, Sarah Agnew, sat down with Jason and guest interviewer Regina Heater to talk about the preacher as storyteller: what does it mean to root ourselves in story? To preach by story, yes – but also to lead by story, to teach by story? Stories don't usually give clear answers. They both require us to rest in mystery, and also inspire us to re-tell and reimagine .
In our first episode of Pentecost this year, we stay in the Easter texts of Acts in order to take a wider view with author, technical communicator, caregiver, intermediate weightlifter – not to mention lovely human being – Keisha McKenzie.
What does it mean to build a moral economy in a current economic system that is neither moral nor an economy which works for all?
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Books referenced in the episode:
Cynthia Moe-Lobeda, Building a Moral Economy: Pathways for People of Courage (Fortress, 2024)
Amy-Jill Levine & Marc Zvi Zettler, The Jewish Annotated New Testament (NRSV) (Oxford UP, 2011)
H. Emilie Cady, Lessons in Truth (Unity Books, 1903/2007)
Ruha Benjamin, Imagination: A Manifesto (Norton, 2024)
Brian Blount, Gay Byron, & Emerson Powery (eds), True to Our Native Land: An African American New Testament Commentary, 2nd ed. (Fortress, 2007/2024)
Tim and Jason sat back down with recent guest – and now, by definition, Friend of the Pod™! – the fantastic ecumenist, story-collector, and story-sharer, Regina Heater, to revisit our recent Lenten conversation and consider Easter in light of it.
In particular, we look to the rising cancer of white supremacy (especially in too many of our churches) and where we might find ways of anti-racism and racial reconciliation in the post-resurrection stories of Jesus and beyond.
A throwback to an episode from our outlaw Thoughtcast days. The AC Three discuss different ways to approach Easter 6, including how the Acts reading gives a powerful distinction between a pedestal and a cross – those who seek power often demand the former, while Jesus was crucified on the latter. And that's what real power is.
Sixth Sunday of Easter
John 14:1-14
Acts 17:22-31
The AC Three continue through middle John, trying our best to decipher what it is the Teacher is trying to teach us. (But, of course, there is no one single answer!) In this passage that includes verses often chosen for funerals, we can actually see a homemaker Jesus, apron on, hard at work to prepare to welcome anyone who may cross his threshold. Even if we (like the disciples) don't know much for sure, we know we're at home here. There's room for us. For all.
Fifth Sunday of Easter
John 14:1-14
The AC Three (otherwise known as the Revs. Tim, Tuhina, and Jason) stay in-house to pour a nice cup of lectionary. For this upcoming Good Shepherd Sunday (Easter 4), we talk about being sheeple for Christ, how 'aww' has overtaken 'awe,' and how our theological rose-colored glasses often blur the reality of sheep and shepherds.
4th Sunday of Easter
John 10:1-10
Psalm 23
Acts 2:42-47
Pastors Tim and Tuhina sat down with newly-elected Bishop of the North Carolina Synod, the Rev. Emily Hartner, to talk about how to preach in an Easter season still rife with the markings of Good Friday.
This week, Hashcast is back in biblical storytelling mode – with your humble storyteller, Jason.
The Gospel this week is no slouch, either: John 20:1-19-31. The one where we find disciples hiding away in a locked room, Jesus showing up anyway, and a Thomas who trusted enough to come back and see for himself.
It's a story meant to be told.
This week we're throwing back to an episode from our old Thoughtcast days – talking the ever-enigmatic Good Friday with the one and only Rev. Colleen Hetrick. Unfortunately, the topics we discussed two years ago are even more relevant today.
Tuhina invited her good friend and professor of African history, Caryce Chepchirchi Tirop, to talk about sermons from the point of view of someone in the pews. What needs to be heard by those who serve Christ from places other than the pulpit?
The AC Three discuss more of Lent's undeniable narrative punch when approaching this week's stories: the raising of Lazarus and Ezekiel's valley of dry bones.
Lent 5
Ezekiel 37:1-14
John 11:1-45
The AC Three (Pastors Tuhina, Tim, and Jason) met up (in-person!) and waded knee-deep into the lectionary.
What does the story of the man born blind have to teach us? How can we approach these long Lenten stories in ways that privilege and honor the actual Gospel texts? How do we discover anew things which may suffer from familiarity?
We continue our larger look on religious pluralism with our next guest, the delightful Abbie Haug. Tuhina and Jason sat down with her to talk about how you might be doing the work of religious pluralism without even knowing it.
We talked to historian, thought leader, and delightful conversation partner, Dr. Allison Ralph, about social cohesion, the magic of murmuration, the messiness of true pluralism – and how God is more like compost than you might think.
Tim and Jason sit down with the thoughtful and effervescent Regina Heater to take a bird's-eye view of Lent – how best can we approach this ancient season? Through what lenses can we view it?
Throwback to one of our early episodes with intimacy and relationship coach, Wendy B – a few years back when the calendar saw Ash Wednesday falling on Valentine's Day – who invited us to recognize the holiness of intimacy (in all its various forms). That might not seem like a particularly strong theological emphasis on Ash Wednesday, but maybe it should be.
The Revs. Jason, Tuhina, and Tim wrap up the Season after Epiphany by taking the 500-foot view. How do we take a posture of both grace and defiance as preachers of the Word in the midst of the dumpster fire of our world?
And as always: what is God's Spirit saying to God's Church, today?
Jason and Tuhina sit down with brilliant author, poet, speaker, (and soul), Kaitlin Curtice, to talk about liminal spaces, staying in the fire, and what it means to create beauty in a world spiraling.
Pastors Tim, Tuhina, and Jason talked last year about this pervasive sense of exhaustion for those of us who preach.
Sadly, this is an evergreen topic. And so this week, we present it to you again.
Pastors Tim, Jason, and Tuhina (the AC Three) are back in studio to tackle the upcoming third Sunday of Epiphany – and the classic story of Jesus calling together his crew. What does it mean to follow someone like that?
Tuhina and Jason sit down with the fascinating Rich Havard to talk about his work with both mental health and decolonizing wealth – two of the more relevant topics to discuss in these days, no?
Tuhina and Jason sit down with the Rev. Christa Compton, newest Bishop of the New Jersey Synod of the ELCA and brilliant preacher, to talk about all things RE: the pulpit.
How can we recognize the doubt that exists in the pews, in the world, in our own hearts? How can we connect the act of preaching with the act of worship?
Throwback to an early in-house conversation (circa 2022) to talk about this high holy day (err...night), and the stories surrounding it – many of which can easily suffer from familiarity. How can we look at this story anew?
Tuhina and Jason sit down with the delightful and brilliant Rev. Laura Mariko Cheifetz to talk about how important context is for such a pivotal story like Christmas – and how many layers of Empire you have to peel back to even get a glimpse of the real thing.
We invited our favorite doula pastor, the Rev. Carrie Ballenger, to talk about Advent through the eyes of those intimately connected to the act of giving life.
What does it mean to meaningfully walk through this season that is often overshadowed by its more popular cousin? What does it mean to talk about childbirth amidst a sea of miscarriages?
The AC Three – Pastors Tuhina, Tim, and Jason – go off-lectionary to discuss utopian ideals, utopian plans...and whether the very idea of a utopia is even possible in the first place.
Pastors Jason and Tuhina sit down with the lovely and lovable Rev. Jennifer Shimota to talk about all things Advent. Instead of a specific lectionary text, this episode we look at an entire liturgical season. Buckle up!
Jason and guest host Derrick Weston sit down with the breath of fresh air that is Bryan Rust – Bryan is a cantor and musician extraordinaire, and he brought his unique perspective to this annual end of the Christian year: Christ the King Sunday. How can we recover the heavy-laden image of king? Is such an expedition doomed to failure? We probably came up with more questions than answers in our conversation. Jesus would be proud.
Christ the King
Luke 23:33-43
Jason and Tuhina sit down with peacemaker, healer, and scholar, Dr. Najeeba Syeed, to talk about a whole host of topics adjacent to building the interfaith table, the difference between inter-faith and intra-faith dialogue, and what it means to recognize the pluralistic reality all around us.
Pastors Jason Chesnut, Tuhina Verma Rasche, and Tim Brown go off-lectionary to talk about the end of the world – how it's more common than you might think, how it's happened before, and what seriously reckoning with it can teach us in these anxious, rattled times.
We sit down with the Rev. Tita Valeriano in a repeat episode discussing All Saints' Day – what it means, how different people approach it, and different hooks from which to hang potential sermons.
Pastors Jason, Tuhina, and Tim sit down to talk about the high holy day in Lutheran churches the world over – Reformation Day – how reformation is indistinguishable from liberation; and how "All Panic, No Disco" is a pretty good sermon title.
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Romans 3:19-28
John 8:31-36
In a repeat episode from 2024, Pastors Tim, Tuhina, and Jason sit down to talk about the act of preaching in perilous times, and how best to approach this sacred task in today's world. Such a focus, sadly, is still too relevant.
Every once in a while, it's helpful to ditch a particular passage and, instead, take a bird's-eye view.
In a new segment on Hashcast, Pastor Jason Chesnut – with the inspiration and aid of the incomparable Tom Boomershine – takes a journey through the story of Jesus and the Ten Lepers. Listen in as we dive deep into the power and depth of the ancient practice of biblical storytelling.
Pentecost 18
Luke 17:11-19
The AC Three – Jason, Tuhina, and Tim – talk about citizenship, especially considering we live in a time when birthright citizenship is under assault. What are we called to do as citizens of the commonwealth of God? To where do we owe our allegiance? (Or to put it another way: what does it mean to follow Jesus?)
Travis West had too many good things he so graciously shared with us – and his book is so good we had lots of questions – so Jason and Tuhina's conversation with him needed a second episode.
Pastors Tuhina and Jason sit down with the thoughtful, deliberate, wise professor Travis West to talk about his striking new book – The Sabbath Way – and how Sabbath breaks all our rules around capitalism, possession, ownership, and beyond. Can we choose the Sabbath Way in a world seemingly committed to literally any other path?
Tim and Jason welcome 21st-century Renaissance man, Derrick Weston – author, filmmaker, podcaster, speaker, and educator – to talk about the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin: how God is both a terrible shepherd and a reckless inventor, what it means to truly be a sheep (and a coin), and how, in the Beloved Community, there's no such thing as "too far gone."
14th Sunday after the Pentecost
Luke 15:1-10
Tim, Tuhina, and Jason go off-lectionary to discuss Luther's theology of the cross (found in his classic moment of defense, the Heidelberg Disputation) – in other words, we're talking about calling a thing what it is. No more euphemisms. What does it mean to trust the evidence of your eyes and ears – and tell the truth about what you see and hear – in a world which sometimes encourages suspicion of both?
Jason and Rozella sit down with Pastor Joann Lee to talk about a God who loves food, a God who topples any and all rigid structures we might create, and what it means to stay awake in a world committed to keeping people asleep.
12th Sunday after the Pentecost
Luke 14:1, 7-14
Pastors Tuhina and Jason sit down with the brilliant professor Simran Jeet Singh, religion scholar and nationally-renowned author, to talk about Luke's Parable of the Rich Fool and the profound echoes found in Sikh wisdom and tradition.
8th Sunday after the Pentecost
Luke 12:13-21
The Anam Cara Three (the Revs. Tim Brown, Tuhina Rasche, and Jason Chesnut) sit down (in the same space!) to talk about resiliency, enough-edness, and how the Holy Spirit consistently shows up despite our best efforts.
Jason and Rozella Haydée White sit down with the brilliant professor, Dr. Tamisha Tyler, to talk about Mary and her sister Martha – how has this scripture been used to harm? What does it mean to be fully present with our Lord and Savior? How can we internalize that Jesus doesn't care what we do; he's interested in who we are.
Sixth Sunday after the Pentecost
Luke 10:38-42
Pastors Tim and Jason sit down with the insightful and delightful Rev. Heather Bachelder to talk about how Jesus doesn't live in the binary, and our repeated attempts to hole him in or box him down do more harm than good.
3rd Sunday after the Pentecost
Luke 9:51-62
Pastors Tuhina and Jason sit down with scholar, teacher, and preacher – the Rev. Dr. Rebecca Todd Peters – to talk Pentecost Day: what does power mean and how do the disciples use it? What is the responsibility of those with power, especially in a movement led by someone who famously said, "the last shall be first, and the first shall be last"? How do we mine this story we've heard so many times for the good news in it today?
Pentecost Day
Acts 2:1-21
This episode we welcome preacher, author, and public theologian – the Rev. Kenneth Wheeler – to talk about his necessary, important book: US: the Resurrection of American Terror. What would it look like if this country dismantled its white supremacist foundations? What would be possible? And how do we faithfully live amidst this violent resurrection?
Listen in.
We sit down with the fantastic Rev. Moses Penumaka to talk about how Jesus redefines what glory means, what it looks like to lead with love, and how Judas figures into Jesus' ethic more than you might think.
Fifth Sunday of Easter
John 13:31-35
Pastor Tuhina sat down with the Rev. Dr. Theresa Thames to talk about the holy fish-fry that is the Third Sunday of Easter – the power of a good breakfast, the Gospel focus on nourishment, and how breakfast on the beach can smell like someone loves you.
Easter 3
John 21:1-19
We sit down with the multifaceted Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow to talk about the entryway into Holy Week, what it means to usher in peace, and how Jesus routinely upends our expectations.
Palm Sunday
Luke 19:28-40
The AC Three (Pastors Tim, Tuhina, and Jason) discuss one of the more timely and relevant movies ever made, especially as it pertains to the church: Conclave (2024) – what does it say about power, about our leaders, about how we live in community with one another, and about where true authority lies?
Tuhina and Jason sit down with the thoughtful Andrew Stevens to talk about the fourth Sunday in Lent, and the famous (infamous?) parable Jesus tells.
Lent 4
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Pastors Tim, Tuhina, and Jason – the Anam Cara Three – sit down to discuss a topic beyond the scope of the lectionary: this pervasive sense of exhaustion for those of us who preach.
We sat down with the thoughtful and engaging Rev. Keats Miles-Wallace to talk about that moment on the mountain, what it means to believe someone when they tell you who they are, and how foundationally trans this story really is.
Transfiguration Sunday
Luke 9:28-36
This week, in preparation for Sunday's texts, we finish our haunting conversation with Dr. James Howard Hill, Jr.
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
Luke 6:17-26
Pastors Tuhina and Jason sit down with Dr. James Hill to talk about the haunting nature of Jesus' Sermon on the Plain. Because of the wide-ranging nature of the conversation – and the importance of taking time to tarry with Dr. Hill's words – this Hashcast will be in two parts, finishing up next week in time for Epiphany 6.
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
Luke 6:17-26
Pastors Tuhina and Jason sit down with the brilliant Rev. T. Denise Anderson to talk about funny this story is, the ontologically Black nature of Jesus, and what it means that his first public sign is shown, first and foremost, to the most marginalized among us.
Epiphany 2
John 2:1-11
Pastors Tim, Tuhina, and Jason sit down to talk about the act of preaching in perilous times, and how best to approach this sacred task in today's world.
Every once in a while, it's helpful to ditch a particular passage and, instead, take a bird's-eye view.
Jason and guest host Pr. Danielle DeNise sit down with the brilliant and thoughtful Rev. Mihee Kim-Kort to talk about signs and signals, the beginning of the church year, and how it's full of (apparent) endings.
First Sunday in Advent
Luke 21:25-36
Pastors Tim and Jason sit down with our seminary buddy and all-around fantastic human, Pastor Matt Keadle, to talk about the so-called "Christ the King" Sunday, how complicated the biblical (and theological) response is RE: kingship, and how a preacher can prepare for this tricky day.
Reign of Christ Sunday
John 18:33-37
Pastors Tuhina and Jason sit down with the multitalented and multifaceted Mashaun D. Simon to talk about the 24th Sunday after Pentecost, the shimmering story of Ruth, and how God might not show up in word, but absolutely does in deed.
Pentecost 24
Ruth 1:1-18
Pastors Tim and Jason sit down with the Rev. Tita Valeriano, Program Director for Asian and Pacific Islander Ministries in the churchwide expression of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). It was a delight to welcome her on the pod to talk All Saints' Day,
All Saints' Day
John 11:1-41
Pastors Tim and Jason sit down with Deacon Julie Stecker, the one and only, to talk about that one time Jesus called a woman a dog, and how the unnamed Syrophoenician on the margins shows her pure, desperate faith by challenging Jesus, reminding him (and God) who he is.
Pastor Jason is joined by Pastor Danielle DeNise, assistant to the Bishop of the North Carolina Synod, to talk with our brilliant guest, the Rev. Grey Maggiano, about this week's uneasy texts and what it means to pay attention to the shadow side of our faith.
Pentecost 14
John 6:56-69; Ephesians 6:10-20
Pastors Tim and Jason sit down with the brilliant Professor Steed Davidson to talk about the bread of life – not just spoken of in the Gospel, but fully on display in the Hebrew Bible text. In the story of a depressed and anxious Elijah, we see an expansive view of the Table: set for us. For you.
Pentecost 12
I Kings 19:4-8
We sit down with Deaconness Kelly Marciales – preacher, pastor, parent, and all-around lovely human – to talk about the shocking nature of this week's violent story. What does it mean to put our values, even our bodies, on the line? What does it mean to not get distracted with the spectacle, but instead identify with John the Baptizer? What does it mean, that is, to follow Jesus?
Pentecost 8
Mark 6:14-29
Pastors Tim and Jason sit down with the brilliant Rev. Kaloma Smith to talk about the enigmatic story of Jesus falling asleep in the stern of a ship – and what it means to hold on to eternity while remaining faithful in the present, whatever storms may come.
Pentecost 5
Mark 4:35-41
We sit down with nationally-renowned activist, writer, and leader, Minister Cherri Murphy, to talk about ditching the rules in favor of life, how a new kind of church starts on Pentecost, and what it means not just to say "yes," but to give your FULL yes.
Day of Pentecost
Acts 2:1-21
Pastor Jason sits down with the Rev. Bishop Leila Ortiz of the Metro, D.C. Synod of the ELCA to talk about the ascension of Jesus – how he leaves us but doesn't leave us alone, how we can be complicit in healing and forgiveness,
Ascension Day
Luke 24:44-53
Pastors Tim and Jason sit down with the Rev. Khristi Lauren Adams, best-selling author, preacher, and dean, to set the scene of Jesus' Farewell Discourses from John (chapters 13-15), asking the question: what would you do for your last meal? With whom would you spend it? How does all this affect what Jesus is saying?
Fifth Sunday of Easter
John 15:1-8
Pastors Tim and Tuhina sit down with The engaging and affirming Rev. Joseph Kim, lead pastor of Bothell United Methodist Church in Bothell, Washington, to talk about this so-called "Low" Sunday, the beautiful B-side of Gospel stories, and what it could look like to turn Easter itself upside-down.
Second Sunday of Easter
John 20:19-31
Pastors Jason and Tuhina talk to the Rev. Dr. Rob Lee about that high holy (and ancient) day of Easter Vigil – the power of its liturgy, the uniqueness of its story, and the terricitement of its reality.
Pastors Tuhina and Jason sit down with friend of the pod and podcaster extraordinaire in her own right, the Rev. Colleen Montgomery, to talk about Good Friday – what it might be like to write a eulogy for Jesus, the Gospel of John and anti-Semitism, and how Good Friday is its own kind of Eucharist.
Good Friday
John 18:1-19:47
The Anam Cara Three (Pastors Tim, Tuhina, and Jason) talk about the frightening nature of freedom, what we think can save us, and the power of rethinking what you always thought you knew. Down that way lies liberation.
The 4th Sunday in Lent
Numbers 21:4-9
John 3:14-21
Pastors Tuhina and Jason sit down with the Brazilian jiu-jitsu practicing Rev. Joshua Serrano, to talk about promise and chaos, what it means to enter into Lent, and how silence and stillness might prime us for something divine.
The First Sunday in Lent
Genesis 9:8-17, Mark 1:9-15
Pastors Tim and Tuhina sit down with relationship and intimacy coach Wendy B to talk about this unique year when Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine's Day. We talk about love and death, intimacy and mortality: topics too often shunned in Christian communities.
Lent begins in love – and death.
Ash Wednesday
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
The Anam Cara team (Pastors Tim, Tuhina, and Jason) discuss the fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, why a good sermon title might be "Telling the Truth Sucks," and how we keep hunting Jesus.
Pastors Tim and Jason sit down with the effervescent Rev. Lori Ruge-Jones to talk about agency, powerful role reversals, and how sometimes sermons hooks can hurt ya.
Advent 4
Luke 1:26-38
We sit down with the seriously funny (and seriously brilliant) Rev. Elise Pokel to talk about doomsday prepping for others and not just yourself, what it means to grapple with Matthew's intense Gospel, and how you're blessed if you go to sleep.
24th Sunday after the Pentecost
Matthew 25:1-13
The Anam Cara Three discuss the powerful nature (and wide array of liturgical possibilities!) of All Saints' Day.
All Saints' Day
Matthew 5:1-12
The Anam Cara Three are back for a mini-episode on Reformation Day – we're on location and discussing the mixed bag nature of this particularly Lutheran holy day.
Reformation Day
John 8:31-36
We sit down with writer, speaker, and all-around fantastic human Karen González to probe another one of Jesus' strange parables – and talk about how those parables are more like an episode of Black Mirror than we'd care to admit.
20th Sunday after the Pentecost
Matthew 22:1-14
We sit down with the multifaceted, multitalented Rev. John Tirro to talk about interstates of violence, looking at things sideways, and how Jesus is a walking parable. We feature Pastor John's own work as well! Find out more of what he does at johntirro.com.
19th Sunday after the Pentecost
Matthew 21:33-46
Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm 80
The in-house Anam Cara team – Pastors Tuhina, Tim, and Jason – talk about the worst enemy of meritocracy, how a parable is like a labyrinth, and what it means to take forgiveness seriously.
16th Sunday after the Pentecost
Matthew 18:21-35
The in-house Anam Cara team (the Revs. Tuhina, Tim, and Jason) go off-lectionary and talk about the rich and varied Season of Creation – which runs September 1 to October 4 – and what it means to be human and hopeful in an age of climate catastrophe.
Pastors Tuhina and Jason sit down with the brilliantly snarky and funny Rev. Bre Roberts to talk about how she met Mary before she met her son, what it means to love and honor Mary (even as Protestants!), and how the Marys of this world are still cradling children lost to state violence.
Mary, Mother of our Lord (Assumption/Dormition of Mary)
Luke 1:26-38, 46-56
Pastor Jason sits down with the effervescent and brilliant Rev. Ashley Bathe Dellagiacoma to talk about those wild and crazy parables, and how one might approach a sermon on them. Lean into the mystery, y'all!
Ninth Sunday after the Pentecost
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Pastors Tuhina and Jason welcome the Rev. Colleen Montgomery, the Director for Digital Ministries with the Virginia Synod of the ELCA, and a mission developer with All Places Together – a completely online worshiping community. They talk the prickly Gospel this week, how to follow the way of the cross, and what it means that Jesus brings holy disruption.
Pastors Tim and Jason sit down with the Reverend Sarah Mayer-Flatt to talk about healing and wonder, how Jesus is not a good model for pastors, and what it means to be in proximity to one another.
Pastors Jason and Tim talk with Rabbi Dr. Laura Duhan-Kaplan about the majestic Hebrew Scriptures, how Christians can mindfully approach them, and what it means to live within a minority religious tradition.
Pastors Tuhina and Jason welcome the Rev. Audrey Price, Ph.D., to talk about the power of Mother Tongue, shared leadership in the church, and how the Spirit arrives after God's peace (in other words, we cover all the readings this time!).
Day of Pentecost
Numbers 11:23-30; John 20:19-23; Acts 2:1-21
The Anam Cara team – the Revs. Tuhina, Tim, and Jason – talk about courtroom metaphors, true justice, and what it means to walk the road to Pentecost.
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Acts 17:22-31; John 14:15-21
Pastor Jason hears a tale of two Tims, the Rev. Brown and the other Rev., the Bishop of the North Carolina Synod of the ELCA, Tim Smith, as the three talk movement and the enigmatic, unforgettable Easter story on that road to Emmaus.
3rd Sunday of Easter
Luke 24:13-35
Pastors Jason, Tuhina, and Tim talk about the start of the Triduum, the Three Days at the heart of the Christian calendar, how to lean in to its sensory possibilities, and why Judas is also one whom Jesus loved.
Pastors Tuhina, Tim, and Jason talk Palm vs. Passion Sunday, what it means to be caught up in a crowd, and how to prepare the people for Holy Week.
Pastors Tim and Jason sit down with the Rev. Dr. Shanitria Cuthbertson, mission developer extraordinaire, to talk about time in John's Lazarus story, the Mystery of what Jesus was really up to, and how love - true love - stinketh.
5th Sunday in Lent
John 11:1-45
Pastors Tuhina and Jason sit down with the sometimes-Christian, often-witch, always-mystic Kevin Miguel Garcia to talk about this tricky text, how it has been used to hurt people in the church, and ways through that to the Gospel at its center.
4th Sunday in Lent
John 9:1-41
Pastors Tuhina and Jason sit down with Bishop Brenda Bos, the first openly lesbian bishop in the ELCA, to talk the paradoxes of Ash Wednesday, the opportunities to preach at the beginning of Lent, and how to approach this singular day in the Christian calendar.
Ash Wednesday
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Pastors Tim and Jason sat down with public theologian Rozella Haydée White, talking OG prophets, profound invitations, and the sacredness of our trans siblings.
The Transfiguration
Matthew 17:1-9
Pastors Tim, Tuhina, and Jason talk the Beatitudes, a text that might be TOO famous. How can we approach it anew? What stories can we tell? What modern-day beatitudes do we hear?
Epiphany 4
Matthew 5:1-12
Pastor Jason sits down with the storytelling womanist theologian Rev. Tamika Jay from For Collard Girls to talk about consent, the challenge of sticking to one Gospel, and the importance of expanding our images for God.
Baptism of our Lord
Matthew 3:13-17
Pastors Tim, Tuhina, and Jason sit down to talk about the ultimate story that might suffer from familiarity: Luke, chapter two. Cue Linus and his blanket.
Christmas Eve
Luke 2:1-20
Tim, Tuhina, and Jason are back to talk a different, cosmic, world-altering creation narrative (the Bible has several), this one from the mystical Gospel according to John.
Christmas Day
John 1:1-14
Pastors Tuhina, Tim, and Jason talk with consultant, activist, and preacher Sandhya Jha about the last day of the church year -- and everything that's caught up with that.
Realm of Christ (Reign of Christ/Christ the King)
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Luke 1:68-79
Psalm 46
Luke 23:33-43
Jason talks with the thought-provoking Rev. Tuhina Verma Rasche about the beauty of the both/and, how we're not called to be doormats, and how All Saints' is one hell of a day.
All Saints' Day
Luke 6:20-31
Tim & Jason sit down with the firecracker Rev. Shannon Weston in Baltimore, Md., to talk shop about how the titles in many of our bibles are crap, our responsibility to the assembly we preach to, and how you could craft a sermon around this unsettling text.
16th Sunday after the Pentecost
Luke 16:19-31
Jason and Tim sit down with the prophetic Rev. Kwame Pitts in Buffalo, N.Y., to listen for what the spirit of God is saying to God's people, especially as it relates to easy sermons and the true work of God's kin-dom.
3rd Sunday after the Pentecost
Luke 9:51-62
Tim and Jason sit down with the extraordinary Rev. Angie Shannon in Bowie, MD, to listen for what the spirit of God is saying to God's people.
Pentecost Day Acts 2:1-21 John 14:8-17 (25-27)
Tim and Jason talk to the free-range Rev. Jenny Sung about what it means to keep vigil at the cross, and how to approach preaching on such a pivotal day in the life of the Church.
Good Friday Isaiah 52:13-53:12 John 18:1-19:42
Tim and Jason sit down with the delightful Rev. Danielle DeNise, the Director for Evangelical Mission in the North Carolina Synod (and our amazing boss) about the lavish story Jesus tells about two brothers.
The 4th Sunday of Lent Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Jason and our own Reverend Seminarian Matt Hansen sit down with Professor Moss to talk about soul freedom and what it means to cultivate spiritual practices during Lent.
Ash Wednesday March 2, 2022 Isaiah 58:1-12 The 51st Psalm Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Storyteller and educator (and all-around fantastic human being) Dr. Tracy Radosevic joins Tim and Jason to talk about Jesus as the master of the teachable moment. This thoughtcast is brought to you by story time: it's not just for children.
Fifth Sunday of Epiphany February 6, 2022 Luke 5:1-11
This episode, we talk about the hometown Jesus and his inaugural sermon from Luke 4 with the wonderful Rev. Athena Thomasson-Bless.
Third Sunday of Epiphany January 23, 2022 Luke 4:14-21
The Revs. Tim Brown and Jason Chesnut sit down to talk with the Rev. CeCee Mills, assistant to the bishop in the North Carolina Synod of the ELCA, about the classic Christmas Eve text from Luke's Gospel.
Christmas Eve December 24, 2021 Luke 2:1-20