Chai Can’t Even: Recent Episodes
Project Zion Podcast
Why I stay… It’s no secret that church attendance in America has been declining since the late 1970s, but recent studies show the largest generational drop is among those born between 1981 and 1996—the millennials. This is the place to sit in on chats with young adults as they talk openly about life, faith, struggles and joys—and why they choose to stay active in Community of Christ.
There is nothing better than hearing someone say that one of the reasons they have stayed in the church is because they’ve been “loved to death.” And, that seems to be a recurring theme here at Chai Can’t Even. Kudos to the congregations who keep the love and welcome flowing. Join host, Blake Smith, for a sit down with Wes Hodgson, former pastor and current member of the Lamoni Heartland Mission Center leadership team, who shares his story of growing up and staying in the church. Be inspired by a real model of inclusivity as Wes shares his hopes, dreams and challenge to the church.Download Transcript
Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!Intro and Outro music used with permission:
“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org
“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).
All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.
NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.
It’s encouraging to hear stories of people finding deep welcome and connection in the church ... no matter which congregation they step into. That is the case in the personal stories shared by Mike Sherman of Pensacola, FL with host, Blake Smith. Join Mike and Blake for this episode of Chai Can’t Even, and you’re sure to find yourself reconnecting with some your own memories, stories, and experiences of finding “home” in Community of Christ. Download Transcript
Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!Intro and Outro music used with permission:
“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org
“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).
All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.
NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.
“Yay, we’re at the party. We’re going to a church party!’ Wouldn’t it be great if a few more people felt that way about church ... and not just two-and-a-half-year-olds? In this episode of Chai Can’t Even, host Blake Smith sits down with Kara Sherman of the North Pensacola (FL) congregation to hear her story and what it is that has kept her coming to Community of Christ. Hear her hopes and dreams for the church, and gain some inspiration to be a part of something special.Download Transcript
Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!Intro and Outro music used with permission:
“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org
“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).
All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.
NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.
You know you’ve done something right when a child/adolescent goes to church... not because they have to, but because they want to. An ordained teacher at 18 and a high school band teacher at 21, Ethan Mitchell, was one of those children, and the credit goes to a loving congregation who created a loving, nurturing environment where kids could thrive and grow... physically and spiritually. Join host, Blake Smith, as he sits down to hear Ethan’s story, and to find out why Ethan has found a forever connection in Community of Christ.Download Transcript
Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!Intro and Outro music used with permission:
“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org
“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).
All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.
NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.
All roads lead to Lamoni, Iowa — at least for Chad and Katie. Their relationship began when they were both students at Graceland, and it all came full circle when they found themselves back in Lamoni, bringing their vision for a chemical-free produce and cut-flower farm to life.
In this episode of Chai Can’t Even, host Robin Linkhart sits down with Chad and Katie Hensley to hear the story of how they met, the Big Creek Farms origin story, and also the Hensley’s thoughts on how the church can best adapt to the needs of the younger generations.
Stay up to date on what is happening at Big Creek Farms by following them on Facebook.
Download Transcript
Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Intro and Outro music used with permission:
“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org
“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).
All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.
NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.
Have you ever questioned your own worth because you were caught between the role expectations and gender stereotypes you were taught and what you were actually feeling and experiencing in life? Have you ever been torn between your love for those who raised, nurtured and loved you into adulthood, and the disconnect that occurred somewhere along your journey that helped you to see things in a new light? In this episode of Chai Can’t Even, host Brittany Mangelson sits down with Kinsey Horringa to hear her story and the ways in which points in her journey have changed her and strengthened her at the same time. Chances are you’ll find yourself saying, “I can totally relate” at least once during the episode.
Download Transcript
Intro and Outro music used with permission:
“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org
“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).
All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.
NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.
Relationships, meaningful connections, mentors, encouragers... all incredibly important elements in the journey of faith. Everyone needs to hear and know that they are good enough and capable enough to live the life for which God has created them. Join host, Brittany Mangelson, for an inspiring conversation with life-long Community of Christ member and Central Mission Youth Minister, Tyler Horringa. Listen in as Tyler shares his story of the things and the people that filled those important roles for him, kept him in the church, and helped him to become the disciple and minister he is today.
Download Transcript
Intro and Outro music used with permission:
“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org
“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services).
All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.
NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.
What keeps millennials engaged in religious communities when so many choose to leave the pews? Alisha Bowen shares her experiences growing up in Community of Christ and what gives her hope for the future.
Host: Brittany Mangelson Guest: Alisha Bowen
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From camps to leading worship as a teen, to marrying her wife in the church, Cheyenne Koerth of Austin, Texas shares what it was like growing up in Community of Christ. With a deep love of the Enduring Principles, Cheyenne remains hopeful for the future of this faith community.
Host: Brittany Mangelson Guest: Cheynne Koerth
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Molly Bagley, a millennial in Community of Christ, shares about growing up in the church, her evolving and sometimes complicated relationship with the Restoration, but why she remains an enthusiastic participant with Community of Christ.
Host: Brittany Mangelson Guest: Molly Bagley
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Dan Gregory has served Community of Christ in a variety of roles. As a gay man who was employed by the church before the USA National Conference, he has faced difficult decisions surrounding ministry and life. Today on the podcast, Dan shares how his drive for justice and Christ's mission of peace keeps him engaged and excited about his community of faith.
Host: Brittany Mangelson
Guest: Dan Gregory
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Today on Project Zion podcast, we welcome Meghan and Jayson Gray to share what it was like growing up in Community of Christ. Having grown up in the Independence area and now raising their own child in "the shadow of the Temple" Meghan and Jason share their perspective on what keeps them engaged with Community of Christ and their hopes for the future.
Host: Brittany MangelsonGuests: Meghan and Jayson Gray
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Growing up in Oklahoma, Ashley Sebree's childhood included camps, home visits, and being mentored as a disciple in Community of Christ. Ashley is currently enrolled in seminary, and serves in leadership positions in both her mission center and at the online ministry, Community Space. Today, Ashley shares about her experiences in her experiences in the church and her hopes for our future.
Host: Brittany Mangelson Guest: Ashley Sebree
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Nathan Mack of Independence, Missouri joins us for our Chai Can't Even series where we talk to young adults in Community of Christ. Nate shares about growing up in the church, his time at Graceland as both a student and an employee with Campus Ministries, as well as what keeps him engaged with Community of Christ today.
Host: Brittany Mangelson Guest: Nathan Mack
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In this episode of our Chai Can't Even series, we're hearing from Emma Gray Pitt and Ryan Pitt! Emma is a designer at The Knot and Ryan is the Mission Center President of the Mid Atlantic Mission Center. Both Emma and Ryan grew up in Community of Christ and they share stories of their childhood and how the church has shaped and formed them into who they are today.
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We've got Caitlin d'Esterre back on the podcast! This time she'll be talking about being a millennial in Community of Christ as part of our Chai Can't Even series. Join us as Caitlin talks about growing up in the church, how meaningful the camping programs were to her, and her hopes and advice for other young adults in the church.
Host: Brittaany Mangelson Guest: Caitlin d'Esterre
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Zac Harmon McLaughlin, the director of Community of Christ Seminary, shares his experience growing up in Community of Christ in Independence Missouri. Zac discusses how he was mentored, challenged, and supported through his teenage years, and gives insights into how he views faith and church life today. As part of our Chai Can't Even series, Zac gives a perspective that is edgy and filled with hope.
Young adult Laura Bolton talks about growing up in Independence, Missouri, what keeps her engaged with the church today, and the challenges and hopes she experiences along the way.
Host: Brittany Mangelson Guest: Laura Bolton