Church Basement Podcast - Central Lutheran Church: Recent Episodes
Central Lutheran Church
Pour a cup of coffee or tea and join us in this virtual Church Basement for conversations about faith and life. Central Lutheran Church is an ELCA congregation in Northeast Portland, Oregon. Learn more about us at www.centralportland.org.
For many years Deacon Bonnie has been Team Sell! Curious why? Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us...
This week we are joined by Pax to talk about Millennials and whether or not they are interested in church...
Does it give us comfort that Jesus lived a human life and felt all of the things we feel?
The subject of Pastor Amanda's sermon last Sunday, this poem begged to be discussed further...
It's one of Pastor Amanda's favorite ways to answer a question but is it Lutheran theology?
So much to think about we had to give her her own podcast after talking about Sodom and Gomorrah...
Yes, Central has been in the news recently. So what is it like talking to the media as a Pastor?
Ever had someone quote the Bible with a tone that implies "So there!" That's a bible bullet...
This time we are going to dive a little more into the half of the story we don't really talk about- the consequences surrounding the saving of the Israelites...
What would YOU do if you didn't have to worry about the roof over your head in meeting the needs of others?
Charlie is back to tell us what she did during her summer vacation! Spoiler- a whole lotta singing...
What's it like listening to a sermon from the Pastor's perspective when you aren't the one preaching? Join us to learn more...
Topic matters when deciding whether something makes a good subject for a bible study vs a sermon or even a podcast...
Church shouldn't really be about "othering" people and yet, unless you are actively working against it, that's just what can happen...
And more importantly maybe, do they still work as metaphors that everyone understands???
An integral part of most ELCA churches, the choir is an interesting case study in how a church sees itself...
Just like the Beatitudes of Matthew and Luke are different, so is the location of the sermon and it turns out, that means something...
Houselesness in Portland is a complex issue and is gonna require multiple solutions. Family Promise is hopefully one way that Central can help...
Pastor Amanda is dog sitting and is getting a very interesting benefit from George the service dog...
Central Lutheran has been an RIC congregation for 20 years and this week we take a look at what that has meant and where it hopefully continues...
The appearance of the Wise People caused Pastor Amanda to take an extra look this year at just what having that wisdom means to the story and how it plays out in our own lives...
We have a guest! Join us to hear what a teen thinks about the differences between the 2 nativity stories in the Bible...
We talked about his life in an earlier podcast, but his death is almost more interesting...
Pastor Amanda is on record as saying she prefers them to Christmas Carols. Join us to find out why...
People are more willing to call themselves "spiritual" these days and we decided to dive into why...
Biblical Jubilee was something to behold and perhaps something we should be bringing back...
Both Pastor Amanda and Dawn ended up choosing to be Lutheran after very different upbringings. Join us to learn why...
Pay close attention to the story Pastor Amanda tells about if you ask a question that steps on toes. It's something we all worry about and it's great advice...
TLDR: Parables and Bread. Wanna dig a little deeper into the longest church season? Join us to learn more...
Does it seem unusual that a Lutheran Pastor doesn't like to say the word "Jesus?" There are reasons- join us to learn more!
Pastor Amanda has thoughts on what it means to be ecumenical and how it differs from being inter-faith...
One of Pastor Amanda's favorite writers who passed away this week. We take a look at some of her favorite of his works...
Let's be honest, parts of the Bible- both Old and New Testament- are pretty brutal. Wouldn't it be nice to get a warning?
Moments of joy and peace can be fleeting so this week we talk about how to recognize the unexpected moments that move us.
The building needs repairs- as most old buildings do. Just what to do and for whom is the next question for Central...
Different from an Interim Pastor, the supply pastor has the job of giving a sermon to a congregation they most likely are seeing for the first time...
Lots of steps. Lots of meetings. Lots of interviews. Curious how a rostered leader even gets a call? Join us to learn more...
Let's face it, the news is terrible. Sometimes it pays to turn to the psalms for help and this time Pastor Amanda has picked #27...
Portland is divided into quadrants and that is how we decided to get the youth of various denominations together? Why? Join us to learn more...
As Central's anti-racism training continues, we look at land and what it means to be on stolen land...
Pastor Amanda doesn't believe in a totally passive experience in church and this is one way she expresses that...
In 2019 the Oregon Synod of the ELCA adopted a resolution on anti-racism. Today we take a look at how they are following through on that resolution...
Where is the line between Zoom services and televangelism is the question we tackle this week...
Or “Vespers 86” for those in the know… It’s a super popular Vespers for people in the Pacific Northwest. Curious why? Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us to learn more…
Holden Village
Holden Evening Prayer
This week we tackle the subject of how to express sympathy in this day and age. Are there right answers? Can you really mess it up? Join us to learn more...
Pastor Amanda is going on medical leave which means the podcast is taking a break, too! Curious how we feel about it and what it means? Join us to learn more...
Looking for a more light hearted topic on a tough week we turned to Veggie Tales and their delightful silly songs. Join us to learn more...
You not only have to consider your translation when picking a Bible, you also get a wide range of choices with the publication, too...
A lighter look at all the moments we love of Christmas time both the sacred and the secular and how they often overlap...
After wondering how often you should revisit a version of something, we decided to take another look at translations of the Bible and how words matter...
Same script, new year- join us once again in talking about how wonderfully creative kids really are...
Advent is the celebration of waiting 4 weeks for something! How is that useful? Join us to learn more...
It's a cuppa podcast this week as Pastor Amanda is still working on the Advent services for this year. Spoiler alert, Central is changing the words associated with each candle for the weeks of Advent...
Sometimes you do break the rules for very good reasons like Pastor Amanda did recently. Join us to learn more...
Gift giving is hard enough but trying to find something for a religious milestone can seem impossible. We are here to help!
It's not just about preaching, anyone can practice the ministry of proclamation in large ways and small...
It's something you can do for the loved ones in your life that can make a big difference without you even realizing it...
Bishop Megan's Installation made history and Pastor Amanda was there to witness it all...
Dungeons and Dragons is as near and dear to Pastor Amanda's heart as roller derby. This week we find out how it relates to faith for her...
Pastor Amanda is going to a Bishops Installation so we talk all the fancy clothes that will be seen...
What was it like for the first service back in the sanctuary AND still online? Join us to find out...
This week's Gospel reading makes communion seem.... somewhat off-putting. Join us to learn more...
Come for the seraphim, stay for the fascinating discussion on learning to read text aloud...
It's a long passage that Pastor Amanda uses at her Installations in addition to her Ordination. Join us to learn why...
The first of our 3 part Cuppa series on the texts Pastor Amanda chose for her Ordination service...
It comes early in Mark. It's often overlooked. It's not usually preached on. But it is very dear to Pastor Amanda. Join us to learn why...
Deacon Bonnie has different lens to view the book of Revelations that is well... a revelation!
Transitions are always interesting the discussion around returning to in person services will be no different...
Picking up where the Seminary and Candidacy podcasts left off, to be a Chaplain is taking an extra step...
How did we get to where we are in this country where the haves and have nots are far apart? Why is our cultural view of abundance so tied up in capitalism? Join us to learn more...
Church bulletins are still an old stand by but they do evolve over the years thanks to technology. Also, copyright matters!
Deciding you are called to be a pastor is apparently the very tip of the iceberg for the things that you have to do to make that happen. Candidacy is the first step....
This week we take a look at how the stories around Jesus change after his resurrection and what that means for us...
Climate crisis is real and we need to take a hard look as humans on how to solve it. Join us to learn more...
The story of Doubting Thomas is really about some much more than needing proof, it's also about being in community, dealing with grief and handling emotions. Join us to learn more....
Pastor Amanda has taken on the task of creating an Easter Pageant filled with lessons of hope and resilience this year for the kids of Central. Join us to learn more...
It's the last in our series and it's a doozy- strive or justice and peace on earth. Curious where to start? Join us to learn more...
This one sounds hard but we promise it doesn't have to be! Join Deacon Bonnie, Pastor Amanda, and Dawn as they dive into this week's discussion...
This week we discuss just what it means to proclaim the good news of Christ in word and deed. Spoiler, it's not all talk...
Sometimes you just gotta go back and re-read the cliffs notes plus we look ahead to our next series of podcasts on the covenants of Baptism.
Typically, Ash Wednesday is the service where you go and get marked with ashes on your forehead. This is not a typical year. Join us to see what Central has planned to keep everyone safe and spiritual...
We needed a more celebratory topic this week so we are taking a look at the first Prophet, Miryam. Join us to learn more...
No one wants to talk about death but that just means we are poorly equipped to deal with it. Join us to learn more...
If you can lay your hands on one, having a hymnal at home can be incredibly helpful during the pandemic when worshiping in person is not possible...
This week we look a little closer at the story that forms the basis of the script for this years pageant and how it covers more than just the basic story we hear every year...
Story telling is a part of who we are as a society and the more diverse our stories and representation, the better off we will be...
Giving Tuesday follows Cyber Monday but you shouldn't limit yourself to just one day of generosity...
Join us as we talk about what Advent can teach us about waiting and anticipation of big events on the horizon.
Lutherans love a Christmas Pageant. And if they can get all the kids involved? Even better! But what does that look like during a pandemic? A little different...
The end of the church lectionary cycle always brings apocalyptic reading and this week we take a look at why...
This week we take a look at why people pray- for good and bad. Join us to learn more...
Sure, your own words are fine but these days it can be hard to find them. This week we talk about where to go to find one already written...
Worship book or not, you can absolutely go the diy route with a church service and this week we talk about how. Join us to learn more...
This year Central is holding a 15 hour Election Day Vigil. If you need a quiet space to visit to get away from the news and social media chatter, join us to learn more...
It's been quite and year and we are not done yet. As we head into Reformation Sunday and All Saints Sunday, Pastor Amanda and Central Lutheran are trying help people connect with a candle. Join us to learn more...
It's a go, go, go world out there even in a pandemic. We all need to take a minute, relax and be kind. Join us to learn more...
Now is not the time to stay silent but speaking up is HARD. Especially when we disagree with those we love. This week we talk about having those conversations strategically. Join us to learn more...
When dealing with grief, our brains shut down some as a reminder for us to slow down. Join us to learn more...
Far more relatable than we want it to be to today's pandemic, this week we a take a closer look at Noah...
This week we take a look at a piece of the church we have been missing while worshiping virtually. Join us to learn more...
Like almost everyone, Pastor Amanda's job has changed a little during the pandemic. Curious what may be different or if she has as many Zoom meetings as the rest of us? Join us to learn more...
A common Bible passage at funerals, this week we take a look at Romans Chapter 8. Join us to learn more...
There are many ways to help support a movement even if being there physically isn't one of them.
This week we talk to Deacon Bonnie about her idea for a Youth Devotional during this time of pandemic lockdown. She wanted a way for the youth of the church to continue to build their faith foundations even when they couldn't gather in a traditional church. Join us!
Pastor Amanda and Pastor Megan are using the internet for good! Listen to this podcast then join them every Friday on their Blessing For Those Who Mourn livestream!
With all that is going on, grief seems harder these days. And there is more of it. Join us to learn how to help deal with it.
Not often told or preached on, Hagar's story is one worth revisiting for many reasons. Join us to learn more.
It's past time we started talking to one another about race in America. And it's going to be hard. Join us to learn more.
It's on us to learn more and this week we take a look at what Pastor Amanda and Dawn are doing to teach themselves more...
We have been doing this podcastevery week for 3 years. For our 228th episode we are choosing to not tape our voices and instead we hope to amplify the voices of others on the topics of racism in North America. We do this because we believe that Black Lives Matter and black voices matter. As two white women we are not the voices that need to be heard right now. We join in with the community around us calling for justice for George Floyd and the many black people that have been victims of systemic racism in our country. We will back using our own voice to discuss our work in the weeks to come. As always, grab a cup of coffee or tea and join them.
Pastor Lenny Duncan “God is Grey”
Pastor Lenny’s Regular Podcast with Jason Chestnut “The Jesus Jawn”
NPR’s CodeSwitch Podcast
Austin Channing Brown’s “Power To The People”
The movie “Just Mercy” is playing for free for the month of June.
1619 Podcast from the New York Times
The Moth’s “Say It Out Loud” Playlist
Down to keeping you occupied while you wash your hands, hymns and music play a big role in our lives without us even realizing it...
Many of us know the story of Jonah and the whale but this week we look a little deeper. Join us to learn more.
Pastor Amanda is in the middle of buying a house and moving along with everything else going on. Join us to learn how she stays calm in the middle of it all...
This week we have a special guest on with experience going through forms of isolations and she is willing to share not only her wonderful stories but also some great tips. Join us to learn more!
These are trying times for many reasons but compassion is still necessary. Even when you don't want to have it.
Do you feel like you are failing or flailing? You are not alone! And, YOU ARE ENOUGH AS YOU ARE. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us to hear the words all of our souls need to hear at all times but especially now…
Julian of Norwich Podcast
Yup, we are talking smells, bells and adiaphora this week! Brought on by the necessity of finding new ways to worship other than in a church, we talk about the extras that are often used as parts of a service and what it means to lean it to them or not. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us to learn more…
Back when we talked about a Holy Week Walk, we mentioned that a garden was involved. This week we decided to make that garden the focus of our discussion. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us to learn more…
Rituals. They look vastly different these days in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic but they can be even more important now than ever before. Curious what these new rituals can look like? Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us to find out more…
With buildings closed due to the Covid-19 outbreak, it’s time to think outside the church. Creating a sacred space in your own home can help you cope with what is going on around you. Curious what Pastor Amanda is talking about or looking for ideas? Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us to learn more…
Podcast Note:
Dawn is talking about a digital photo frame that is wifi enabled. That means anyone who has the ID number for the frame can send it pictures from about anything from phones, computers, and social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Well, this week has been quite a year… As I type, everyone in the state of Oregon has been told to please stay home and practice social distancing. That makes for quite a few changes in how we communication and reach out with each other not just as people but through systems like churches. Curious about the new ways we are all learning to connect? Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us to learn more…
Podcast Links:
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Zoom
Something new! This year’s crop of Confirmands went on a very specific walk during their last day long retreat. It specifically dealt with Holy Week and is somewhat related to the Stations Of The Cross but is different. Curious? Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us to learn more…
Stations of the Cross Podcast
Holy Week Podcast
It’s not the black plague, but it sure feels like it’s coming! We have the Sword of Damocles known as Covid-19 hanging over our heads at the moment, so we decided to take a look at what cold and flu season looks like for worship every year and how a heightened worry may change things further. Wash your hands, grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us to learn more…
Podcast Notes:
An Article by a Pastor near a COVID-19 Outbreak
The EPA’s List of Cleaners that fight COVID-19
NPR’s Article on Making Your Own Hand Sanitizer
As we head into Lent, we take a look at how Vespers and it’s related cousins Matins and Compline, are different from a Sunday morning service. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us to find out which of the 3 is Pastor Amanda’s favorite…
Podcast Notes:
Anatomy of the Liturgy
Holden Even Prayer
Last week we talked about being careful to talk about issues without resorting to insults. This week we take a step back and look at if and when we speak at all. There are times when not speaking can be the better choice but for many situations, remaining silent makes you complicit. How do you decide which is which? Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us to learn more…
The National Prayer Breakfast was held this week and Pastor Amanda has feelings about what was said. We get in to those but it is HOW we talk about those feelings and her critique that is the heart of this week’s discussion. Curious? Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us to learn more…
Podcast Notes:
The Washington Post article Pastor Amanda refers to can be found here. It may be behind a paywall.
History of the National Prayer Breakfast
ELCA’s Social Statements
Have you heard this phrase? Are you even aware that you are doing it or having it done for you? Curious what we are even talking about? Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us to learn more…